Laud watched as they walked away, then made his way to the pits. There he walked over to the cage and pulled down the cloth. He put his hands over the cage.
Immediately the wyrmling started jumping around. Laud focused but nothing changed. Frustrated he slammed his fist on the cage. This scared the Wyrmling, making it curl up and wimp.
He kicked stones as he walked away when he heard a growl.
He stumbled back, and the dragon leaned in. It was the dragon of the late King, Talus Vestus the Third. It was a silver dragon with teal wings. It was not much bigger than Iron Pig but had bigger wings.
"Sabrus,"
Laud said, and got closer he put his arms out. Sabrus leaned in further letting Laud touch him.
"What is your name?"
Sabrus said surprising Laud.
"I can understand you. How can I understand you?"
Laud asked still doubting himself.
"We bonded, it is easier when someone in your bloodline has bonded with the dragon before,"
Sabrus explained, then placed his wings down.
"Get on,"
Sabrus said but Laud stepped back.
"You have probably heard a lot about me. I will not harm you, I need your help," Sabrus said in a croaky voice.
Laud climbed and got on Sabrus's back. He lay down on his belly and held on as tight as he could.
Sabrus got up, then walked deeper into the cave. At the end was an opening that overlooked the north desert. A place no one ventured to go. It was named World's End. Sabrus stepped off the ledge and fell a couple of feet.
Laud's heart pounded in his chest. Sabrus spread his wings and Laud floated for a second. They soared over a barren stretch of land. The sun was just about to rise, Laud stared at the golden arc.
"Here, here would be just fine," Sabrus stated and descended. As he flapped his wings dust rose from the ground. It created a cloud that could be seen from miles away.
Laud got down and looked around, they were in the middle of nowhere. He asked still looking around,
"Where are we?"
"My final resting place," Sabrus mentioned casually and walked over to Laud.
"Now, you will have to kill me," Sabrus said and lay on the ground.
"I am only twelve years old, I can't kill a dragon," Laud said stepping back.
"Don't worry, I will help you," Sabrus said and got closer to Laud.
"I don't want to," Laud said and ran. Sabrus flew and landed in front of him.
"I am sorry, I should not have put you in the position," Sabrus apologized and sat down.
"The truth is, this is not our first meeting. We met years ago. Your father came to the lair to introduce you. I snapped, I almost ate you. I figured you would be the right person to take my life," Sabrus explained bowing his head.
"I do not remember meeting you," Laud said and walked closer to him.
"I am afraid I remember it like it was just yesterday. Your father had you in his arms, wrapped in a cloth. You were the size of a peach."
Laud thought and immediately realized he was just a baby then.
"That must have been when I was a baby," Laud stated with a frown.
"Yes, you were but a youngling. It was eleven years, two moons, and three nights ago. I am sorry for what I did. Tobias and the Moores had killed Talus and I was in mourning. That is no excuse but after killing him they did not give him the respect he deserved," Sabrus explained and Laud paid attention.
He had heard stories about his grandfather but every one he heard was filled with rage. Sabrus was the only one who told the story with sorrow. Even without detail, Laud felt his pain. He hugged him.
"No wonder he attacked anyone who tried to bond with him," Laud thought.
"I forgive you," Laud said as he held on to him a little longer.
"I penance, to show my regret else I would not be able to forgive myself," Sabrus said.
"Okay, how about you take me flying," Laud suggested and Sabrus agreed. He got on Sabrus back and they took off.
Back in the castle, Lord opened his eyes.
"I must have passed out," he said and quickly got up. He grabbed a sword leaning on the bed and ran out. He ran the halls until he ran into a servant.
"Where is everyone?"
Laud asked startling the maid.
"They left for the raid," the maid said with head bowed.
"They left me," Lord said and fell on his knees. The maid quickly walked away. He quickly gathered his thoughts.
"I can catch up with them," Lord said and got up. He ran to Iron Pig's lair and called out to him.
"You promised me a sea serpent," the dark said and Iron Pig walked out.
"I took you to the serpent, you let it get away," Lord said and got closer. Iron Pig got down and let Lord get on. He got out and flapped his wings, taking off after a few flaps.
From a distance, Lord saw a dragon. He announced, "There they are."
Iron Pig, made long consistency flaps. As they rose, Lord noticed the dragon was flying towards them. Iron Pig tried to hide in the clouds but it was impossible.
He dispersed the clouds after a couple of flaps. Soon they were close enough for Lord to tell. It was Blue IV.
She was flying with consistent speed. She flew past them with her signature sonic boom.
"Where are they going, the raid is the other way," Lord said and watched as they flew with consistent speed.
Lord turned to see a much slower dragon flying in their direction. It was a teal dragon that shimmered.
Iron Pig turned the opposite direction and flew as fast as his wings could carry him.
"What are you doing? We can take her," Lord said the moment Iron Pig turned around.
"No, we can't, that's an alpha," Iron Pig said and started to fall. He spun uncontrollably, Lord called,
"Iron, pull up, pull up."
There was no response, with Lord still behind him he fell to the ground. Covered with beach sand. Lord dusted himself off.
He went in front to check on Iron Pig. His eyes were still open but his pupil was not normal. There was no Celtic cross slit. His pupils were dilated.
Lord tried everything but he was unresponsive.
Lord saw the Alpha headed in their direction. He drew his sword and took a stance. Readying himself for anything the Alpha could throw at him.