Wyvern

As Magnus tightened his fists upon learning about the assassination attempt, a seething anger radiated from his eyes. Though his voice remained composed, Auric could sense the simmering murderous intent coursing through him.

"How dare he attempt such an atrocity against you, young master! I should personally put an end to Avalon," Magnus growled, his tone laced with fury.

Auric's eyes widened slightly at the intensity of Magnus's reaction. He understood the depth of loyalty and protectiveness that burned within his mother's subordinate. However, a newfound determination flickered in Auric's gaze, a resolute smile gracing his lips.

"No, do not worry, Magnus," Auric replied, his voice filled with lust of revenge. "I will be the one to confront Avalon."

Auric's declared. The death of his uncle and aunt, coupled with the anguish he witnessed in his sister's tears, had snapped something within him. He would no longer depend on others to fight his battles; he would take matters into his own hands.

Magnus's eyes widened in response to Auric's confident statement, a mix of pride and concern swirling within his gaze. He recognized the fierce determination that now burned within Auric, tempered by a newfound sense of responsibility.

"Very well, young master," Magnus conceded, his voice tinged with a blend of admiration and caution. "But remember, should you ever require assistance or guidance, I will be there by your side."

Auric's smile broadened as he listened to Magnus's words, appreciating the depth of loyalty and dedication emanating from him. However, a hint of uncertainty lingered in the back of his mind. Would Magnus remain steadfast in his loyalty or prove to be a potential betrayer in the future? Well we will see...

"So, young Lady Ellie is Lady Lumina's child?" Magnus inquired.

"Yes," Auric confirmed.

Magnus's expression softened, a nostalgic gleam in his eyes. "You may already know, young master, that Lady Lumina and Lady Evangeline were very dear friends. They always supported each other. Considering what Lady Lumina has done for you and Lady Evangeline, I pledge to protect her child with my life."

Auric's eyes widened in surprise at the depth of Magnus's vow. He understood the gravity of a dragonborn's pledge, and this declaration instilled a sense of relief within him. Now he doesn't have to worry about Ellie's safety.

Now that they were both aware of the crucial details they sought, Auric couldn't help but wonder about their next course of action. He turned to Magnus, curiosity shining in his eyes. "Now that we possess all the necessary information, what happens next?"

Magnus's gaze held a reassuring warmth as he responded, his voice steady. "Tomorrow, you and young Lady Ellie will be taken to the Fire Villa, the clan house located in the capital, Pyrothorn. The elders will convene to discuss the appropriate course of action. But rest assured, young master, there will be no harm. I can guarantee that your grandfather would never put you in harm's way. And I will be there alongside you."

Unbeknownst to Auric, a resolute determination burned within Magnus's thoughts. He vowed to himself, 'Even if it means defying the clan, I will be your unwavering support. I refuse to be haunted by regrets this time, as I was in the past.'

"Tomorrow? Is Pyrothorn close by?" Auric asked, his curiosity piqued.

Magnus shook his head in response. "No, it is quite a distance away. If we were to travel by carriage or car, it would take approximately two months. On foot, it would take around one and a half months. The terrain in Drakoria is challenging to navigate, filled with mountains, hills, and treacherous paths. Carriages and cars are only practical within the capital and certain parts of the kingdom."

Auric pondered for a moment before questioning, "So, how do we reach our destination?"

A smile curled across Magnus's face as he gestured for Auric to follow. They exited the room, making their way through the corridors until they reached a spacious clearing. Auric's eyes widened with awe as he witnessed a magnificent creature standing before him, shrouded in an air of mystery.

"Whoa," Auric breathed, his gaze fixed on the awe-inspiring creature. 'Is it a dragon?' he wondered, quickly dismissing the thought. 'No, it must be a wyvern. Dragons are not easily captured, and this one seems too small to be a dragon.'

Intrigued, Auric decided to assess the wyvern's status, utilizing his unique ability.

< Appraisal >

[Name: Wyvern]

[Rank: ?]

[Health: ? / ?]

[Mana: ?]

[Strength: ?]

[Agility: ?]

[Intelligence: ?]

[Charisma: ?]

[Defense: ?]

[Magic Defense: ?]

[Skills: ?]

[Description: ?]

Auric's smile turned wry as he observed that all the details were marked with question marks. He had expected as much.

' Bur well, now, this is what I call a fantasy world!' Auric thought, feeling an exhilarating sense of excitement at the sight of the wyvern.

