“I expected something more…grand.” Gloria said as she inspected the brightly painted hut. “It suits him perfectly. Simple in appearance, and incredibly complex upon closer inspection.” Shen replied, and he scanned the mud hut. Wings flapped and Domanique landed next to Duke with a thud.

“Honestly. Our camps are on opposite sides of the island. Nobody cares that we arrived together.” The Minotaur Dragon rumbled, and the four-armed Dragon felt her disappointment. “I…did not want to inconvenience you. And my brothers can be quite irritating when it comes to personal matters. I am sorry.” Duke rumbled sincerely and Domanique blushed.

“I am offended. I would never pry. What are your intentions with my brother?” Raymond rumbled threateningly and Mei giggled. “I am glad we aren’t late. Kenpachi sends his regards. He was already training his warriors when we left.” Laurence rumbled with a mixture of worry and envy.

“Should we not have waited until we were all together to share that? What will we talk about now?” the Penguin Dragon wondered as the other guests grouped up in front of the stone arches. She smiled, and Kagiso nudged her forward. Mei spun around, but the Black Dragon wasn’t there.

“Welcome, honoured guests. Lord Drakk’N is expecting you. Please, enter.” An attendant rumbled politely, and his voice surprised the Dragons. They looked down and saw the powerful mortal. The butler, with a cutlass on his belt, stepped aside and gestured towards the stone arches.

Duke scanned the former pirate and nodded. He walked past him and through the invisible veil of Mana, in line with the threshold. A cool breeze blew past the four-armed Dragon, and he stepped onto the velvet carpet. The Dragons scanned the shelves, that resembled incredibly long stone ramparts, along the walls. They smiled at the elves, humans and dwarves that walked above their heads. The tiny energy signatures hurried along the ramparts and across the passages, before they disappeared into the walls.

“The dining hall is this way.” The butler said clearly, and he gestured to the gold inlaid doors to his right. The double doors opened mysteriously, and the mouth-watering smells wafted up their nostrils. “Can you smell them?” the Dove Dragon asked, and the Parrot Dragon nodded. Mei looked, before she sniffed the air.

“Cinnamon apple trees? Why grow them indoors, if they’re already outside?” the Penguin Dragon asked, and her sisters giggled. “Think about it. We passed through a dimensional barrier. Nothing may enter or leave without the architect’s permission.” Gloria pointed out, and Laurence smiled.

“Those tents outside lead to the chambers in here. He keeps his people close to his breast. I want to adopt a similar strategy.” Mei deduced happily. “Oh, White Petal. You’ve been dyed yet another colour.” The Parrot Dragon joked as they entered the dining hall. “Says the one who left the nest before she hatched.” The Penguin Dragon replied, and the Dove Dragon forced a smile onto her face.

“No, White Petal, that’s how long I have been planning my future. My Queendom will rival our homeland in strength and beauty. A golden paradise for all who swear fealty to my husband and I.” Gloria replied, and the Pirate Lords stood up immediately. Kagiso noticed the strained expressions on the Golden Eyed Sisters’ exposed faces and let out a booming laugh.

“I hope their presence does not offend you. I want them to take part in our discussions during and after the feast.” The Black Dragon rumbled sympathetically, and the three Golden Eyed Dragons blushed.

“No, I was simply discussing matters of marriage with my sister. My apologies for the misunderstanding. We agree. Everyone involved should be present. We hope you have prepared enough food.” The Parrot Dragon rumbled humbly and the faint light from the sconces and chandeliers well above their heads illuminated the legions at their feet. The butler smiled at the long lines of soldiers, wizards, scouts and support staff dressed in their military attire beside the line of titanic figures. “What an odd congregation…but where else would I see such a sight?” he wondered.

*

“Pardon my intrusion, but this all sounds-”“-ludicrous.” “Asinine.” “Amazing.” Dumas added, and Avalon glared at the bald man. The Dragons chuckled, laughed and giggled at their commanding officers. “Forgive me, Lord Drakk’N, but are you saying we should worship Dragons?” Madeleine asked bravely.

“Only if they nourish your soul and guide it to another life after death.” Kagiso rumbled reverently and they all saw images of the World Tree and the cosmos that rested on its canopy. Avalon, Reed, Crane, Madeleine and GoldJack closed her eyes. They saw the tree of light and the long migration to the centre of the Universe. The rest of the commanding officers stared at the colossal tree and the mountain range it grew out of. They marvelled at the palaces, castles, forts, cathedrals and temples on the cliffs and the cities and farms at its foot.

