Preparing for War

Tarron’s plan was honestly a good one. They discussed it with Councilor Belanor the next morning and instantly began to implement it. Councilor Belanor sent Ruith back to Malnora with the order to send out a selected number of elves across the Faye Expanse, including himself. Some of them were heading to seek help from elven towns, while the others went to recruit dwarves.

And they weren’t going to go about this in secret either. After all, as Tarron said, ‘How are we supposed to fight Agron if he doesn’t know that he needs to come to the battlefield?’

Yes, they were going to make history repeat itself. Hopefully, this time, they would get to stop Agron once and for all. Of course, Agron could see the Malnora elves and decide to attack Malnora before they were ready for him. But Haganto felt that Agron wanted history to repeat itself too, if just for the chance to redeem himself.

So yes, Agron would wait. For how long...well, the less time it took to recruit, the better.

This is why he, Alanus, Tarron, and Councilor Belanor were near the bottom of the mountain, just a few steps away from the forest where the Brazug tribe had been killed.

Zuthiss’s territory.

“Do you remember what to say, Grimoire?” Councilor Belanor asked, his eyes closed as he gave Grimoire’s black feathers one final stroke, the raven sitting calmly on Alanus’s arm.

“Zuthiss, meeting. Important. Please,” Grimoire said, repeating the words that Alanus had taught him to say on the way here.

“Perfect. Now go, and be careful.” With those words, the raven took off from Alanus’s arm and flew high into the sky, towards the mountain where Zuthiss lived.

“Look, I understand this way is safer, but would it really work? Would Zuthiss really deign himself to pay attention to a single crow?” Tarron said when they couldn’t see Grimoire anymore, with no trace of arrogance to be found in his voice.

“Usually, no,” Councilor Belanor said as he opened his eyes, which were glowing light blue once again. “But Zuthiss will sense the magic within him and hopefully, at least be intrigued to seek him out.”

“And hopefully he’d be further intrigued enough to follow Grimoire and not kill him because of the magic...or just eat him,” Alanus said with forced cheer.

“Don’t worry, Zuthiss is reasonable. He won’t see Grimoire as a trespasser.” Haganto assured Alanus, reminded of how Alanus assured him when he had a similar worry about Animo yesterday.

Did that only happen yesterday? Letting Animo jump into that tunnel felt like ages ago.

How could time go so fast yet run so slow at the same time?

“You’ve met him?” Alanus asked as he tore his eyes away from the blue, clear sky to face Haganto.

“Yes, once,” Haganto answered as he was briefly brought back to the time when his life forever changed. “He was the one who slayed the Brazug tribe and brought me to Filla Aethel.”

“Wait, that’s what happened?” Tarron exclaimed. “I thought the story was that you wandered up to the gate and Alberad and the others took pity on you.”

“It looks like Alberad tweaked the story a little in an attempt to lessen our animosity towards you,” Councilor Belanor said in a tone Haganto couldn’t quite decipher. Then in a somewhat lighter tone, the elder elf continued. “Though I now wonder why Zuthiss the Ruthless decided to have mercy on you.”

“...He said he was only following his creed,” Haganto answered.

“Ah, I see, he really is reasonable then,” Alanus said, seemingly more optimistic now.

“No, that doesn’t make sense. I heard that his creed to not to leave anyone that trespassed onto his territory alive,” Tarron said. “He has to be called Zuthiss the Ruthless for a rea-”

“Zuthiss has appeared,” Councilor Belanor said suddenly. In an instant, all words died in their throats as they either kept an eye on Councilor Belanor or the empty sky.

In what was less than a minute but felt much more, Councilor Belanor finally spoke again.

“He’s following Grimoire.” And with that, Haganto and the others all shared a sigh of relief. “He’s coming.”

“Councilor Belanor, does Zuthiss seem...annoyed at all?” Tarron asked trepidatiously.

“...I am honestly not sure,” Councilor Belanor admitted. “The only thing I can be sure is that he is serious.”

