She nodded again and Nadir raised his eyebrows in admiration, too.  

“What a wonderful bit of news.” 

“We have much more to discuss. Your timing is perfect as we were about to hold a strategy session with all leaders,” Anders said. 

Remli nodded, “Good, good. I’ll have Roarhorn sit in for me. He’s the one with the bushy red beard,” he said, pointing absently behind him at the group of dwarfs. “As for me, I must find my daughter.” 

Anders pointed to the aviary, still visible in the fading light, “The two armies have already made a camp on the Plains. From the aviary, you’ll find the trail leading out to the camp. It’s not more than a few hours’ walk.” As Anders finished his sentence, Remli shouted over to his queen. He jogged toward her and the two of them took off toward the aviary. Anders saw several dwarfs chase after them, shouting, “Wait! Your Majesties, wait for your escort!”  

Nadir started to laugh as four dwarfs chased after their King and Queen. “I don’t know what it was about him that my father didn’t like?”  

“He’ll want his representative present for our meeting,” Anders said. “I told the others we’d begin at dark.”  

Nadir nodded, “Windminer Roarhorn is on his way. Remli has full confidence in him.”  

“Good. We’ll wait and walk together. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to my family.” When he motioned to them, Thomas immediately jumped forward. “King Nadir, these are my two cousins, Kirsten and Thomas.” 

Thomas bowed and said, “It’s an honor to be in your presence, your Majesty.” 

Kirsten stuck her hand out and shook Nadir’s as she would greet any man, “Welcome to Westland.”  

Anders saw Thomas glare disapprovingly at her, so he quickly directed the attention to Bo, “And this is Max’s brother, Bo.”  

“Ah, yes, he was so fascinated by the mountain trolls of the Eastland Mountains,” Nadir said.  

“Trolls?” Maija asked.  

Nadir smiled, “Yes.” 

“Are they big?” 

“Bigger than most humans and elves, yes,” Nadir said, then tilted his head, “Why do you ask?” 

“It’s not important,” Maija said, shaking her head. 

Anders eyed her curiously and she said into his thoughts, I’ll explain later.  

Anders saw Thomas staring at him expectantly. Before he could ask him why, Thomas said, “I’m sure the King is tired from his journey and would like a proper meal and refreshments.”

Anders blinked at Thomas in surprise and Thomas added, “It is customary and expected when royalty arrives.” 

“I see your cousin knows how to treat his guests properly,” Nadir said. “Thank you, Thomas. It’s nice to be received with such warmth after our hardship, but I would rather get down to business. Perhaps after the meeting I’ll take my meal.”  

Thomas blushed, and bowed gracefully again. 

Roarhorn joined them and Anders led the group down the beach toward Brookside. As they walked, Nadir asked, “Natalia told me about what happened to your father. I’m sorry.” 

“Hopefully I can figure out how to speak with him soon,” Anders said.  

Nadir frowned, “I don’t understand.” 

Anders explained about the box and Ivan’s soul being present. “I know it’s hard to believe,” Anders said.  

“I’ve heard stranger things,” Nadir said. “So, you are now King and a dragonrider king at that.” 

“You knew then?” Anders asked. 

“I knew he was Kaufen’s son,” Nadir said. “But that you were his son, I didn’t know until you came to train at the riders’ facility. He told me he wanted to break the news, but in his own way.” 

“Did he tell you why he never took the throne?” 

“His reasons for not accepting his role he kept to himself.”  

“We might never know.” 

“When you speak with him next, you can ask him yourself.”  

“That opportunity appears to be closing with each passing day,” Anders said.  

“But you’ve told the other leaders of your birthright?” Nadir asked. 

Anders shook his head, “Not yet.”  

“Why not?” Nadir asked. 

“I can’t bring myself to accept that it’s true. The people here aren’t used to a dragon helping them and I’m afraid that if I claim the throne, they won’t accept me and I’ll lose their loyalty. I’ve already had to fight to prove I'm not here for a hostile takeover.” 

“Well, it’s not my place to tell you what to do, but I think you know what I think you should do.”  

“Exactly, I want to do what you did to prove to your people that you were meant to be their leader,” Anders said. 

“It worked for me; If Merglan hadn’t gotten in the way, I would be loved by all.”  

“Merglan is in my way and I have to focus on him before I can address my role in the people's leadership.” 

“You are just like him,” Nadir said. 

“Like who?” Anders asked. 

“Ivan. You push away the title, but act as a leader without blinking an eye.” Anders furrowed his brow as Nadir continued, “Take a look around, Anders. You have managed to get all five nations of Kartania together and fight for the same goal. No king or queen of any race has managed to do that. Leadership is a natural fit. People will follow you whether you tell them to or not.” 

“They’ve come to fight the one person who’s trying to destroy all our homes. I’m sure they would’ve come together without me.” 

“That’s not true and we have thirty years’ evidence of fighting the sorcerer to prove it,” Nadir responded.  

Anders decided he wasn’t going to change Nadir’s mind and did not reply. Though he was happy to have his elf friend present, he didn’t show it until they reached the cobblestone street. “Welcome to Brookside, Nadir,” he said.  

Nadir looked at the single and two-story buildings and nodded. The dwarf who had trailed along did as well, adding, “For being above ground, it’s a fine place. Lots of stone underfoot.”