Motholo’s volcanic region is the domain of the dragons. Magnificent creatures equally as intelligent as the other enlightened races and more powerful than any beast. When they rule, they do so with an iron fist or iron claws in their case. Power is what they know and how they determine who to follow.
Six peaks in all are in their domain with many villages, and cities well within their rule. One peak known for its volcanic activity and magma heart is home to the fierce red dragons born in fire. Another is known for the chilling blizzards that rage nonstop and the ice caves inside that the calculated blues call theirs. A third is covered in a thick impossible bog that seems to run through the mountain like blood through veins. Black dragons live within the toxic bog gas and take on its acidic nature. The fourth is covered in a dense forest full of primordial trees that reach towards the heavens. Under the canopy any unfortunate visitors will find caves filled with moss that the green dragons have probably made themselves with a mastery of nature. Of course, the fifth peak is home to the white dragons that believe themselves better than the others due to their cunning mind magic. Atop their mountain is a glistening dragon city where intelligent races are most welcome to visit.
Each dragon is born a mute grey. Within a year they will grow attuned to one of the different mana types and absorb enough of it that their scales will change color and they will gravitate towards the mountain they were chosen for. Upon gaining access to the System around ten years after being born, a dragon’s body will change again depending on the class they choose.
In the middle of these mountains and the connecting point at which they all meet, is the sixth peak that hosts the castle of the Elder Dragon. He was once a red dragon, but upon getting the title of Elder, his scales turned gold.
Any in their domain is safe, but everyone else is fair game. Other races of other domains do hold peace treaties with them and in exchange they are able to trade for what they can’t get themselves, which isn’t much. One such agreement was made personally by the Elder himself with another who claimed the same title, but of a different race.
With his glistening gold scales reflecting the sun’s early morning rays, the Elder Dragon made his way through the courtyard towards an ancient tree. He sat in a specially made throne by the trunk and began talking.
“Old friend, old friend, old friend, it seems I’m in need of information and I know you possess it. May I ask for your assistance once more?”
Minutes passed, but he didn’t seem to mind. A long, elegant pipe was held in between his claws as he smoked some sort of tobacco. Finally, a vibration filled the air.
“This is a surprise. How long has it been?”
“Ah, you ask the hard questions. I believe a few centuries at least.”
“That long? Well, we must change that. What assistance could I offer?”
“Some of my dragons are getting an odd sensation for lack of a better word. I have not experienced such a thing, however, the ones that have said it sounded like a heartbeat.”
“Strange. I’ve never known the dragons to get ailments. What other symptoms are there?”
“Ah, see. I don’t believe it is an ailment. I remember such a phenomenon happening back before I ascended except it was the opposite. Dragons claimed that a familiar heartbeat stopped. One they had heard their whole life and never questioned.”
“Knowledge of the year of your ascension. Hmm, you became an Elder in the 52nd year, correct?”
“Has it really been that long?”
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“Indeed. I was still a sapling at the time as I didn’t take the mantle of Elder until the 138th year.”
“We are getting old my friend.” The dragon let out a laugh followed by smoke.
“Indeed. Now other notable occurrences that year were the earthquake that shook half the world caused by the ancient one known for hunger, another was the human civilization named the Allomorite Empire conquering the southern continent, and let’s see, there was the…I believe I know what knowledge you seek. A major event the year your ascension was the death of the last Hydragon. Was it not you who killed it?”
“Ah, yes. That was a glorious fight and one that gained me my title of Elder. Are you saying that me slaying the beast was what stopped the heartbeat of my dragons?”
“Indeed. I come to this conclusion because your dragons are hearing a faint heartbeat again, and that correlates with the fact that another Hydragon egg has been produced.”
A snarl left the dragon’s mouth. “No beast shall challenge my title. Where will I find my prey?”
“You have not to worry. This Hydragon will be no contest to your rule.”
“How can you be certain?”
“It is destined to be bonded to a human who travels with a child of mine.”
The old dragon laughed, and smoke poured from his nostrils. “A beast of such power bowing before a human? How can that be?”
“My sight cannot enter that of a dungeon, but I believe the System granted the egg to a Bond Forger as a reward.”
“A dungeon? One was found? My dragons shall be required to complete it.” A claw reached up and pulled a fruit from the tree before swallowing it whole. “A Hydragon seems like an odd reward.”
“Don’t bother searching. It has since been destroyed. And yes, they all seemed to get much better rewards than normal.”
“What a shame! What a shame! What a Shame! Could you imagine the boost from whatever achievement it would have blessed us with?”
“Indeed. It is a shame. Unfortunate circumstances made it necessary.”
“Well, we must find another. Now, do you believe this heartbeat is of concern to us?”
“I don’t believe it is so. Perhaps it affects those with Hydragon lineage. More research will be required. When the bond is hatched and forged, it may go away.”
“You’re always so clever, old friend. What else is happening in the world? My advisors control the information I receive.”
The air itself vibrated faster than before and laughed as the Elder Branch found amusement in the old dragon’s predicament.
“Perhaps you should get out more. My domain is always open to those that need an escape.”
“Could you imagine a dragon of my size sitting in one of those domes in your settlement?”
The two elders laughed together for the first time in centuries.
“To answer your question, a lot is stirring on our world. Visitors from another world have come here and it possibly could be trouble. Across the sea, the sisters are moving once more. The Seventh Sister has been found and is currently travelling with the children with the Hydragon egg. Even the ancient ones are waking up early as if they know something is taking place.”
“Ah, interesting. The sisters have been looking for that lost one for centuries. Knowledge reigniting will surely be a benefit to the world. My dragons will reach out and see if they are offering knowledge about the ancient ones. I’ve lost two flocks of colorless to one roaming the Cyclone Plains already.”
“Losing children is always hard.” Through the connection the Elder Branch shook the ancient tree to signify their condolences. “As for the sisters, I too will ask them for knowledge through the trees. Their seers will be most helpful in the coming years.”
“Do you mean because of these visitors?”
“Indeed. My trees have told me that they have claimed to be a part of the Coalition and I believe they are after my child that I spoke of earlier.”
“The Coalition? Why does that sound familiar? My memory is not what it once was.”
“They came here in force nearly fifty years ago looking for evidence of something left here and instead studied the tree in the human city of Gale before leaving.”
“Ah, yes. They attempted to search my castle. I believe I ate a few of them.”
“Nothing is certain. I do advise preparation, however.”
“Thank you, old friend. As always, your assistance is greatly appreciated, and your advice is held in high regard. Another century cannot pass without us communicating.”
“I agree. We shall converse again when more information comes to light. May you and your dragons stay safe.”
The Elders cut the connection and the air calmed. There was a lot to think about. As two of the peak class masters of Motholo, they would act when needed.
