Jewel of the Hoard

Aries stood awake and alert in the living room. He was with Ginsela and Cadmus more than twelve hours ago and his body showed its displeasure by rendering him limbs more stiff than usual. He rested for much longer than he anticipated. Since there was no way of telling time in the deep cave system, the snoring Princess that laid in the bed opposite of Aries provided the answer earlier. A plate of breakfast food was left out along with a goblet of water at the doorway, most likely for him and placed there by Cadmus. The dragon did seem upset that he did not stay for breakfast.

Aries devoured it and drank everything the goblet had. The food was warm, most likely due to magic, and the water was fresh. The idea of a dragon having access to such luxuries in a cave system puzzled Aries but he had no qualms of consuming the food since the Princess was still alive after eating who knows what for a month. Maybe Cadmus was trying to win his trust? At least he did not poison the first meal. Aries figured there would be time to ask where Cadmus had access to such amenities later.

Sneaking through the living room, Aries first decided to check the drawers and books. Everything was so organized in the drawers and the books were each categorized together. Most of the drawers were filled with bobbles. Wisps that were minding their business on the top of the cave started to float down towards him as if interested themselves. Five of them, each one bright globes of light that acted as alive like loyal cats or dogs. One of them circled around Aries’ fingers as he riffled through the drawers and when the knight gave it a firm whack, it burst into a bright light. The rest of them scattered up to the top of the roof once more as if scared they would receive a similar treatment. Aries huffed, annoyed. The knight moved on to the twin cabinets by the dining table.

One of the cabinets was filled with cups and silverware on display with methodical care. They were even dusted. Aries crouched down and felt around for a handle to open it and further examine the contents. It was exactly what was displayed. Aries picked a random plate, the ceramic technique masterful. It was handmade with care and consideration.

So far, Cadmus just seemed like he truly wanted company.

Aries set the plate down and closed the cabinet. This all felt like such a waste of time. Someone that lived for so long would not hide things in plain sight. Maybe it was time to give up. Scrap the whole thing and take Cadmus for his word.

Aries’ eyes then fell upon the sword rack. If he found some trace of blood, it would mean that there was something foul afoot. Aries snuck over to them. Where was Cadmus’ bedroom anyway? Clearly, he had to sleep somewhere…maybe he could check that for clues next. No matter, he needed to focus.

Each of the swords were crafted with tactical needs in mind. The swords handle even had grooves in them for where they were held. Something that had a decent grip must have handled them. Aries realized at that moment just how many weapons there were. There were twenty of them; ten on one side and ten on the other but each had signs of wear. Stepping forward and kneeling down before the weapons, Aries started to examine them closely. Symbols were written into the scabbards. Each one had a unique moniker like an artist adding a small embellishment to a painting in a language unfamiliar to Aries.

The sword that Cadmus had brandished during their own scrabble was sheathed and placed neatly off towards the end. Curiosity overtook Aries and he reached forward to grab it. The handle was not properly balanced for someone like him and felt awkward in Aries’ hand. They were built for someone double the size of a human. Aries slowly started to unsheathe the sword, the actual blade beginning to appear at the hilt.

“You still aren’t thinking about doing something reckless…are you?” Cadmus asked with a low, threatening rumble to his voice. Aries could feel a looming presence over him, the knight’s body eclipsed by the larger form. The human’s heart nearly leapt up into his throat. He did not even hear him approach. How long was he watching for?

Aries took a deep, calm breath as he stood and turned around to face the dragon. Cadmus’ clawed fingers twitched.

“No,” Aries said. Pulling the blade out just enough so that he could examine the base, Aries noted the intricate patterns along the metalwork. The etchings would be impossible for a blacksmith to create. Far too precise.

“I’m a knight of my word. Plus, I doubt these swords could even cut wood.”

Cadmus’ own personal blade was showing signs of wear. The metal, no longer a shining luster like the scabbards they were slid into, were dull and some appeared to be rusting. If Cadmus did intend to kill him, he would have better luck with his claws or strangling him. The thought did give Aries some comfort; at least he would be able to stare his demise right in the face. It is no wonder the dragon used the hilt to bash him over the head rather than the actual blade itself.

