Chapter 74: The Dragon Secures The Sea |
"It will not be long before they arrive," Brother Dragon said.
Xiang reached up to help settle Haitao onto his head. For now the salamander could still sit comfortably on his head, but he wasn't sure how much longer that would last. From what Brother Dragon had told him, salamanders could reach truly impressive sizes. "Will they send a signal ahead?"
The doppelgänger chuckled. "Doomwing is a mile long. What signal does he need to send? Merely dropping his concealment magic will make him impossible to miss, to say nothing of the others accompanying him."
"About them...?"
"Dragons," Brother Dragon replied. "Some will remain in this area. Others will accompany Doomwing elsewhere. Those that remain will be those best suited to the coast or to the jungle and mangroves. You need not fear them. They have pledged loyalty to Doomwing. They will not harm you or yours. Indeed, they shall be placed under my supervision."
"So you will remain in this area?" Xiang asked. He had gotten to know Brother Dragon quite well, or so it felt, and he considered the doppelgänger a friend. Despite his diminutive size, the doppelgänger was immensely powerful. More importantly, however, he was wise and knowledgeable, and he was happy to pass on his wisdom and knowledge to those he deemed worthy of it. His size also made him easier to talk to. When speaking to Doomwing, Xiang was never quite sure where to look. Trying to meet the dragon's gaze was almost impossible, given their difference in size, yet speaking to his feet or his tail felt disrespectful.
"Yes. Moving me elsewhere would only be inefficient." Brother Dragon paused. "Besides, I like it here. It is... peaceful, though I do not know how long it will remain that way."
Xiang's brows furrowed. "Trouble?"
"Perhaps, but not the kind you need concern yourself with." Brother Dragon's gaze shifted to the beach ahead of them. Several humanoid figures emerged from the waves, and water sluiced off their scales. "Good. They have arrived as expected."
"Greetings," the leader of the merfolk said. Her name was Kymo, and her voice was filled with the odd, almost sibilant resonance that most merfolk voices carried when they spoke outside of water. Brother Dragon had privately informed him that some believed that to be a carry-over from their origins. Many merfolk believed they had been created using the scales of the first leviathans, and leviathans were somewhat serpentine although only a suicidal fool or a dragon would dare compare a leviathan to a snake. Like most of her kin, her scales were primarily a light blue, reminiscent of shallow coastal waters, but there were several streaks of green that resembled kelp along her limbs and sides. "It will not be long before they arrive."
"Well met," Brother Dragon replied. "And what makes you think it will not be long?"
Kymo smiled. Her teeth were sharp and pointed, easily a match for Xiang's own. "I am a storm-singer. When I sing, the storm answers... and when the winds speak, I listen." Her azure eyes gleamed. "The winds whisper of dragons drawing near and of a great bird accompanying them."
Brother Dragon bared his teeth. He was pleased. "Your insight is impressive."
She inclined her head. "I am no great warrior, but such has never been my role in the tribe."
"One who stands alone must be able to do everything. Being part of a group means seeing to your own duties," Xiang said. "We tiger-people know that well. I lead and I fight, but there are others better suited to cooking, building, healing, fishing, and so forth. As long as all do their part, they have nothing to be ashamed of."
"Precisely so." Kymo squinted and then pointed. "They approach."
Xiang followed her gaze. There, on the horizon, a cloud was moving. No. It was no cloud. It was Doomwing, his body so massive it could easily be mistaken for a cloud until he got closer and the vivid red and blue of his scales could be distinguished. Following him were a number of dragons and a giant crow.
"That bird," Xiang murmured. "What manner of creature is that?"
"He is a storm crow," Brother Dragon said. "You can think of him as having power comparable to a dragon of the Second Awakening, at least when it comes to control of the weather and magical prowess. In direct combat, he would be better served retreating from a dragon of that level."
"A useful follower," Kymo said. "Control over the weather is vital along the coast."
"And inland as well," Xiang added. "Being able to control the weather can greatly aid the growing of crops."
"Indeed." Brother Dragon nodded. "He will be busy, but I expect he will spend much of his time in the area."
"Oh?" Xiang was a bit surprised by that.
