Page 103 of Consort's Dragon
“It means exactly what I’ve said.The blooded bond allows me to slip into minds.”
“Like Zhos!”Gustav huffed.
“We don’t control the person, merely see what they see.”
“And can they do the same in return?”Griff asked.
“Some can.”Starlight cocked her head.“You’ve seen through a dragon’s eyes.”
“Yes, he has, and it was very annoying as I was hunting at the time and he completely distracted me,” Argent grumbled.
Griffon blinked and Avera brought the conversation back around.“Okay, so we know the guardians are in Velunda with the other three dragons.We’re assuming the guardians’ plan is to sacrifice them for the blood to immobilize Zhos, and then have the one they don’t kill take Zhos through the rift.Only, you want to stop them from doing that.”
Starlight shrugged.“I’m unclear as to what I shall do when I arrive, however, I feel a strong need to be present.”
Avera wondered if that need was contagious.“And you’re willing to take me and Griff?”
Kreed protested, “You can’t take just the two of them.That would be suicide.”
“Yeah, Cap.You can’t be battling evil without your crew,” Simhi huffed.
Starlight shook her head.“I doubt this fight will be won with blades.”
“You can’t be sure of that, though,” Gustav pointed out.
“It’s pointless arguing because I can’t carry you all,” Starlight stated.
No one looked at the silently listening Argent.He’d been clear that he was along for one reason only: To save his kin, but only if he wouldn’t die in the process.His trauma ran deep whereas Starlight wanted the same, but it also appeared she wasn’t averse to getting involved.At the same time, her goal was different than Avera’s.She wanted to save the other dragons.Avera… she needed to save the world.
If it wasn’t too late.
Zhos already thought she’d lost.He’d told her so the night before in her dream where for a brief second she saw it.A squat creature of brackish colored skin standing in the throne room she knew so well, snarling,You’re too late.I’m free and now the world will pay.There is nothing you or your companions can do to stop me.But feel free to try…An invitation that ended in an evil cackle before the vision shattered.
It left her shaken because she understood the taunt was meant to goad her into coming.Most likely Zhos had laid a trap in anticipation that she would, but what other choice did she have?The rift would open shortly.As to how long it would remain ajar?That could vary according to Starlight.
I remember the first time I saw the conduit between our worlds and the other.It stayed open for days.But with each appearance that has shortened.The last occurrence lasted only an hour.A good thing it was short-lived, given the debris it dumped.Had the flow not stopped, more than the lake might have been poisoned.
The possibly short duration meant Avera might have only minutes to find a way to toss Zhos into the rift.She had to keep trying to convince Argent or Starlight to help.Perhaps they could lob the entity through the rift?They were big and strong.Maybe Zhos could be pushed off the highest parapet into it.By all indications, it would appear close to the castle over the Lake of Tears.
“You do realize Zhos and its puppets are expecting you?”Argent finally spoke.
“Yes.I also know that if we sit here doing nothing, Zhos will come for us, and then what?”Avera arched a brow.“We can’t fly away and hide in a volcano.Nor can we return if we die.”
“And exactly how will you, little tiara queen, stop Zhos?You have no weapon to pierce its flesh.Nothing but your blood, and you don’t have a considerable amount of that to start with,” Argent pointed out.
“I’m aware, but unlike you, I’m not afraid to try and do something.I won’t be a coward who hides from adversity, knowing I could make a difference.”
Argent hissed.“You dare to insult me.”
“I dare to challenge you,” she huffed right back.“Yes, what happened to you and the others was horrible, but have you given any thought to what will really happen if Zhos is left unchecked?”
“Humans will die.”He shrugged.
“Humans will die first.But Zhos won’t stop there.Next will be the animals, leaving you with no food.Have you ever starved before?I assume it will kill you.And when you die, this time there will be no resurrection.No humans to dump you in a volcano.Nothing.Forever.”Avera didn’t hold back, and Argent recoiled.
“We would keep a few blooded and herds,” he argued.
“Do you really think Zhos will let you live, knowing your blood is its weakness?”Avera kept hammering Argent.“It might be a century, even a few depending how long it takes for it to dominate the world, but once it’s conquered the continents, it will come for you.”
