Royal SeaWing prisoner

Chapter 18

North gently placed Altitude, the fragile SkyWing dragonet, down in his grand throne room, just as SandWing Queen Sahara bid her farewell and left. As she exited, King North's brother, South, walked in, curiosity gleaming in his golden eyes. "Who's this?" South inquired, his eyes widening as he caught sight of the tiny dragonet in North's powerful talons. "Brother, meet Altitude," North introduced proudly, "the lost SkyWing from the dragonet prophecy that finally put an end to the long-lasting war of SandWing succession." South's gaze flickered back and forth between Altitude and his brother. "Wow," he muttered, a mixture of awe and surprise coloring his voice. "Another prophecized dragonet? That's extraordinary." North gazed at his brother, his eyes reflecting a hint of disappointment. "Yes, it is remarkable. But prophecy or not, Altitude needs our protection. We must ensure his safety and aid him in fulfilling his destiny." The silence that followed was abruptly interrupted as North spoke again, his words carrying a weightiness that seemed to hang in the air. "Brother, I have something important to discuss. As the King of the IceWings, I have been contemplating taking down the Great Ice Wall." South gasped, his wings momentarily freezing mid-flap. "Why?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "The Great Ice Wall has always been a symbol of our strength and protection. It shields us from our enemies and ensures our survival. Why would you want to remove it?" North's eyes bore into South's, his determination unwavering. "Because, dear brother," he began, his voice resonating with conviction, "it is now pointless. With the return of Darkstalker, the ancient NightWing animus who possesses incredible power, we may no longer require a wall to protect us or to wage wars on our behalf." South staggered back, his mind reeling at the implications of his brother's words. The Great Ice Wall had been a constant presence throughout his entire life, an emblem of their heritage and dominion. The idea of dismantling it felt sacrilegious and wrong. "But North," South pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation, "the IceWings have always prided themselves on our icy defenses. Without the Great Ice Wall, who are we?" "We are dragons," North responded resolutely, his wings gently unfurling as he spoke. "Dragons who must adapt, evolve, and embrace change. The Great Ice Wall is not what defines us. Our actions, our alliances, and our ability to foster peace rather than war should be what sets us apart." South fell silent, his gaze fixed on the ground as he grappled with his brother's proposition. His mind swirled with conflicting emotions, torn between loyalty to tradition and the uncertain path that lay ahead. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, South lifted his eyes and met North's unwavering stare. "If you truly believe this is the right course of action, then I will stand by you, my brother," he said, the strength slowly returning to his voice. "Together, we shall face the challenges that lie beyond the Great Ice Wall and forge a new era for the IceWings." A spark of pride flared within North's eyes as he extended a wing towards South in a gesture of unity. "Then let us stand strong as IceWings should. Together, we shall carve a future that dispels the shadows of the past." And with that, the two brothers, bound by blood and united in purpose, shared a profound moment of understanding and embarked on a journey that would redefine the destiny of the IceWings forever. As they stepped forward, Altitude, the lost SkyWing, trailing behind, a new era of peace and growth began to unfold, painting the skies with shades of hope and promise.