"It is a personal matter," Brother Dragon replied. "Hmm... he will need a suitable place to nest. There are several in the jungle nearby, but if they are lacking, I can simply make a place for him. A great spire of rock ought to do, and such simple construction is well within my abilities."
Xiang bit back a laugh. It was awe-inspiring yet amusing to see the little doppelgänger exert his strength. His diminutive appearance concealed power that could easily slay all but the mightiest of foes. Certainly, the group of sea serpents that had sought to hunt down Kymo and her kin only a week ago had posed no challenge. According to Kymo, Brother Dragon had slain them in mere moments before leaving their remains to the merfolk to deal with. The merfolk had made good use of their fallen foes. The flesh of a sea serpent was nourishing and powerful, and their teeth, bones, and scales could all be used to make various things.
"Should we gather everyone?" Xiang asked.
Brother Dragon shook his head. "Kymo has only brought her trusted advisors. You need only call for yours. The others can continue working. Their presence would achieve little, and they would likely panic when confronted by so many dragons."
"A fair point." Xiang knew that his people were brave, but a dragon was closer to a force of nature than a living thing to them. Meeting so many would be more than most of them could bear. "But I will inform them of the other dragons. Even if they do not meet them, knowing they are expected will calm their nerves."
"Do so," Brother Dragon said.
It did not take long for Doomwing and the others with him to arrive. It took all of Xiang's willpower to hold his nerve. Doomwing was, by far, the mightiest individual Xiang had ever met. Yet Doomwing was also far more skilled in concealing his true strength than these younger, less powerful dragons. Power rolled off them in waves, and Xiang had to steel himself to keep from either kneeling, running, or taking up arms. Yet as the pressure grew close to unbearable, it vanished. Doomwing's golden eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and the assembled dragons made a conscious effort to better control their power.
"It is instinct," Brother Dragon explained, the words conveyed using magic that ensured only Xiang and perhaps Kymo would hear them. "Amongst dragons, there is little need to conceal strength. Instead, it is better to display it openly. Of course, such displays are not easily withstood by most. You have both done well to remain calm."
The giant crow cawed in amusement before his eyes settled on Xiang. Something that might have been a smile appeared on the crow's face before his expression grew calm once more.
Doomwing did not waste words. He introduced the dragons who would be staying in the area to Xiang and Kymo, and he allowed the two to introduce themselves to the dragons. The crow - Rusty Wing - introduced himself next, for he too would be staying nearby. From there it was a simple matter for Doomwing to explain the duties of all involved, so that all would know how things were supposed to proceed. To speak openly of such things was also a reminder and a warning. If someone was to shirk their duties, then all would know. It went unspoken too that if any of them noticed any of the others neglecting their tasks, then they should bring those concerns to Brother Dragon who had been publicly acknowledged as ruling over this area, answering only to Doomwing.
Xiang took careful note of the dragons that had followed Doomwing. Although some were lone dragons, it was telling that quite a few were either siblings or mates with children.
Once again, it was Brother Dragon who explained, speaking to him with magic.
"Life can be difficult for independent dragons," Brother Dragon said. "To grow in strength, a dragon needs access not only to ample food but also more exotic resources, such as places of power and rare materials. There are some independent dragons who can acquire these things alone, but that usually requires either great fortune or overwhelming strength. For those less fortunate and less mighty, it can be easy for growth to stall. For dragons compete not only with each other but also with other creatures." He inclined his head at Doomwing. "It is true that a dragon of the Fourth Awakening - to say nothing of a primordial dragon - is almost invincible, far beyond the reach of most foes. However, the same cannot be said for younger and weaker dragons. Unawakened dragons, along with those of the First or Second Awakening are vulnerable in ways their older, stronger counterparts are not. No number of drakes would ever pose a threat to Doomwing. But a flock of drakes could easily slay a dragon of the First or Second Awakening, especially if they were caught off guard."
