Asher's eyes darted to Rowena's with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity, "Drakaris?" He exhaled slowly, the gravity of the name resonating with every fiber of his being, "I've read ancient texts and heard tales of great dragons, but one that lived for over 7000 years? That's a legend, not history. If such a creature existed and held that kind of power, how come it's not common knowledge?"
Rowena looked up, her eyes reflecting the glow of the blood moon, "The dragons we speak of today are but a mere shadow of what Drakaris was believed to be and was considered the king of all. Yes, our dragons may live up to a thousand years, but Drakaris... he was an entity beyond comprehension. Just his size alone could cover our entire kingdom. Tales say he had the might to reduce the world to ashes if he wanted to."
A hint of a smile danced on Asher's lips, "Legends do have a tendency to exaggerate. It's a bit hard to swallow that one creature had that much power."
Rowena gently nudged him, "I know. I also had a hard time believing it, especially being surrounded by history and facts. But when it comes to Drakaris, facts blur into myths. Dragons, as powerful and few as they are, have their lives recorded meticulously. Every birth, every death. Except for Drakaris. No one knows how or why, but one day, he just...vanished. Some say he went into an indefinite slumber or that he descended into the Seven Hells. Those who know of Drakaris' stories would never dare to assume he is dead."
Asher ran a hand through his hair, absorbing this information, "So you're suggesting that this... legendary beast, rather than perishing, simply went to sleep or vanished from our realm? And the breaking of the Devourer's Pact would be its time to return huh…But why would a legendary dragon like that care if the pact is broken? It doesn't seem like he has a reason to concern itself with such things."
Rowena looked deep into Asher's eyes as she unraveled the history that was long buried. "You see, Ash, dragons are magnificent and powerful, but their procreation process is intricate and often unsuccessful. Even with their long lifespans, most dragons end up leaving this realm without offspring. Today, we have just over ten of them left, and their lineage is constantly under threat. Our world's condition only makes it harder for them."
Asher's eyes widened with understanding, "So, Drakaris... he gave the Devourer a drop of his bloodforce, not just as a mere gift, but to ensure that the mighty dragon lineage didn't die out with him?"
Asher felt it was quite interesting that the draconians have no problem popping out kids left and right, though most of them end up being very weak, and usually, only the first few might be any good.
As for those of Rowena's bloodline, he had read enough of House Drake's history to know that they had always struggled with having more than one child, which wasn't as bad as the situation of the dragons.
It also meant Rowena would have the same difficulty.
However, this was enough proof to see whose bloodline was more in touch with the dragons. Rowena and those of her bloodline were never purely vampires but had their bloodline perfectly mixed with draconic bloodline.
Rowena nodded, her voice softening, "Yes. Drakaris, for all his immense power, was not immune to the instinct of preservation. Like any other creature, he wished to see his bloodline thrive. He waited patiently for someone deserving, someone who would respect and honor the power they were bestowed. The Devourer, despite all the tales and myths surrounding him, managed to win Drakaris's trust."
Chuckling, Asher tilted his head, "I've heard stories of the Devourer grappling with a dragon, holding it down in a display of dominance. Now those seem more comical than grand."
The corners of Rowena's lips twitched upwards, "After merging with the draconic blood, the Devourer was eager to prove to Drakaris that his faith wasn't in vain. He didn't just secure his lineage; he expanded it."
Asher, feigning shock, asked, "Is that why the Devourer had so many... liaisons, resulting in a bunch of children?"
Asher felt that this Devourer guy must have had fun while carrying them out in the name of duty. Not that he could blame the man.
Rowena gave a lighting chiding stare at him, knowing what he was hinting at.
She then shook her head and said, "Unlike what you might think, the Devourer and Drakaris shared something deeper than just mutual respect. Their bond transcended their differences. They were like brothers, bound by fate and will. If stories are to be believed, each would've laid down their life for the other."
"So, the Devourer foresaw the discord amongst his many children and trusted Drakaris to keep them in line?" Asher mused, processing the depth of trust and foresight.
