League of Dragon Riders: Fight or Flight

The Plan

"Okay," I told the small group in the inn. There were a few more besides our clan of riders. There was Nathaniel, a bearded man that branded a bigger axe than Fergus, and a woman with purple hair. She was apparently a friend of Jade, "we have the weapon. Now we need to get the warlock."

"Okay," Jade leaned forward at her spot at the table, "what's the plan, leader?"

"We fight," I told her bluntly, "but under our terms, not his."

"Yeah?"

"Oh yeah," I said, "every time we faced off, it has been on his terms. From when we first met him to Drake. He has been in control. We have to take that control away."

"How do you plan to do that?" Arthur leaned forward with serious eyes.

"We bring the battle to him," I told them, "we use the city against him. He is held out in Drake. It is where he is making his biggest stunt yet."

"And we will defeat him," Fergus said as he raised his jug, "because we have you. The true dragon leader. You weren't just meant to lead us but everyone."

"You put way too much faith in me," I told him.

"No," Jade said, "we all put the right amount of faith in you. Alaina, you are our leader. You've proved time and time again. I may not have been here for your whole fight but I've been here long enough. You are truly the legend's daughter. The one and only."

"Aye!" Everyone said with a laugh. Annabella patted my shoulder and gave me a warm smile. I nodded at her as I took a deep breath. It was time for business.

"Well," I said with a smile, "let's get to it. Jade, you're in charge of clearing people. They're innocent and we need them to be safe. There's a bridge into the city with a walkway underneath. You'll be hidden from the dragons. Get as many people as you can. Arthur and Maximus, you two are in charge of rallying people. Find those who are willing to fight. Bring them to the armory. There will be guards who will fight you. You can handle them. Annabella, you are to stay out of sight. We need every chance we get and if we can surprise him...well, it will only be to our advantage. We only have one chance and we better make it count."

"What about me?" Nathaniel said from his corner.

"You want to fight?" Jade asked.

"Of course," Nathaniel said.

"Then you'll be with Jade protecting the ones who cannot fight, She'll lead people to the bridge and you make it to the castle and save the innocents inside. Bring them to the lowest point of the castle. You will face guards. Like them, I think you know what to do," I said.

"Because you don't trust me?" He asked with a small smile.

"No. You're powerful and they need to be protected. Next to Felix, Jade is the best hand to hand fighter. That's why she's there. She needs all the help she can get."

"Then I will provide it," Nathaniel said.

"Then let's get to it," I said with a smile, "Nathaniel told us that he has a week. Let's interrupt his clock, shall we? We leave in two days. I may have given you broad orders but use it to your advantage. You know what you're doing. I put as much faith into all of you as you put into me."

"What about me and you?" Fergus asked.

"We'll be the ones that meet him," I said, "me and Fergus. Together."

A wide smile spread across his face as he raised his cup with a toast. I smiled as they slapped their cups together and bid my farewell. I walked up the stairs slowly, taking in the laughter that I heard downstairs.

It wasn't until I collapsed onto my bed that I really felt drained. And scared. Very, very scared. If we didn't win...this world was going to pay. We have to win. For everyone who has died because of it. We owe it to them.

This is my world. My home. I wasn't going to let some warlock destroy it. I'd even take on the Alter-demon if I had to because we all know that we weren't going down without a fight.