Murtagh rode on Razor with Valor and Lightning as they flew to the knight's camp. They had been flying in the air for a couple of hours now, and soon the camp came into sight for Murtagh. He saw at least a few other knights, who each had their own dragon sitting beside them, and the knights were resting on the ground until they all noticed Valor and Murtagh landing on the soft, earthy soil of the grassy ground with their dragons.

"Ah, Sir Valor!" beamed one of the knights who stood to greet them. His armor was a silver steel, with the helmet as the color of obsidian. "It's good to see you have returned. And who is this?" He looked inquisitively at Murtagh, just as he was getting off Razor.

"This is Murtagh, and his dragon, Razor the Raincutter," replied Valor. He then clapped his hands together. "Are you going to introduce yourselves, everyone? We have new members!"

"Well met, Sir Murtagh!" said the knight in front of Murtagh, as the knight was smiling at him. "My name is Aragon. I have been pleased to meet a new member of the Draconids. I am looking forward to have some nice sparrings with you."

"Thank you," said Murtagh as he held a hand up. "I'm also pleased to meet you, Sir Aragon. And I, too, am looking forward to our future sparrings with the blade."

Aragon shook his hand. "And your Raincutter sure is something of extraordinary talent. I can tell that from the look of his youthful eyes, which are full of positive energy."

Razor purred, lowering his head to let Aragon touch his scales.

"He thanks you for the kind words," said Murtagh with a chuckle. "He is flattered by the way you spoke about him."

"Of course he does! Every dragon should be treated as our equal, after all!" laughed Aragon, patting Razor on the shoulder. "Everybody should be seen together as friends instead of foes."

"Do you people want to see everyone as an equal?" asked Murtagh.

"We want to see everyone as an equal," said Valor, nodding. "Remember what I said about the goal of the Draconids is to bring peace to the Archipelago without violence?"

"Yeah, I remember," muttered Murtagh. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to see how good you guys are."

"Well, if you want to see how good we are," started a young knight in golden armor, who stood beside a female Gronckle. "Then, I can happily prove it to you by showing my prowess in a duel. Do you have any experience in sword fighting?"

"It's too early to determine his worthiness, Fardur," reminded Valor. "We cannot immediately cast outselves into a duel with someone who has barely known us for a short while. Do you need me to show you who is the leader of this organization again?"

"Oh, no!" Fardur shook his head. "I don't, Sir Valor. I'm sorry." He turned to Murtagh, bowing apologetically.

"Good. Just be careful not to jump into conclusions next time."

"I will."

Murtagh looked between them, then turned his gaze to Aragon, who was staring at him with patience. "So, who are your dragons? I'd like to meet them."

"Finally, a reasonable question! And one we'd happily answer to!" said the fifth knight in the group. "My name is Saxon. This is Yellowfang, and he is a Monstrous Nightmare, whom I found injured one day and decided to nurse him back to health. We've been together ever since, ins't that right, buddy?" He patted the Nightmare's head, with the Nightmare chirping delightfully.

"Why was Yellowfang injured?" asked Murtagh.

"He was fighting a Viking, who had not been too kind to him and chose to attack him out of nonsense. I fought the Viking back, saved Yellowfang, and then we were together ever since."

"And the others?" Murtagh pointed to the other three.

"My name is Saxa, and this dragon is my partner named Spike," said Saxa, whose armor was shining in the sunlight in its glimpse of iron. "He is a Deadly Nadder, as you can tell from his color palette on his scales."

Murtagh nodded, looking at the remaining two riders. "What about you two?"

"I am Galex, and this Razorwhip is called Whipper," introduced Galex, standing beside the Razorwhip dragon.

"And finally, my name is Kaladin, and this Timberjack is my good friend named Timber," spoke Kaladin with his friendly voice. He was standing beside a brown Timberjack, patting the dragon on the head. "Like Saxon and Yellowfang, I found Timber injured, and he was caught up in a net trap, which was setup by ruthless Vikings who wanted to kill him."

"Now that you've met all of us, Murtagh," said Valor, turning his gaze to him. "What do you think of our organization?"

"Well," he began, "you seem nice and friendly to dragons. I've not met everyone who's been nice to dragons ever since I was taken by Razor here from my home, so I am thankful to have met others like me. Anything I should do in order to join the organization?"

"There are no specific terms for you to sign in order to join the organization," replied Valor, with his dismissive hand at the question.

"In fact," added Aragon, who spoke up just then, "you seem qualified enough with your Raincutter to join us. And we'd be more than happy to let you, in case if you also want to see the world as a better place for dragons to live."