“Well, maybe it’s because he knows it’s about Agron? Surely he could tell that he has escaped,” Alanus suggested. Haganto, remembering the harpy and the cockatrices, knew without a doubt that Zuthiss knew about Agron’s escape. But before he could say anything, he caught a green dot in the blue sky. He turned his complete attention onto the sky and judging by how the others didn’t say anything, they noticed it too.

As the green dot grew bigger by the second, Animo whimpered, causing Haganto to reach up to his head and carefully grab Animo.

“It’s okay, you can stay in here,” Haganto said softly as he gently put the weasel kit into his pocket. Animo didn’t attempt to struggle, let alone poke his head out of the pocket. As the green dot became more and more dragon-shaped, Haganto honestly couldn’t blame him.

Then, with a huge rush of wind and a loud thud, Zuthiss stood before them.

He looked just the same as Haganto remembered him, with sleek dark-green scales and black claws that dug deep into the ground as easily as a spoon could pierce a boiled potato. His black horns gleamed in the sunlight as they stuck out just past his ears. Zuthiss’s lean yet muscular form stayed tense as he stretched out his head to look down at them. Even though Zuthiss was on the smaller side compared to other dragons, Haganto still had to tilt his head back to see that golden eyes were peering down at them all.

For a brief moment, Haganto was a child back on that forest floor, expecting to be killed.

“You-”

“Wait, where’s Grimoire?” Alanus cried, causing a jolt of fear to course through Haganto, though less because of the raven’s uncertain fate and more for his friend who just interrupted Zuthiss.

It wasn’t as he didn’t care for Grimoire, but Alanus-

“Here!” cried a familiar voice. And sure enough, Grimoire suddenly appeared from behind Zuthiss’s head, his black wings flapping before he glided onto Alanus’s arm.

“He was too slow, so I gave him a ride,” Zuthiss said simply, seemingly not bothered that Alanus had interrupted him, which was a relief on Haganto’s nerves. Then Zuthiss turned his attention to the elves.

“You two are Malnora elves, aren’t you?” Zuthiss asked in his deep, almost cold voice.

“Yes,” Councilor Belanor answered, his eyes not glowing anymore. Zuthiss scoffed.

“It was about time you saw past your arrogant noses to see what was happening around you,” Zuthiss said, his words dripping with scorn. With anger in his eyes, Tarron opened his mouth only to close it without making a sound.

Though whether it was because of Councilor Belanor gripping his shoulder or Zuthiss glaring at him, Haganto wasn’t sure.

Then Zuthiss turned his gaze towards Haganto.

“I remember your smell,” Zuthiss said. “What is your name?”

“Haganto,” he answered, suddenly realizing that this was the first time he had spoken to the dragon, despite this being their second meeting.

“Haganto,” Zuthiss repeated. Then unexpectedly, he smiled.

“It is good to see you’ve grown.”

“Zuthiss the Ruthless,” Councilor Belanor said, his tone of voice making it clear that he wanted this conversation to go back on track. When Zuthiss looked back at him, his smile gone and looking unimpressed, Councilor Belanor continued. “As you are aware, Agron has escaped and like centuries ago, we are gathering forces to fight him. Though this time, we plan to end him once and for all.”

“Where?” Zuthiss asked, and while he kept his tone even, Haganto noticed that he asked that a bit urgently.

“Don’t worry, not on your territory,” Tarron assured him. “On a plain by a river several miles away from the left of Malnora.”

As much as it would be convenient to fight Agron in the same place as last time, it just wasn’t feasible. Whether it was due to the battle, erosion happening naturally, or both, the river by the field of Malnora had long since dried up. There was also the mist, which would stay up for the time being since taking it down would take a lot of effort and strength. Effort and strength that Councilor Belanor and a few other elves did not have if they planned to fight in the upcoming battle. Alanus did suggest that they lure Agron to the mist, and while it was tempting, they had to toss that idea to the side.

