Sorcerer's Shadow

74  Meeting Cerman I snacked on some bread and cheese and dozed off, only for Opal to rouse me just in time for our seventh-hour appointment.

Handling the teleportation on my own, I found myself at the designated spot. The location was a short distance from a throng of people gathered near the imposing cliff, its peak hidden in the clouds. It was much grander than I had imagined. Observing it nearly gave me a crick in the neck. As more individuals kept teleporting in, Opal suddenly gasped and hid inside my cloak.

"What's going on?"

"Didn't you spot them?"

"No, I was observing—"

"Massive Vorgan, just like near NecroGate Falls."

"But we're far from there."

"They beg to differ."

Glancing up, I spotted a few forms occasionally emerging from the clouds, gliding, and then disappearing.

"They move so elegantly, Opal. Admire them."

"I'd rather not. And you can take a long walk off a short pier, Boss."

"Hello there, Viktor." I heard a voice.

Startled, I spun around. "Greetings, Drevolan. Why the gathering?"

"It's a tribute to Verill's descent at NecroGate Falls."

"Really? We're close to that?"

"Not quite. However, his memorial will be established here."

"Memorial? If his body went down the Falls, how can he have one?"

"It's symbolic. Think of it as a tribute stone or a landmark. This peak has been chosen to commemorate him."

"He's getting an entire peak?"

"He's worthy of it."

"How does one earn a peak?"

Drevolan evaded my query, suggesting, "Let's head to the tribute. Want to join?"

"Joining as what?"

"As part of my entourage. I can bring whoever I want."

"Even a Terran? Or a Vorgan?"

"Indeed."

17:05

"You've planned something, haven't you?"

"Naturally."

"Mind sharing, considering I might be your pawn?"

"I prefer to keep you in suspense."

"I'm not big on unexpected twists."

"I recall you wanted revenge on Cernan for his actions against you."

"That's right."

"Then come, let's settle the score."

I exhaled deeply. "Fine, lead the way. But ... never mind."

He walked ahead, and as we neared the crowd, my eyes landed on Thaleia, easily distinguishable due to her petite stature amidst the gathering. She waved as she caught sight of us. A few heads turned our way, and I sensed some murmurings; I was clearly the topic of discussion among the Dragonlords. Drevolan, the very person who brought me here, had a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"You like the attention, don't you?" I remarked.

He just gave a knowing smirk without saying a word.

As we reached Thaleia, she greeted me with a nod and turned to Drevolan, clearly curious. "He's contemplating supporting our mission," Drevolan filled her in.

"Against Cernan?" I simply nodded. She observed, "Seems personal for you."

I retorted, "I might start taking it personally when everyone points out how personal I'm taking it."

"Suit yourself," she responded and then questioned Drevolan, "Why is he here?"

"There are reasons, dear cousin. All will be revealed soon."

I noticed Thaleia pondering whether to react, but she eventually shrugged it off. As I glanced around, I felt the weight of several gazes from the gathered Dragons. Drevolan, it seemed, was relishing the spotlight. That's when I saw him – Ari, staring right back at me. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Viktor!" Drevolan's tone was cautionary.

Puzzled, I began, "What is it?" but halted as I realized my hand had instinctively moved to the grip of my sword. With conscious effort, I relaxed. Beside Ari stood an ancient Dragonlord, draped in plain military attire – all black with silver trims. The lines on his face spoke of countless years, and his piercing eyes evaluated me.

"That's Cernan?" I asked.

Drevolan simply nodded.

I took a moment to assess him before facing Drevolan. "Why not just finish him off?"

With a half-smile, he replied, "There are numerous reasons, more than I can list now."

"Give me three."

"Fine. One: This is a solemn gathering; violence would be inappropriate. Two: Should I start anything, the crowd will side with him, leaving us vastly outnumbered. Three: I'm curious to see his next move if left undisturbed."

His second point seemed particularly persuasive. And right on cue, Cernan, with Ari by his side, approached. As Drevolan bowed in respect, Cernan reciprocated. The subtleties in their gestures likely indicated their age difference. Surveying me, Cernan asked, "Why is he here?"

"He wanted a closer look at you," Drevolan said with a sly grin, "for future reference. I've already enlightened him on the importance of decorum during this gathering."

I seized the moment to flash Cernan a broad smile. In response, Cernan spat disdainfully.

In a light-hearted attempt to defuse the situation, I commented, "In my desert homeland, spitting before someone is a sign of allegiance. Should I consider you loyal?"

Opal, always the voice of reason, added, "You're making that up, aren't you, Boss?"

"What's your guess, Opal?"

Ari chimed in with a smirk, "I should've taken you out when I had the chance."

I shot back confidently, "Indeed, you should've. That oversight will be your last."

He took a menacing step closer, towering over me. "Is that a threat, Terran?"

I looked up at him with a cheeky smile. "Indeed, not as a Terran but as a Vorgan. Makes a difference, right?" Suddenly, Opal, a true drama queen, appeared from beneath my cloak, hopping onto my shoulder.

Ari recoiled, a hint of surprise evident, before masking it with a frown. He threatened, "I'll yank your soul out and tie it to a cooking pot. I'd love to see you sizzle as I make my stew."

Amused, I replied, "Sounds delicious! Need some stew tips? Maybe a hint of fennel might—"

"Enough, Viktor," interrupted Drevolan.

"Just saying, you Imperions could use a cooking lesson."

"Viktor!"

"Maybe the Siberyn know a thing—"

"Viktor!"

I just shrugged, flashing another grin at both Cernan and Ari.

Cernan remarked, "Lord Drevolan, I know you wouldn't resort to assassination."

"Absolutely," agreed Drevolan. "And trust me, I've been advising my friend here against any hasty actions."

Cernan retorted, "Your subtle threats are as silly as your Terran friend's blatant ones."

Drevolan responded with a polite bow, "Precisely."

"If you covet what's mine," continued Cernan, "try taking it."

"Taken by thievery, my lord?"

Cernan chuckled, "You have a Vorgan behind you and you talk of theft?"

"You have a brute by your side, and you mention a Vorgan?"

"This is getting us nowhere," Cernan declared, then added, "Your stolen weapon is useless, by the way."

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