Brother Dragon's gaze shifted to Doomwing's new followers. "Doomwing's territory is rich in prey and rare resources. There are many places of power as well. To serve him is to gain access to those - and to gain his protection from greater threats. True, Doomwing will expect his followers to deal with lesser threats. For instance, I have left you and your people to deal with threats like leopards, tigers, and crocodiles. In the same ways, Doomwing will expect these dragons to hold their own against foes of similar level. But should a threat beyond them ever arise, then they can rest assured that Doomwing himself will deal with it... and there are precious few in this world who can withstand Doomwing's wrath when it is roused."
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"As for the hatchlings," Brother Dragon continued. "Serving a primordial dragon will help ensure their development. As a solid tower cannot be built on a weak foundation, so too does a dragon's later growth depend on the foundations laid in their youth. Besides the resources he offers, Doomwing has unmatched knowledge in various things related to the growth and development of dragons. This knowledge will be shared with his followers, and resources and treasures may be provided as well, should they prove themselves worthy."
"Having them around will be good if trouble arises," Xiang murmured.
"I hope it will prevent any further foolishness from the deeps," Kymo added.
"That is part of it," Brother Dragon replied. "As mighty as Doomwing is, he cannot be everywhere at once. The followers who remain in this area will patrol it and keep it safe. That should deter most threats. Should they prove insufficient, they can inform me, and I will deal with it. And if I prove insufficient, I can at least ensure a safe retreat until Doomwing himself arrives."
Xiang shuddered at the thought of a foe that Brother Dragon could not withstand.
Kymo grimaced. "If you are forced back, Brother Dragon, then it means one of the titans of the deep has come. In that case, my people will have no choice but to flee onto land until the seas are safe again."
Brother Dragon acknowledged her words with a nod. "Fear not. I have already discussed this matter with Doomwing. During the Third Age he... acquired many protective treasures and surveillance items that are most effective underwater. Some of them will be brought here for your use."
Kymo lowered her head. "I am most grateful."
"They have not seen much use," Brother Dragon replied. "But now that you serve Doomwing, it is right for them to brought out." His lips twitched. "Besides, it is amusing to see them aid our case."
"Oh?"
"Most were taken from his foes at the end of the Third Age," Brother Dragon replied. "They are spoils of war, not gifts. And how fitting for the weapons of his old enemy be used by those who serve him."
It was evening before the dragons departed. Some left to lay claim to the new homes they had been given. Xiang had been told where these homes would be, and items had been given to them that would allow Xiang to contact them should the need arise. He had also been told that they would be patrolling the area regularly although the exact schedule of those patrols had yet to be determined. Apparently, such tasks were especially good for young dragons, a means of training that was safer than direct combat yet still allowed for the development of various important skills. As for the other dragons, they departed with Doomwing. They were destined to settle elsewhere in Doomwing's territory, and the great dragon would take them there himself.
As for Rusty Wing, the storm crow had spoken to Brother Tiger, and the doppelgänger had turned a large hill a few miles from the village into a suitable spire of rock for the bird. In the future it might be necessary to expand it further, but the hill occupied a rugged stretch of terrain that Xiang had already decided to ignore. With so much territory available, it made more sense for any future expansion to stick to the flatter terrain near the coast.
However, it was not long before the storm crow returned. Xiang was walking on the beach with Haitao. Since night had fallen, most of his fellows were back in the village. However, Xiang found himself feeling a little restless. Naturally, Haitao had accompanied him. Rather than perching on his head, the salamander was trotting along beside him. Xiang had to slow his pace, and it wasn't long before he found himself staring out into the waves with a piece of driftwood in his hands. He wondered how far it had come from. It certainly didn't resemble any type of wood from the jungle. Haitao darted into the shallows and returned with three fish. Xiang smiled. The salamander's knack for catching fish was truly unmatched.
"We should cook these," Xiang murmured. He soon had a fire going, but his attention was drawn to the beat of titan wings. It was Rusty Wing. The storm crow landed nearby and looked down at him and Haitao. Yet there was nothing hostile or condescending in his gaze. He was more... curious than anything else. Xiang hesitated, unsure of what to say, but Haitao did not. The salamander chirped happily, and Xiang had to bite back a laugh. "He wants to know if you'd like a fish," Xiang said at last. "Since we have three, and there are three of us."
Rusty Wing chuckled. It was a warm sound, filled with genuine amusement. "You are generous, little salamander, but you can keep the fish. You should eat it yourself. You've plenty of growing still to do."