“Are these your personal blades?” Aries noted, his keen eyes looking over the metalwork. Feeling brave, the knight brought his hand towards the dull edge. It did not draw blood.

Cadmus frowned and his eyes looked over Aries curiously. “Yes…why do you ask?”

“Did you intend to kill me with rust?”

Cadmus chuckled, a blush coming to his cheeks. “I detect a hint of sarcasm in your voice, knight.”

Aries was quiet.

“Why do you care so much about that particular blade?” Cadmus asked.

The wisps started to gather around. Aries noticed that Cadmus was dressed in a bright blue mantle cloak along with a tunic and tied pants. Runes were written along the tail of the cloak, each one looking similar to what was written on the scabbard of the swords yet still distinct. The base of the robe was black with a nice teal trim that complimented the dragon’s scales.

As if answering himself, Cadmus gave a low rumble. “You don’t trust me.”

“No,” Aries said honestly.

“Aries…”

The large figure stepped forward. The gentle look on Cadmus’ face did more damage than any sword ever could. He felt dirty, like a rogue looking for loose change. He just needed to know…how could humans and beasts ever get along?

There was an awkward silence between them. Cadmus was the next to speak.

“Can I show you something, Aries?”

The human was concerned, but the look on Cadmus’ face told him that it was urgent. For some reason, Aries felt as if something was compelling him to follow. Aries nodded and Cadmus smiled.

“Please, I think this will help…”

The two walked over to an opposing wall to the living room and Cadmus placed a hand on the cool stone. He muttered something quiet under his breath and a rune glowed red and hot where his hand was. The walls started to shift much like when Cadmus opened the hallway for Aries to pass to his quarters. Rocks started to shift and spread like a tide disappearing into the ocean and Aries audibly gasped.

This was Cadmus’ true hoard. The cave opened wide and high to allow for such magnificence.

Stacks upon stacks of books, each one more ancient than the last were along the wall. All of them were of human origin and each one was marked with a quill right at the end. Gems littered the floor, ones with intricate swirls inside as if mazes were trapped within the very rock.Some were filled with a strange light that glittered with a spellbinding intensity. Aries leaned down to pick up one of the gems, the light not as strong as the ones towards the back but still there. It was a deep ocean blue that matched Cadmus’ scales. The gem was warm to the touch but not painful like putting one’s hand just close enough to a burning candle. He placed the gem on one of the books nearby, and it floated up off the book and back down to the ground.

Aries’ eyes naturally moved to the center of the mounds of books and gems to see a lounge chair. It was surrounded by books where the quill was not directly at the end and the gems that surrounded the chair were the brightest. The foggy center inside was the most clear in them and the gems were each the brilliant blue.

A small lute was near the chair, propped up against it.

“This is my personal chamber, Aries.”

Still silent, Aries noted that the jovial expression was not on Cadmus’ face but a serious frown. He sat down on the lounge chair, his tail swiveling back and forth behind him. Clearly, what Cadmus was about to tell him was going to be difficult for him. Aries, still stunned, sat on the floor. His eyes reflected the blue that was all around him and his eyes looked as if they held tiny stars inside of the irises.

Wisps rushed into the chamber as if pulled on strings and flew straight to the jewels that were the brightest. They danced around them joyfully, shedding light and blinking happily. Cadmus chuckled and waved them away as if they were pets being a nuisance.

“Please, come closer. I promise if you knock over a book, I will be able to find a page,” Cadmus said, beckoning Aries towards him. The knight walked, his legs moving of their own accord as he looked at the stacks of jewels that littered his feet. They clinked as he moved them, some of them floating out of the way as if they were sentient and alive.

“Pick one of the jewels up, Aries. It will be easier to explain…”

Doing as he was told, the knight scooped one of the smaller gems up. It was so wonderfully warm. Aries found himself lost inside and watched the fog shift and flow. Sitting down in front of Cadmus, the human looked up at the dragon dumbfounded.

“These are nothing like I have ever seen.”

Cadmus grinned. “They are from my home far from here on an island impossible to get to unless you are magically inclined. It’s name is Cinere.”

