“It was the least I could do for the one who made me,” the Drake replied, bowing his head.
Painfully aware of those who had just observed his moment of vulnerability, Asher puffed out his chest and addressed them all. “What did I miss?”
Nathaniel gestured at the old master. “Gideon told a rather unbelievable tale about the first wizards and a magical tree. Some of us were still stumbling over the revelation regarding yourself, but Gideon was kind enough to repeat it all for us.”
“We need to stop Alijah from opening a doorway,” Asher asserted, his own fate now tied to it.
“That was the conclusion we all came to,” Reyna reassured. “As we speak, Doran, Faylen, and Galanör are marching their forces onto The Moonlit Plains. The rest of my army are advancing from the coast, along with Sir Ruban and his soldiers. They are to keep Alijah and his Reavers occupied until we can reinforce them from the north.”
“Gideon and I will be leaving shortly to aid them,” Inara informed.
Asher took it all in, his mind trained to absorb multiple sources of information at once, but his focus remained on Reyna and one particular phrase he had never heard her say before. “Your army?” he echoed.
Even if he were blind, the ranger could still have sensed the pall that overcame the chamber. Reyna straightened up, composing herself. “My mother fell on Qamnaran. I am the queen now.”
Asher’s emotions were instantly torn between condolences and congratulations. He also knew that Reyna had never been interested in ruling a nation, nor Nathaniel for that matter.
“I’m so sorry,” he offered. His emotions crossed over to Avandriell, who stretched her maw and whined with sorrow.
Reyna held up her hand. “This is a moment of joy,” she managed, her smile conflicting with the tears in her eyes. “I would focus on Avandriell and her beauty.”
Asher nodded solemnly. His own memories of Adilandra Sevari were decades old, taking him back to the end of The War for the Realm. The woman he had met was strong and compassionate, explaining much of where Reyna had attained her own characteristics. Her passing was, indeed, the extinguishing of a powerful light in the world.
“And with Avandriell in mind,” Reyna continued, “there is no expectation on you to accompany us, Asher.”
“We will be leaving soon,” Vighon confirmed. “The snows are only going to get worse. We have already rallied those who can journey south to fight and Kassian is convincing his Keepers to join us as we speak.” The northman paused, considering those around him. “Your skill with a sword has historically made a difference in every battle you’ve been a part of. The king in me would press for you to fight with us, given what is at stake. But Reyna is correct: there is no expectation. Avandriell is as a child. She needs protecting, not thrusting into a war.”
Asher met his companion’s golden eyes. Her thoughts and emotions continued to bombard him with impressions rather than direct words. Still, he understood her and she understood him.
“Avandriell didn’t choose me because I walk away from the fight.”
“Asher,” Reyna warned, her eyes flashing to the young dragon.
“No, he’s right,” Inara spoke up. “Avandriell was born of another age, an age of warriors and war.”
“An age of heroes,” Gideon added with half a smile.
“Neither of them can deny who they are,” Inara continued. “Nor the consequences.”
Asher took a breath, assessing his options. There was only one viable choice to his reckoning, though he hated to consider it. But Inara was right, he could not deny who he was.
“I have just as much at stake in this fight as the rest of you,” he told them. “If Alijah succeeds and destroys the tree, Avandriell…” He almost choked just thinking of the word. “She dies,” he finally managed. “I will journey south with you, if you would have me.”
“If I would have you?” Vighon repeated incredulously. “I would grant you the title of general if I thought you would accept it.”
Asher put his hand up. “I already have a title and I’m sticking with it.”
“You’re not to be a Dragon Rider then?” Nathaniel posed.
“No,” Asher stated firmly. “Avandriell and I have come to… an agreement. Our life is long. For now, we’re content to be rangers together.”
“Well there goes Illian’s monster problem,” Vighon joked.
Asher acknowledged the king’s remark with an amused grin, but he turned serious again when facing Adan’Karth. “You have already given so much and I never had to ask for it. But I have to ask you now; will you accompany me one last time? I cannot take Avandriell into battle, but I don’t think I can be far from her either. I know a battlefield is the last place a Drake would want to be, but she already feels safe with you and you can handle the… fires.”
Compounding his words, Avandriell jumped across to Adan, whose quick reflexes easily caught her and guided the dragon onto his shoulders. “It would be my honour to keep Avandriell company. And should we face violence, I will take us both into the wild and lose our quarry.”
“I have no doubt,” Asher replied, having seen the Drake move through The Evermoore. “And thank you.”
“You have the thanks of us all,” Vighon added, patting Adan’s arm. “Victory is within our reach.”
“I’m starving,” Asher blurted without intending to.
Inara stifled her laugh. “I think Avandriell needs her first meal.”
Asher turned to see the dragon staring at him, her intentions never clearer. “I’d say so,” he concluded.
“The kitchens are yours to plunder,” Vighon offered. “I would join you but there is still much to be done before we depart.”
“I will accompany you,” Gideon said to the ranger. “There is more you should know before we part