"It is a carriage wyvern. We will be traveling on it," Magnus informed Auric.

Auric nodded while still gazing at the magnificent creature.

The wyvern stood tall and majestic, its large wings spread wide, revealing intricate patterns of scales adorning them. Its sleek, muscular body exuded both power and grace. Under the sunlight, the deep emerald scales shimmered, creating a mesmerizing display of colors.

Seated upon the wyvern's back were specially designed chairs, securely fixed and resembling comfortable seating. These chairs, crafted with sturdy materials, ensured a smooth and safe travel experience, providing stability throughout the journey. The wyvern's back featured grooves and fastenings that held the seats in place, enabling passengers to sit comfortably even on the rugged terrain.

As Auric gazed at the wyvern, he noticed its sharp, talon-like claws gripping the ground firmly, ready for takeoff. Its eyes gleamed with an enigmatic intensity, possessing intelligence. The wyvern's overall presence evoked both awe and a touch of mystique, reminiscent of the fantastical creatures he had only encountered in stories.

The sheer size and magnificence of the wyvern, combined with its role as a unique mode of transportation, filled Auric with a sense of wonder and anticipation.

As Auric and Magnus made their way back to their living quarters, the night sky blanketed them in darkness.

They gathered around the dinner table, joined by Ellie, and indulged in a shared meal together.

Auric couldn't help but notice the soldiers' unease in his presence. Their struggle to accept him as a human child was palpable, their apprehension stemming from his association with the Upperman. However, they maintained a respectful distance, fully aware that they had no authority to intervene.

The night passed, but Auric found peaceful sleep elusive. The weight of recent deaths caused by his mere naive decisions lingered in his mind. Ellie, too, suffered from haunting nightmares, and Auric did his utmost to provide solace, offering reassurance and comforting words.

Morning arrived, revealing dark circles under Auric's eyes, a testament to his restless sleep. He and Ellie refreshed themselves and readied for the day ahead. Breakfast was enjoyed in the privacy of their room, their anticipation mounting as they awaited Magnus's arrival to guide them. Auric had told her that they will travelling to Pyrothorn, the capital city of Drakoria.

Once again, they set forth towards the clearing where the wyvern patiently awaited them. Yet, Ellie remained oblivious to their chosen mode of transportation. When her gaze fell upon the imposing creature, fear washed over her, causing her to retreat behind Auric, her eyes welling up with tears.

"B-brother," Ellie stammered, her voice trembling. "W-what is that? Let's leave this place, I am scared."

Auric knelt down to Ellie's level, his expression tender and empathetic. "Ellie, that is a wyvern. We will be traveling upon it."

Ellie's surprise was evident, and she vehemently shook her head in denial. The mere notion of riding such an intimidating creature overwhelmed her with fear.

In a desperate attempt to escape the situation, she tried to sprint back to the safety of their room. However, Auric swiftly caught hold of her, preventing her from fleeing. Ellie began to weep, her genuine terror pouring forth, evoking a mix of concern and helplessness within Auric.

Auric held Ellie close, his arms enfolding her trembling form, as tears streamed down her cheeks. He comprehended her fear and recognized the necessity of finding a way to convince her that traveling upon the wyvern would be safe.

With a gentle voice and a comforting tone, Auric began to speak, his words infused with warmth and empathy.

"Ellie, I understand how daunting it appears, but let me share something with you. This wyvern is not a monstrosity; it is a magnificent creature that will transport us to Pyrothorn unscathed. Just as I have protected you before, I promise to keep you safe throughout this journey."

Ellie sniffled and lifted her tear-filled eyes to meet Auric's gaze, searching for reassurance. Auric pressed on, his voice resonating with unwavering confidence.

He tenderly wiped away Ellie's tears and offered her a faint smile.

"You know traveling upon the wyvern will be an extraordinary adventure, replete with breathtaking sights and wondrous experiences. We will witness the world from great heights, akin to soaring with the birds. I will be right there beside you, holding your hand every step of the way. And remember, we have Magnus with us too. He possesses great strength and will ensure our safety, warding off any harm that may come our way."

Ellie's trembling began to subside, and a flicker of curiosity sparked in her eyes. She observed the wyvern, studying its majestic wings and formidable presence. Auric sensed her lingering hesitation but remained patient, granting her the space she needed to process his words.