“This way.” A doctor whispered, and four hooded figures darted into an alley. They rushed past the old woman and the light above the door flickered. The door closed silently and a squadron of automatons flew by shortly afterwards.

A much larger and automaton appeared in the middle of the street. It followed the trail of pheromones and vapourised saliva to the alley. The Sentry’s featureless mask faced the alley, and a single eyehole opened slowly. The golden Dragon's eye blinked and sparkled, before the advanced automaton scanned the dark alley. It detected a trace of Mana and its golden eye flashed.

*

“Halt. Ignore them.” Laurence commanded, and the Sentry vanished. She glanced at Matshabane and he averted his gaze. The Dove Dragon frowned. “What was that?” she wondered, and a dossier popped up in front of her. “I am being repositioned. I am their best healer, why I am so far from the front lines? Does the General know?” Laurence thought quickly and she studied the map carefully.

“And Captain Langa is taking my place. Knox’s right hand herself. He must know. Did you tell him or is it a mere coincidence? Why?” The Dove Dragon whispered angrily. She stared at the encrypted channel, but the Stalk Dragon did not answer. Laurence sucked her teeth and waved the monitor away with a thought. A few Dragons glanced at her quickly, when her energy signature spiked.

The Dove Dragon stared at the title of Sage and clenched her fist. She inhaled sharply and exhaled slowly. Laurence stepped back, nodded and her Astral body disappeared without saying a word. She opened her eyes, gave it some thought.

“Find them. Time is of the essence.” The Dove Dragon rumbled urgently, and the Sentry bowed. It vanished, and she paced back and forth on her tower. “Matshabane cannot take my place. So, I doubt I am being replaced. Then why reposition me? Am I being paranoid? But he avoided my gaze and he didn’t answer. Is he trying to prolong the war? Does he hope to make a name for himself? Did he do it out of spite? No, he doesn’t know I possess the title of Sage. Nevertheless, I must speak to his people. I need to know what he told them.” Laurence thought and she stared at the city over the horizon.

*

“What is the meaning of this?” a doctor whispered angrily. “I don’t know. We were told to bring the scroll and we have. We are leaving. Our work here is done.” One of the hooded figures whispered back.

“And you’re okay with us reporting this to our Lady? Don’t you want this war to end?” Doctor Mayflower whispered and the hooded figures exchanged looks. “I-I’m sorry, but we cannot produce what we do not have. We journeyed this far, because-”“-you thought you were doing the right thing and you still can. I just need to speak to the soldiers that were sent to your hospitals.” The Sentry said and the medics lowered their hoods. An elderly man sighed.

“Lady Laurence, what you speak of is treason.” The old medic replied. “I am merely asking you to deliver an invitation. You won’t have to do anything else beyond that.” The Sentry assured him and he looked up at the six-metre-tall cyborg. Her golden eye was fixed on his and the old medic nodded.

“I am afraid we cannot fulfil your request. A group of patients were being transferred when we left. It seems Lord Matshabane has fooled us both." The old medic replied honestly. “Thank you.” The Sentry said and her eyes flashed. The combat medics raised their hoods and Dr. Mayflower held her breath. The one-eyed cyborg vanished and the stout doctor exhaled. She opened the door and the hooded men and women lowered their heads guiltily.

*

“All is lost...what am I saying? There is still much I can do from here. Yes, it’s not enough to win my allies’ hearts. I need to find alternative ways to reach our enemies as well. It will unfortunately take time, and it will raise suspicion. Damn that coward. Things would have been so much easier if he had just done his part and remained silent.” Laurence thought bitterly. She placed her hand on the hand rail and walked around the perimeter of her tower. A thought occurred and the Dove Dragon stopped abruptly.

“Prisoners of war.” Laurence whispered and a holo-monitor popped up in front of her. She typed, poked, swiped and prodded for hours. The Dove Dragon sucked her teeth, whenever a monitor with “Denied” written in big red letters popped. She kept filling in forms, until four returned with the word “Accepted” written in big green letters.