“I always thought magic was a myth, but I seem to be the only one unaware of how important it was…”

Cadmus nodded. “A lot of humans are unaware of magic. Dragons started with it. We are extraordinarily stubborn with our control of it.” Cadmus’ expression turned much more serious once again. “And that is what I must talk to you about.”

Aries looked up from the crystal and stared at Cadmus to see the dragon’s wings extended and his nostrils flared. Aries stayed respectfully quiet.

“I was once part of a noble family, Aries. Dragons have a leisurely life, one that has comfort as its cornerstone, but…that must mean we play by certain rules. These gems are only available on our island…my home…”

Cadmus’ speech stuttered and his expression turned painful, but he shook his head. “These gems function like syphons. They channel energy which can be used, molded, and controlled. You can create with this energy, change…and destroy.”

Aries followed. He never heard of such an island but he was so ignorant of geography that he had no reason to believe Cadmus was lying. He continued to stay quiet.

“My family, my brothers and sisters ruled the island for thousands of years. I am young compared to them. Closer to your age….”

Cadmus paused waiting for an answer.

“Oh…21.”

“Yes. That sounds correct to me. Except I am 350 years old. I have seen so much but I am still very young among my kind.”

Reaching down to grab one of the brighter of the crystals on the floor, Cadmus brought it up to himself with care. “These crystals are all that are available on your continent that I am aware of. They need specific volcanic fire to forge them and with eruptions being rare, these are a finite resource. Granted, anyone can cast spells with the correct focus and intense practice, but these are the most powerful and precious.”

“Why…are you here and not with your family on Cinere?” Aries asked softly. Cadmus stopped, his royal posture turning almost limp like a soggy noodle left in a pot of water for far too long. His expression darkened and his royal posture deflated. He suddenly looked much more tired than he was before.

“My family was slaughtered and I was usurped from my throne. I do not know who resides in my rightful place, but when I come back to the island…”

Cadmus sniffed, pain and grief across his face. His hands clenched hard enough that the claws cut into the palms. He shook his head as if waving away the pain before looking back at Aries.

“My family wished to mingle our culture with yours and stop the bloodshed between us,” Cadmus choked out.

“I’m…sorry,” Aries said, putting the crystal to the side. The words felt almost empty for the human to say. As if those two simple words would change anything. They wouldn’t give Cadmus his family back. They would not even give him his life back. They were two insignificant words but they seemed to calm Cadmus down. His breathing slowed and continued.

“Many dragons do not share our family’s sentiment, which probably led my family to being killed, but kind hearted ones are out there now exiled across the continent and your kind are less than hospitable,” Cadmus said bitterly.

Aries looked away, ashamed. He could not imagine packing up and leaving his home in order to run away from his own kind and now he was a part of the problem. Cadmus figured his point was made and reached out to put a hand on Aries’ shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.

“I will tell you that when I had to flee with as many crystals as I could carry, I was first taken in by an old, blind woman. I think she knew I was a dragon but I am not sure. She nursed me back to health but I could not stay for long. I did not want her getting hurt because she was harboring me. I hope Elsa is still doing well.”

Aries could feel the hope and resolution, like a light mist in the morning. The hand on Aries’ shoulder squeezed harder for a moment before letting go.

“Ever since then one hundred years ago, I have been jumping from cave to cave ever since and communicating with the locals. I was not always so welcoming to humans that came to me with swords drawn but…I have grown wiser now.”

Aries could feel a tail wrap around his waist and he jumped, but didn’t push away. It was…oddly comfortable. “I think there are good people among you. Helpful, kind, and compassionate. There are so many that have a drive and want to see the best of others.”

Looking at Aries, Cadmus beamed. “I think my family would have liked you, Aries. You have a sense of duty even when you don’t agree with it. That type of character is one that is rare. Even dragons do not universally have such traits!”

Aries smiled up at Cadmus, his body visibly relaxing. Maybe this could be a place where he could actually let go and be himself. Maybe, Cadmus could be…

No, that would be foolish. Aries shook the thought away.

“Thank you, Cadmus. I really appreciate that.”

The grin that Cadmus made showed off his bright white fangs which clashed with the deep blue of the cloak. Although Aries never met a dragon, he made a guess that Aries was telling the truth. What other reason did he have to search the human for a lie?

