“Intruder detected approaching from the East, my King. Analysing...”

As head of Kine's security, Thanes concern was evident in his voice. “How could an intruder get so close to The Capital without us detecting them?”

“We did detect them Thane.” Kine responded mildly as a map of the city appeared and zo0med into the east wall.

Kine had maintained calm as long as he could but from the slight twitch of his ears, I could tell he wasn’t as calm as he seemed. A tiny red dot appeared at the edge of the map and we watch as it moved rapidly towards the black line of the wal1.

“You know what I mean Kine. We should have seen this way before now.” Thane responded, irritation evident. Thane was normally much calmer than this. From what I could gather, Thane had always worked Royal security but his long friendship with Kine made him even more dedicated. The presence of the delegation must real1y be grating on him.

We continued to observe the approach of the ‘intruder’ but something about it seemed odd.

“It’s not on the grav-line.” I realised, muttering the revelation to myself. Having gained the attention of the others I continued in a normal voice. “Look” and pointed to the grey line closest the intruder, one of several fast trave1 lanes that dominated the map in clean, broad lines.

“Impossible, it’s travelling to0 fast, it must be on one of the gravity highways.” Thane insisted.

“But it isn’t Thane, the map would show it.” Everyone was now staring at the map. “DESS is taking his time on that analysis.” Kine commented thoughtfully.

Even though DESS had classed it as an intruder alert, no one real1y considered it a threat, especially when compared to the recent natural disasters. Most of the races knew better than to war with one another, having developed highly effective counter measures to most threats. The word war was barely even used, expect in historical study. Not that the races didn’t have conflict but it was more ideological and trade based than violence. We were safe within The Capital... at least physically.

As if he had heard Kine, which I suppose he had, the System identity DESS returned with his results.

“Incoming intruder identified as Unknown Drake. Juvenile. Scans correlated against known records indicate distress and injury. Lethal measures have been cancelled.”

Kine paused infinitesimally at the idea that lethal measures may have been an option, before answering. “Thank you DESS. Please display ETA on the map and transfer all data to my screen.” Kine turned to the delegation. “Ambassador. You and your delegation are invited to join me at the East Gate to meet this Drake. If you don’t object, we’ll also have our Healers present.”

“Thank you King Den. We will join you and your Healer.” Thespenia’s tone had reverted to the highly formal manner I first expected from her but which she never displayed. Understandable in the face of a potential diplomatic incident. She would have heard that lethal weapons had been aimed at one of her people, even though it wasn’t a deliberate threat and she knew nothing of the incoming individual. So much could go wrong so she was protecting herself and her delegation as best as she could. I sort of understo0d. Still, we had to do the same. Though unlikely, we had to entertain the possibility that this had been arranged.

I wish I’d thought to watch some of the delegation when we found out it was a young Drake approaching but... I don’t know why but I get the feeling that they are as surprised as we are. They must be concerned to0. Oh goodness, it just occurred to me. Thank goodness we were in a small, informal meeting. If this had happened at a more formal event, it could have caused an inter-kingdom incident.

As a group, we left the dining hall, the map dissolving as we exited, and made our way calmly to the east wall gate, though most would notice that our pace was far from leisurely. I kept an eye on the countdown on Kine’s screen, and by the time we all stood on top of the wall, it had nearly run out. Kine spoke quietly with the guards and we all scanned the landscape, searching.

There! Skimming the tops of the trees was a small figure moving really fast. We watch as the figure neared, finally slowing down as, presumably, they saw the wall. The headlong rush became a staggered, meandering flight as they dropped closer to the ground. It’s clear they’ll land next to the wall but far left of the gate.

“Let’s go down and meet them as they land. Ambassador Thespenia, would you like to take the lead once our safety is assured?”

I got the feeling that she was startled by the offer, but she held her composure well. The Drake body language was far more subtle than the Icanthie forms, but I could read it a little. It was mostly in the shaping of the tail and torso.

“You are very kind King Kine. Yes, I’d like to meet them and put them at ease. Thank you.”

So, she’d reverted to using King Kine rather than King Den, that was a good sign. I hoped that indicated the Drake delegation was feeling a little less threatened now. It was hard representing your people in a foreign place, with so many conflicts of interest and unknowns to navigate. I don’t envy them at all.

The large group, we were considerably larger at this point what with Kine’s Elites, my guards, the delegation's security and the wall guards, made our way down from the wall and out the East Gate, avoiding the minimal traffic of the grav-line. Guards took up defensive positions and we turned left. The little figure was no longer visible, so we were careful in our approach, not knowing what we’d encounter. I also kept an eye on our backs, just in case.

