[Author's Notes: I am really sorry for not updating the story in, what...three months?! I had other stuff going on that I had to take care of. Some things like school, then working on my original books. But enough of that, here's a new chapter for y'all. I hope it was worth the wait. As for the timeskips, they will stop for now until the next book. The second half of this book will be having something you readers might be excited to read.

Also, you can find the series on Archive of Our Own should the day when FFN goes out one day. Happy ready!]

A.D. 758, 12th MONTH

4 YEARS LATER

Bright was standing on the beach outside Dragon Mountain, overlooking the never-ending ocean, of which was calm today. He was grown slightly older, and he was six years of age now. His white hair grew over the back of his ears. His clothing consisted of a short brown tunic with a warm, darker colored vest. His jeans were gray, with a brown belt across the torso.

It had been a couple of years since he had been found by Flashwing, and everything was going smoothly on the island. His sister had grown as well, and she was able to have him on her back for a morning flight — which Penumbra was happy about.

Bright and his father had been secretly meeting with Arne a couple of times while he was three years old, and although it was hard to keep it between the three of them, he'd wish the other members of the colony would be able to greet Arne. However, his father wasn't thrilled about the idea of harmony, yet.

The sound of pawsteps coming from behind prompted Bright to turn his head in the direction. He noticed his sister, Luna, standing there, as if she was watching every one of his movements like a prey. "What are you doing out here, sis?" he asked, his voice breaking the silence.

"I've been wondering where you were, of course," she replied. Her black form was gracefully stepping up toward him, her tail swaying from side to side. "And it looks like you were here, baby brother."

Bright groaned. "Please don't call me that. I'm not a hatchling anymore. I am six years old now," he added in a grumpy voice.

"You still are a hatchling to me," grinned Luna, chuckling heartily at his irritated noises. "And besides, you will always be that to us."

Bright rolled his eyes, grumbling. However, he couldn't help but to smile at the tone in her sweet voice. "Are you up for a morning flight, sis?" He stretched his arms for a moment. "I am ready for another flight."

Luna rubbed her scaly chin with a claw. "Actually, there is a reason I have been going out here to meet you. It isn't about going on our daily morning flight stretch."

Bright blinked. "Then what?"

"Father will want to see you," Luna said. "Like, right now," she added after a short, silent pause when Bright stood without saying a word. She turned tail and was about to walk away before stopping a few short yards away from Bright.

He continued to stare at her. "What will Father want?" he questioned, stepping up to her side.

"You will hear it when we meet him." She smiled at him.

Bright hummed, walking side by side with Luna, just as they were inside the main entrance tunnel of Dragon Mountain. There had been a couple of new dragons joining the colony in the past few months, and a few more nests had been made for them to lay their eggs, with the dragons having found a home in the Mountain.

From where they stood, the view of the modified caves were a stunning sight. Up in the northeast corner were a couple of Singetail dragons of red and purple scale colors. They were putting some rocks around their nest, nestling around the eggs with their tails. In the eastern corner were a duo of Rumblehorn, laying beside each other in the nest.

Bright and Luna continued forward to the previously moved Night Fury tunnel, which was inside of an isolated cavern when Flashwing had found and taken him in, after the Alpha's allowance.

When they reached the tunnel, they were greeted by Flashwing, who stood outside, patiently waiting. His black scales were shining in the sunlight, which shone through a hole above them. It was like he knew they would arrive. "You wanted to see me, Father?" Bright asked, stepping closer to him.

Flashwing nodded. "Yes. I wanted to speak with you, son. There is something I'd like to talk privately, if you would please leave us alone for a bit, Luna." He looked at the female Night Fury.

Bright looked to the left side, seeing Luna nodding and turning tail before she walked away from them.

Flashwing cleared his throat after a moment of staring at him. "Son," began Flashwing, as he stepped up to him. "I know this is late to tell you this, but there is something I'd like for you to see. Follow me outside."

Bright blinked, then noticed him walking away and he followed soon afterward. As soon as they made it to the entrance tunnel to the Mountain, Bright stared at his father in confusion. "Why would you want us to be out here?"

"It's because this is something between you and me," said Flashwing, lowering himself down on the soft, black sand. "Now get on my back, and we shall have a flight."

Bright got on his back. As he did, Flashwing spread his wings and took off into the blue sky. Wind howled through the sunny morning, and Bright was enjoying the view of the ocean and islands below them while his father flew higher into the sky.

