“What do you mean by manifested?” Felix asked, turning his attention to the Sage. Already, he was starting to feel his headache recede.

“Well, while you were conversing with the Goddess, I’ve been asking Watcher some questions of my own. Would you like to explain to Felix when you first met the Goddess?” Aluin directed the question directly to Watcher.

The kobold seemed to consider the question before speaking. “Master, Watcher first feel God soon after shrine was built. God began talking with Watcher, telling Watcher what Watcher need to do.” He paused for a moment before adding, “God guide Watcher.”

Felix threw Aluin a concerned look before speaking. “So, what you are saying is, that this Goddess has been here for a while. Is that right?”

The gray kobold nodded.

“Why haven’t you brought this to my attention before now?” he asked.

“Master not ready, you not ready.” Watcher stated matter-of-factly.

“Oh.” Felix cringed, knowing exactly what the kobold meant by that. I’ve only been brushing these things off until now.

Watcher went on, “But Master ready now, as ready as Master can be.”

Felix forced a smile and decided to ask another question. “Is the Goddess an actual God?”

Aluin decided to answer. “Yes and no. Like many things, it is complicated. However, I will do my best to explain.”

The Sage adjusted his position and cleared his throat. “First, she–”

Felix quickly interjected. “Her name is Mirezabeth.”

“Sorry. Mirezabeth is a spirit but not like the dragon spirit you interacted with. There are different types of spirits and I suppose you can think of her as a greater spirit. Greater spirits aren’t born from a person’s death. They manifest from a need. A need left unsatisfied by a group of people.”

“Wait, hold on… The kobolds wished Mirezabeth into existence?”

“Yes, though there is more, but that is the jist of it.” Aluin gave him a wry smile.

He could only shake his head in disbelief. To think the kobolds could do something like that– Felix’s eyes widened at a sudden realization.

“You said ‘a group of people.’ They don’t have to be the same race, do they?”

“Usually it is. For instance, you already know of Mother Forest. She was the Goddess for us elves. The dwarves and gnomes had theirs as well. But there were others that came from multi-race populations.”

“Are any still around or did they…” Felix trailed off.

The Sage let out a tired sounding sigh. “Most were killed– And yes, they can die. But for them, death is not the same as for you or I. They can, hmm… Re-manifest, if you will.”

That’s interesting, but if that were the case then… “Why haven’t they? Surely, there are plenty of people wishing for them back.”

“No one knows for certain. The time before–” Aluin hesitated before suddenly continuing. “–The war, it was rumored that the humans had found a way to trap spirits.”

“Whoa, that’s…” Felix trailed off, speechless. Some of the implications of that were…unsettling.

Watcher, who had remained silent throughout, spoke up. “Human no get kobold god. Kobold fight to death and protect God.”

“Relax,” Aluin said. “It was a rumor, an ancient rumor even then. And there is no proof of it. Most believe the great spirits are simply lying in wait and rebuilding their strength.”

“What about you,” Felix asked, sensing that Aluin was leaving something out.

The Sage let a frown slip but quickly masked it. “I believe that something happened to them. Many fought and vanished, but I don’t know about humans being able to capture them. I doubt that, but it does beg the question, where did they go?”

“And the ones that didn’t?” Felix pushed.

“That one is easy to answer. They found people like me and merged with their souls. Mother Forest was the first, and did so long before the war. It was only during that terrible period that a few spirits attempted the ritual themselves.”

Relenting, Felix apologized and explained, “It feels like there is more to all this, and I’m no longer going to turn a blind eye. I need to know.”

“I know Felix, and trust me, I have plenty of questions. But, unless our new Goddess here can elaborate, I fear we might never know the full truth of what happened to the spirits.”

They all looked up and found the spirit had disappeared.

“Well, I guess that is our answer,” Felix muttered.

“Indeed, but don’t go and pester her. I can promise you that would be a mistake,” Aluin said pointedly.

“She said I need to prepare, and…” He told them about the vision, about the fire and the mysterious human he saw. However, he hesitated briefly on the last part of the meeting with the Goddess. I shouldn’t keep it from Aluin, and I have my suspicion that Watcher might already know.

“Is there more?” The Sage questioned, his tone steady and his expression unreadable.

“She said I need to accept her when the time comes. I only have one guess at what she meant by that, but I’m not sure I like it,” Felix said, remembering the story Aluin told during the ceremony at the village.

“There could be other meanings behind those words. What they are, however, I do not wish to speculate on at the moment.” There was a pause before the elf gave him a serious look. “For now, I think it would be wise to begin training for combat. You and Zira.”

“What about Eri and Kyrith? What about the others?”

“Eri and Kyrith should as well. But the others? That is between you and them to decide.”

He grimaced at that. The thought of sending anyone into combat struck a nerve, one that resonated deep within him. My old self was used to war and ordering people to their deaths. I don’t want that.

