Aeris couldn’t wrap her head around today’s events. She discovered a hidden torture chamber, the Grand Kobold was murdering the other kobolds, and now she found another dragoness hidden in another section of the temple.

This wasn’t what she expected to find when she snuck into the west wing. Did Milan know about this? Is this what he wanted her to see? But even if it was, it didn’t prove anything he claimed.

Olyvia stretched and waved her spiked tail in the air. “Don’t worry now, I promise to be gentle. The first time at least. A dragon never grew without a little plain after all! Oracle training is quite dangerous, quite a few Matriarchs lost their minds.”

“You’re an Oracle?”

“Oh, right. We’re supposed to use Keeper now. Oh well, it’s just us here and you’re about two hundred years too soon to be thinking about taking me on.”

Aeris’ eyes widened. “You’re two hundred years old?”

Olyvia snorted and stood at her full height. “How rude! Do I come into your home and demand your age?”

She flinched at the outburst. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, you are too easy to mess with!” the older dragoness said, laughing. “It almost makes me feel bad about what’s going to happen to you.”

That reminded Aeris of her predicament and the unpredictable nature of the dragon before her. Using her tail to search for the door handle, she asked, “What’s going to happen to me?”

“Ah, ah. You’ve asked quite a few questions and still haven’t answered mine.” She paced in front of her, her tail twitching in time with the rapid flicking of her tongue. “Now are you ready to begin the next stage of your training?”

“No,” Aeris said firmly. She still hadn’t found the handle yet. With each pass, Olyvia drew closer and the pressure on Aeris increased making it harder to breathe. “What are you planning to do to me?”

“I could tell you, but it would be easier to show you.”

“I don’t want you to show me.”

“Aw, why not? I mean, there’s a lot of blood and screaming involved, but look on the bright side. It won’t be yours!”

“That doesn’t make me feel better.” Now her tail was just slapping against the door, praying that someone would hear it even if she knew otherwise. No one knew where she was and they certainly weren’t going to hear what happened in here.

“Look, just relax your mind and focus only on my voice.”

She didn’t want to, but fear of what would happen should she refuse proved stronger. And if this was part of her training, she would have to do it at some point. Even if she wished for a different teacher.

“Just close your eyes and listen only to me.”

****

She was surrounded by darkness. Cold metal pressed on her from all sides and her limbs felt cramped from being held to her body for too long. Instinctively, she flicked her tongue rapidly. She was able to sense the distance between herself and the metal bars of a cage, the half-filled bowl of dirty water in the corner, and the walls containing it all.

She shifted to a new position to provide some relief in her legs though she still felt cramped. 

How long have I been here? Where am I?

The door to the room opened with a loud bang and she backed against the wall of the cage, fearing the intruder. A set of keys jangled before the tumbling of a lock then the squealing of the cage door. She stayed put, flicking her tongue in a panic. The man, reeking of sweat and leather, stayed outside the cage door.

“No, please,” she said. “Not again.”

The man didn’t respond. A bell jingled. The crack of a whip and searing pain in her side quickly followed. She screamed and scrambled away, failing to squeeze between the bars of the cage. 

The bell jingled and the whip cracked again, slicing her into her side. Once again she screamed. 

It happened again and again, the bell would ring and pain immediately followed. The man never spoke. 

She wanted to apologize, to beg and promise to do whatever he asked so long as the pain would stop, but she knew it would be a wasted effort. She had tried that the first night in the cage. And the man’s reply was that she would say anything to get out of her training. “You’re going to learn how to obey,” he had said.

Obey what, she didn’t know. That was the only question he answered. She just knew he wasn’t going to stop until he was satisfied. The bell stopped. She lay on the cage floor, whimpering. The coppery scent of blood filled the cage as the warm liquid ran down her side.

The bell jingled. She flinched and braced herself for the next whip crap. Nothing happened. The bell rang again. She flinched again but no pain followed. She flicked her tongue, trying to sense the man. He was still there in front of the cage.

The bell rang a third time. This time the whip came down, striking her on top of the muzzle. Pain and wetness splashed across her face. She cried and tucked her face beneath her wing, knowing it was futile.

The bell rang but nothing happened. It rang again and the whip struck her exposed flank. She curled into a ball.

She lost track of how long this continued. It was impossible to tell when the pain would come and when it wouldn’t. Sometimes after the first ring, or the second, or the eighth. There was no pattern. All she knew was to fear the bell. If it rang, then pain would come, if not now then soon.

There was no escape. She tried that once and it ended with her legs being broken. There was no getting out of it, no hope for relief. Even if she obeyed, the whip would come anyway.

It became still. She lay there, too scared to move, too scared to check for the man’s presence. She just feared the bell ringing again.

****

Aeris awoke screaming. She flailed about, desperate to put as much distance between herself and the whip as possible.

