Why We Slay Dragons

"Millicent"

"Sir!"

"Rhodes"

"Sir!"

Duat nodded at the two of them.

"You two are the vanguard, and those Dragons up there? Are the key to our survival. What we do here today determines the future of our people, our families and most importantly, our children. I don't need to say anything more, take them down."

"Yes Sir!" They adopted a military salute three fingers of their right hand extended over their left breast.

Vanishing from the spot, they reappeared before the Dragons, successfully distracting them, as Duat led the remaining 48 past the sentries undetected, sounds of battle exploded behind them, but they had no thoughts to spare, not even a glance, this mission was too important.

Before they had ventured 100 miles into the Valley a huge Red Dragon appeared before them.

"They even sent you, Red Dragon King" Duat said nonchalantly.

"Go, I'll hold him off."

"Yes Sir!"

"You think you can escape? None of you should even think about leaving here alive!"

And a great roar split the sky.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sound of paper shuffling and a pen tapping against the table, were the only noises that could be heard inside the room, apart from the breathing of the 13 individuals present.

Besides these sounds the room was deathly silent, as no one wished to be the first to speak, The proposal on the floor was simply too sensitive, no one wished to touch it.

"Ahem" The Ancient Venerable called attention to himself.

Seeing their eyes upon him he spoke in his maddeningly slow tone.

"Dram, you have brought to our attention... (another maddening pause)

that our energy consumption has risen...

(the Venerable paused again)

and is in danger...

(the Venerable began to wheeze, pausing for a long time)

the Venerable extended his shaking hands towards the glass and pitcher before him, upon seeing this,

the one called Dram stood and took the pitcher from him, helping him pour the glass.

Firmly pressing the glass into the Ancient Venerable's hands, he assisted him in taking a long draft.

The Venerable began again; "and is in danger of being depleted, As such, we require much more draconite than usual?"

The Venerable finished.

The others around the table silently cursed in their minds.

"No fucking shit! Who needs you to repeat it?"

Glares fell upon the Venerable from all directions but he seemed to be oblivious to their disdain, He was quite old after all.

"That is correct" replied Dram patiently.

"We need more from the Dragons than the Dragon's claim they are able to provide, in recent years we have seen a drastic increase in children born with a high Magical Aptitude and Magic Affinity. And this is due to the mana field surrounding our Cities.

However, The mana is being absorbed at a rapid pace as these children come of age and begin exhibiting their magical talent, as it stands the mana field is all that protects us from the elements and the Wild, Be it the creatures or berserk magics, the mana field keeps us safe, It also nourishes our bodies and increases our magical aptitude, without it I fear we won't last a week." He finished.

"So you want us to slaughter our allies, The Dragons?" A crisp voice immediately countered .

"Lady Madelyn."

Dram bowed his head respectfully to acknowledge her before continuing.

"It is not a matter of what I want or do not want, It is a question of our continued survival.

If you can find another mana source I will gladly follow your lead" He answered softly.

Lady Madelyn of course had no knowledge of an alternative mana source and quickly backed down.

Dram swept his gaze around the room before saying: "I know this plan is detestable, and I fully understand if there are those of you who do not agree, as such, this operation will not move forward without the approval of everyone in this room," he finished.

Silence once again filled the room.

As Dram grew impatient, Sir Viktor stood.

"I agree" He spoke firmly and clearly.

As his voiced faded the others stood.

"I agree."

"I agree."

"I agree."

"Agreed."

One by one they all stood and pledged their agreement to the proposal.

Dram spoke again

"Since we are all in agreement, Prepare for war." he ordered.  

He then sank back in his chair exhausted, tired lines etched into his face.

WOOSH ---

THUD ---

A huge White Dragon appeared at the mouth of the cave where 7 Dragons were gathered.

"My King" The White Dragon spoke in a musical language, the air stirred pleasantly.

Lowering his head until his sleek white horn rested against the scarred cave floor he waited patiently.

"Rise"

"Thank you my King"

"Report"

"The High Elves have entered the Valley, using foul magicks many of our brethren have fallen, The High Humans have cast a wide net, preventing us from fleeing" The White Dragon completed his report.

The White Dragon King roared, dust and stone fell as the cave shook tremendously, his claws scraping against the stone the White Dragon King hurtled from the mouth of the cave, he spread his wings and with a mighty flap, rose into the air.

12 golden rings surrounded his body as he seemed to be undergoing a transformation, his White scales began to shine until they were no longer visible, seemingly transparent.

The Green Dragon King stood outside the cave in horror!

"Stop!  you don't know what will happen!"

The White Dragon King ignored him. "No more Dragonkin will die today." he thought silently.