The White Dragon Revealed (Dragon's Reign #5)

16. CHANGE

CHANGE

A s Captain Simi placed the two Faith members, Cary and Jennifer, into separate vehicles, Valerius stared beyond the phalanx of police and Claw to the city beyond. People were flowing out of the Gash. He could almost feel their anxiety, grief and confusion. What had been a wonderful, beautiful moment had been turned into a bloodbath. Literally.

It cannot be allowed to remain that way , Valerius thought grimly.

What would you have us do? We can crush and smash as many of these puny beings as we like, but there will always be more, Raziel responded. Or so those two seemed to believe.

Valerius felt a wave of despair flow through him. People’s beliefs were as insubstantial as ghosts and yet they had so much power.

We will talk to the others, Valerius said. Once all the Dragons are here, they may have other ideas.

Raziel snorted. Good ideas?

Hopefully, Valerius answered.

But what do we do now? Raziel sounded almost lost and his Spirit was never lost.

Valerius’ gaze went back to the Gash. Not all that long ago the Below was the scene of another tragedy. Both this one and that could have been so much worse. He watched as the bomb squad placed both bomb vests into heavy containers. Simply destroying them would be safest, but they needed to be studied first. Perhaps something about their design or their parts would lead back to other members of this murderous crew.

“We have to go,” Valerius said to Caden.

Iolaire’s eyes widened and Caden’s voice came over their link, Where?

Iolaire was kneading the ground into mush. Both it and Caden were so anxious about the possibility of more bombers inside the city that they didn’t know where to look or where to go.

“To the Below.” Valerius turned towards Lana and said to it, “I want you to escort the vehicles containing the prisoners back to Reach. See that nothing happens to them.”

Lana nodded its head and took off. Its wings flapped and caused dirt and grass to lift off of the ground and spin violently. Valerius shielded his face with one forearm. Iolaire slid one of its wings between him and Lana, blocking the debris from striking him. Valerius looked up at Iolaire’s beautiful face.

“Thank you,” he said.

Iolaire leaned down and nuzzled the front of his chest. He laughed as its cold breath tickled his bare skin. He kissed the snout as a reward.

Why do you want to go back? Caden asked. I want to see my mom, Rose and Marban, but--

It’s not to see them. But for everyone else to see us, Caden, Valerius said. We must show them that other people’s intentions cannot stop us all. Like Cary and Jennifer said about there being more humans than Shifters, there are more people like us who do not want this violence than there are that do. We must remind everyone of that.

Iolaire lifted its head proudly as Caden said, You’re right. Let’s go back now. We must be with them. Show them there’s no reason to be afraid. Not if we stick together.

There were reasons to be afraid. But being brave was more important right now. The Faith were acting out of fear and a belief that things would always lead to ruin unless something drastic was done. In this case, his something drastic wasn’t burning the world down to ashy nubs, but instead standing strong in front of those with their own fire.

Valerius took two running steps forward before shifting into his Dragon form. Raziel and Iolaire lifted off the earth practically at the same moment.

Remember when you couldn’t shift and couldn’t fly? Valerius asked.

They were wingtip to wingtip now and easily flying beside one another.

Oh, this is all Iolaire! Caden told him.

On the contrary, the two of you are working in sync, Valerius disagreed.

I… I guess you’re right. It feels so natural, Caden admitted.

Because you were always supposed to be with Iolaire and vice versa, Valerius said. He felt Caden melt a little at his words. Let’s go once around the city. Let all the people see us together. Let them take heart that we are one in this.

Yes!

He could almost feel Caden grinning with the joy of flying together. The wind and sun caressed both their scaly bodies. Valerius could smell the arctic scent of ice that hung around Iolaire like a mist. His own fiery scent like exotic spice joined it. The two Dragons gazed at one another as they flew fast around Reach’s towers.

This is how you envisioned us flying before, Raziel, Valerius stated as they flew as if one.

Yes, Iolaire is meant to be with us and we with them , Raziel answered simply.

They swung past the find curve of the city and were at the Gash once more. People were thick on the ground. He could hear crying, gasps, and shouts as people stretched their hands up into the sky towards the Black and White Dragons.

Where should we land? Caden asked nervously as he took in the thick crowd below them.

Hover. They will clear a path. I am going to shift into my human form, but you should stay in your Dragon one once we land, Valerius instructed.

