Chapter 44: The Dragon Offers Advice
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Chapter 44: The Dragon Offers Advice
Frostfang glanced at Squallwing out of the corner of his eye. The younger dragon was huffing and puffing as he laboured to keep pace. He had told Stormbringer that he would be seeking out Regal Flame next, and she had asked him to take Squallwing with him. Apparently, her grandson had business in Regal Flame's lands, and having Frostfang around should keep him from getting himself killed.
She had stated that last part quite bluntly, and he could see what she meant. Squallwing had achieved his First Awakening, but despite being five hundred feet long, the younger dragon was the very opposite of imposing. He was a sluggish flier, lacking in both speed and agility, and neither his physical abilities or magic were impressive either.
What he did have, however, was an oddly well-developed grasp of various magic-related subjects that he was only too happy to talk about. And he had talked about them. A lot. The young dragon had initially been quite wary of Frostfang, but once he'd realised that Frostfang wasn't about to eat him or tear him limb from limb, he'd rambled on about a variety of topics, from alchemy and how to shortcut the casting of ordered magic to the creation of charms and magical focuses.
Frostfang had paid only passing attention to Squallwing's monologue, but the young dragon's knowledge was certainly above average for his age. He must be a scholar in temperament although his neglect of his combat-related abilities was troubling.
"You are falling behind," Frostfang drawled as they flew over the ocean. "How often do you fly?"
Squallwing winced. "Perhaps less than I should." He paused. This was likely a topic that he had spoken of many times before, both with his parents and with Stormbringer. "I just prefer studying over hunting and fighting, and my mother says it is safer for me."
"Hmm" Frostfang was not one to interfere in how another dragon raised their child, but this was an important topic. He wouldn't put it past Stormbringer to have sent Squallwing with him just so he could hear the thoughts of another primordial dragon. "Studying is all well and good, but this world can be a cruel place. If you do not know how to fight, then only death awaits you."
Squallwing visibly shuddered, and the laboured beating of his wings slowed as he shifted himself into a better position to conserve energy. Frostfang frowned. Had he flown so infrequently that flying in formation with a larger dragon wasn't instinctive? He doubted that Stormbringer would tolerate such a careless approach to raising a hatchling, so there must be some explanation.
"I know," Squallwing said. "I am weak compared to my cousins."
"Why?" Frostfang asked. He saw no need for excessive tact. If there was a problem, then it should be solved now while Squallwing was still young rather than allowing it to fester. If nothing else, addressing his physical and magical weakness would make it easier for him to eventually attain a Second Awakening.
"I was badly wounded when I was a hatchling," Squallwing said. "I strayed from my mother's side and encountered a flock of drakes."
Frostfang growled. Drakes and dragons rarely got along. Dragons viewed drakes as lesser versions of themselves whilst drakes resented the natural advantages that dragons had, foremost amongst them their access to a magical breath attack. Drakes could develop breath attacks, but they were thoroughly mundane in nature.
For instance, a fire drake might be able to breathe fire, but it was a strictly mundane process. Their fire was created by the combination of a number of substances secreted from glands in their mouths. In contrast, a dragon's fire was magical in nature, a product of their soul and magic. It was not uncommon for young fire drakes to be hunted by humans, elves, and other such species. They would slay the drake and take those glands, allowing them to create a variety of flammable substances. In contrast, a dragon's fire could not be stolen so easily. Indeed, once a dragon was dead, their fire was gone forever.
As a result, drakes and dragons frequently clashed. Drakes were typically smaller and weaker than dragons, and their Ascensions were no match for the Awakenings a dragon experienced. However, they often lived in large groups, and it was not unheard of for flocks of drakes to attack and kill lesser dragons and hatchlings.
"You did well to survive," Frostfang rumbled. "What became of the drakes?"
"My mother heard my cries. She was able to rescue me before I perished. When my grandmother found out, she dealt with the drakes herself."
Frostfang chuckled. "That would not have taken her long."
"According to my cousins, it rained drakes that day, so many fell before her wrath."
Frostfang could easily imagine that. Stormbringer was a primordial dragon. There was no drake alive who could stand against her, and her wrath would have been terrible indeed. To harm one of her grandchildren? That was not something she could overlook, especially since Squallwing had only been a hatchling at the time.
"How large were you then?" Frostfang asked.
"About six feet long."
That got his attention, and he turned his head to gaze at the younger dragon. "Six feet long? Your mother was careless then. You should never have been out of her sight at that size."
"I was curious," Squallwing said, coming to his mother's defence. "And I was good at sneaking off. It was my fault, not hers."
"You said that you were badly wounded."
"Yes. I barely survived, and I was fortunate that I was healed without any permanent damage to my magical circulatory system. But since that day, my mother rarely lets me out of her sight, and I have become reluctant to venture too far from our home."
"You were both afraid," Frostfang said, and Squallwing flinched. Cowardice was one of the worst insults that could be levelled against a dragon. It was one thing for a dragon to retreat because they could not win and needed time to devise a strategy or acquire more power. It was quite another for a dragon to flee because they were afraid.
