The Ballad Of A Semi-Benevolent Dragon

Chapter 70: The Dragon Learns

Doomwing was well aware of his own nature. He was prideful. That much he could admit. That much was certain. But he was not foolish. No. The Ages had been beaten any foolishness out of him, one Catastrophe at a time. The foolishness of youth had died with his parents, Stormtooth, and the majority of his kind. Whatever lingering naivety or stupidity remained had been expunged most thoroughly during the war against Mother Tree.

All powerful dragons were prideful, but even a powerful dragon would fall if they could not think clearly.

And so as his time in Regal Flame's territory neared its end, he sought the other dragon out for advice. In the whole world, Doomwing could proudly say that no living being exceeded his expertise in magic, and there were precious few who could face him in battle and hope to win. His leadership in battle was likewise proven. Regardless of his personal power, his fellow primordial dragons would never have allowed him to lead them against the Catastrophes if they did not trust his judgement. Yet his leadership outside of battle was less certain. Unlike his fellows, he had not raised a great faction of his own. He had not felt any particular inclination to. But things had changed. He desired a territory not simply in name but also in truth, which meant followers, systems of governance, and proper allocation of resources. He had already begun the great task of creating the territory he desired, but there was still much work to do.

Regal Flame had the most followers of any of the primordial dragons, and her territory functioned well. Only a prideful fool would ignore the obvious benefits of asking for her advice, and Doomwing, though prideful, was not a fool.

Rather than speak in her lair, they spoke as they flew. For primordial dragons, flight was not an onerous task. It was as simple and easy as breathing. Should they wish, they could spend their whole lives in the air, relying on magic and other means to either fend off the need for sleep or to stay aloft even while sleeping. Of course, true rest required true sleep, and that could only be found on the ground. Still, both he and Regal Flame enjoyed flying, and there was a certain joy that could only be found amidst steady wingbeats and racing the wind. To keep their conversation private, they conversed using magic, but that too was easy for them.

"When it comes to followers," Regal Flame said. "It is important to identify what sort of follower a person is likely to be. Are they loyal by nature? Are they loyal when provided with the right incentives? Or are they simply obedient, doing as they're told as long as it is advantageous to do so but never developing true loyalty?"

"And those who are neither loyal nor obedient?" Doomwing asked.

"They should be discarded," Regal Flame replied. "You know this too, I think, but it may help to hear it spoken by another. There are those who are neither loyal nor obedient, and some of them may even be useful, with special talents and rare gifts. However, they can never truly be trusted. You never know when they might disobey or even aid your enemies. If you must use them, then do so quickly, and never entrust them with secrets or responsibility. Keep them in your outer circle, and surround them with those you can trust, so they can report any misdeeds swiftly." She growled. "I have had dealings with such dragons over the years. None ended especially well, though caution and foresight ensured that none ended especially poorly either. I suspect many such dragons will seek to enter your service, for your territory is rich, and your followers are few."

Doomwing growled as well. He had observed such behaviour many times over his life, and it had rankled him when it had happened to those he cared for. The thought of it happening to him was even less pleasing. "Competence is good, but trust is critical."

"Yes. Competence that you cannot trust is like a claw aimed at your own heart," Regal Flame said. "That is one of the main reasons that Firetail has risen so high in my service and remained in a position of authority even after his crippling. He is indeed very competent. Though his strength in battle could be considered lacking compared to some of my other followers, he is knowledgeable, wise, cunning, and learns quickly. Moreover, he is not afraid to tell me if he thinks I am making a mistake, though he is always mindful of when he tells me, to avoid causing problems. But above all, he is loyal. And not simply because of the rich rewards and authority he has been given. Loyalty is part of his nature too. He will die before he breaks his oaths and betrays those he has pledged himself to. Thus, I can assign him to any task or ask of him any duty, and I can do so with confidence, safe in the knowledge that he will do his best."

"Such followers are rare," Doomwing said. "I would consider myself fortunate indeed if I could secure even a single follower of his calibre."

"I was lucky," Regal Flame admitted. "But your position is not bad either. For most, loyalty is earned through proper rewards and fair treatment. Your territory is large and rich. It will not be hard at all for you to reward others well, and you are fair by nature." Her eyes twinkled. "Tough, perhaps, but fair."

He acknowledged the words with a snort. He was not always easy to get along with. Even Ashheart had said as much from time to time, and the other dragon got along with him better than almost anyone. Marcus was of the same opinion although he phrased it with more delicacy than Ashheart, not out of fear, but by simple virtue of not being the largest living dragon. Ashheart was brave by nature, and the Ages had granted him a certain bluntness that Doomwing usually liked but occasionally regretted. "Littletooth has been hard at work."