"I do," Murtagh nodded. "I do want dragons to feel welcome by the people of Barbaric Archipelago." And maybe I can finally reunite with my cousin after this, he thought to himself silently.

"Then, it's decided," said Valor, pleased. "You are officially a Draconid member from this day forth."

Everyone in the group cheered for their newest member.

Aragon stepped beside Murtagh. "You won't regret the decision. I can promise you that every dragon can live as an equal to us."

"I hope you're right," said Murtagh. He turned to Razor, who nuzzled him at his cheek, and he patted his head. "Any place we should start by looking for the dragons?"

"For now, let's rest," answered Valor. "We need all the energy we can get before we set out overseas throughout the Archipelago."

"Very well," said Murtagh with a nod.

"Everyone, let's celebrate the new member of our organization in a feast!" called Valor out loud. "It is by standard that we need to celebrate with our members in an exciting event!"

Every member cheeered, excluding Murtagh, who was in deep thoughts as he looked around them. I hope I won't regret the choice. My dear cousin, I promise I will bring you home safely.

•••

Finally arriving at the Alpha nest, Flashwing approached Scales, who was already finished with having spoken with the Monstrous Nightmares, who left the nest earlier, and he bowed before him. "You wanted to see me, Alpha?" He let himself sit on his haunches on the ground and waited patiently for an answer.

Scales nodded. "Yes. As you may have heard from Aquawing, I was in a meeting with a couple of Monstrous Nightmares."

"I've heard," said Flashwing. "But I guess that isn't the only reason for why you brought me here?"

"You are recalling fast," said Scales with a chuckle, before he looked at him, and then he began approaching him, stepping down from the flat plateau of rock. "I would like for you to teach your human son some of our language. He needs to be taught Dragonese if we are to understand him while he grows up under your care."

"You'd like me to teach him everything we know?" asked Flashwing, a glimpse of shining hope was seen in his eyes. Hopefully I can change his mind about Bright, then.

"Not just you, but we all will lend a paw in regarding to his lessons," continued Scales. He stared deeply into Flashwing's eyes. "And I suspect you're wondering why I am telling you this, am I correct?"

"Yes." Flashwing nodded.

"First of all," spoke Scales, clearing his throat, when he began to pace in front of Flashwing, "You know that I've been hard on you for the past four moons, and I know that much about it."

"Really?" asked Flashwing. "May I ask for the reason behind your sudden mood of change?"

Scales gave him a small look, and Flashwing went into a small silence at the stare. "After much consideration, I want to make up for it in exchange for our deal with that, whenever he is ready, Bright will be taught by the families of Dragon Mountain about our culture, and the way of the dragons. He needs to be learning as much as possible if we are to let him know us better."

Flashwing nodded, with his eyes shining gratefully. "I understand. Is this when I shall let Penumbra know about this new deal of ours?"

"Yes, you may," said Scales. He put a claw under his chin thoughtfully. "In fact, I would be more than happy to accompany you back to your nest, so that both she and her sisters know of the new lessons Bright will be learning in a few moons."

Flashwing couldn't resist in giving a small smile on his muzzle. "What made something within you change for allowing you to be doing this?" he asked. "I know that you haven't considered this so much when I arrived with my son four moons earlier, but what did change?"

"I recalled a lesson I learned more than thirty eight years ago," replied Scales, staring skyward with a faint sigh escaping him. "I remember that I need to help everyone in the colony to feel safe from the horned humans — and that includes your son now, too. He is a member of the colony, and so it is my duty to protect him as well."

"And that is the reason for this lesson, you're remembering it?" asked Flashwing.

Scales nodded, adding: "Yes, but I'm also recalling what my hatchling would think if he was still alive. Would he insist letting me teach Bright, a human we barely knew and accept him into the colony? Or," he added after a short pause, "would he think of us as crazy adults who knows nothing about humans?"

"I think he would insist on letting Bright be taught and feel safe in the colony from the other humans," said Flashwing. "All he would do is allow a single human hatchling into the colony."

"Of course he would," said Scales with a laugh, surprising Flashwing. "Lightpaw was indeed an intriguing hatchling. And one I was fond of when he lived."

After a silence between them occurred, Flashwing thought of his next question. "Are you regretting for not having been able to save him in that last moment?" asked Flashwing slowly, careful of his words.

Scales sighed, looking up with his eyes closed, a small tear flowing down his cheek. "All I can tell you is that you take care of your hatchlings. And I will be looking after the colony — including your family."

"I understand, Alpha. I shall do my duty, as you should be doing yours."