"I yes." Squallwing sagged. "I was able to achieve a First Awakening with my grandmother's help, but she said that I would be unlikely to achieve a Second Awakening if I continued this way." His body tensed. "I I don't want to be weak, and I don't want to die so young. When my grandmother found out that you were going to Regal Flame next, I begged her to let me join you."
"Oh?" Perhaps the hatchling had some courage in him after all. "Why?"
"Regal Flame is supposed to have a lot of books about magic. Grandmother says that Regal Flame owes her a few small favours, and that I could exchange those for being allowed to copy those books. I don't have large magical reserves, but I do know a lot about magic. The books I want to copy are supposed to contain training methods for increasing my magical reserves. If I can do that, then maybe I won't be so weak."nove(l)bi(n.)com
It was odd that he was fixated on acquiring new training methods, but perhaps there was something about him that prevented him from making good use of the more common ones. At least he was taking action.
"What of your father?" Frostfang asked. "You have not spoken of him."
"He fell," Squallwing sagged. "When I was still in my egg. He went mad during the Sixth Catastrophe and grandmother had to to"
"Ah." Frostfang nodded grimly.
The Sixth Catastrophe's powers had been potent indeed. Part of her pre-emptive strike had involved driving many of her potential opponents mad and having them turn on their own families, friends, and allies. Most likely, Stormbringer had been forced to strike Squallwing's father down before he could do something terrible. Freeing the minds of the afflicted had been possible, but it had not been easy, and it had taken expertise that not all of them had possessed at the time. Fortunately, Doomwing had developed countermeasures and had shared them amongst any who had the strength and expertise to use them, but many had fallen prey to the Sixth Catastrophe's machinations in the meantime.
"You cannot change the past," Frostfang said. "Instead, focus on becoming a dragon your father can be proud of." He bared his teeth. "You are tired. I can feel it. But you are a dragon. Do not falter. As weak as your body is now, it will rapidly adjust if you continue to push yourself."
"What if fall out of the sky?" Squallwing asked. "My wings they ache so much. I've never flown this far in one go before."
"Hmm" He made as if to consider the matter before nodding. "I will need to speak to Phacelia in person, but those terms seem agreeable to me. I will conclude my business with Regal Flame and then seek out Phacelia before I leave this region."
"Thank you, mighty Frostfang. I shall relay your words to my lady." Eremos pointed toward an outcrop of black stone in the distance. "If you and your companion are still hungry, then you may wish to try your luck over there. It is not unusual for great worms to be found in that area."
"Worms?" Frostfang asked. "How large?"
"Many are the length of your companion, and the largest are bigger even than you."
"Hmm perhaps we shall try our luck," Frostfang said.
"Then good hunting," Eremos said before bowing. "We shall take out leave now."
Frostfang turned to Squallwing. The younger dragon must have known what he was thinking because he was cringing.
"Do we have to?" Squallwing asked.
"If you wish to grow stronger, there is no time like the present. My presence ensures that you shall not come to any true harm. Use this opportunity to grow stronger."
Squallwing nodded. "Yes, that is how I should look at it. Besides, they're just worms. How difficult can they be to slay?"
Frostfang ignored Squallwing's pleas for help as the younger dragon was tackled headfirst into the sand. The worm he'd chosen to fight was slightly larger than him and far more vicious. A few other worms had gathered, drawn by the fighting, but they kept their distance, wary of Frostfang.
"Help!" Squallwing wailed, clawing frantically at the worm. Unfortunately, the creature's entire body was heavily armoured, so all he was doing was making it madder. The worm's mouth was filled with circular rows of serrated teeth, and sparks flew as it tried to rip into Squallwing's side.
"You're fine," Frostfang replied. "Stop flailing around and get your footing." Perhaps out of fear or desperation, Squallwing obeyed. The young dragon managed to get his feet under him. "Good. Now brace your shoulder under the worm and lift."
"It's heavy!"
"You're a dragon. You can lift it. And if your muscles aren't strong enough, use a bit of magic. You know enhancement magic, right?"
"I've never used it in a situation like this!" Squallwing growled. He had braced his shoulder underneath the worm as best he could, but the monsters refused to budge. "My feet are sinking into the sand."
"Then harden the sand beneath you with magic." One of the other worms lumbered forward to intervene, and Frostfang sent a blast of searing cold at it. The others fled as the worm was frozen solid. "Breathe. Relax. The most dangerous part of the worm is its mouth. With your shoulder braced under it, it can't get at you. Take your time."
Frostfang could remember his first real hunt. He'd been so much smaller then, and his father had stayed back, allowing him to make mistakes as he'd squared off against a giant bear. At the time, Frostfang had felt as though he was fighting for his life, but he had realised afterward that his father could have intervened at any moment. As the battle had progressed, his father had spoken to him, his calm voice offering advice on how best to approach the situation.
On that day, Frostfang had learned of the importance of keeping his wits about him and mastering his emotions. Emotions could be useful things, but thinking clearly during battle was essential. Anger could make a dragon reckless whilst fear could rob them of their strength. A wise dragon learned how to harness the power of their emotions while never allowing those emotions to rule them.
