Kaelan guided the dragon into a slow descent, its wings gradually retracting as they neared the ground. The dragon’s powerful body moved through the streets until they reached an expansive courtyard near the grand citadel.
The courtyard was filled with dragons resting on stone perches and dragon kin going about their duties. As Kaelan’s dragon touched down, the sound of its landing vibrated through the stone.
The dragon kin paused in their tasks to look up, some nodding in respect as they recognized the rider.
Kaelan dismounted smoothly, his armored boots clicking against the polished stone floor as he landed.
He took a moment to pat the dragon, showing his thanks before handing the reins to a nearby attendant, who bowed before leading the dragon away to be cared for.
Alister noticed losing control of the body again.
‘At this point, I’m sure this is something the system isn’t aware of,’ Alister thought in Kaelan’s mind.
The grand citadel stood before him, its towering structure and marvelous walls proof of the power and legacy of the dragon overlords.
Kaelan made his way toward it, his steps echoing softly, his focus now on the task ahead- reporting to his lord.
‘It’s like a massive castle, though it would nearly be an insult to call it just that…’ Alister thought as he took in the marvel through Kaelan’s eyes.
The massive gates of the citadel opened as he approached, the dragon knight guards standing at attention. Kaelan nodded to them, and they responded with a salute.
Inside, the grandeur of the citadel was even more visible. The walls were covered with carvings depicting the legendary battles and triumphs of dragon lords throughout history. Torches flickered, casting long shadows along the stone corridors as Kaelan walked through. He passed by other riders and dragon kin, all of whom respectfully stepped aside as he made his way deeper into the citadel.
The air was filled with the faint scent of incense and the distant echo of dragon roars from the mountains outside.
Finally, Kaelan reached the doors of the throne room. Two enormous doors, delicately carved with the symbols of the dragon lords, stood before him.
The guards stationed there pushed the doors open, revealing the vast hall inside.
The throne room was a sight to behold-its high ceilings supported by massive golden pillars carved to resemble dragons.
At the far end of the hall sat the throne of Hazerion, the first heir and lord of Ta’hedra.
The throne itself was made of gleaming black stone, with gold embedded around it along
with glowing red gemstones that pulsed like the very heart of a dragon.
‘He has such a powerful aura… Why did the system say he is weak?’
‘I may not be completely certain, but I’m sure he’s stronger than Kaelan.’
Hazerion sat upon the throne, his presence commanded attention. His eyes, a deep molten gold, and his hair, spun silver, with a single black strand, a pair of elegantly curved golden horns came out both sides of his skull, curving upwards. On both sides of the room stood his generals, five on one side, and four on the other, the place where Kaelan should be.
Hazerion watched as Kaelan approached. The room was silent, a little too silent.
Kaelan walked forward, his footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. When he reached the foot of the throne, he stopped and, with a deep breath, lowered himself to one knee. Bowing his head, he placed a fist over his heart in a show of respect.
“My lord Hazerion…”
“…I have returned from the battlefield. The mission was completed, though there isn’t much to report.”
“We suffered some casualties, but many of our riders returned.”
He paused for a moment, then said, “I stand ready to serve as you command.”
The room remained silent as Hazerion’s gaze lingered on his general.
Hazerion’s gaze softened slightly, and he seemed to exhale before he finally spoke.
“Well done, Kaelan…”
“…you have served me well, and your dedication does not go unnoticed.”
Kaelan, still on one knee, felt a sense of gratitude. His lord’s praise meant more to him than any title or treasure.
It was the acknowledgment he sought, the assurance that his efforts were valued. Raising his head slightly, Kaelan looked up at Hazerion.
“Thank you, my lord…”
“…It is an honor to serve you and the realm.”
For a moment, there was silence.
One of the generals, however, stepped forward, her armor glinting in the torchlight as she moved.
This was General Lyria Von Nata-Void, a nature dragon of the highest order, known for her wisdom and fierce combat prowess.
She was a striking figure, with long, flowing green hair and deep green eyes.
Lyria’s gaze locked onto Kaelan with an expression that was both curious and challenging.
“You took your time returning, Kaelan.”
“What delayed you? Surely the battlefield did not pose too great a challenge for someone of your skill.”
Kaelan, who had risen to his feet by now, gazed back at Lyria without flinching. He respected her immensely, knowing that behind her composed exterior was a warrior who had seen countless battles and emerged victorious from each one.
Lyria’s questions were never frivolous; they were always aimed at uncovering truths that others might overlook.
“There were complications,” Kaelan admitted.
“But they were nothing I couldn’t handle in the end. The enemy was more… cunning than we anticipated, and they employed tactics that required a… different approach. However, I ensured that our objectives were met, and our forces returned with minimal casualties.” Lyria’s eyes flickered with something similar to approval, though she did not express it openly. Instead, she nodded slowly.
“Complications,” she repeated, almost to herself.
“War is full of them. It’s good to know you were able to adapt. We cannot afford to underestimate our enemies, especially now.”
Kaelan inclined his head as he agreed. He knew that Lyria’s concern was not a personal slight but a reflection of her deep-seated commitment to the realm and its people. She had a reputation for being a perfectionist, someone who demanded the best not only from herself freёwebnoѵel.com
but from those around her.
Hazerion, who had been observing the exchange with a thoughtful expression, leaned forward slightly on his throne. The movement drew everyone’s attention back to him, the air
in the room shifting once more.
“That is indeed good to hear,” Hazerion said.
Kaelan, facing his lord, then asked, “Indeed, my lord, again, how is your training of your barrier going? The darkness could arrive soon; it is important you are prepared when it does.”