Dragons of Fraidel Ch. 02

"But you're artwork is lovely Galeena. I feel sad knowing you're going to be leaving us soon."

"Me too. But I miss my grandmother. I'll visit though someday."

Galeena didn't make that a promise though because something told her that a change was coming. She just wish she knew what it was. Galeena refocused on her painting.

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After Torrence and Ankor ate breakfast with the rest of Torrence's family, the two headed toward the council's room. They were centered in the middle of the room on a semi-circular dais. Tealor sat in the middle with the dragon council members on his left and the human council members on his right. The humans also sat with a table in front of them. Both Torrence and Ankor bowed to them as well as the council.

"Torrence, now that you are here, we'll get down to business. Since you are to be our next ruler, I thought we should have the burying ceremony tomorrow and your coronation the day after that." suggested Tealor.

"Yes sir. Council, can I make a request? After the coronation, I'd like some time by myself and take a trip. I only want Ankor to accompany me." requested Torrence.

"I am not quite sure that's a good idea Torrence. We know you are capable of defending yourself, but so were your brother and father and now . . .well, let's just say we can't manage the thought of anything happening to you."

"I understand your concern, Sir Tealor, but I ask this of you because I need to find common ground and a great distraction so I perform to the best of my ability as your ruler. Right now I have too many things on my mind to stay focus."

"I see. Where do you plan to go than?"

"Well, as you know there are other worlds out there. Ankor has informed me that you do know about Earth. I wish to go there."

"Now why would you want to go there?" asked a female councilwoman named Azulla.

Ankor stepped forward before Torrence could reply.

"I've told Torrence about Earth and he has a great interest in it. I also agree that Torrence needs a distraction, and Earth will provide plenty of them."

The council thought and discussed it with each other before looking back at Torrence and Ankor.

"We will allow you to take this trip, but you must return by the next full moon Earth Time." Tealor told them.

"Hm, that'll give us two weeks from the day after tomorrow." mentioned Ankor.

"Thank-you councilmen. I will return safely." smiled Torrence.

The council looked relieved to see Torrence smile.

"We shall leave the night of the coronation. I need a full moon for the journey to work." added Ankor.

"Very well than. You are dismissed and return safely." said Tealor.

As Torrence and Ankor left the room and head to tell Torrence's family, they heard thundering sounds. Both smiled in recognition before seeing a young dragon sprinting towards them. The dragon suddenly leaped and knocked down Torrence.

"You're back! You're back!" the dragon said with glee.

Torrence laughed in the first time in ages.

"Verdius! You silly hatchling! Get up!" stomped Ankor.

The young sea green dragon, who was only seven feet tall, got up immediately and said, "Hatchling! I'm two hundred and seventy years old! I am nearly full grown!"

In dragon years, two hundred and seventy was eighteen years. Verdius was the younger brother of Skyro.

"You still act like a hatchling though." murmured Ankor.

"You're always mean to me!"

"All right calm down, Verdius. Where have you been anyway?" asked Torrence.

"I just got back from one of my flight trips. What's happened? When I left, everything was all right, but now everyone is acting like someone died!"

"Someone did die. My father, Niron, and their partners are dead."

Torrence was trying his hardest to keep his composure, but was struggling. Even Verdius could see that.

"What?! I can't believe it!"

"Tomorrow's the burial. Also, the next day I am going somewhere for awhile. I need a break before I become the ruler."

"Oh! Can I come? Please?"

"Not this time Verdius. Only Ankor is coming."

"Aw man!"

"Right now we're going to tell Torrence's family about this trip." replied Ankor.

Torrence and Ankor walk out of the hall with Verdius following.

Because his family was spread throughout the palace grounds, Torrence used servants to find them. They met in the one of the family rooms of the palace.

"What is it that you wish to tell us, Torrence?" asked Lagina after she sat down in one of the cushioned chairs.

Torrence was standing and looking into the fireplace before turning to his family. They were scattered throughout the room. Both Ankor, Verdius, and the family's partners were present also.

"I am here to tell you that after my coronation, I am going on a trip. Only Ankor is accompanying me." Torrence stated.

"But you just got back!" replied Meridian.

"When's the coronation?" asked Searon.

"The day after tomorrow." answered Torrence.

"Where are you going?" asked Meridian.

"I am going to another planet called Earth."

"Earth?" exclaimed everyone else, except Ankor.

"Why Earth? Why can't you stay here?" asked Meridian.

Torrence grinned. Some of the real Meridian was back. She'd always asked questions.

"Because Ankor told me about it and I wish to go there."

Meridian frowned. She knew there was more to his answer, but she trusted him. One thing was for sure, once Torrence made up his mind, there's no stopping him.

"You be careful than Torrence. We all trust your decisions." said Lagina.

The others nodded in agreement.

"Thank-you all." smiled Torrence with relief.