"That's it," Frostfang said as the ground beneath Squallwing hardened. "Good. Now, use your enhancement magic and don't forget to keep your grip tight. Don't let the worm squirm free."
Squallwing snarled and bared his teeth as he finally began to drive the worm back. Lightning crackled over his scales, and his wings pushed against the ground to boost his momentum.
"It's off balance now," Frostfang said. "Twist and throw it. You'll know how. It's instinct." Squallwing roared and pivoted, heaving the worm over his shoulder. It slammed into the desert sand, momentarily stunned. "Use your lightning! Aim for its mouth!"
Squallwing drew his head back and then unleashed a bolt of lightning straight into the worm's mouth. The creature shrieked, and then fell still and silent as smoke drifted out of its maw. Most likely, the lightning had fried its innards and brain. Squallwing dragged in several deep breaths and then collapsed onto his back, wings splayed out, scarcely able to move.
Frostfang chuckled and loomed over Squallwing. His scales were cracked in multiple places, one of wings was moving slightly awkwardly, and he had a few chipped teeth from when he'd made the mistake of trying to bite the worm in the head. "How do you feel?"
Squallwing stared at him. "I almost died! It almost ripped my chest open! I I" He began to laugh. "I feel I feel alive!"
Frostfang grinned. "Good. Remember this feeling. This is what it means to be a dragon." He hauled Squallwing up onto his feet. "We should go visit Regal Flame now."
"Like this?" Squallwing motioned at his battered body. "I look terrible."
"Regal Flame is the daughter of Sovereign Flame who was the oldest and mightiest of our kind in the days when the First Gods still walked the world. They called him the Uncrowned King, for dragons have no kings, yet there was not a dragon alive in those days who would not have been proud to call him such. How do you think he won the respect of all our kind? It was through battle through blood and claw and flame! She will not think less of you for arriving bearing wounds from a proper hunt."
Squallwing nodded slowly. "I I see." He tested his wings. "I can fly, perhaps not as quickly as usual, but I can fly."
"You are fine," Frostfang said, using a small burst of magic to assess the younger dragon's wounds. "None of your wounds are serious. It will take you a few days at most to heal." He lifted the worm up and stored it away with his magic. "We can give the worm to Regal Flame. If we say it was from your first proper hunt, she will value it appropriately."
"But I've hunted before," Squallwing said.
"Not like this, you haven't. I can tell. Most likely your mother had you fight things much weaker than yourself. This worm was a decent challenge, and the wounds you bear are a testament to its strength. This was a proper hunt."
The words seemed to strike a chord because Squallwing's claws clenched, and he looked at the ruined dunes with fresh eyes. "Thank you," he said at last.
Frostfang stared at him for a long moment. His mother must have been so scared of losing him, especially after what had happened to her mate, and yet her attempts to keep him safe would only leave him more vulnerable in the long run. A weakling he might be, but he would never grow stronger if he was coddled. Perhaps that was why Stormbringer had agreed to let him accompany Frostfang. Frostfang would not coddle him, and seemingly small successes like this hunt could serve as the building blocks for future improvement.
Hmm now that Frostfang thought about it, lessons such as these would only aid him in raising his own hatchlings.
"There is no need to thank me," Frostfang said. "But if you wish to prove your gratitude, then grow stronger. You may never reach the heights of your grandmother, but there is no reason that you cannot be stronger tomorrow than you are today."
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Chapter 44: The Dragon Offers Advice
Frostfang glanced at Squallwing out of the corner of his eye. The younger dragon was huffing and puffing as he laboured to keep pace. He had told Stormbringer that he would be seeking out Regal Flame next, and she had asked him to take Squallwing with him. Apparently, her grandson had business in Regal Flame's lands, and having Frostfang around should keep him from getting himself killed.
She had stated that last part quite bluntly, and he could see what she meant. Squallwing had achieved his First Awakening, but despite being five hundred feet long, the younger dragon was the very opposite of imposing. He was a sluggish flier, lacking in both speed and agility, and neither his physical abilities or magic were impressive either.
What he did have, however, was an oddly well-developed grasp of various magic-related subjects that he was only too happy to talk about. And he had talked about them. A lot. The young dragon had initially been quite wary of Frostfang, but once he'd realised that Frostfang wasn't about to eat him or tear him limb from limb, he'd rambled on about a variety of topics, from alchemy and how to shortcut the casting of ordered magic to the creation of charms and magical focuses.
Frostfang had paid only passing attention to Squallwing's monologue, but the young dragon's knowledge was certainly above average for his age. He must be a scholar in temperament although his neglect of his combat-related abilities was troubling.
"You are falling behind," Frostfang drawled as they flew over the ocean. "How often do you fly?"
Squallwing winced. "Perhaps less than I should." He paused. This was likely a topic that he had spoken of many times before, both with his parents and with Stormbringer. "I just prefer studying over hunting and fighting, and my mother says it is safer for me."