"Oh?" Regal Flame asked. "I had noticed he spent his time in the market dealing with trinkets from your hoard."

Only a primordial dragon would refer to all the items that Littletooth dealt with as mere trinkets. Amongst them were items even a regular Fourth Awakening dragon would happily have traded for on behalf of their hatchlings. But, like Doomwing, Regal Flame's hoard was not something a regular Fourth Awakening dragon could hope to match. Only the hoards of her fellow primordial dragons could hope to equal it. His thoughts drifted for a moment. If she had a hatchling, that hatchling would truly be blessed. There were treasures in her hoard that would do much to aid the progress of a young dragon, allowing them to avoid the pitfalls and traps that were so frequently encountered before Awakening and in the First and Second Awakenings. As for Doomwing's hoard... he too had no shortage of such treasures, and he could make even finer ones if called upon. Still, if he and Regal Flame were to have a hatchlings... if blood ran true, then such a hatchling would likely need very little help to excel.

He shook his head. Such thoughts were for later.

"He made it known that any who wished to serve me should speak to him first and then prepare to speak to me. Though my judgement and discernment are greater than his, he is still quite competent. I will take every precaution, but I am confident he will have weeded out the least suitable of the many candidates."

"And there have been many?" Regal Flame asked earnestly. She sincerely wished for his success. Regardless of any romantic feelings, they had been friends for a long time, and they trusted one another. She wanted him to succeed.

"Indeed. More than I expected although my expectations may have been too low to begin with." Doomwing chuckled. "I underestimated how many independent dragons there were."

"Ah." Regal Flame's expression grew sombre. "There have always been independent dragons, but the Fifth and Sixth Catastrophes made them more common."

"I see."

Doomwing felt the familiar sting of regret. The Fifth Catastrophe had been a calamity unlike anything he'd seen since the Broken God. Unlike the Lord of the Tides who had fought with wild abandon, the Fifth Catastrophe had fought with murderous precision. He had moved swiftly and decisively. Any dragon below the Fourth Awakening who encountered him was annihilated within moments. The Fourth Awakening dragons who faced him lasted longer, but they too fell before him. The loss of Chasmfang and the force that accompanied him had made it abundantly clear that only the primordial dragons could hope to survive extended combat against the Fifth Catastrophe, but even they could still fall if caught alone or in a situation where retreat was impossible. Ashheart, a dragon who had stood firm against countless foes, who had ripped the Lord of the Tides from the ocean, had almost died fighting the Fifth Catastrophe, and that was with the other primordial dragons fighting alongside him. It was all too easy to imagine the fates of the independent dragons and smaller factions that had encountered the Fifth Catastrophe.

As for the Sixth Catastrophe... despite a thousand years passing, Doomwing still felt regret. He should have caught Kagami's descent into madness and obsession sooner. But she had fooled even him, and many had paid the price for it. The madness she had inspired had driven many dragons to turn on their friends and families. Independent dragons and small factions were no exception. Powerful leaders had attacked their followers, or followers had turned upon their leaders. Children and parents had come to blows, and the old and young had been set against each other. Without the overwhelming power wielded by a primordial dragon or the unbreakable loyalty of followers like Firetail, the toll amongst the independent dragons and small factions had likely been grim indeed. The survivors had probably gone their separate ways. Either the trust between them was broken, or they no longer had the strength to hold onto their territory.

Doomwing could help make up for those mistakes and tragedies, but he would not do so at his own expense.

"I will take those who are loyal and those who may become loyal," Doomwing said. "Even if they lack talent and power." His golden eyes blazed momentarily. "There is much work to do in my territory, and too few to do it. There will be plenty of work for the untalented and weak, and I will be happy to give it to them if they can be trusted with it. Besides, the weak may yet grow strong with the right support, and the untalented can be aided, at least until the Second or Third Awakening."

With enough resources and support, even a mediocre dragon could reach the Third Awakening. It would take almost their entire life, and it would consume vast quantities of resources and require personalised and detailed support, but it could be done. Of course, it rarely happened. The leader of a faction had limited time and limited resources. Spending so much of both on a single dragon who would never reach their Fourth Awakening would be extremely wasteful unless that dragon stood out in some other way.