“Now to wait and see. In the meantime, I must prepare for their arrival.” Laurence said to herself with an optimistic smile. She twirled around and her eyes flashed.

*

“Move it!” the guard yelled and the prisoners stepped out of the carriage in a single file. They wore white jumpsuits and the chains that bound them together sparkled. Some of the prisoners were missing a limb or an eye, and the rest were completely unharmed.

“Those four. They should be more amenable once they have regained what was once lost. Thank the Universe Gloria isn’t here. She would never approve of this.” Laurence thought and she watched the prisoners from her observation tower. They were transported to the newest and smallest medical city on her Mother Ship.

“No more setbacks.” The Dove Dragon whispered and she summoned twelve Sentries. “Dr. Sanders.” Laurence called and the scruffy doctor looked up. “My Lady. How may I assist you?” Eugene asked quickly. “I need someone I can trust to examine our prisoners.” She explained and Dr. Sanders started at her. “We have prisoners?” he asked skeptically.

“Temporarily. And if all goes well, we won’t have any need for prisons. Will you help me?” the Dove Dragon asked and Eugene gave it some thought. “Aye, but only if I do it alone. I do not want to place my wife in any kind of danger.” He replied and the holo-monitor split in half.

“Oh.” Laurence said guiltily and Eden appeared on screen. “It’s a little too late for that, sweetheart.” She replied and Eugene scowled at the monitors. “Are you serious?” he asked quietly. “I know…I know you’re scared and you know how I feel. But we can’t let fear rule us. Remember when we were just researchers? Remember when we dreamt of the discoveries we would make? I want to become that hopeful student again. I want to be rid of my fear. So, yes. I am serious. I need to do this.” Dr. Sanders assured her husband and he stared at her for a few seconds.

“Will there be a security detail assigned?” Eugene asked hesitantly. “Of course. I have a hundred and eighty Sentries guarding the city. I will also assign a dozen each to stay by your side. I doubt the prisoners will try anything with them nearby and I can take their place in a moment’s notice.” The Dove Dragon replied confidently.

“When do you want us to start?” Dr. Sanders asked and Eden smiled nervously at him. “Immediately, please.” Laurence replied urgently. “May I ask why we’re taking in prisoners?” Eugene asked and the Dove Dragon smiled. “To end the war, my friends. I hope to set up a meeting between myself and our prisoners' sponsors.” She replied optimistically and Dr. Sander’s expression softened.

*

The tall steel gates opened slowly. The two Doctors checked their wristwatches and doctors Mayflower and Sbunzi did the same. They made certain the strange catalysts were still working, before they looked up and scanned the power dampeners in the walls.

The four doctors strolled through the passages, while the doors closed slowly behind them. They walked past the Sentries stationed at the first pair of doors and continued deeper into the seemingly endless stone passage. The lights flickered and the sound of their footsteps bounced off the white walls.

“Hey, hey! Look who’s here? Our hosts have returned!” a voice called out and the last door opened. “Settle down, ladies and gents. Just a few more days and those prosthetics will be ready.” Eugene replied and the prisoners cheered.

“Well, there is one thing we need to discuss.” Eden added and the prisoners groaned. They stepped forward and placed their hands through the glittery iron bars. Behind them were more stone passages with two iron doors on either side. A muscular woman walked out of her private training room. She approached her cell gate and stared ahead blankly.

“Have you given Lady Laurence’s proposal some thought?” Eden asked and the prisoner remained silent. “We’re not asking you to betray your Lord-”“-God. Not some lord. My God. My strength, saviour and salvation. And that is precisely what you want.” Erabelle replied stoically. “Our lady merely wishes to meet and speak.” Dr. Sanders said honestly. “Or have you given up on the notion of peace? Because we will not. We cannot.” Dr. Sbunzi added, but the muscular woman didn’t say a word. She stared ahead quietly and placed her right arm through the cell gate.