It turned out, we needn’t have been so concerned. The little figure appeared before us, collapsed on the ground, a paw stretched out to the wall, almost touching it. She was a young dragon with beautiful teal iridescent scales. A Healer I’d not encountered before rushed forward with a few guards to begin treating the little dragon.

As the rest of the group came closer, I heard a gasp from my right. Looking over, I saw Thespenia, eyes wide and a hand to her throat just before she leapt into a run and knelt down to cradle the young Dragons head. The other Dragas followed closely but stood behind her, looking on in concern. It seems this little one was known to them.

Finishing whatever he had been doing, the Healer stood and spoke quietly to Thespenia before walking away to inform Kine.

“It’s mostly exhaustion but she also had some impact injuries. Her adrenaline is running very high. She hasn’t said much yet.”

“Alright, thank you Healer Am.”

We gathered around the little group, though it was obvious that the young Dragon was scared and tired, so we made sure not to crowd her.

“Ambassador, let’s bring her within the safety of the wall. We won’t go far, there are rooms that she can rest in whilst we discuss this.”

Thespenia didn’t even look up, all her attention on the little dragon that she gently scooped into her arms. Noting her obvious distress and concern, Kine turned without a word and we all made our way quickly back to the wall, entering through the gate and turning immediately to the interior of the wall where rooms of all kinds were available.

Kine must have known it well because he entered one that looked like a temporary Healers Room or Rest Area with various soft surfaces to recline on. The delegation settled the little dragon and they surrounded her, speaking softly and tending to her in the Drake way. We gave them privacy by moving to the other side of the room but we were in no mood to speak. It was evident that there was no immediate threat so we were left with concern for the hatchling and the circumstances that drove her here, leaving us all to contemplate our own dark thoughts.

Eventually, Thespenia and Calessia approached to speak with us.

“Thank you for your patience and for the help of your Healer.” Thespenia began. Turning to look back over her shoulder she continued, “This is Zhenzii, kin to one of the Drake Royals. Though she is only a hatchling, she has been taught very early on due to her talents and has shown considerable potential so we believe her words can be trusted as accurate. She speaks of more flooding to the north and northeast that has wrought considerable damage and casualties. When she became separated from her guardians in one of the coastal settlements, she decided to try and find help and remembered that I was assigned to the Icanthie. So she came here, though I can’t explain why she thought that was the best thing to do. We don’t know much but I have my people trying to make contact. Zhenzii speaks of people being injured and trapped.” Thespenia paused and whispered incredulously, “She came over the mountains and has not stopped since she left.”

“Why didn’t she use the grav-line?”

I don’t know who asked the question but it was a good point.

“It seems a lot of the line on the Drake end was damaged which covered most of her journey and she couldn’t find it again after. I think she wasn’t thinking properly given how exhausted she became.” Again she became lost in sad thoughts and spoke brokenly, as if ashamed. “I don’t know what to do. This is only getting worse.”

That was very troubling. Almost all construction was built to withstand almost anything. For the grav-line to have been damaged even a little... I could see Kine wanted to comfort her, he’s squishy like that and I love that about him, but this was still a diplomatic delegation. So instead, he gave her what hope he could.

“We have an idea that may help us find a solution.” She looked up at him and nodded for him to continue. “We need more information to be able to understand what is happening before we can begin to solve the issue. We hope to call a gathering of the races. Somewhere in neutral territory so we can guarantee everyone’s safety. We’re going to ask to share our entire archives, collating information and hopefully finding what we need.”

She looked sceptical but when she spoke, it gave me hope that this might work.

“I do not know if my Queen will agree or how the other races will respond... but I will inform her of the Gathering. I can’t think of a better next step at the moment. We will contact you with her response as soon as we can. Until then, I think we will go back to the embassy and do what we can for Zhenzii and our people.”

“Of course. Let us know if you need further assistance. If we hear anything, we’ll make sure you are informed.” Kine inclined his head politely and opened the door for them.

Bowing respectfully, Thespenia lifted little Zhenzii into her arms and left with CalessitianArden and SeskatianNaj, their security escorting them.

***

After giving the Drake delegation enough time to get ahead of us, Kine, Mathias, Thane and I left the room in the wall and made our own way back to Kine’s mansion. There was no point returning to the Heart, there was little more we could do right now. We weren’t in a hurry either and we walked companionably, keeping our thoughts to ourselves. We’d have time to talk later and right now, we were just absorbing everything, though I did notice Thane giving discrete instructions. He handled a lot of the logistical stuff.

