Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 909: Rise Of The Forlorn ()

~Dragon Keep, Keep Skies.

The tension in the audience hall was almost visible. Jian’s fists clenched tightly around the armrest of his throne, his gaze fixed on the gigantic map of the stronghold that had been hung up to aid the war council.

"My Liege, the Forlorn march in terrifying numbers." Decaron reported grimly, "They have formed four distinct armies, taking four different routes."

He indicated the routes on the map with four markers. "Our scouts can’t get too close, or risk being spotted by great orcs, or species of forlorn with flight ability."

"Hence, we do not know the exact numbers or who’s leading them?" Menarx surmised.

He stood leaning against the stone pillar by the throne, arms crossed over his chest.

Though he had shown great promise in recovery, it was still obvious to everyone on the council that the Lord of Ruby scales wasn’t in prime form as he was once.

"No. We do not." Decaron confirmed, wincing. "We only know one of these armies is headed straight for Keep skies."

The tension took a dive. Dragon lords and riders exchanged looks, their expressions grim.

Each of these men and women had fought their fair share of battles. Some had fought more than their fair share.

And so, it was neither fear nor dismay in their eyes. It was something else.

Apprehension. The grim reality remained that the closer the Forlorn marched, the more human settlements they would destroy, and while they discussed countermeasures, the casualties were piling up.

Many other races were also at great risk. Because the three other routes the Forlorn army took led to Aloria, the ruins of EbonHollow, and the Dark Lands respectively.

"Scouts from various fortresses are still keeping an eye on the situation, alongside a few Keep dragons."

"After staying nearly dormant for weeks while amassing their numbers, they move with a worrying speed and harmony... for beasts." He continued, "The working assumption is that a form of magical hierarchy was established using the power of the runes, hence each army has its own leader with their purpose... which we have been unable to determine yet."

He inclined his head in guilt, "But it’s safe to say they’re not coming to exchange pleasantries."

"Dune Lord, your territory is the final battlement before the dark lands, what do you think their purpose is for heading your way?" Cassian asked.

Kaideon looked thoughtful. "When we first picked up signs of the troll golem, it was also in the dunes. It was almost invisible then. We could barely even track it."

"Then, Garron assumed that the closer the beast was to the untethered dark energy in the dark lands, the stronger it was."

"So, they’re headed there to feed on remnants of dark energy?" Kirgan asked, his expression scrunched up in distaste. "And they’ll get even more annoying than they already are?"

Kaideon shook his head slightly. "Verothrax successfully closed the dimension crack in the canyon. Though he conveniently forgot to fix the canyon itself and left a gaping hole in the ground a few miles from my territory..." He frowned as he spoke, clearly still holding grudges for Verothrax’s betrayal.

The dragon lord in question was nowhere to be seen. Verothrax hardly showed his face anywhere else but in battle since the canyon.

"However, that very canyon was the beginning of the breaking, was it not? The very first gateway to the Forlorn realm and by far the largest dimension crack." His eyes narrowed, "But we closed it. Even before the rise of the Forlorn got this severe."

"We lament the current numbers, but I saw the great beast sea for myself. A few of us did... what we have walking our lands is not even a quarter of their true number. So what if..." He trailed off pointedly,

"They want to crack it open again!" Imagor hissed, "Not just a damn crack this time, a full gateway linking the two realms."

Kaideon nodded, "It is safe to say the sorcerer Beoruh will be closest to where the greatest possible destruction can be caused. I reckon he commands the Forlorn headed to my Dunes."

"In that case, you must return to the Dunes." Cassian said grimly, "You are the only Dune dragon capable of commanding a victory against the Forlorn. Rodvan will need your expertise."

Kaideon looked torn.

Eira was here in the Keep. She was not in any state to return with him. And parting ways...was asking a great deal of the Dune lord who had only just reunited with his true bonded.

Jian winced in guilt. "Kaideon, I know you do not wish to leave, and if you refuse, I will not insist."

Kaideon shook his head slowly, stepping forward. "The Dunes are my responsibility until I bequeath my title. On my honour, I will protect the territory entrusted to my care."

"I only ask that you allow Everon to remain in the Keep and see to Eira while I am away."

Jian nodded once. "As you wish. Your Lady will be safe here. You have my word."

The Keep dragons murmured their support.

"Then I will go to Egwain." Kaideon’s gaze roamed the council for a moment and then he turned, striding out of the council.

Lord Egwain, the mage would cast him a portal straight to the Dunes. Flight would take far too long and the one thing they did not have on their hands was time.

But Jian knew where Kaideon would go first. And it wasn’t Egwain.

He would be leaving behind his family again. The Dune lord didn’t show it, but Jian guessed he had begun to loathe his duty that constantly required this of him.

And Neveah...

His chest tightened at the thought.

She would worry greatly. Kaideon had been in the line of fire long enough, even in the Forlorn realm. And yet again.

And the Dunes, her home was constantly endangered. Neveah herself had not fared any better.

It was one danger after the other since he’d claimed her as his.

Xenon’s hand on his shoulder drew him out of the dark thoughts before they could take root.

’Veah and Kaideon both...will give anything to keep the stronghold safe. Just like you and I. This is no fault of yours.’

’The Vairheacs have been protectors for centuries. It is in their bloodline. You cannot deny them their honour...we can only keep her safe.’

Jian nodded slowly. Xenon was right. This path, she had chosen to walk it with them. Now, he just had to trust that they would always find their way back to each other.

"The two armies headed for Aloria and Keep Skies are not far from our anticipation." Decaron resumed his briefing, "But to EbonHollow?"

"It is indeed strange. There’s nothing there but ruins." Cassian agreed,

Jian’s fingers tapped the armrest of his throne, thinking it over.

"The royal guard will protect the Keep around the clock."

"Verothrax and Decaron will lead the fourth squadron to battle. Keep skies has never fallen, not once and it never will. The Forlorn will not get beyond the Fodder grooves." Jian made clear,

Kirgan glanced his way, "We’re not guarding Keep Skies ourselves? We can’t be going over to aid Aloria..." He chuckled and then his smile dropped.

"EbonHollow. You will command the battle at EbonHollow." He realised.