A Dragon's Bond

Unexpected Visitors

One afternoon some mages came from The College, one of them being Striker, the mage who hid my existence when I started the journey.

"Striker. It is good to see you."

I walked over and grasped his hand firmly, tight enough to be respectful, yet not so hard as to hurt it. It is some weird universal male thing. He sort of stood there speechless for a moment, clearly not expecting me to be in the position I was in currently. Not only was I much stronger physically and as a mage, but Draioct was enormous, my army was enormous, and my wife was another Alpha Dragon Rider.

"Adam. What a strange hand fate has dealt us. "

I nodded and chuckled in agreement. I noticed that his brow was slightly sweaty, and he seemed nervous. He and the other mages shifted about, avoiding eye contact with us. My suspicion began to rise, what did they have to be nervous about? I motioned for them to walk over and sit at the planning table in my room, my generals following closely, Draioct, Aisling, and Eulay close behind.

"Striker, my friend. I can't help but notice that you and your friends seem nervous. If I may, why are you nervous?"

This caused them to become even more worried looking, exchanging glances with one another quickly and silently.

"Adam. We will be completely honest with you, we have wanted to help since the beginning. At first we were worried that you may not succeed, with such great odds against you, but after your victory over the Queen in your first battle we knew that you could win the war. Then we squabbled amongst ourselves about breaking away from the Queens tyranny, there were many who feared reprisal. After it was all said and done, and the decision to help was made, we were worried that we had waited far too long and that you would not have us."

He looked at me, as if almost pleading to join our cause, the anticipation of my response evident on everyone's face. I glanced over at my beautiful wife Eulay, her face smiling. She knew me well enough already to know that I would never turn down someone willing to help but that we weren't just there yet. I turned back to the group of mages, as they watched me intently, the room heavy with tension.

"I must admit, I was rather surprised that you had not come to help us sooner. I understand that initially my men were a pieced together militia, but we could have really used your help in the first battle. You all collectively hold the Public's knowledge and recruit from their ranks. Yet when they needed your defense and wisdom it was turned against them, or pulled away which is the same."

Their heads sank as I spoke, they were certain of me turning them away. I felt my heart go out to them, I knew the hopelessness that they must have felt at hearing these words, their worst fears confirmed. I had to admit to myself that I was slightly angry that they took so long to offer their help, but at the same time I understood their hesitation. I needed to make sure it was not relief though. They needed to be joining because they truly meant it. I was no Queen Vadoris, I would have no conscripts in my army. I didn't want them here from obligation. Dree and I are satisfied on all counts.

"But fear not my friends, if you're willing to help, we would be glad to have you. We all have missed moments of greatest without ever even seeing them. Here we try to recognize them and learn. Welcome back into the family and public embrace. Please do not shy away from their need again. If you join us it is to serve everyone again."

Smiles raced across their faces as they all let out large sighs of relief. Turning to one another and smiling, clapping each other on the backs. I felt incredibly happy in seeing their excitement at joining our cause. I never would have thought that I would be in this position as the face of a huge Kingdom, leader of a giant Army, and The College mages themselves would soon be walking amongst our ranks, bolstering our knowledge and skill universally.