And so, here it is - the final chapter in the Dragonlord saga!
Apologies for the long, long hiatus - but aye, this is the end for this story. What will the future holds for the young warriors in the passage of time?
Replies~
StarMaster7: Aww man XD I hope I am up to your expectations of how the Dragonlords fare as well! And here is the final chapter - hope you will enjoy it!
AsianVegetablesLLC: I stopped after Nest of Serpents for a long while, and it is only recently that I picked up Storm of Sharks and War of the Werelords again. I have made this Dragonlord story in continuation to Curtis Jobling's books, so I hope you can find these little 'Easter Eggs' all over :)
Littlefox109: Thank you for your favourite~
Alysiana: Oh man, I am a cruel author aren't I. 8D Either-way, perhaps the duo can find happiness at long last in this chapter?
Without further ado, let's get on with the final note in the Song of the Wings and Claws.
"Evaxus!"
On seeing that the young Dragonlord was alive after the bloody battle, Rei hurled herself over the blackened ground and ran towards him. The dried mud cracked underneath her soles as smoke continued to ooze from the burnt earth. She ran over to his side as Drew and the rest followed suit. The dead Fire Dragon has regained his human form, eyes closed, mouth lifted to a small grin.
He was at peace.
Evaxus was gasping as Rimetalon fell to the ground. With his right hand he clasped on his severed arm to stop the flowing blood as he grunted. His good left eye was fixed on his late father, and shook his head solemnly.
"I'm fine." He said simply as Rei threw herself onto his battered torso.
"You idiot! You horrible, cold idiot!" The young lady let loose her emotions in what seemed to be insults, but the arms that wrapped themselves around the tired warrior sent warmth that signifies otherwise. "Really, what did you- Aah, you could have been killed! You, you...Argh! Don't do things like that anymore, alright?!"
Evaxus raised his good arm and put it across Rei's back as the rest of the Wolf's allies came rushing over. "Don't worry, dear Rei. It's over."
Above the charred ground, the Werelords and Ladies gathered around the Dragonlords. Knowing that they have won first part of the battle, albeit exhausting one of their forces, Drew's spirit perked as he observed the Werelion and his magister. The look of sheer disdain on Lucas' face only raised his fighting spirit even more.
"Vankaskan!" Lucas snarled and glowered at the Wererat. "Is this your plan? Allowing the enemy to take down what we throw at them? If this is what my brothers from Bast have came for – to know that we have failed in securing the Dragonlord – then what is of my title as King?" The roar of the Catlord intensified as the Lion raged through – deadly canines dropping from Lucas' gums like unsheathed blades, and muscles beneath the golden armour rippled.
"Y-Your Majesty-" Vankaskan quivered below the killing aura that has emitted from the Lion, as the rest of the Lionguards were shocked to their senses after witnessing such epic battle of magicks.
"ENOUGH!" Lucas howled as the metamorphosis completes. Raising his blade ahead, he commanded with unflinching fury. "Take down the Wolf and his wretched scums! Leave none remain but the heads – for I shall decorate my throne room with the pitiful looks of the mutt's last breath!" On hearing their liege's battlecry, the platoon in red clamoured, and charged. The Wererat straightened his back and remained silent, knowing that with how things are going, his speech doesn't matter anymore.
"Well well well – looks like the Lion finally decides to join the fray eh?" Count Vega smirked, brandishing his cutlass. The Prince of the Cluster Isles would be most proficient in water, but his life of piracy and serving in the Wolf's Council have proved him an exceptional warrior on land as well.
"We will take them on. Rei, bring Evaxus to safety." Gretchen uttered, her fingernails lengthening into claws. The Fox Lady of Hedgemoor do not suffer the insolence of her supposed fiance badly, and would sink her fangs into the false king at all cost. At her side, Whitley stood ready with her quarterstaff, her father Duke Bergan's hulking figure boosted the team's morale. Hector, the young Boarlord, stepped forward, fists clenched with a sound like sandpaper crumpling. Drew smirked, knowing that this could perhaps end all tyranny that besieged Lyssia – and shifted into the lycanthrope with a yell. They are ready, no matter what the future might bring – aye, they are ready, mentally and physically.