“Your ideal society will be tested. In this coming conflict and the mettle of future generations.” Raymond rumbled ominously, and they all saw glimpses of Clyde and Riekes. “Only if our enemies survive and our allies abandon us. This won’t just be a test of our strength, but theirs as well. They are as much a part of this world as we are.” The Black Dragon rumbled hopefully.

“The Gods have sent their Demi-Gods to win over billions through worship. Your society sounds shallow in comparison. Our people are arrogant. Divinity is not something that they will take in strides. Your plan will end in a second civil war. This time, they will pay the price.” An old voice rumbled warily to everyone’s surprise.

“Admiral, I was afraid you would not make it.” Kagiso said and the old Dragon waltzed into the dining hall. The Black Dragon’s butler glanced at his staff, and they all shrugged. “He didn’t set off any of the sensors…I-”“-no. Calm yourselves. We will discuss this later.” He replied, and the men and women in black attire vanished. The shaggy-haired titan chuckled.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“My apologies. I just came from dinner with your father and a few other dinosaurs. Besides, who would want to entertain this relic of the past? I must say, what a marvellous palace.” Admiral Granger rumbled happily, and the Dragons stood up immediately. He looked up at the ramparts and the long rows of tables. The Pirate Lords and the commanding officers stood up and the old Dragon looked down. He scanned the magical spells and the invisible platforms their tables rested on.

“Dragons and mortals sitting side by side. Inconvenient, uncomfortable and insincere. Those were our complaints and criticisms. What now, old friend? What will be our excuse now? They are finding new ways to live and grow together. Who are we to stand in their way?” Admiral Granger asked, and the Black Dragon’s shadow retreated. The heterochromatic man’s Astral body stood on the thatch roof and watched as his father looked down on his son’s palace. He turned around, flapped his wings and vanished.

“But I won’t say no to a goblet or too. I have heard pirates have amazing stories.” The old Dragon rumbled happily, and the Black Dragon forced a smile onto his face. GoldJack cheered. “Wellin that case, I have something just for the occasion.” He slurred and rumbled happily. Kagiso’s smiled grew wider, and his eyes twinkled at the sight of the drunk Pirate Lord.

The Dwarven Pirate Lord raised his hands and a clay pot materialised in front of an empty seat at the end of the table. The old Dragon hummed as he strolled towards the seat. He bowed humbly, sat down and licked his lips in anticipation.

Admiral Granger raised his sleeve and reached down with his right index finger and thumb extended. He pinched the clay pot carefully, brought the drink to his lips and opened his mouth wider than everyone expected. An old man, with short silver hair, leaned forward and sipped the glittery drink. His thick eyebrows twitched, and he tilted the whole thing over. The adults laughed and a few children giggled at the old Dragon’s kindly demeanour.

*

“Thank you for inviting me. Sam and the others send their regards.” The wizened old man rumbled sincerely, and he strolled down to where the heterochromatic man was sitting. “Knowing Commander Buchu wanted to come is enough. There would be an uproar if their clans found out.” He rumbled sympathetically, and Admiral Granger chuckled.

“I always wondered why your All-Seeing Eye had not awakened yet. You have always been more perceptive than your brothers. One only sees the path before him, the other the path laid out for him. You have denied your gifts and your destiny for too long.” The wizened old man rumbled sternly, and his robes fluttered in the evening breeze.

“You’re too harsh on them, uncle. Your nephews are just slow learners…and honest to a fault. They were born and raised to be the perfect sword and shield for the future king. Why is it only now that I see the depravity of our ways?” Kagiso rumbled regretfully, and Admiral Granger sighed. “For we are Dragons. Rules govern all, even the Universe.” He rumbled reverently and the heterochromatic man scoffed and shook his head.

“I’m serious. Have you ever flown into a black hole?” the wizened old man rumbled jovially. “I am not a child anymore, uncle. I cannot laugh some pains away.” Kagiso rumbled, and Admiral Granger nodded. “Then rage. Devour it all and spit it back out as pure hot plasma. My previous statement still stands. What will you do to prevent a second civil war?” the wizened old man rumbled.

