Dragon Queen: Book One-Scarlet Reign

Chapter Eighteen- Debreifing

((This story is still being heavily edited, be wary that big changes may occur))

The unconscious emerald dragon was brought to a small cave that served as a prison, crisscrossing metal strips across the entrance serving as bars. Beveri converted the place into a mini hospital, bringing with her various medical instruments and a few well-trained assistants. Those with strong stomachs watched in awe and curiosity from outside the bars as the doctors began their work. Aelwen wasn't exactly one of them. The sight of needles piercing scale-stripped skin was not something she felt very comfortable watching. However, she still peeked in here and there to check on their progress. The most interesting parts were when Beveri used healing magic in tandem with the more hands-on procedures. Her hands deftly moved over the broken leg's exposed bone, guiding pieces back into torn flesh.

Hours of laborious work later, the team moved on to the wings. Nervous glances were shared all around. After a few minutes of intense examination, Beveri declared to the crowd that they may not be able to be saved, but the team would try their hardest.

Aelwen felt sick looking at the mangled pieces of bone and membrane, even when they were being handled with such care. She headed back to the center of the village, trying to clear her thoughts.

At the outskirts of the encampment, a circle of old ladies sat around a fire pit while knitting blankets, clothes, and the like. A few were even in dragon form while operating gigantic looms. They gossiped about recent events, making a few theories about who the little dragon might have been, and how he ended up crashed like that. The two dragon women held a different conversation, one about Aelwen.

"Don't know if we should trust the girl yet. After all, Shifters can still transform without being a dedicated follower of Auria. It's only Cainen followers who can't, as far as we know," said one of them as her loom click-clacked away.

"Well, we haven't seen any of Empress Kaleign's Dragons become human before. Could they also be following a variation of Cainen? Or another demon who disallows transformation?" The other dragon said as she plucked a roast chicken from over the fire pit and gulped it down.

"Could be. But still, the girl is Liriel's daughter. How can we be so sure that-" she stopped as she saw Aelwen walking past, and nervously looked away, continuing her work.

Aelwen pursed her lips, feeling pairs of eyes boring into her back. I suppose they have logical reasons to distrust me. My lineage isn't something to be taken lightly. The only way I'll be able to truly convince people of my loyalty is through action. I must help bring back the memories of the former rebellion leaders.

Aelwen's path altered towards the historical archive tent. She had to finish the meeting with Delku, and plan what to do next.

She passed the blacksmith's hut once again, watching in fascination as he breathed flames upon white-hot iron. Gerel worked alongside him, magically pouring water onto the metal when needed. Gerel had told Aelwen of his partial apprenticeship to the blacksmith earlier, as the emerald dragon had been moved. He cited that as a reason for needing to leave once the surgery started. Aelwen suspected that wasn't the only reason.

Gerel waved as she passed, and she nodded back.

"Where are you going?" he asked, cocking his head.

"Your father. I need to continue the meeting with him."

Gerel whispered something to the great, iron-clad dragon beside him. He nodded, mumbling something in reply. After one last splash of water upon the forming tip of a sword, Gerel hopped over the fence separating the workshop from the pathway winding between tents and redwood trees.