Chapter 233 - Trinity of Elders

Really liked this chapter.

Heartstones lit the meeting house in a display of vibrant blues and yellows. It was spectacular; perhaps enough to rival the lighting of the Daston Estate. Hump could hardly imagine how powerful the monsters that they came from must have been, but they radiated strength. In another land, they would have been treasured as trophies and used as valuable crafting material. Here, there seemed to be a surplus. Another reminder that this was the home of the Fallen Lands’ hunters—Chosen of Owalyn. Hump supposed it only made sense for such items to be in high supply, but still… it made an impression.

“You can leave your staff at the door,” Rena said, the old woman’s voice brooking no argument, and leading the way into a meeting room.

Inside, a fire burned in a small hearth. It was a modestly sized room, with a round table at the centre where the others sat down. The elders on the far side, Vamir and Celaine on the side closest to Hump, where a chair was left empty for him.

Hump leant it up against the wall and followed them inside. It was a modestly sized room with a round table at the centre where the others sat down. The elders on the far side along with Dragon Keeper Tessa, while Vamir and Celaine were on the side closest to Hump, an empty chair for him between them.

Hump glanced around the room. A fire burned in a small hearth, the light flickering in a rug of orange and black fur before it. Hump had no idea what creature possessed such a coat, but it looked gorgeous. His eyes went to the paintings on the wall. It was interesting to see the stark difference in style compared to those Hump was used to in Alveron, using bright colours and minimal details to create distinct illustrations.

“Come, have a seat,” Vamir said, with the casual confidence Hump remembered of the man. “No need to be nervous. I know they look like snakes, but they won’t bite.”

“Careful Vamir.” Ashera’s eyes narrowed, her scaled face wrinkling. Hump got the distinct impression that she was far from pleased with his visit here.

“Oh, come off it!” Vamir said. “I told you the boy was a good candidate, and he’s already passed the first trial. You should be happy to see some potential in Drakalyn!”

“He is not of Drakalyn,” Ashera snapped. “We cannot trust him!”

“For the boy to have passed the first trial, Owalyn must see something worthy in him,” the man—Sulamir—said. “That is reason enough to give him a chance.”

“And this is hardly a good impression,” Rena cut in. “Come, Wizard Humphrey, have a seat and allow me to make the official introductions. With me are Elder Ashera and Sulamir. Together, the three of us form the Trinity—a town council of sorts. And you’ve met Dragon Keeper Tessa.”

“I’m pleased to meet you all,” Hump said, nodding a bow. “Celaine’s briefed me on some of the workings of Drakalyn, so I’ve heard your names before.”

“That is good,” Rena said. “So you are caught up on how things work here. That will make things easier. I will admit, the fact that Lady Owalyn took the initiative has thrown us off.”

Sulamir laughed. “That’s an understatement. The original goal today was to determine whether you would be permitted to stay. However, it seems your fate has already been decided.”

“My vote was against your stay,” Ashera said, making no effort to hide her contempt. “You are not of Drakalyn. Dragon bonded or not, that is reason enough.”

Hump wasn’t sure what to say to that. He knew not to expect a welcome in coming to Drakalyn, but this was just bad manners. Not that it was anything new to him. People in power were always like this, whether it be nobles of Elenvine, some small-town mayor, or a random backwater village elder. Encounters like this were all about knowing one’s place. In the past, Hump had little choice but to appease them. Now, he didn’t feel so inclined.

“I didn’t come here looking for favours,” Hump said. “I’m here because I wanted to respect your culture and Nishari’s connection to it, as well as repay Vamir’s favour. I’m under the impression that Owalyn’s approval is what matters, whether you want me here or not, so I only ask that you do not judge me so quickly.”

“I think we can do that at least.” Sulamir said. “You must understand, it has been long since we have had positive connections with Alveron.”

“It’s difficult when every encounter names us as heretics,” Ashera said.

Hump still remembered Bud’s reaction to discovering that Celaine and Vamir were not of the Pantheon. It was a perception even the current generation of Chosen held.

