The Dragon Liberator: Escapee

POV: Fendrel

He jolted awake to see yellow eyes peering at him while something poked his side.

Venom’s frantic voice came from the darkness of the room. “Wake up, we need you.”

“Wha- what?” Fendrel groggily got to his feet. The night air chilled him once he no longer had the blanket’s cover. “What happened?”

“We’re having a meeting, and we need you, your friend, and the prince there for a second opinion.” Venom guided Fendrel toward the vine door then retreated back within the cave.

Fendrel shook his head to try and wake up more until Venom returned with Charles and Cassius, wide-awake, joined them.

Venom flew the humans to the palace within the Meeting Cliff and directed them to sit beside him.

All the nobles, besides Fragrance, were present. Some nodded with respect to the newcomers while others turned up their noses. Fendrel noticed the colder ones were those who seemed to favor Fragrance.

Cloud sat in his usual place with Mist beside him.

Despite the different demeanors, everyone looked worried.

“Zoricus did not accept the crown.” Venom looked down at the three humans. “Instead, he gave it to Sadon.”

Fendrel stared blankly at Venom. “You’re joking…”

“No.” Venom turned his gaze to the table they sat around. “Sadon has the crown, and it looks as if Zoricus is keeping his former position as the head of the royal guard.”

Charles tossed his hands up in exasperation. “I shouldn’t have left them when I did. I should have gone back and tried to kill him.”

Sadon…Sadon is the king now?

“This doesn’t make any sense.” Fendrel stared ahead. “Sadon was never power hungry. Why would he become king instead of allowing Zoricus to be coronated?”

“Because now instead of just breaking the law without repercussions, he can change it to fit what he wants.” Charles sighed.

I feel sick.

“We cannot deal with this threat unless we are fully aware of what the dragon hunters are capable of.” Cloud looked at the humans. “Can any of you give us an idea of how big of a threat this is?”

Fendrel shook his head. “I- I didn’t even know he had the resources to take the throne in a single night. I didn’t know he had the intention of taking over the kingdom.”

“Neither did I.” Charles had both fists clenched. “He was very secretive. For all we know, what he’s done tonight could just be a fraction of what he’s capable of.”

Cassius shuddered. “And now he has full rein of the royal family’s mage.”

A chill went down Fendrel’s spine.

If I had just made up my mind about Cloud’s promise and gotten out of here sooner, I might have been able to stop Sadon. I failed.

“I do not see why we cannot just attack the humans’ city right now and get rid of the dragon hunters for good.” The water noble, Ammonite, glared at the humans.

“No!” Cassius stood. “There are good, innocent people there. You can’t just attack. You might hurt them.”

Ammonite directed her murderous look at the prince, who sat back down. “We know where their leader is. We can catch them by surprise.”

“I agree with Ammonite.” The noble of the ice tribe smiled.

Venom’s spines bristled. “Killing innocent humans without a care would make you just as bad as the humans who kill dragons for profit.”

“Believe me, I want him dead just as much as you do—” Charles pointed at the water and ice nobles “—but most of the humans in Sharpdagger have never even touched a dragon. If you want him dead so badly, why don’t one of you fly me to the palace and let me kill Sadon myself.”

Fendrel shook his head. “That better be a joke. You’re suggesting a suicide mission.”

“Who’s to say you won’t just betray us and warn him that we are aware of his whereabouts.” A noble Fendrel never heard the voice of pointed his wing at Charles.

Charles rolled his eyes.

“Charles is trustworthy.” Venom glared at the opposing nobles.

Fog nodded. “He’s saved my life before.”

Ember slammed her tail into the ground. “I thought we were going to avoid wars, not start them.”

“We won’t have to start a war if we cut off the head.” The gemstone noble kept her composure.

“His followers are too loyal to disperse if Sadon dies.” Fendrel raised his voice to be heard. “And he’s probably chosen a second head by now to take over if he dies.”

Cloud raised his wings.

Everyone fell silent.

The dragon king looked to Cassius. “I am sorry for your loss, and I appreciate you for giving us your input.” His eyes swept over all those gathered. “I will follow my parents’ lead and avoid war, if possible. If we cannot, we will carefully strategize how to destroy the dragon hunters without many casualties for both humans and dragons.”