"Hmm" Frostfang was not one to interfere in how another dragon raised their child, but this was an important topic. He wouldn't put it past Stormbringer to have sent Squallwing with him just so he could hear the thoughts of another primordial dragon. "Studying is all well and good, but this world can be a cruel place. If you do not know how to fight, then only death awaits you."
Squallwing visibly shuddered, and the laboured beating of his wings slowed as he shifted himself into a better position to conserve energy. Frostfang frowned. Had he flown so infrequently that flying in formation with a larger dragon wasn't instinctive? He doubted that Stormbringer would tolerate such a careless approach to raising a hatchling, so there must be some explanation.
"I know," Squallwing said. "I am weak compared to my cousins."
"Why?" Frostfang asked. He saw no need for excessive tact. If there was a problem, then it should be solved now while Squallwing was still young rather than allowing it to fester. If nothing else, addressing his physical and magical weakness would make it easier for him to eventually attain a Second Awakening.
"I was badly wounded when I was a hatchling," Squallwing said. "I strayed from my mother's side and encountered a flock of drakes."
Frostfang growled. Drakes and dragons rarely got along. Dragons viewed drakes as lesser versions of themselves whilst drakes resented the natural advantages that dragons had, foremost amongst them their access to a magical breath attack. Drakes could develop breath attacks, but they were thoroughly mundane in nature.
For instance, a fire drake might be able to breathe fire, but it was a strictly mundane process. Their fire was created by the combination of a number of substances secreted from glands in their mouths. In contrast, a dragon's fire was magical in nature, a product of their soul and magic. It was not uncommon for young fire drakes to be hunted by humans, elves, and other such species. They would slay the drake and take those glands, allowing them to create a variety of flammable substances. In contrast, a dragon's fire could not be stolen so easily. Indeed, once a dragon was dead, their fire was gone forever.
As a result, drakes and dragons frequently clashed. Drakes were typically smaller and weaker than dragons, and their Ascensions were no match for the Awakenings a dragon experienced. However, they often lived in large groups, and it was not unheard of for flocks of drakes to attack and kill lesser dragons and hatchlings.
"You did well to survive," Frostfang rumbled. "What became of the drakes?"
"My mother heard my cries. She was able to rescue me before I perished. When my grandmother found out, she dealt with the drakes herself."
Frostfang chuckled. "That would not have taken her long."
"According to my cousins, it rained drakes that day, so many fell before her wrath."
Frostfang could easily imagine that. Stormbringer was a primordial dragon. There was no drake alive who could stand against her, and her wrath would have been terrible indeed. To harm one of her grandchildren? That was not something she could overlook, especially since Squallwing had only been a hatchling at the time.
"How large were you then?" Frostfang asked.
"About six feet long."
That got his attention, and he turned his head to gaze at the younger dragon. "Six feet long? Your mother was careless then. You should never have been out of her sight at that size."
"I was curious," Squallwing said, coming to his mother's defence. "And I was good at sneaking off. It was my fault, not hers."
"You said that you were badly wounded."
"Yes. I barely survived, and I was fortunate that I was healed without any permanent damage to my magical circulatory system. But since that day, my mother rarely lets me out of her sight, and I have become reluctant to venture too far from our home."
"You were both afraid," Frostfang said, and Squallwing flinched. Cowardice was one of the worst insults that could be levelled against a dragon. It was one thing for a dragon to retreat because they could not win and needed time to devise a strategy or acquire more power. It was quite another for a dragon to flee because they were afraid.
"I yes." Squallwing sagged. "I was able to achieve a First Awakening with my grandmother's help, but she said that I would be unlikely to achieve a Second Awakening if I continued this way." His body tensed. "I I don't want to be weak, and I don't want to die so young. When my grandmother found out that you were going to Regal Flame next, I begged her to let me join you."
"Oh?" Perhaps the hatchling had some courage in him after all. "Why?"
"Regal Flame is supposed to have a lot of books about magic. Grandmother says that Regal Flame owes her a few small favours, and that I could exchange those for being allowed to copy those books. I don't have large magical reserves, but I do know a lot about magic. The books I want to copy are supposed to contain training methods for increasing my magical reserves. If I can do that, then maybe I won't be so weak."nove(l)bi(n.)com
It was odd that he was fixated on acquiring new training methods, but perhaps there was something about him that prevented him from making good use of the more common ones. At least he was taking action.
"What of your father?" Frostfang asked. "You have not spoken of him."
"He fell," Squallwing sagged. "When I was still in my egg. He went mad during the Sixth Catastrophe and grandmother had to to"
"Ah." Frostfang nodded grimly.
The Sixth Catastrophe's powers had been potent indeed. Part of her pre-emptive strike had involved driving many of her potential opponents mad and having them turn on their own families, friends, and allies. Most likely, Stormbringer had been forced to strike Squallwing's father down before he could do something terrible. Freeing the minds of the afflicted had been possible, but it had not been easy, and it had taken expertise that not all of them had possessed at the time. Fortunately, Doomwing had developed countermeasures and had shared them amongst any who had the strength and expertise to use them, but many had fallen prey to the Sixth Catastrophe's machinations in the meantime.