"Do you remember the first time you flew out here with me, son?" asked Flashwing, who looked up with an eye at the human.

Bright was preoccupied by the wind until he heard his father's loud voice."Yes," he replied. "But, there is something that's been bothering me, Dad. Where are we going?"

"We're going to meet up with Arne, like we usually do when we had the opportunity," answered Flashwing. "Now, though. I think it's about time we let him get our choice approved when we get back. I am sure that Alpha Scales would like to make amends on his past anger to your kind."

Bright comprehended his words carefully. "Are you saying…you want Arne to be with us in Dragon Mountain?" He knew it was a risk, but he dared not to talk about it. He looked down at his father, eyeing him observantly, as if he calculated every movement of his mouth.

Flashwing nodded. "Absolutely." He beat his wings, while a gust of wind blew against Bright's face. "I think it is best that we are going to be welcoming for a bit of change in the colony."

Bright was silent. "Are…are you sure, Dad?" He scratched his cheek, uncertainty filling his voice. "I mean…Alpha Scales would not be so easy to approve this decision. What if…he would attack Arne by the sight of him? You know how the Alpha is with horned humans."

"I do," said Flashwing with a nod of his head. He beat his wings in a silent movement. "And I think there is still hope for him to change his views of your species." A short pause came for a small heartbeat, before he continued, "If there's anything I've learned while raising you, it is that we all need a place in this world. No matter who we are, or what different views and choices we might make."

Bright listened to every word he spoke. "I hope you're right, Dad." Inside his heart he knew his father was right about the choice, but still he was cautious about the decision of letting Arne being inside Dragon Mountain. What if the other dragons attacked him? he thought, a look of fear filled his eyes for a moment until it vanished shortly afterward.

"Have I ever been wrong before?" grinned Flashwing.

"I see your point, Dad," sighed Bright. He looked skyward to the blue sky that was covered with white clouds. The next thing he spoke, surprised Flashwing:"I sometimes did wonder what happened to make him feel cold whenever he looked at me. Whatever did I do for him to be so mad at me?"

Flashwing pondered the question. "That's a good question, my hatchling. But I think when you lose someone dear to you, you'll understand," he replied. "For now, let's focus on getting to where Arne is."

Bright nodded and held his arms around Flashwing's neck, while his father continued to beat his wings in the air.

•••

Murtagh was riding on Razor's back as they flew through the air up in the clouds. After they had succeeded in negotiating with Chief Aspiut of Lion Island, the Draconids had continued in their quest by seeking allies across the islands of the Archipelago. They had been succeeding in negotiating with most of the islands, while others wished to be remained neutral.

That had been going on for four years.

Murtagh had grown into an adolescent of fifteen years during the period with the Draconids. He had grown a short, brown beard, which he did not like. Valor had commented on how he looked more like a Viking than before, and Murtagh was annoyed by the comments.

"We're landing on an island!" announced Valor loudly over the wind.

"Why?" asked Fardur. "I don't see anywhere to land!"

"We need to regain our dragons' energy before we continue the journey to our next destination," replied Valor. "I will gladly accept any suggestions on where we are resting for the day."

Murtagh sighed in relief. A numbness in his butt was all he could feel after sitting the entire morning and noon on Razor. "How about down there?" he suggested, pointing downward to an isle of three pieces of land. The isle seemed to be in perfect condition with green grass, a beach and a forest.

"Good idea, Murtagh," said Aragon. "We are going down. Now."

Their dragons let out breaths of relief as they flew down to the isle, landing on the earthy soil with their paws, and one by one, each of the riders stepped down from their backs. They stretched their wings and limbs before they relaxed back into their usual posture. Then they each sat down on the ground, some of them drifting off into sleep.

"Even the dragons thought it was a good idea," commented Murtagh, eyeing them with bemusement.

Galex nodded. "Of course they do. We use them for daily transportation, after all." He looked at Murtagh. "Did you find any clues as to where your cousin might be?"

Murtagh shook his head. "No. I haven't. It's like he has vanished into thin air. It's been six years since his disappearance from the Arctic Scar village."

"A tragic," sighed Galex. "I would have like to see what he looks like. He must have died, no offense, of course." A sheepish grin appeared on his expression, after seeing the sharpness in Murtagh's eyes.

Murtagh looked skyward, before he shook his head, and glanced back at Galex. "It's fine. If by luck, I will find him someday. I am certain of it."