He felt Caden’s hesitation before the young man asked, Are you sure? Hiding my identity any longer feels really unimportant.

I know. But the things I said before about preparing your family stand, Valerius reminded him. And Iolaire’s presence helps calm people.

Yeah, likely more than mine does, Caden admitted.

Yours will when people learn to see you and Iolaire as one, Valerius assured him. But right now you are too new to them. That will change. I promise.

The two of them lowered slowly towards the ground. Their twin sets of wings caused more wind than Lana’s had by a long shot. But as he had told Caden, people moved out of their way quickly, but not in a panicked manner. Finally, there was more than enough room for both of them to land. They lightly dropped to the ground and drew their wings against their bodies.

Raziel and Iolaire immediately went to one another and pressed their foreheads together. A jet of flame left Raziel’s mouth while one of ice issued out of Iolaire’s. People cried out with joy and awe to see two Dragons interacting together. It was a rare sight indeed, and to show affection like this was unheard of, as the press who rushed out of the Below, made sure to point out.

“Roger, are you getting this?” One reporter asked the cameraman hot on her heels.

“I so am,” he assured her.

She stepped into the shot, fussing with her wind blown blonde hair. “Folks, we’ve heard the Green Dragon King Illarion call the White Dragon his mate! But…” She gestured at Raziel and Iolaire in their communing moment. “As we can see here, it looks like the Black Dragon King Valerius has something to say about that!”

Oh, you’ve got to be kidding! Caden groaned. Illarion has NO chance! He never had a chance!

Valerius chuckled. I thought you were going to say something quite different.

What?! Illarion is so not my type and--

No, that you would be embarrassed that Iolaire and Raziel are so affectionate in public, Valerius admitted.

Oh… no, not at all. Do you find it embarrassing? Caden was suddenly all uncertain.

Immediately, Valerius realized his mistake and quickly amended his words, On the contrary, I am quite pleased.

You are? I mean you are! Caden laughed. I just worried you wouldn’t want--

People to know about us? Caden… I want everyone to know. I want to write it across the sky and have it burn so bright that everyone sees it, Valerius found himself saying.

R-really? Caden sounded almost dazed at the idea. You’re that happy with me?

I have never… never been happier, Valerius answered.

Even with everything going on? Caden asked, still a little tentative.

There is always something going on. There is no perfect moment where the world is still and there are no problems. Valerius didn’t know if he was assuring Caden of this or warning him.

The reporter’s chirpy voice interrupted them, “Are they… I do believe that they are purring ! Dragons purr , people! That is something you do not learn everyday!”

Are we… yep, we’re purring, Caden confirmed with a laugh.

Indeed. I would say that it takes away some of our dignity, but cats purr and no one thinks they aren’t dignified, Valerius murmured.

No one could say that Raziel isn’t dignified, Caden assured him.

Why is there laughter in your voice? Valerius asked suspiciously.

Oh, no reason! But Caden’s thoughts betrayed a memory of Raziel’s butt up in the air, tail wagging, as it played hide and seek with Iolaire. No reason at all.

Best not be , Valerius snorted.

Rose! Marban! I don’t see Mom though, Caden told him as Rose and Marban pushed their way through the growing crowd to the circle of space that had naturally formed around them.

Unlike when Iolaire was only present, no one eagerly pressed forward with Raziel there. They all kept a respectful distance. Only Marban walked beyond the line of the crowd with Rose tentatively following after him. Her eyes were fixed on Raziel’s jaws, leary of fire, evidently.

Raziel and Iolaire had broken apart and were both watching the newcomers approach. Iolaire leaned down and greeted Rose with an affectionate nuzzle. Marban gave Iolaire a pat on the snout, a small smile appearing on the Swarm Shifter’s face. Even Marban was not so completely jaded that Iolaire did not affect him in some way.

Your mother and the other members of the Faith have been removed from the Below by the Claw, Valerius explained. She must not be treated differently in front of others.

Right, yeah, of course. Caden longed for his mother, but it was clear he was relieved that Rose and even Marban were all right. So what should we do now? Just seeing us isn’t enough.

No, it is not. Valerius sighed. I have to give a speech.

The Swarm Shifter soon turned his attention fully to Valerius, evidently knowing too that a speech was coming or needed. The old man had become his Councilor as much as Chione had. He would have thought it absurd not that long ago, but here it was.

