Mt. Gretalros stood ominously, overlooking the great plains of the deep southern regions of the Lucrentian Empire. In the great crater at its roof was the home of one Mynrea Frenost. On the mountain's eastern face, a sizeable hanging garden had been built that, with magic, levitated several thousand feet from the plains below. It was here that Mynrea was entertaining guests, two headmasters from academies in the Dragon lands.

"I was pleased to receive your summons, my lady. It is rare for the youngest daughter of the Howergald Clan to ask to speak with anyone within our circles."

He was the eldest of the two men present, making sure not to seem too excited by the opportunity he was granted. The other, a much younger man, nodded, not speaking, just observing everything around him.

'These men are supposed to be great educators; sadly, all I see are leeches trying to use my family name for their advantage to get more of our family magical sequences.'

Letting out a sigh as she thought this, both men looked in her direction, expecting her to speak.

"I will assume that both of you have heard of the child Lanthim Frenost, yes?"

She asked calmly, not giving away what she thought of either man.

Both thought on her question; it was confirmed that they had received news from their subordinates that had been sent to view the match. Actual, a male human capable of what this child had done was a splendid find for any school wishing to raise the best students possible.

"Yes, I have read the reports I was provided concerning his abilities. I do not see why you would bring the both of us to this conversation. Though it is not like he can study in two different schools, the systems are too different."

The younger man spoke first; his voice bore the authority to teach young dragons who would push you until you gave in. Though, in truth, Mynrea already knew that Lanthim could not attend both schools, she wanted these two to fight for the right to have him. She was somewhat disappointed by the feel of the conversation, though neither had any interest in the boy at all.

"I do not see why you would want to sponsor the child of your husband's fourth wife just to have him crushed not only by the expectations of his educators but his peers as well."

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The older man finally spoke, and she did not want to hear it. The fact that Lanthim was not her son was not the issue. Also, he had far too great a desire to seek after more magic to be pushed around by others easily.

"While you say that, I think you are more frightened by not knowing what will happen when he arrives and is threatened by some classmate because he is human."

Placing her hands to support herself as she rose from her seat continuing.

"You fear that he will not deal with the situation with moderation and will simply kill the other without even thinking about the consequences; he has the power and ability, so just because of a small chance, you will not seek to take him."

Now, standing at the door leaving the garden, with a nod, left the two men alone to ponder.

Feeling slightly relieved to leave the two vultures to devour one another, Mynrea made her way to a small parlour used as her study. She had grown used to sending and receiving letters by hand or just using magic over the nearly four hundred years she had lived in the human world. On the other hand, dragons had a more straightforward way; using telepathy to communicate was far more efficient. However, only some first-order beings could use it effectively for communication.

'I wish Lanthim could stay with me for a few days. I would love to observe more of his training.'

She thought as she stared out the open window overlooking the estate where the boy lived. From the time of the final blow of his match against Reiflin till now, Mynrea had never seen a more interesting human male since the day she met his father. That being said, it was such an interest that pulled dragon females from one mate to another in older days, so the separation was a good thing.

'It will be a waste to simply marry him off to some young child who will simply see him as breeding stock for their entire marriage."

Thinking this to herself with a smile, a knock came from the door.

"Enter."

Her tone carried through the door, which swiftly opened.

Through the door came Delphrin, head maid, who oversaw the great house's proper functions.

"My lady, I received word from Lady Litralia some time ago."

Looking visibly disturbed by something, the maid stopped before continuing.

"It seems the young master Lanthim Frenost went missing sometime at night. We are requested to send what assistance we can to find him."

The shock on Mynrea's face from this news was pure inside. All she felt was the worst kind of dread.

"He is gone, you say. Has anyone informed my husband?"

This was an important question that needed to be answered; any news reaching Arielia Strentolos, her mother-in-law, would cause significant problems. Arielia had instructed that Lanthim was to be observed to ensure that he would remain obedient.

"I believe a message was sent, mistress, but not by our side."

Delphrin confirmed what could, in Mynrea's mind, lead to bloodletting.

'Ariela will force Nedral to send someone to bring the boy back, and since he is no longer confined, he will likely send that person back either badly wounded or worse.'

From what she had seen from Lanthim's actions while she stayed and observed him, it was almost definite that something would happen when Lanthim's desires and grandmothers clashed.