Valor smiled, approaching him. He placed a hand on his shoulder, speaking. "And we will be there when you find your cousin. You can count on us." He turned around and, together with Galex, walked away from him to begin work done on a campfire.

Murtagh looked at him, a relief in his eyes. He frowned. If I don't find my cousin soon, I might as well do it on my own. He felt Razor's touch on the cheek, when the dragon nuzzled him. Murtagh touched his scaly head with a gentle hand, whispering, "I will always have your back, buddy. You know I am counting on you the most." Razor nodded, as if sensing the happiness in his rider.

A short moment of silence befell the Draconids and the dragons. The sun was slowly rising above in the blue, cloudy sky. Wind blew at their faces.

Murtagh walked over to the edge of the island. The lapping ocean of the never-ending sea was all he could see. A sense of calm surged through Murtagh, as he exhaled a breath. In his heart, he always loved the calmness of the ocean. I will find you, cousin, he promised. "You can count on that," he mumbled out loud.

"Murtagh?" called Kaladin's voice from behind him. "Who are you talking to?"

Murtagh turned to face him. "No one," he said, honesty in his voice. "What are you doing here, Kaladin? I thought you would be helping the others with setting up camp."

"Well," Kaladin cleared his throat. "There has been something I've been bothered with when you are alone. May I ask why that is you want to feel loneliness at some point during the day?"

"I'm just thinking of my cousin," responded Murtagh. "To be fair with you, Kaladin. I am fearing of his safety every day." He looked up, closing his eyes while continuing to speak. "If I told you the truth, then I am certain he is doing well, wherever he is." A small smile appeared across his lips.

Kaladin hummed. "You have a strong heart, Murtagh. I can definitely see it is the reason you fight to protect the ones you love."

"Indeed," said Murtagh, nodding. "There is nothing else I could wish for than to see him again."

"Hmm…"

Murtagh glanced outward to the sea once more.

"May I offer you a duel?"

The sudden request startled Murtagh, as his eyes turned the gaze back to Kaladin. "What?" His voice sounded with confusion.

"If you have no objection," continued Kaladin, "I would like to see how much you've improved since your last practice against Fardur. I know that you're steadily improving every day as a swordman."

His shoulders returned to their former vigilant posture, as Murtagh let out a relaxed sigh. "Of course," he said with a nod. "I would like to practice more with the sword." Deep inside him he wanted to grow stronger to protect those he felt necessary to defend.

"Excellent!" beamed Kaladin with a gleeful grin. A cheerful fist flew in the air, when he finished, "Let us go to the camp, where I am sure the others are finished with setting it up."

Murtagh smiled, then followed him back to the campsite. A campfire was lit up, as Saxon and Saxa were sitting corss-legged by the fire. Murtagh looked around to find Valor speaking with Aragon about something, most likely where they should go next, he guessed. After grabbing his sword from its sheath near the saddle bag by Razor's side, he turned to Kaladin. He noticed Fardu walking over to him.

"If I may ask you something, Sir Murtagh, but what's going on?" asked Fardur.

Kaladin approached them. From the back of his head hung a shield, and in his hand were a one-handed sword which gleamed in the sunlight. "I have challenged Murtagh to a duel."

Fardur glanced over to Murtagh, looking surprised. "Have you now?"

Murtagh nodded. "He want to see how much I've practiced during our time in searching for new allies."

From where he had been standing, he could see Valor nodded, as if he looked pleased. "And it's important for all of you to practice. The more you get your swordmanship perfected, the better it will be for us to fight if a war broke out."

Murtagh looked back at Kaladin. "Shall we go over there?" He pointed to a clearing a few yards away from the camp.

Kaladin smiled. "Let us go."

Murtagh walked over to the clearing, with Kaladin following closely behind him. Once they were at the clearing, which was a flat space in the forest within the center of the trees surrounding the area. To the right was a river. By the riverbank, the stream was flowing to the eastern side of the island, and to the left was a rock formation.

Murtagh looked at Kaladin, who was walking a few centimeters away from him. I have to win this duel. If I don't prove myself to the others, then I will be weaker in rescuing my cousin. I cannot lose! A determined look appeared on his expression.

