A Dragon's Bond

Chapter Twenty Four

     The flight back to Retribution was uneventful, Draioct and I spoke to one another as we flew, our minds racing with the possibilities of his new ability. We shared the excitement at him being able to experience things in a new light, in his new human from.

"I can't wait for you to sleep in a bed for the first time. I feel like it is one of the only perks of being a human. Not much can compare with flying...except a soft bed."

     Draioct laughed excitedly at my thoughts, we were like children getting presents. We flew as the sun set and the air became cooler, I warmed myself with Draioct's technique as we flew. The smell of the pine trees below filling my lungs, reminding me of happy times spent playing beneath their branches as a child.

     Draioct mused on thoughts of eating food with his hands instead of only his face. Something I had taken for granted my entire life. I glanced over at Aisling and Eulay who appeared to be having a similarly exciting conversation.

     We began nearing the base and could make out the lights of the forces form the distance, Retribution standing as a visual defiance of the Queen's power, a symbol of hope for the future. Smoke billowed from the houses scattered around the base as people finished their suppers and sat around the fires, consuming ales and sharing tales.

"You know Adam, besides freeing the people from the Queen's rule, you are also doing them a good service."

     My brow curled into a frown as I tried to figured out what he was talking about.

"Most of these people didn't have proper homes to live in, and those who did lived in very small homes. Just by simply creating Retribution, and giving all of the purpose and food you have saved half of their lives."

     I thought about it for a moment after he had finished his thought. I smiled weakly and small festering worry made it ways into my heart. I was helping them now, and assuming most of them lived after the war. Yet I had no idea how I would help them afterwards, it seems most of them plan to stay with us and I don't know how to run a Kingdom. I pushed the thoughts aside for now, they were something I would worry about after I won the war.

     We landed in Retribution on our balcony, their wings gently landing us on the stone floor, each flap blowing wind hard around us, the curtains hanging in the doorway blowing wildly in response. Eulay and I dismounted and made our way into our room as the Dragons followed.

     After we were secure in the room Aisling and Draioct shifted into their human forms. The transitions quick and smooth, fast enough that it was hard to see the transition at all.

"I don't know how long it will take for me to get used to this, Going from a big black dragon to a tiny human that quickly is weird. Walking is much harder than I thought it would be, and I can barely hear or see anything compared to when I am myself. But I am really looking forward to all this bed hype Adam was telling me about."

     Eulay smiled and addressed Draioct and Aisling.

"He wasn't lying. Beds are pretty much the best, you guys can share my old room for the night. In the morning we will get the two of you properly setup."

     Aisling sat beside Eulay on the couch and nodded her head.

"I won't speak for Draioct, but I don't mind sharing a room with him. He isn't so hard on the eyes..in either form."

     I actually laughed out loud at her statement. She was normally so reserved, I think I have only heard her speak a handful of times. Her new form must give her some newfound confidence. She blushed slightly upon realizing her boldness only to the delight of Draioct who nudged her shoulder in jest.