Rowena nodded slowly, "Yes. The Devourer might have had many children, but he wasn't blind to the inevitable conflicts that would arise. He knew he could keep them in line as long as he was alive. But once he dies, chaos would unleash. So he penned a pact, a final declaration, if you will, and placed it in the care of Drakaris. He had absolute faith in the ancient one to ensure his descendants remained united or at least wouldn't destroy each other."
Asher's fingers played idly with the grass beneath their sheet, "And did Drakaris enforce this pact when the Great War of Bloodied Skies broke out? After the Devourer... left?"
There was a touch of sadness in Rowena's eyes, "Yes, he did. The timing of that war, right after the Devourer's time, felt almost orchestrated. As if they all had waited for the Devourer to step down. But those vying for power underestimated the preparations the Devourer made. Drakaris, with all his majestic might, intervened."
Asher's face turned pensive, "So, he intervened as the war violated the pact."
Rowena leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper, yet resolute, "It was not only just about the pact. Drakaris took it as a personal slight. To him, those wars were an insult to his bloodline and the very gift he gave to their ancestor. He made it abundantly clear: if the kingdoms descended into war again, he'd lay waste to the instigator with no mercy, for he didn't want anyone who insulted his gift to continue living nor see any traces of them in the future."
Asher raised his brows as he said, "Drakaris' strength must have been quite terrifying if his mere legacy could ensure the draconians kept the peace for millennia, especially after his vanishing act."
Rowena's face glowed with a hint of pride, "Not just a legacy, Ash. The lineage still exists. The blood of Drakaris courses through the veins of the strongest dragon alive today."
Asher's eyes widened, genuine surprise dancing across his features, "You mean to tell me Drogor is a direct descendant of Drakaris?"
Rowena let out a slow, deliberate nod, her eyes clouding over with a touch of melancholy, "Yes. But ever since the death of his Master, Drogor's allegiance to our realm has waned. It's like a part of him died that day. That is what happens to most beasts that love their Master."
Asher nodded softly as he thought of Callisa and what might happen to her if he died.
Imagining Callisa becoming like Drogor made his heart clench. And what makes it even worse was that since they had long lifespans, the longer they would suffer.
He also knew it was one of the main reasons why Isola at first agreed to not expose him after she learned about his past.
He ran his fingers through his hair, visibly perturbed, "Having Drogor on our side would have been an advantage like no other. I've heard tales of his might," Asher already had seen firsthand the might of Flaralis.
And if people say Drogor was twice as strong as Flaralis, then there was no question of the sheer destruction it could unleash.
Rowena sighed, her fingers tracing patterns on the soft sheet, "Indeed. Drogor is an absolute force of nature. But now, he's like a drifting shadow, aimless and detached. It's tragic how he's resigned to letting time wither him away, without purpose."
Shaking his head with a mix of frustration and understanding, Asher murmured, "Such a waste. With Drogor by our side, the draconians might have thought twice before they stirred things up."
Rowena tilted her head thoughtfully, "I believe the draconians' sudden aggression toward us isn't just because of Drogor's absence. If that was the case, they would have acted out ages ago."
Asher looked puzzled, "So, you're saying they've just thrown caution to the wind, disregarding the pact and the severe losses they might face?"
Sighing, Rowena nodded slowly, "It does seem odd, but their confidence has surged suddenly. It's either sheer arrogance or... there's another reason we're not privy to."
Asher's gaze sharpened, determination evident in his eyes, "I'll dig into this and find out what's emboldening them."
Rowena placed a gentle hand on his forearm, her voice firm but gentle, "Ash, I appreciate your commitment, but leave foreign affairs to House Valentine. Your main concern should be the upcoming duel in the Draconis Kingdom. The outcome could very well dictate our future."
Asher's jaw tightened, understanding the weight of Rowena's words, "I know, but I can't just sit idly while our kingdom is threatened."
She squeezed his arm, her eyes glistening with warmth, "You won't be idle. Training and preparing for this duel is paramount. Your strength and wit will be our kingdom's shield. That's your role in all this. Be the protector our kingdom needs right now. That's why I…" Rowena's expression softened as she cupped his face and said with a deep gaze, "...am going to declare you its king."