“Hold her down!” Sareen cried.

Several paws pushed her to the floor. She fought harder, thrashing her head and tail hoping to knock them away. She flicked her tongue rapidly to get a feel for her surroundings. Three dragons stood over her.

“Aeris, Aeris!” Janine cried. “It’s me! Open your eyes! It’s okay!”

Aeris stopped fighting and opened her eyes. Instead of darkness, she saw Janine staring at her worriedly. Windor, Maxis, and Silias were holding her down. She went limp, relieved to see everyone again. She felt drained and everything hurt. 

“Janine?” Aeris asked.

The three drakes released her and she saw they were all in her room. Terran stood by the door, his arms folded across his chest, but his face full of concern. Sareen stood closer, glaring at her.

Aeris shuddered. Janine cradled Aeris’ head and stroked her neck. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

“What happened?” Aeris asked.

“That’s what I want to know,” Sareen snapped. “What were you doing in the west wing? Do you have any idea what you’ve almost done?”

“Stop yelling at her,” Janine said. “She’s hurt and scared and has no idea what’s happenin’!”

“She should count herself lucky that she opened her eyes!” She slapped the floor with her thick tail, the accompanying crack making everyone jump. “I specifically warned you that you were not ready for keeper training!”

“I’m sorry,” Aeris mumbled. “Where’s Olyvia?”

“Who’s Olyvia?” Janine asked.

Sareen snorted and turned to the others. “Leave us.”

“No, stay,” Aeris said quickly. She shuddered as she remembered the cage and the empty room. “Please. I need everyone around me right now.”

Silias turned to Sareen who nodded. The drake sat in the corner. Windor moved closer to the bed. Maxis stood by Terran near the door.

“Olyvia is a Matriarch who resides in the western area of the temple,” Sareen explained. “She prefers the name Madnane and also her privacy which I neglected to inform you of her presence.” She looked at Janine. “She also has no tolerance for humans. The kobolds all know to avoid any direct contact with her and I suggest you do the same.”

“She hates humans that much?” Windor asked.

Sareen stared coldly at the drake. “Her sight and her sanity were taken by humans so you’ll forgive her if she wants nothing more do with them.” She turned back to Aeris. “Now what were you doing over there?”

Aeris explained what happened when she went to the west wing. To avoid telling on Milan, she said she was simply curious about what was over there. She was hesitant to retell the nightmare with the bell and the cage, but she took a deep breath and told her tale.

Sareen broke the silence first. “I see. I had no idea Grand Kobold Lexon was resorting to such extreme measures. I’ll be sure to deal with him later. As for you, what you did was very foolish and dangerous. I’ll warn you now, Olyvia cares little for your well-being. Whether you succeed or your mind breaks, it makes no difference to her.”

“Damn, talk about selfish,” Terran said. “I get hating humans, but what did Aeris ever do to her?”

“Not a thing,” Sareen replied calmly. “She does whatever she wants and care little for the consequences.”

Aeris shuddered at the thought of how much worse it could’ve gone. Janine stroked her neck gently.

“This is precisely why I didn’t want you to undergo Keeper training yet. When you take on another Matriarch’s memories, you take her emotions as well. In a sense, you take part of her into yourself. If you’re not prepared, those parts will destroy you. Many Matriarchs have been driven insane by it.”

Aeris stared at the floor. She wanted to say something but “sorry” didn’t feel good enough. It felt even worse lying about her true reasons for sneaking into the west wing. One thing she did know was she learned nothing that proved Sareen was brainwashing anyone. 

“Just be grateful your mind is intact,” Sareen continued. “We shall forego your training tomorrow so that you may rest. This should go without saying but I shall announce it all the same. Stay out of the west wing and away from Olyvia.”

She left the room with Silias following behind. No one spoke for a while. Aeris continued to stare at the floor, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.

The silence was broken by a low knock on the door. Terran pulled the door open revealing Milan in the hall.

“What are you doing here?” Janine asked. “Initiates ain’t allowed up here.”

Milan entered the room. “I know, but I heard you were hurt going into the west wing. I had to make sure you were all right.”

“Thank you,” Aeris said.

Terran stepped between them. “Whoa, whoa. Who is this? And what are you talking about?”

“It’s okay, you can trust him,” Aeris said.  She ignored the scoff and stare from Windor.

Janine explained everything that had been going on and Aeris’ true reason for going to the west wing. Terran made no attempt to his hide his anger during the explanation. Aeris braced herself for the incoming lecture.

Once the story was over, Terran sighed heavily. “Women. Honestly, you two attract more trouble than I have my entire career. For a domesticate, you seriously have some fight in you.”

“Sounds like they’re just plain stupid to me,” Maxis grumbled. “First they piss off some noble. Now they’re trying to make enemies of the Dracaena.”