As powerful as the mist was, it was doubtful it would work on something like Agron.

“We are asking, no, hoping, that not only would you lend us your claws in the battle ahead,” Councilor Belanor said. “But that you would get other dragons to fight for our cause as well.”

Zuthiss didn’t answer right away.

“You will have my claws since I have a stake in this fight. However, I cannot say that the other dragons will.”

“What? But in the last war-”

“Agron had committed the most grievous of our taboos, killing a baby dragon,” Zuthiss interrupted Tarron. “As a result, too much of our kind was lost, and for what, a few hundred years of peace? And considering how our kind, generally speaking, was never proactive in terms of worldly affairs to begin with? No, I am sure that many of the other dragons, if not all of them, will find some reason to stay out of your battle.”

Haganto and the others stayed silent simply because they had no rebuttal to Zuthiss’s words. While there had been exceptions, dragons usually kept to themselves, only acting in either retaliation or self-interest. And never in prevention, even against a potential threat to them. Dragons also had never been a prolific species, and as a result, it was extremely hard for them to get their numbers back after the Malnora war. It was only thanks to their long life spans that they were able to do so recently.

Zuthiss was right. The other dragons would not want to risk their extinction to fight Agron again. Not unless there was a surefire way to end Agron’s life once and for all. Which, sadly they do not.

But they still had to try.

“You’re...you’re not even going to try to convince them to help, are you?” Tarron asked, his voice expectant but not accusatory.

“No, I see no point in wasting my time on them,” Zuthiss confirmed. Then he turned his head to his left as if he was in thought. “Though, with that said...perhaps…”

For a long moment, Zuthiss didn’t say anything. Then he turned his attention back to them.

“There might be one that would be worth my precious time recruiting. And...despite her age, she also might be the only one who can actually be a match for Agron.”

“What, really? Who?” Alanus asked excitedly as the two elves made noises of exclamation. Haganto himself tried to figure out who Zuthiss was referring to. Zuthiss said she was old but most of the old dragons that Haganto knew of were either dead or were not strong enough to face Agron one on one.

But maybe he greatly underestimated that dragon’s strength? Or maybe Haganto had never heard of her. He didn’t know every dragon’s name after all.

Though the old dragons usually get recognized by the other species in some way or other…

“Don’t get your hopes up, I could be wrong. She is very old after all,” Zuthiss said as he turned around, obviously ignoring Alanus’s question. Not that Haganto was going to call him out on that. “But regardless, I am certain that I can get her to come.”

“That is great, thank you,” Councilor Belanor said gratefully as he bowed. “We appreciate everything that you are willing to do to help us, despite the risk and-”

“Why are you speaking why I don’t expect a favor out of you for doing this?” Zuthiss interrupted coldly before turning his head around, his eyes directed at Haganto. “Haganto, are you aware of my mate?”

It took him a second to remember her name, but when he did, Haganto nodded.

“Yes, her name is Undrenth the Quiet. She became your mate several years ago.” Haganto didn’t dare mention that his mate got her epithet not just because she was a stealthy hunter, but also because she couldn’t roar. Despite their need to regrow the dragon population, dragons with disabilities did not usually get picked as a mate so it was a surprise to Haganto’s family when Zuthiss did. Alberad even told him that Zuthiss had gotten into a very loud and bloody fight with a dragon who had insulted her.

So why was Zuthiss mentioning Undrenth to-

“She...she is not able to defend herself at the moment, nor is she able to fly away if the need should arise. Haganto...I want you to protect her in my place.”

Haganto’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Wait,” Tarron quickly interjected, sounding as startled as Haganto felt. “Not to say that your mate doesn’t need protection, but does she want it? She might not-”

“She is not as bloodthirsty as I am, and once I explain the situation to her, she will understand,” Zuthiss interrupted. “I will not budge on this. Either Haganto agrees to protect her, or I cannot go.”