"You cannot change the past," Frostfang said. "Instead, focus on becoming a dragon your father can be proud of." He bared his teeth. "You are tired. I can feel it. But you are a dragon. Do not falter. As weak as your body is now, it will rapidly adjust if you continue to push yourself."
"What if fall out of the sky?" Squallwing asked. "My wings they ache so much. I've never flown this far in one go before."
"Hmm" He made as if to consider the matter before nodding. "I will need to speak to Phacelia in person, but those terms seem agreeable to me. I will conclude my business with Regal Flame and then seek out Phacelia before I leave this region."
"Thank you, mighty Frostfang. I shall relay your words to my lady." Eremos pointed toward an outcrop of black stone in the distance. "If you and your companion are still hungry, then you may wish to try your luck over there. It is not unusual for great worms to be found in that area."
"Worms?" Frostfang asked. "How large?"
"Many are the length of your companion, and the largest are bigger even than you."
"Hmm perhaps we shall try our luck," Frostfang said.
"Then good hunting," Eremos said before bowing. "We shall take out leave now."
Frostfang turned to Squallwing. The younger dragon must have known what he was thinking because he was cringing.
"Do we have to?" Squallwing asked.
"If you wish to grow stronger, there is no time like the present. My presence ensures that you shall not come to any true harm. Use this opportunity to grow stronger."
Squallwing nodded. "Yes, that is how I should look at it. Besides, they're just worms. How difficult can they be to slay?"
Frostfang ignored Squallwing's pleas for help as the younger dragon was tackled headfirst into the sand. The worm he'd chosen to fight was slightly larger than him and far more vicious. A few other worms had gathered, drawn by the fighting, but they kept their distance, wary of Frostfang.
"Help!" Squallwing wailed, clawing frantically at the worm. Unfortunately, the creature's entire body was heavily armoured, so all he was doing was making it madder. The worm's mouth was filled with circular rows of serrated teeth, and sparks flew as it tried to rip into Squallwing's side.
"You're fine," Frostfang replied. "Stop flailing around and get your footing." Perhaps out of fear or desperation, Squallwing obeyed. The young dragon managed to get his feet under him. "Good. Now brace your shoulder under the worm and lift."
"It's heavy!"
"You're a dragon. You can lift it. And if your muscles aren't strong enough, use a bit of magic. You know enhancement magic, right?"
"I've never used it in a situation like this!" Squallwing growled. He had braced his shoulder underneath the worm as best he could, but the monsters refused to budge. "My feet are sinking into the sand."
"Then harden the sand beneath you with magic." One of the other worms lumbered forward to intervene, and Frostfang sent a blast of searing cold at it. The others fled as the worm was frozen solid. "Breathe. Relax. The most dangerous part of the worm is its mouth. With your shoulder braced under it, it can't get at you. Take your time."
Frostfang could remember his first real hunt. He'd been so much smaller then, and his father had stayed back, allowing him to make mistakes as he'd squared off against a giant bear. At the time, Frostfang had felt as though he was fighting for his life, but he had realised afterward that his father could have intervened at any moment. As the battle had progressed, his father had spoken to him, his calm voice offering advice on how best to approach the situation.
On that day, Frostfang had learned of the importance of keeping his wits about him and mastering his emotions. Emotions could be useful things, but thinking clearly during battle was essential. Anger could make a dragon reckless whilst fear could rob them of their strength. A wise dragon learned how to harness the power of their emotions while never allowing those emotions to rule them.
"That's it," Frostfang said as the ground beneath Squallwing hardened. "Good. Now, use your enhancement magic and don't forget to keep your grip tight. Don't let the worm squirm free."
Squallwing snarled and bared his teeth as he finally began to drive the worm back. Lightning crackled over his scales, and his wings pushed against the ground to boost his momentum.
"It's off balance now," Frostfang said. "Twist and throw it. You'll know how. It's instinct." Squallwing roared and pivoted, heaving the worm over his shoulder. It slammed into the desert sand, momentarily stunned. "Use your lightning! Aim for its mouth!"
Squallwing drew his head back and then unleashed a bolt of lightning straight into the worm's mouth. The creature shrieked, and then fell still and silent as smoke drifted out of its maw. Most likely, the lightning had fried its innards and brain. Squallwing dragged in several deep breaths and then collapsed onto his back, wings splayed out, scarcely able to move.
Frostfang chuckled and loomed over Squallwing. His scales were cracked in multiple places, one of wings was moving slightly awkwardly, and he had a few chipped teeth from when he'd made the mistake of trying to bite the worm in the head. "How do you feel?"
Squallwing stared at him. "I almost died! It almost ripped my chest open! I I" He began to laugh. "I feel I feel alive!"
Frostfang grinned. "Good. Remember this feeling. This is what it means to be a dragon." He hauled Squallwing up onto his feet. "We should go visit Regal Flame now."
"Like this?" Squallwing motioned at his battered body. "I look terrible."