“But it’s true!” Milan cried. “She did something to my friend. And I bet anything she’s using this ‘Olyvia’ to get rid of the bodies. I just need proof.”

“Say you find proof, then what?” Terran asked. “What court is going to go against the Dracaena? Do you even have a plan or do you really think that everything is going to go your way?”

Milan looked around the room, his eyes pleading for someone to come to his defense. Even Janine avoided his gaze. “So that’s it? One setback and you all run with your tail between your legs?”

“We didn’t come here to start a fight,” Aeris said. “I’m sorry, but you haven’t shown me that Sareen is evil.”

“She’s right,” Janine said, her voice barely audible. She hugged Aeris tighter. “And Aeris almost died just to prove nothin’. I can’t put her through that again.”

“And what will you do when she decides to brainwash you?”

“I’m sorry,” Aeris repeated. “But I can’t help you.” Her mind was made up. She hadn’t found proof of his claim so that was that. For once she was going to stick to her decision. 

Milan looked to the others again. When each shook their heads, he stormed out, throwing over his shoulder, “If you people won’t help me, fine. I’ll do it myself.”

Maxis turned to Windor. “Surprised you’re so quiet about all this.”

“Aeris said she doesn’t want to make enemies of the Dracaena, so there’s nothing to say.”

“Do you think she’s evil?” Janine asked.

“What does it matter? No one’s going to stand up to her.”

“Because no one has a death wish,” Terran said. “Being worshipped comes with perks.”

“But it ain’t right. She does whatever she wants and nobody says nothin’.”

“And who decided she was evil?” Aeris asked, her voice rising. “None of you have any idea what she’s like but you’re sitting here deciding how to label her. I know why Janine feels the way she does, but what has Sareen done to the rest of you?”

“What’s your problem?” Maxis asked.

It was the cage. She could feel the cold metal pressed at her back, the sting of the whip on her body, and the bell ringing in her ears. They were Olyvia’s memories, the nightmare the dragoness had to endure by herself. And Aeris knew there was more. 

The others didn’t understand. They hadn’t seen what she saw, felt what she felt and was frightened by how closely it related to her life. Aaron had kept her caged, whipped her into submission with his words, and used her to suit his whims.

And while she suffered, others judged and labeled her. Decided she was weak and shunned her, driving her further into her former master’s web where she had been tricked to believe she was safe.

The others stared at her in silence. She felt that rush again; the feeling of confidence and anger that piloted her body and revealed her true feelings.

Terran broke the silence. “Look, no one’s trying to label anyone. We’re just saying--”

“Saying what? What do you know about her that isn’t rumors or accusations?”

Terran stood there, his expression revealing he had something to say. But he shook his head and stayed silent.

Aeris stormed out of the room, not wanting to deal with their awkward stares or the strangling silence. She had no destination, just following the halls wherever it led. The more she walked, the more her anger drained until she felt exhausted.

She raised her head and found herself standing in front of a large set of doors. A dragon relief had been carved into the metallic surface, their soulless eyes glaring at her.

Before she could back away, the guards standing watch pulled the doors opened revealing the massive chamber that served as Sareen’s court. The room was filled with kobolds.

Aeris’ curiosity took over and she entered, sticking close to the walls to avoid drawing attention. She didn’t need to as everyone was focused on the far side of the room. 

Sareen sat on a massive bench at the far end of the chamber. It’s elegant design and decorations made Aeris wonder if it was a throne meant for dragons. The dark cloak she wore matched her grey scales perfectly. 

Kneeling on the floor at the foot of the small staircase, flanked by two guards, was the grand kobold. She almost didn’t recognize him without the purple robes he always wore. Behind him was a row of humans also on their knees, their foreheads kissing the floor. Aeris crouched low by one of the stained-glass windows and watched. 

“Grand Kobold Lexon,” Sareen said in a loud voice. “You have been brought before me to answer claims that you have committed unsanctioned acts in my name. Do you deny these charges?”

“I do not, your grace. I throw myself at your mercy to beg your forgiveness. Everything I’ve done, I did for you. You have many enemies and I wanted to ensure your rule was long and prosperous.

“I have only gone after those who would speak or act against you. Those who have, through their actions, shown that they do not have your best interests at heart.”

Sareen was silent for a moment. “I thank you for your dedication and loyalty. However, your actions have done the opposite of what you claim.”

Grand Kobold Lexon lifted his head, his eyes shining with fear. “Your...grace?”

“How many lives have you taken? How many of my loyal followers have been subject to your paranoia? Tell me, can you prove the intent of these individuals whom you claim sought my downfall?”

The Grand Kobold dropped his head again. His body trembled as he replied. “I cannot.”

“So it is possible these individuals you so eagerly condemned could in fact be innocent.”

