After discussing with the elders and some warriors, my family and I had a deep conversation. They kept asking about my encounter with my Lord, and they were shocked when they learned that I had been saved by a dragon. Their shock quickly turned into surprise when they found out that I had been chosen to serve the very dragon that rescued me.

  Concerned, they asked if I had been forced into servitude, fearing that I might become the dragon’s sve or be maniputed. I reassured them that while I had initially been compelled, I now served of my own free will. It was unheard of for a dragon to have a servant, making my Lord possibly the first of his kind to do so.

  After spending time with my family, I eventually urged them to leave the Verdant Healer’s house, eager to rest.

  "Then we shall take our leave, my son," my father said.

  As one of the tribe's elders, my father was responsible for overseeing warriors like myself, issuing instructions and missions.

  I sighed, lost in thought about what Elder Jolen had said. Just as I was contempting his words, the leather door suddenly swung open, and someone stepped in.

  "Why have you returned… Elder Jolen?" I asked suspiciously.

  "Hm? Oh, I just wanted to speak with you," he said, taking a seat.

  "What do you wish to discuss?" I asked, curious.

  "I want to confirm something—are you certain that your master is a fire dragon and not a red dragon?" he questioned.

  "What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled.

  "Let me first share with you some knowledge I gained when I took my pce on the Elder Council," he began. "Do you know the primordial dragons, Faul?"

  "I don’t," I admitted.

  "The primordial dragons consist of fire, water, air, and earth. These were the first dragons to exist before others came into being, which is why they are called the Primordials," Elder Jolen expined.

  "I see… So does that mean my Lord is a primordial dragon?" I asked.

  "No. The primordial dragons were the first of their kind when the world was created, though I do not know if any still exist. However, the dragon you serve comes from the lineage of a primordial dragon, the first and most powerful dragon bloodline," Elder Jolen crified.

  I recalled his earlier question. "You asked if my master is a fire dragon or a red dragon—why?"

  "Yes. In this era, there are many types of dragons. First, there are the primordial dragons, as I just described. Then, there are the hybrid dragons, which are categorized by their colors. Lastly, there are the variant dragons, which are simpler in nature."

  "What sets them apart?" I asked.

  "Primordial dragons are highly intelligent, powerful, and capable of communicating through magical speech. Hybrids, while less intelligent than primordials, cannot communicate with other species beyond their own," he expined.

  "Then my master must be a fire dragon, as he can speak," I reasoned.

  Elder Jolen nodded. "I see."

  "Did you come here just to share this knowledge, or is there something else you want to say?" I asked, sensing something off about his behavior.

  He hesitated briefly before responding, "Hmm… I suppose I'll tell you my pn, since you are the dragon’s chosen servant."

  "A pn for what?" I asked, intrigued.

  "At first, I didn’t believe your story about encountering a fire dragon. But when I learned that you conversed with it, I began to consider the possibility."

  "So that’s why you brought up primordial dragons—to confirm that my master is a fire dragon?" I asked, realizing his intent.

  "Exactly. However, there is one more thing I haven’t told you," he added.

  "And what is that?" I pressed.

  "You know that dragons are naturally arrogant and short-tempered, correct?" he asked.

  "Yes, I’m aware," I confirmed.

  "Fire dragons, in particur, are known to be the most prideful and hot-headed. Even stepping into their territory can provoke their wrath," he continued.

  "All dragons are territorial. You can’t single out fire dragons like that," I pointed out.

  "That’s true," he admitted. "But your master does not behave like a typical fire dragon. Doesn’t that seem unusual to you?"

  I frowned. "Are you suggesting my master is abnormal?"

  "Yes. The fire dragon you serve is different, and I find that odd," he stated bluntly.

  I took a deep breath, controlling my irritation. "Elder Jolen, I appreciate the knowledge you’ve shared, but if you are here to insult my master, I don’t see the purpose of this conversation."

  He chuckled. "You misunderstand me, Warrior Faul. I simply find it peculiar that a fire dragon—beings who embody destruction—can be reasoned with."

  Then, he dropped a revetion. "I intend for our people to serve your Lord as well."

  "Eh…?" I was stunned by his words.

  "Don’t look at me like that," he said nonchantly. "Now that we know there is a primordial dragon in the forest who can be reasoned with, it’s only natural to seek his favor for the well-being of our tribe."

  "Have you even considered how the tribe would feel about this? And what if my Lord turns out to be exactly the kind of dragon you fear?" I argued.

  "That’s a valid concern," he admitted. "But after hearing your story, I gained insight into your Lord."

  "What do you mean?" I asked nervously.

  "Your lord dragon is lonely and seeks companionship," he concluded.

  His words hit me like a thundercp. He had figured out something just by hearing my story.

  "How did you come to that conclusion?" I asked, shaken.

  "From your story. Your Lord insisted on keeping the tree nymph with him, even though she desperately wanted to return home. He used her treatment as an excuse. Then, when it was time for you both to leave, he didn’t wake up—almost as if he didn’t want to see you go."

  "My Lord is just a heavy sleeper," I countered.

  Elder Jolen shook his head. "Dragons, especially primordial ones, have sharp senses, even in their sleep. They are always aware of their surroundings."

  I fell silent, realizing how perceptive the elder truly was. His wisdom and insight were beyond anything I had expected.

  He smiled slightly. "You need not worry. I have no intention of provoking or opposing the primordial dragon. That would bring disaster not just upon me, but upon our entire tribe."

  "Do you think the others will accept your decision, Elder Jolen?" I asked seriously.

  "Hmm, I will discuss it with the other elders. Your father will be easy to convince since you returned alive," Elder Jolen replied.

  "My father?" I questioned.

  "He was so worried about you that he kept insisting on sending another group of warriors for a rescue mission. They were scheduled to enter the forest tomorrow, but that pn was canceled the moment you returned safely," Elder Jolen expined.

  "Hmph, that man still sees me as a child, not a warrior," I scoffed.

  "Warrior Faul, no father would ever stop worrying about his son's well-being," Elder Jolen reassured me.

  "It's getting te, and my purpose here is fulfilled. I must take my leave and prepare further to convince Elder Moss to accept our servitude," he said, standing up to depart.

  Left alone with my thoughts, I began to process everything I had learned. Elder Jolen's pn to make our entire tribe serve the fire dragon that resides in the forest seemed absurd.

  "But will my Lord even accept them?" I muttered to myself.

  Elder Jolen had a keen perception, using my lord's emotions as leverage to appease its loneliness. Despite my decision to serve the fire dragon, concern for my tribe still lingered in my mind. Uncertain of what the future held, I finally surrendered to sleep, drifting into the world of dreams.