"Regal Flame is the daughter of Sovereign Flame who was the oldest and mightiest of our kind in the days when the First Gods still walked the world. They called him the Uncrowned King, for dragons have no kings, yet there was not a dragon alive in those days who would not have been proud to call him such. How do you think he won the respect of all our kind? It was through battle through blood and claw and flame! She will not think less of you for arriving bearing wounds from a proper hunt."
Squallwing nodded slowly. "I I see." He tested his wings. "I can fly, perhaps not as quickly as usual, but I can fly."
"You are fine," Frostfang said, using a small burst of magic to assess the younger dragon's wounds. "None of your wounds are serious. It will take you a few days at most to heal." He lifted the worm up and stored it away with his magic. "We can give the worm to Regal Flame. If we say it was from your first proper hunt, she will value it appropriately."
"But I've hunted before," Squallwing said.
"Not like this, you haven't. I can tell. Most likely your mother had you fight things much weaker than yourself. This worm was a decent challenge, and the wounds you bear are a testament to its strength. This was a proper hunt."
The words seemed to strike a chord because Squallwing's claws clenched, and he looked at the ruined dunes with fresh eyes. "Thank you," he said at last.
Frostfang stared at him for a long moment. His mother must have been so scared of losing him, especially after what had happened to her mate, and yet her attempts to keep him safe would only leave him more vulnerable in the long run. A weakling he might be, but he would never grow stronger if he was coddled. Perhaps that was why Stormbringer had agreed to let him accompany Frostfang. Frostfang would not coddle him, and seemingly small successes like this hunt could serve as the building blocks for future improvement.
Hmm now that Frostfang thought about it, lessons such as these would only aid him in raising his own hatchlings.
"There is no need to thank me," Frostfang said. "But if you wish to prove your gratitude, then grow stronger. You may never reach the heights of your grandmother, but there is no reason that you cannot be stronger tomorrow than you are today."
Chapter 44: The Dragon Offers AdviceFrostfang glanced at Squallwing out of the corner of his eye. The younger dragon was huffing and puffing as he laboured to keep pace. He had told Stormbringer that he would be seeking out Regal Flame next, and she had asked him to take Squallwing with him. Apparently, her grandson had business in Regal Flame's lands, and having Frostfang around should keep him from getting himself killed.She had stated that last part quite bluntly, and he could see what she meant. Squallwing had achieved his First Awakening, but despite being five hundred feet long, the younger dragon was the very opposite of imposing. He was a sluggish flier, lacking in both speed and agility, and neither his physical abilities or magic were impressive either.What he did have, however, was an oddly well-developed grasp of various magic-related subjects that he was only too happy to talk about. And he had talked about them. A lot. The young dragon had initially been quite wary of Frostfang, but once he'd realised that Frostfang wasn't about to eat him or tear him limb from limb, he'd rambled on about a variety of topics, from alchemy and how to shortcut the casting of ordered magic to the creation of charms and magical focuses.Frostfang had paid only passing attention to Squallwing's monologue, but the young dragon's knowledge was certainly above average for his age. He must be a scholar in temperament although his neglect of his combat-related abilities was troubling."You are falling behind," Frostfang drawled as they flew over the ocean. "How often do you fly?"Squallwing winced. "Perhaps less than I should." He paused. This was likely a topic that he had spoken of many times before, both with his parents and with Stormbringer. "I just prefer studying over hunting and fighting, and my mother says it is safer for me.""Hmm" Frostfang was not one to interfere in how another dragon raised their child, but this was an important topic. He wouldn't put it past Stormbringer to have sent Squallwing with him just so he could hear the thoughts of another primordial dragon. "Studying is all well and good, but this world can be a cruel place. If you do not know how to fight, then only death awaits you."Squallwing visibly shuddered, and the laboured beating of his wings slowed as he shifted himself into a better position to conserve energy. Frostfang frowned. Had he flown so infrequently that flying in formation with a larger dragon wasn't instinctive? He doubted that Stormbringer would tolerate such a careless approach to raising a hatchling, so there must be some explanation."I know," Squallwing said. "I am weak compared to my cousins.""Why?" Frostfang asked. He saw no need for excessive tact. If there was a problem, then it should be solved now while Squallwing was still young rather than allowing it to fester. If nothing else, addressing his physical and magical weakness would make it easier for him to eventually attain a Second Awakening."I was badly wounded when I was a hatchling," Squallwing said. "I strayed from my mother's side and encountered a flock of drakes."Frostfang growled. Drakes and dragons rarely got along. Dragons viewed drakes as lesser versions of themselves whilst drakes resented the natural advantages that dragons had, foremost amongst them their access to a magical breath attack. Drakes could develop breath attacks, but they were thoroughly mundane in nature.For instance, a fire drake might be able to breathe fire, but it was a strictly mundane process. Their fire was created by the combination of a number of substances secreted from glands in their mouths. In contrast, a dragon's fire was magical in nature, a product of their soul and magic. It was not uncommon for young fire drakes to be hunted