Horei Kreton

While the young dragons feasted on the Griffon, the trolls, too, gathered together. Learning that Horei had no intention of starting a battle, the usually fierce warriors of the tribe became relaxed, sitting or lying around, engaging in low conversations, and fiddling with pebbles and grass.

One troll approached Horei, eyeing the dragons nearby. "Blue, green, red, black – these creatures are strange. They're all together but have different colors. Why not capture them, Chief? We all saw it, they just had a tough battle. With hooks and nets, we could easily capture them. I heard our ancestors tamed dragons for battle, conquering land and sky."

"Forget those old tales, Tike. Our ancestors tamed Wyverns, not true dragons like these. You can't tame a true dragon," Horei replied, sitting and picking his teeth thoughtfully.

Tike mused, "Even if we can't tame them, capturing them wouldn't hurt… We haven't tasted this kind of creature before."

"There's a problem, Tike," Horei interjected. "Guess who's the leader among these dragons?"

"Maybe the red or the blue one? They seem stronger. I'd guess the blue, since the others listened when it spoke."

"You're right, smarter than I thought," Horei nodded. "These blue dragons are usually part of a clan, like us. In southern markets, blue dragonlings are more expensive because they're protected by their clans and harder to capture."

Tike brightened, "Isn't this our chance to strike it rich?"

"Money is useless to us," Horei sighed. "My point is, the blue dragon has a clan. If we harm these dragons, it could bring bigger ones on us, a disaster for trolls!"

"I see," Tike said, still not fully comprehending.

Horei instructed Tike to return to their camp and warn the trolls to behave. He stressed the need to avoid any incidents that might provoke the dragons.

As the dragons finished their meal, Yongrong inspected the Griffon's magical feathers and handed them to Posa for safekeeping. Ready to leave, Yongrong approached the trolls to notify them.

The troll's camp was in Fang Valley, a region unfamiliar to the dragons. As Yongrong and his companions entered the valley, the trolls watched them warily but remained restrained.

Horei presented the other Griffon feather respectfully to Yongrong, who accepted it and passed it to Posa. Yongrong then demanded the trolls' loyalty.

Horei was taken aback, explaining that pledging loyalty to dragons wasn't something he could decide alone and that the Bloodtooth tribe needed time to discuss. Yongrong subtly threatened them, saying he would wait for an answer at Dragonfort and reminding Horei that escaping wasn't an option.

Understanding the situation, Horei agreed to Yongrong's terms. The dragons then left the valley, with Horei watching them go, his expression a mix of emotions.

Back at camp, Tike suggested informing their leader, Halley, but Horei dismissed the idea, fearing Halley's actions could doom them. He ordered that no one should leave Fang Valley without his permission.

Horei revealed that Halley sought an alliance with the Stone Giants, making him unlikely to pledge loyalty to dragons, especially since the blue dragons were enemies of the Stone Giant King. Horei believed joining the strongest side was their best option, hinting at a possible allegiance with the dragons.

Tike worried about Halley's reaction, but Horei was resolute, believing that the future of the Bloodtooth tribe now rested in his hands, regardless of Halley's fate.