“Now, enough talking about the past and painful things. Let’s see if you can cast something…”

The forced chuckle from Cadmus told Aries that the dragon’s mind was still occupied and looking for any reason to switch the subject. Aries was more than happy to oblige. It was not the fact that Cadmus’ did not deserve the pain he had or he was tired of hearing the trauma but Aries knew the conversation was difficult for Cadmus to continue. The human figured that Cadmus would tell him more as they grew to know one another and did not push.

Cadmus moved down to sit next to Aries and Cadmus’ hand extended to wrap around Aries’ own. The move was gentle and there was no shame in Cadmus’ eyes. The dragon looked all too keen to touch the human’s soft hands. Aries felt the rough scales of the paw wrap around his softer skin and had to fight the urge to recoil away at the strange sensation. After a moment, the scales felt nice and warm.

Aries was too taken aback to note that his hands were held so intimately. The warmth was shared between them and the focus moved to the crystal.

“C-cast?!”

“Yes,” Cadmus said with a smile. “And I’m not going to let go until we get some sparks. So, let’s see what you can do. I’ve never shown a human magic before but I think you’ll be fine.”

Aries chuckled. “Well, that’s reassuring.”

It was so much different than being a squire. Training the morning followed by being barked at by a knight who had you under him. It was gruelling, hard work that was unforgiving with mistakes. Aries had a sudden flashback running with weighted bags of flour tied to his ankles. His feet were barefoot and the rough stones that he sometimes snagged caused him to bleed.

This was different. The touch was soft and gentle and Cadmus had a patient smile. Blushing, Aries looked up towards the dragon. He no longer felt that he was among a captor but someone who genuinely wanted to understand him.

“Take a deep breath. Concentrate on the warmth you are feeling…”

Aries did as he was told. He breathed deep and concentrated on the warmth of the crystal. His hands began to warm with it. In Aries’ mind, it was as if he could feel a string just out in front of him in reach. The image of his hand reached forward to pull at the string and he tugged on it carefully.

“Ooooof….careful. You found me…” Cadmus said.

Aries immediately recoiled and jumped.

“O-oh! I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay. I did the same thing when I first learned. You found my spirit…”

“Your spirit?”

“I think you call it your soul. Everything in the universe is connected. Some see it as rope, others as twine or yarn. The crystal helps bring all the connections to you. Find another….”

Breathing deep again, Aries started to reach back into his own mind. There was another string. Then another. Several more started to appear and Aries found the number of strings almost uncountable. Every tree, birds that flew through the blizzard raging outside, every insect, and bat had a thread. Some connected to one another or spanned. Some strings were frail while others were pulled taunt. Some of the strings appeared tattered and worn. Aries pulled gently at each one with his mind. Most of the strings slowly disappeared out of view as if running from the intrusion into their most intimate area. One appeared the most vivid throughout Aries search. It was shorter and thin and it wobbled out in front of Aries.

“That is the one you want…” Cadmus said as if on cue.

Aries reached forward and grabbed the string. Immediately, a burst of energy pulsed in heartbeat with his own. It thumped through him like a hammer coming down upon an anvil. Again and again, the energy pulsed through him. It wasn’t painful but Aries’ hairs raised on end and goosebumps began to form on his skin. Aries closed his eyes and concentrated.

“Good…now start to knead the energy like dough. Don’t be afraid to shift it. It is yours to command.”

Aries did not move a muscle. His muscles flexed with each pulse through him and sweat started to form on his skin. Aries started to knead the energy, molding it and forming it into something familiar. Wings, beak, and finally each individual feather. As he kneaded the energy with his mind, his creation began to shift as if alive. With one burst, it shot out of him. The pulses of energy shot out of him like an arrow from a bow. The pulsing stopped and was replaced with a deep sense of relaxation and release.

“Open your eyes, Aries. It is marvelous…”

The human opened his eyes to see a sparrow flying before him. It’s little wings fluttered about and its feathers a luminous gold. It chirped with an adorable flutter of its wings. Gold strands of magic flowed down and onto the ground like dust. Cadmus watched like a proud father and instead of watching the bird, he was watching Aries’ wonder and awe.

“Looks like the bird does have some wings.”

