12 Grandfathers lesson 1

 N/A before the next chapter starts, first thank you for reading and as always I would love for you to leave a comment with suggestions. But the reason for me interrupting your reading is to tell you dear reader that from now on when Valorian is just thinking to himself the dialog will be in ' ' and I will not be adding anything after, I feel like it will make the reading more fluid, and any dialog that happens in any language that isn't Draconian will be in italics.

Also as an aside I will continue to post a chapter at least every other day for the foreseeable future and each will be at least 1000 words.

but enough of that, enjoy the chapter!

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Images flashed before my eyes, some passing so quickly I could barely catch a glimpse before they slipped away. But all of them contained one common aspect, they where the memories of my ancestors.

Finally one stuck I saw a massive black portal with legions of enormous black monsters spilling forth, most so grotesque that you would only see them in the most horrible of nightmares. Instinctively I knew that these were the Dagarath, the invaders that had once sought to destroy our world.

as the memory continued I flew toward that portal, even though I was still miles away I saw a glimpse of what lay beyond. Put simply it was a wasteland devoid of any color, as if it had simply been consumed. The land was devoid of any life and wherever the Dagarath marched I could see in real time that the same was happening to Eringale. It made me incensed with rage, diving towards the army I let out my dragon breath, but instead of my river of flames it was a bolt of lightning as thick as a mature tree. The lightning hit the advancing army turning countless to ash as it jumped between them.

Then the memory seemed to have slipped through my claws.

I woke up the next day, and slowly stood as to not disturb my sisters that had fallen asleep at my side, as I moved away I could feel hunger starting to naw at my stomach.

'Where would I even find food in a cavern like this? I guess I will just have to wait until mother returns.'

With that on my mind I sat in front of the alcove that my sisters were still sleeping in and began to channel my mana. As I continued my practice I couldn't help but think about the dream I just had, what caused the Dagarath to stop their continuous incursions into Eringale and would they be back?

While lost in my thoughts I started to hear the thundering footsteps of an adult dragon, looking up towards the entrance to the area we where in I saw Mother walking down the pathway with a monster carcass.

I quickly got up to meet her and hopefully satisfy me hunger, seeming to have also smelled the food, Apolloian and Corentine quickly woke up and ran to my side eyeing the carcass of the two headed lion like monster. It was large enough that we should be able to feast off of it for at least a couple weeks. I could also sense some magical energy leaking out of it, sensing this I grew impatient for the opportunity to further enhance my growth.

Once mother entered the room she placed the carcass at the center, then lifted her head and looked at us saying "Eat, you will need the strength. Your Grandfather wishes to meet with each of you."

'Why would grandfather want to see us each alone?'

The thought quickly was drowned out by the smell of fresh meat, and I happily started to feast of the meal that mother had provided.

I could feel the mana the creature possessed flood into my being, though not near as much as my sibling had boasted, it was sure to further enhance our growth.

Once we had our fill mother walked back over and motioned for me to follow her.

'looks like I have to walk this time. I guess I needed the exercise.'

As my speed was much slower than that of my mother it took us a couple hours before I could finally see the light from the lava pool of Grandfathers den. As we approached the entrance Mother stopped before saying "I will be back in a week, do as your grandfather says." then turning back to the cave my sisters were still in.

I quickly bowed my head then turned to continue towards grandfathers cave feeling the heat rapidly increasing as I got closer. I didn't notice before but it seemed that the abnormally high temperature had no effect on me.

Upon entering I saw that Grandfather was already awake and waiting for me at the end of the bridge.

"There you are little Valorian." He said before readjusting himself slightly and continuing "Your mother has told me of your special problem."

I continued to walk towards his towering form thinking 'What could he be talking about?'

"From the look on your face I can see that you do not understand what I mean. I am referring to the possession of multiple marks, and the difficulties that you are bound to face with it. She has already told me that you seem to have already made your first runes and some spell circuits. I would like to see your progress."

While he was talking I had finally made my way to the end of the bridge and upon hearing his request I bowed my head in acceptance.

"Good then I would like to see for myself what you can do. I would like you to form five of your most reformed spell circuits, I will observe them and if needed assist in their improvement."

Immediately I formed the circuit that I had the most practice with, one that created a large ball of fire then shot it in the direction of my choosing. A concentric circle of runes blazed to life before me and began to form a fireball about two feet in diameter. Once formed I aimed it at the lava lake below and sent it rocketing forth hitting the lava with a large explosion. 

"Good good, I can tell you have been practicing. But it could be better."