The Second Awakening was more forgiving. The resources and support required to elevate a mediocre talent to that level were easy enough for Doomwing to provide. Provided their foundation wasn't truly horrendous, then he could simply craft a few treasures - nothing too taxing - and have them spend time in his volcano or another place of great power. His lair was not a place he allowed others to enter lightly, but for those in his service who had proven themselves, he was willing to make exceptions.

As for the Fourth Awakening. Not even Doomwing could promise that. Talent was essential, and mediocre talent simply wouldn't do. Moreover, luck was necessary too, and he had seen many dragons of impressive talent fail. The fortunate lived to try again, though repairing the damage to allow a second attempt was the work of centuries or more. The unfortunate? They died, and they seldom died alone either, for the backlash of a failed Fourth Awakening was tremendous, capable of flattening entire nations. Lesser dragons caught in the blast could easily be slain, which was why Fourth Awakenings were only ever overseen by those who had already achieved theirs unless there was a primordial dragon present. Only a primordial dragon had the strength to protect lesser dragons from the backlash, which was why even those unaffiliated with a primordial dragon still sought them out for their attempts. After all, witnessing a successful Fourth Awakening could help a dragon achieve their own, so those making the attempt often wished for their family or friends to observe.

"A good strategy. Consider those with young families favourably," Regal Flame said. "Their families, especially the hatchlings, may seem like a burden at first, but they are also a safeguard against foolish actions while encouraging further loyalty."

Doomwing bared his teeth. He was not one to rely on hostages, but Regal Flame spoke truly. He hoped it never became an issue, but those with families were less likely to act foolishly since doing so would put those families at risk. More positively, those with families wanted what was best for them, and they would probably feel greater loyalty to whoever helped improve the lives of those they cared for. Indeed, even weak dragons would fight with ruthless fury to protect their hatchlings, so providing a better life for those hatchlings should naturally cultivate some loyalty.

"I surveyed my lands briefly before flying here, and I have tasked one of my doppelgängers with doing so in further detail during my absence. There are many places that a family of dragons might settle that are both far enough from others to guarantee privacy but close enough to ensure aid can arrive swiftly if required."

It helped that his territory included many different types of terrain. There were ample places along the coast for dragons affiliated with water to settle, along with the volcanic region and areas where lakes, plains, forests, and other features were prevalent. If a dragon required a specific environment, it was likely that Doomwing would have a suitable location for them.

"Think careful when allocating territory," Regal Flame cautioned. "Some dragons may do very well when placed near certain dragons but quite poorly when placed near others."

"Such considerations are more difficult," Doomwing conceded. "They will take time, for I do not know these dragons well."

"I can offer advice," Regal Flame. "The independent dragons in the areas adjacent to my territory are known to me and mine. My followers and I keep track of their various squabbles and feuds, if only to minimise the chances of them bringing trouble to my door. I will be happy to share that information. If they are from elsewhere, you can try asking the others."

Doomwing made a face. "Stormbringer is likely aware of even the littlest piece of gossip. Her followers and family travel far and wide, and they know how much she enjoys learning such details. It will be irksome to deal with her, but I suppose it will be worth it."

Regal Flame laughed. "She is not that bad."

"She is." Doomwing shuddered. "I dread the day she realises that the Pool of Ascension could be considered a form of dryad blood magic. When she does... I fear for Marcus's safety. Stomrbringer might very well fly all the way to the north herself to badger him about it." Doomwing snarled. "Knowing Marcus, he'll do what he must."

"Oh?" Regal Flame bit back a smile. She could tell by the way he spoke, that he was aggravated.

"Yes. Marcus isn't stupid. He won't be foolish enough to oppose Stormbringer himself, even if he knows he has my protection. He will simply remind her that although he is arguably the most well-versed in blood magic, there is another who has also studied it extensively."

"Ah." Regal Flame snickered. "You."

"Yes. Me. And you know what that means."

"She will go from badgering him to badgering you." Regal Flame laughed.

"Indeed, and Marcus will not hesitate to throw me to the proverbial wolves because it is the best way to ensure his own escape... and because he knows I will not blame him for it. As onerous as it may be, I can handle Stormbringer. He cannot say the same."

They continued their flight. The distance they covered would have exhausted lesser dragons, but they were primordial dragons. When they flew with their followers, they had no choice but to reduce their speed. Even Ashheart and Quakeclaw, the worst fliers amongst them, could still travel at speeds that put others to shame. As for Stormbringer, the greatest flier still amongst them, even Doomwing was not so foolish as to challenge her to a contest of pure aerial skill. Perhaps Dawnscale might have been able to best her, but Dawnscale had been gone for some time.

