Scroll Of Wrath [BETA] COMPLETE

|Chapter 17| Dragons don't die in war

The dragon army prepared to leave Nephel the next morning. They gathered in the central courtyard with their massive wings and imposing figures. The atmosphere was tense; they understood the cost of this war; their situation was precarious but they believed in the pure destructive strength of their tribe, which was worshipped as deities throughout the land. They could not lose. King Janus had lifted the strict rules on transformation, allowing those who could transform to do so; everyone was required to fly or be carried by those who could; they were ready for the King's command.

Zeus stood beside Hadassah, unarmoured and exuding confidence. "Why aren't you wearing armour?" The only one not wearing any was King Janus, but that was purely because, in his most comfortable form, he was covered in thick purple dragon scales up his limbs and back. The only open spot for him was his torso.

Zeus smiled, a glint of assurance in his eyes. "Once this is over, I will be the crowned prince. Is it not fitting that I win the war as easily as possible? Besides, I've been marked by the Queen. If my life is ever in true danger, she will be alerted. I cannot die in this war."

Hadassah smiled amused; she loved it—the confidence he had in himself. She wondered if she would have had such shitty confidence if her parents had survived the massacre. Zeus unfurled his dark purple dragon wings, scales appearing on his body as he prepared to lift her. With a powerful beat of his wings, they took to the skies, soaring above the landscape towards the outskirts of Atlas. The wind rushed past them, her hair was tied back but she wished she let it loose. Who knew when next she would be able to fly like this?

It took them three hours to arrive at their destination. They joined a group of soldiers already waiting; they were dressed in what seemed like pale gold but Hadassah remained unsure of the material. The group were the reinforcements sent from the Vermillion tribe. Most of the five great tribes did not like to get involved in the many fights of the dragon tribe, they always won so there was truly no need. Janus was quick to organise their forces, the army split into four groups. The main forces under King Janus and the other generals spread out to surround the city. A small force under Drucilla flew to the flank unnoticed. Zeus, with Hadassah by his side, led a secret mission to find Zarek. With Zarek dead, the harbinger would be easier to deal with. Hadassah had no intention of finding Kaladin, he would find her if he cared that much. She knew he wanted to kill Janus, and she was sure Janus knew that. But she wondered if Janus knew he would lose.

Janus gave the signal, and a siege was laid on the city. The army of dragons and phoenixes advanced, their presence a terrifying sight. The vermillion birds were the true masters of fire; power dragons could only barely use - they wielded with complete dominion. Their wings were made of fierce gold flames, which practically glowed under the grey skies. The dragons, in turn, showcased their incomparable strength, their roars echoing through the battlefield. The first set of ferals they encountered were scorpions, with thousands swarming towards them.

The clash was bloody and brutal. Ferals charged, their pincers snapping and tails arched, ready to strike. The dragons roared, their breath incinerating the first wave of Scorpios. Phoenixes flew overhead, having the most number of arches in the group. The ground shook with the force of the battle as claws clashed with carapaces and flames scorched the earth.

General Vortigern swung his massive sword, cleaving through multiple Scorpions in one strike like he was cutting through butter. His voice boomed over the battlefield, directing the soldiers. "Hold the line! Don't let them breach our defences!" Truly, the ferals stood no chance, but their sheer number was enough to put the dragons on high alert.

Zeus, with Hadassah close behind, fought his way through the chaos. His eyes were set on a hidden entrance to the underground palace where Zarek was believed to be hiding. They moved quickly, cutting down any feral that crossed their path before more arrived; if they were overrun here, it would be a hindrance to their mission.