Rise of the Last Dragon Rider - Chapter 069 - A chance to live (Patreon)

Three weeks later, the moment Kaen knew would come arrived.

Word had reached him that Stioks had found out about the Glynnis and Amaranth, and a message had arrived by horseback for Kaen.

He glanced at those gathered in the courtyard of the adventurers' guild training grounds and saw the looks on everyone's faces.

Ava gently scratched Pammon’s snout while Aldric, Herb, and Hess looked at Kaen, waiting for him to open the letter.  They all had waited for the mage from the hall to verify that there were no spells or traps hidden in the letter.

“Open it,” Hess grumbled, scratching his stump without realizing it.

Breaking the black wax seal, Kaen slowly unfolded the paper and began to read it.

Kaen Marshell

No doubt you expected this letter to come at some point.

It would appear I had misjudged you, and that mistake has brought about an impasse.

I must also congratulate you on your successful ambush against Juthom.  It took weeks for me to calm him down as he demanded blood.  I doubt you understand a dragon's fury yet, but they are not easily quenched.

Not being one to waste words, I will offer a truce until the inevitable happens.  We both know the cost of battle, and Roccnari serves as that example.  That fool elf thought himself stronger than he was. Know that his actions brought the destruction I rained down upon his people.  To think he could bind me to him…

I will no longer unleash my wrath upon that kingdom if they do not provoke me.

Tell Aldric I will cut ties with the orc horde, but I cannot guarantee they will stop their assault.  Their king has waited long for the day he feels is close.

As long as you do not intrude upon my domain, I will leave the kingdom of Ebonmount to its own devices.

- S

Kaen read it twice to himself and then once to Pammon before handing it to the three men, who almost fought over it like dogs and a bone.

Confused at the letter, Kaen considered why the man had written it.

Could he be that afraid of us and the other two?

Maybe, but something feels off about the letter.

Pammon felt the same way as the feeling of distrust washed through it.

It seems that Havannath got what he deserved.  Sadly, his actions cost so many of his people their lives.

Kaen nodded after hearing Pammon’s thoughts and watched as the men took turns handing the letter to each other even though they had read it over each other’s shoulders.

“This sounds too good to be true,” Aldric said.  “Not to downplay the potential victory this brings for a while, but why would that man suddenly stop everything he has done?”

“He won't,” Herb muttered as he moved to hand the letter to Ava, who was patiently waiting. “He might not publicly show himself taking steps, but he will always be doing something in the shadows.”

Hess nodded in agreement with the other two as he stood there silently, scratching his chin as he frowned.

Kaen crossed his arms and watched the three men he believed could provide him with the best advice on how to respond.

“It is a dangerous choice for both of us,” Kaen said as he took the letter from Ava when she handed it to him.  “The longer we wait, the greater the chance for Stioks to acquire a dragon egg.  If that happens…”

“But the more time we have,” Herb cut in after Kaen paused, “the better we can defend ourselves against the orcs and whatever else comes.”

“Do you really believe he will not attack us in the middle of the night after sending this?” Kaen smiled as Ava spoke and moved beside him, sliding his arm around her shoulder.  “Do we believe this monster will do anything that he promises?”

“What choice do we have?  Launch a war against him? Would your new dragons risk their lives like that?” Hess asked, throwing his one hand in the air in frustration.  “We are still in the same spot we have been for years. Unsure if we will be attacked on both sides.  The only difference now is we have a little more help regarding the air problem.”

Pammon snorted, and everyone turned to see him looking at them.

Glynnis and Amaranth are not going to be able to stop Juthom.  That would fall to you and me.  Perhaps Glynnis could be of some help against the other females, but from what I have learned, they will most likely stay out of the fight, waiting to see who the victor is and then choosing to follow him.

Kaen relayed what Pammon had said and saw the frustrated looks on Aldric’s and Herb’s faces.

“So we are barely in any better of a position…”

Hess elbowed Herb after he spoke, glaring at his friend and silently chiding his gloomy outlook.

Rubbing his face and eyes with his right hand, Kaen tried to figure out the best option.  He felt Ava squeeze his waste with her arm and looked down, seeing her smiling at him.

Bending his neck, he kissed her on the forehead and knew what needed to be done.

“Draft a letter,” Kaen said, his voice taking on an authority that had been common since he had returned. “I want to read two or three possible responses to his letter.  They all need to say that I will stay out of his as long as he does not act aggressively against any kingdom.”

Aldric and Herb looked at Kaen, and each then looked at the other.

“That’s it?”

Kaen nodded, holding the letter in the air before him and giving it a shake.  “Anything else could provide too much information or make us look weak.  I won’t say I think his actions were right against the kingdom of Roccnari, but Havannath brought that disaster upon himself.  His pride and arrogance would have made that kingdom suffer far worse in due time.  Acknowledging the horde shows our weakness against them.”

Kaen paused to toss the paper onto the table as if it was trash.

“There is no doubt they know we are aware of their actions in the tunnel.  How that impacts their relationship with Stioks is anyone's guess.  He may be trying to create distance because of a conflict with them right now.  He might be trying to buy them time.  We don’t know.”

He turned and looked at Ava at her, smiling before he mouthed the words, I love you.

“This woman standing before me reminds me that there must be more to life than war and hate.  I will not focus my days on that alone when I know there are more important things.”

Turning back to the group of men, he saw Hess nodding and Aldric starting to smile.

“We have spent the last years focused on surviving.  We now have a chance at possibly living for a while.  Let us ensure we do not miss this chance, or everything we have done will be for naught.”

The sound of a set of hands clapping caught him off guard, and Kaen realized that Aldric had been the one to do it.

Herb joined a few seconds later, and Hess slapped his thigh a few times.

“You have grown, Kaen.  Faster and greater than I could have imagined was possible,” Aldric stated.  “Herb and I will take charge of that draft and have something for you to look at in the next day or two.  For now, go and do what you do best.  Inspire others and live.  We can take care of the rest.”

He is right.  You have grown.  Do not forget what Tharnok and Elies taught us.

Kaen smiled as he nodded and led Ava to Pammon, who shifted so they could climb on.

“You better stop by Bren’s place sometime soon, Pammon, or that girl of mine may forget your name!”

Pammon snorted, a smile appearing on his snout.

We both know that isn’t true.

Hess roared with laughter and nodded, waving goodbye as the three of them prepared to leave.

“Who is that man that just talked to us like we are all below him,” Herb asked, watching as Pammon disappeared over the city.

“He’s just like his damn father,” Hess replied, unable to keep from smiling as he said those words.

“You both are wrong,” Aldric answered, watching both men look at him.  “He is something far greater than his father or any of us will ever be.  He spoke as he should to us. He spoke as a dragon rider must.”