Scales smiled. "Also, I want to clarify that just because I said you should be isolated from the rest of the colony, it did not mean I banished you from the colony. You know that, don't you?"

Flashwing put a claw on his chin, then said: "I do."

"Good," Scales said. "As for your daughter, she is now ready to rejoin her friends in the other families like she used to be. Don't get me wrong, Flashwing: I am still not ready to accept Bright fully. Just because I've reconsidered about my choice does not mean I myself will accept him yet, despite he is a member of the colony.."

"I know that, Alpha." Flashwing looked down at his paws, playing in the dirty ground with a stubby claw, making a circle in the earthy soil. "So, is there anything else you'd like to speak about with me?"

Scales closed his eyes, as if thinking about it. "No," he spoke after a few minutes of silence. "You may return to your nest. And I shall accompany you."

Flashwing bowed his head to him, turning tail and left the Alpha cave, with Scales following closely beside him. It was a bit strange for Flashwing. All I need to be focusing on right now is for Bright to be taught our ways, he decided. How hard can that be? After all, I know that hatchlings like him are learning faster than ordinary dragon hatchlings.

Continuing their way through the connected isolated tunnel cave tunnel, silence was between Flashwing and Scales, when they finally reached Flashwing's cave. The cave was lit up by the sunlight, which managed to light through some holes above in the top of the cave.

Outside the nest was Penumbra, who was blinking upon seeing him and Scales. "Flashwing? Alpha Scales? What are you doing here, Alpha? Hopefully we aren't in trouble."

"He has some important matters to speak with you and your sisters about," said Flashwing.

"And don't worry," added Scales. "You are not in trouble."

"Really?" She tilted her head to the side.

Scales nodded. "Are they here?"

"As a matter of fact, yes, they are. They are inside with Bright and Luna. Sorry if I did not inform you, Flashwing, dear," she said with an apologetical look.

"It's fine," replied Flashwing with a dismissive paw. "I was busy speaking with Scales here."

Penumbra looked at him. "So," continued Penumbra, turning her gaze to Scales, "what is this thing you would like to speak, Alpha?"

Flashwing saw Scales look at him, then they nodded to each other.

"I have decided to allow Bright be taught the way of the dragons," said Scales, his voice booming loudly enough, so that both Umbra and Antumbra inside the nest could hear it.

At the words, the two Night Furies stepped out of the nest to greet them with widen eyes. "Is that right? Have we heard correctly?" asked Umbra in surprise.

Scales nodded. "Indeed you have. And my choice is only firm when I say that he needs to be taught our language by your family."

"Well, color me surprised!" said Antumbra. "What changed? I thought you disliked Bright, Alpha."

"True, but someone from the past reminded me of his youthfulness a lot," spoke Scales. "But in truth, I never disliked Bright. I was just afraid he would harm us."

"But he didn't," Umbra pointed out.

"No, he did not," agreed Scales with a hearty laugh.

"Alright," started Flashwing, looking between them. Finally, his eyes stopped at Scales, who was staring back with an expected look. "Shall we get going with letting the other families know of this?"

Scales shook his head. "I shall be making an announcement in a moon or so. I will do it personally with an assembly of the other families."

Flashwing nodded. "Very well. And in the meantime, we will be teaching Bright our language."

"This is still big news!" exclaimed Penumbra excitedly. "I will be letting Luna know in a short moment." And before they could utter a word to her, she bolted inside the nest.

Flashwing shook his head in amusement. "As energetically as ever, I see."

"Our sister is indeed energetic, Flashwing," said Umbra with a chuckle. "But that is what we like about her."

"True," laughed Flashwing.

"Well then, I hope you guys will have a good day," spoke Scales, clearing his throat. "I shall be making my way back to my nest."

"Alright, Alpha. And thank you for the help!" called Flashwing when Scales turned tail and left them alone.

•••

A.D. 753, 1st MONTH, DAY 15

3 MONTHS LATER

Flashwing was up and ready for the new year. He raised his wing, and looked down to his belly, unable to see Bright anywhere. In a panic, he bolted up to his paws and rushed out of the cave. Soon he saw Bright playing with Luna nearby, and he relaxed his shoulders into their usual composure. "Oh, thank the stars. You two scared me to death!"

"Pa!" One of them spoke. It was Bright who had opened his mouth to speak.

"Bright?" asked Flashwing, blinking slowly, while he turned his gaze to the one who had spoken. "Did you just…speak?"

"Pa!" Bright ran up to him and hugged his front paw.

"Well, call me surprised, son," laughed Flashwing and he hugged his son with his fatherly embrace. "You finally speak! That is good news!"