Giscela stood at the entrance of the cave, her arms crossed and in loungewear. She had a happy expression on her face as Aries moved his bird. Aries shifted his mind and pulled at the string. He found the crystal string was now attached to the sparrow and piloted it over to the Princess to land it softly on her shoulder. The bird fluffed itself up.

“Cadmus, our culture loses clothes at night. It seems you added clothes,” Giscela teased.

Embarrassed, Cadmus grinned. “I had a feeling I was too underdressed. I wanted to put on something that reminded me of home.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Aries said, feeling Cadmus’ hands leave his own. The string in the human’s mind evaporated along with it.

Cadmus cheered up. “Yes, nothing wrong at all, little sparrow.”

Aries clicked his tongue at the nickname and moved the sparrow towards Cadmus with a quick flick of his wrist. Before it could reach the dragon, it dissipated. The gold of the sparrow scattered with the air and Aries watched his creation disappear. The small, almost unseeable golden string that attached Aries to the bird dissipated as well.

“What…”

Cadmus smiled over at Aries. “Your body can only hold the syphoned energy inside of you for so long. In order to hold spells for longer, you’ll have to continue to cast. Take a look at the crystal…”

Holding it up, Aries noticed the fog inside dimmed ever so slightly.

“You absorbed some of the energy and shot it out into the environment,” Cadmus replied. “Controlling it can be difficult. It is impressive that you can even cast. I was expecting something small and simple but…you created something magnificent.”

“Thank you,” Aries beamed as he got up out of his sitting position. “So, you must use these crystals to create food and water…”

Giscela raised an eyebrow, still watching the conversation carefully.

“Yes,” Cadmus said. “Very observant. I can set materials in the environment but I only make equipment and edibles on certain occasions. I barely have enough crystals left. When I healed your head, I used most of the energy that they collected. Healing always drains crystals far too fast. Too many parts that need to be stitched back together.”

Aries frowned and rubbed the back of his head. He completely forgot that just a day ago, Cadmus had given him a blunt hit. Strange to think the same person who beat him over the head was now teaching him magic.

“Where do you usually get supplies?”

“Oh, so now you are chatty and curious?” Cadmus teased with a smirk.

Aries quickly shut his mouth.

“I’m only kidding. The villagers. I do favors for them and in return, they give me items I need to survive here. The blizzard and weather has cut off any of my friends from coming up and they don’t stay for long. A lot of them are afraid of getting caught by the King or being reported by someone else but they recognize that I can provide services for them like….get rid of unwanted pests.”

Cadmus’ chest swelled with pride. “I am important to their lives and they are important to mine. Much like how you swore to protect people as a knight, I have people I watch over too. They are taking a large risk not telling Randelen’s patrols about me here. It is only fair that I help in return.”

Aries nodded. “How long have you stayed here?”

“About fifty years. A small amount of time in retrospect. You must understand that our kind can live centuries. I know one dragon who lived for one thousand years.”

Aries could not imagine what one would do for one hundred years much like one thousand. He must have seen the rise of King Termund, the present ruler of Randelen and the fall of the older houses.

Aries thought on what Cadmus had shared with him. Everything from the volcano where the magical crystals are spawned in to how Cadmus’ family was murdered for the throne. The oath Aries took when sworn into knighthood felt worthless now. There was something more to his role. He looked over at Giscela to see she was watching him close. Her blond hair matted and was no longer in a braid. She just woke up. Was it really morning already?

Aries did not know and since he was so fatigued, he did not care. Cadmus had told him so much. What are dragons plotting and why were they hoarding magic away from humans? Perhaps with the way Aries had been acting, it was clear why they were so against sharing their arcane secrets.

“I’m sorry, Cadmus. I…I want to learn more. I want to try.”

Cadmus’ ears perked and swiveled. Giscela was silent as if she knew what was coming.

“You want to learn? What do you mean?” Cadmus replied as he moved closer to Aries.

Choosing his next words carefully, Aries continued. “I think we have a lot to learn from one another. I want to stay past the blizzard. I want to find more of your kind and teach people what you truly are. You aren’t a monster.”

Aries placed a hand on Cadmus’ arm. It had only been one day but there was something compelling him to speak. Cadmus did not deserve to be killed for not being understood. He deserved to have a voice. How many other dragons had been slaughtered without a proper voice? The thought alone was enough.