There was a moment of silence.

“What do you wish for us to do?” Venom’s eyes seemed thankful.

Cloud took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “Until we are able to return the human prince to his kingdom, we may want to seek help and council from our allies.”

…Allies?

Fog pulled her wings against herself. “But they couldn’t win their own war against humans. How could they help us now? I thought we lost contact with them at the end of the War Across the Sea.”

“Then, we’ll just have to find them and ask for their help.” Cloud’s eyes met Venom’s. His face seemed pleading. “Leaving the Freelands for a short while to recruit them is our only chance.”

Many of the nobles mumbled.

“Leave the Freelands behind?” Cassius hugged his knees.

“There are a number of injured dragons back at the Ruins who can barely stand as they are. What do you suggest we do with them?” Venom glanced out of the palace’s doorway.

Cloud stared at the stone table.

Cassius’ eyes lit up. “Sadon just barely became king, which means the other villages and cities still think my father is in charge, especially the farther ones. One of those cities is full of seafarers, they work for the trading docks. Maybe we can use our ships before the word gets out.”

“Will over a dozen dragons be able to fit on one of those ships?” Venom looked down at the prince.

“And the hatchlings.” Fog nodded. “They can’t fly as far, so they’ll need somewhere to rest.”

Cassius gave a slow nod. “I’m pretty sure we have enough ships for that, we just need to worry about captains and crewmates.”

“Where is this city?” Cloud’s wings lifted.

“It’s southeast of here, right next to the port. It’s called Glassbeach.” Cassius pointed in the city’s direction.

Fendrel saw Fog’s eyes widen at the mention of Glassbeach.

Oh yeah, she said she wanted to visit there.

Cloud nodded. “Thank you, again. Is that all we need to discuss?”

Ammonite jutted her chin at the humans. “Are they coming with us or staying in the Freelands? They are human, after all. Why would they need to join us?”

Fendrel concealed a scoff. “Because Sadon hates every human who sides with dragons, especially me.”

“The humans who helped us find Mist will flee with us, as will the seafarers we need to direct the ships.” Cloud stood. “We leave tonight. That way, it will be less likely the humans will see us leave. When we reach Glassbeach, the humans with us will gather the seafarers.”

It’s for the best we leave as soon as we can. We don’t know what’s up Sadon’s sleeve.

<~><~><~>

After a full day and a half of traveling, Fendrel sat up straight on Venom’s shoulders after an excited whoop from Fog.

“I see ships!” Fog flitted beside Venom.

The other nobles flew along with Cloud and Mist at the head of the group. Below, the gemstone tribe ran on the barren plains below, kicking up dust. Behind, the rest of the tribes flew, trying to conceal themselves in the clouds.

Fendrel took a deep breath as the dragons began to descend. “Here we go.”

He held onto his bag as if he feared it would fall off, or maybe he just wanted the comfort of holding it. He made a quick stop at Stone-Edge to pick up the headstones before rejoining the others.

When Venom touched down, Fendrel stayed on until other dragons had landed.

“Good luck out there.” Charles gave him a grim smile as he dropped down from Venom. Thea, Oliver, Cassius, and Sadie were all squished on the rest of Venom’s back.

I got so used to them riding with me I forgot they were actually there.

Fendrel looked up at Venom. “How were you able to keep up with them if we were weighing you down?”

Venom stretched once the other humans left him. “I do what I must.”

Cloud approached the group, his eyes set on Cassius. “Forgive me for not remembering your name.”

“Cassius.”

With a respectful nod, Cloud lowered his voice. “Please bring whomever you need to gather the seafarers. Is there anything we should know before we head to the docks?”

Cassius glanced at the port. “I would wait to board until we have who we need.”

“Then we should get going now.” Fendrel tilted his head at the port. “The docks are a part of Glassbeach, so it will be better to let them know you’re coming before they see you.”

“Uh-huh…” Cassius started toward the port, then paused. He looked back at Fendrel. “Are you coming?”

“Did you want to go with us?” Fendrel looked over at Fog.

Fog smiled but sat down. “It doesn’t feel right going to visit in the middle of a crisis. I’d rather go once this is all over.”