“Take your sample and leave me alone.” Erabelle said emotionlessly. “For goodness sake, Belle. What about your children? Your wife and your brother? Do you not want to see them again?” Seymour asked, and the muscular woman clenched her teeth. She turned to the side and glared at the old warrior.

“If I do not see them again in this life, then I will see them in the next.” Erabelle replied and she clenched her fist as well. A Sentry turned its head and an eyehole opened slowly. The cyborg approached the muscular woman’s cell and knelt. Laurence placed her hand against her forehead.

“I see the error of my ways now. I should have spoken to you directly.” The Dove Dragon said and Erabelle gasped. “U-unhand me.” She demanded with a shaky whisper. “I will not. It is the only way I can think of to bridge the divide between us. I have a very special friend. He thinks our people can coexist. Can you believe that? Mortals and immortals living peacefully together. I share his naïve dream now and the sooner we end this war, the sooner we can make such a world our reality.” Laurence said and she locked eyes with Erabelle.

“Then you and your friend are fools. Then can never be peace between two superpowers. How can there, when they cannot be at peace with themselves? Humanity does not know peace. Dwarves do not know peace, nor the elves. Gods fight amongst themselves and I am certain your people share the same history.” The muscular woman replied and the Dove Dragon smiled.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Then why have we not gone extinct? Deep down, all living creatures seek peace. Even if it is through violence and war. We must show them that there is another way. Together we can prove that peace is a possibility. That there is strength in hopes and ideals. Enough to draw a circle and protect the peace.” Laurence argued with an optimistic smile.

“Until one side betrays the other for an ounce of power, and that power will breed misery.” Erabelle replied, and Laurence stood up slowly. “You are lucky enough to have stumbled upon a benevolent superpower. As arrogant as it may sound, do you deny that my people have done the same?” she asked confidently. “I do not. The rumors of the White Sage were true. Your kindness is a rare sight to behold.” The muscular woman replied honestly.

“Then will you deliver a message for me? The White Sage, Laurence of Clan Illumoon, wishes to broker a peace. To barter for supplies and to pay reparations to any that have suffered because of this war. You and your people will know the best place to meet and whom to deliver this message to.” The Dove Dragon pleaded, and Erabelle sighed. She bit her lip and turned her head to the side.

“I have sworn an oath and taken my vows. I cannot help you…but I will not stop them, if they decide to do so. I will suggest one thing. Take your families and flee as soon as you are done. Only a handful of Gods are worth praying to and even less share your kindness and compassion.” The muscular woman replied and her expression softened.

“There it is again. Gene’s face did the same thing. Maybe it isn’t a naïve dream after all? I know Lady Laurence believes Lord Drakk’N will be the next Dragon King…but I wish she would vie for the position. She would make a glorious Queen.” Eden thought as she stared at Laurence and engraved her visage in her mind.

*

“Any word from them?” The Dove Dragon asked and the four doctors shook their heads. Laurence sucked her teeth with a concerned expression. She paced back and forth and the doctors exchanged confused looks.

“M-my Lady, perhaps you should rest. These things take time.” Dr. Mayflower suggested politely. “It has been a month, Rosanna. Something must have happened. I am taking us closer to the front lines. I have had enough of this.” The crimson skinned woman said angrily. She vanished and the Dove Dragon appeared suddenly.

“Lady Laurence, what about your orders?” Dr Sbunzi asked and dark grey clouds blotted out the sky. “Never mind.” He whispered and Laurence’s Mother Ship broke formations. “Specialist Mokoena, I am detecting movement. What is the meaning of this?” a Dragon asked and the Dove Dragon giggled. “I almost forgot about you all. Listen carefully. I am heading towards the front line. You can order your ships to follow or you may leave.” She announced and the Dragons glared at her automatons.

“Well?” the cyborgs asked and the injured Dragons closed their eyes. The fleet of Mother Ships abandoned their position and vanished. They flew passed their allies and headed straight for the battles taking place over the horizon. The small fleet sailed over barren islands with shallow graves and burnt down ruins. They ignored the Mother Ships, and the wreckages they hauled out of the water, and rocketed towards an archipelago to the southwest.

