Meetings(2)

"Great lavels of this wondrous settlement, I welcome you to these our clan grounds on this day because I have a very juicy secret to share with you." Bamboo's tempting introduction brought out some chuckling from the group. Many were finally getting to see another side of their settlement head, and at least did not disappoint his attempt at a joke.

"By how outstanding our performance was in the Farriga Festival, you have guessed by now that we, the jades, had a special secret. A secret that allowed us to rise above and beat your heroes senselessly." Bamboo was trying to lighten the tense atmosphere his words would definitely cause with humor, but he had pushed it too far.

Everyone was looking on with anticipation, even his own clan members. It was not that his joke didn't register, it was just that it was so misplaced. Everyone wanted to know what this secret was, and some were sending curious glances at the old lavel who'd been seated next to Bamboo. Whatever this secret was, they had a feeling it had something to do with him.

There were those that began to feel cheated. Was Bamboo so shameless as to openly declared that he had cheated in the festival? If there really was such a thing, shouldn't he have shared with all? Of course, even as these thoughts went through their minds, in their heart of hearts they knew that they too wouldn't have given up a sure bet. Seeing their facial expressions, Bamboo replied:

"It is not that I didn't want to share the secret and benefit the entire clan, I simply couldn't. We had all been expressly forbidden from disclosing anything to anyone, and that included our families and the clan. Now however, we can rejoice and celebrate, for I have been given the all clear and I can start sending invitations as early as now! Come join and watch your life transform!"

"Excuse me, what's the secret?" The one who asked was one of the elders from the former ruling clan. He like all the others despised the fact that their clan had lost something that they almost considered as a right, and he wanted to do whatever to regain it back. Whatever this lavel that was playing at leadership was sputtering about could be the key.

There were many that thought that. Others just wanted to know how the jade team had grown so strong and domineering and if possible, also gain that. This was especially true for people like Lisha and Khalia, who had had their horizons broadened by their experience in the arena. If they could grow their power to such a level, possibly even grow higher, who knows, the sky was the limit.

Even Krea was intrigued. After her breakthrough, she had felt that she was strong enough to fight anyone. This had been further confirmed by her victory against the undisputed, but oh did he make such a come back. Though Bamboo himself did not come out and either deny or confirm it, there was talk that she had only won the first time because Bamboo had gone easy on her.

It made sense, and while it was not in any way true, even Krea believed it. This was the first time she had felt a burning need to rise in power. Previously, she had always been behind the scenes. Her powers were little more than toys, barely helping anyone or anything.

If there is one thing she had to thank her father for, was that he opened the doors for her entry into the world stage. She was no longer a nobody, or a scared little girl. For a time, she had felt what it was like to have a cause, a reason to fight and go all out. This was for the glory of her clan.

Her start had been very small, but she had quickly stolen the hearts of all those in her clan who saw in her the last hope of avoiding shame. She was well equipped, well supplied but she quickly realized that none of these meant anything against absolute power, which was what she now sort to get. It wasn't like a need, but a want so that she could remain relevant.

"What if I told you there is an organization that you can join. An organization with many powerful individuals who are willing to help train and pass on their knowledge. A powerful organization that could protect us from any enemy. An organization with resources that could raise our power to a whole new level? Would you be willing to join such an organization?"

Bamboo's outburst caught everyone attention. They started thinking of the possibilities of being in such an organization. The power and prestige aside, just the promise of protection got many quite interested.

"Sign me up!" Brom couldn't hold it. He was always outspoken, and being extremely powerful didn't help either. He was just the first, many began even standing up and walking, and then running to Bamboo, but with great effort, he managed to calm them down, after everyone was seated, he went on.

"Needless to say, such an organization does not give out such benefits for free. There are conditions to be met for joining, and once one joins, there are other rules in place to be followed and other conditions." This may sound obvious now but many hadn't considered that at all, and with Bamboo's explanation.

"I really am just an outside member of the organization, I am not even fit to tell you about it beside its name, but with me is one who stands close to the top. You have such an individual visit us is truly an honor." Turning respectfully towards the old lavel, he bowed before continuing, "I now call Master Kendar to come and explain these to us!"

