Cassandra Pendragon

“Didn’t you just say that you want to forge your own legacy,” I asked.

“I did, I still do. But honestly, since we’re going to stay together, I don’t really see much of a difference. You’re not going to force me into anything I don’t want and you’ll do as you please either way. Also… I think I agree with your mother. It seems like we’re going to visit another tribe of kitsune, the elves, maybe even the dwarfs in the near future, and if she isn’t with us, you’re most likely going to be the one to deal with them. I imagine the contact with my people will be much more sparse, stressful as it might turn out to be. But even with them… you and Ahri are gong to be the ones who will have to answer every challenge, I simply can’t, not yet. It’s just… fitting, since you’re going to fill out the role anyways, you should also have the formal authority to do so.”

“That, I could live with,” my mom said. “But you’ll have to talk to your brothers as well, especially Arthur. I don’t want to go back to discussing claims and legacies, but I imagine you’ll have to drive a hard bargain to convince him to share his kingdom with someone who can easily adopt anyone an anything into the family.”

“Probably, but that’s something we can discuss when we actually meet him. It’s going to be at least a couple of weeks before we can or have to do anything in that regard and we’ll see Arthur much sooner than that. What about you, love? You’ve been quiet. What do you think?”

“I’d have been fine either way. I don’t much care for titles and formal power but I have to admit, I’m much more looking forward to taking a name in case it’s yours. That’s just vanity, though. For me, it’s more of a question if we really want to invest the time, pain and tears necessary for all of it. Ignus made it clear, we’ll have to fight for every inch we try to gain. Let me ask you this, after you have clashed with one dragon and barely came out alive, are you willing to jump right into the next bout with several of them? The fights are certain, the gain is not. I’ve watched you closely, Cassie, you’ve grown in the last days in a way I wouldn’t have thought possible and in a straight up confrontation there isn’t much left that can stand against you, but… they’re old, clever, wily and have magic. One mistake… and I can’t help you. Unless I get access to my core, you’re the only one among us who would stand a chance against a fully grown dragon. Well, Mephisto maybe but he won’t bother. I’m… honestly, I’m not willing to let you poke another bear after I’ve just scraped you off the floor from your last trip down the rabbit hole, or should I say into the spider’s nest.”

“Agreed,” my mom added quickly.

“You’re funny,” I replied while I felt my temper rise a notch. “It’s not like I had much of a choice. This time is different, we know what we’re dealing with and we have time! At the rate we have been going 3 months seem like an eternity. I won’t argue that it’s dangerous, but whichever direction we turn, danger will be a part of it. And it’s not like we could simply ignore the dragons, well, we could but I don’t expect them to return the favour. You heard Ignus, Viyara is going to turn into a target sooner or later, whatever we do. I’d much prefer to decide myself when and where we have to fight.”

Unless they were truly considering leaving the dragoness behind but I couldn’t imagine Ahri thinking like that. My mom… maybe. She could be ruthless when she felt like she needed to protect our family and would have at least thought about it. Hopefully she wouldn’t say it out loud, otherwise we’d have the prettiest fox fight on our hands not 3 hours after I had woken up.

“You’re not wrong,” Ahri replied evenly, “but there’s a difference between defending ourselves and the announcement of a new name in the tradition of a legendary dragon clan. While the former will lead to singular attacks sometime in the future, the latter could lead to an all out war! You’re a vixen, Cassandra… that alone could lead to so much trouble… I can’t imagine that most dragons will take kindly to a lesser species claiming a draconic name, even if you’re an angel! We might very well spend the next years trying to sort out that mess instead of preparing for war. Don’t get me wrong, even if we can convince only a few dragons to help quickly enough, it’ll be worth it. But do you honestly believe that it’s going to be a matter of flying somewhere, participating in an old ritual, beating up one or two challengers and returning?”

“Yes,” Viyara intervened. “You’ve heard it before. Dragons are bound by their word, above all else. I don’t know how exactly everything is going to play out, but that’s a chance we shouldn’t miss. If they want to challenge you, they’ll have to offer something of their own. Make them promise that they’ll help and that they’ll accept us for what we are. I imagine we can put an end to the threat from the dragons within a couple of days. Sure, some might still act in the shadows, but that’s better than open attacks, at least for now. Once we have the time, we can always go back and deal with the rest.”