“Don’t worry, I will protect her,” Haganto promised as he stepped forward. Zuthiss bore a smile full of teeth.

“Good. Then let us be off.” Zuthiss then turned his head back to his front, clearly trusting Haganto to climb up by himself.

“Well...that was sudden. Are you sure about this?” Alanus asked quietly. Haganto sighed before he faced his friend.

“Yes,” he answered honestly. Because while he was confused as to why Zuthiss trusted him with something as important as a sick mate, he understood Zuthiss’s reluctance to leave her unprotected. If being her guard would make Zuthiss comfortable enough to leave to get help, then it was a price that Haganto was happily willing to pay.

“Well, if you’re leaving, then I should leave as well,” Alanus said. “I won’t be any help in the battle ahead but maybe I can help with the recruiting.”

Haganto nodded in approval. They need all the help they can get. Also...despite knowing that nowhere in the Faye Expanse was safe now, it relieved Haganto to know that Alanus wouldn’t be anywhere near the upcoming battle.

“If all goes well, let’s meet up at the bakery in Hullmar, near Sarville in Vatus,” Haganto said. “If I...if you get there before I do, tell Tolden, the baker, that you’re my friend and that I finished his request to kill Erzu.”

“Are you saying that I might get free bread?” Alanus joked, though he didn’t sound as carefree as usual. Then Alanus’s smile became more serious, more brave, as he took his hand out.

“I will see you there.” Noting the silent command, Haganto wore a small smile of his own and shook Alanus’s hand.

“I’ll see you,” Haganto said. Alanus nodded in satisfaction.

“See you,” echoed Grimoire causing Animo to finally poke his head out of the pocket. But to Haganto’s surprise, Animo didn’t hiss at Grimoire like usual. Instead, he let out a little trill, like he was saying goodbye too.

It looked like Animo had changed some too.

“Here,” Haganto heard Tarron say right before he saw something being thrown his way. Acting on reflex, Haganto caught the object, which fit easily into his palm and wasn’t heavy. Haganto opened his hand and saw that it was just a normal-looking rock.

Well, except for the fact that it had an Elvish rune on it.

“Its quality isn’t as good as the one I gave to Ruith, due to lack of time,” Tarron explained with his head turned to the side. “But it should handle us communicating over a few miles well enough. Just be extra careful not to break it. You do know how to use a communication stone, right?”

Haganto turned his gaze away from Tarron and back to the rock with the Elvish rune for contact. Before Ruith left to go recruiting, Tarron had given him a stone much like this one, apparently having stayed up late to perfectly cast the rune on a random stone on the ground. A communication stone gave someone the power to contact someone else with a communication stone, despite being miles away. Haganto’s family had given him a communication stone too when he had first left Filla Aethel, though unfortunately, it broke soon after during a fight with a cetus. Alberad wanted to make him another one but Haganto declined, having seen it as pointless. Communication stones were not only strenuous to make, but they were very fragile, regardless of how skilled the caster was.

So the fact that Tarron rushed to make Haganto a communication stone just now, as well as how Tarron protested Haganto leaving with Zuthiss earlier…

“Yes, I just have to touch the rune and say your name,” Haganto said as he put the communication stone away. Tarron looked at Haganto and opened his mouth to say something, only to close it before giving him a firm nod. Haganto nodded back.

It may not seem like much, but this was the most amicable farewell that they ever had.

This was a good start.

“I am not willing to wait for much longer,” Zuthiss warned them suddenly, his head still turned away. Haganto looked at the others for a long second before he gently patted Animo’s pocket.

“Let us be off then, Animo.” Animo chirped in agreement as Haganto walked over to Zuthiss and carefully but quickly climbed onto Zuthiss’s back.

“Until we meet again, Haganto,” Councilor Belanor said with something that suspiciously looked like a smile.

