Chapter 12: Bonds of Fire.

With the dawn came a strange calm over the battlefield, as if both sides were catching their breath. Seraphina and her dragon, Emberclaw, remained by Aelric's side, preparing for the battles. The sight of the dragon had bolstered the spirits of Elanor's defenders, and for the first time, Aelric saw glimmers of hope in the eyes of the weary soldiers around him.

That morning, Seraphina led Aelric to the dragon's resting place just beyond the city gates. Emberclaw was a massive creature, with scales that glimmered like molten metal and eyes that reflected a deep, ancient wisdom. Despite his imposing presence, the dragon's gaze softened as it settled on Aelric.

"Emberclaw wants to meet you," Seraphina said, her voice filled with reverence. "Go ahead, he won't harm you."

Aelric hesitated, his heart pounding. He'd never been so close to a dragon before, and the power radiating from Emberclaw was overwhelming. But he took a tentative step forward, then another, until he stood directly in front of the mighty creature.

Emberclaw lowered his head, and Aelric reached out, placing his hand on the dragon's warm, scaled snout. As he made contact, a rush of images filled his mind, flashes of battles, ancient mountains, and the feeling of freedom that only a dragon could know.

"You feel it, don't you?" Seraphina's voice broke through the visions. "The bond between dragon and rider. It's rare, but some humans can share the dragons' memories."

Aelric pulled his hand back, his heart racing. "I… I saw things. Battles. Memories that weren't mine."

"Emberclaw sees something in you," Seraphina said quietly. "Perhaps it's the magic within you or the spirit of Eldoria. But whatever it is, he has chosen to trust you. And that trust is a powerful gift."

Aelric looked at the dragon, feeling a strange kinship with the creature. It was as if Emberclaw understood his fears, his doubts. He took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of strength flow through him. With the dragon by their side, they would stand a better chance against the forces of darkness.