Haitao puffed his chest out proudly and chirped again.
"Yes, you might only be small now, but I'm sure you'll be quite imposing in the future." Rusty Wing's eyes twinkled. "Restless?" he asked Xiang.
"A little," Xiang replied. "I wonder how much you know of my circumstances, but much has changed for me and my people."
"Doomwing explained to me while we travelled," Rusty Wing said. "You have endured much."
"I have," Xiang replied. "But those ordeals have led me to this place where my family and people can be happy. I suppose that makes it worth it."
"Life can be very cruel," Rusty Wing replied. "But it can be very kind as well." He snickered. "You know, I was once the same size as the salamander."
Xiang stared. "Truly?"
Rusty Wing nodded. "I was a regular crow who happened to stumble onto the path of Ascension. Of course, I never would have made it here without help."
"There are few who can make it through life alone."
"Indeed." Rusty Wing settled onto the beach. Despite his size, he seemed oddly comfortable with the beach. "You know, I once tried to defeat a tiger-man and a dragon in a competition to see who could build the best sandcastle."
"How did that go?" Xiang asked.
"Poorly. I was a regular crow then, and a beak isn't the best for making a sandcastle."
"So who won? The dragon or the tiger-man?"
"The dragon," Rusty Wing said. "And it wasn't about him having claws. He didn't want to lose, so he used magic to build his sandcastle. it was... impressive, to say the least." He chuckled. "But at the tiger-man's urging, the dragon gifted the sandcastle to the local children to use as a playground. He even put magic on it to make it last."
"Is it still around?" Xiang asked. A dragon's magic could preserve things for a very long time.
"No," Rusty Wing said quietly. "And that beach isn't around either. It was destroyed in the Fifth Catastrophe." He smiled faintly. "But at least some of the children escaped. Their village had the good sense to flee when their guardian spirit warned them rather than staying and hoping their guardian spirit could defeat a foe that even the primordial dragons struggled to conquer."
"Sandcastles..." Xiang smiled faintly. "I used to make them when I was little, but after we lost our village..." He shook his head. "Maybe I should make some with my children tomorrow." Haitao chirped. "And, of course, you can help too, Haitao."
"Perhaps I should join," Rusty Wing said. "I still don't have hands - and I doubt I ever will - but I have magic this time."
"True."
They sat for a while longer in companionable silence. It was strange. He'd only just met Rusty Wing today, yet there was no uneasiness between them despite their many differences.
"Would you like to learn something interesting?" Rusty Wing asked. "It's a meditation technique."
"A meditation technique?" Xiang's eyes widened. Such things were considered rare and valuable. "You know one?"
"I do. In fact, I happened to learn it from a tiger-man many years ago." Rusty Wing chortled. "I'm surprised you don't already know it although I suppose it would be hard for a dragon to teach you. They have so many advantages that it's difficult for them to properly teach a technique that is actually less efficient than what they do naturally."
Xiang nodded. Brother Dragon had been teaching him a number of techniques, but it was also clear that there was only so much he could do. Whether it was due to being a doppelgänger or being a dragon, there were fundamental differences in how they handled magic that made things difficult. "Is it safe?"
Rusty Wing patted his chest with one wing. "On my honour, I swear that it is safe. In fact, given your affinity for water magic and our present location, it should be quite advantageous for you to learn it." He lowered his voice. "And if you think I'm deceiving you, just tell Brother Dragon. He'll sort things out."
That was true. Xiang didn't feel that Rusty Wing was deceiving him, but even if he did, then Xiang could simply inform Brother Dragon, and that would be that. As strong as the storm crow was, Xiang was confident that Brother Dragon alone would be enough to defeat him, never mind Doomwing himself.
"So what do I do?" Xiang asked.
"Sit down, cross your legs, and close your eyes." Rusty Wing glanced at Haitao. "Your little friend there can sit on your lap. In fact, given what he is, he might even learn faster than you. And even if he doesn't, just having him nearby should help."
Xiang did as Rusty Wing asked.
"Good," Rusty Wing said. "Now here's what you do..."
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