“They are scared of our dragons!” shouted Darsan. “They wouldn’t use such a cowardly tactic of taking so many hostages if they weren’t scared we would fry all those bastards where they stand!”

“Th-that’s our main issue,” muttered his sister. “We c-can’t use Kian or Krai if they k-keep the fight in the streets of the C-Capital, Darsan. Our d-dragons could injure the people there...”

“Pff,” said her brother, shrugging. “Cowards, I tell you. Don’t worry, though, we’ll find a way. In fact, why don’t we just use this to our advantage? We know where the bastards are. It’s so much easier than when we have to pull those damn Northerners down from their mountains for a proper fight!”

Cessilia thought about his words, and realized that he might be right. Like her older brother had said, the Yekara had taken control of the Inner Capital, but because of the city’s unique configuration, that meant they knew exactly where they were and the fight wouldn’t scatter to several fronts. In fact, it wouldn’t necessarily turn into an all-out war.

“...We’re g-going to need a map,” she suddenly declared to the Cheshi women. “A very accurate m-map, and as much information as you c-can get us about the Yekara.”

“Of course. We will put everything you need at your disposal. Aglithia, you and the triplets stay with Lady Cessilia. I will make sure we are ready when they need us.”

“Understood, Grandmother.”

Then, Cessilia turned to Darsan and Naptunie.

“We should p-pick the armor we will use for the fight. For you, Darsan, and Kassian, T-Tessa, myself, and Ashen t-too. Nana, you t-too.”

“Me? But I can’t fight! I mean, I know a thing or two, but I really can’t be in the middle of the battle! I’ll just die, get injured, be useless, or worse, be a danger to others!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you!” exclaimed Darsan with a bright smile.

“At least p-pick something to protect yourself,” nodded Cessilia. “S-Something you can carry, not t-too big for you.”

“I’ll see...”

Cessilia turned again toward Elder Olea.

“Is it r-really alright?”

“Of course, Lady Cessilia. In fact, it feels more right to me than any other action this clan has ever taken. So please, do.”

Cessilia smiled and followed Darsan and Naptunie, who were already busy choosing things as a pair, with Naptunie smartly advising Darsan on what they should pick for her, himself, and Kassian. Meanwhile, Cessilia quickly picked a set of armor for Tessandra, one for herself, and their weapons too. Luckily, Tessandra, her brothers, and herself had all trained together, so it was a quick decision as to what would be best for whom. Ashen’s pick was a bit more complicated, but Darsan and Cessilia eventually agreed. Ironically, Darsan reducing the number of items available with his clumsiness had made the whole process easier...

“Do not worry about the... damages,” sighed Elder Olea. “We will find something to do with those. We haven’t forgotten the techniques that created them... fortunately!”

“I’ll give you some of my dragon’s scales if needed,” promised Darsan.

“D-Darsan, can you and Nana g-go ahead and take those?” Cessilia asked them. “I will b-be right behind you.”

“Sure thing!”

Darsan had no issues carrying all of the armor for himself, Kassian, and Ashen alone, including their weapons, while Cessilia had hers and Tessandra’s. He left, happy to entertain Naptunie and show off his strength in carrying the heavy load, his eyes literally stuck on her the whole time. Cessilia watched them go with a little smile, before turning to Aglithia and her grandmother.

“I c-can’t help but think we are p-pushing you into a war that you c-could have been spared from...”

Aglithia and her grandmother exchanged a quick glance, both smiling faintly.

“Times change, Princess Cessilia,” said the old lady. “New generations come, and the more time I spent in this clan, the more I realized that, perhaps, King Ashen’s mother wasn’t just an isolated case. We cannot keep our youth cloistered behind these walls, and living like rats spying on others without ever mingling with the rest of the world we live in. Our ancestors might have had issues with the other tribes, but what of today? Bright young women like your friend from the Dorosef Tribe are proof that, unlike us, the other tribes have evolved, and learned to get along. ...Well, for most of them, at the very least. I believe your arrival only brought forward something that was bound to happen to our clan sooner or later. Do not worry. We are truly done hiding... Now, it is time we show those Yekara that King Ashen isn’t as isolated as they think, and a more legitimate King than they claim too.”

“...So you d-do like him after all, Elder Olea,” smiled Cessilia, “d-don’t you? You’re not j-just helping because of my b-brothers and our dragons.”

