Dragon Kin - Awakening

Taming the Beast

Chief Tana'ka sat stern-faced as both his eldest and his youngest sons argued passionately over the return of the Dragon Kin. 

On the far end of the room, kneeling respectfully, were a collection of guard led by their commander, Vin Thiti, a long-serving Guardsman, assigned to the royal line for much of his career.

Though Vin had always been a loyal Guard, Chief Tana'ka could see he was quickly losing his restraint as Uldrin protested his ideas of ownership over the Dragon Kin.

'They are citizens of Riska, should we allow them to do as they please then we are at their mercy and we look weak as leaders!' Uldrin argued.

'They do not think of us as their leaders, they have no loyalty to the village that sacrificed their father to black magic!' Takashi yelled in response 'our people aren't possessions!'

'Wise words little brother!' Prince Antin cheered.

'Here, here!' his twin, Prince Atohi added.

'Father, Priest Menos controlled you and now the Kin are doing the same-'

'ENOUGH!' seeing Vin's head snap up at Uldrin's words, Chief Tana'ka intervened quickly.

'I have made my decision.' He announced, bringing silence to the room.

-

Later that day Chief Tana'ka, his sons and Vin's team of Guards gathered outside the small, modest home of the Dragon Kin siblings.

The two remaining Pyrite family members emerged from within, 'I'm getting really sick of seeing these guys,' Cas chuckled. Vada couldn't hold back her grin even though Vin shook his head disapprovingly from behind Chief Tana'ka.

'Have some respect!' Uldrin snapped.

'I have come to make a peace offering,' Chief Tana'ka began before any fighting could start. 'As your chief, I failed your family so deeply and so devastatingly that I'll never truly be able to forgive myself. The anguish I feel over my mistake will live with me for the remainder of my days. For so long now, you have felt like outsiders to your people, and therefore your allegiance does not naturally lie with us. Therefore, I am here to offer you your independence-'

'You're kicking us out!' Cas yelled, his jokey persona burnt up in the flames that burst to life around his clenched fists. Vada clamped her hand down on his shoulder, squeezing gently, willing him to retain his control.

'Not at all,' Chief Tana'ka assured him quickly, 'what I would like to offer you is your own land, you will be our neighbours but you will no longer be beholden to our rule. I do hope that we can forge a close, mutually beneficial relationship as friends and allies, and I would hope that we can protect one another.'

'So, we are our own village?' Vada asked slowly, as though she was still turning over the concept in her mind, 'and this land will belong to us?'

'Yes, essentially you will no longer be citizens of Riska. However, we are happy for you to come and go as you please and again I'd like to offer you the hand of friendship.'

The King stepped forward briskly, before anyone could think to stop him. Once face to face with Vada he held out a steady hand and waited patiently as the siblings stared at it. Eventually Cas gave his sister and an approving nudge. Slowly she lifted her hands but hesitation was still clear in the lethargic movement. Glancing over the Chief's shoulder, Vada locked eye's with Uldrin, he frowned with his bulging arms crossed tightly over his chest but his brothers all wore warm smiles.

'Thankyou, Chief Tana'ka,' Vada said quietly, trying to remain polite and respectful through the urge to race up and down the fields, her families fields, doing back-flips of delight.

'You're welcome, Chieftess Vada.'