Kaladin raised a brow, having noticed his look. He shook his head, as if dismissing the thought. "All right, Sir Murtagh," began Kaladin, grabbing the hilt of his sword by the sheath on the brown belt. "It's about time I get to challenge you." His voice was sounding relieved, as he continued to speak, "I have been wanting to do it for quite some time now, ever since you were challenged bythe others to a duel many times." A grin appeared on his lips, while he spread out his legs and unsheathing the sword and shield. "I'm going to enjoy this."

"And so will I," agreed Murtagh. He took his stance, holding his sword tightly on the hilt. He was observant on each and every one of Kaladin's movements, watching him closely as he stepped to the sides a couple of times.

As soon as Murtagh held his position within the range between them, Kaladin had already begun to make his move. He saw the knight run towards him, sword ready for a strike.

A heartbeat later, the sound of metallic clang could be heard in the forest. A grunt escaped Murtagh as he held his ground against Kaladin, whose sword was locked with his own.

"Not bad!" complimented Kaladin. "You saw through my charge." A grin appeared on his lips, when he pushed Murtagh backwards for a short moment.

Don't listen to his compliments, Murtagh told himself, grunting while being held back. He's trying to distract you.

Murtagh kicked his opponent back. He watched as his opponent staggered a bit, before Kaladin was walking in front of him. When he was able to be free to move once more, Murtagh circled around Kaladin, like a predator encircling its prey. His shoulders tensed, as Kaladin observed him.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" asked Kaladin.

Murtagh hesitated, uncertainty soon came to his thoughts. What should I do? If I don't attack, then he will make the move. And if I don't prove myself worthy, then…what could I be able to do?

His thoughts were interrupted when he had heard his comrade's voice.

"This is a friendly duel," called Kaladin. His stance relaxed a bit as he spoke. "You do not need to be afraid of hurting me. I will heal the wounds once the fight is over."

Thanks for the reminder, thought Murtagh, a small smile creeping upward on his expression. He ran toward his opponent, sword ready, and — clang. A metallic sound was heard again.

Murtagh blinked, gasping. Another defensive block. He saw the smirk on Kaladin's expression.

"Did I say I would be allowing you to win?" asked Kaladin. "Well…let me break it down to you. I'm not planning to lose to someone who's only been in our organization for five years."

Murtagh stood silent. His eyes were darting from Kaladin to Valor, who was standing with the rest of the Draconids by the campsite. A breath escaped him, before he turned back to his opponent. He took his fighting stance in front of Kaladin before charging for him once more, his blade raised and ready to strike. A defensive block, as the two blades locked. Murtagh grunted, trying to push Kaladin backward, with little success.

Murtagh gritted his teeth, contiuning his effort. As soon as he was making progress, he could see the surprised look on Kaladin's expression as he was sliding backwards.

"This is unexpected," Kaladin said while being pushed back. "Your strength is making you stronger. That is good. Feel the power that is inside you. Make it flow with your desire to find your cousin."

Murtagh was focusing on his opponent while he had spoken. Then, after a few short minutes that had passed by, he begun to kick Kaladin in the stomach.

"Argh!" groaned Kaladin, staggering back, holding his chest in pain. "That was a little rough, you know, Murtagh."

"Oh, believe me," said Murtagh with a smirk, as he continued, "I haven't forgotten this is a 'friendly' duel, Kaladin." A short pause occurred from him before he mocked him while he chuckled. "I was just making sure there were no injury on you."

"Are you implying to me that you were meant to hurt me?" demanded Kaladin, wincing at the pain.

Murtagh shrugged, with his grin still on his lips. "Maybe."

Kaladin's lips curled into a snarl. "Well then, shall we get on with this duel?"

"Are you taking this a bit more seriously now?" mocked Murtagh, laughing. "Because I am ready whenever you are, oh the great and stunning Sir Kaladin."

"And I shall do whatever it takes to win!" yellled Kaladin, raising his sword and begun his charge.

Murtagh watched closely on Kaladin as he was running toward him. He sidestepped to the right, raising his blade and blocked the incoming strike. A few strikes exchanged between them, before Murtagh punched Kaladin in the face.

"Ow!" he groaned. A couple of drops from red liquid was running down the cheek. Kaladin held the injury with his hand. "That hurt!"

"Oops," chuckled Murtagh. He eyed the man's cheek before he spoke some more, "That was not meant to happen. I didn't mean to give you that kind of injury."

Kaladin growled. The sudden movement caused him to cringe painfully. "Liar. I knew you were trying to hit me!" he yelled.