Fendrel nodded. “I understand. We’ll be back soon.” He joined Cassius, finding himself in front of the prince.

Well, ex-prince now.

“Shouldn’t you be in front of me when we arrive?” Fendrel glanced over his shoulder.

Sheepishly, Cassius sped up. “For some reason, I feel like they would accept you sooner than me, even if you’re technically an outlaw.”

“Either way, you should be in front.” Fendrel gave him an expectant look.

“I…I don’t know where it is. I’ve only seen maps, but I’ve never been to visit.” Cassius averted his eyes.

Fendrel sighed. “Do you see that cliff edge? There’s a staircase there leading to the city’s entrance.”

Cassius nodded. “I see.”

The two continued toward the cliff’s lip until they came upon a wide staircase carved out of stone.

“This way.” Fendrel gestured at the steps. He watched Cassius head down, his hand staying on the rough rock wall as he went even though the drop to the sand wasn’t far below.

Fendrel followed him down, but Cassius had stuck his feet on the last step.

“I can’t do this.” Cassius tried to push his way back up.

“Well, you have to.” Fendrel grabbed his shoulders, spun him around, and moved him toward the city’s entrance.

Cassius dug his heels in the sand. “I’ve never given a speech before. Why can’t you do it?”

Because I’ve never given a speech either.

“Because I’m not the prince.” Fendrel blocked Cassius from trying to escape.

“I’m not the prince either! Not anymore.”

“They don’t know that.” Fendrel gave one final push. “And keep your voice down about that. You don’t want to panic them.”

Cassius stumbled, but caught his balance with his hands before completely falling.

“He is not the prince anymore?”

Great.

Fendrel peered around the rock wall corner at Glassbeach. Under the shelter of the cove stood proud, polished wooden buildings with lantern-adorned wires hanging between the roofs. The lanterns gave the city a soft golden glow. A road with side streets cut through the center of the city. Glassbeach’s sand trailed into the cove with fewer granules until it diminished, revealing the stone floor.

To the right of Glassbeach were the docks where massive ships sat in the waves.

People who had been carrying supplies in the streets stopped to gawk at Fendrel and Cassius.

Cassius dusted his hands off. His voice cracked. “Yes.”

“Your father has passed, and you are the king now.” The denizens began to bow.

With a deep breath, Cassius shook his head. “No.”

All went silent. They stood.

Fendrel gestured for Cassius to continue when he looked back at him.

“There has been a coup.” Cassius gulped. “We are all in danger.”

Murmurs and gasps traveled around the people. Some more citizens stepped out of the buildings, asking questions.

“The new king is someone very dangerous, he may want to harm those who fear him.” Cassius averted his eyes to his shoes, his hands fidgeting.

“Ugh…You’re awful at this.” Fendrel came up beside Cassius. “Listen up, we need to move before Sadon’s new knights arrive to deliver the news. We, and the dragons of the Freelands, are fleeing to the Newlands temporarily until we can reclaim our home. We need your help to man the ships for our escape.”

“Dragons?” Someone screamed.

Fendrel fought the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Yes, and you’ll have to get used to them if you want to be free. They will not eat you, or attack you, or do anything else you’re afraid they might do. They are more afraid of the new king than you are of them, believe me, and they’ll do anything to survive. So, are you going to escape with us or not?”

The citizens went silent, staring wide-eyed.

Are they in shock?

“…I’m just going to answer some questions I get just in case those are yours as well.” Fendrel took a deep breath. “No, they are not animals. Yes, dragons have a monarchy. No, I am not crazy. Now I have a question. Can we go?”

“We really do need your help.” Cassius gave the seafarers a shy smile.

“And we’re not sticking around any longer.” Fendrel turned to the staircase and began to make his way up.

Fendrel heard Cassius say one last thing to the villagers as he followed behind. “We need to tell the dragons to go to the docks now…”

Once Fendrel reached the top of the stairs, he turned to see the seafarers heading to the docks, prepping the ships for departure.

His stomach churned when his thoughts returned to the reason for their need for escape. The smell of salt and the breeze helped him calm down.

It looks like my deal with Cassius isn’t over after all.

With a wave to Cloud, the dragons of the Freelands lifted off in one huge swarm.