Page 49 of Upon Buried Embers
Rohan
I enter the war tent, ready to hear what has been happening since I left for The Pit at the start of winter.
Every year, we go there to collect lava using reinforced buckets made from dragon scales for Bellamy and his forge. It’s used to reinforce weapons and saddles with dragon scales once dragon fire has melted them.
The flap of the tent opens and Kaldar strides in as I wait on the other side of the table. He’s been with me since he left behind the town he grew up in, wanting a new life. I’m still uncertain of the circumstances that led to his choice, but over the years, I’ve put some pieces together.
As my second, and head of combat, he’s also my closest friend. A brother.
He nods, resting his hands on the table, looking down at the map. “Is this year the year?” He asks, and I fold my arms over my chest.
“It has to be. If she can do what she needs to do, I can get close enough to end it.”
“And can she?”
I shrug. “That’s what we’ll figure out when the time comes.”
He nods. “And that time is coming sooner rather than later.”
I grunt in agreement. “It is. This opportunity has landed in our laps, we must not waste it. No matter what.”
Kaldar looks up, eyes determined. “No matter what.”
Asseya comes in a short while later. She’s skilled in the art of healing, and a prized clan member I saved from a demon that was traveling from the north. He used his will over snakes to torment the innocent, and Asseya was one of them.
I never found out why he was traveling in Dracozar, I didn’t exactly ask. My axe was buried in his skull before he got three words out.
I asked Asseya once, but she shook her head not wanting to talk about it. I respect that wish as she heals my clan.
“Dragonbond.” Asseya bows her head in greeting, holding her hands in front of her as I take in the dark color she puts on her face. It flows down from her eyebrows to the hollow of her neck in two lines. A few dots have been added down the bridge of her nose, a custom to healers of her kind, is what she told me.
She says it’s to be closer to the Sky Gods that bless her.
We only bless the Dragon Mother here. But I’m not one to tell her who she can bless. I couldn’t give a fuck.
Next to enter is Dorkin. His hair is in four braids coming down to his waist, and circular glasses perched on his nose. He works on trades between clans, especially our saddles for dragons, and dealing with any relations with the king. That’s something I loathe doing every single time.
He nods in greeting, papers in his hand. I eye them in disdain.
Rhett, head scout, follows shortly after. His skin glistening with sweat. I’ve no doubt he paid a quick visit to his wife.
Calian and Adora enter last.
With everyone around the table, the meeting can begin.
My Keeper of Beasts stands beside Asseya, while Dorkin and Rhett are beside Kaldor.
They’re all on their side of the table, and I stand on my own.
Why?
Because I like being able to see any threats. Is it a bit over the top to do this even with my inner circle? Maybe.
“Calian?” I start.
“All de-saddled and fed, the dragons have gone to the caves to rest up. I checked and all are accounted for.”
I nod. “Kaldor.”