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As they flew, Doomwing continued to ask Regal Flame about matters related to ruling a faction. She held nothing back, answering his questions honestly and clearly. And to her credit, when she did not know the answer to something or believed that someone else would be better suited to reply, she did not hesitate to say so. Doomwing was well pleased by that. There was nothing worse than someone who insisted on offering answers despite knowing nothing at all. It was better to admit ignorance than fabricate wisdom.

At length, they drew to a halt, landing upon the shores of a large island.

"Hmm..." Doomwing's gaze narrowed. "It remains like this even now?"

Regal Flame nodded grimly. To the south of the island, there was a hole in the world. It hung over the surface of the sea, a crack in reality where the sunlight shone wrongly and where the waves refused to go. Doomwing reached out with his senses. Ancient and terrible magics ringed the crack, both his and Fractal Reign's.

"I assign regular patrols to this area, just in case anything changes. The merfolk and sea-dwellers here also keep a close eye on it. However..." Regal Flame nodded at the dragons in the distance who were basking on smaller islands that were closer to the crack. "It remains popular amongst independent dragons."

Doomwing growled. The crack was a remnant from the battle with the Exiled Star. That... creature's power had been enough to tear the very fabric of reality. Between the two of them, he and Fractal Reign had been able to repair most of those tears. Indeed, the smallest had closed on their own. But others, like this one, remained stubbornly open despite their best efforts. "The magic in place around the crack is designed to prevent anything from coming through. However, it is not perfect. Some... energy still leaks through. Both Fractal Reign and I believe that energy to be harmless."

"In the years since the crack formed, there have been no reports of anything even vaguely resembling the Exiled Star," Regal Flame replied. "And my followers have kept a close eye on those who bask in the energies it emits. There have been no anomalies. It would seem that the energy can be metabolised safely, and for independent dragons without access to powerful currents of magic of their own..."

"It is a tempting location," Doomwing said.

"Where does the crack lead?" Regal Flame asked.

"I cannot be certain. But I do not believe it leads to anywhere at all."

"Oh?" Regal Flame's brows furrowed.

"The world is made up of many layers," Doomwing rumbled. "The physical world is one such layer. The Dreaming Lands is another, as is the astral plane. Fractal Reign and I believe that the crack is a hole that pierces through those many layers, allowing energy from them to bleed into the physical world. However, the combined energies flowing through the crack are too different and violent to allow safe travel in either direction. And even if you could somehow use it to travel, you would only appear in a location corresponding to this one, albeit in a different layer. As for why those energies can be metabolised, I suspect that such energies are swiftly converted to something compatible with the physical world upon exiting the crack. Any discrepancies can likely be handled by a dragon's ability to metabolise magic and other energies." He scowled. "But continue to keep a close watch. That wretched creature was a powerful foe. We were fortunate to defeat him, and I would not enjoy facing the likes of him again."

Regal Flame nodded grimly. She had been badly wounded by the Exiled Star although not the point of near-death like Ashheart. Still, Soulseeker would not have attempted his foolishness if not for those injuries, nor would he have survived the attempt if she had been anything close to her full strength. "I will." She leaned forward. "Hmm..."

"What is it?"

"There." She nodded at a blue-scaled dragon who had chosen an island closer to the crack than any of the others. It was clear from his uncomfortable expression and tense frame that such close proximity was not without danger, but he remained firm, unfurling his wings and entering a state of deep meditation to absorb as much energy as possible. "I would suggest trying to recruit him if you can. His name is Timebinder."

Doomwing studied the younger dragon intently. He belonged to the rift dragon lineage, and he had recently achieved a Second Awakening. However, his foundation was outstanding, a product of not only hard work and talent but also the finest resources. "He is talented, but that alone is not reason to suggest him. What is different about him?"

"It relates to his history," Regal Flame replied. "His father was Ethersurge."

"Ethersurge?" Doomwing had to use memory magic to identify where he had heard the name before. "A dragon of the Third Awakening, not particularly talented, if I recall correctly, but hard-working. He travelled frequently as an independent dragon, but I heard he settled down after he and his mate had a hatchling." Doomwing paused. "He was old, very old. Did age claim him then? When last I met him, I did not think he had the talent or foundation to achieve a Fourth Awakening."

Regal Flame shook her head. "It would have been better if it had. Near the end of the Sixth Age he attempted a Fourth Awakening."