“You’re always talking about challenges like they are some sort of law. What exactly are they?” My mom inquired. “Ignus mentioned duels as well. What did he mean?”

“I think it’s pretty much the same thing as everywhere else. I’ve never seen one but I’ve heard stories from my parents. Instead of a prolonged conflict, dragons usually settle their disputes with one fight. The winner takes it all and the loser, well, he won’t have to worry anymore.”

“What about the Black, then?” I asked. “Why didn’t your father put an end to him much earlier?”

“I… I don’t really know. But if I had to guess, I’d say that he wasn’t willing to risk me falling into the Black’s claws and the Black was afraid that he’d be defeated in an all out fight. Both of them thought they had more to lose than to gain.”

“But how does it work,” my mom wanted to know. “Are you bound by your names to honour the traditions or do you set the terms before each duel?”

“As far as I know, which is not too much, it’s always the same. In theory, it doesn’t have to be to the death, but since you’re losing everything, including your name and your freedom, in case you lose, I’ve never heard of a dragon submitting. They’d rather die.”

“Splendid,” Ahri said. “So basically, we, or rather Cassandra, will have to fight to the death against everyone who thinks it worth it. Could she decline?”

“Not really. That’d be the same as forfeiting,” Viyara answered quietly. “She’ll have to make sure that the first fight quenches any ideas of challenging her further. I think she can do it, don’t you?”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“That’s not the point. I’m not willing to let her risk her head just so you can prance around with a shiny new name. Are you?” Through our connection I felt Viyara’s emotions immediately change, like a thunderstorm in the mountains, anger and guilt rose out of nowhere, a dark cloud on the horizon.

Before she could reply I quickly intervened: “I’m right here, you know? And while I’m not willing to risk my neck for anybody’s vanity, I don’t think that’s fair. We’ve met three dragons by now, one was a traitor to its own kind, one is drinking with Mephisto over there and the third has become a part of my family, whether by name or not. Why do you all assume that we’re walking into a den of functioning sociopaths? Age isn’t a guarantee for selfishness… let me ask you this: do you truly think that we won’t find any allies? You said it yourself, if wen can even convince only a few, it’ll be worth it. I’m willing to risk life and limb for that chance, the same way I’d be willing to risk my neck for a chance to kill Amon outright. We’ve lost enough… it’s time to take risks to prevent further grief. I love you and I won’t go if you don’t want me to, but I truly think that we should.”

Ahri and my mom remained silent for a moment, digesting what I had said, while Viyara took my hand and squeezed it gratefully. The storm in her mind had subsided, replaced by a warm, happy feeling. I knew a little something about mood swings, but this girl seriously was something else.

“It’s your decision,” my mom finally said. “After everything that’s happened, you’ve more than earned the right to make that call. In fairness, I’m not even sure if I’m against it or if I just don’t want to see you walk into the next fight. And this is going to be a fight, I think we can all agree on that much. But just so you know, I won’t let you go alone.”

“I didn’t expect you to. What about you, Ahri? Like I said, I won’t do this if you’re against it.”

“Honestly, I don’t want you to get involved with either dragons, ancient sorcerers or wars but that’s not going to happen.” She looked form one to the other before she continued: “you’re right, it’s a chance and while I hate the idea… it’s worth a shot. Under one condition. I want a promise: you’ll promise me that you’ll value your own life higher than any other thing. If something goes wrong, you’ll run and you’ll leave us or whoever is with you behind.”

“I can’t do that! I won’t. Do you have any idea what you’re asking of me?”

“Pretty much the same thing you’re asking of me. You want me to bless this scheme where you’re most likely going to be the one who has to bleed? Fine, but I want this reassurance, I want to know that you’ll survive, whatever the cost. You can forget it otherwise.”

I knew she was right in a way, I did ask her to support me in doing something that would definitely hurt, and most likely it was going to be me who would have to pay the price. But this… She would be the one I’d have to leave behind, her, my mom, Viyara… I wouldn’t be able to do it, not to mention that I physically couldn’t. I couldn’t leaver her, nor Viyara, I had already promised. Which meant…

“Fine, if you and Viyara stay behind.”

“Excuse me?” Both of them said at the same time.

“You heard me. I’ll promise, but only if you two won’t come. I won’t, I can’t… no, don’t look at me like that, I really can’t. I already promised the both of you that I won’t leave you behind. How do you think that would work out? As soon as we get in danger, I’m going to be ripped to pieces by two different promises. If you insist on your stupid condition, that’ll be the only way. So… how about it?”

