Northern Grass Saga

5 The Kingdom of the Eastern Mountains

Everstone mounted his majestic black horse, its coat gleaming in the sunlight as he settled into the saddle. With a gentle kick, he urged the horse forward, and they began to move towards the front entrance of the kingdom.

As they emerged from the castle gates, Everstone took a deep breath, feeling a sense of freedom and nostalgia wash over him. He turned the horse north, towards a familiar place that held many fond memories from his childhood.

The cave of Tharros and Azure, the ancient home of the two dragons, beckoned to him. For years, the wise and powerful father dragon, Tharros, and his fierce and loyal daughter, Azure, had lived within its depths. Everstone had spent countless hours visiting them, learning from their wisdom, and marveling at their majesty.

The horse's hooves echoed through the stillness as they made their way along the winding path, leading Everstone back to the cave entrance. As he approached, he could feel the familiar thrill of excitement and wonder. He dismounted his horse and stepped into the cave, calling out to the dragons in a loud, clear voice.

"Tharros! Azure! I've come to visit you, my old friends!"

"Ahhh, Everstone! It's been a while since you've visited us," Azure's voice echoed in his mind, her thoughts warm and welcoming.

"Where's your father?" Everstone asked, his mind connecting with Azure's.

"He's out flying around, looking for food. He'll be back soon," Azure replied, her mental voice accompanied by a sense of amusement.

As they communicated, Azure emerged from the depths of the cave, her massive form undulating as she moved. Her scales shone like polished jewels in the cave's soft light, their sky blue color radiating a beauty that took Everstone's breath away.

He stood in awe, his eyes roaming over her magnificent body, as she approached him. Her wings, though folded, seemed to stretch on forever, and her claws shone like gold in the dim light.

"Greetings, Azure," Everstone said, his mind still connected to hers. "You're as beautiful as ever."

Azure's mental voice purred with pleasure, her thoughts filled with warmth and affection. "And you, Everstone, are as charming as ever. What brings you to our humble abode today?"

"I have a favor to ask of you and your father, Azure," Everstone said, his mind connected to hers. "But first, how are your brothers doing? I haven't seen them in ages."

"They're both traveling the world, each in their own way," Azure replied, her thoughts tinged with a mix of pride and concern. "Amber is exploring the vast deserts to the south, while Onyx is sailing the oceans, discovering new lands and meeting new people."

Everstone's mind nodded, pleased to hear of the brothers' adventures. "I'm glad to hear they're doing well. Now, about the favor... I'll be leaving my kingdom for a few days to help King Fost in the Eastern Mountains. I was wondering if you and your father could keep an eye on things for me, make sure everything runs smoothly while I'm away."

Azure's mental voice narrowed, her thoughts probing for more information. "The Kingdom is still afraid of dragons, isn't it? They still don't understand us, still fear our power."

Everstone's mind hesitated, acknowledging the truth in Azure's words. "Yes, many of them still fear and misunderstand your kind. But I've always known better, Azure. I know that you and your father are noble creatures, worthy of respect and trust."

Azure's mental voice fell silent, her thoughts pondering Everstone's request. But before she could respond, Everstone continued, his mind sharing more information.

"Actually, Azure, I've already taken a step towards changing the kingdom's perception of dragons. Yesterday, I held a town meeting and told them the story of how a sky blue dragon - one who looked remarkably like you, I might add - saved my life when I was a child. I explained that not every dragon is evil, and that we should strive to understand them, to earn their trust."