by humans, elves, and other such species. They would slay the drake and take those glands, allowing them to create a variety of flammable substances. In contrast, a dragon's fire could not be stolen so easily. Indeed, once a dragon was dead, their fire was gone forever.As a result, drakes and dragons frequently clashed. Drakes were typically smaller and weaker than dragons, and their Ascensions were no match for the Awakenings a dragon experienced. However, they often lived in large groups, and it was not unheard of for flocks of drakes to attack and kill lesser dragons and hatchlings."You did well to survive," Frostfang rumbled. "What became of the drakes?""My mother heard my cries. She was able to rescue me before I perished. When my grandmother found out, she dealt with the drakes herself."Frostfang chuckled. "That would not have taken her long.""According to my cousins, it rained drakes that day, so many fell before her wrath."Frostfang could easily imagine that. Stormbringer was a primordial dragon. There was no drake alive who could stand against her, and her wrath would have been terrible indeed. To harm one of her grandchildren? That was not something she could overlook, especially since Squallwing had only been a hatchling at the time."How large were you then?" Frostfang asked."About six feet long."That got his attention, and he turned his head to gaze at the younger dragon. "Six feet long? Your mother was careless then. You should never have been out of her sight at that size.""I was curious," Squallwing said, coming to his mother's defence. "And I was good at sneaking off. It was my fault, not hers.""You said that you were badly wounded.""Yes. I barely survived, and I was fortunate that I was healed without any permanent damage to my magical circulatory system. But since that day, my mother rarely lets me out of her sight, and I have become reluctant to venture too far from our home.""You were both afraid," Frostfang said, and Squallwing flinched. Cowardice was one of the worst insults that could be levelled against a dragon. It was one thing for a dragon to retreat because they could not win and needed time to devise a strategy or acquire more power. It was quite another for a dragon to flee because they were afraid."I yes." Squallwing sagged. "I was able to achieve a First Awakening with my grandmother's help, but she said that I would be unlikely to achieve a Second Awakening if I continued this way." His body tensed. "I I don't want to be weak, and I don't want to die so young. When my grandmother found out that you were going to Regal Flame next, I begged her to let me join you.""Oh?" Perhaps the hatchling had some courage in him after all. "Why?""Regal Flame is supposed to have a lot of books about magic. Grandmother says that Regal Flame owes her a few small favours, and that I could exchange those for being allowed to copy those books. I don't have large magical reserves, but I do know a lot about magic. The books I want to copy are supposed to contain training methods for increasing my magical reserves. If I can do that, then maybe I won't be so weak."novelbin.comIt was odd that he was fixated on acquiring new training methods, but perhaps there was something about him that prevented him from making good use of the more common ones. At least he was taking action."What of your father?" Frostfang asked. "You have not spoken of him.""He fell," Squallwing sagged. "When I was still in my egg. He went mad during the Sixth Catastrophe and grandmother had to to""Ah." Frostfang nodded grimly.The Sixth Catastrophe's powers had been potent indeed. Part of her pre-emptive strike had involved driving many of her potential opponents mad and having them turn on their own families, friends, and allies. Most likely, Stormbringer had been forced to strike Squallwing's father down before he could do something terrible. Freeing the minds of the afflicted had been possible, but it had not been easy, and it had taken expertise that not all of them had possessed at the time. Fortunately, Doomwing had developed countermeasures and had shared them amongst any who had the strength and expertise to use them, but many had fallen prey to the Sixth Catastrophe's machinations in the meantime."You cannot change the past," Frostfang said. "Instead, focus on becoming a dragon your father can be proud of." He bared his teeth. "You are tired. I can feel it. But you are a dragon. Do not falter. As weak as your body is now, it will rapidly adjust if you continue to push yourself.""What if fall out of the sky?" Squallwing asked. "My wings they ache so much. I've never flown this far in one go before.""Hmm" He made as if to consider the matter before nodding. "I will need to speak to Phacelia in person, but those terms seem agreeable to me. I will conclude my business with Regal Flame and then seek out Phacelia before I leave this region.""Thank you, mighty Frostfang. I shall relay your words to my lady." Eremos pointed toward an outcrop of black stone in the distance. "If you and your companion are still hungry, then you may wish to try your luck over there. It is not unusual for great worms to be found in that area.""Worms?" Frostfang asked. "How large?""Many are the length of your companion, and the largest are bigger even than you.""Hmm perhaps we shall try our luck," Frostfang said."Then good hunting," Eremos said before bowing. "We shall take out leave now."Frostfang turned to Squallwing. The younger dragon must have known what he was thinking because he was cringing."Do we have to?" Squallwing asked."If you wish to grow stronger, there is no time like the present. My presence ensures that you shall not come to any true harm. Use this opportunity to grow stronger."Squallwing nodded. "Yes, that is how I should look at it. Besides, they're just worms. How difficult can they be to slay?"Frostfang ignored Squallwing's pleas for help as the younger dragon was tackled headfirst into the sand. The worm he'd chosen to fight was slightly larger than him and far