“First you instigate violence, then you ask what I will do to prevent a retaliation. I have been rather contradictor as of late, haven’t I?” the heterochromatic man rumbled harshly, and his uncle couldn’t contain his laughter. “You never cease to amaze me. I have never, in all my years, heard a Dragon rumble to one’s self. Fantastic! You do what you think, what feels, sounds and looks right. That is all.” Admiral Granger rumbled proudly.

“That is what I am afraid of, uncle. What feels right is to be loved and to love in return.” Kagiso rumbled, and the wizened old man saw a little girl enveloped in a glittery golden glow. She giggled and ran up to hug her grandfather. Admiral Granger knelt and opened his arms immediately. He blinked, and the absence of his future granddaughter shattered him.

“Why would you show…my apologies. No…I have every right to be upset. You didn’t just show me the future, did you? What you see are prophecies. Fixed points in space and time. Your foresight is terrifying.” The wizened old man rumbled mournfully. “That is the colour of my soul. That is what I have been running from. Father would never have let me see the light of day and mother would never have let him try.” The heterochromatic man rumbled with a mixture of pride and guilt.

“Do not blame your father. He has the burden of his sins and his responsibilities weighing on his shoulders. Sins we all share, but memories can be hidden and ignored. Someone once said a world of psychics would be more honest. I have found it is quite the opposite. I must apologise for my reaction-”“-no, uncle, there is no need. I lost my temper, and I did it to shock you. I am sorry.” Kagiso rumbled sadly.

“Do it. Master your light and your eyes. Whatever leads us to her. Do it. That child is special, like you were before we taught you how to be a monster. In time, your line will outshine all. Your house will become a beacon seen from the heavens.” Admiral Granger rumbled hopefully.

“And the shadow it casts will invite tragedy. Clan Drakk’N will forever be cursed. Are you still willing to support me, even if it means befriending the enemy and turning against the other clans? Worship, challenging the Universe and changing this system are the only ways to end this war? Death and rebirth. War is the only way to end war. My people, my allies, my enemies. We will all become Gods and then we can fight it out as equals.” The heterochromatic man rumbled apathetically.

“Do you have a plan? Have you decided on a path?” the wizened old man rumbled, and the wind died down mysteriously. “No. No.” Kagiso rumbled apathetically. “Good.” Admiral Granger replied, and the evening breeze blew again. The dimensional barrier he had erected collapsed, and the two stood and sat in silence for a few moments.

“Your brothers and your friends are loyal and strong. You have also surrounded yourself with an odd circle of champions. Learn to have as much faith in them as we do in you. Trust us to fight some of your battles.” The old Dragon rumbled sincerely, and everyone’s eyes twinkled.

“It was a pleasure to see you three again. Do not become strangers. It is getting late, and I must take my leave. Thank you for the drink, Lord GoldJack. You are welcome to share another with me anytime. Good evening.” Admiral Granger rumbled happily, and the Dwarven Pirate Lord laughed hysterically.

“Did uncle just invite a mortal to share a drink with him?” Raymond asked in disbelief. “What did you two talk about?” Duke added in shock. “Thank you, Admiral. May the Universe forever be in your favour.” The Black Dragon prayed, and the few who had closed their eyes earlier noticed the glittery golden flakes swirling around them.

“Wait.” “Has this always been floating around?” “Is this Mana?” “It’s so bright.” “Mama fireflies!” a child called out from the ramparts and a few others giggled and laughed when they closed their eyes.

“Well, I’ll be. The child is right.” An old woman whispered, and a few sceptical faces closed their eyes. The Pirate Lords and commanding officers looked around frantically to the bewilderment of their colleagues. They traced the glittery flecks of golden light to the Black Dragon, just as they turned into needles and pierced their chests. Strings of light connected Kagiso to everyone in the dining hall, and they all received a notification.

“Divine Dragon’s Blessing. Fifteen percent increase to all stats and fifteen percent damage increase for all abilities. Ah, and he has also added secret properties for those who are studious and perceptive. He wants them to question the Influence and Mana systems. Question the Council, question the Universe. Aye, I will follow your journey wherever it may lead, my Prince. What could a Dragon covet above Rules and knowledge?” the old Dragon pondered as he left the dining hall and his right eye glowed blue.

“Appraisal.” Admiral Granger command and he scanned the golden thread.