Chapter 267 - Naming

Sorry for the delay. I had to scrap an old version of this chapter and figure out some plot stuff.  It's always so hard to get everything in the right place toward the latter parts of a book!

On a different note, what do you think of the patreon UI update? I do not like it one bit lol.

As Hump watched the dissipating crowd, anger built within him. Many wouldn’t even look his way. They muttered to each other, whispering discontent. It wasn’t fair.

Give them time, he told himself.

It was difficult though. It should go both ways. At the very least, they could give him a chance to explain. He knew well how sensitive people became over their gods and customs, but he thought he’d earned more than this in his time in Drakalyn.

He drew a calming breath, trying not to let it get to him. One could not control the actions of others, but one could master themselves. He was exhausted, and too tired to care for the situation now. It turned out that having his soul removed was a more exhausting process than he’d expected. So he waited with indifference until only those closest to him remained, along with Keeper Yunillia and the elders. Yunillia wanted to talk, so he’d answer her questions and see where things stood. He’d been clear with his intentions ever since he arrived in Drakalyn. There was nothing to be ashamed of.

Ado was the one that broke the lingering quiet. “Now I bet you didn’t predict this.” He laughed, facing the elders. “I told you the boy would surprise you.”

Hump was startled by the shaman’s declaration. It was strange enough to be standing amongst such company at the base of the Great Tree. He felt out of place, and could not shake the feeling of Owalyn at his back, her piercing glare still vivid in his mind and down his spine.

“Are you pleased to be proven right?” Elder Ashera asked coldly. “This is hardly a positive surprise, though I suppose we need not pander to an outsider much longer.”

“Don’t be so crude,” Elder Rena said. “He may have turned down his place as a keeper but he completed the final trial.”

“Completed does not mean that he passed,” Ashera said.

“He is an anomaly,” Sulamir said, watching Hump. “You have created quite the problem for us, Wizard.”

“I had no wish to bring you trouble,” Hump said.

“It is unprecedented for one to complete the trial yet fail to become a keeper,” he said. “We must discuss amongst ourselves what exactly that entails.”

“What do you mean?” Hump asked, frowning. “It is as good as failing, is it not?”

“Yet you have your dragon,” Keeper Yunillia said. “You are bonded. You may never be a dragon keeper, but you will have a wolf dragon at your side. That carries responsibility, both from our side and from yours.”

Hump stared at her, unsure of what to make of what they were saying. “You almost sound like you don’t want to let me leave.”

Yunillia raised an eyebrow. “Do you wish to leave?”

He resisted the urge to answer immediately, thinking hard before responding. “Not immediately. I wish to help you defeat Lich Queen Irila, however I never intended on remaining in Drakalyn forever.” He turned to Vamir and Celaine. “I came here to uphold a promise to face the trials, which I have now done, and to train Nishari, though that process will perhaps never end.”

Vamir gave him a nod. “I appreciate that.” He smiled. “You certainly didn’t fail to meet expectations.”

“But why, lad?” Leif asked, taking a step forward. His face appeared hurt. “We’d have been happy to have you! You’re a great fit for Drakalyn.”

“He’s a young man,” Ado said, grinning. “Hump has his own life to lead, don’t you?”

Hump did his best to return a smile. He got the impression the old shaman liked seeing everyone riled up. “It’s not that. I just… I’m a wizard. That’s me, and that’s what I aspire to be. To take Owalyn’s power would change everything. It would change… me.” Hump was surprised at the vehemence in his voice.

“You could still be a wizard,” Leif said.

Hump shook his head. “Being Chosen effects the soul. I’ve worked hard to craft mine into what it is today, and I don’t want to lose that.”

“It is your right,” Yunillia said. “There’s no need for an interrogation. The trial is over. Hump has made his decision. This is the state of things now and discussing the reasons behind it is irrelevant. We must now decide what to do going forward.”

“I’m still committed to helping with the lich,” Hump said. “Nothing has changed.”

