Their Return

************

CHAPTER 14

For as long as Xavier could remember, the walls of the palace held memories he cherished as a child and even growing up.

He could still hear the whispers of his playmate, Xander, and even the enchanting voice of his wife when he married her and became king.

These walls, although lonely now, held a certain ambience and just gliding his fingers along them as he wandered in the place, brought a sense of relief and pain.

He was not so sure after breaking free if he would get anything left of his palace after being sealed for ten thousand years.

Honestly, the worst his mind could possibly think of happening was having the new dragon King occupy his home.

Fortunately enough, they were cowards, afraid of doing so.

Xavier's lips turned upwards as a thought suddenly crossed his mind, forcing him to come to a stop.

'It is either cowardice or she would never let a non pure blooded dragon rule her.'

At the final thought, his smile broadened, revealing the dark glint that flashed in his eyes.

'It has to be the latter. Too bad, they could not destroy her as well. It would be a shame if she is finally revealed to Maestherial.'

His eyes locked on the walls again as a charming smile appeared on his face, bringing relief to his heart.

'You would stand tall, my pride.' He thought within him while patting the walls gently.

His gaze flickered from the walls around him as he nodded in satisfaction.

After some seconds, he averted his gaze to his left-hand side, letting his eyes linger on the creature at his side.

"She calls you Layla, is that not? Good thing I went back to get answers, else you would have surely died from that rubble," Xavier's said while shaking his head, earning a purr from the little white nine-tailed fox at his side.

Another smile formed around the corners of his lips, making his already handsome features more striking and enchanting to behold.

"Come, little one. Let us pay your naughty owner a visit. At least you can keep her busy while I entertain my guests."

Layla nodded at him but did nothing else, till he took a step forward and she followed suit.

He had kept her a secret from Raven while he studied the latter's behaviour.

And knowing how things may be for her when his supporters come, he decided to let Layla be with her master.

At least having a familiar face around would make her feel secure and safe.

Then he would request help from the new generation of supporters coming to be able to find her roots and why he feels linked to her.

He knew she was a danger to him without being told. A risk, like a ticking time bomb.

It was only a matter of time if anyone found out and she could be used.

Which was why he needed to see these new supporters and determine those he can trust and, better still, where his old friend, Xander was.

"Xander old friend, you better be somewhere amongst that crowd or I would find your bones and kill you myself," Xavier muttered under his breath as they strode on.

*****

On the other hand, at the appointed time, Xander led one-third of the full supporters of the old dragon King out of the kingdom.

He knew for one that if everyone left, it was going to be too suspicious and then, he may be charged with tracking them down and killing them.

He had been in the service of the king since his father passed away two hundred years back. And knowing how deep Jared's fear went, he knew he needed to be careful.

In time, however, the world would see the dragon king not as they once did. For he believed what his family believed.

The dragon king was someone who, unlike others, cared for the welfare of many and would hurt no one unless it was a case he could not deny and when that happens, he would be saddened by his inability to fix things and not save the person.

Now if that kind of person went berserk on a killing spree, it no doubt proves that something went wrong.

Letting out a deep sigh, he turned around briefly, casting his gaze on the families that had left all they knew and had, for this journey, joining faith with the elders of old in believing something better.

"We are here."

Although his voice came off calm and low, everyone present was a dragon. They heard it loud and clear.

Sadly, not all were gifted in illusion magic or tried to practice, as the case may be.

Several heads tilted back as they lifted their heads so their eyes could see far, to understand what was going on.

Regardless, all they could see was a more barren land with nothing but grasses, sand and a long pole sign, indicating that was where the original palace of Drakenvow once stood.

"Here? Where?"

"There is nothing here."

"Exactly."

"Lord Xander, have you brought us here for the slaughter?"

It did not take long for murmurings and doubt to arise but that did not bother him.

If they did not believe anything, then why would they risk their lives to be there now?

Zeno, who had kept quiet through it all, balled his fingers into fists by his side as his rage began to rise.

His eyes narrowed at them briefly before peeling his gaze back to Xander. Someone was out here risking so much and all they could do was complain?

He really wanted to do something, call them ungrateful if he had to but before the words could leave his mouth, someone beat him to it.

"Silence!" A loud voice thundered in rage while sending his frightening stare at them.

"He never asked you to come. Rather than bother his head, look and utilize your five senses properly," the young dragon declared boldly.

"Ephraim, do not worry yourself. Refrain from using words that may bother you later," Xander advised and this time, he did not spare them a glance as he turned on his heels.

"It is time," he declared to the hearing of his trusted dragons at his sides.

"Nif sesame, tiro kriaoe meht maex vior claer."

Those were the only words they heard. The others were perfectly concealed in a whisper. Illusion magic was one of the strongest points his clan had over the others.

It was learnt by his forefather and since the time of Xavier's sealing, it has been taught to each child in that main family branch.

Instantly his eyes were done with a bluish light as spark-like fallen flames began to dance over them as well.

Taking things further, Xander took a step forward with both hands raised above his head.

With every passing second, the whirl between his hands grew wider and bigger.

After what seemed like forever to the others but a few seconds, Xander's eyes glowed with white light as he pushed his hands forward, sending the magic whirl of power at nothing in particular.

That was what they saw until they heard a deafening sound and the power vortex, what he threw hit something in the blank air.

Instantly, the power spread from side to side, going further up into the sky as a big barrier was instantly seen.

However, the more the blue and orange light danced on it, the quicker the barrier disappeared and when they blinked, what their eyes beheld, left them awestruck and shocked.

For all of them, this was the first time they saw Drakenflare's ancient palace in its full magnificence.

Words could not describe the joy in their hearts, the warmth in their eyes nor how their mouths hung agape in anticipation.

In the same vein, the shock in their eyes nor the joy in their hearts could not hold a candle to the elegance of the palace.

"The ancient tales were true," Ephraim proclaimed as he openly recalled the words from legend. "No one can tear down the Aisle of Drakenflame."

A small smile danced around the edges of Xander's lips when he heard those words. However, he ignored it and the shocked expression of his companions.

Suddenly his body lit up, shining brightly briefly with golden light and when it stopped, a pair of white wings flared open to the sides.

Instantly Xander lifted off the ground and without a warning, he dove off into the sky.