The elder chuckled, and stepped forward, taking Cessilia’s hand and giving her a little wink.

“That should stay between us, Princess, but of course I do. ...That boy was almost my grandson, after all!”

OceanofPDF.com

Chapter 24

When Cessilia came back out of the tunnel, accompanied by Aglithia, she found the little shop completely empty; it seemed like Nana and Darsan had gone ahead with the armor. It wasn’t surprising; she and Aglithia had taken the extra time to select a couple of the very well-designed maps of her clan, which they were carrying now.

They went back to the streets and under the rain, quickly making their way back to Lady Bastat’s house. Cessilia was glad they could cover the armor with cloaks because the shiny armor would have surely drawn some attention... She glanced to the side where the sun was starting to rise above the sea. How long did they have left? They would need to strike fast if they hoped to save Sabael and the others... too much blood had already been spilled throughout the night. She couldn’t help but feel a hint of guilt. The Yekara wouldn’t have attacked like this if they hadn’t felt threatened by her presence. Luckily, she didn’t get lost in her dark thoughts for too long; as soon as they approached the house, they heard how loud it was inside, and pushed the door open to find almost everyone busy putting their armor on already.

Naptunie was helping an overexcited Darsan secure the attachments of the large armor he had picked, one of a bright orange color, and probably the heaviest too. It was covering his shoulders, torso, and arms, with only small pieces for his waist, hips, and legs. His armor was the one most similar to regular armor, while the others were lighter. He was the only one strong enough to carry so much, although he probably didn’t need all of it. On the other side of the room, Ashen and Kassian were still busy observing the ones Cessilia had picked for them, putting on piece after piece.

Despite all the ruckus in the room, Naptunie was quickly sharing with them what they had heard from the Cheshi, perfectly retelling the legend of the dragons, as well as everything they had learned about their relationship to their ancestors. Cessilia gave the armor to Tessandra in silence so as not to interrupt Nana, and began putting her own on. The armor was indeed heavy, and it took her a while just to attach each piece.

“I’m in love with these,” muttered Tessandra. “If I wasn’t so worried about Sab, I’d be jumping around right now.”

The armor they had picked for her fit perfectly. It was a bright, very light green color, composed of a large but molded breastplate, a large belt, and forearm, elbow, knee, and shin protectors. Unlike ordinary armor for soldiers, these were obviously made to fit the needs of dragon riders, not just for protection. The size was also adjustable thanks to the leather belts on each piece, and Tessandra was already busy moving around to test its mobility when Lady Bastat walked in.

“They are beautiful,” she said, impressed. “Oh, please let me, uh... help you.”

Cessilia raised her head, and saw Lady Bastat quickly walk across the room to go and help Kassian, who was visibly struggling to attach his breastplate to the back piece. They didn’t exchange a word, the two of them focused on the leather piece, but Cessilia thought they were standing surprisingly close, and very calmly too... It looked as if a small bubble had appeared around them.

She turned around, finding the need to go see Ashen. She had been shy about walking up to him since they had come back. Their short interaction that morning had left her a bit uneasy, and now, she wasn’t sure where things were at. The arrival of the armor and the retelling of what had happened at the Cheshi residence had taken priority over their reunion... She walked up to him. He was now standing and leaning against the table he was lying on earlier, trying to put on the silver-white armor they had picked for him.

“...How d-do you feel?” she asked.

He raised his eyes, his black irises suddenly meeting hers. For a second, she felt incredibly wary of his reaction, but much to her relief, a smile soon appeared on his lips. He finished tightening his forearm protection with one movement, and then gently placed his hands on her cheeks, caressing them gently.

“Much better, now that you’re here. ...I’m sorry about earlier.”

Cessilia felt relieved, finally. Ashen wasn’t mad or upset at all. Instead, his eyes expressed deep regret, and one of his hands came to take hers.

“I always need... a long time to get to the answers I need,” he muttered. “I’m sorry I made you suffer again.”

“It’s alright...”

“Cessi.”

He gently lifted her chin up with his finger, making sure they’d look into each other’s eyes. Cessilia smiled shyly. How strange was it that she always felt shy in front of his big dark eyes... She took a deep breath in, and nodded, leaning closer to him. They were fine now. Ashen smiled, and gently put his forehead against hers with a smile.

“...You’ve been busy,” he muttered. “The Cheshi, huh?”

“They d-don’t hate you.”

“Just my luck.”