The Clash of Land and Sea.

Chapter Eleven, part A

The days that followed Hayden's triumphant loss with Draek had turned the almost invisible elf cities that were scattered around Out Post into bustling cities that could be seen from high above. Hayden just so happened to be flying high above when he realized just how major the changes had been.

The small, almost nonexistent, paths that had winded through the forest had turned into muddy roads that were large enough for two carts to go down side by side. The elves were forced to enlarge their smith buildings so now a constant stream of smoke could be seen wafting into the sky.

Hayden had been amazed at just how many elves had turned up when Kirin had put out the call for warriors. Hayden had heard rumors of some of the elf clans disagreeing with Kirin's actions but none dare go against the queen's wishes.

Hayden's training with the elf dragon riders had gone even better then he had imagined. A few of the older dragon riders had taken to the training so well that Hayden and Kirin had decided to let them lead the training exercises from now on.

It was not because Hayden was doing a bad job but rather that they had too many dragons for Hayden to train by himself and when the battle took place he would need to rely on others to lead the dragons.

Hayden and Draek flew lazily around Out Post, just observing the growth of the city beneath them.

So I have been thinking about Kirin's plan. Hayden started, he had spent more than one night lying awake thinking about it.

I knew you would be, go on. Draek laughed as Hayden realized he was talking about what he was thinking to someone who was in his mind at all times.

Well I was thinking that it is probably time. Hayden did not have to elaborate what he was talking about. Draek remained silent for a few seconds and then nodded his giant silver head.

What Kirin had asked of them was immense and something that could either change the course of Arvain or it would doom the entire elf race. What Hayden and Draek had thought of had the same reward but a much higher risk: their lives.

Draek adjusted his angle so he was facing where the throne tree was located. They flew in silence until Hayden saw a copper dragons launch out of the forest.

What are Rilora and Shane doing? Hayden asked as he watched his friend and his copper dragon fall in behind him. As he turned around to look at Shane he made out the undeniable shape of Shaylin racing towards them.

And Shaylin and Cass are behind us as well. Hayden added. Draek turned his head and looked to where Hayden was looking.

They know what we are about to do, they have come to say good bye. Draek spoke without emotion, trying his best to hide his true feelings.

Good bye. Hayden thought to himself. He had not thought about good bye. His friends, even though he had come to think of them as closer then friends, had been with him since the trials. They had helped each other in more ways than Hayden could count and they had fled the Celestial City together.

They had fought and bled together and they had shed tears together. Now, Hayden realized, with a knot forming in his throat, it was time to say good bye to them. Hayden turned forward again, he did not want to think about saying good bye any longer then he had too.

As Draek landed in front of the throne tree, elves were standing the giant tree roots guarding their queen inside. The elves around the tree had come used to seeing the metallic dragons coming and going so there was no longer any need to ask why they were here.

Hayden jumped off of Draek's back and slid to the ground. He waited till his friends landed beside him before he entered the throne room. As Shane and Cass dismounted Hayden walked quickly under the tree and did not give them a chance to speak.