I was ready to fly home when I realized that I still had one more stop to make. I still needed to visit the green dragon. I couldn't believe that I had totally forgotten about Groenneitr. Then again, I definitely hadn't been looking forward to the experience. The green dragon was as close to an enemy as I had.
Sighing, I realized that even though I might have been able to block him out of my mind, it was time. Because of this, I turned south and started flying to his lair. Fortunately, I knew exactly where to find him. Soon, dense, sprawling forests blanketed the landscape, and the air became heavy with the scent of pine trees. Once I was at the edge of his lair, I flew down and settled next to the small lake underneath the waterfall.
I was fairly certain that Groenneitr would be expecting me. Another thing that I was positive about was the fact that he probably wouldn't attack me. Even if he did, though, I knew that I would be able to escape.
I was still annoyed that I was having to talk with the green dragon. He had been working against Einvaldskonungr, the red dragon who had been the first to join the pantheon I was building. Groenneitr’s schemes had stirred unrest, and his actions had cost Einvaldskonungr’s red kobolds dearly. If I was to unite the dragons under one banner, I would need him to not only cease his intrigues but also repay what his green kobolds had taken.
Groenneitr’s massive form soon emerged from behind the waterfall. He flew a few times in a circle, probably trying to intimidate me, before landing next to me. Unlike Skjallgarganíss’ youthful curiosity, his gaze was calculating, a predator’s look assessing prey.
“So, the twilight god graces me with his presence,” Groenneitr rumbled, his voice smooth yet tinged with menace. “I have been expecting you.”
“Then you know why I’m here,” I replied, keeping my tone steady. This was not a dragon I could afford to show weakness before. “Your schemes against Einvaldskonungr must end. The unrest you’ve caused among the kobolds weakens us all. The time for division is over. I’m here to offer you a place in the draconic pantheon, the ritual of apotheosis that comes with it, and a draconic system which can strengthen your followers.”
Groenneitr chuckled, a low, resonant sound that made the leaves of the grove tremble. “You come demanding much and offering little. Why should I relinquish my ambitions? Why should I trust you, or Einvaldskonungr, for that matter? The red dragon’s pride is as vast as the mountains he calls home.”
I had to blink, momentarily speechless. Did he really just say being offered the chance to become a god was very little? Wow, talk about a thick face. He really has no shame whatsoever, I thought.
“Because unity serves us all,” I said, meeting his gaze. “The power of a pantheon is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, we can create a system that elevates not only us but all our kobolds. Imagine your green kobolds thriving under the blessings of a united draconic pantheon, their strength unmatched by any rival.”
Groenneitr's tail uncoiled slightly, his head lowering to my level. “And what of the damage already done? The red kobolds’ losses? Do you think Einvaldskonungr will simply forgive and forget?”
“That’s why I’m here,” I said. “You will repay what your green kobolds took. Resources, treasures, whatever is necessary to make amends. This isn’t about pride or grudges. It’s about building something greater than ourselves.”
He studied me in silence, the forest growing eerily still as though holding its breath. Finally, he spoke. “You are bold, twilight god. But boldness alone does not win loyalty. Tell me, why do you care for unity? What do you gain from this pantheon you’re so desperate to forge?”
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“I gain nothing if we remain divided,” I said honestly. “The world is changing, Groenneitr. The kobolds grow restless, the mortals encroach upon our territories, and other powers stir in the shadows. Alone, we are vulnerable. Together, we are unstoppable.”
Of course, I had no idea about any other powers that were stirring in the shadows. However, if he could lie with a straight face, I could do the same. It might even be true. Afterall, something was happening in the Ancient Mines.
Even though I knew he was going to agree, he still argued with me for almost an hour before finally agreeing. It felt like he was testing me, just to see how I would react. Needless to say, it annoyed me a lot. I was supposed to be the one in charge, but every time I met with one of the dragons, I felt like I was the one who was being interviewed.
He tilted his head, a faint smile curling across his draconic lips. “A compelling argument. Very well. I will end my intrigues against Einvaldskonungr and repay what was taken. But know this, twilight god, if this pantheon of yours fails, if it becomes a tool for the red dragon’s ambition or your own, I will not hesitate to undo what I have agreed to today.”
“Fair enough,” I said, extending a clawed hand. “Do we have a deal?”
Groenneitr hesitated for only a moment before reaching out with one massive talon to clasp mine. “We do.”
It was a little pathetic that his one claw was almost as large as my whole arm. I definitely needed to gain some experience so I could evolve a few more times. Maybe then I would grow some. Unfortunately, I was pretty certain that I would forever and always remain petite when compared to the other dragons.
With the agreement sealed, I waited until he finished taking the same oath that the other dragons had taken before I produced the scroll containing the Ritual of Apotheosis. Groenneitr’s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he accepted it, handling the parchment with reverence.
“You will not regret this,” I said as he began to study the ritual.
“See that I don’t,” he replied, his tone laced with a hint of warning. Then, without saying a word, he jumped into the sky and flew back into his lair.
I frowned, annoyed with myself yet again. Why hadn't I asked him which divine spark he had managed to obtain. I was starting to wonder if absentmindedness might be a trait of twilight dragons. While I had been somewhat forgetful in the past, there was no way it was normal. In fact, a lot of the time, I felt like I was living a dream.
Twilight dragons were associated with dreams. I wondered if that had any impact at all. I would not have thought so, however. Afterall, I was a god. While I was thinking about the possible reasons for my forgetfulness, I leapt into the air and started heading back home. That was when a system notification appeared.
ACHIEVEMENT: PANTHEON CREATED. A minor god has acknowledged your leadership and has been accepted into the Draconic Pantheon. Congratulations on establishing a new pantheon.
I immediately smiled. Although I wasn't sure which of the dragons had managed to complete the Ritual of Apotheosis, I suspected it to be either Einvaldskonungr or one of the "good" dragons.
Curious, I tried to see if I could sense whoever had managed to become a minor god. While I might not be able to sense anyone in the System Lord pantheon, I hoped it would be different since I was the leader of my pantheon.
As it turned out, I did feel something. It was like a thread of consciousness that extended from me to the other dragon. I could sense him. After a moment, more information emerged. It was the red dragon. Einvaldskonungr was the first of the dragons to ascend to godhood.
Still, it did bother me a little. I wondered why I could sense the red dragon, but I couldn't sense anyone in the System Lord pantheon. Was I being blocked? Why was I able to sense the presence of others in one pantheon but not in the other?
A chilling thought crept into my mind. Was I still part of the System Lord’s pantheon at all? I quickly pulled up my information sheet. Once I had done so, I breathed a sigh of relief. I had worried for nothing. I was still in both pantheons. Still, I was still confused.
By the time I reached Sanctuary, I received two more notifications. Both of the “good” dragons had been able to complete the ritual. I actually wasn’t surprised by this, though. They both had their own religious followers already. Although I hadn’t been able to see if there was a church for the gold dragon, I knew the silver dragon had a church dedicated to her already. As I flew into my city, I wondered when the other dragons would be able to complete their ascensions as well.