What does it mean to be a wizened old lavel. First, the mane on his head was turning color, turning into a lighter shade of green. Same as his fur. His face was heavily wrinkled and even his whiskers were drooping. As he stood, he looked as though he would fall the next moment, yet, he strode on with power.

Those looking on automatically got a look of respect. Being predators, lavels didn't normally live to be a ripe old age. Usually, if one couldn't hunt, and didn't seem to add any value to the clan, they usually just died off before they wizened. Only the top contributors, the very best of hunters and leaders, remained.

It was always a trade off. Old age commanded respect, but one looked weak and vulnerable. Youth commanded strength, yet the old looked on with contempt. Dane decided on the latter cause he didn't need to command power, as he had others for that.

***

"Great Warriors of the resistance. You know me well, I don't waste time on speeches, so I'll try and be brief. By now, you have all heard the news. There is one that has come to these shores. He says he wants to take on the Quest of Keeling." At this point she shot a look at Kedan, and a small playful smile appeared on his face.

"He thinks he can win, in fact he's sure of it." Her statement actually caused many of the warriors present to laugh. There was a hint of playful derision in her tone, as though it was an impossibility. Kedan could guess right away which side she was on. "It is therefore our duty to test and prepare him!" That shout brought about loud shouts and cheering from all over.

Everyone, save for the new comers, were shooting excited looks at the new arrival. It had been confirmed. There really was someone willing to take part in that dreaded Quest. How could they not be intrigued.

There were those that looked on with pity in their eyes, as they understood what it meant to be TESTED and PREPARED for the Quest. These were exciting times indeed.

***

For the longest time, Dane had been whacking his brain on what to do after the Festival. To allow the momentum that had been built up by Farriga Festival to dissipate would be extremely wasteful, and given how quickly the lavels were growing, soon, they wouldn't even need his input to dominate the world.

As such, he needed to come up with something that would make many want to join. He also had a special task of trying to build up his name, not only for now, but in the records and annals of the Great Dragon, he wanted to showcase his benevolent side.

There was also another reason. In such peaceful times, many wouldn't see the need for power just for power's sake. It was well within a mortal's mind that power in itself was hardly ever the end goal in mind. Many wanted to have power as a means to an end, even he wanted to grow strong for his own reasons.

As such, he had to come up with a good enough reason to entice the likes of the powerful but scared Krea and the outspoken and strong such as Brom. There were those that would join for various reasons, but with a glowing red reason, a cause, a just purpose, many would come from all directions seeing membership, and that was what he was here to offer.

"Lavels gathered here today. I come here to remind you of a scourge that many have forgotten, but one that does not forget us. At a time when we are weak and powerless, there are those that seek to destroy us. They come into our homes, destroy our houses, sack our settlements and plunder all we have. Yet that is not even their worst crimes."

"It is because of these despicable villains and their hateful actions that our noble lavelian race is looked upon with contempt by others. They indeed capture those among us full of innocence, strip them of who their are and make them slaves." Kendar's passionate speech rendered many speechless.

As he had said, many had grown comfortable and even forgotten about this threat. Being in a settlement with such sturdy foundations definitely had its benefits. No bandit would attack such unless they had no other option. There was always smaller fish to fry.

Those like Khalia that had suffered under the hands of bandits were most affected by Kendar's words. The way he spoke was as though he himself had lived through that. He could still remember the feeling of deep loss when he realized that his clan had been ambushed. It was even lucky that they had managed to get out in time.

"The Order of the Dragon, as our organization is known, was established especially for such things. We do not seek out power or make people join us. However, it is our sacred duty, to protect this world from all those that seek to bring harm."

He had been battling with a decision until now. Should he introduce a mantra to the clans? It was obviously a classic, an idea that had been carried off in many other organizations and it gave the members something to root for. Making a decision, he placed his hand on his chest, and began loudly proclaiming:

"We are the protector of the Innocent,

the defenders of justice,

the upholders of morality.

We fight for those who cannot fight for themselves,

We are the shield that guards our planet,

We bleed to save others,

We die so many more will live.

We are The Order of the Dragon!"