“Where are you taking us?” A Rabbit Dragon asked and Laurence’s eyes flashed. She glared at the Dragon menacingly and she backed down. “Specialist Mokoena, what is the meaning of this?” General Knox demanded. “I am doing my duty as a healer, sir.” The Dove Dragon replied and the doctors remembered where they were. They knelt quickly and exchanged terrified looks.

“And is it your duty to disobey orders?” the Turtle Dragon asked angrily. “Yes, if it conflicts with my duty as a healer. I will accept my punishment, but I am no longer asking nor am I entertaining excuses. This war will end, and we will have peace.” Laurence rumbled angrily.

“Then you may find that it is already too late for that. We would have sent emissaries, gifts and treaties, if peace was truly our goal.” General Knox rumbled stoically. The Dove Dragon frowned, when she felt a hint of guilt in his words. “What have you done?” Laurence asked frightfully. “I have done nothing. However, The White Sage has made certain that this war will either end in our victory or theirs.” The Turtle Dragon rumbled coldly.

“For your own safety. Return to your position, Specialist Mokoena. We are your allies and we have no intention of losing our Sage to the enemy.” General Knox rumbled calmly. “Then you have declared war on peace itself. I wonder if The Prince will approve of your actions.” The Dove Dragon rumbled and her rage terrified the Dragons that were listening. “Hmph. Do as you please. There is nothing to salvage.” The Turtle Dragon rumbled tiredly and he ended the call.

Laurence and the small fleet arrived at their destination shortly. They scanned the archipelago of islands and were shocked to find that there weren’t any signs of life.

“Well? What now?” A Dragon asked. “Now we setup camps and wait. I’m surprised you all stayed.” The Dove Dragon replied. “As am I, but I liked the way you stood up to the General.” She replied, and another Dragon chuckled. “Corporal Klein.” The Rabbit Dragon said quickly.

“That’s-”“-I can speak fer myself.” The Boar Dragon said in a gruff voice. “Hobbes.” He introduced and Laurence giggled. “No rank?” she asked. “What is the point? You may be safe, but they will either promote us or dismiss us for what we are doing.” Hobbes replied frankly. “Aye. I will not apologise for what we are doing, but I am sorry for dragging you into my battles.” Laurence rumbled honestly.

“And what are we doing exactly? Nelson.” the Astral body of a Ferret Dragon asked, before he introduced himself. “We, will search the area. You, will rest. I asked a group of mortals to send a message to their sponsor. I had hoped to negotiate a peace agreement.” The Dove Dragon replied, and the Boar Dragon scoffed.

“And Knox dashed those hopes.” Klein replied, with a sigh. “It took weeks to convince them. Now I fear the worst.” Laurence said sadly and the Rabbit Dragon stared at her. “You really care for them. They weren’t conscripted. They chose to be here to further their own ambitions. Why do you treat them like Dragons?” She rumbled, with confusion.

“I used to think that too, until I realized that they only had one life. Mortals cannot respawn and their lives are shorter than ours. Are they really free to choose, when they cannot survive in this world without a fraction of our power.” The Dove Dragon rumbled sympathetically. “The world is inherently unfair. We cannot tip the scales in their favour any more than we can for ourselves.” Nelson rumbled confidently.

“Incorrect. The Dragon Guard is evidence of that. The Prince has seen another way, or do you deny the Chosen Heir’s foresight?” Laurence rumbled happily and the three Dragons laughed. “Well said. And here I thought you were just a child chasing wild dreams. My people will find your messengers, Laurence.” The Rabbit Dragon assured her new friend.

“Thank you, but I do not know how to repay you.” The Dove Dragon replied. “Your aid in times of need and your friendship are more than enough.” Klein said proudly and Hobbes cleared his throat. “I will not say no to a buff or two here and there. What? I can be quite reckless on the battlefield, and the aura of gold you wreathed me in kept me alive last time. I am guessing The Prince was the one who name it the Divine Dragon’s Blessing.” He added, and Dr. Sanders frowned. She looked up, inhaled sharply and mustered up some courage.

