Rain fell from the gray curtain of clouds above. The land had gone from mountains to towering trees seemingly the size of mountains themselves that put to shame the forests of Draakin empire. Aerin suspected it was a result of some sort of magic practiced by the beastkin tribes. The convoy has not been hit by goblins or any other beasts since they left Areiat Peak this was probably because Beastkin were famously intolerant of Goblins even more so than Harpy clans. Birds flittered around in seemingly random directions being in sharp contrast to the green and brown colors of the forest floor.

Aerin was excited to actually meet Beastkin they were exceedingly rare in Draakin territory and she wasn’t exactly sure why.

“Keep your guard up girl” the gruff voice of Ha’Dran came from beside her as they walked along the carriage that had slowed down significantly due to the dirt path postmarked with gnarled roots.

“The Kathari tribe doesn’t take kindly to visitors even if they are expecting us. Relations haven’t been good in the past with them.”

“Do you know why?” Aerin asked curiously as she glanced over at the large man.

With a shrug, he shook his head. “From what I remember long ago the Kathari feline goddess often got into disputes with the Dragon god. Bad blood since from their descendents.”

“The children of Vasphaine seem a lot less united than the children of Caphaine,” Aerin commented in passing.

“It isn’t in our nature whether it is the beast part or something else. Who knows.”

Aerin nodded it only made sense that temperament was slightly inheritable. Even the lower class of Draakin had a lot of pride and valued honor above all.

Princess Sila slowed down to walk beside us as well. “Ha’Dran is correct this is why we see little interaction historically something my parents with this diplomatic mission wish to change.”

It seemed self-evident that the human nations were growing ever stronger and the children of Vasphaine nations had continued to fall behind. This obviously concerned them all enough for us to make a treaty with the Harpy clan of Areiat which would have been unheard of even not long ago.

“Don’t mess with Kathari the only ones who can match them in forest combat are elves and their wolfkin cousins,” Ha’Dran spoke as if he had personal experience.

“I will keep that in mind Ha’Dran.” Aerin understood the anxiety some of the flight-focused Draakin would feel trying to weave around the canopy of trees.

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Two more days and they ought to reach the Kathari capital deep in the forest Aerin thought Areiat despite its flaws was impressive, but rather plain overall, but she was curious what a non-mountainous capital city would look like. Flamespire had its charm, but fundamentally it wasn’t significantly different from most cities in the empire.

As the day wore on they entered a clearing and pitched the tents around the Queen’s palanquin

Aerin watched as Queen Cithri stepped out and stretched subtly it still shocked her how noble she appeared even after having been cooped up in the cramped space for large swaths of the day.

“Guard Aerin” Queen Cithri glanced over to her as she stepped down “Come- take a walk with me.”

Aerin snapped to attention “Of course your majesty!”

Queen Cithri began to slowly walk around as the small encampment was set up rapidly by the fast-moving soldiers. The forest had grown increasingly dark as the day wore on, but the light of a bonfire kept the clearing well-lit.

“Do you miss your family Aerin Kil’ara?” Queen Cithri asked suddenly as they continued to walk slowly.

“I do, but my parents will be waiting for me in Flamespire when we return so I don’t mind a bit of separation.”

Queen Cithri nodded. “You and I haven’t spoken much one on one. Go ahead and ask me something you are curious about.” Her eyes observed all the busy guards and envoys before glancing with an amused look at Aerin.

Aerin knew exactly what she would ask if given the opportunity. “Why me? I understand I am Wyrm and a rare one at that, but what made you choose me?”

“Mmm, cultivating talent is important to the future of the Draakin empire. It is also because Wyrm-blooded are rarity and I am interested in seeing how you will develop. Keeping you nearby will enable both of these things.”

Aerin nodded she couldn’t lie she was hoping for something a bit different perhaps grander. In the end, it didn’t change her view overall. “I understand. Do you really believe mankind will start a war?”

Queen Cithri who had previously been smiling gave a rare frown. “I unfortunately see it as inevitable. The Temple of Caphaine has gotten only more radical in its views as of recently. There is little we can do to stop them from gathering their so-called heroes and using them as pretext for conflict.”

Aerin didn’t respond only nodded the hard reality was that few people wanted this conflict, but it almost seemed like it was written in stone.

“Tell me guard Aerin have you noticed the eyes that have been following us since we entered the forest?”

Aerin felt her muscles tense up as the Queen said what she said. Without trying to give anything away Aerin’s eyes scanned the forest for any signs, but the dark was too much.

“Don’t worry too much. I have many more years and experience I didn’t become Queen for my looks alone.” Queen Cithri said jokingly. “I suspect they will reveal themselves tomorrow. It is at that time we must be fully prepared for escalation. Kathari are notoriously ill-tempered.”

Aerin clenched her fist as she realized she should get her bracers ready. It wouldn’t be long before she would finally have to put the weeks of training to good use.

“I doubt it will come to blows young Aerin, but should that happen I do have a task for you specifically. Put my daughter’s well-being as a top priority in any conflict we may face in this journey whether here or on our way home.”

“As you command my Queen.” Aerin gave her a customary salute and bow.

“Pahhaha you certainly are eager. I picked correctly when I saw you at the ceremony. Don’t disappoint me.”