Act I: Thunderborn
The gold is a trap.
The vivid words flashed inside the young man’s mind, providing a silent warning as he slowly scanned the enormous cavern.
Ancient artifacts, rare paintings, glittering jewels, and stacks of gold littered the floor in all directions. A single swipe of a greedy dragon talon would be worth more than a king’s ransom.
For the young man, there was nothing left to do but contemplate and then make his choice. So that was what James did.
Raising the hook of his thumb to cup his chin, James gently sat down cross-legged and probed the recesses of his mind for what could guide him through this ordeal.
Few on Lilephar knew of the Drakvend Sacrament, a test of endurance, cunning, and loyalty. Those who proved themselves worthy would be honored, uniquely rewarded, and accepted among all dragon-kin. And James was sure what awaited him would surprise even his father.
As often was the case, his inner search for wisdom eventually led him to pore over the lessons he’d learned from his adopted father: Eigyys.
His father… Most would not assume Eigyys served such a role in his life. James was a slender young man, with long limbs and nimble steps. Eigyys was also slender among his kin, but was a towering dragon with emerald green scales, golden eyes and white whiskers surrounding his maw of dagger sharp teeth.
As he recalled his father’s countless lectures, the first morning of this Drakvend Sacrament echoed in his mind’s eye.
“What if I’m not ready?”
“None are ever ready. If you were ready, you would be better off dead. Life without challenge or struggle is found only in the heavens, where those above await the few who come to terms with this cruel reality. The wise, who dwell in both heaven and on earth, simply get back to work. You shall do fine, my son.” Eigyys replied in a deep gravelly voice, with a tenderness that only those who knew him could sense.
“Always remember: There is only one thing to fear — “
“-and that is not being true to myself. Fearing anything other than the inevitable war you wage upon your own self each day, is a waste of time and energy.” James recited by heart, closing his eyes in frustration. There would be no way around the hardships to come.
His eyes flashed open, snapping his mind back to the present. There was a new energy pulsing from within the cavern, tugging at his very being.
Out of the corner of his eye, a glimmering light invited his full attention. The pattern of its energies was like a blade of verdant grass swaying over a lake of shimmering silver and gold ice. As he made his way towards it, his mind began to race.
Fear not. From this day, no soul shall judge you as not dragon. That you were not Thunderborn.
James’ cloudy vision grew dimmer as he made his way towards the mysterious light. He had not eaten or slept for two days in the Sacrament Cave, surviving solely on the Jatoba Tree dew he’d brought with him.
Keep going Jahréim… For Eigyys… For the Bright Sky… he thought to himself, searching for every last drop of strength he had.
Wading through heaps of priceless artifacts he briefly stumbled, almost knocking over the altar from which the light resonated. Forcing his weary eyes to focus, he stared squarely at the treasure before him.
On the altar lay a dragonscale round-shield about the size of a toxophily boss. The stain of it perfectly matched his emerald cap that slung snugly over his thin sandy hair. This was surely the boon meant for him. Whatever his dragon-attunement was to be, this artifact would guide him straight to it. Of that he was now sure.
Suddenly, the room spun and darkness threatened to overtake him. He had to act quickly or risk spending another half-sleepless night of terror within the Sacrament Cave.
A strange voice filled his head in warning.
I am Alluin, the Emerald Protector. Take me up. Wield my power! But do not tarry. Only twelve hours remain and you do not wish to be the last of your new kin to take their liberation dive! Rise and soar as you’ve been trained, Thunderborn!
In an instant, James instinctively scooped up the shield and slung it across his back. It tingled to the touch, clearing his vision and filling him with newfound vigor and energy.