Chapter CXXVII: Massin
Isabella returned from Theran, the salty air brushing against her cheeks as she soared above the waves on the back of Massin. Below her, thirty ships moved over the water, their sails filled with the promise of newfound strength. The soldiers aboard—mostly merchants and traders, men and women who had never wielded a sword in battle—were determined to fight for her cause. It was a humble force, yet their willingness to stand against the Dragon King filled her with a fierce hope.
As they sailed towards the shores of Allendor, Isabella’s mind raced with the possibilities that lay ahead. The therians may not have been seasoned warriors, but their spirit was unyielding. They had come for her, and that loyalty ignited a fire within her heart. With Pallor at her side as her general, she believed he could transform these willing souls into a formidable army.
As she and Massin flew closer to the shore, the sight of her home filled her with determination. This was her land, her birthright, and she would not let it slip through her fingers. But as she approached Rosehall… The sight made her shiver.
In the distance, the Dragon King’s army was marching toward Rosehall, a sea of banners unfurling in the breeze, a full force ready to reclaim what he believed was his. She felt a chill run down her spine; they were too many, their numbers were overwhelming.
Her men were gathering beneath her standard, resolute yet clearly outmatched. Panic surged through her as she watched the two armies clash. Her mind raced with thoughts of her children, tucked safely in the castle. She had to get to them.
She considered landing in the castle to evacuate her children, but her heart twisted at the thought. The danger was too great; the army was advancing far too quickly. There wouldn’t be enough time to make it back, and even if she could, the idea of flying with them on Massin was terrifying.
She looked down at the chaos unfolding beneath her, desperation clawing at her. The fire army was gaining ground, inching closer to the castle walls. She couldn’t let them reach her children, couldn’t let them invade her home. Again.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself. It was a choice she never wanted to make, but she saw no other way. With resolve flooding her veins, Isabella guided Massin in a wide arc around the battle, flying above the clouds to not be noticed, positioning herself high above the fray.
“Now, Massin!” The dragon responded instantly, unleashing a torrent of flames from his maw. The inferno rained down upon the enemy forces, engulfing them in a blaze of destruction. The heat was palpable even from her vantage point, and the screams of the soldiers echoed painfully in her ears.
Isabella felt a mix of horror and grim satisfaction as she watched the flames consume her enemies. This was war, and sacrifices had to be made. She had to protect her children at all costs, and if it meant burning the Dragon King’s army to the ground, then so be it.
***
The Dragon King stood on the balcony of his palace, overlooking the sprawling expanse of his kingdom, where, somewhere out of his sight, banners fluttered in the wind, signaling the might of his army as they marched toward Rosehall. His heart raced with a mix of anticipation and dread. Orders had been dispatched with unwavering clarity: both Isabella and Ikkar were to be brought back alive and unharmed.
He couldn't shake the memories of how he once had Isabella in his arms and how he had ultimately failed to secure her. The thought gnawed at him, stirring a storm of emotions within him. He should be leading his men into battle, but the weight of responsibility anchored him to the palace. He had a kingdom to rule.
Lost in his thoughts, he was jolted back to the present by a servant's announcement. “Your Majesty, you have a visitor. It is Princess Rhea, the Duchess of Ingran.”
Surprise flashed across his face. It had been years since he had last seen his youngest sister. A swirl of emotions cascaded through him—joy, curiosity, and a hint of anxiety. What had prompted her visit after all this time?
“Make sure she’s welcomed with royal honors, I’ll be at the gates soon,” he commanded, his voice firm and resolute. He quickly composed himself, ensuring he appeared as a king should—powerful, dignified, and composed.
When the gates swung open, he was greeted by the sight of Rhea, her dark hair catching the sunlight. As she stepped into the palace grounds, he felt a warmth spread through him, a reminder of the familial bond they shared despite the years that had passed.
“Brother!” Rhea exclaimed, her voice ringing with delight as she rushed toward him. They embraced tightly, the years melting away in an instant. “I’ve missed you dearly!”
The Dragon King stepped back, taking a moment to truly look at her. Rhea had grown into a strong and beautiful woman, the weight of her title resting comfortably on her shoulders. “And I you, sister. It has been far too long,” he replied, a genuine smile breaking across his stern features. It was the first time he had smiled in a long while.
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