“I have no love for the Pantheon,” Hump said. “I am no Chosen. Of all the gods, Owalyn is the first to show me the slightest bit of interest.”

“Well, I wouldn’t expect anything less than those so-called gods,” Ashera said. “But you’re hardly selling yourself.”

“Give him a chance, Ashera,” Rena said. “That’s all he’s asking for.”

“You must introduce the elders to Nishari,” Tessa said quickly. She turned to the elders. “I’d like to know what you make of the colouring.”

Hump glanced curiously at Celaine but lifted Nisha’s pouch onto his lap, taking the strap from his shoulder. She was getting heavy—he could already feel the increase in weight. He opened it, revealing the shy dragon within who watched him nervously. He comforted her through their bond and urged her to poke her head out. She did so, placing her front paws on the edge of the table and looking at everyone.

“There’s a good girl,” Hump said, running his hand down her back. “This is Nishari, the Night Storm.”

Vamir leant in closely, grinning. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you!” He reached out, letting her sniff his hand before gently scratching behind the top of her horns. “You are gorgeous!”

Nisha let out an excited whine and rubbed her head against him, suddenly excited at meeting new people. She wriggled on Hump’s lap and he had to hold her in place, urging her to relax through their bond to middling effect.

“She really is beautiful,” Sulamir said. “Which of you chose the name?”

“Hump—” Celaine corrected herself. “Humphrey did.”

Sulamir smiled at the little dragon. “You chose well. She will make a fine dragon. Have you ever seen such colouration, Rena?”

“Not like this,” Rena answered. “It’s rare, but I have seen colouration on the scales of wolf dragon before. It varies in colour, though I’ve never seen gold specifically.”

“Is it a problem?” Hump asked, suddenly worried.

“Not necessarily. Wolf dragon scales are excellent conductors of essence. She was likely exposed to a powerful source of magic before she hatched. Do you have any idea what it might be?”

Hump grimaced. “Ah. Yes, that was quite likely from a phoenix.”

“A phoenix?” Rena asked in disbelief.

Hump nodded. “I’m not sure if Celaine’s caught you up on recent events in Alveron yet, but there was a battle in Sheercliff—it’s a long story, but the point is I ended up using the power of a phoenix feather to strengthen my magic. Nisha’s egg was with me at the time.”

Silence stole the room.

“I hadn’t mentioned that yet,” Celaine said quietly.

Vamir laughed. “That’s my girl.”

“Is this the truth?” Ashera asked, addressing Celaine. “Do not lie to us, Celaine.”

“It’s the truth. I was there when it happened.”

Rena stared at Hump, a complex expression on her face. “What in the world were you doing with a phoenix feather in your possession?”

“The city was under attack by warlocks,” Hump explained. “My party and I worked with the daughter of the Dastons to take out their main base. I was the one tasked with destroying their portal into the city and was gifted the feather to help.”

“Mother’s mercy, you’ve been busy since I left,” Vamir said. “Sounds like we’ve got some catching up to do.”

“You told me to get stronger,” Hump said with a wry smile. “I decided to follow your advice.”

“Fighting a battle against warlocks isn’t quite what I had in mind, but fair enough. Burn bright and burn fast. That’s the way to do it.”

Sulamir frowned at Vamir. “Did you not refer to him as a hedge wizard?”

Vamir shrugged. “He was one. The wizard I met in Bledsbury hardly had a penny to his name, let alone a count’s daughter for a friend.”

“I have a house now too,” Hump said, annoyed at their distraction. He was getting more and more anxious. “But if you wouldn’t mind, could we turn the discussion back to Nisha? What does this mean for her? The phoenix essence won’t cause any harm, will it?”

“If it was going to harm her, it would have done so already,” Rena said. “I suspect it has enhanced her affinity with fire. The true results will take some time to be realised, but most likely this is a good thing, rest assured.”

“What were you doing taking her unhatched egg to battle?” Ashera asked. “Were you trying to get her killed?”

“Would you have rather he left it unattended?” Celaine snapped.

“You’re already on thin ice, Celaine, don’t push it,” Ashera said coldly. “You must see he is beyond reckless.”

