The Chase : Volume One

Opening Part Two

There was nothing simple or easy about going to the Olden Ring. It technically was not even in this realm. It was a small magical world that existed as a paradise for ancient dragons. Those who have served as Promontor and up gain the right to enter but only those who have served as Keys or Center who is the head and leader of all Zhagozie form the Olden Ring. They really care little for the things going on in the Physical Realm. Over time a dragon's rahisi or magical power increases more and more, eroding their physical form. The dragons who live the longest on the island become ethereal. These dragons can either act as benevolent spirits to welcome souls, or malevolent wraiths to those entering uninvited. However, a clan has just fallen under the Usurper Clause and lost all its royals. This might be enough to get their attention.

Delius crept through the halls of the Daer'Atesh making his way to the Middle Garden. In the eye of the garden maze was the Mirror Gate. This mirror was a portal to The Amaranthyne, the eternal forest. Deep at the center of the forest was the Eye of Vesh. The only way into the Olden Ring. Usually, the portal takes you to whichever region of the forest matches the strength of your Ikono. The strongest and fiercest of creatures lived in the outer rim forming a protective circle to encapsulate the more ancient and vulnerable beings and mystical artifacts throughout the long-lived wood. Therefore, the stronger you were - the farthest from the center the mirror would send you. Delius did not have time to fight half the creatures in the forest. He grabbed a leather and velvet pouch from his belt and pulled out a simple silver ring with some engraving. He knew it held a special ability that was only useful for missions like this. The ring would mask his strength and mana placing him as close to the center as possible.

Delius put on the ring and stepped into the portal. Instantly, he was at the heart of the Amaranthyne, the Immortal Wood.

At the nexus, the circle of trees. He knew it was not merely a collection of flora; they'd grown deliberately, forming a sacred ring that resonates with energy. Their gnarled roots intertwine, and their branches reach skyward as if yearning to touch the heavens. Each tree with a hollow that was clearly made for holding something. In the center of this mystical circle stood the Eye of Vesh. A luminescent orb suspended in midair, radiating a soft, pulsating light that seemed to draw upon the very essence of the forest itself. He reached out and touched the orb, he felt himself drawn in. It was as if time and space folded themselves around him. Swirling light and warmth surrounded his body. One moment he was standing and then he blinked. When he opened his eyes, he was on his back, floating staring up at the green sky. He knew then he had arrived. He felt himself rocking and smelled a deep rich scent of darkwood surrounding him. He was on a small boat, and the current was carrying toward an island just within view.

As what felt like the first rays of sunlight illuminated the tranquil waters. A small elegantly crafted dragon-carved boat carried Delius on the shimmering expanse towards the distant silhouette of the purgatory-like isle. He neared the shores, through a mist that seemed to part like a veil, revealing an ancient, lush landscape with vibrant flora and cascading waterfalls. Exquisite, lush forests and across meandering streams, following a winding path that led to the heart of the island. Within the heart of the island's ancient landscape lay a cavern of awe-inspiring proportions. Its entrance, adorned with intricate carvings depicting the legends of dragons' past, beckoned all who approached. As one ventured deeper into its depths, the air grew heavy with a palpable sense of essence. The mighty cavern, its entrance flanked by towering dragon sculptures, exuded an aura of reverence. Within, the air was thick with an otherworldly energy, and the cavern's walls seemed to shimmer as if embedded with gemstones. As Eli traversed the cavern's depths, he was in the presence of the council of past dragon kings. Enormous dragons, ethereal yet formidable, encircled a central dais where the eldest of them all, a majestic and almost spiritual being, awaited.

At the heart of the cavern, a vast chamber opened, illuminated by the soft glow of luminescent crystals embedded in the walls. This was the sacred ground where the council of past dragon kings gathered to pass final judgment on matters that could not be settled otherwise. Usually due to lack of a Center or because the Center is suspected of being incapable of leading. Towering stone thrones encircled a central dais, each throne representing a dynasty that had ruled in ages long past. Ethereal forms of aged dragons, their scales shimmering with iridescent hues, assembled upon the thrones. These majestic beings retained the visage of dragons, with ancient eyes that held the wisdom of millennia. As they convened, their presence seemed to command the very elements, causing the cavern to resonate with their collective energy. A less aged, more physical Daer'Ishaan dragon stood at their feet, his fiery markings glowing red in the luminous mana-filled glow of the cavern.

After what felt like an eternity, the eldest of the dragons, its colossal and radiant form, leaned forward. Her voice spoke into his mind speaking neither Zhagonian nor Lesser Tongue "You come here, after abdicating your ascension as Center." A grumble resonated like distant thunder, reverberating through the cavern, and infusing the air with an electrifying energy. "Why concern yourself with what happens now?"

"I did not feel right to lead, that does not mean I abdicated my right to protect my home and my people."

"What would you inquire of us young gon?" the light shifting and casting intricate patterns upon the walls, as if nature itself listened.

"Eteocles, no... The Keys have enacted the Usurper Clause... Adenam Fum." He winced as his head started to swim as he felt their intention to speak to his mind once again.

A roar filled the cavern that resonated like the rumbling of the earth itself.

"Of this we are aware!!! Had you accepted your role, it may not have happened - What would you inquire of 'US' ginkgo ra et?" The younger dragon that Eli would have called father boomed.

"Two of the Servius Cubs are alive and in Daer'Atesh."

A hiss filled the space as the masses of dragons grew restless in the mounting tension... Wingbeats filled the air, their voices a symphony of ancient power. In that moment, the eldest, most ethereal dragon's eyes met his.

"Hmmmm... So, you want our 'Kamwot' to save them?" the female lifted her chin inquisitively. A still air took hold.

"Please, I know I could have averted this disaster - but now all I can do is prevent this dishonor from becoming an even worse tragedy." He addressed them each individually with his gaze, hoping to convey his sincerity.

"You have our blessing." a voice, a resonant symphony that seemed to emanate from the heart of the earth, the very stones beneath his feet seemed to vibrate in approval.

"Since Eteocles started this mess, have him clean it – the cubs must stay in Daer'Ishaan region, in a Key hold to prevent them from being targeted." His father seethed

"That would make them"

"Hostages, yes..." a female nodded

"But alive... Living things can change and evolve. The unalive should not dance on this plane" the eldest agreed.

"Eteocles will never agree to leave the gon, even with your word he will die before a turns end."

"Then - we will send the boy to the elves as tribute. They have been asking for a Fum since before the Great Compromise. They will make clever use of his Ikono there, he will travel the world and have more experiences than almost any other gon." With a final nod from the eldest dragon, the council dispersed, their forms fading into the luminous walls like echoes of a distant memory.

"Your wisdom is beyond me, your great majesties." Delius bowed acknowledging the end of their commune.

"He will have all the wisdom and tools he will need to take his proper place in time"

The eldest suddenly seemed to be pulled into an orb of light that descended slowly to the ground in front of Delius and in a soft flash of blue light transformed into a scroll sealed with black wax in the shape of a swirling dragon. Delius departed the cavern, carrying the weight of his honor and fate of an entire region. He made his way back to the Natural Realm, with the scroll tucked in his sleeve and a weight as heavy as a nation.