Rei nodded and grabbed Evaxus' arm, but the Dragonlord didn't budge.
"Evaxus...?"
The storm of red marched closer.
"It's the end."
The Weredragon pulled Rei into his chest suddenly, and grinned. Rei frowned, confused – that smile was sort of...sad? While staring into his elegant face, out of her periphery, there was something glowing.
"!" Startled, Rei pulled back and let out a gasp. The band of Werelords turned around and found themselves staring at the cause of alarm. The whole of Evaxus was radiating with a pale blue light.
Quickly and unexpectedly, the cries of the incoming raid halted – the rushing battlion paused, literally, as if time has stopped. The snarling face of Lucas was full of hate, and the Wererat was shrouded in his dark robe again – yet, none of the Lion's forces moved. All was silent and motionless.
"What's...going on?" Whitley asked, knowing that she can only expect the answer from Evaxus and no one else. After all, what magick is powerful enough to...to stop time itself?
"..." Evaxus bit his lips, and slowly moved back, releasing Rei's hand. "This is the...end, truly. Perhaps what was on the parchment was not referring to the war between the Wolf and the Lion, but the chapter of the Dragons." His voice was husky, and he struggled to stand up straight. The blood loss is draining his conscious mind, but he knew he had to tell his comrades everything – even though it might not change anything. They deserved to know everything, even for a brief moment, at least.
"We, the Dragonlords, are bound to serve Lyssia as Keepers of time and history." Evaxus coughed. "Our knowledge were to be passed down the generations in all Seven Realms, and watch over the land, sea and sky in both times of peace and war. Yet, we, the Dragonlords, are cursed. We cannot...achieve long term bonds – we cannot fall in love – with other Werelords or humans. And yes, it was us, the Dragonlords, that have brought chaos to Ziroga and sowed the seeds to future conflicts – for there are surely power-hungry individuals who would want to grasp the power of the Dragons." Hector flinched, thinking of Vankaskan, as the Vincent-vile snickered. Hahaha, brother, are you not guilty of such thoughts? To obtain Dragon magicks? The Boarlord scowled to no one in particular.
"Evaxus, why are you telling us this? Does this have anything to do with what has happened to the Lion's troops right now?" An impatient Drew questioned. Surely, with this magicks – no matter how underhanded – they could take on the Lion's men with minimum casulty on their side. But the Weredragon simply continued his narration.
"As centuries progressed, the elders know that the time of the Dragonlords will end one day. And so, with our own magicks, a curse was placed upon us, by our ancestors long gone." Evaxus exhaled, gleaming azure eyes scanning through his comrades. "The Dragonlords shall not participate in history – never as actors but spectators. And when the last Dragon perish, time will be rewritten, and events will go back to their paces. In other words – when the last Dragonlord dies, all who have encountered and interacted with the Dragonlord personally in that event will forget about...everything. And things will go back to their own time and place."
The enigmatic youth let loose a wee smirk, but his face was solemn.
"Thank you, Wolflord, for allowing me to keep my promise to the prophecy and to my forefathers. And to you all – Count Vega of the White Seas, Duke Bergan of Bracklenholme, Lady Gretchen of the Bear, Lady Whitley of Hedgemoor, Baron Hector of Redmire, and Drew Ferran, Rightful King, thank you for fighting alongside me. This honour and memory, I, Evaxus of the Ice, will never forget."
The gang was stunned to absorb this load of information at once.
"No way..." Wide eyed with shock, a meek voice called out. "Evaxus! Tell me you are lying! You are just joking, right? As always...our banter, our exchanges...you are just...joking, right...?" Rei rushed into Evaxus torso and held him tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. He lifted his hand and caressed her hair.
"Rei...I'm glad, I met you. I'm glad that I was thrown to this place, this time – whether it was Brenn's goodwill or just sheer luck, it was great to have known you." Evaxus was cold to the touch, even colder that what the Ice Dragon normally emits. His knee buckled and he fell to the ground – the wounds from the battle with the Fire Dragon proving too much for his mortal body to handle. Rei caught him as he was falling, his missing arm no longer able to hold anything for support. Quivering, the girl eased him onto the ground, next to the lifeless body of Lakirain.
