14 Chapter 14

"Wha... But, I wasn't," Rykirus gaped, "I did damage but it wasn't that sever," he protested, waving his claws, "I killed off a few humans not causing destruction the human forces or whatever crap they were spewing."

Nyko sighed, "You must've pissed someone off, and they decided to exaggerate your accomplishments to make you seem like more of a threat," he gave him a flat look, "But I think the 20,000 men coming this way right now is the important part."

"Or," Rykirus said thoughtfully, "someone like Vyrix could've boasted to someone or something and got overheard."

Fiero piped up, "Honestly, if that happened, I wouldn't be surprised. That sounds like something father would do," he snorted, "Another reason I like being unaffiliated with him, he's so embarrassing!"

"20,000 people heading this way?" Nyko prompted, looking at the two expectantly, "Might be a 'little' urgent ya know. Just saying in case you didn't remember."

Rykirus huffed before turning to Fiero, "Can you head to the NightBlade? Just go to Vyrix and tell him what happened, he has more experience and he'll know what to do."

"Me?" Fiero asked, eyes wide, "Just me? You're not coming?"

Rykirus shook his head, confirming his thoughts, "I need to delay them long enough for the shades to evacuate and go into hiding. Once everyone is safely hidden, I'll leave. There's no way we can fight back, not against so many. Right now, survival with the minimum casualties is our goal, evacuation is our main focus," he ordered, eyes hardened before narrowing and voice becoming cold and biting, "I am ordering you, as king, to go inform Vyrix of our current plight."

Fiero scowled before giving a reluctant nod, "Farewell my king," he said bowing, wings extending and muscles tensing to launch himself into the air, "The dragon's eye watches all, it's wings protect their allies, and their flames forged from hell burns their enemies to ash," Fiero touched a claw to his forehead, keeping his eyes glued onto the midnight drake's stunned form the entire time, "May the winds of fate guide your wings and the will of the heavens above protect you." With those words, Fiero launched himself into the sky, wings flapping periodically to keep himself steady.

Rykirus sighed, eyes drawn back to the half-wolf that stood stock-still, watching the fading silhouette of the forest-green dragon.