Aluin suddenly stood up. “I’m sure you still have questions Felix, but it’ll be night soon and I have to make the other sages aware of this development.”

“Thank you. I do have more questions, but I’m starting to wonder if they can be answered. Still, I know what I must do and that is enough for now.” Felix got to his feet and glanced down towards the kobold.

“Watcher, thank you as well– For everything you’ve done. You’ve truly earned your name.”

“Watcher only wish to help Masters. I will continue to watch.” The kobold did an excellent job at keeping his emotions in check and gave a small bow in his seated position.

Returning the bow, Felix set his sights back towards the area of the manor and hatchery. “I will take my leave as well, then.”

With that, he left the shrine.

***

What do you think? Felix asked Zira as he made his way back. He had caught her up on everything he learned.

I don’t like it, the part about wanting you to accept her, Zira said with a hint of concern. Felix, I don’t want anything to happen to you. But I know you won’t run away.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

No, I will not. Just look what we’ve managed to accomplish, how can I abandon all that?

I know, which is why I believe we all need to train. Not just you and me, nor Eri and Kyrith. Not just the other elves and their partners. Felix, the entire island needs to prepare.

That caused him to stop for a moment and Zira quickly picked up on his hesitancy.

I know you don’t wish to drag anyone else into this, but it’s too late for that. Everyone, their lives, their families, their homes, is at risk. They have as much right to fight as you do. Perhaps, more so.

Felix bit his lip as she spoke, knowing full well she was right. Damn it! Why can’t things be peaceful?! Why must there be any fighting? I don’t want this.

Zira entered his mind, brushing up against it. A gentle feeling overtook him.

I know…

----------------------------------------

“Gillador?” Eri called out as she, Kyrith, and Calinna approached. The architect was busy working on some sort of sketch.

“Hmm?” The old elf stopped, and peered up at the three of them. “Yeah, what do ya want?”

Eri cleared her throat and put on a smile and gestured to the other woman. “I wanted to introduce you to Calinna, she–”

“Another candidate? Very well,” he set a pen down– something she took note of –and straightened his clothes.

That pen looks very similar to the ones in the manor, she thought as he approached them.

“Name’s Gillador, but please, call me Gil. I am the architect and the one who will actually build this dormitory.”

“Dormitory?” Calinna asked, confused. However, after a moment she quickly realized her mistake. “Sorry– I mean, I am Calinna, it is a pleasure to meet you!” She said stiffly before giving a quick bow.

Gil did not return the bow, instead, he merely grunted and waited for her to rise. Eri got the impression that he was studying her.

“Right, anyway… I’m glad to meet ya as well, Calinna. However, unless there is something you need from me, I am quite busy at the moment.”

Eri chose that moment to interject. “Actually, Gil, I was hoping that you would explain to her the first duty as a candidate?”

He cocked an eye at her. “Ya mean, about coming up with a design for the dormitory? Because I ain’t gonna explain anything more than that,” he added with a bit of annoyance.

“I’m sorry… But what is a dormitory?” Calinna asked again.

Eri had to hold back from sighing.

Gillador, on the other hand, had no trouble letting his frustration show. “Did yer father not tell ya anything? Gods, how did he ever become a Chief…”

Poor Calinna tried to open her mouth to say something in the defense of her father, but Gil would not let her.

“Fine, I’ll explain it for ya but ya better listen! I’ll only tell ya once…”

***

Eri pursed her lips as she and Kyrith slipped away. They left Calinna with Gil so that he could explain everything to her. Something that Eri felt a little guilty about, but she wanted some time to think. Especially because Calinna was Chief Calsen’s daughter and she wasn’t sure how much she could trust the woman.

Meanwhile, as they started to approach the manor, Eri noticed that a crowd was beginning to form. From the looks of it, the little competition was coming to its final stages. And while she was curious to see who would win, it looked like they still had a little time.

With Calinna and Chief Calsen on her mind, and wanting to keep Kyrith distracted until the competition was finished, she asked him the question she wanted to know for a while.

What did you think of Calinna?

The dragon took a moment to respond, indeed it seemed that he was watching the three cooks with a hungry interest.

She seems nice, he finally answered, but there was hesitation in his voice and it wasn’t from the not-so-subtle growl of his stomach.

But? she pressed, stifling a chuckle.

But I think she’s scared, he added seriously.

Any humor she had quickly fell away. Scared? Do you mean she was scared of you, or…?

Kyrith cocked his head for a moment before answering. Oh, sure she was scared of me but that’s not what I meant. I’m used to people being nervous or scared of me, but for her it was different.

Eri came to a stop, causing the ember-colored dragon to give her a curious glance before he too stopped.

What is it? he asked.

That’s exactly what I was worried about, Eri said after a moment. Her father is Chief Calsen, and he’s known for his meddling. Calinna certainly isn’t a good candidate for queen, which makes me wonder why he pushed for her to be considered? There are others he could have pushed for.