The Black Dragon King shifted into his human form. His gaze swept from the reporters to the common folk. There were people who had stains of blood from the bomber on their skin and clothes. There were people whose eyes were shadowed, whose lips trembled, who kept those they loved closer to them than before. He said nothing as he looked upon them, meeting their gazes evenly and calmly. Though no one called for quiet, the crowd hushed all on its own, even the reporters.

“As you know, I am not one for speeches,” Valerius said, his voice lifting up into the quiet.

There were some who gave him faint smiles in return, acknowledging this weakness of his. But most looked hungry to hear him talk. To tell them something comforting. To give them strength and purpose and a way to counteract this chaos.

“I wish there were words out there or in here.” He touched his chest. “That would ease your fears and the fears of those who are doing these terrible things. For, mark me, these people are afraid as they strap bombs to their chests or leave them in public squares or set them off at meetings. Fear is a constant. It is how we deal with it that counts.”

Iolaire gazed down at him and nodded. It understood. It had heard Cary and Jennifer’s words. And behind all of what they said was a sort of terror of the bad things that could happen so they were making their own bad things happen to somehow counteract that. Valerius looked at Marban.

“Fear is in many hearts because things are changing,” Valerius said. “Some changes are long overdue.” Marban lowered his head even as he nodded. Valerius looked at Rose. “New voices are being raised. New perspectives are being heard.”

Rose flushed and leaned against Iolaire’s shoulder.

“A new Dragon, a ninth Dragon, has joined us.” He smiled up at Iolaire. The White Dragon let out a billow of snow that came down in icy, glittering fakes. “These are good changes.”

There were murmurs all around from the people gathered there. The reporters were frantically taking notes of the speech so they could give their takes or ask him questions afterwards. He wondered what they would all think about what he was going to say next.

“But change--even good change--is frightening,” Valerius stated simply. “While it has been 30-years since Shifters were revealed to exist, the truth is that we are still changing because of it.”

He saw nods. There were flashes as pictures were taken of him and Iolaire at that moment. He wondered how it would look to those who would see them later or who were watching now. Iolaire gazing down at him with love. Rose appeared pensive but showed no fear at being cuddled by a Dragon. Marban with his hands pressed together as if in prayer, his expression stoic and serious, giving his full attention to Valerius.

“For as many good changes as there have been, there have also been bad ones, too, in some people’s views,” Valerius acknowledged. “Some have felt left behind by these changes. Some feel their futures have been proscribed or even eliminated by them. Anger, rage really, flows through some veins because of this and they want a different change. Perhaps for all the changes that have been wrought to be undone and things to go back as they were.”

There were lowered heads and some clenched fists. That rage was here even now in those that weren’t planting bombs. Not yet anyways.

“And there are those who see that anger and feed it. They believe that this anger will lead to a terrible place and they must stop it at all costs,” Valerius stated, which had confusion rippling through the crowd.

He knew they had thought he was implicating Humans First and their ilk in the bombing, but now it appeared he wasn’t.

“The truth is that what was begun 30-years ago, is still ongoing. And people are fighting on many sides, trying to get their voices heard, and attempting to make the changes they want to happen.” Valerius drew in a deep breath. “There is nothing wrong with that.”

People were blinking. Even though he had allowed dissent all during his reign, the truth was that some people didn’t quite believe he liked it. Sometimes he didn’t. Many times he didn’t.

He put a hand on Marban’s shoulder. “Marban and I have not seen eye to eye on many things.”

Marban gave him a crooked smile. “I’m just here to speak for the common men and women, King Valerius. I am not nobility like you. Our perspectives are bound to be different.”

“Perhaps, though Marban is being… humble.” Valerius returned that crooked smile. “We all know how intelligent he is and how he has served his people well. That is why he is bringing about a Shifter and human council that will be formed in the coming months to address the changes people want and those which might need to be made for a fairer, just society.”

Marban’s eyebrows rose. Even though this council had been talked of privately at the highest levels, it had yet to be formally announced by anyone, let alone Valerius.

“This council will not be for show. It will advise, argue and present options. It will be listened to. It will make change,” Valerius stated. There was more frantic scribbling by the reporters. This was news. The people of the Below looked skeptical and he couldn’t blame them. “But I don’t expect you to believe me. In fact, I want you to doubt until it's proven to you.”