“Your decision has an effect on others,” Yunillia said. “At least for now, I would like you to take some time away from the fighting while tensions cool off. It will give myself and the elders some time to figure out what to do with you.”

Hump frowned at that. “I did not ask for that.”

“I told you, we have a responsibility,” Yunillia said sternly, giving him a frustrated look that he recognised as one that meant to keep his mouth shut. “Whatever we decide that is, I do hope you don’t decline our offer too.”

“Of course,” Hump said, suddenly realising that she was trying to help him. “I would be most grateful for anything.”

“You can’t expect him to wait around idly!” Celaine protested. “Please, Keeper Yunillia, you must reconsider.”

“And must ask for your consideration. Hump’s decision has complicated matters,” she said. “We have much to discuss.”

“Yunillia is correct,” Elder Rena said. “While this is not the outcome I hoped for, you are still bonded with a fine dragon. We cannot leave you without guidance.” She gave Elder Ashera a curt look. “No matter our personal thoughts.”

Ashera grumbled something, then snapped. “I do not disagree.”

“It’s fine, Celaine,” Hump said. “If this is how it’s going to be, so be it. Owalyn told me there would be consequences.”

Yunillia gave him an appreciative smile. “A few weeks here will not change that. There is only so much that can be achieved through small skirmishes. We will speak further before our true plans come to light.”

Despite his irritation at the situation, she’d sparked his curiosity. As far as he knew, they had no plans other than to search for the phylactery. Unfortunately, now wasn’t exactly the time to probe further. It wasn’t long before he was dismissed, and left the holy area alongside Celaine, feeling better for every step away from the Great Tree he took.

***

“You truly are full of surprises!” Celaine said.

She led him west of the Temple of the Everflame, away from prying eyes. Nisha ran on ahead, racing back and forth along the path, sniffing everything she set her eyes on. Excitement rushed through her, the presence of Owalyn making her brim with energy.

“Yeah. You think you were surprised. Imagine mine when I was suddenly offered a blessing! Could you not have stopped by to mention this was happening?”

“Ah, yes, because I was informed so long in advance!”

“Were you?” Hump asked.

Celaine snorted, shaking her head. “I found out this morning and they made sure I didn’t sneak away.”

“And you could muster up a message on an arrow or anything?” Hump asked jokingly.

Celaine rolled her eyes at him. “Right. I am sorry though, for what it’s worth. You can’t be very happy with the situation.”

Hump sighed. “I’m not. After all I’ve done for Drakalyn, it feels like I’m being treated as an outcast.”

“Give it time. You turned down what they considered a great honour today. You’ve ruffled a lot feathers, but it will pass.”

“I guess so,” Hump said glumly. “What about you? Are you ruffled?”

Celaine gave him a look and raised an eyebrow. “Do I look ruffled?”

Hump shrugged. “About as ruffled as usual. But you’re always cross about something.”

She glared at him. “Uh-huh.”

“See!”

“Well I’m not offended. Actually, when I saw you before Owalyn, it didn’t seem right for you to accept. I’m glad you turned the offer down.”

“Oh? Worried I’ll take your spot as the hunter of the party are you?”

She nudged him with her elbow and he burst out laughing.

“No,” she said.

“Then why?” Hump asked.

“You’re a hedge wizard, right?” she smirked. “Could you imagine if you had to start telling people you’re Chosen?”

“Bud would think I’m a true heretic then,” Hump said.

“I think that ship has sailed.” They walked quietly for a while, and then Celaine asked. “Why did you decline?”

“Because I’m a hedge wizard, like you said.”

The trail opened up as they came upon a shallow hill. Below, the trees parted giving way to a clearing of flowers that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. The scent hit him like a fresh flower arrangement and Celaine stepped forward and breathed the air deeply.

Nisha ran forward, scrambling amongst the flowers excitedly. Celaine laughed.

“Careful, Nisha!” Celaine said. “Don’t destroy anything.”

Hump urged her to calm down and be careful, and Nisha slowed down just a tad.

