Dawn of The Dragon

Epilogue

Disembarking their ship at Oodor's port, Tomas and Hiddard are met by several armed guards with their weapons drawn.

"State your business!" Shouts a guard.

"I need to speak with Lord Tarl," Tomas Said. 

The guard moves in closer and Tomas looks him in the eyes. "I will state my business to him."

"You will state your business to no one. Outsiders aren't welcome here. Get back on your ship and leave."

Both Tomas and Hiddard turn to one another and then back to the guard. Simultaneously they release their swords from their scabbards. The odds are against them for they are outnumbered, but the cost of them not getting an audience with Lord Tarl will be even greater.

As they prepare to engage a horn sounds. Hundreds of armed guards make their way to the port as more lines above the stone gate and wall. A tall brown skin man with short hair (nearly bald) and brown eyes walks towards them invading their personal space, so they can smell the crees on his breath.

Hiddard gazes into the man's eyes as Tomas notices the thick scar tissue on the left side of his face.

"Ha. I must say, the both of you are either incredibly brave or inherently stupid to come here," He said.

"We need an audience with Lord Tarl," Said Tomas.

"We allow no one beyond our walls. Not even nobles such as yourselves. Even King Ager would be denied entry. Whatever you're selling, we don't want it or we have enough of it."

"So you all will just ignore what is happening in the realm. Did you not notice the smoke from Grayler?"

"We noticed, and mind our own business as we have for many moons. We pay a hefty tax, therefore; King Ager and the Facers allow us to live as we please."

"Does he now?" Tomas Said. Gripping his sword, "Then why did we spot many of your ships leaving the port as we docked? Please don't pretend to be ignorant of what's happening Lord Tarl."

A screeching sound from above startles everyone. They look up to see a blue dragon circling the port. The archers aim at him, but Lord Tarl forbids them from firing as Xavgon lands behind Tomas and Hiddard.

Both Tomas and Hiddard rub Xavgon's leg and smile.

Lord Tarl stares into Tomas' eyes for a moment and then backs away. Sweat falls from his forehead to his eyelashes. He sniffs, wipes away the sweat, and then walks forward again gazing upon the dragon. He turns and looks at his commander and orders him to open the gates. He backs up as a mere is brought over to him. He mounts the mere and takes off into the city.

"I guess you are most welcome!" The commander shouts.

The guards on the ground about-faces marching through the gate. Tomas and Hiddard follow behind the commander.

***

Ton and Crabs stand near the bow of the ship. They are sailing the long way around Thaves and Raw in order to bypass Ta'l. Once they reach the wall, they know of the danger they face. Luckily, Crystal supplied Ton's father with Shellion dusk. The magic powder used in her transportation spell.

Ton is no Shellion so he worries about using the spell. His father assured him that when he speaks into the tolean cloth, the words will sound as if they are from the mouth of Crystal herself.

If all goes well, they should have enough dusk to land in the north at or near Lest.

Before reaching the edge of Thaves, Both Tomas and Crabs notice massive warships. Each ship bearing the insignias of their houses. The young men know it will be impossible for them to dock so they abandon ship into a small boat.