"Not the wisest decision," Doomwing said. A dragon of the Third Awakening could often extend their lifespan greatly with the right techniques and resources, even if they couldn't achieve a Fourth Awakening. For those who lacked the talent, it was not a bad option. Indeed, it was often the wisest option. After all, a dead dragon could not help their kin, whilst even a weakening Third Awakening dragon could still provide ample aid and influence. "A Fourth Awakening should not be attempted lightly. Did he fall during the attempt?"

"No. However, the attempt failed." Regal Flame sighed. "I was there during the attempt. Without my intervention, he would have lost his life, but even I could not spare him from the consequences. He was crippled, and his lifespan was reduced even further."

"He was fortunate," Doomwing replied. "Many who fail die outright. You did well to save his life, even if you could not avert all harm."

"When he realised his situation, he diverted all his efforts toward Timebinder. He spent his hoard lavishly, acquiring everything that Timebinder would need to build a truly excellent foundation. He also sought out the resources his son would need himself. Even crippled, a Third Awakening dragon is still a formidable foe to most."

"Yes." Doomwing had seen many Third Awakening dragons over the years. An experienced Third Awakening dragon could be incredibly dangerous to anyone who hadn't attained their Fourth Awakening, and it wasn't unheard of for a young, newly ascended Fourth Awakening dragon to find themselves on the back foot against a truly ancient Third Awakening dragon. "So what became of Ethersurge?"

"The Sixth Catastrophe," Regal Flame said bluntly.

Doomwing's jaw clenched, and flame kindled in his mouth. Of all the mistakes had had made in his life, failing to perceive Kagami's treachery until it was too late would always rank amongst the worst. "What happened?"

"At the time, Ethersurge and his mate, Runewind, were part of a group of independent dragons. They lived in this area, using the energy from the crack to fuel their growth. Timebinder was young then, so he stayed with his mother while his father sought out various treasures and resources. At the height of the Sixth Catastrophe, the group was consumed by madness." Regal Flame's eyes blazed with baleful azure light. "Timebinder does not like to speak of it, but my followers and I have learned bits and pieces of it over the years. Most of the independent dragons were driven mad. In the chaos, Timebinder nearly perished, but his mother died defending him. He fled, but because of his youth, he did not get far before the mad dragons caught up to him. Fortunately, Ethersurge returned."

"Since Timebinder is still alive, I assume that Ethersurge was able to fight them off."

"Yes. Though he was crippled and old, Ethersurge was far more experienced than any of the others in battle, and their madness had robbed them of their wits and cunning. However..." Regal Flame shook her head. "Not long after driving off or slaying the other dragons, Ethersurge himself fell prey to madness."

Doomwing dragged in a deep breath. "Then something else must have happened. There is no way that Timebinder could have fought off or evaded a dragon like his father."

Regal Flame did not answer directly, but the answer she gave was more than enough. "In my hoard, there is an item that Timebinder has entrusted to me because he lacks the strength to defend it, but he cannot afford to have it fall into another's hands. When he is ready to make use of it, I will return it to him."

"What is this item?" Doomwing suspected the answer already, but he needed to hear it spoken.

"The heart of a crippled Third-Awakening dragon, one given willingly. There is great power in it still, and the preservation magic I have used on it has kept that power safely contained for a thousand years. If it could be properly processed, it would make an ideal catalyst for an attempt at a Fourth Awakening."

Doomwing closed his eyes. "I see." And he did. He had confronted many beings driven mad by Kagami. Most were forever lost to the madness, either completely insane or helplessly bent to her will. But some, while lacking the strength to truly break free, nevertheless had strength enough for moments of self-control and lucidity.

A father seeing his son fleeing alone. Just that would have been enough for Ethersurge to know that his mate was dead. Otherwise, Runewind would have been there with Timebinder. Old and crippled, he must have dredged up every last bit of experience and resolve to slay or drive off the dragons pursuing his son, only to find himself falling prey to the same madness that had infected them. But could Ethersurge, a dragon who had all but emptied his hoard to ensure his son's future, who even crippled and aged continued to seek out resources and treasures for his son, could such a dragon truly strike his own son down?

No.

Doomwing could see it now: a brief moment of lucidity, and with it a choice; the easiest choice in the world for a father like that to make.

"I suspect," Regal Flame murmured. "That Ethersurge tore out his own heart to protect his son." She turned to Doomwing. "What Timebinder seeks most in the world is to honour the memories of his parents by accomplishing what they could not: achieving a Fourth Awakening. He is talented and hard-working. His foundation is a masterpiece. What he needs now are opportunities to continue growing and a way to forge his father's heart into the perfect catalyst. You can give him both, and if you do, he will be loyal to you forever. That is the kind of dragon he is."