Cadmus was rendered speechless, his eyes glimmering and wet with tears. The dragon bowed and his muzzle was close to touching the water.

“I am honored to have you here.”

The knight smiled and gave a small bow of his own before he continued.

“We can lie. We can say you are dead. The next group of knights-”

“Will need evidence,” Giscela interrupted. “We cannot lie.”

“Can we create something? Create your head?”

Cadmus sniffed and had a macabre chuckle at the thought of faking his own decapitation. “No. Not unless we wish to continue to eat. That will take most or all the power that the crystals we still have. Who knows how long the blizzard shall last. We must have food and water and I do not know when the townspeople will arrive.”

“Then, can we run?” Aries looked over to the others and his stomach dropped. Cadmus was quiet and Giscela looked at him as if he was ridiculous for even suggesting something so bizarre.

“You can but I have a kingdom to return to,” Giscela said. She looked down at the cave floor as if she was sad to say the words. “The knights have come for me and to kill Cadmus.”

“So you are just going to sulk in your marriage? Let someone who is innocent of crimes die?” Aries shot back.

“No explanation. Die like my father. Die without cause. How could you even give up on one innocent soul? Have you no honor, Princess?” A voice whispered in the back of Aries’ mind.

Giscela glared. “I have no choice. I cannot simply play with spells in a cave.”

When Aries was rendered quiet, Giscela steadied herself.

“If I remember, you wished to kill your newest friend a mere day ago.”

“The knights will surely listen to reason,” Aries said through gritted teeth.

“Yes, but I am sure my partner and lord will not. Aries, please do not drag me into whatever you are scheming. I am….not part of this life. You seem far too eager to throw away your knighthood. Remember, that you are consulting to what they think is a monster a-”

Aries waved his hand and stood tall and proud. Cadmus even shrunk back, a shiver of intimidation shooting down his spine. Aries’ voice boomed in the tight cavern and reverberated off the walls.

“We all have a choice, Princess. You struggle with an obvious one!”

Giscela ‘s right eye twitched before she turned around and stomped out of the cave. The human shuffled uncomfortably and

“You do not have the tact of a diplomat,” Cadmus whispered, his eyes still looking towards where Giscela was moments ago.

Aries turned on his heel and glared at Cadmus who held up his hands.

“But you do have the bravery of a knight.”

Giving a snort, Aries shook his head. He took a breath and part of him wished he could go back to feeling for strings and casting spells. Although Giscela had her role, he had his. He had to make things right. He had to get the truth out. For now though, his body ached and he could smell himself. Aries’ mouth pursed.

“I am exhausted and I would kill for a bath right now,” the knight said out loud and Cadmus chuckled.

“Well, I have good news for you…”

The dragon walked over to the far left wall and placed his hand on it. Immediately, the walls began to shift and move once more. Aries’ excitement grew as the wall opened more and more until finally revealing the treasure held inside; a pool with water that was a pure, aqua blue. Aries bubbled with happiness. Finally, he would be able to clean himself!

Moving past Cadmus and into the room, Aries started to take off his undershirt and trousers. The dragon blushed at the human’s eagerness and looked away with a chuckle. “A bit eager! What if the Princess was watching?”

“Ahh, who cares about her. She is probably back in our room,” Aries laughed. A smattering of deep blond hair cut through his pecs and down towards his abs. He had muscles built for hard labor and carved by training. The fuzz along his arms and legs shimmered with sweat and grime. Cadmus was always curious what function hair could even provide on humans but now he was getting a deeper look than he bargained for. The dragon thanked whatever was out there when Aries started to dip his body into the lukewarm water. At least he wouldn’t be seen openly gawking since Aries’ back was turned to him. Aries started to wash himself off in earnest, giving a little hiss at how cold the cave water was on him.

Walking over, Cadmus crossed his legs and sat at the edge of the pool. “Thank you.”