“But your grace, I was only acting on your orders--”

Sareen’s tail slapped the wall behind her, a thunderous crack filling the room. Her tail and the tips of her claws glowed with a pale light. All the kobolds bowed immediately.

“Ah, Aeris,” Sareen said. “I’m surprised I didn’t notice your intrusion. Come join me.”

Aeris cautiously approached. She wasn’t sure if the humans could tell or not, but the pressure in the air was more intense than she had ever felt. Every step took an effort and she she struggled to keep her head up.

Once she was seated by Sareen’s side, the Dracaena continued. “Your loyalty is commendable, but you’ve forgotten your place. Yours is not to lord over me and decide who is fit to serve. I’m fully capable of making such distinctions myself.” She stood up as sparks leaped from her claws. “Your actions have sown distrust and hatred among those who come here for peace and sullied my name.”

Lexon flattened himself onto the floor. “Your grace, please! I only ask for one more chance to redeem myself.”

“Are you going to kill him?” Aeris asked. It surprised her that she spoke up. 

Sareen’s scales stopped glowing as she addressed her. “It would be just given how many have died at his command already.”

“But he’s really sorry, and he was only doing it to help you.”

She was silent for a moment. Aeris couldn’t read her expression to tell how this was going to go. “Very well. His actions were not perfidious so death is a bit excessive.” Sareen nodded to the guards who grabbed Lexon and forced him upright. “Gerald Lexon, despite your mendacious acts, you shall keep your life, however, I strip you of your title of Grand Kobold. However you have fallen victim to your apocryphal beliefs and dared to speak for me. Claiming it was my will to drag others down with you.”

One of the guards seized his head while another pulled out a strange metal device. Lexon’s eyes widened and he struggled against the three humans holding him.

“What are you doing?!” Aeris cried.

“He spoke out of turn, so I’m ensuring he will never do so again.”

The guard forced the object into his mouth, prying it open.

“He shall take a permanent vow of silence as repentance.”

Aeris turned away when the guard pulled out a knife. Her claws grated the floor at the scream of pain that quickly turned to the guttural cry of someone drowning.

“As for the rest,” Sareen said. Aeris’ heart leaped into her throat at the thought of all of them sharing the same fate. “I reduce you to initiates. You shall reflect on your actions and in time, I may welcome you back as kobolds to serve me.” There was a pause then she continued in a louder voice. “As for all of you, there is a difference between loyalty and blind obedience. You know the penalty should you fail to distinguish between the two.”

Sareen stepped down and disappeared through the door behind the throne. Aeris wasn’t sure why but she followed. Before leaving she cast a look behind her. Lexon was already gone but blood was on floor where he once stood.

The other room seemed to be a basic sitting room where she supposed guests waited until they were needed. Silias was inside standing at attention.

Sareen sighed heavily and laid on the cushion in the corner. “Silias, I want to you determine the exact extent of the damage he caused. I suspect his crimes extend to more than just the kobolds.”

The drake bowed and left the room. 

“How embarrassing. I needed you to show me the problems within my house. Thank you for exposing him. One day I will find a way to thank you properly.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”

“And yet something good of it. We also learned that you are strong enough to pursue training as a Keeper. But I still feel you are not ready.”

Aeris nodded and decided to ask the question nagging at her. “Is it true? What he said about acting on your orders?”

“In a sense. While he was tasked with testing the faith of the kobolds, he was not given permission to torture and murder them. If he suspected falsehood, he should have brought it to my attention.”

Aeris thought back to what she saw in the torture room and then of Milan. He was so convinced of Sareen’s wrongdoing, that she had gone evil. “I, I have to tell you something.”

She explained everything about her conversations with Milan. It meant telling that she lied before, but now it didn’t bother her. What bothered her more was lying now. All she could think of was Milan going down the same road as Lexon. If he started gathering others, kidnapping other kobolds, and torturing them for information she couldn’t live with that knowing it happened because she didn’t speak up. 

It’s okay. My mind’s made up. I’ve decided to help her.

Sareen didn’t react as Aeris explained her story. The lack of reaction worried her more than if she were angry. It was like sitting outside during an approaching storm. 

When she concluded the explanation, Sareen remained silent. Her gaze was neutral. The silence was worrying.

Finally, Sareen spoke. “I see. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. It’s clear what you believe, but if I may ask, why have you waited so long to tell me?”

“I had to make up my own mind. And I was worried about offending you.”

“So you have decided?”

Aeris nodded. “As a domesticate, I’ve seen a lot of people whispering about all the awful things that happen, but no one ever does anything about it.”

“I see. You tire of the inaction of others. But you know not all of them act out of selfishness.”

“I don’t care. I’ve seen it happen too many times. Humans and dragons sitting by and not doing anything. I won’t be like that.”

Sareen smiled. “It seems you’ve made up your mind. I’m glad to see you training is working.”