“Actions speak louder than words,” Marban agreed with that classic avuncular smile of his.

And who says old Dragons can’t learn new tricks? Caden beamed at him.

I would have been the first to say that not so long ago, Valerius admitted.

“We have to hear all the changes that are wanted. The different futures we can have. All voices will be heard,” Valerius continued grandly. But then his voice dropped and his gaze ignited with fire. “But those who choose to use violence against innocents to try and change the world, need to know that they will not succeed.” There was a pause as Valerius encompassed all present as he explained, “Because we will not let you.”

The crowd erupted into applause and roars of agreement. Valerius waited for it to die down so he could be heard again.

“There are more people who want to help than hurt. There are more people who want discussion and not violence.” After each statement, the crowd again yelled their approval. Valerius stuck a hand out, a finger pointed towards the cameras as he spoke to those who would use violence for their fight. “There are more of us than there are of you. And we will not let you change us!”

The roar was deafening as he finished his speech.His arms lifted to his sides like wings. The crowd began to chant his name over and over again. He had never seen the people look so enamored with him. He could have led them to do anything at that moment.

I have goosebumps, Valerius! Whoa! That was amazing. The people are behind you! Caden enthused.

Marban leaned in and said, “I thought you weren’t a speaker, King Valerius. Why have you been hiding your light under a basket?”

“Because you have to follow up such words with actions that are just as spectacular,” Valerius admitted as the crowd’s applause washed over him.

When you speak, you’re making a solemn promise to the people, aren’t you? Caden realized.

Yes, every word I say must be delivered upon.

And that was why it did not excite him to make a rousing speech. It did not make him feel lifted up from the ground as if on wings. There was none of the heady feeling of power from moving hearts and minds. All there was--all there ever was for him--was the heavy responsibility to those who cheered and clapped.

“You will do it.” Marban clasped his hands in front of him like the monk he pretended to be, letting the sleeves fall over them. “Because you must do it. And I have never seen you fail at something that must be done.”

Valerius frowned as he thought of his brother lying dead on the ground. “There is more information on the bombers, Marban, that we have discovered. We need to discuss. Come to Reach after you get your people settled here.”

Marban nodded. “I figured as much. I will be there.”

Marban bowed, which had yet another ripple of surprise and joy from the crowd. If Valerius’ greatest critic bowed to him at this moment then something truly remarkable was happening.

Uh, oh, reporters, Valerius , Caden warned just before the surge of media came towards them. Lots of them and they look like rabid dogs on a scent.

And this is another reason I do not make speeches. Valerius sighed. Because the press treats them only as propaganda.

Which they most times were. Valerius was glad of the press’ skepticism. But not now. Not yet. After people had calmed. But there would be no waiting. They had to get their stories. The questions came fast and furious as the reporters thrust out their microphones to him like swords.

“Do you know who is behind these bombings?”

“Is it one group or many?”

“The individuals you carried out of here were wearing Faith robes. Is there some connection between the Faith and these bombings?”

“You mentioned those who feel left behind in this world, are you referring to those in Humans First?”

“What would you say to Jasper Hawes’ contention that humans are second-class citizens?”

“Is this council going to have any members from Humans First upon it?”

“I am already hearing that Jasper Hawes is interested in this council! What say you, King Valerius?”

“I’m hearing Jasper Hawes is calling the council a sham and will have no part in it! What are your thoughts, King Valerius?

“How is a council formed in the next few months going to keep us safe from bombs?”

“Are you being silent about who is behind the terror because you do not know?”

“Or do you know and just don't want to say?”

“We need to know who is behind this violence, King Valerius! Tell us! Who are our enemies?”

That last question hung in the air like frost. They wanted the “us” versus “them” narrative. Chione would, undoubtedly, be reaching out right now to the press to tell them that appropriate information would be shared at the appropriate time. Valerius could already hear the gnashing of teeth. But there was no answer he could give that wouldn’t cause innocents to be harmed. He would not make that part of his change like the Faith had.

Come, Caden, let us fly to High Reach, Valerius said. We must speak to the others and prepare for Queen Jahara and King Anwar’s arrivals.

With that, he shifted once more and he and Caden took to the skies while the reporters still called after them, looking for enemies.

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