Chapter 130: The compass

-Is this where I come in?- Diana asked

-Yeah, we'll probably survive their attacks, but I rather not have unnecessary bloodshed if possible-

Diana then transformed into her original form, a black phoenix with black and purple flames. A few of the elves dropped their weapons in shock and amazement as their mouth were left agape.

We then heard shouts and screams from the village as well.

"A phoenix! One of you go call the elder" the boss of the guards ordered as one hastily ran inside

"Put down your weapons please. They are all with me" Diana said and they all followed her command

"We can't standing in front of a phoenix, everyone kneel!" he ordered and kneeled, the others then followed his orders.

*****

The elder arrived and welcomed us. He was around 160cm tall, has brown eyes have all the features of an ice elf, grey hair, light blue skin and looked to be in his late 60s. He wore a thick winter jacket and holds a cane despite being able to walk normally.

"I'm sorry for my men's action, we meant you no harm" he apologized "I am Tian, nice to meet you all"

"No worries, you didn't expect visitors after all" Diana replied and introduced the rest of us

Diana then transform back into her smaller bird form and perched on my shoulder.

"Please, let's discuss the matters of your visit somewhere else, you must be very cold out here" The elder said as he then lead us a big hut. "This is my home, please come in"

It was much warmer inside, and Ace then got out of my jacket. The elder then led us to a couch as we all sat. I then spotted several elves looking through the hut's windows.

"I assume this person is your bond" The elder pointed at me

"Yes, of course." Diana nodded proudly "He'll be the one doing most of the talking today, but he might bit too casual and rude today, so I would apologize in advance"

-You sound more and more like mom everyday-

"Of course. Is there a reason for why you're all here today?" The elder asked cheerfully

"I read it somewhere that you, the elder of this village, knows the location of a settlement of snow dragons, so is it true?"

"May I inquire you on why you need this information?" His face then turned serious

He then turned to the onlookers and signal them to back away and they followed his orders.

"It's mostly for Diana's brother, Damon" I then pointed at Damon "See, he's a snow dragon too. We want him to meet one of his own and possibly find his parents if they're still alive"

"I'm still a bit perplexed on a phoenix and dragon being siblings" he sighs "But just know that the information I'm about to give you is top secret."

"Of course, none of us here will leak out anything. Professor? Jake?"

"Of course, I would swear it with my faith and keep it to my grave" Jake responded

"Uh yeah, we'll keep it a secret too" Professor Emma added

"Then let us go visit the head shaman, she will have the tools to be able to direct you towards their location" Tian nodded with a satisfied face

"Sorry for a bit of my skepticism, but this information has been passed on for a very long time, right? How am I sure that the location you're about to give still even have dragons living there?"

"It will be explained more thoroughly by the head shaman, and we also made sure to send someone to visit them once in a while" Tian replied

*****

We were then led to an old round hut, inside was several shamans in decorated robes and one more decorated than the other. She was a frail old lady with a big cane by her side.

-It's kinda obvious that she's the head shaman- Ace commented

-Ya think?-

"Ah you're the visitor who bonded with a phoenix" the old lady laughed "I'm Arya, the head shaman of this small village"

We then took a seat in front of her.

*****

"I see, a snow dragon who was left behind" Arya nodded "Growing up must have been very hard for you, not just that, but to also raise another at such a young age is amazing. Sebas! Get the compass!"

A shaman then ran out of the hut to return a while later with a white compass that seems to be made out of a dragon's scale. I then look closer the the shaman's face, he looked awfully like Tian, my bonds seemed to notice it too.

"Is he your son?"

"Ah yes, I do hope he succeeds me some day, he is a very hardworking boy" Tian smiled

-Sebas and Tian, the author is pretty smart, unlike his usual self- Siege commented

| I will ignore the last part and accept the compliment, thank you |

"Say what do most dragons think in general about another dragon bonding with a human, or a dhampir in this case?"

"You don't have to worry" the old lady chuckled "They won't look down on you, most of them respect the strong, so if you are able to prove yourself to them, they would be more than happy to welcome you. Though I've never heard of a vampire and human hybrid before, maybe we should come out of isolation a bit to learn more about the world"

"Well no wonder the guards couldn't determine what you are" T

"A dhampir is rare, even in the outside world, most people haven't even heard of them. Mostly only vampires know about it, and like I said before, I'm very rare"

Arya then signal Sebas to give it to Damon, he then handed the compass to Damon who received it with careful hands.

"I would usually lead a ritual to activate the compass, but in this case, since you are a snow dragon, your blood will not only activate it but also alert the settlement that one of their own is coming" Arya smiled "And don't worry, you can keep the compass to yourself, just leave some of your scales here, since that's what we use to make it"

"What are you waiting for, Damon? It's time we grant you your wish"