Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 729: Lead ()

The doors to the audience hall swung open and Neveah strode in, Xenon by her side. Her countenance was calm, yet imposing and the hall immediately fell silent, all deliberations halted at her arrival.

Neveah glanced around briefly, taking note of the somber atmosphere, it was unlike the rider council and Neveah knew it had less to do with the war, than it had to do with Lodenworth and Keila.

Accustomed to betrayal amongst even the most intimate of bonds back in the eclipse domain, father against som and mate betraying mate, Neveah did not find this as difficult to accept as it was for the dragons.

Unlike in werewolf history where it was as common as names, traitors were few and far amongst dragon kind, Neveah understood but she knew they would have to accept.

Neveah made her way through the midst of the council to the elevated dias.

The King’s guard rose from their seats, there was only Imagor and Kirgan and the other three seats by the dragon throne were vacant.

Neveah paused before the dragon throne, glancing at it. It did not seem as intimidating as it had the first time she had addressed the council. And she did not feel she was as much of an impostor as she had then. Today she was not here to prove herself or defend her title, she was here to lead.

Or at least as close to that as she could in such a time.

Turning around, Neveah faced the council and as one, they lowered their heads to a bow, it was neither requested nor demanded, but a willing bow in perfect tandem. It was not duty that moved them, but respect, freely given and deeply earned.

Neveah sat on the dragon throne, her expression devoid of any emotion. Xenon climbed up the steps, but he did not go to his place amongst the King’s guard, instead he stood by the right arm of the dragon throne.

His silent show of support and companionship bolstered Neveah’s courage in ways nothing else ever had.

Her voice clear and steady broke the silence. "At ease." Neveah permitted the council and they complied. "I hear we are at war..."

"Well, that is unfortunate... for them." Neveah stated firmly, her voice calm but edged with steel.

There were a few chuckles and low hums of approval from the rider council and the somber atmosphere lightened considerably, Neveah let the moment linger before she spoke again.

"The Fae have long been intent to be a thorn in our side, it is not news to us. They have been restrained by their inability to come up with a justification for war, but now, it seems they have grown impatient."

"They have employed the aid of others... werewolves from across the sea, to grow their numbers. Now, I know this specie better than anyone else, and I know their strength, their great numbers, I share a part of their heritage, this is known to us all. But I also know if supremacy was based on numbers, dragon blood would not be seated on this throne." Neveah paused for a moment, her gaze scanned the council from one dragon-rider pair to the next.

Her words incited a spark of pride and Neveah felt it spread like wildfire through the hall.

"Now I know we have concerns," Her tone softened. "We are lacking pillars of our kind. Our Liege, Lord Cassian, my father Lord Kaideon and many more elite dragon lords who embarked on the mission to restore Fort Blazed and are yet to return." Neveah suppressed a wince at the thought.

"And I know we have questions... for those who should be amongst us but yet seem beyond our reach, loyalties now in question, without reason nor explanation. Lord Lodenworth... his rider Keila, I know there are doubts, there are hesitations, and disappointment." Neveah crossed her arms, leaning forward on the throne, her tone meaningful.

"But I will say it again, we are at war. In war, there cannot be questions, or doubts, hesitations or concerns...there can only be victory. There is none who knows war better than dragon kind...you have all fought one too many to count."

"You have weathered storms of fire and blood and in each of those battles, you have won. We do not delight in bloodshed, we have done our best to avoid this result...to push it off until Our Liege returns. But what we will not do is back down from a fight, turn away, or negotiate with the enemy." Neveah made clear.

"We have given the Fae multiple chances to back down and maintain the peace, they have rejected our outstretched hand and we will now withdraw it. The enemy will not advance even an inch into Dragon territory, and we will not present a broken stronghold to Our Liege on his return." Neveah glanced over at Imagor and nodded her head.

"You are not without leadership, dragon kind does not lack battle lords. Look around you, ahead of you...Lords Kirgan, Imagor, Xenon and Menarx who returns as we speak hold Our Liege’s faith, and this is because they are worthy. I also, trust them completely...so do not falter."

"The stronghold has forgotten how we got to this point and so we will have to teach them, in our language...fire and blood." Neveah said.

"Fire and blood!" The words were echoed through the hall.

"Your Grace, we hear you will depart Dragon Keep. At such a time, it is imperative you stay protected and Dragon Keep is the safest place you can be. Do you absolutely have to leave?" Lord Decaron spoke up from his place.

"My duty to you and my vow to return Our Liege to the stronghold calls me away. While I understand the risks, my vow is one I will fulfill at any cost. I ask that you let me take a pillar of yours, Xenon along with me, as well as Verothrax...it is a great ask in such a time, but I trust that you will keep the stronghold in strength till we return." Neveah passed a look to Xenon who nodded to her in approval.