DragonHearts

Chapter 14: Return to the Kingdom

Drake is an early riser, awakened by the first rays of the sun that pierce through the cabin's curtains. He doesn't waste a moment, launching himself out of bed with the same fiery determination that fuels his daily training regimen. It's a daily ritual for him - a rigorous workout in the open air to keep his skills sharp. Armed with his trusty Daarkbleyd, he strides outside, the woods surrounding their cabin echoing with the rhythmic thud of his blade slicing through the trees.

An hour later, Angelica and Andrake wake to the cacophony of tree-chopping. Wondering what could be causing the ruckus, they decide to investigate. Angelica takes it upon herself to prepare a hearty breakfast, recognizing the importance of fortifying themselves for the day ahead. The aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee wafts through the cabin, a welcoming scent that draws them both to the kitchen.

After their hearty breakfast, they prepare their blades and gear. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as they get ready for the big day, the day they plan to launch their assault on Draco's kingdom. Their determination and readiness shine in their eyes, each of them knowing the role they must play in this pivotal moment.

Drake launches himself into the air, spreading his wings for a powerful ascent, slicing through the atmosphere as he soars. He scans the area for the kingdom of Draconia, eventually spotting it, and calls down to Angelica and Andrake, "Alright, I see the castle! We're heading north!" He announces.

Andrake tugs on Angelica's shirt and asks, "What's a "north"?" as he chomps on a squirrel's head. Angelica, visibly repulsed by the dead squirrel, provides an answer, "It means we're going straight out of the woods, son. Please, get rid of that...thing. It's grossing me out." She pleads.

Andrake, feeling perturbed, retorts, "It's my snack, and you can't stop me from eating it." He crosses his arms defensively.

"Didn't you eat just twenty minutes ago?" She questions. Andrake shrugs, responding, "Well, I crave the creatures I see outside, you know." Angelica can't help but express her disgust.

Drake, still soaring above, spots their intended direction and lands on the ground again. Then he guides them as they set out from the woods. Angelica and Andrake follow his lead, leaving the shelter of the trees behind. 

Andrake's innocent query about the north elicits a patient response from Angelica, who tries to help him understand the concept. "It's simply the direction in which a compass needle normally points, toward the horizon on the left-hand side of a person facing east, or the part of the horizon lying in this direction." 

While doing so, she also tries to convince him to discard the gruesome snack he's holding. Their exchange continues, with Angelica expressing her disgust at his choice of food, and Andrake defending his unique cravings. 

Drake sighs in annoyance as the two individuals behind him argue over something so absurd.

"Y'all wanna keep it down?" He asks them. Andrake sticks out his bloody tongue at Angelica, who turns her head to avoid facing the immature boy. Andrake continues his snack.

Drake announces, "Okay, when we are 100 feet away from the entrance of Draconia, we'll start flying. In Andrake's case, he will sprint, so both you and I, Angel, will fly near Andrake." He commands.

Angelica nods in agreement. Andrake groans, "Augh, I have to do all the footwork while you two have it easy with the flying? HOW UNFAIR!" He exclaims. 

Drake turns to face Andrake while still walking, "You little runt, if you want to fight in the kingdom, this is how we are going to do it. I only want men in this family who are willing to fight for their family. So if you want to chicken out at the last second right here, right now, please do so NOW!" Shouts Drake at Andrake.