The Hidden King

Prologue

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A warm breeze meandered through the forest and into the lush green meadow near the summit of Drakkon mountain. As the sun started to brighten the dark night sky to the east, the elders of the dragon council gathered and sat quietly as the great elder king flew in and gracefully landed quietly on Drakkon Rock. He scanned the gathering and saw all the elders had answered his call.

Glycon, the elder red dragon, sat on Drakkon Rock which served as the his throne. He proudly looked over the council of dragons, all waiting for him to speak.

"I fear my time is coming soon my brothers and sisters." Clearing his throat he continued. "Sirhanna came to me in a vision and said for me to prepare, for a new leader must arise or the council may fall."

"Bahmesduss and Tiamezza? Should they not be here? We haven't seen them in a long time. What has become of them? They are our leaders. Where have they been?" piped up Typhon, the elder blue. "Will they not help to keep the council together?"

"Nay, The gold and silver elders no longer have tidings in the mortal world, they have become watchers. After the great war many years ago, Tiamezza was inflicted with a wound that would eventually consume her life. Bahsmesduss remained by his mates side, and when she passed. he passed as well because of his grief. They ascended to the celestial plane many moons ago, and watch over the South. It has always been the way when one of us pass to become watchers, very rarely getting involved with the physical plane." Glycon hangs his head and ponders in silence for a few moments. He then says in a low voice "I fear my time is coming soon as well. We must have a leader emerge from the council, or one from our society to take my place. I feel my part in this world is near its end."

Nullana, the elder white dragon who was the dragon societies healer says "But you have been our leader for so long, how will we find a new one? There is no one better suited to lead us than you."

The breeze whipped up for a few moments, sending a few leaves and flower petals dancing around Glycons perch. "I cannot answer that for you, for I do not know. A new leader must find his or her way to Drakkons Rock. I haven't really seen many of you wanting to take that role, so maybe our new leader is hidden amongst our ranks."

'There is another matter we must give attention to as well Glycon. One that has importance for the survival of all our line.' announces Tyntyll, the elder green who serves as another healer of the dragon tribe.

'And what matter must be so pressing? It has to be important if you are willing to speak at council Tyntyll. You very rarely interject anything into our meetings' Glycon raises a brow and waits for Tyntylls' reply.

"You are aware that the young red dragon Freisa is carrying eggs do you not? Not to change the subject, but we need to address the fact that she is carrying young ones. They must be protected at all costs." Tyntyll looks around at the council then fixes her gaze on Glycon.

"Aye, I have sensed that Tyntyll. You need to summon her here." Glycon shifts his stance on the rock to look directly at Tyntyll.

"I already have Glycon." She turns and motions towards the back of the council. "She is here." She motions the figure to the rear forward. Freisa shyfully takes a few steps forward and sits next to Tyntyll and crouches, just a little apprehensive to be in front of all the elders.

In a quiet voice she proclaims "Greetings my liege." and bows her head so low it almost touches the ground. "Your wishes?"

"Do not be like that Freisa. You know we have spent much time together. Please, stand proud."

"Yes my liege."

"Is what Tyntyll say true? Are you carrying little ones?'

"Aye Glycon. It is true, Tyntyyl sensed them not to long ago. I thought I was getting sick, but she assured me that was not the case. I am to give you four or five young ones." Freisa looks away looking bashful.

"Then what I sensed HAS been true. We are to be graced with new additions to the tribe. " Glycon smiles.

The elder black dragon Wyrmyrr talks in a bold voice "How are we to protect these eggs? We have our own families to protect and our own tasks to perform!"

Glycon growls back "You don't have to worry Wyrmyrr. I have prepared for just this moment. You don't have to worry about spending your precious time. The sprites have told me the ancient living tree folk the Dromyn will watch over the rearing grounds. It is relatively close to the living falls. Freisa, you will go to Drakkons Table. My wife Cyndessa was slain by Pytharr there. Her energy remains, as she BECAME Drakkons Table. You will be protected there and must leave immediately."

"Oh wonderful. Our future is going to be protected by a hunk of rock?" Wyrmyrr asks sarcasticly.

Glycons voice booms. "Silence Wyrmyrr. Or your seat on the council will be replaced with another. "

"Fine." Wyrmyrr turns to leave. "I just don't think that is a wise idea!"

"She will be more protected there than in the pits of Mount Firren. Trust me. Our alliances with the woodland protectors will ensure their safety."

Wrymyrr grumbles and spreads his wings. "I hope so. Because I might be the one to come take the leaders role." He launches himself into the brightening sky, the sunrise slowly waking up the forest around them.

Glycon thinks to himself he hopes that never comes to pass. He reflected upon the fact that the reds have always led the dragons, because they were the strongest of the tribe. He sighs and lumbers down to Freisa. As he comes up to her, he raises a clawed hand and palms the side of her head.

"Go young one. Go and have your clutch. I will send word to Eirran." As if by magic, a sprite flits in and lands on Glycons shoulder. He speaks to her in a strange tongue only a few could understand, and the sprite gibbers back, flashes brighter, then speeds off into the forest disappearing in a blink of an eye. Glycon turns back and kisses Freisa on the crown of her head.

"Go. Now."

"Yes my liege." She turns and walks out of the clearing and into the forest.

Glycon closes his eyes and says quietly, barely enough for any to hear "Our society, nay, the world may hang in the balance. May your journey be safe young one."