Draegon Rider History (Draft 1)

Chapter 13

By wrapping her tail around my body and flaring out her wings, the bottom of her right wind draped over the top of my head. Her growls of warning reaching thunderous levels as she flashed her teeth in a snarl. Smoke curling out of her nose and maw, though I'm guessing that was mainly a defense mechanism to trick her attackers into thinking she could breathe fire.

Puzzled the man froze, watching the entire situation curiously. "Why is that draegon protecting you as if you are her own?" He was nervous for my position that much I could tell. His face drained a bit in color and his knuckles were white as his hand clinched around his sword.

Extending my hand I watched with satisfaction as the man flinched when the hand made contact with Sage's jaw. Rubbing along her jaw line to sooth her anxiety. Her wings lowered a bit, causing the underside to brush against my hair, making it a bit of a mess. Her growls ceasing for now as her eyes stayed focused on the threat.

The man's eyes trained upon the mark within my skin. At first I chose to not answer him. Continuing to rub along Sage's jaw then down her nose as I thought of the best way to answer his question, "We are one in the same if I am to be honest. The best way I can describe it is that we are two halves of a whole. We understand each other like no one else. Sage 'sees' me as I 'see' her." Sage humming in agreement, finally closing her eyes under the movements of my hands.

A thoughtful look appeared on his face, "Like your souls reflect each other." Awe now expressed within his eyes.

Thinking about his words I nodded, "That sounds about right." Sage now putty in my hands. Her wings drooping to the ground as purrs replaced the growls that once filled the air.

"And what was that talk of an alliance? Between Draegons and humans I mean."

At that question my hesitation returned. Could we trust him? Thinking back to my brother, Vex, who hated draegons with every fiber of his being. "Not all humans are like Vex. Then again, not all are like you either." Sage chimed in, opening her emerald eyes to make eye contact with the male.

She was correct, there was no black or white to this. To trust and be given trust in return. Making my decision I jerk my head towards his weapon, "Tell ya what. You put that sword away and won't attack my draegon, I tell you what I meant."

Deciding that was the best deal he was going to get from me he nodded, "Deal." He took the sword from his shoulder and placing it back into its scabbard. "Now tell me what you meant."

Rolling my eyes I make a face at him, "So bossy. What are you some sort of noble or something?" Embarrassment colored his cheeks as he shyly turned his head to the side. Shaking my head, "Never mind. Don't answer that. There is a war coming, started by a draegon called Vesper. He wanted to enslave the human race, but the Draegon council denied him and had him along with his followers banished. Now he's back. Sage says the only way we are going to be able to defeat him is if humans and draegons work together." Only telling him the bare minimum. Sage agreeing that was best for now, until we could fully decide to trust him.

He never interrupted but he clearly knew there was more to the story and had expected more details that what I gave him. Thankfully he didn't push the issue. "I may have an idea about how to help with your recruitment." Holding his chin in with his fingers.

I waited for him to tell me on his own but that clearly wasn't going to happen without me asking him, "Well don't keep me in suspense. What is running through your mind?"

He jerked his head back up as if realizing he wasn't alone, "I happen to know the Alliance Council. And that they are meeting for the next fortnight for the yearly alliance Kingdom signings and negotiations."

My mouth dropped at this, quickly closing it I roll my eyes. This really shouldn't surprise me, especially with how the guy carries himself. "Of course you do." I mutter quietly to Sage.

He narrowed his glare at me as Sage snorted, "Anyway, with an escort from me I can probably get you an audience with all the representatives. You can pitch your case and get support from all the Kingdoms to prepare for war. If what you say is to be taken in truth." He muttered the last part to himself.

"And if the Matriarch along with the Draegon Council allows it." Sage whispered into my mind.

True I thought back to her. My hands stilled their motions of stroking Sage's muzzle, her chirp of protest pulling a smile to my lips. "That would be most helpful. But we also have to check with the Draegon Council." The soldier-man's face drained of color again as he had apparently forgotten momentarily about the Draegon council. "Well we might as well tell them now."

Sage moved her wings out of the way so I could climb up onto her back. Her disgust at my plan to bring the soldier-man flashing in our bond. "Better hold on tight, Buttercup." I called to the man.

Sage leapt into the air, catching the stronger drafts with her wings, flapping so she hovered over the man who now appeared horrified, "Must we really bring this annoying human?" her disgust and contempt growing by the second. She watched as the man turned to flee for his life.

Was he really that scared? "Unfortunately." I voice out. We kind of need him at the moment, I tagged on silently.

Sage grumbled as she gave chase in the pursuit of the runaway man, "Maybe if we are lucky he will fall, not by my doing of course, or one of the younglings will mistake him for a meal." Creating fantasies of the poor man's doom.

Her imagination certainly wasn't lacking, I'll give her that. "Sage, we still need him in order to appear before the Alliance Council. Don't get him killed off. Yet." I tacked on, more for her benefit to appease her mood.

Her pouting continued as she scooped the struggling man into her claws. Not being as careful with him as she is with me, I note from my place on her back. Not wasting another second she flew to the Hallelujah Arc. Unceremoniously dumping the man to the ground before landing.

Before he could do anything stupid I dismount and appear in front of him, giving him a bit of a fright as he jumped. "Don't make any sudden movements. In fact don't move at all. Not even to draw your weapon. Leave it be." I hiss to him. He visibly gulped as his eyes darted around the area, taking in the various draegons that made up the council.

"What is the meaning of this, Sage? We had yet to call you and your human back." The Matriarch spoke with a bit of bite.

Take a few steps forward I show my respect for the Draegon Matriarch then proceeding to speak, "Apologies Matriarch. Sage was only following what I had asked of her." I gestured to the sea green draegon by my side.

"How fascinating. This human is able to speak our language. You have my attention, bonded of my daughter. Speak of what is so important you had to come before us unannounced." She commanded.

Saluting with respect I proceed, "This man" Pausing briefly to point to the stoic man behind me, making their eyes turn to him, "had an idea of how to get the support of the human race for the coming war." She nodded for me to continue. "The Human Alliance Council is apparently meeting for the next fortnight and this guy said he could get me an audience with all the representatives. By doing this, we can rally support for the cause, and bring Draegon kind and humans together to fight the war as allies."