“This is one of my favourite trails,” Celaine said. “Beautiful, isn’t it.”

“It is,” Hump said, staring out across the land. He sensed essence at work here, but he could not tell its function. Another mystery that he would likely never solve.

“What will you do now?” Celaine asked.

“I don’t have much choice, do I?” Hump said. “It’s not like I can leave with the lich guarding the mountains, nor would I want to put you in that position. I suppose I’ll wait for them to make their decision and cross my fingers it’s not a nuisance. Do you know what I can expect?”

“I’m not sure. Passing the dragon keeper trials means that they can approach the unhatched eggs. Those that form a bond are typically given gifts such as their scaled armour before entering their formal keeper training. For you… I do not know. I don’t expect it to be bad though.”

“I guess I can’t ask for much more than that.”

***

It was two days until Hump was summoned. A message arrived early that morning informing him to go to the Temple of the Everflame. Little information was given, only that it was Keeper Yunillia that sent the message and that he was to bring Nisha with him.

“You better bring me with you,” Walt said as Hump collected his things.

“Oh yeah?” Hump asked. “What good will you be?”

“It’s me, kid. I’ll have your back and make sure these lizardfolk don’t try any funny business. Especially that tall one.”

“The tall one? Leif?”

“No! The one that got cursed.”

“Keeper Yunillia?”

“Yeah. Her! I don’t trust that one.”

Hump slipped Walt’s stone into the side pocket of his battle robes. “Sure. Tag along. Just keep your mouth shut.”

Nobody was waiting for Hump when he arrived at the Temple of the Everflame. He spoke with one of the temple guard, who carried the message inside. It was a good fifteen minutes later when Keeper Yunillia arrived. She led him to a small passage down the side of the great pyramid, coming to a disguised entrance that was activated much like the secret passage of Highgaze Fortress. Inside, a stone staircase led the way upward, lit by a shimmering array of heartstones and essence stones above.

Nishari sniffed curiously, excitement racing through her.

“Can you smell the other dragons?” Yunillia said to Nisha, smiling. “You must enjoy her while she’s small like this. It doesn’t last long. Another few months and she’ll be as big as a small horse.”

She looked at Yunillia with excited eyes.

“Her appetite’s been increasing.”

The keeper nodded. “It will. I presume yours has too since you were blooded.”

“Yes.”

“It won’t take long before you start to notice improvements too. Your muscles will develop more swiftly, and your bones will strengthen. To what degree, I cannot say exactly. Your age and wizard rank make it difficult to predict.”

As they reached the top of the staircase, a simple wooden door opened to a giant chamber. And within it were dragons.

The excitement in Nisha peaked. Her tail wagged from side to side uncontrollably, and it took ever bit of self-control she had not to rush forward. Hump sensed hesitation and a little fear in her. She had spent little time amongst her own time. Their arrival drew the attention of the dragons, a few thudding over to greet Nisha, lowering their snouts and allowing her to touch noses with them.

Hump felt a jolt of sensation through their bond as they shared names and greetings, Nisha only become more excited. Yunillia seemed unhurried, so they waited there for a while, allowing her to get acquainted. For a little while, Hump forget his anxiety regarding what might await him ahead and simply enjoyed the moment. He didn’t know what would come next, but it didn’t feel like the right time to ask. He’d find out soon enough. Instead, he studied the magnificent creatures before him, and the luxurious chambers of the temple.

“Even amongst the people of Drakalyn, few have stepped foot in these halls,” Yunillia said.

Hump was surprised at that. It wasn’t something he’d admit out loud, but he’d been a little resentful over how Drakalyn had reacted to his trial. For Yunillia to bring him here felt like the extending of a hand.

“It feels like a place straight out of a fairy tale,” Hump said. “Before coming to Drakalyn, I could not have imagined so many dragons in one place. Nobody in Alveron would believe it.”

Yunillia smiled. “You southerners are so certain of your world yet know so little. Five hundred years ago our numbers were double. Our lands extended south beyond the Charred Heights and north to the port of Sentur. Much has been lost since then.”