Luna walked up to them. "Daddy, you wouldn't believe what else happened. Look at his fur." She pointed with her claw at Bright's head.

Flashwing reared back, examining closer on Bright's head. The white fur on top of his head had grown slightly. "Your fur seems to be growing up, son. And how are you doing while it's cold outside?"

"Me fine, Pa!" replied Bright, looking up at him. "Me not feel any cold."

Thank goodness. It looks like King Frost's gift is working, Flashwing thought, relieved. Then again, he IS the great Bewilderbeast Alpha of Ice Mountain. His gifts tend to work well for his colony.

"Pa?" wondered Bright, tilting his head in worry. "What is wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, son," he said. "Let us go to meet your mother and aunts, shall we?"

"Sure!" cheered Bright, quickly crawling on all four across the soil dirty ground, but he soon fell after a few steps. He grunted in irritation.

"Are you all right, baby brother?" Luna asked, stepping up beside him, looking over him for any small spots.

"Me fine, sis," said Bright, giving another small grunt while she checked him all over. "Me not hurt."

"Alright, Luna, settle down," said Flashwing with his fatherly stare, walking over to them. "Bright's fine. He just tripped over his own feet. You should not worry over something as small thing as that."

Luna looked at him, nodding. "I'm just making sure he's alright, Daddy. I would not like it if he is hurt."

"I know, daughter, but you should remember that babies like Bright need time to learn how to walk normally." Flashwing gave a small frown, which they noticed. He shook his head with a smile. "Don't worry about me, my hatchlings. I was just thinking. Let us go over to the meeting place now."

Both Bright and Luna nodded energetically, prompting a chuckle to escape Flashwing, as they began making their way outside the cave tunnel. It was dark in the tunnel, so Bright had to hold onto Luna without hurting himself.

Once they were through the tunnel to the colonized area of the mountain, a small group of dragon hatchlings rushed over to meet them with happy chirpings and carefully embraced Bright and Luna.

Flashwing laughed upon seeing them hug each other. "Hello, hatchlings. Are you here to greet us?"

"Yes, Flashwing," said one of them in response. "What are you three up to?" The one talking was a greenish male Deadly Nadder hatchling with yellowish eyes and a stubby pointed horn at his snout.

"Where are you going?" asked the other hatchling, who was a purple female Gronckle with small wings and a large, round snout.

"We are on our way to meet up with my mate," replied Flashwing. He added, "If you'll excuse us, we will be moving on our way right now. Come along, my hatchlings." He motioned Bright and Luna to follow him with his paw.

Flashwing walked forward, with Bright and Luna following behind him and they walked away from the hatchling group. As they continued making their way to the area, they finally reached it when a few minutes of walking went by them quickly, as they stopped to look around in their destination. The area was filled with brilliantly shining crystals, which was lighting the cave up in a blinding light. At first, Flashwing saw Bright cover his eyes with his small hands, but soon lowered them to adjust to the light.

Standing in the middle of the crystallized lit area was Penumbra, who was speaking with Antumbra and Umbra until they noticed them walking closer toward them.

"Ah, I was wondering when you'd show up," said Umbra. She noticed Bright. "And how is my sweet little nephew?"

"Me fine, auntie," replied Bright.

Umbra blinked, surprised. Beside her, Penumbra did not pay attention to them as she watched Flashwing with her expected look.

"Well, there were a group of hatchlings who came to us," replied Flashwing, "so we needed only a small chat before we got here."

Umbra chuckled, looking at Flashwing. "Hatchlings are adorable little things."

"They are indeed."

Beside Flashwing, Bright was tilting his head in wonder while the adults spoke with each other. He felt Luna's paw touch his small arm, whipsering in his ear, "Let us go over there and let them talk, baby brother." She pointed with her head toward a spot in the corner.

Flashwing saw them walk over to the corner. "Be careful when you play with each other, alright?"

"We will!" called Bright back, running alongside Luna to the corner in the area.

Penumbra blinked, as she appeared surprised. "He can talk now?"

"Yes," confirmed Flashwing with a nod. "I just found out this morning."

"He's a fast learner, then," conceded Antumbra. "Much faster than most other hatchlings, in fact."

"He is a special hatchling," added Umbra with a heartily laugh. "I like that about him."

"So," said Penumbra, looking at Flashwing. "Is it about time that he needs to learn our language?"

Flashwing nodded. "Yes. It is about time. Let them have a little fun for the time being, then we shall get ready with the first lesson for our son." And hopefully, Scales will need to see this.