"Rei, you're a good girl. You're smart, and...you're strongwilled. Wherever you go...you will do well," Evaxus smiled, "Even in this...warring time...find yourself a reason to...live. Live a life you want to be. Our encounter...everything...will be erased, but I will remember – and I...I will be the snow that falls after autumn, the gale...in the mountains, and the ice that blankets the rivers. I will...watch over you – alright, lil' sis?" The Dragonlord grinned, his usual bashful and charming smirk.
"No! No, I will not-" Rei cried out. "I will not allow you to die, Evaxus! First you barged into my life and turned it upside down. Then you did so many stupid things to save my sorry skin. And now...now, you want to just leave everything as that? I still have many things I want to do, and I envision ourselves in it! I still have many places to see, many food to eat..." She sobbed, her tears dripping down onto Evaxus' face and become stained with crimson, and eventually flowed to the blackened earth. "Please...stay beside me. Please...live."
He reached out feebly and caressed her face, wiping her tears away.
"Are you for real...?" Drew exclaimed. "After all these...after all these, are our search for naught? Are our victories all for naught? Are this friendship...all for naught? Tell us, Evaxus!"
"We are brothers in arms, Evaxus! We can help. All of this change of event can be avoided if you live, right? If we bring you to a healer, you will be fine – you are a Werelord, after all!" Bergan spoke. But the Dragonlord just shook his head with an unfathomable aura. One that only he and Rei understood.
"I'm sorry, my brethrens. It's too late...for me now. The chapter of the Dragons shall end...and the future, is for all of you...to write." Evaxus asserted. He looked to his side where the body of Lakirain lies. The once proud Fire Dragon seemed to be glowing as well, but with a reddish hue. Almost immediately, the body disintegrated into flames – one that burst with the strength of the Dragon chieftain. It spiralled into the air and a great light flashed, sparkles exploded like fireworks. The last breath of the Dragon who wields flame, Lakirain Firehorn. None were left that spoke of his traces.
Soon, it will be my turn.
Without looking down, he knew – the very same light that was emitted from his body grew stronger with an aquamarine tinge. Starting from his feet and his fingertips, the very molecules of his body dissolved into light-blue orbs of light and scattered into the air. Rei gasped, and threw herself onto the boy she once called brother, the man she came to love.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Scream of anguish pierced the silent air as Drew and the rest watches, reluctantly knowing that they could do nothing but allow the duo to spend their final moments together. Rei circled her arms around Evaxus tightly, as if the very act of holding him itself can pull him back from the heavens that so blatantly wants the Dragonlords to disappear. "Don't go, please! Dear brother...Evaxus! Don't leave me alone again...please...Brenn, anyone, please... I will do anything just for you to come back, please..."
But what can a mere girl do against the ancient dragon oaths? Eventually, the light orbs that were Evaxus reached his torso, and his expression begin to scatter.
"Live, Rei." Evaxus murmured, voice so soft that only Rei can hear. Voice so tender like the first snow that caressed the bare trees in winter. "Promise me...will ya? And I will promise too...on my honour as Dragonlord...I will watch over you... And perhaps in the next life...let me find you again, alright...?"
"I...I do, Evaxus. I promise." Holding back her tears, she managed a smile, meek yet reassuring. But as soon as she did, her tears came through again.
"Thank you...goodbye."
As the orbs that were Evaxus gathered and soared through the deaden sky, a blinding light burst, and all that sang through the sky were beautiful, white snow.
All memories of the Dragonlords will be stashed away, and all physical belongings will take their place in the course of time. The corrupted Fire Dragon, however, could not have any lingerings in the mortal world, and nothing was left.
Rei cried into the cold air, her hands tightly clenched around the bone flute – the only item that were left behind in Evaxus' leave.
Just as the only memoirs that told of Rezca was the Wyrmstaff that slept within the walls of Icegarden, the flute that was not the craft of Dragons remained in Rei's grip.
A loud explosion rang from the sky – as if a yell from Brenn himself – and an enveloping light descended. Before Drew and the rest could react, they were encased.
And all was silent, bleak darkness.
