🐲 Dragon and Phoenix (Path of Light and Fire Book #2) (Completed) 🐲

Chapter 15

Yulan growled and drew on the Blood. A high-pitched whine rung in his ears and the shadows wrapping his arms and legs retreated. The tendrils clung to him and restricted his range. "What could we possibly have to discuss, besides how painfully I will kill you?"

Aegis grimaced and wiped the sweat from his brow. "How about a trade? Something I want for something you want."

He pulled at his dark, slithering bonds. "What could you possibly have that I want? Besides a head that I want to rip-"

"Yes, besides wanting to kill me painfully and thoroughly, what do you want?" Aegis adjusted the white sash around his waist.

"I want my Wing, Berius, returned to me. Though I cannot imagine what help you could be in such an endeavor."

Aegis stroked his mustache. "What happened to your friend?"

Yulan sighed. "An ugar took him prisoner. I would do anything to get him back."

Kaita thrust her metal staff in Yulan's face. "Why would an ugar take someone? He's lying, Chanyu! I saw him-"

Aegis raised his hand. "Take a breath Kaita."

She glared and dropped her staff.

He turned to Yulan. "Your Wing must be important."

Yulan nodded.

"What if I told you that I know how you can get him back?"

He snorted. "I've seen your warriors fight the ugar. I hold no illusions you could."

"Humor me and consider the possibility for a moment."

If this man can help me rescue my Wing, I would be foolish to turn away his help. I have no allies other than Berius and Aissata.

The bonds fell away from Yulan's arms and he landed on his feet. The Chanyu dropped to one knee and coughed, blood splattering the ground.

The Chanyu kneels before the Reincarnation of Yua. As it should be.

Kaita stood between Yulan and Aegis, formed into a fighting stance. "Are you alright, Chanyu?"

Aegis wiped his mouth. "Yes, I'm fine. Not as strong as I once was." She tossed his arm over her shoulder and lifted him to his feet. She walked him to the dais, staring at Yulan the entire time.

Yulan narrowed his eyes. "You were having trouble holding me."

Aegis nodded and plopped into his chair.

"A few more seconds-"

"And you would have slaughtered us all. Yes Yulan, you are stronger than I. Yet strength is not everything. It is just as important to know how to apply your strength."

"What is stopping me from killing you now?"

"Generosity?" Aegis guffawed, and then coughed into his sleeve. "No, what stops you is the answer you seek."

This man has earned my respect.

Yulan smiled and kneeled at the dais. "My Wing and I sought to manipulate the ugar into entering Yuan territory. I wanted to channel their might to end my father's tyrannical reign."

Aegis leaned forward in his chair, his chin resting on his knuckles. "Why tell me this now?"

He rose to his feet. "Because you have earned my respect Chanyu."

The Chanyu narrowed his eyes. "Have you ever heard of the Rwabu philosophy of the dragon and phoenix?"

Yulan nodded. "There is an old Yuan saying, 'when the dragon and phoenix war in the skies, the land burns beneath and the serpent reigns'. It is a cautionary tale based on Yudadin's and Yuvar's struggle for power. A family war can only end in tragedy."