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Reborn as a Dark Lord (A Cozy Isekai)
Chapter Forty-Five | Book 2

Chapter Forty-Five | Book 2

Before we flew off, I went back into the tavern and asked Lady Churl to oversee preparing a room for Kieran Darkrune. I also gave her instructions that he was to be given meals and two drinks per day. If he needed more ale, he'd have to pay for it. I had already observed him taking nips from a liquor flask a few times while he had played during the event night and hoped it wasn't going to be a problem. With that taken care of, I headed back to the dragon.

Elixander sat close to Frostfire's neck in the large saddle while Seraphina sat in the back and held on for dear life. This wasn't the first time we'd been on the dragon's back, but it was no less scary. We sailed far above the ground below, not quite in the clouds, but far enough that birds were seen below us, as well as many upturned faces as we flew toward Crownforge.

The air was cool and crisp and smelled clean, but there was a hint of condensation. I should have worn a thicker jacket for the ride.

Elixander held a well-worn map in one hand that he had produced from a scroll case in his leather backpack. He leaned forward and called out landmarks to Frostfire so she could navigate the world below. He commented that how we were flying would shave days off the trip, especially since the mountain crossing was not an obstacle.

I sat behind Seraphina, holding onto her hand as we soared through the sky. The world below us was a patchwork of hills, trails, roads, and mountains. Triolux sat off to one side, his hand lightly holding the saddle's railing. His eyes fixed on the landscape beneath us, and he laughed and muttered to himself, clearly happy to see the remade world.

As we flew, I couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking views. The wind whipped through my hair, and the sense of freedom was thrilling. Seraphina squeezed my hand, and I turned to see her smiling at me.

At one point, I caught Elixander's eyes on us, but his look was unreadable. I wondered what the old elf was thinking about and hoped it was something happy regarding Seraphina and me.

We continued on for a few more hours, swooping low, soaring high, cruising over fields and forests. Finally, we came across a large road with a lot of traffic. Faces in wagons looked up and pointed at us, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief.

Elixander called out to us, "We are nearing our goal!"

Triolux said, "I could stay up here for days and not grow weary of the view."

I had to agree with him. The world from a dragon's back was truly a sight to behold.

My mind turned to the upcoming meeting with King Alister. Anxiety crept in as I thought about explaining the transmigration issue concerning Thalindra and how dangerous she could be. Would this person have access to the sorceress's powers the same way I could reach out for Morthisal's? I couldn't control them, but they were there. I wondered how they had even learned this woman was transmigrated if Thalindra's tongue had been removed.

A few hours later, Crownforge emerged from the morning haze. The city sprawled up the mountainside in terraced layers, each level connected by broad stone bridges and steep stairways carved directly into the rock. Thick walls of fitted granite blocks protected the lower city, while the upper reaches merged with the mountain's natural face. At the peak, a vast crater pool glowed red-hot with molten lava, and tendrils of smoke rose into the crisp mountain air.

Every buttress and archway bore distinctive angular patterns, and massive support columns held up stone spans. Bronze and copper roofs had aged to a vibrant green, contrasting starkly with the gray stone that comprised most of the fortress. Countless chimneys puffed smoke into the air, and the constant ring of hammers echoed off the mountain walls.

"Extraordinary…" Triolux breathed.

A huge concentric circular wall protected the lower city, which sat flat on a round expanse of earth. As we flew overhead, I could pick out a marketplace, at least a dozen, if not more, blacksmith shops, and a few larger buildings whose purpose I couldn't ascertain from up here.

As Frostfire began to descend, her wings beat steadily as she navigated towards a large, open area outside the town's walls. People gathered below, pointing and staring. A horn sounded, followed by a half dozen more.

Sections of the wall that were built into the mountainside opened in an impressive manner, and a large ballista rolled out into view.

"That's not good!" I exclaimed.

Elixander stood up and threw his hand skyward, chanting words that were foreign to my ears. They carried unmistakable power. A bright star-like object burst into existence in the space between us and the city, hanging suspended for a few breathless seconds. Its radiance cast a bright and warm glow across the city below.

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Loud cheers erupted from the throng of people as they materialized seemingly out of nowhere. Hundreds of faces turned upward, and a vast cheer went up.

"Was that your dad's calling card?" I asked Seraphina.

"Yes. It is literally a bright star."

"Like your last name," I said and couldn't help but grin at the realization.

"Exactly. Now, we don't have to worry about those giant arrows taking potshots at us. I'd hate it if we were shot down before we even had a chance to land."

"No kidding," I muttered. "Maybe we should have taken a more circuitous route and landed farther away," I said, eyeing the ballista. They were being withdrawn, and the giant door began to slide shut. I shook my head because that had been quite impressive.

Frostfire turned to regard us. Her eyes were filled with joy. "Such a wondrous place. Such beauty and majesty in one place warms my heart. Is this what has become of the ferrokin?"