“Until we meet again,” Haganto echoed with a nod. Zuthiss took Haganto’s farewell as a sign to finally unfurl his wings and jumped off from the ground, quickly leaving the others behind in the dust. Haganto ended up gazing back at them until he could barely see them anymore before he turned around.

Neither Zuthiss and Haganto spoke at first as they flew. Haganto had a few questions but he didn’t feel comfortable asking them and Zuthiss didn’t seem to be one for idle chatter. But it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence as the wind rushed by them and they passed the frankly beautiful scenery below. Haganto knew Animo was definitely enjoying himself if the way he climbed to Haganto’s shoulder to look down below was any indication.

So it was quite a shock when Zuthiss finally deigned to speak when they neared his mountain.

“Do you know why we dragons have trouble hatching our children?” Despite his initial shock, Haganto thought carefully about what to say.

“Dragon eggs are extremely fragile and they are easily perceptible to the cold, needing to be warm constantly or else they won’t hatch,” Haganto answered as he spied a cave at the mountaintop. Zuthiss began to drop down in height. “But despite their mothers, and sometimes fathers laying on them as soon as the egg is laid, the egg is not completely safe since they are considered a delectable delight...by all species.”

“That and some of our actions caused the desire for revenge,” Zuthiss added as the cave became much larger and clearer. And while Zuthiss’s voice had been even, his words had a hard edge to them.

“Yes, that too,” Haganto said solemnly, not sure where exactly Zuthiss was going with this. “And some probably killed your eggs out of fear too, afraid that the egg would later hatch into a dragon that would kill them.”

“Or their future children,” Zuthiss said, his voice sounding almost...soft.

Then they arrived at the cave.

“Wait here until I explain your smell to my mate,” Zuthiss said as soon as they touched down.

“Understood,” Haganto agreed as he slid down to Zuthiss’s leg before jumping safely onto the ground. Zuthiss didn’t reply, instead rushing straight into the cave.

Haganto found himself standing there, he had no idea how long, as his mind pondered and churned over that conversation.

Was...was Zuthiss trying to tell him that the reason why his mate needed protection was because-

“She is ready to see you now.” The only reason Haganto didn't jump out of his skin was because of his years spent hunting monsters. Haganto looked up at Zuthiss, who was gazing down at him with a knowing expression.

“You’ve figured it out, haven’t you?” Zuthiss asked though it didn’t sound like a question.

“You have an egg,” Haganto said. Zuthiss confirmed this with a grunt as he turned back around and started to walk back into the cave, prompting Haganto to follow him.

“Yes, and our child is due to hatch any day now,” Zuthiss said as they walked into the cave. Now that they were in the cave, Haganto could see that the rocks on the walls were giving off a bright, but not blinding, red-orange glow like the rocks were on fire.

Just as Haganto wondered if the rocks were glowing like that naturally or if Zuthiss’s or his mate’s breath was the cause, the cave opened up.

In the big opening, there was a pile of gold, glittering underneath the red-orange glow of the rocks. On top of the pile, was a light blue dragon, sleek and thin but Haganto was under no disillusionment that Undrenth wasn’t strong. She had two rows of gray horns that started at the top of her eyes and ended behind her ears. Haganto got a clear view of her dark-brown eyes when she turned to peer at him, quiet but as far as he could tell, curious. Curious yet wary.

And considering how he could see glimpses of something red underneath her belly, Haganto couldn’t blame her.

“Chances are, I will miss my child’s birth now. As regrettable as that is, as long as I can ensure their survival, it is a small price to pay. My grandfather surely thought the same with his second egg, my mother,” Zuthiss unexpectedly continued, staying still as he gazed at his mate and egg with an undeniably soft expression.

“Your grandfather?” Haganto asked as he continued to walk so he could stand by Zuthiss's side, and not behind him.

And though Zuthiss’s next words made all the dragon’s actions and decisions suddenly make sense, they still stopped Haganto dead cold in his tracks.

“Yes. He was Grarvuntiess the Evil.”

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