Grusa-kal's Burden

Chapter 7

"I need the most talented conjuring dragons in the entire world brought here. For this to have the best chances, I need the geniuses of dragon kind to help," Grusa-kal said to a small council of Ilugi Elders and Masters. Only they have been told of the spells given to him by the spirits, but not of the necessity of Raw Magic. And he had waited a week after returning to the clan before mentioning any of his findings. A week of steeling himself for the future, reverting to the hardened dragon that leadership had transformed him into. The dragon that Anyle shattered.

"Talented they may be, but more powerful than any other dragon? No. How many must link in order to support this joining?" asked Elder Caromyr.

"The gathering of enough magic is up to me. But I need them in order to cast the spells perfectly. And it must be perfect."

"But there must also be enough magic. Don't tell me you are relying on Raw Magic?"

Grusa-kal said nothing. There was nothing to say.

"Are you serious?" Caromyr muttered.

"The dragons of old managed to tame magic using Raw Magic," said Master Tipilo. "I know a little about tapping into it for structured spells. It's not as risky as it sounds."

"But if it Turns, we all could die. I won't have it," said Caromyr.

If we do not act, or act the wrong way, we may also die," growled Grusa-kal. "Would you throw out the wisdom of hundreds of spirits who have wider sight and deeper knowledge than any of us?"

"Of course not. But we did the Taming for a reason. So that dragons do not die. Here, you risk killing off the entirety of two species. Two. We are guardians of life. We should be trying to negotiate, or reducing their ability to hunt, or something. Not this."

Grusa-kal shook his head. "You do not have to participate in this, Caromyr. I respect your wisdom and your ability as a conjurer, but if you would rather watch, that is fine. But the spirits gave me an answer and I plan to implement it."

"You're delusional after Klhega's death. A freak occurrence."

"If you use her death against me in any way," yelled Grusa-kal, "you shall face the consequences. How long before your mate dies? Your friends? I have been hurt in the worst possible way by these humans, and it drives me to act. To prevent more death. And I have a solution. I will use it."

"That's enough," said Elder Bala, a strength dragon. "Most of us agree to your plan. You are the Greatest Elder, so you must understand the consequences of this spell. If you are sure it will work, then I for one shall support you and shall search for the conjurers you need. But I will not tolerate insults."

Taking a step back, Grusa-kal closed his eyes. He needed to calm down. The silent dragons present were all no doubt judging his actions. Seeing if he was indeed stable and that the plan is not some hastily made up scheme.

"As Angond said, there will not be violence between the species because there will not be two species," Grusa-kal finally said. "The uncertainty is in whether we can make it work, rather than if it will work at all. And that is in our paws. Therefore, I agree with the spirits and their solution. But I do need the best among us to ensure nothing goes awry. So hopefully, you all will help me spread the word around the world to gather to Ilugi."

Speaking for the first time, a swift dragon, Master Mekio, said, "would you recommend swift dragons to transport the conjurers? Or have the conjurers come alone?"

"I very much doubt any of us can order all of the conjurers to be transported by another dragon. But if you can persuade them to get a ride, then do so. Time is of the essence."