XXV

Luna had to admit one thing; it sure had become a quiet journey after she'd answered Filia and Milgazia's questions. The silence was complete and uninterrupted while they digested the information. Which they'd been doing for an entire day and night. She was beginning to wonder if they could handle the truth or if they'd throw themselves firmly into denial.

If dragons seeking answers could not accept the truth there was little hope for changing the mind of those who thought they already held the answers. Still Luna could not force them to accept it anymore than she could currently figure out a way to limit the damage this war would cause. All she knew was that the only hope lay in involvement. This was not something that could be ignored or wished away. So her and her two dragon escort was working on catching up with the dragon army marching on Dynast's frozen fortress.

Fingering her staff, Luna couldn't help but think the manifestation of a god sure would be helpful. Something to beat the truth into those thick dragon skulls beyond the shadow of a doubt or argument. Why couldn't it be that easy?

Luna frowned as she practically heard Cepheid's answer. Nothing is ever that easy.

"Get a move on you two. Emotional shock or not, we have got to catch up with that army today."

Luna shoved a few last items into her pack before shouldering it.

Both Filia and Milgazia looked surprised that it was time to move out. Filia quickly transformed and wiped out the remnants of their camp fire with her tail. Luna climbed onto Milgazia. Since she was traveling with the dragons and wanted to be fresh for whatever happened when she did catch up to the army that ruled out teleporting the three of them around.

The army was easy enough to find. The blue of the sky was lost for a large expanse of the horizon in a sea of gold and black. Still catching it was not as easy as finding it. It seemed the closer the dragons got to their destination the faster and longer they traveled each day.

For three days Luna, Filia, and Milgazia traveled within sight of the army but were not able to overtake it.

On the fourth day, when there was little but snow and tundra below them, they caught the trailing end of the massive force. They flew with the army all day, and Luna steeled herself for the only course of action she could conceive of that could possibly limit the casualties. It involved a lot of "ifs" but it would have to do.

"Take me to the center. I need to confront the head of this army."

Milgazia glanced backwards at his passenger, but did as she requested.

She was marching towards the leaders before Milgazia had even assumed his human form. Filia and Milgazia exchanged worried glances before following her. Filia was wondering how reckless could Lina's big sister be.

The field commanders met the Knight of Cepheid in the center of a large circular gathering of troops. Although many were interested in watching the proceedings, none seemed to want to be too close.

"So you have decided to join us after all, Knight of Cepheid?"

Luna stopped. She looked each of the leaders in the eye. "No, I will not join you. However, I will take command and lead this army."

Shock was plain on every dragon's face that was within hearing. Laughter burst out among the commanders.

Luna spun her lance and slammed the butt end into the ground. The ground shivered in response. Shaking beneath the army's feet and effectively silencing the laughter. The circle widened further.

"I challenge you for the leadership, what is your answer?" Luna did not yell but her voice was forceful and carried far.

The commanders changed back to dragons and roared in response. Luna set her staff to spinning. She'd expected it to come to this. She kept her senses open as all but one of the dragon commanders took to the air.

Luna vaulted over the tail that lashed at her, and sliced deeply into the golden scales as it passed beneath her. The instant she landed she was sprinting in a circle around the golden dragon as dragon breath seared the ground she'd stood upon a moment before.

Luna chanted a quick spell causing her lance to glow. She then used to weapon to break a holy attack spell. Sparks erupted as the spell shattered harmlessly over the ground.

Luna met attack after attack. Breaking spells and counter-attacking each physical attack with her blade. All of the dragon commanders were bleeding from several wounds, but they still refused to admit defeat. They all took to the sky once more and formed a circle above her.

Luna's mouth drew into a firm line. Setting her feet firmly, she spun her weapon intricately above her and chanted a reflecting shield spell. When the lazer breath hit the shield, it back lashed with increased strength from the shattering of the shield's energy combined with the simultaneous attack.

When the light from the explosion of power faded, Luna was left standing in the center of the fallen scorched and bleeding dragon commanders. Wounded and unconscious they all still lived. Luna sighed in relief, not as good as she had hoped but better than she had feared. She took a deep breath and turned in a full circle to take in all the dragons watching.

"Do you acknowledge me now as sole commander?"

As far as she could see, dragons bowed their heads. Oh how she wish she could return them south as easily. But she knew better. The amount of determination built up here would not be turned without a fight. All she could do is limit the casualties on both sides as much as possible, and pray that it's enough to keep the balance from crumbling.