“I’ve never heard of Sentur,” Hump said.

“I expected as much. We have not always been confined to the boundaries of Drakalyn, but just as the Fallen Lands has claimed much from your people, it has ours. It is a blight that even our lady, Owalyn, cannot stop. As keepers, we are tasked with slowing its progress down.”

Soon, the dragons left Nisha once more and Yunillia told them to follow her. She led them to what would be the rear of the temple, where a massive iron door barred the way. Yunillia raised her hand to the door, then paused.

“Do not speak unnecessarily inside,” she said. “And be respectful at all times.”

“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

Yunillia gave him an annoyed frown then turned back to the door. She banged on it three times with her fist, each thump echoing through the great hall like a drum. There was a crack, and the doors opened together.

Within was the oldest and largest wolf dragon Hump had ever seen. She gazed at him with a single, ancient eye. It was grey and clouded, but Hump could sense the wisdom within. The dragon did not rise from where she lay. It was then that Hump realised she was missing both a front and back leg.

Yunillia bowed toward the dragon. “Greetings honoured, Algwyn. I have brought the wizard, Ashera.”

“Come forward,” the old woman said. She stood beside the dragon’s head, her hand resting lovingly atop one of her horns.

Hump stepped forward, Nisha trailing nervously at his side. The great dragon huffed, and Nisha cowed her head.

One thing was clear—this was no ordinary wolf dragon.

“Do you know why you are here?” Elder Ashera asked.

“I don’t.”

“You have been brought here to be named.”

Hump frowned at that. “I have a name.”

Ashera furrowed her brow, hard eyes glaring at him. “You have your given name. This is different. This name describes your being.”

The dragon huffed. Ashera looked at her and the two exchanged a silent exchange. There was intelligence in Algwyn’s eyes unlike those of the other wolf dragons. If anything, it reminded him of Skyfire.

Could this be a true dragon? Hump wondered.

He swallowed. He couldn’t tell.

“Step forward.” Ashera gestured him closer.

Hump did as instructed, his eyes fixed on Algwyn as she studied him. She lifted her head, extending her snout and sniffing deeply, her breath warm against his face. Up close, she was even more impressive. Her head was larger than he was, though he supposed that wasn’t saying much. He stood there like a startled deer, waiting for this to be over. For once, he was truly prey before a predator. One bite, and there was no doubt in his mind that everything would be over.

As her head came closer, she stopped moving and watched him.

“Place your hand upon her nose,” Ashera said.

Hump swallowed, trying not to show his nerves as he gently placed his hand atop it. It was warm and rough, and his hear raced at being so close to a wolf dragon’s mouth, suddenly very conscious that he might lose it.

There was a surge of essence, then pressure descended. Hump knew not to break eye contact. This was how dragons greeted each other. Only those that did not cower in the presence were worthy of it. Hump force himself to remain upright, pressing back with his soul. The dragon’s gaze was piercing. She searched his soul, much like how Owalyn had done so before. Much like Skyfire. He could not stop her once she started. His soul was bare before her—every scar and every hidden part of him.

As the urge to pull away almost became too much, the feeling stopped. Then clear as if she whispered in his ear, he heard his name.

“Ignarok.”

He felt his soul surge at the sound of it and stepped away from Algwyn. Essence raced through him. He felt as if he’d drank a potion of adrenaline, his mind was suddenly so alert. Yet he gathered himself.

Hump bowed his head, trying to convey the depth of his respect. “I am honoured, Algwyn.” He tried to extend his mind and express his gratitude directly, but he was not sure if the mental gesture reached her.

She huffed, then withdrew her neck, curling back onto her legs and closing her eyes. Hump watched her a moment later then turned to find Yunillia and Ashera staring at him in surprise.

“What is it?” Hump asked nervously.

Both women hesitated, then Yunillia cleared her throat. “Nothing. Come with me, there is one more thing.”

Hump furrowed his brow. That was certainly not nothing.