They didn't try to escape. While the dragon seemed to be sleeping, Rayla was certain Sol Regem was doing anything but. She didn't want to do anything to upset this delicate equillibrium. Callum was more than happy not to disturb a 'sleeping' dragon. Zym seemed to want to copy the older dragon and nodded off.

Sol Regem eventually got up and approached the trio.

Callum had been spending his time drawing the 'sleeping' dragon. As concerned as he was regarding the dragon's earlier behaviour, he couldn't waste this opportunity to draw a dragon.

Rayla was still lost in thought with Zym napping on her lap. She had heard many things about Sol Regem. He was the strictest of dragons, described by those who knew him to be the most rational of beings. He didn't lose his composure unless the situation was dire. She couldn't be certain exactly what had bothered the old dragon, the clues were still gathering in her mind, she was certain it was quite serious. She was really concerned for Callum and felt she was to blame. She shouldn't have blabbed about Callum's secrets. She realised now they should have kept his magic secret, but couldn't figure out why.

"Come", the dragon breathed a pale fire as it extended its neck to allow them to climb aboard.

None of them moved. They wanted an explanation.

The dragon studied them and nodded.

"Your name is Callum?" the dragon enquired, to which Callum nodded.

"You represent many things, Callum. You have much potential for greatness. Not just personal greatness perhaps even the greatness of your entire race. Humans aren't born with Arcanum (Author's note: maybe Arcani?) and have always been disconnected from the primal sources. You have found a way to create a bridge, I don't understand how and perhaps even after proper examination, I might still not be able to explain your ability. I am not connected to the Sky, perhaps the Dragon Queen has some hope of understanding your bridge." The dragon paused, allowing Rayla to translate his words to Callum.

"Moreover, if you as a human can connect to the primal sources, perhaps others of your kind can too, which represents the greatest danger to have ever faced us. In the worst case perhaps all humans have the potential to become Mages. And if you can connect to one source, what's to stop you connecting to others. Humans and Xadia have a long history of hatred. There are grudges and wrongs on both sides. Human dark mages hunted magical creatures for their foul magic. We banished all humans for the crimes of a few. Humans rising up, seeking to return to their homeland would be completely justified. But with this new power, in their justified war they could seek to destroy us completely and they most likely would succeed. Being able to use primal magic and dark magic together could bring about the destruction of Xadia. If you hadn't brought the Dragon Prince, I'd have killed you without taking the time to consider the consequences. I have always sought to rationally think things through, and not let my emotions cloud my judgement. My fear overrode my rationality, and I am greatly ashamed to have succumbed so easily. I suppose no matter how old or powerful you become, you can never truly conquer fear." The dragon paused again.

Rayla's mind was feeling the shock the dragon likely had experienced previously. She explained his words to Callum as well as she could. She realised she had thought Callum to be special in some way. She had seen the struggles he had had to go through to learn Sky magic. But did that mean that everyone would find it that hard? What if others too learned magic in some way and paved the way for others by teaching? Could Callum teach other humans Sky magic?

Callum too was reeling at the possibilities suggested by the dragon. He didn't consider himself special and thinking about it, if he could do it so could others. But if that's the case, why hadn't humans learned to connect to magic all this time?

The dragon didn't continue speaking right away. He seemed to be considering its next words carefully.

"I have had some time to reflect, and have come to realise killing you would have been a grave mistake. It would have been unjust, and I would have repayed your kindness with malice. I would have also destroyed Xadia's best hope for peace in these changing times. You, may be the best hope for everlasting peace between Xadia and humans." The dragon paused.

"Not everyone will see things my way. There will be many who seek to harm you. It is in your best interest to leave Xadia as soon as possible. However, I hope you will complete the quest you set out on and deliver the Dragon Prince to his mother."

"I may not know how the days from now will go, but one thing I can promise you is your safety. From the time you get on my back, to the time you leave Xadia, I promise on my fire, I will use all of my ability to keep you safe. If you can accept that pledge, please come with me to see the Dragon Queen" Sol Regem bowed once again. A flame rune appeared over his horns and started coursing its way around its body like fiery snakes.

Rayla couldn't believe the pledge Sol Regis made. "Why would you go so far Sol Regem?", she asked.

"Because it might be the only way", he replied.

"Callum, when a dragon pledges its magic, it is serious. There is no way to unbind the seal, it is self imposed, impervious to outside interference and impossible for the dragon to remove. It's like locking yourself in a cage and throwing away the key", Rayla explained, "If you accept the pledge the binding will be enforced and until you leave Xadia, the binding cannot be removed. If he fails to fulfill his pledge... he will perish".

Callum could see how sincere the Sol Regem was being, "Why?" he couldn't help asking.

Sol Regem sighed and shook his head. "It is difficult to explain. I can only tell you if you accept my pledge and go to see the Dragon Queen."

"I need to think about this", Callum said. The dragon nodded.