“Forget it,” came the immediate reply. A shocking surprise…

“Then I’m afraid we’re at an impasse…” my mom’s mental laughter shut me up. It was still the same sound I was used to but underneath the warmth, a hard edge just barely shimmered through, like a dagger hidden beneath a velvet blanket.

“What’s so funny?” The three of us asked.

“You… you’re like an old married couple, well, maybe you are, but it’s still funny. You’re falling over your own tails in making sure the other one will be fine… honestly, as long as you stick together everything will work out in the end. I truly believe that. I’m going to chat with the boys over there now, while you figure it out. You have my blessing either way but you’ll still have to talk to your brothers, though.” And just like that she jumped off of my shoulder and strolled across the clearing, tails held high. I stared after her, caught between embarrassment and amusement and when I looked at Ahri I saw my emotions mirrored on her face.

“She’s right, you know?” Viyara said out loud. “As long as the two of you are together, I can’t imagine anything truly bad happening. Still… it seems like the decision is yours, Ahri. Cassandra can’t promise what you ask and we won’t stay behind. Will we go regardless?”

“I…I…,” Ahri spluttered. “Damn it all to hell and back, of course we will. But I promise you this: should something happen to Cassy, I’ll teach each and every one of your kind the meaning of being burned to ashes, even if it’s the last thing I do.”

If I had know what she was going to say, I might have tried to stop her. But as it was, I felt her promise circle around her core before it came to rest, a transcendent binding she couldn’t break. And I had to admit, I felt more than just a little flattered.

Viyara made a sound I’d usually associate with mice or squirrels before she threw her arms around us. “Thank you, thank you,” she stammered. I heard Ahri sigh before she pulled us both in close. “You’re welcome, I think.”

A few minutes later, we made our way towards the others who hadn’t been lazy. I had no idea how a transformed dragon and a spiritual being could drink that much, but the barrels were empty while Mephisto and Ignus were having one of those drunk buddying conversations, no sane person could follow. My mom sat a few metres to the side, happily lapping from a half filled mug while she watched them with a small smile on her face that showed her sharp canines.

“Ah, the fair maidens have returned,” Ignus greeted us with barely constraint mirth. He got up from the barrel he’d been sitting on and swayed slightly on the spot. “Then tell me, what have you decided in all your wisdom?”

“No more alcohol,” Viyara answered on the spot. “Both of you seem to have problems with holding their liquor,” she added scathingly. I wouldn’t say that… for what they had put away with, they were in splendid shape, but the gain, this probably wasn’t the time to indulge at all. Even though I couldn’t deny that I was a little envious… for them, the morning had been a blast.

“Pff… the world is a much better place when you’re drunk. You should try it som… never mind, alcohol is evil. Don’t you ever let me catch you with it!” Mephisto poked him in the side.

“Great save, pal. I’m sure she’ll take your warning to heart and never ever touch the stuff. So, what’s the plan? Another suicidal idea or are we sticking to the usual insanity?”

“Both, I think. We’ll try forging a name, but I’ll do it myself. Viyara will become part of it afterwards. Can you live with that Ignus?”

“Sure, it’s not like anything would change. I heard you saying that you’d have to bring me down a notch or two if I wanted to force Viyara into anything. As far as I’m concerned, for as long a you keep that attitude, I’m happy that she can count on you. Usually I’d threaten you to take care of her et cetera, but that hardly seems appropriate or necessary. I thought I’d try something else.” He walked over to me, hand extended. I cocked an eyebrow and we shook.

“Thanks for looking out for her when you didn’t have to and thank you for making it your responsibility. I owe you, Cassandra Pendragon. If there’s anything you need, just ask.”

The lizard was starting to grow on me. He didn’t have to do that, there was nothing to gain, but he had still gone ahead and offered me a boon. I could respect that and I even had an idea what I might use it for.

“Actually… I’m wondering whether you know anything about necromancy.” I included Mephisto with a swooping gesture. “The both of you. Could you bind a soul and mind to an object when the body has died?” Silence was the only answer I got before Ahri quietly said:

“Cassy, that’s really dark stuff. What do you have in mind? I’m not going to let you raise an army of the dead. You’ve seen what that’s like.”

“Oh, I’m not looking for an army, but there’s a spider who has passed her expiration date.”