Triolux was the next to hop down. He slid down her side, came to his feet, stretched his back, and gazed at the approaching warriors. Stout dwarven guards in gleaming armor approached cautiously, their hands on the hilts of their swords. I couldn't blame them for their wariness. I'm sure it wasn't every day that a dragon landed in the heart of their city.

The dwarves emerged from the city in droves, a diverse assortment clad in a myriad of attire. While some bore arms, others clutched musical instruments. Exclamations of astonishment rang out as they laid eyes upon us: "Behold, a dragon!", "They have returned!", "One of frost and ice!" and "A true wonder!" Their voices swelled into a chorus of awe and reverence.

Elixander gracefully stepped over the saddle's railing and also slid down Frostfire's side.

I swung my leg over the saddle and carefully climbed from Frostfire's back. Seraphina followed close behind, her hand resting lightly on my arm.

My legs were initially unsteady but quickly regained their posture. I hadn't realized I'd been so tense while flying. Once back on solid ground, I wobbled a bit, my legs still adjusting after the long flight. The lingering chill made me shiver, and Seraphina stepped closer, slipping her arm through mine.

"Cold?" she asked softly.

"Just a bit," I replied, shivering but grateful for her warmth.

We stood together, taking in the scene unfolding around us. Dwarves gathered nearby, just as I'd imagined from stories and legends. They were short figures with broad shoulders, and their beards braided with intricate designs. Their eyes studied us with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Look at them," I whispered. "They match every tale I've ever heard."

Seraphina nodded. "Their fierce hearts also match the tales. There's a certain charm to seeing it in person, right?"

Humans mingled among the dwarves, chatting and pointing in our direction. Children tugged at their parents' sleeves, eyes wide as they gazed at Frostfire. One little boy broke free and took a few steps toward us before his mother gently pulled him back. "Not too close," she cautioned, though her own eyes were fixed on the dragon.

Frostfire lifted her head, took a deep breath, and released a plume of icy mist into the sky. The cloud rose and then drifted down, transforming into delicate snowflakes.

Gasps and laughter rippled through the crowd. Children reached up, giggling as the melting flakes brushed their fingertips. Even some of the adults couldn't help but smile.

"She's quite the performer," Seraphina said.

I smiled and whispered, "She knows how to make an entrance. Wait until she shifts into her human form. These guys are going to lose their minds.”

Triolux’s eyes roved over the bustling city and the people and dwarves it had just disgorged. "The world above holds wonders I never imagined," he murmured.

I glanced at him. "It's something else, isn't it?"

He nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.

The dwarves approached cautiously, a few stepping forward to get a better look. One of them, with a stout fellow with a silver-threaded beard and a hammer strapped to his side, raised a hand in greeting.

"Welcome to Crownforge. We see you, Elixander of the elves, and are made better by your appearance," he called out, his voice carrying over the crowd's murmurs. The dwarf's eyes fixed on Triolux. “Might I ask after that one?”

“Indeed. Triolux is of a long-forgotten race called the ferrokin. Come. Offer greetings.” Elixander motioned for them in a ‘come on’ gesture with one hand. “The dragon is our friend, Frostfire. She is very kind. Please come and meet her.”

Frostfire continued to revel in the attention of the humans and dwarves, but she seemed to have a particular affinity for the children. They pealed with laughter as they cautiously darted around her.

The dwarf chuckled. "Not every day we see a dragon gracing our skies. Nor one of, well, I don’t know what you are, to be honest,” he said as he approached Triolux.

The ferrokin put his hands on his hips and studied the dwarf. They stood a few feet apart, were the same build and height, and appeared to be much alike if I ignored the fact that Triolux looked to be made of a coppery granite.

“Such an odd...”

Triolux grinned broadly and said, “I could say the same of you. A few of my kind walked into the light thousands of years ago. It’s been speculated that some of them flourished. I believe we may be distant relatives.”

The dwarf nodded sagely and said, “I am Krazzik the Hale. I greet you and welcome you to the city of Crownforge. Now, as I have many questions, I have one that is paramount. How can I make your stay more comfortable? I am the Stone Warden of the sixth district and will do everything I can to make you stay as relaxed as possible.”

“You are most kind friend, Krazzik the Hale. We thank you for your generous hospitality.” Triolux pointed at us and gave introductions. By this time, a number of other dwarves had come out of the large gate to look us over. Some pointed and whispered, mainly at Triolux, but others at the dragon. No one seemed to even notice me and Seraphina.

A pair of older dwarves with long white beards dressed in blue robes with white collars approached, and made their way to Elixander. They chattered excitedly between themselves before stopping in front of the elf. As a pair, the dwarves lowered their heads to one knee.

“Arise. Long have we known each other. I’ll not stand on ceremony here, in your lands, in front of this mighty city. So rise, my friends, and join me.”

Elixander held his hands out.

The pair rose and rushed to him, throwing their arms around him. Elixander pulled them close and closed his eyes. “My friends. My dear friends.”