Gathering the Facts...

With the information that Ffion and Dulbbe had received, everyone realized that it was time to meet and discuss what was to be done.  It was quickly decided to hold the meeting at the Shadows' Realm castle since both Ffion and Dulbbe were already there and it might be helpful for everyone to have the Dragon orb available if any more questions might come up.  Soon the council was all there to include the one whom any decision that came out of this meeting would most affect - Dree, the new Moon Dragon.

Griselda then spoke up saying "We have learned something about our past.  We now are aware who Aralt is and I have told you of my experience with the magical scroll and of the forming of the Wish Dragon clan by Aralt.  It wasn't the family nurturing clan I grew up in that's for sure.  Who knew that the clan originally was created to control the Dragons more than to work with them," the Dowager said shaking her head slightly side to side as she remembered her vision of that council meeting. 

Tattoo of the Wish Clan worn by clan members

"We have also heard from King Dulbbe and Queen Ffion about the potential dangers of a ruling Wish Dragon according to the past stories of the She-Dragon," finished Griselda.  ​

Everyone looked at each other, waiting to see if someone would start the conversation they all knew had to happen.  It was Awena who began.  "We need to create a plan to minimize the chaos of the arrival of the Herald and the Dragon's return.  I have searched the records of the Sleeping Sisters and have found nothing that will aid us in this problem.  The only ancient text or prophesy that was discovered is extremely vague.  The most we can confirm is that all realms are in danger if the Dragon's are no more and the game is lost.  We have not found out what is meant by 'this game of power' nor what would make all of the Dragons disappear," she said and sat down on one of the many chairs in the audience chamber.  

"You have all heard what we have found out about the returning Dragons.  Do you  have any further questions of the Dragon orb?" Griselda asked the others.  "If not - then now is the time we must decide what we can do.  The one major question we cannot answer is does Aralt know we now have a Moon Dragon here in the Realms?"  What do you think of this Dree?" finished Griselda as all turned to look at the young Moon Dragon.

Dree was totally caught off guard.  He had been listening to everyone's discoveries and was picturing in his mind what the other Dragons would look like and how they would act, but he had not been following the Dowager's final comments.  So with a startled look  he realized everyone was staring at him and waiting for his comments.

After a few gulps, he finally started to speak.  "Excuse me for not paying attention at everything that has been said here, but I have been listening and thinking.  I understand both from your discoveries of the Orb and from the reading I have been doing from some books that Granny Flare gave to me what it meant to be a Wish Dragon.  I am just now getting my wings under me in trying to find out what a Moon Dragon may be.  I am hoping this Herald can help me discover what it is that I am supposed to do," he said.  Taking a slow breath Dree continued, "But, I also know that he is a stranger to me while all of you are my family.  I may be a Dragon, and formerly of the Wish Dragon Clan, but you have all raised me and have helped me become what I am now so you are my clan too.  I do not know if there is anything I can do to prepare for the coming of my kin, but I do feel that I should learn all that I can to be prepared for their arrival," Dree told the others.

"Dree, you are part of our family too," answered Efem as she walked over to him and squeezed his hand.  "After talking to the trees in the Sacred Grove, I now have gotten to the root of what they were trying to tell me.  It is this, you can prepare all you want, but when the game of power starts, all you can do is play along and hope you know the rules.  We will help you all that we can, but in the end, it will be your decision as to what will happen.  I am sorry to have to put all of that burden upon you, but I believe that you are up to the task and we will all support you."

Everyone in the room stood and bowed to the young Moon Dragon to show him their support.  It was almost too much for the Dragon, but he finally did look back at them all and said a simple "Thank you."

It was then that the Goodie Sisters and Parsley entered the chamber and announced that the meal they had been preparing was ready... was anyone hungry?  Dree started laughing and said "No, I'm Dree now - but I am still Hungry!"