Recognition

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CHAPTER 15

Seeing the one who led them fly off, Zeno, Drystan and the others transformed and flew after him.

They had finally arrived at their destination, there was no need to hide anymore. At this point, they were far away from the radar of the king and his nosy supporters.

There were no more barriers or stumbling blocks in their paths anymore.

Soaring far in the sky, they flew past the clouds and back down, even the young ones amongst them joined Xander and Zeno far into the sky.

There was something about being in the vicinity of the palace. It had a rich ambience surrounding it. And this only activated when the real ruler was present.

Without a doubt, it proved to the other dragons who were in doubt a few minutes ago, that for the Aisle of Drakenflame to accept Xavier, then he was not a bad person.

Taking in deep breaths, Xander let his mind reel him to times of the past as a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

**Flashback**

"This is the family's tradition, Xander. You must learn the sacred magic and the spells needed to keep a certain treasure safe from the eyes of everyone in the realm."

"Father," a young Xander swallowed hard as he brought his hands in front of his head. "If this treasure is that important, I would follow and do protect it with my life."

"As you will my son. For it is home to our master and king. A friend this family would cherish for generations. In time, that treasure would recognize its master and release her energy for the growth and strengthening of her people."

The older man let out a warm smile at the young child's attentiveness before he continued his teachings.

"Now if in your time this happens, know and believe that the true ruler whom we serve is back."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then you would have to pass these same teaching to your son. But for a great reason, I believe it would happen in yours. After all, you were named after his best friend."

The young lad's lips fell open upon realization as the thoughts that ran through his mind remained plastered on his face.

"I know, but it wasn't intentional. Your mother, bless her soul, she revealed it to me before her death. It was why she named you Xander."

Xander's brows furrowed his brows at his father. He wished to ask exactly what his mother had seen but kept quiet about it.

"She had a vision when you were born. She saw you bow before him and then rose to stand at his side while he called out your name."

"Mum was a prophesying dragon. I shall fulfil my destiny, father. You have nothing to worry about."

"I never once did, son."

**Flashback Ends**

Xander blinked back the tears that glistened in his eyes as he stared ahead.

It would not belong and they were already approaching the palace gates. Whether or not they would be allowed through would no longer be dependent on him but on Xavier.

Yes, his clan once had control of the palace, to some extent because of their protection. However, now that Xavier had been released, boundaries were set.

"Xander," Xander turned his head a bit to the side and instantly, Zeno's face came to view.

His brows contorted into a frown. Regardless of how much he tried to hide it, Xander could still see through him thanks to his eyes which were laced with worry.

"What do you think his majesty would say when he sees us?"

"What would he say?"

"Do you think he would be willing to accept us?"

Xander shook his head at him. At this point he was tempted to pinch Zeno's nose bridge just to bring back his senses but considering they were amongst the others, he refrained from doing so.

"You have come this far, and you are now questioning things?"

"You can't blame me," Zeno defended, hastily before Xander got any funny ideas.

"I know," Xander breathed out calmly. As soon as he inhaled though, his nostrils were once again assaulted by the rich energy surrounding the palace.

"If he did not, he would have stopped us at the entrance back there since. His not appearing now is a sign that we are welcomed and he has been expecting us."

Following his line of sight, Zeno's gaze lingered on the cloudy mist surrounding the main palace and released a sharp sigh.

"I hope so."

"Believe so, Zeno. I need you to believe. You are the one I will put in charge of everything once I leave this place this evening. Understood?"

"Okay. But between you and I, something tells me, I would probably be a bit frightened by him."

"Hahahaa, wow. So, there is someone who can make you scared other than I do. Interesting."

"Ahem," Zeno cleared his throat and turned his gaze elsewhere. It was impossible to deny things when it came to Xander.

He was tempted to tell him he wasn't scared by him but he knew that was a lie.

At times he had a devilish charm hanging about him. And that was when he was showing his ruthless nature.

"Stop worrying," Xander informed calmly. "All would be well. However, you would have to put an eye on your people," he whispered in coded language to Zeno.

"Got it."

Suddenly the atmosphere around them changed and they could feel an overbearing aura directed in the direction they were going as well as a pair of heated gazes on them.

Like trained soldiers, they stopped for a second.

By the time both of them looked ahead again, they were already close to the big gates and could see a figure standing on the top of the gate with his hands crossed at his back.

"T-That's…" Zeno gulped and swallowed the remaining words. By the time he turned his head to the side to see Xander's reaction, he was shocked at how the latter sped off, heading straight for the figure.

Saving all of his comments in his mind, Zeno too picked up speed and chased after him.

On getting there, Xander came to a stop halfway in the air and instantly placed a hand across his chest as he lowered his head, bending low in a deep salute.