The Dragon’s Help: A Last Hope

Princess Yeli shared almost everything we wanted to know. We were about to reciprocate by sharing the information the king had given us for the war. However, we needed one last piece of information from her - one of the main reasons for our visit.

"We would be honored to fight alongside you, Princess. But our mission here is not only to form an alliance. We've been told that you have knowledge about the creature of the fourth epic - something that can counter this beast."

As we reached the end of the corridor, Princess Yeli led us into a room. The first thing that caught our eye was a large drawing on the wall opposite us. It seemed to answer our question.

The drawing depicted a battle between the Fourth's creature and a dragon. It was quite impressive. But it wasn't until the princess spoke that everything fell into place.

"Not long ago, the dragon lineage was attacked by the fourth epic. There were many reasons for this. But what the son of Yores really wanted was to control the dragon and dominate the skies - just as he controlled the seas with his beast. The king thought he could use his power to dominate the dragon, but it didn't work this time. He then made an offer to the dragon race. He said that if they would control the dragon for him, no harm would come to them. But if they refused, he would kill them one by one. The dragon race went to war with him. During the battle, they used their dragons against the beast. That was the first time I saw the beast receive wounds."

Babu asked Princess Yeli to finish what she had said.

"So you mean…"

"I mean that only another dragon can defeat the beast - if it can be defeated at all. Otherwise, it would be impossible for us to kill it on our own - especially against an army."

"What happened in the battle of the dragon race?"

"The dragon bloodline lost the battle. The fourth epic didn't stop there. He skinned the dragon he killed and made himself a cloak from its skin. The cloak is unaffected by magic, fire, or anything else."

Mila was surprised - as most of us were - because what the Fourth had done was very grave and evil.

"What kind of person is this guy?"

"I know. But we can only defeat him if we stand together. Otherwise, his army is so large it's worth three kingdoms."

I agreed with her speech. I knew that I had to act on the information the king had given me. But I had other ideas in mind as well.

"That's why we've come here, Princess Yeli. When the third king gathers with his two brothers, he will be here for the battle. But the battle is closer than we expected. So we need to prepare."

"I see."

"According to the king's information, when the signal comes from the southern part of the kingdom, we will meet them there and go into battle. Our intention is to take the war as far away from their castle as possible and end it before the other side gets stronger. So I'm sure they will be here soon."

"How will they get past the monster in the sea?"

"Don't worry about that. I'm sure they'll find a way. But there's one thing I need your help with."

"I'm listening."

"I need to return to the dragon lineage as quickly as possible. How can I do that?"

My friends were not pleased with what I said. It didn't seem logical to return to the dragon lineage at a time when war was approaching - especially in a kingdom that was currently dangerous. Hiroshi, like other times, thought about me once again and disagreed with what I said for my sake and for the sake of the war.

"Ryuu, are you out of your mind? War is almost at the door and They're looking for us all over the kingdom."

Lezlie agreed with Hiroshi - as did everyone else - adding to his speech:

"Besides, we need you."

My friends were quite right. But I had seen what the beast was capable of. Without help, there was no way we could defeat it with an army like that. I was sure we would lose many lives as soon as the battle began.

"I realize it seems absurd. But this may be the only way to defeat the beast - as the princess said."

Babu thought it would be just like our past successes.

"We'll find something. Don't forget who we've defeated."

"No, we won't. We've seen what the beast can do. Its skin is almost like a diamond in the rough. We can't win this time. I know it's too dangerous. But I've been to the dragon's nest before. Even if I can't talk to them, I'll do my best for the dragon. Then I can have a say."

Princess Yeli knew what I said was hard to accept. But she agreed with me.

"As unpleasant as it may be, your friend Ryuu is right. I've seen the beast. It can't be defeated with that kind of support."

Rose was against me - just like everyone else. But she knew I was stubborn. When she realized this was our only chance, she made me an offer rather than dissuade me.

"Fine. But I'll go with you."

Right after Rose, Babu joined in.

"So will I."

"Guys, we really need to…"

Rose interrupted me once again - insisting on a proposal that everyone else would agree to for safety and speed.

"If you want to go, take us with you. Only then will you get our approval."

Everyone seemed to agree with what Rose said - even though it was difficult. So our goal was finalized. We would go to the dragon lineage for the dragon while the others prepared for battle.

"Very well. Princess Yeli, how can we get to the dragon lineage as quickly as possible?"