Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [332]
The wyrmking was roughly the same size as Jozo’s parents. His scales had lost their luster and most of their red color, becoming a faded violet. Where the scales met at his neck and joints, Wataru could see wrinkle after wrinkle of tough dragonhide. He was wearing a shining crown upon his head, directly between his two horns.
Seven dragons sat to the right and left of the wyrmking’s seat. These must have been the leaders known as the seven pillars. Their scales were a dark blackish-red, and they each wore necklaces of a different color.
“Welcome, guests.” One dragon stood, looking down at Wataru and his friends, then turned to look at the other dragons gathered there. “As decreed by our customs, and before the wyrmking, the Council of Fang and Wing shall now convene.”
As one, the dragons lowered their heads to the rocky floor. Wataru saw young dragons, smaller even than Jozo, mimicking their parents.
Jozo, flanked by his parents, took a step forward and introduced the guests. He also explained that he was the one who brought them to the island.
When he was finished, Wataru took a step forward. “I thank you for greeting us and making us feel welcome on such short notice. My thanks to the wyrmking, and all the dragons of the Isle of Dragon.”
The chamber was perfectly silent. Wataru could hear his heart beating in his chest. “With a scale from Jozo, I made a wyrmflute, and since then he has saved me twice from danger. Now I have called on Jozo’s strength to carry me this far…”
The wyrmking lifted his head and called out to Wataru. “Traveler!”
“Y-yes?”
“Can you show us your proof that you are a Traveler, so that all may see.”
Wataru drew his Brave’s Sword from the scabbard at his waist and held it aloft. One of the seven pillars closest to Wataru took it from him and held it before the wyrmking.
The wyrmking’s eyelids were still half-closed, yet he viewed the blade with great interest. It was soon returned to Wataru’s hand.
“Is the Watcher Wayfinder Lau well?”
The wyrmking’s sudden switch in tone from the stiff formality of a moment before caught Wataru off-guard. He couldn’t be sure, but it seemed like the ancient dragon was smiling.
“Yes! He’s doing fine!”
“When you came to Vision, did the Wayfinder not give you a pendant?”
Wataru had completely forgotten about the pendant after wearing it so long. It occurred to him now that this was the proof of his status as Traveler, more than the sword. Wataru hastily pulled up the pendant. But when he attempted to take it off, the wyrmking motioned for him to stop.
“No, no, that will do. I have seen your proof.”
“Thank you,” Wataru said, standing up straight. He was so nervous he had almost lost his balance. Some of the younger dragons made a snuffling noise with their noses that sounded suspiciously like chuckling.
“Traveler and Highlanders.” The wyrmking’s voice rang solemnly in the cavern. Kutz jerked to attention. “We firewyrms have drawn breath since the time of creation. Now, we pass our days in this corner of the great sea, living in peace and tranquility,” he continued, addressing the other dragons as well as Wataru and his friends. Yet, our role as protectors of Vision has not ended. We remain and will ever be the Goddess’s sword and shield in Vision’s time of need.”
As one, the dragons in the room nodded. The seven pillars looked out on the room with sharp gazes.
“Traveler! You need not tell me your path, for I know. I know you go to the north, I know why you go there, and I know your purpose has its roots in the conflicts of men.”
While Wataru was wondering how the wyrmking knew what they were up to, Kutz’s clear voice rang out from beside him. “Your Highness! If I may, my reason for going to the north