"You could have secured his loyalty for yourself," Doomwing replied.

"Only by lying to him. I cannot turn his father's heart into a perfect catalyst, and I will not dishonour his father's memory by lying about that. But you can do it." She took a deep breath. "I know what happened to your parents. Mother Tree told me."

Doomwing stilled. "She did?" Doomwing had not shared the fate of his parents with many. Mother Tree had known. And Regal Flame had been like a daughter to her. "And what do you think of my actions?"

"You did what you had to." Regal Flame met his gaze evenly. "You did the only thing you could. And... I think it shows how much your parents loved you." She reached out and tapped one claw against his chest over the patch of scales that was still not quite the same colour as all the others. It was where Kagami's god-metal spear had pierced his chest. It was over his heart. "As long as you live, as long as your heart still beats, they are not gone. You carry them with you, and every moment that you live, every deed that you accomplish is a testament to their sacrifice. They may have been humble dragons, not storied legends or hand-picked by the gods, but the son they raised has risen higher than any other. They would be proud."

Doomwing said nothing for a long time and then gently wrapped his claw around hers before releasing it. "Thank you." His gaze shifted to Timebinder. "I will make him an offer."

Doomwing lay in the lair he had been given. He would be departing once he had finished recruiting dragons to join him. His time in Regal Flame's territory had given him much to think on.

He raised one claw, and magic flared to life. With a few thoughts, he sculpted an item. It was a simple thing, a trinket of magical alloy with the ability to store magic and then gradually release it. It was, in every way, a pitiful item, not something he would normally pay any attention to. But it was a replica of an item his parents had been so proud of acquiring for him. They had been humble dragons, and he had been their only child. They had not had much, but they had worked hard to ensure he had a bright future. This item, though a trinket by his current standards, had been better than anything Doomwing had possessed at the time. The original was back in Doomwing's volcano, kept in the section containing his most prized possessions.

Was it strange that he still thought so deeply and fondly about his time with his parents? Measured against the full length of his life, his time with them had been incredibly short. Such thoughts reminded him of a conversation he had once had with Elerion.

"I've gotten old," Elerion had said one day after training. By then, his old friend's hair had been more grey than gold although Kagami had insisted on calling it silver. She had always hated the signs of ageing he'd shown, for each greying hair was yet more evidence that her time with him was coming to a close. "But, you know, I just had the strangest thought."

"What?" Doomwing had asked.

"It's just... I've known you for almost my entire life," Elerion had said. "In truth, I find it harder and harder to remember the days before we met. But... from your perspective, you've hardly known me for any time at all. What are the decades we've known each other compared to a life that is measured in Ages?" He'd shaken his head. "What difference could one drop of water make to the ocean?"

Doomwing had laughed then, long and loud. Elerion had stared at him, perhaps wondering if he was about to say something almost cruel in its bluntness, for Doomwing was often blunt although he seldom meant to be cruel. "Your analogy is flawed."

"What makes you say that?"

"You are not one drop of water in the ocean," Doomwing had replied. "You - the years we've known each other - are like a gold coin in my hoard."

"Just one coin?" Elerion had chuckled. "I suppose that's not a bad analogy either."

"My hoard is vast," Doomwing had said. "It contains countless treasures... and yet, my friend, if even a single coin were to be taken from it, I would know. If even a single coin were missing, my hoard would not be the same." He bared his teeth. "That is the weight of our friendship, Elerion. Small though it may seem when weighed against the rest of my life, still, my life would not be same if it were gone."

"You know," Elerion had said. "You can be oddly sentimental at times."

"Perhaps," Doomwing had replied. "But a hoard does not grow grand out of nowhere. It is built coin by coin, treasure by treasure, piece by piece. My life has been the same."

Doomwing stared at the trinket in his claw before dismissing it with a thought, reducing it back to the magic that had made it. The dead were gone. There was no bringing them back. But as one of the living, the least he could do was make sure their sacrifices were worth it.

"Hmm..." He chuckled as he imagined his parents meeting first Regal Flame and then her parents. What a sight that would have been although Doomwing could only imagine how intimidated he would have been meeting Sovereign Flame as a young dragon. The legendary dragon had been so mighty that even now, Doomwing wasn't sure if he could match him. "I wonder what my parents would have thought of her." His lips curled. "They'd have liked her, I think."