Drew opened his eyes. Around him were trees, and gentle sunlight streamed through the foliage onto the forest ground.
What...?
He felt like there were something amiss, as if an empty void within the recesses of his mind. Something that were there, but now were not. Something that seemed to be...erased.
The young Werewolf looked around and found himself in his circle of alliance.
"Hey Drew, what's the matter? Wake up, sleepyhead – the Cats are still on our tail, you know." Gretchen jested.
Was I just...asleep the whole time? He tried to remember something, anything, that could give him an idea of his situation. But like a slippery catfish, whenever he seemed to have got hold of a certain memory, it slipped away. Maybe...I was dreaming? A nightmare?
"Hurry up, Wolflord. Aren't we on the run and escaped into the Dyrewood? We need to regroup, and throw the damned Lion cub from the throne." Vega chortled.
Is that so...? That must be it – yes, we have ran into Dyrewood, and the Catlords from Bast have invaded. Things are not looking good.
"Alright, let's go." Drew stood up. Bergan nodded and followed suit.
Nearby, Hector rummaged through his belongings. His subconscious screamed for him to find a scroll, his mind telling him that there was surely something of such that existed in his inventory. But there were none. Perhaps, it was just a dream. The Boarlord shrugged and ran after the rest.
Close-by, a parchment fluttered away into the winds. Words in ancient Dragon tongue faded away, and all that remained was a blank piece of paper.
What was known as Ziroga was no more, merely figment of an ancient lore in the Dragonlords' legacy. Some said that the plains joined the mainland and together they were called Moga, while some said that the Dragons' birthplace have broken off from Lyssia and sank into the depths of the White Sea. But it was definite that lives goes on, no matter the degree of influences the Weredragons have upon them. Citizens of Ziroga have perhaps found themselves entwined in the current conflicts between the Wolf and Lion, while the Dracolords have lived their own lifestyle once more.
The young Werelion sat atop his throne in Highcliff, his magister by his side. The arrival of the Catlords of Bast have significantly boosted the Lion's forces – and the young man knew that he has to drive his half-brother to the grave to truly relish the victory that the crown will bring.
"Strike the Wolf's Council and disband it!" Lucas snarled, readied to push back the Wolf's allies that have surrounded Highcliff. Vankaskan hissed with delight, and the troops in Red roared.
In this age of conflict, Werelords in all forms and shapes clashed for ultimate supremacy – whether which side will emerge as the winner, no one can tell for now. Allies form and break under the allure of gold or underhanded means like the storms of the White Seas that changed daily. Yet, in this face of calamity, a tale was passed between folks of the Seven Realms - whispers of a girl with beautiful eyes and golden locks that wandered around the countryside. Rumours were told between folks of a kind-hearted lady of no apparent heritage who possessed the power to weave serene music with a delicate bone flute. She never stayed in one place, seemingly searching endlessly for something, someone. And wherever she goes, the songs she brought healed wounds and lifted spirits for all kins. Some said she was a ghost of the past searching for her very soul, while some praised that she was an angel sent to ease the pain of the war.
As she continued to travel the Seven Realms, it seemed that no harm ever came to her way. Whether it was her demeanor or some spiritual forces, no soldiers or bandits of any kind dared to inflict harm upon her. Her smile when she healed all denizens was enigmatic, and her glittering eyes seemed transfixed on something beyong that horizon. Whenever a cold wind blows or a snow drop falls, Rei could find herself mouthing a word, a name that seemed familiar yet distant.
"Evaxus."
-Continued in Wereworld: Shadow of the Hawk-
And so, this marks the end of the Dragonlords ' legend - their legacy will pass down to the future generations in Lyssia and beyond. No matter how big or small the impact of Weredragons have brought upon the Seven Realms, things are no longer in the Keepers' grasp. And in the warring time between the Lion's and the Wolf's forces, destinies of each man - humans and Werelords alike - shall unfold in due time.
Thanks for following through with me in this long tale :) This is how I perceive the Dragonlords in the Wereworld books since Curtis Jobling didn't exactly pen down on them (At least until Storm of Sharks which is where I am at right now). Hope you've enjoyed this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it!
Tyr te owaru
Kime shin ta, kime sha