Summer, 1331

The first thing Lord Meratezatgh did following his anointment was to look after the other members of his squadron. With Thergamorth dead and Falknir still wounded and unconscious, that left only Hearesecha and Raphrsah.

It had been a bloody two years.

The large black dragon seemed distracted, but she nodded as Mera found her and approached.

*Lord of the Southern Ranges.* Hearesecha mused. *There’s a nice ring to it, Mera.*

*Thank you. Hearesecha. I would trade it for Thergamorth to still be around.*

*What is done is done. You deserve your position. You’ve done well as a commander, despite the loss of your friend. Even Falknir saw that, though he never wanted to admit it.*

*I wouldn’t have gotten this title, much less survived this so far, without the support and sacrifices from all of you.*

The black dragon smirked. *That’s sweet, though I know your sweet words are there for a reason. You would like me to help you fight for the humans at Caldern. I would go, but I need to take care of Falknir.*

Mera scratched himself awkwardly. *I would not put you between my favor and your brother's health. If my copper friend had merely been hurt, I would be doing the same. Take care of Falknir as he recovers.*

*Good luck then on your quest. I have an itch to inflict more pain upon those scheming Other Men, but family comes first. Perhaps I may join you again when the time is right.* She bowed her head in respect. *May you forever fly above the fickle winds and changing tides, Lord commander.*

*May you forever fly above the fickle winds and changing tides.* Mera replied, giving the black dragon a hug.

He then went over to the brass dragon sitting nearby, who was steadily analyzing the proceedings like always. Raphrsah was smiling.

*You’ve impressed us all Meratezatgh.* The brass dragon commented. *You’ve done our people proud. I am proud to have served under you.*

*Thank you. You know I am trying to raise a unit to support the humans in their war against the Other Men. Will you join me in this? *

Still smiling, Raphrsah shook her head. *No. The humans owe too much a debt for me. My time in this war is at an end. I am glad to have survived it.*

*Oh.* Meratezatgh was slightly disappointed. *What will you do now?*

The female dragon laughed. *I will go home, see the fields and trees that I am familiar with, the fish swimming in the river, the elk prancing in the mountains, the rustling of the leaves and the bubbling of the brook.*

*Sounds peaceful.*

*We all have a place in this world, and that is mine. It is not yours, at least not yet: you are young, and you still want to see the world and correct its sins. That is your right. Perhaps you will find your own place one of these days. I see you continuing to do great things.* Raphrsah went over and respectfully nuzzled the bronze dragon on the cheek.

*Take care of yourself, Lord Meratezagth of the Southern Ranges. I doubt you will find many supporters for your quest, but I respect your sense of honor and wish you well in your task. May you forever fly above the fickle winds and changing tides.*

*May you forever fly above the fickle winds and changing tides.* Mera repeated, nuzzling back, before turning and leaving his comrades.

After a few minutes of quiet contemplation and a polite distance away Mera swore to himself under his breath.

“Shit.”

He couldn’t fault Hearesecha and Raphrsah for turning him down, but in a way it was frustrating. Raphrsah was right. Finding volunteers to help Logan and his comrades was going to be hard.

Mera was going to try nevertheless.

Logan and his friends deserved that much.

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Alex Holowka - Longest Night

Courtesy of  chickenzaur from her Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/chickenzaur/posts