"Only when you didn't ask for it." Murtagh shrugged. "I was just making sure there would be no permanent wounds on you while we fight. So," he took his stance again, "shall we get on with this duel?"

"My pleasure, Sir Murtagh!" roared Kaladin. He charged again, his heavy boots were flattening the earthy soil while he was making his way to Murtagh.

Murtagh crouched for a moment, then as he watched the blade coming straight for him, and —

He ducked under the strike aimed at his head. He punched Kaladin in the stomach, causing him to cough. Murtagh watched on as Kaladin stepped backwards. His heartbeat was racing through him while his excitement grew each second, when Kaladin ran to him again and swung his blade. This duel is making an itching feeling in me which is waiting to be let out, he realized, blocking the attack before punching his foe in the stomach.

His opponent was stepping back and held his painful chest. Kaladin charged again. As soon as he was withing range, Murtagh blocked the next couple of attacks when the sounds of clanging could be heard in the forest.

Murtagh kicked Kaladin away, but this time, Kaladin was moving forward without checking for his injuries. He blinked, surprised before he shouted, "Vindr!" A gust of wind blew from his hand. It reached Kaladin's chest, before he was flung back against a thick tree.

"What was that?" gasped Saxa, watching in astonishment from the side.

"That was magic…" Saxon realized.

Murtagh blinked, eavesdropping on their conversation. I have magic… He came to the same realization as Saxon did. But his celebration was cut short, as Kaladin was charging forth once more.

Murtagh stepped to the side as the sharp point of Kaladin's blade neared his neck. At the moment when Kaladin was right beside him, Murtagh kicked his foe away before charging at him with his sword ready.

A metallic clang was heard once more while Murtagh was clashing his blade with Kaladin's. He grunted and continued to attack his opponent, when he was able to see an opening and kicked him back. He watched as Kaladin found his footing and charged.

Blades clashed as Murtagh grunted, and he was being locked in his exchange with Kaladin. They continued exchanging blows until Murtagh punched his opponent in the face. He saw that Kaladin did not care about the blood falling from his nose or cheek, his eyes focused on him.

"Are you trying to kill him, Murtagh?" asked Valor from the sideline with the other Draconids and their dragons. "Remember that when he said it was a friendly duel?"

"Oh, I remember that very well." Murtagh looked at Valor briefly before returning his gaze at Kaladin, who was breathing heavily, blood covering his face. The view almost scared Murtagh for a moment.

"Are you ready for some more, Sir Murtagh?" asked Kaladin. "Because I sure am ready to continue this duel whenever you are."

Murtagh blinked, tense. "Well…" he began, lowering his blade, "we could go on forever for the rest of the day and exhaust ourselves completely, or we could take a break now, and resume our training tomorrow."

From where he was standing, he could see the tension in Kaladin's shoulders return to their vigilant position. "Good idea, Murtagh. I need to heal myself anyway, after your blows had hit me pretty good." He touched his cheek with his hand. "That did hurt a lot," he commented.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Murtagh apologized, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sometimes I have my way of losing control whenever I am in the excitement of fighting someone."

Kaladin waved a dismissive hand. "It's fine. Like I stated, it was a friendly duel."

"I still could have killed you," continued Murtagh, watching him walk closer to him. "If I haven't realized the intention, then you would have been in Valhalla by now."

Kaladin raised a brow. "You are still going on about your heritage as a Viking, I see. But you would have killed me on accident, yes," he conceded. "But you didn't. And that's what matters most."

Murtagh sighed, sheathing his sword, then made his way toward Razor, who was sitting beside Yellowfang, and when he saw him step up to him, the Raincutter nuzzled him affectionally. A short moment of silence fell upon the group, as Murtagh heard footsteps coming over from behind him. He turned around and noticed Saxa. "Yes, Saxa?"

"I wanted to say that was quite the duel," Saxa said, a grin appearing on his lips. "The way you almost beat Kaladin is quite a spectacle." His fist was punching the air in excitement. "I wish I could have done something like that."

"You will learn to be more agile in no time," assured Murtagh. "When you have time, we can have a duel of our own when the time arrives."

"Thanks, Sir Murtagh," said Saxa with a smile. He turned and made his way back to his dragon's side by the campfire.

Murtagh looked over to Valor, who was sitting by the campfire. Feeling a nudge from Razor on his shoulder, he glanced at his Raincutter, who was touching his shoulder with his nose, and he patted his dragon on the side of his head, which earned a purr from the dragon.