“P-pardon my intrusion. Lord Hobbes, did you say the Divine Dragon’s blessing? May I ask if that is what appears before you?” Eden asked tentatively. “Aye, why do you ask?” the Boar Dragon replied. “Well, we receive the King’s Blessing.” She replied, and Laurence’s DragonHeart appeared before her.

“Are you certain?” the crimson skinned woman asked sternly. “I am, my Lady. There is no mistaking it.” Dr. Sanders replied, and Laurence exhaled sharply in disbelief. She gave it some thought, smiled and giggled. “What does that mean?” the Ferret Dragon asked warily. “That the power to choose has been bestowed upon us. How did I not notice? Will we keep this power to ourselves or share it with the world? He is testing us. Who can find a ruler amongst their people?” the Dove Dragon rumbled giddily.

“We must hurry. Time is of the essence and we know now that there are forces working against us.” Laurence said confidently. “My Lady, what do you mean? Aren’t there mortal Kings and Queens on other ships?” Eden asked, and the Dragons laughed. They stopped quickly, when they noticed how serious she was.

“The title of King is not so cheap or else we would all be Kings. No, little one, few are worthy of the title of Monarch. Less are deserving of such power and even fewer know how to live up to it. Every attempt to establish a mortal monarchy has ended in catastrophic failure, and so The Council forbade it…until now.” Nelson replied, and he looked up at the cloudy sky.

*

“I don’t like this.” a fisherman said nervously. “Keep your voice down.” A hooded assailant whispered. He grimaced, stood up and entered the bridge of the small boat. “I saw something.” The fisherman whispered. “You’re being paranoid. We lost them a while back.” Seymour replied and he lowered his hood.

“You swear they are lies. The White Sage won’t…crush my bones and brew potions from the dust?” the fisherman asked nervously. “No, but I might if you don’t shut it.” The old warrior replied. He removed his hand from his side and inspected the smouldering bullet wound. A branch creaked and Seymour glanced to his right. “Stop the boat. We’re here.” He said calmly. The fisherman looked around and he spotted the automatons that had surrounded them.

“Who goes there?” a disembodied voice asked, and the automatons vanished. “Friends of Lady Laurence. I seek an audience…with the true White Sage.” the old warrior replied honestly. “You think it’s them?” a scout asked from the shadows. “Send report. Docs can confirm.” The second scout whispered back.

“We’ll take them back to camp. You’re useless out in the field if you can’t communicate properly.” The first scout replied. “Safe?” the second asked. “Everyone else on board is dead and the fisherman is weak. He must be a civ. The old codger gives me the chills though. Do not take your eyes off him. I don't care if he's on his last legs, he's dangerous. Save your strength and stay hidden, I’ll make contact. Call reinforcements if things go belly up.” The senior scout instructed.

“Are you the party Lady Laurence entrusted with a message?” the scout asked and he revealed himself. “Aye. Seymour Grimes. This is Seamus De Vries.” Seymour replied quickly. “Allen Foster. I’ll take you to our camp. We have a doctor stationed there. Dr. Sanders will confirm your identity.” Allen replied and he hopped onto the deck. The fisherman chuckled in shock, when the boat barely moved.

“My son…please, he’s sick.” Seamus said softly and Allen frowned. He turned to the old warrior and Seymour averted his gaze. The scout sighed. “You’ll have to ask the doctor. I do not possess any medical expertise.” He lied. “There is a hidden stream upriver. You can dock your boat there and we will have to travel the rest of the way on foot.” Allen added carefully.

*

“Fascinating. I thought these only grew on my home-world.” Eugene said with excitement. “So?” a scout asked and Dr. Sanders laughed. “It’s a groundbreaking discovery. I assumed life on this planet would be alien, but it seems more like a continuation than anything. Watch this.” Eugene explained, before he fiddled with his wristwatch. The lights grew dimmer and the flower samples began to glow.