Aries turned over his shoulder. His back and lower body was in full view and now sparkling with little droplets of water. The wisp’s light almost pulled Cadmus’ eyes to look at Aries. His musculature was in line with his discipline to say the least.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“No, I will worry. You are sacrificing all that you worked for. To have such a change of heart for someone you just met…”

Aries turned around, his naked body moving towards Cadmus and he leaned forward. Lower body still submerged, Aries was still modest. Arms on the rock, Aries’ eyes were full of life. It was completely changed from before when he looked poised to kill.

“I am still a knight, Cadmus. I am sure that they will see reason…”

Cadmus frowned. “I’m not sure you have the wisdom to say such an optimistic thing.”

Aries rolled his eyes. “Look at you being the pessimist now.”

“I’m serious. What is compelling you?”

Aries stopped to think. It barely took him any time to think of an answer. Cadmus deserved to know.

“A long time ago, my father, Leo Polaris, swore his loyalty as a vassal to King Turden. He did not speak about his role. I…I thought that by becoming a knight, I would have access to certain types of information and find the reason my father was branded as a traitor….and executed.”

The bravery that Aries portrayed only moments earlier waned and faltered. The glow of his eyes went out like a candle wick being extinguished between wet fingers.

“Aries…I cannot imagine the pain…”

Shifting in the water, Aries moved closer to the dragon. He felt so…connected. Their stories were similar. Both had felt like they lost everything. Both were trying to find their place in a foreign world. Both were reconciling their grief. Aries reached forward, his hand feeling across the dragon’s lower leg.

“Come in the water, Cadmus.”

The touch was soft. It wasn’t demanding or out of pity. Cadmus’ eyes looked over the peach color of the human’s skin. It was so different and foreign but not unwelcome. It was a touch of understanding. It felt far more intimate to Cadmus than the handshake when they first met. It was like they were just now meeting each other again.

The dragon thought for only a moment before he was pulling off his cloak and loincloth. Aries’ breath hitched, his eyes reflecting back the blue of Cadmus’ sapphire scales. Cadmus was magnificent. As if carved from gems themselves, the dragon was a mixture of scales and muscle. Aries eyes looked over his pecs, broad and full. Abs that appeared sculpted from marble as if rock itself. At the same point, he had a belly. Not a large one by any means but just enough that it looked comfortable to lay on.

Cadmus dipped a leg into the water ever so slowly and Aries eyes had enough time to catch the dragon’s maleness. To say he was hung would be an understatement and-

“Aries, are you okay?” Cadmus asked as he submerged his lower body fully into the cave’s pool.

“Y-yeah…”

Aries blushed and looked away. Cadmus chuckled and he gave Aries a teasing smile.

“Come now. We have the same parts,” Cadmus joked. “There’s nothing here that bites…except me.”

Aries rolled his eyes. “That was bad albeit true.”

There was a comfortable quietness between the two. Aries had his arms on the edge and lounging in the water and Cadmus was close enough to the human that his legs were practically bumping up against Aries’ own.

Aries’ mind started to drift. He began to think about what led him to the cave in the first place. Getting his mission from his mentor to kill a dragon and spending three days traveling felt like ages ago. The whole cave felt like a dream. A crazy, wonderful, and horrifying dream. Looking over at Cadmus, Aries stared at the dragon for a moment. He took in all his features that were different from his own. Instead of skin, he had scales. He had a long, dexterous tail and massive wings capable of flight. Aries breathed deep and concentrated much like how he did before he casted a spell.

His mind started to wander. He thought back to when he was exploring the cave before Cadmus found him examining the weapons. Each one was stacked as if ready to be taken off of the rack at a moment’s notice. Although rusted, they appeared to be old and the runes matched those that the dragon wore on his own body. Out of everything in the cave, those stood out compared to the dishes and other odds and ends.

It reminded him of the swords found in his own barracks. Aries started to sink and his chin and mouth dipped below the water. Then his head went under. The water bubbled up through his hair and washed away the dirt on his face. He opened his eyes, the clear blue of the water allowing him to see all four feet down. He looked over at Cadmus’ body, noticing the thick thighs and the claws at his feet. Aries’ mind trailed back to the weapons. Why would a dragon want weapons if he has claws?

Then it clicked.

Aries resurfaced and before he could say anything, Cadmus said, “I thought about what you said about running.”

“I know what you are trying to build here,” Aries replied, shaking his head and splattering water around. “You want to build an army.”

