We will never be alone, Ilargo countered softly.
You know what I mean. Asher and Avandriell have their own path and it has nothing to do with the Riders or the Dragorn. And then there’s Inara and Athis, Gideon said with a sigh. I see their future being very tied up in royal duties. And you know I’m happy for them both, he added. I just can’t make a decision like this without considering all the reasons why we should do it.
Ilargo turned his head just enough to lay a single blue eye on his companion, though he said nothing.
What is it? Gideon asked, unable to read the dragon’s thoughts. Ilargo, what aren’t you saying?
Your human side has made you indecisive and unsure of yourself, the dragon chastised. I can feel it in you. You have lost sight of who you are and what you are capable of. Our bond might have changed, but there is still a dragon in you.
Gideon clenched his jaw. I want to trust what’s in my heart.
A heart you still share with me, Ilargo pointed out.
And what is in your heart? Gideon asked. What do you think we should do?
The dragon continued his flight for a moment, his thoughts coalescing into poignant words. Drakanan, he began, deserves a leader befitting of their legacy. As do the eggs and their potential Riders. They need a leader who has been knocked down and got back up again. A leader who knows their failures and has learnt from them. Did you ever consider that our life, our experiences have been forging that kind of leader out of you, out of us? Drakanan and the entire order of Riders fell eons past and without your hand in it. As did Elandril’s Dragorn. Unlike those that came before us, we are still around.
But is that enough? Gideon agonised, still haunted by all the young dragons and Riders Malliath had slaughtered in The Lifeless Isles.
Nothing is ever assured and nothing is ever truly safe, Ilargo asserted. But our ability to try is assured. Our promise to always get back up is assured. And our oath has ever been to die keeping the realm safe.
The old master rubbed his companion’s green scales, his mind falling ever deeper into thought. There was so much to consider and yet the future still teetered on a knife’s edge. The greatest challenge of their lives lay ahead and there was no certainty that they would even survive to see Drakanan again.
Gideon, you know what we must do. What we must commit ourselves to.
An exasperated sigh escaped Gideon’s lips and got lost in the wind. You know, sometimes your innate wisdom is tiresome.
No it isn’t, Ilargo said with an edge of smug superiority.
Gideon laughed in his agreement before realising those behind him would have no idea what was so funny. Instead of explaining it all, he simply told the elves that Ilargo would be following The Selk Road north in the hope of joining The Rebellion once more.
Galanör and Aenwyn readily agreed with the plan since the rebels had always planned to meet up with Doran in The Black Wood should they find victory in The Moonlit Plains. They briefly discussed the merits of checking the plains, but it was a long way to go only to find an empty hole in the ground when they knew where The Rebellion would be going.
And so Ilargo banked to the north and flew inland until the white cliffs fell away and The Selk Road snaked through the region of Alborn. The dragon continued his flight for several hours, his sharp eyes scouring the land below. The sun moved across the winter sky, chased westward by the approaching night. As it touched the distant horizon, Ilargo dipped his head and raced towards the ground, bringing a city into view.
What is it? Gideon asked, bracing himself.
Bodies, Ilargo stated gravely. Lots of bodies.
Gideon narrowed his eyes and saw a great pillar of smoke rising high into the sky. Beyond the smoke, the All-Tower of Palios stood tall in the heart of the city. As captivating as the scholars’ tower was, Gideon was drawn back to the smoke. Following it down to its origin, he soon discovered the bodies Ilargo had mentioned.
Reavers, the dragon confirmed.
The Rebellion’s forces have been here, Gideon deduced with some excitement. Take us down, he urged. We will question the governor before moving on, he added, glancing to the northern road their friends had surely taken.
Having met with Governor Tarlan, Gideon and his companions came to learn the truth of events in Palios. It was a relief to hear of so many in the company of the king, including their friends. It was disturbing, however, to learn of the attack on Asher and Avandriell, though the governor could give no further details on those who had ambushed them. Only that they had met a gruesome end for their efforts.
Considering the many days of travelling behind them and the distance The Rebellion’s army could have travelled since they had left Palios, Gideon and the elves accepted Governor Tarlan’s offer of hospitality.
And so the trio enjoyed the most comfortable night in a long time: soft beds, hot meals, and the protection of a city that had already been liberated. Eager as Gideon was to reach The Rebellion again, his eyes closed with ease and his mind fell into a deep slumber that one never enjoyed in the wilds.
Though he awoke the next day feeling refreshed and clear of mind, Gideon could feel Ilargo’s fatigue lingering. The dragon had covered more miles than he could count since setting off from Drakanan and there were only more to put behind them. Given that Ilargo was capable of catching up with the army before they even reached Dunwich, Gideon suggested to Galanör and Aenwyn that they remain in Palios for the day and another night. Considering the battle that lay ahead of them, the elves