“Wow.” “They’re beautiful.” The scouts commented. “Moonglow flowers. They have bioluminescent petals that glow at night and they’re incredibly rare. Yet, here they are in droves.” Dr. Sanders said and he stared at the glass cases on the shelves. His wristwatch beeped and a monitor popped up in front of him.

“Doc, we found them. Heading to you now.” Allen reported and Eugene sighed with relief, until he noticed the grim expression on the scout’s face. “What is it?” he asked quietly. “It’s best if you see for yourself, and let Lady Laurence know we need a secure line.” The senior scout replied. “I need some privacy.” Dr. Sanders said quickly. “Vacate the tent!” a scout barked and his comrades left immediately. “Thank you.” Eugene added and he called Laurence shortly aferwards.

*

The Dove Dragon stared at the mutilated corpses on the monitor. She clenched her fist and scanned the cuts and punctures made to Erabelle’s large frame.

“They were tortured.” Laurence deduced. “Aye.” Seymour muttered. “What happened?” she asked softly. “We delivered the message as promised and a meeting place was chosen. Then we were rounded up and accused of treason. We explained that we had not delivered the message yet and that you couldn’t have betrayed us. However, it didn’t matter. It never did. The Goddess Izanami is obsessed with death. She convinced her brother to brand us traitors and...an entire battalion…executed or tortured. For what? What did they die for?” the old warrior asked, with teary eyes.

“For ambition and greed. This was no fault of yours or mine. Our enemies are colluding to prolong this war. But we are not alone. Close your eyes, Seymour. Close your eyes and guide them home with me.” The Dove Dragon pleaded and she prayed. Seymour closed his eyes and he saw the spirits that had travelled with him. Erabelle nodded and approached steadily.

“They fought for what they believed in until the very end and so they died along the path. May the Universe guide them home.” Laurence prayed and the darkness grew warmer. The old warrior bowed humbly and the thousands under his command bowed as well. They turned around and marched down the ash dunes. The long line of warriors became translucent. The spirits glittered and sparkled as they joined the migration towards the cosmic tree. Seymour’s mouth opened in awe and his teary eyes twinkled like the starry canopy.

“I need a wise warrior. One who will make it his mission to keep his forces alive. One who is more concerned with ending battles than securing territory. Join me, General Grimes, in this war for peace.” The Dove Dragon beseeched and the old warrior removed his sword from his belt. He knelt, raised it higher and swore a silent oath.

*

“By the Universe. What has she done now?” Captain Langa wondered when dozens of Dragons appeared on her observation deck. “What is the meaning of this? Why was a cease fire called?” a Bull Dragon asked. “It wasn’t.” the Blue Dragon replied and several Astral bodies disappeared instantly.

“There’s more?” Captain Langa asked, with an exacerbated groan. “We all see what she is doing. Make her stop or it won’t end well.” A Dragon rumbled threateningly. “Oh? You can fight a war on both fronts? Steer clear of Specialist Mokoena’s medic camp, or incur the wrath of her many powerful friends.” The Blue Dragon rumbled and a shiver ran down their spines, when General Knox flashed before their eyes.

“Why?” the Bull Dragon asked skeptically. “Ambition. General Knox cares not how we win, but only that we do. Specialist Mokoena has become quite the force and she has complete control of the south west. In her own way, she is furthering our goals. You, on the other hand, have failed to gain any ground in weeks. Your forces have abandoned you and your camps have dwindled. You are grunts, farmers and bakers. There is no shame in that. But know that you lack the ambition, talent and traits to achieve your goals.” Captain Langa rumbled bluntly, while her Astral bodies poured over hundreds of maps in her cartography hall.

The Blue Dragon smirked at the four archipelagos they controlled. She held the west-northwest, General Knox’s forces pushed through the centre to catch made up to his flanks and Master Sergeant Matshabane held the rear. Suddenly, the west-southwestern army pulled ahead. They discovered more islands, as well as what appeared to be a small continent.