Cadmus gave a surprised gasp. “So you know…that must mean that the King knows too…”

Aries shook his head. “No, I figured it out. The rusted swords. Those must be centuries old.”

“They are draconic. I took as many as I could as I fled my home along with the crystals. I wish to build myself an epic army and take back my throne. Surround myself with the best advisors and tacticians,” Cadmus replied. He searched Aries’ face and then frowned. “You must think I am some form of a fool.”

“For seeking dragons? Of course not…”

“No, Aries. If we were to mount an assault with the dragons available on this continent, we would be slaughtered.”

Aries knew exactly what Cadmus was suggesting. It all started to become clear.

“You are trying to get our attention. You need humans in your army.”

“Yes, Aries. We must take my home back from those who wish to use the crystals against you. The clock has been ticking for a while now. I need to go back to my throne and see what has happened and reunite the people. No one was listening in Randelen so I started to pick resources to go missing and then I kidnapped the Princess. Then they sent you…”

Aries scooted closer, his hand moving up Cadmus’ leg to rest comfortable on his thigh. Aries thought nothing of the touch. It felt natural, like his hand belonged there. The scales felt nice under his fingers and the muscle moving underneath. The dragon gave a comforting rumble to his voice.

“I know what it is like to not be listened to. The knights do not take me seriously because they think I am going to follow in my father’s footsteps. I can feel your pain. I am in the struggle with you,” Aries said with a gentle smile. Funny enough, a mythical beast understands him better than any of his own. Maybe they were more similar than how he thought initially.

Cadmus’ eyes moved to lock with Aries’ own. “You are far too kind, Aries. People like you are the reason I believe there is hope for diplomacy between our races.”

Cadmus smiled. “Perhaps when you are comfortable, I can consider you an ally.”

Aries nodded. “You have an ally now. The knights must understand. We have to tell them that you mean no harm.”

“They will. Do not despair.”

Aries stared into Cadmus’ eyes. How were they so similar? Both had been through such trauma. There was a connection between them. Something that Aries felt even the Gods have had their hand in. The Fates did not want to torture him…

A deep sense of calm went through Aries’ body, starting from his toes and working its way up towards his mind. It was like tides of the ocean were coming back towards him. Dragons were not evil and Cadmus was proving it. He had a bigger role to play. This was not going to be the end of Aries’ time in the plane of mortals.

Cadmus was watching him still but his muzzle was moving closer. Aries kept his hand on the dragon’s thigh, unmoving it. A smile crossed the human’s face. Cadmus’ hand mimicked the motion that Aries’ own was doing and rested it comfortably on gentle skin. The claws gently rubbed the surface and Aries found himself getting backed up into the edge of the pool.

“Did someone say ‘army?'”

The two wheeled around to see Giscela , hair maintained and in a luxurious shoulder cape with trousers and a tunic. Her emerald eyes scanned over the two. She sat down on the floor and crossed her legs.

Aries and Cadmus glanced at each other for a moment before moving away to a more appropriate distance. Cadmus was the first one to speak. “Yes. I was just telling Aries that…”

“Say no more. I know what it is for. I’ve known since day one. It took me a moment but there were signs with the weapons. Ancient, old, and draconic…forged most likely on the island Cinere.”

“Yes…how do you-”

“I am the royal Spymaster, Aries.”

The interrogating looks and the mystery…it all made sense now. Aries looked over to see Cadmus was unphased. He knew the entire time.

Aries was about to say something sharp, but what Giscela said next made him immediately stop.

“And you are right.”

Aries stopped and this time Cadmus was shocked.

“I have always wanted to break away. I never wanted to be a Princess. I always felt trapped and when Termund, my own father, decided that I needed to keep an ear to the ground at all times and use the orphan houses to keep watch…” Giscela stopped for just a moment. “They are a valuable resource to my father, not something that needs to be fixed.”

It was the most genuine that she had been ever since Aries had arrived. She was not faking; she truly believed it and Aries realized at that moment that if he hadn’t held his ground, she may not have changed. She might have still held onto her previous convictions and never revealed her pivotal role.

“We are all broken. A knight, a dragon exiled from his home, and now a Princess throwing away her family name. But at least I feel I have a choice here…”