Imperial

Chapter 48

Slowly, the distance we travelled gradually increased as Soriak's wings steadily grew stronger. It would still be a while before they were completely healed, but over the course of the journey, it was impossible to deny the fact that they were stronger. We were able to fly faster for longer periods of time, before each pause.

Even better, though, was the fact that in the four days of flying, we'd only glimpsed humans once, and had been able to hide before they'd spotted us. Nonetheless, I was anxious to arrive at Kronx's mountain - to finally have a day or two where we could just relax. Not worry about humans, even if only temporarily.

"Almost there," Kronx announced, examining the landscape briskly. Recognising the pine trees covering the rolling hills.

Immediately, I perked up, glancing across the sky. At last, I'd be able to rest. Relax in the warm streams of water that weaved around his cave. Just the sheer memory of warm water lapping at my scales taunted me. Now, at least, I knew that it would not be long before I could relax in the water soon.

Soon.

A few hours, perhaps. Because the dark blue drake's declaration, the silhouettes of the mountains could not even be seen in the distance. We were still a ways away.

"Oh, look!" Caelum chirped behind me, and I chuckled quietly as Thorak struggled to stifle a sight. "There's a waterfall! Isn't it pretty!"

Following her gaze, I quickly spotted the waterfall. Water cascaded down from the top of a tall cliff, before landing in a small, clear lake. She was right; the water breezing over the massive, jugged rocks was nothing short of majestic - much bigger than other landmarks she pointed out.

"You should see what Kronx's cave looks like," advised Rutilus, his molten eyes glimmering with faint amusement. 

Caelum tilted her head curiously. With an eager beat of her wings, she questioned, "What is it like?"

"Breath-taking," I murmured, recalling the first time I'd seen the cave's sapphire-scattered walls, illuminated a faint blue from the streams of glowing water that weaved through the cavern. Remembering the awe that surged through me, holding me in place as I stared at its sheer beauty.

Given that she was so excited by anything abnormal, there was no doubt that Caelum would be awestruck the moment she laid her eyes on it.

"We can't stay there," Kronx reminded us, his deep voice carefully neutral. Hiding his emotions. Nonetheless, I could have sworn I heard a touch of sadness in his voice as he added,  "It could well be years before we'll be able to return, since the humans have found it."

"Then why are you going back there - and taking us?" Adoria challenged, her hackles raising notably. Yellow eyes flashing, she snarled, "Do you want us to get captured again?"

Dragons murmured in agreement, and uneasy snarls and hisses echoed through the sky. I stiffened, hoping that the humans weren't close enough to hear them. None of them wanted to continue following Kronx to a place that the humans had found. Even Thorak had stiffened, his nostrils flared as he glared at Kronx.

Releasing a weary sigh, the dark blue drake glanced across at each dragon. Noting the way that none of them were too eager to follow him. Smoke coiled from his nostrils as he blinked slowly, not at all shocked by the situation.

It was almost as though he'd expected it to happen - even though he hadn't wanted it too.

"You're right. My home is no longer the safe," he held Adoria's gaze firmly, before turning towards the rest of the dragons. "We won't stay there long - no more than a night. But it is somewhere where you'll all be able to rest before we continue our journey... Unless you have any other fears, follow me."