Kyrith thought her question. Could it be because he benefits from it? That makes sense to me.

It does, but it would never work. Like I said, she isn’t a good candidate– And don’t get me wrong, I don’t think she is a bad person. But you saw how timid she is, others will certainly notice it.

There’s something else, she continued. He wanted to set their camp in between the manor and hatchery–

But we use that space! He can’t! Kyrith interjected.

I know, and that’s what I told him. He argued with me but eventually I got him to settle elsewhere. Still, with his reputation, his daughter, and that, I can’t help but wonder if he has some sort of scheme. One that has to do with the eggs.

Kyrith gasped. You think he wants to steal the eggs?!

I don’t know, but I don’t think we should take any chances. We need to warn the others and make sure he doesn’t get anywhere near them…or Calinna for that matter.

The dragon let out a whimper but before either one could continue the conversation Eri heard a voice call out her name. Looking up, she saw Felix approaching.

“There you are–” She stopped herself as she saw his tired look. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah, just…” he trailed off, glancing around. “I have something to talk to you about, but I think I will wait until later tonight.” He leaned close to her, “Too many ears.”

“Not good?” she whispered.

“I’m…not sure, if I’m honest. But later, okay?”

Eri gave him an understanding nod. “Okay. I do have some news as well.”

Felix perked up at that. “You do?”

“I do. Chief Calsen and his group arrived.”

“Calsen is here? Damn, I was hoping he wouldn’t show up personally.” Felix turned around to the, now expanded, camp. “Wait, did he set up near the kobold village?”

Eri couldn’t help but smile as he turned back to face her. “I tried to warn him, but he didn’t let me finish speaking.”

He matched her smile. “Well, he’ll learn about it sooner or later.”

“Actually, about that. I have concerns that Chief Calsen is scheming. He wanted to set up his camp in between the manor and hatchery, and wanted the dragons to find another spot to take off from.”

“Absolutely not,” Felix said, furrowing his brows.

“That’s what I told him, and after a bit of arguing he finally relented. Now, he is near the kobolds. But I’m worried he might be eyeing the eggs.”

“Hmm… I’ve barely met him, but I certainly don’t trust him. I think it would be wise to bar anyone from the hatchery. No one is allowed near it without my presence.” He said with an air of authority.

“Speaking of which, his daughter is here as well,” Eri added.

“His…daughter– Oh! I nearly forgot that she is one of the candidates. I take it you’ve met her?”

Kyrith interjected, “Oh she seems nice, but she’s scared.”

“Scared?” Felix questioned.

“It’s a long story, but again, I think it has something to do with Chief Calsen,” Eri said.

There was a pause as Felix seemed to ponder something. “I think I should introduce myself to her–”

A loud clang rang out from the manor. Chef was standing upon a table banging on a pot. Meanwhile, the crowd around him had grown even larger.

“Perhaps later…”

----------------------------------------

Yedril stood confidently as three large platters of food were set in front of Kyrith and Zira. The dragons were going to be the ones to decide the outcome.

Zarrina, for her part, sat next to him. She stayed with him the entire time, both giving him mana and encouragement throughout the process. He ignored the fact she had snuck some food for herself, or the fact that her helping him was against the rules.

“I must say, Yedril, I’m surprised that you managed to prepare all this meat in time. You’ve got skill, that much is for sure.” Kael said.

“But! The real test begins now, do you think you can beat us?” Daven added.

Chef chimed in, “Hah! Sick Master win easy. Idiot Cooks better keep deal!”

“We’ll keep our deal, if he wins,” the first cook retorted. “Otherwise, you will tell us who taught you.”

“I’m confident, but how about we let the food speak for itself?” Yedril said with a smile.

“Oh! Can we eat then?! I’m starving!” Kyrith said, drooling slightly. He wasn’t the only one hungry, the scent of wood-smoked meat was overpowering. It was making everyone nearby ravenous.

“Hah! Fine then, let’s find out who's the better cook!” Kael shouted.

Daven nodded, “Go on, dig in!”

Kyrith barely heard them as he suddenly tore into his food. Meanwhile, Zira took a more dignified approach as she almost daintily picked through her meal. Still, it wasn’t long before both dragons finished their three platters.

“So, whose was better?” Yedril asked as Zira finished her final.

It was Kyrith who spoke first, while Zira seemed to mull over the decision. “They were all good! The first and second plates were really tasty, but the third… It was–”

“Magical,” Zira said.

Yedril cracked a smile, knowing that his was the third. However, Zira wasn’t done and all eyes turned to her as she continued on.

“I have to admit, the first two were amazing but the third is truly unique. The flavor, the texture, it was all heightened to another level. Perhaps the best I’ve ever had. But I could tell, magic was used. It did not compel me, nor was the taste pushed to the extreme but it does make me wonder–”

Her stomach let out a large and mighty growl.

“Can I have some more?”