Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 838: Freedom ()

Lord Finlor looked alarmed by the question. His eyes went wide, "Your Grace, I..."

But he didn’t get the chance to complete his words.

"Why do you look so surprised?" Jian asked in a matter of fact tone. The temperature in the throne room dropped increasingly lower. "You’re the replacement for the traitor Keila, are you not?

"The Fae had no trouble appointing royal leadership with no regard for dragon supremacy, why the sudden hesitation?"

Lord Finlor winced visibly. The animosity the dragon court held towards the Fae would not be so easily forgiven.

"The Fae has no intentions of opposing the supreme rule. We will not be appointing a monarch till Your Grace gives us leave." Lord Finlor lowered himself to a deep bow.

Jian found it laughable. It was just convenient. Everyone had become so docile now. So loyal.

What a joke it truly was.

"You will have cause to rethink those words." Jian’s response was cold and blank.

"I presume your next words will be to inquire into the fate of Keila?" He continued.

Lord Finlor nodded slowly. "The Fae takes full responsibility for our crimes and will not request a lenient judgement. However, while the whereabouts of her newly born son remains unknown, Lady Keila is indeed... the last of the Fae royal bloodline."

"I ask the council to take this into consideration." Lord Finlor inclined his head slightly and returned to his seat.

Jian leaned back into his throne, and Imagor rose to his feet, holding a scroll.

"The judgement passed by the rider council remands Lady Keila to the punishment chamber." He announced, "Does anyone on the council protest this decision? Or suggests a different judgement?"

The council went silent, the representatives exchanged looks. But no one came forward.

"Then, the temporary sentence will be extended...for life." Imagor paused briefly, "The sentence of criminals of lesser renown, including Lord River, will be made independently by the rider council. If there is any other urgent report to be made before we proceed to matters pertaining the forlorn, come forward." He continued and sat down again.

The silence that followed was resounding.

"Then we may discuss the pressing matters." Cassian declared.

Lord Weinlor stood up first. "For over a month, the forlorn has stormed our lands, laying waste to whatever they touch. So far, we have been able to keep the attacks under control...but for how long?"

"For how long will we feel unsafe in our own homes? Uncertain of when our lands will be invaded by savage beasts? For how long will we live in this fear, in territories that once flourished in peace and prosperity?"

"A few days ago, our moon forest was under attack." He hesitated, like he was reluctant to admit it but a glance across the hall to where Verothrax sat on the council made the decision for him. "Due to the timely arrival and effort of Lord Verothrax, we were able to overcome a tragedy."

"The situation grows dire with each day we sit and watch. It is my belief that we have to take more proactive measures in tracking down their entry points and eradicating the forlorn before they even get the chance to cause any havoc." He finished.

The representatives expressed their agreement with nods and quiet murmurs.

"And what is this proactive measure, you speak of?" Cassian asked.

Lord Weinlor stepped forward. "Well, isn’t it obvious? I think I speak for all the representatives when I say it is time for the dragon court to take the battle to the forlorn."

"It should no longer be about sending out a single dragon or group when a new sighting occurs on any of our territory. The twelve battalions and even fortress dragons must actively redirect their focus to hunting the forlorn."

Imagor scoffed beneath his breath, "Must?"

Lord Weinlor quickly corrected his wording. "That is not quite what I meant."

"I believe His Grace summoned us here to discuss how we can find solutions together. And every race here is certainly willing to offer our assistance in the cause to restore the stronghold. Our lands are open to dragon squadrons. Our warriors prepared to join dragon command."

A low chuckle drew everyone’s attention back to Jian.

He sat, grinning to himself. Watching the representatives.

He had always known it, always known how self serving they all were.

But he had told himself, it was all worth it. For the vow his kin had taken, to be protectors,

This thankless duty was all worth it. This duty had claimed dozens of dragons for a cause that brought them no personal benefit,

Yet he had believed it was worth it. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

But was it?

"Very well." Jian leaned forward again. "You have spoken well."

Lord Weinlor inclined his head, though his brows were slightly furrowed in confusion. "It is my duty. The safety of the stronghold is a priority to us all."

He returned to his seat and the representatives sat up with rapt attention as Jian began speaking.

"In regards to the current situation of the Asvarian stronghold, it is regrettable that it has come to this..."

"My court spared no effort, no life, no expense, to ensure the safety of the stronghold. But the irresponsibility and neglect of a few of you in safeguarding your origin runes..." His gaze moved between the Mer representative and Lord Finlor who looked ready to dissolve into the earth.

"And the outrageous demands and refusal to comply, by the rest of you..." This time his eyes met every representative sitting in the hall.

"Has led us to this very point." His arms met, fingers entwined with each other. And his eyes narrowed into a deathly glare.

If the temperature had previously dropped, it downright descended this time.

"Dragon supremacy is tyranny, you said."

"Dragon laws are yokes, you said."

"Autocracy has run its course, you said."

"End the tyranny. End autocracy. End dragon rule."

"End it. End it. End it!"

Jian smiled, a sinister grin that stretched across his lips.

"Well, I’m tired now... I’m tired of it all. Of you all... and so are my dragons."

"And so, the reason I have gathered this council is not to discuss a joint conquest against the forlorn, or any measures where we work together to keep ’you’ and your lands, safe." Jian shook his head.

"We won’t be doing that. We won’t be doing anything ’joint’, really. I have gathered this council to give you all what you have wanted and demanded of me for centuries..." He trailed off,

"Freedom."

A beat of silence.

Cassian and Imagor kept a straight expression. They said not a single word.

"Did you not hear me?" Jian asked, gaze moving from one representative to the other.

"Where’s the excitement? The cheers? I would think you would be ecstatic to know we will finally be free of each other?"

"The long awaited emancipation is here, you should be pleased. Satisfied. I know I am."

"Y...your Grace," Lord Weinlor began uncertainly, "I’m not certain I understand your meaning."

Jian sighed quietly, turning to his rider council. "Did I perhaps speak dragon tongue a moment ago?"

"Not at all, My Liege." Verothrax spoke up, his tone spiteful. "You were crystal clear."

"Then what is it that you do not understand, Weinlor?" Jian continued, frowning.

"Your Grace..." Lord Finlor chuckled nervously, "You can’t by any means be suggesting we divide the stronghold?"

Jian’s eyes moved to him. "Let me be clear, I’m not suggesting."

"That is exactly what I mean."