Dawn of The Dragon

Chapter 20: Blood

Kalera stands like a statue looking over Hiddard as he sits next to the body of his beloved. She is dressed in white from head to toe with a crown of white flowers covering her head. With the Green Sea pouring from his eyes, Hiddard lays her bow atop her body.

Heavily armed, guards move in along with the SG's, Lord Meerin, and several citizens carrying golden reefs with an image of the Goddess Rose in the center. They move towards her bed of stone and vines, placing their reefs around on the ground. Hiddard stands to his feet and beckons for his queen.

As she moves closer the ground quakes as Xavgon walks from the shadows.

"I thought that I could do this, but I can't. Will you say a few words?" He asks.

Kalera was not prepared to speak knowing what must be on everyone's mind more than the burial of Molly. But she cannot deny Hiddard his wish so she turns facing the crowd.

In times of chaos and despair, all we have is each other. Unbreakable bonds and fellowship become love and friendship that will stand in the long lights and nights that lie ahead. Here lies Molly, a mother, a wife, a sister, and a friend. Her desires were no different than ours. She wanted a world where choice reigns beyond class and status. A world where rich and poor are treated with the same respect and dignity. A world of peace. On this good earth, we stand to honor the life she gave for a cause she believed. You were a guard in this realm and may the heavens accept your grace. Rest well, my friend.

Hiddard gives Molly one last look before turning his head towards Xavgon. Moving his long neck slowly towards Molly's body, he blows and her body becomes a pillar of stone. Lord Meerin calls over the ferries. They open the ground, then lifting her body from the stone, they lower her inside. The citizens move in taking their reefs and placing them over the earth she is now covered in.

Hiddard gives Kalera a gentle kiss on her right hand and thanks her for her words. The others turn and walk towards the courtyard. Kalera and Xavgon take a walk into the fields. 

At the request of Lord Meerin, Kalera's council follows him to the Chamber of Lords, Grayler's meeting place. 

The men and women of Lord Meerin's council squawk about the fear of retaliation from Ager and Shereen.

"Smack!"

Lord Meerin's hand lands on the magma table.

"She is our guest!" He yells.

"She is a murderer! You have made us vulnerable here. First, we could not repay all our debt to the Ta'l Bank. Then you vote against Ager. Now you have allowed the dragon queen to take up refuge and she kills Shereen's apprentices!" A councilwoman yells back.

"What would you have me do? Every single one of you here wished for someone to stand against the King. You have long grown tired of the state of the Realm. Well, we not only have a savior, but we also have a Dawn and her dragon. With her, from the ashes S.G.'s. How long has it been since any of you have seen one of them and the power they wield? The power she wields. It will be wise for us to serve as allies." He proclaims. 

"Allies, you say. We may as well serve Ager." A councilman speaks.

"What foolery do you speak of?" Lord Meerin asks.

"Why don't you ask Lord Donegal?" He replies.

Tomas can feel their glares piercing him as punctures to his skull. Looking to Jessup, he simply nods his head and extends his hand so Tomas rises.

"For those of you who do not know me, I am Lord Donegal of Bram. I have taken the reigns for some time now." He exclaims. 

"Lord Donegal, inform Lord Meerin of what you have learned." The councilman probes.