1218-08-05
Loret:
As we continued rebuilding what had been destroyed during the conflict in Zandu, I used the time to reflect. My taji had always been adorned, yet it felt undeserved—like my challenges weren't as hard-earned as my father's or my brother's.
Zahra, however, decided to change that. She threaded a single golden bead into my taji, a symbol of the dragon I had slain—a custom never before done, as no dragon had ever been killed in Ghar's history.
Dragons were already rare, their sightings few and far between. I chose to keep the bead, not as a trophy, but as a memorial—to honor those we lost and those who had stood beside me.
I had to admit, I quite liked the title Dragon Slayer Loret.
However, with fame comes challenge.
I sat on the ground, waiting, as the rebuilding efforts continued around me. Kell was among those working, sweat clinging to his brow as he hauled supplies.
If those words had ever held any truth, it was now.
With Zandu nearly reduced to ruins, smaller coastal and lake tribes had begun to arrive. We had become the talk of Ghar—our blessings and our burdens traveling faster than we could prepare for. With more tribes coming, rebuilding became even more urgent.
I jolted upright. My rest was over.
Kell jogged over, his exhaustion evident. "We're almost done, Your Highness."
"Your Highness?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Too much?" he asked, smirking. "King, then?"
"Just call me by my name," I said, shaking my head.
Kell chuckled but quickly grew serious. "I have news for you."
I exhaled, already bracing myself. "What is it?" I mumbled under my breath.
"There's someone here to meet you," he said, his tone shifting.
I frowned but followed him without question.
We walked through the city, where the injured rested among the children, who were almost oblivious to the attack.
A wasn't like the others. He sat among the kids, playing with them, but when he saw me, a small smile appeared on his face. These children would be the cornerstones when I died, and I hoped he would never have to witness me die like my father did.
At the edge of Zandu's border, a small caravan of ten or so people walked in. They resembled Su's people, but their skin was lighter, almost tan, compared to ours.
They carried a banner—their tribe's symbol—along with other groups, each choosing five to ten members to scout and investigate us.
In total, hundreds of people lined the outside of our small city. The sound of arguing could be heard as they conversed among themselves. The people in front are the most vocal..
Like children, I had to yell to get their attention.
"I am Loret. I yield to no one." Their silence was almost deafening.
"I'm sure you're all here to challenge me, or to join us… or some variation of that."
I paused, taking a deep breath.
"However, in order to challenge a dragon slayer, you must put up something equally as valuable as my fame."
I let the words hang in the air before continuing.
"Those who lose must join us."
There were reactions to that. Most left, most complained, but one remained. A small group of three, steps forward. There's an old man, his face weathered by time, flanked by two soldiers, their armor gleaming with hints of blue. They approach me with purpose.
The old man, his voice steady despite his age, speaks up, "We are from Rah, and we wish to challenge you, great Loret."
The soldiers bow their heads in respect, but say nothing.
"Very well," I reply, my voice unwavering. "Step forward."
I nod, my mind already shifting to the upcoming fight. I order my men to set up a small arena while I take a moment to gather my weapons. The weight of my spear feels familiar in my hand as I prepare.
The challenger steps into the arena. He's just another man who thinks he can take me down. The fight is quick, over almost before it begins. My spear is an extension of myself as I close the distance between us, thrusting with practiced precision. He's fast, but not fast enough to avoid me. In a single strike, I disarm him, his weapon clattering to the ground.
He stumbles back.
"Impressive," he says, catching his breath.
I could tell he lost on purpose.
I stand tall. "You're not the first to try."
"I am Addo. I look forward to fighting alongside you, Dragon Slayer."
I look at him for a moment. I take his hand, the weight of his words settling over me.
"Likewise."
The festival is alive with noise and excitement as tribes test their strength in friendly battles. People cheer as fighters clash, but I'm focused on the old man beside me. His small smile doesn't reach his eyes. He watches the fights. There's something heavier on his mind.
I look at him. Then after a moment, I ask, "Where are you from?"
"We're from a small coastal tribe to the north."
"Why come all the way here?"
"We've heard stories of the Dragon Slayer, and we want to relocate anyway," the old man responds.
I glance at the soldiers beside him. They're well-fed, unlike the people of Zandu. They don't look hungry or tired, even though they traveled a long way. Their skin is light brown, almost tan.
"Is there something wrong up north?" I ask.
"We've had trouble with raiders from Marano and pirates. They take our women and children, and they've taken too much."
My mind sharpens. Marano is dangerous, but his pain is real. "What do you want?"
"I want revenge. I want my people safe. I want my daughter back," he says quietly.
"Revenge isn't possible alone. You'd need help…"
"That's why we came. If we can unite Ghar under one name, like your father did, we could get revenge."
"We could get revenge," I repeat, but I'm not sure it's possible.
"Even if we unite Ghar, there's no way we could beat Marano."
"We can join with Tobe or Wara. Maybe we can stand a chance," the old man replies.
"How did you know my father?" I ask, curious.
The old man looks down at the fighters. "He was an amazing general and an even better king."
"As long as you have help from a strong tribe, you'll have mine," I say, "but revenge isn't guaranteed."
"Let's focus on uniting Ghar first, then see what happens in the future," he suggests.
I mumble under my breath, "Hope all challenges are as easy as yours."
"Are you scared of fighting them, Marano, your friends, or your father's generals?" he asks.
I stand tall and meet his gaze.
"I've fought dragons, old man. Nothing scares me now."