more vicious. A few other worms had gathered, drawn by the fighting, but they kept their distance, wary of Frostfang."Help!" Squallwing wailed, clawing frantically at the worm. Unfortunately, the creature's entire body was heavily armoured, so all he was doing was making it madder. The worm's mouth was filled with circular rows of serrated teeth, and sparks flew as it tried to rip into Squallwing's side."You're fine," Frostfang replied. "Stop flailing around and get your footing." Perhaps out of fear or desperation, Squallwing obeyed. The young dragon managed to get his feet under him. "Good. Now brace your shoulder under the worm and lift.""It's heavy!""You're a dragon. You can lift it. And if your muscles aren't strong enough, use a bit of magic. You know enhancement magic, right?""I've never used it in a situation like this!" Squallwing growled. He had braced his shoulder underneath the worm as best he could, but the monsters refused to budge. "My feet are sinking into the sand.""Then harden the sand beneath you with magic." One of the other worms lumbered forward to intervene, and Frostfang sent a blast of searing cold at it. The others fled as the worm was frozen solid. "Breathe. Relax. The most dangerous part of the worm is its mouth. With your shoulder braced under it, it can't get at you. Take your time."Frostfang could remember his first real hunt. He'd been so much smaller then, and his father had stayed back, allowing him to make mistakes as he'd squared off against a giant bear. At the time, Frostfang had felt as though he was fighting for his life, but he had realised afterward that his father could have intervened at any moment. As the battle had progressed, his father had spoken to him, his calm voice offering advice on how best to approach the situation.On that day, Frostfang had learned of the importance of keeping his wits about him and mastering his emotions. Emotions could be useful things, but thinking clearly during battle was essential. Anger could make a dragon reckless whilst fear could rob them of their strength. A wise dragon learned how to harness the power of their emotions while never allowing those emotions to rule them."That's it," Frostfang said as the ground beneath Squallwing hardened. "Good. Now, use your enhancement magic and don't forget to keep your grip tight. Don't let the worm squirm free."Squallwing snarled and bared his teeth as he finally began to drive the worm back. Lightning crackled over his scales, and his wings pushed against the ground to boost his momentum."It's off balance now," Frostfang said. "Twist and throw it. You'll know how. It's instinct." Squallwing roared and pivoted, heaving the worm over his shoulder. It slammed into the desert sand, momentarily stunned. "Use your lightning! Aim for its mouth!"Squallwing drew his head back and then unleashed a bolt of lightning straight into the worm's mouth. The creature shrieked, and then fell still and silent as smoke drifted out of its maw. Most likely, the lightning had fried its innards and brain. Squallwing dragged in several deep breaths and then collapsed onto his back, wings splayed out, scarcely able to move.Frostfang chuckled and loomed over Squallwing. His scales were cracked in multiple places, one of wings was moving slightly awkwardly, and he had a few chipped teeth from when he'd made the mistake of trying to bite the worm in the head. "How do you feel?"Squallwing stared at him. "I almost died! It almost ripped my chest open! I I" He began to laugh. "I feel I feel alive!"Frostfang grinned. "Good. Remember this feeling. This is what it means to be a dragon." He hauled Squallwing up onto his feet. "We should go visit Regal Flame now.""Like this?" Squallwing motioned at his battered body. "I look terrible.""Regal Flame is the daughter of Sovereign Flame who was the oldest and mightiest of our kind in the days when the First Gods still walked the world. They called him the Uncrowned King, for dragons have no kings, yet there was not a dragon alive in those days who would not have been proud to call him such. How do you think he won the respect of all our kind? It was through battle through blood and claw and flame! She will not think less of you for arriving bearing wounds from a proper hunt."Squallwing nodded slowly. "I I see." He tested his wings. "I can fly, perhaps not as quickly as usual, but I can fly.""You are fine," Frostfang said, using a small burst of magic to assess the younger dragon's wounds. "None of your wounds are serious. It will take you a few days at most to heal." He lifted the worm up and stored it away with his magic. "We can give the worm to Regal Flame. If we say it was from your first proper hunt, she will value it appropriately.""But I've hunted before," Squallwing said."Not like this, you haven't. I can tell. Most likely your mother had you fight things much weaker than yourself. This worm was a decent challenge, and the wounds you bear are a testament to its strength. This was a proper hunt."The words seemed to strike a chord because Squallwing's claws clenched, and he looked at the ruined dunes with fresh eyes. "Thank you," he said at last.Frostfang stared at him for a long moment. His mother must have been so scared of losing him, especially after what had happened to her mate, and yet her attempts to keep him safe would only leave him more vulnerable in the long run. A weakling he might be, but he would never grow stronger if he was coddled. Perhaps that was why Stormbringer had agreed to let him accompany Frostfang. Frostfang would not coddle him, and seemingly small successes like this hunt could serve as the building blocks for future improvement.Hmm now that Frostfang thought about it, lessons such as these would only aid him in raising his own hatchlings."There is no need to thank me," Frostfang said. "But if you wish to prove your gratitude, then grow stronger. You may never reach the heights of your grandmother, but there is no reason that you cannot be stronger tomorrow than you are today."