As we walked, I decided to see what I could do for those poor Drakes affected by this flooding. I couldn't forget the image of that crumpled little figure who was so desperate she had pushed herself to her limits. The images overlapped with memories from my past. If I could help, I would. So I sent out a message on the closed Myath network, giving rough locations and asking for any information on the event. I hesitated before also asking if anyone was willing to volunteer to help the rescue efforts or provide emergency supplies. I doubted anyone would risk themselves but occasionally, anonymous information would appear seemingly out of nowhere when things like this happened. Sometimes, just knowing where to look made all the difference. There was even an incident where the signals from the trapped survivors in a rock fall mysteriously got a boost even though they were just out of range from the nearest beacon. No one ever thought to ask why, they just accepted the unexpected boon. You couldn’t always save everyone, but each one saved was worth it.

That done, my thoughts turned to the future. Even though Thespenia seemed to tentatively accept me after a rocky start, I could see the disapproval quite clearly from her advisor Calessi. It made me think again about my hopes of reaching out and forming better relations with the races. Perhaps during the midst of a potential global crisis was not the best time to try. My presence could hinder the negotiations for access to archives and we couldn’t afford that.

Now that Wistra was knocked down a peg or two, though we didn’t yet know what her sentence would be, it may be best if I returned to the Myath. Seth was safe here, both physically and emotionally, and though I’d miss his constants presence, I could visit often. I trusted Lazot to teach him well and give him the kin support he needed. Lazot was a great father. I just wasn’t sure what my place or role was here among the Icanthie. Besides, I could maybe still help by continuing my archeological endeavours. The information I’d gathered from such excursions had already revealed the nature of the fallen debris, maybe I’d get lucky and find the key out there somewhere.

But I knew the odds. So much had been lost and the continent was a vast place. Besides, I was struggling to contemplate leaving my new kin behind. Not only would I miss them and their support, It wouldn’t be fair to just up and leave. I knew Kine was enlisting my aid more and more, even giving me entire projects to work on. And Mathias was speaking more, not a lot, but more. He finally had answers and had some peace but what would happen to them if I disappeared into the wilderness, not knowing if I’d come back? And what about the Myath? Kine was truly considering how he could protect them in law but he wouldn’t be King forever. How would I fight for the Myath when they were far too wary to fight for themselves?

Change is always scary but it’s necessary. Change brings new life, new opportunities and a new self. I can’t go back to the way it was but I’m struggling to understand how to go forward.

“You're thinking heavy thoughts, Sierra.”

Kine’s gentle voice brought me back to the present and I saw we had entered his mansion and stood in the receiving hall. Home. How long had I thought of this place as home? We spent a lot of time here and it felt... comfortable. Continuing up to Kine’s home office, I tried to compress all my messy thoughts into a succinct reply but gave up and instead let out a long sigh. Words were sometimes inadequate so I tried packaging up all my feeling and thoughts, both structured and nebulous into a memory burst and sent it to him. Working with my own memories was much easier and I preferred it to speaking aloud. Apparently, I have a knack for mental communication. Belatedly, I sent the same burst to Mathias.

Both of my kin looked thoughtful as they digested my messy splurge of thoughts. I didn’t blame them, that's how I felt!

“Hmmm.” Eventually, Kine broke the comfortable quiet. “I would love for you to stay but you need to do what’s best for you. Why don’t you talk to one of the Myath about this? Namada seemed to care for you. She may have some insight you cannot see right now. It would also help you gauge what they need at the moment. You’ve been gone for three moons now? Messages can only give you so much than being out there with them. I think, now that Wistra is less of a problem and you’ve gained the Royal title, trips to meet with them could be a safe regular thing. I know you miss them, miss being out there.”

I shouldn’t be surprised at how perceptive Kine was. He had good ideas too. Mathias pitched in his own ideas too.

“See if any want to join you here. Just a few to help you out. It would be dangerous but may reap them valuable results.”

“I doubt any would come.” I commented, “But it doesn’t hurt to ask. Thank you.” I smiled at both and move closer to exchange head rubs, purring happily.

I left them to their work, nothing much more to do for the delegation until we had more information. Always, we seemed to need more information but until then? I went and found Seth and Lazot, whiling away the rest of the rotation playing with my baby brother and spending time with my kin. Things would no doubt become hectic again soon, but for now, I’d make the most of everything.

All the while, I composed and decomposed a message to my closet friends among the Myath and my personal network, going over everything Kine and Mathias had suggested. Finally, as I got ready for bed, I stopped fiddling with it and sent it off. There, it was done. I don’t know what it will produce, but it couldn’t hurt to try. Change was coming, whether we like it or not. Let’s hope it doesn’t, as they used to say, hit like a train.