“He had no choice,” Celaine said. “The city came under attack. Either he left the egg unattended, or he took it with him.”

“We are getting distracted again,” Rena said.

“He knows nothing of our ways!” Ashera argued. “He breathes arrogance. There are many amongst our people better suited for the trials.”

“Yet it is Wizard Humphrey that has bonded to Nishari,” Rena said. She paused, thinking for a moment. “That is not to say that Ashera does not have a point. If he does not know our ways, then we shall teach him. Two of our dragon-blooded have given their trust to him. We shall do the same.”

“And who will train him?” Ashera asked. “You?”

“Ado,” Rena said. She addressed Hump, “He is a Shaman of Owalyn, well versed in matters of essence manipulation and the soul, and a powerful Dragon Keeper. You will do well under his guidance.”

“Ado?” Vamir asked, surprised. “Are you sure?”

“Who better to see if there is fire in his blood?” Rena said. “Are all in agreement?”

“A perfect choice,” Sulamir said.

Ashera let out a long sigh but nodded. “Very well.”

“Then our meeting is adjourned,” Rena said, rising to her feet. “Vamir, I’ll leave Wizard Humphrey in your care. I’ll arrange for Ado to meet him tomorrow at noon.”

Vamir nodded. “Understood.”

“Before we go,” Celaine said. The elders looked her way. “I have a letter from Countess Daston that she asked me to deliver to you.” She placed it on the table. “She wants to open a line of communication between Drakalyn and Alveron, in particular due to the growing threat of the Fallen Lands.”

The elders and Tessa broke into discussion, while Hump remained seated, watching for Celaine to make a move. Her focus was on the discussion, no doubt reading lips.

The elders regarded her for a moment, then Ashera looked at Rena and firmly shook her head.

Rena frowned. “We will read what she has to say and consider it. Thank you, Celaine.”

Vamir placed a hand on his shoulder. “Come on. Let’s get you both out of here.”

The three of them made their way outside, where a gathering of people waited down on the street, seemingly curious about the decision and Owalyn’s visit.

“How did it go?” Hump asked Celaine.

“Not terrible. Ashera loathes you. She may try to make your stay here unpleasant, so keep a look out.”

“Of all the snakes, she’s the worst,” Vamir said. “I wouldn’t expect her to make a move against the decision of the Trinity, but watch your back, especially outside of Drakalyn. Also, Ado’s a bad fit for you.”

Hump had noticed Vamir’s apprehension in the meeting.

“Why?”

“His son was killed by dragon hunters from Alveron,” Vamir said. “Since then, he’s lived largely in seclusion, caring only about his faith. He’s had apprentices before, but none have stuck with him long enough to finish.”

“Oh, brilliant,” Hump said.

“There is more reason to the decision than that,” Celaine said. “Of everyone in Drakalyn, he’s the one most suited for training you. I can see why they chose him.”

“So they’re not just trying to out me?”

Celaine smiled and shook her head. “It won’t be easy, but I believe Rena is considering your interests. The fact you passed Owalyn’s trial made a big difference.”

“What has happened to my Celaine?” Vamir asked. “You’ve become all nice!”

Celaine glared at him. “Turns out not having you around improves my mood.”

Vamir thumped a fist against his chest. “Hardly back an hour and already back to normal I see.”

“What happens now?” Hump asked.

“I want to meet with my family,” Celaine said. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to greet them alone first.”

Hump nodded. “Of course.”

“You’ll be in my trusted care,” Vamir said happily. “Hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Then we’ll eat first. You can catch up with Celaine later.” Vamir put his arm around Hump’s shoulders and dragged him.

Hump glanced back at Celaine for help and she gave him a reassuring smile.

“So how have you been?” Vamir asked. “Been up to anything else worth mentioning?”

“Hmm,” Hump said. “I destroyed a rift that sealed away a demi-god. That was kind of interesting. Oh, and I almost became a warlock.”

Vamir stared at him, mouth opening and then closing again. “Probably a good thing you left that last part out in the meeting.”