Page 121 of The Exiled Dragon

“She doesn’t want to fight,” I growled again.

“Oh, my fledgling, none of us do. And I don’t think Odessa will have to fight much. It is the power that needs to be awakened in her. She made much progress in just those three days she spent with Cyrene. Look what she could do. Using your body, she sucked the black magic out of a ten large tree radius. With the help of the Orcs, we won swiftly and lost only a few.”

“A few is tae mony,” my father muttered. “Ony loss is a significant loss. If we worked th’gither, we wull prevail. Ah juist ken it.”

My doubts were there. It was hard for me to want to fight for my tribe who shunned me for so many years, even with magic cursed on them. Now we must fight for all species in the entire realm so that children and future generations could live on in peace. Would there ever be peace?

“Father,” I grunted. “I want you to take the Alpha position of the Toboki Tribe.” Mother and Father sat silent, hearing the crackling of the fire. The Faes that had gathered for its warmth took their food bowls and departed.

“Son, a’m….…”

“No,” I interrupted. “You would be the best. I see the tribe with nothing but bitterness and anger at what they did to me. The magic held over their heads has cut me. I will always have an unpleasant taste when dealing with the tribe. It makes sense for you and Mother to take over as Alphas. You are the start of the new generation.” My lip curled into a smile. “I’m sure you both want to have more children and watch them grow together?” Mother’s lips pursed together in a thin line.

“Fledgling, you are our first-born son. You will always be our child.” Mother pulled my face to her forehead. “You would make a great Alpha, the best in all the tribes, but I will not force you if you do not wish for it.” Sighing heavily, I pulled my fawn upright so her face was buried in the crook of my neck.

“We have both suffered too much and want to live in peace. We will be part of the tribe but would like to live in the cave we call home.”

Father continued to hold Mother, staring into the fire. His grip grew tighter, and Mother’s hands went to pull his face away. “What do you want to do, Apollo?” Father gripped my knee, giving a gentle squeeze.

“If this is whit oor son wants, then sae be it” Mother embraced him. We both sat together as a family, thinking about what tomorrow may bring. The darkened sky was now lit with the blue moon that hung over our heads.

This night the blue moon shone brighter, lighting the entire encampment area. We were so far south, it should seem impossible for it to be so bright, but I took it as a sign that the Moon Goddess was watching over my family, to protect us and keep us safe and, most of all, bonded together.

***

Late into the night, Odessa and I lay in a tent made by the Orcs. They had been extremely helpful, especially to those who had mated with them. They looked on longingly as I held my mate. A soft growl reverberated through my chest as I laid her in our nesting area for the night.

Crawling out, one Orc stared at me. This one was smaller in build with a short haircut that reminded me of Werewolves of the west. “May I ask you a question?” I crossed my arms, waiting. The Orc named Valpar held a large club on his back, his armor removed and built, much like one of the smaller Dragons. Keeping my stance, he continued with his words, licking his lips as he spoke.

“What’s it like? When you meet a fated one?” My stance softened, watching him grip his satchel that hung across his chest. “When you find her, what do you feel?”

My arms hung at my side, unsure how to answer the question. When I first met my fawn, she was hiding in a tree. I had an unmistakable pull to her, but it wasn’t as strong as the bond I feel now. Once my bond took effect, it was like she was the water, and I was the fire begging to be put out. He was like me. He didn’t understand the bond at all, but he could ask and seek answers. How could I deny him when I was in the same position only a month ago?

“It’s a pull,” I said lowly. “A pull that leaves no doubt in your mind that the female is yours.” Valpar stood, listening. “Many go by smell. It’s intoxicating, and makes you want to devour them whole.” I smiled, thinking of Odessa’s citrus scent. “Others their sight, like the Fae as I have noticed. Just looking into their eyes, and you know.” Valpar’s gigantic eyes sparkled in awe. “But with everyone, I have noticed, you know, by touch. Unmistakable fire coals run up your arms, your eyes dilate, and the most animalistic part of you comes to the surface to claim what has been destined for you.”

“Oh,” Valpar spoke, looking at the ground. “It sounds too good to be true.” He chuckled. “Do you think that Orcs have a chance too? We may have a tribe that comes together in times of war, but usually, we are all on our own, defending our territory. It gets lonely. Male Orcs are all considered… Alphas… that’s the word I heard used. Males can’t stand being amongst other males for long periods. We crave companionship.”

“I, too, know of loneliness,” I said. “Once you find your mate, you will never feel it in your heart again.” Valpar gave a toothy grin. His lower teeth stuck out of his underbite. Has the goddess-given him someone that doesn’t care about appearances, just like my fawn?

Osirus arrived shortly after Valpar left, giving a quick bow. “We will pack up at sunrise and get back to the kingdom. The Orcs that helped us today are coming back with us.” My hesitation took Osirus by surprise when I didn’t answer him quickly.

“You will not question bringing an unknown species back to the palace?” Shaking my head, I watched as the three Orcs looked up to the moon, chatting animatedly. Valpar was explaining the pull to the others, both smiling frantically.

“No, I am not. Their hearts remind me of mine. They are lonely. They wish for their mates.” Osirus grunted in agreement.

“Many soldiers are wary.” Osirus slouched his shoulders.

“You are king, are you not?” I smirked. Osirus took my joke with a hearty laugh.

“Anyway, they will be looked after closely. Can I count on you and your family to help as well? Your family’s tribe of seven are the strongest.”

“Seven?” I raised a brow.

“Creed, you have little faith in what your little fawn can do. Trust me; great things are coming.” Patting my shoulder, I tried to count how he would get that number. Amora, Nicholas, mother, father, me, Odessa. Fluffy was strong. Maybe he is including him in our family tribe? Scratching my brow, I shrugged my shoulders and wiped away my worry for the day. The unfamiliar forest of dead trees, hanging vines, and strange bird sounds from the darkness did not comfort me. These woods were strange; if the wall were to come down, someone would have to explore and map it, and use the land.

All in good time, after the war.

Chapter Seventy-One

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