Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 645: Nostalgia ()

"There..." Kirgan gestured to the carriage he had spoken of as they stopped a little ways away from the edge of the forest.

The carriage was set inconspicuously at the bottom of the hill, slightly obscured by some trees lining the forest’s edge.

There was a carriage driver already seated by the carriage, waiting on their arrival.

The carriage driver was obviously human and Neveah did not find him to be a familiar face, however Neveah knew if he was here, then it was only because Kirgan had made certain he could be trusted.

Kirgan turned to Neveah once more, his gaze examining her. It lingered on her hair for a moment and Kirgan sighed.

"A head of golden hair is akin to a beacon of light from the skies, easily spotted. You will be sighted the moment you step out of this forest and given that such features are not common here, there is no dragon of Keep Skies who would not be able to identify you, Neveah." Kirgan pointed out.

Neveah ran a hand through her hair sheepishly. She had lived in Dragon Keep for over a year.

It was home to the Keep Dragons and Neveah had encountered most of them in her days here, at one point or the other, even those she did not know in person had likely spotted her often from the skies during their patrol and knew exactly what she looked like.

The dragons always had a natural vantage point and had probably seen everybody within the Keep Skies at one point or the other.

"Kirgan is right." Menarx agreed.

"Put this on." Kirgan said to Neveah,

Pulling off his dark green cloak, he draped it over Neveah’s shoulder and then pulled the large hood which Neveah only now noticed over Neveah’s head.

Neveah was completely swallowed up by the cloak and Kirgan leaned back, examining his work before he nodded in satisfaction.

"Not many can still access the premises of Dragon Keep, save for Dragon Kind. However, there are still a few with the clearance and this carriage is already cleared, you will not be hindered."

"Menarx’s return is not uncommon, he has been expected. Menarx and his lady will fly overhead with me. You, Everon and your company will ride the carriage to Dragon Keep, do not get off till we land."

"No worries, you will be within our sights at all times." Kirgan reassured.

Kirgan was one who had never treated Neveah poorly right from the start, Neveah knew this, but even so... Neveah could feel there was a great difference in his regard for her,

It was obvious in his speech and attentiveness. Even his body language and tone were completely different than it used to be.

It was strange because, Kirgan was courteous with everyone, Neveah had not even realized there was still a difference until this moment.

’They know...they all do.’ Neveah’s wolf thought to her.

Neveah had never once doubted the fact that the King’s guard were the first to know of her bond with Jian and Xenon, even if the entire world remained uncertain, Jian would never keep it from his brothers.

However now, it was different. Lord Mycroft had said any dragon lord who was within close enough distance would sense it... Jian’s imprint on her, his claim...

They would not directly speak of it, but Neveah could see now that they would silently treat her differently.

To be held in such regard, Neveah was not certain on how to react to it.

"Go on." Menarx encouraged.

Neveah glanced over at Menarx who nodded slightly and she headed towards the carriage with Everon and Tara.

Not long after, the carriage went shuttling down the path, headed for Dragon Keep.

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Neveah peered out the window as the carriage came to a stop at one of the side entrances to Dragon Keep.

It was the entrance used mostly by attendants and was inconspicuous compared to the main entrance.

Neveah also caught a glimpse of the familiar courtyard of Dragon Keep and Mount Edar looming far in the distance.

Nostalgia settled heavily on Neveah but she suppressed it easily.

"Careful now, you are still within the patrol perimeter." Everon said to Neveah.

Neveah pursed her lips slightly, retreating back into the carriage. A short time after, they were escorted into Dragon Keep by Kirgan.

Neveah kept her hood on and her head low as Kirgan led the way to the ascending room.

The usually bustling halls of Dragon Keep on the ground level was completely scanty, unlike how Neveah recalled it to be, they barely encountered anyone on their way.

But Neveah knew the path they had taken may not have been exposed to most Keep dwellers, but at least they should have encountered quite a number of attendants.

Neveah waited till the ascending room had begun moving before she posed her question.

"The Keep...appears empty." Neveah said to Kirgan in question.

"So it would appear, when compared to the last time you were here." Kirgan said with a casual shrug.

"All nobles residing within have long been sent to their respective homes in the Citadel, their services will not be in use for the time. The Noble court and the Commoner’s court are dismissed..." Kirgan trailed off.

"Since His Grace is away." Neveah completed quietly.

"The rider council is the only prevailing council, and all other decision making bodies for the rest of the species are dismissed. This is common practice in times of unrest." Kirgan relayed.

"I have heard so." Neveah confirmed with a nod.

The stronghold had no King at this time, Neveah understood that if there ever had been a time of unrest, it was exactly now.

"In these times, Dragon Keep is exclusively accessible to Dragon Kind, save for the resident staff."

"Most of the Keep Dragons are away on duty daily, be it here in Keep skies or elsewhere where their attention is needed,"

"The Keep does not just appear empty, Neveah...it practically is." Kirgan stated.