Chapter 389:Palace.
Atheline could feel the power contained within it.
"That’s not an ordinary barrier."
Lilith studied it.
"No."
The captain looked toward them.
"We cannot enter without authorization."
Atheline glanced toward Lilith who nodded.
She already understood what was needed. She reached into her storage space and produced the invitation they had received from the dragons.
The document had been sealed with a unique mark. As soon as Lilith held it up, the barrier responded. A faint golden light spread across the surface, then an opening appeared.
The ship slowly passed through. The moment they crossed the barrier, the atmosphere changed. The pressure surrounding the island became noticeably stronger.
Atheline could feel enormous amounts of Aether moving through the land. It wasn’t concentrated in one location but everywhere. The entire island seemed saturated with it.
Lilith quietly observed the surroundings.
"Dragons."
Atheline nodded.
"So this is their territory."
The captain continued guiding the ship toward the designated harbor which took some time.
The island was considerably larger than it had initially appeared. Its rocky coastline stretched for miles, with enormous mountain ranges rising farther inland.
There were no crowded cities, merchant districts or villages packed together; instead, there were isolated settlements scattered across enormous territories.
Atheline noticed something else.
"Look."
Lilith followed his gaze.
A dragon flew across the sky. It was enormous, its wings beat slowly as it crossed above the mountains. Another appeared farther away, then another. They weren’t flying together, each seemed to be traveling alone.
"Territorial," Lilith murmured.
Atheline nodded.
"It makes sense."
Dragons were very powerful creatures. If too many of them gathered in one location, conflicts would be inevitable. The island seemed designed around that reality; large territories, large distances, few dragons, and enormous stretches of land between them.
Eventually, the ship reached the docking area. Unlike an ordinary harbor, it was built almost entirely from stone. Massive pillars extended from the cliffs, supporting platforms capable of handling enormous vessels. Several ships were already docked.
Atheline looked toward the insignias displayed on them. He immediately recognized one.
"The Demonic Kingdom."
Lilith nodded, then she noticed another.
"Wood Elves."
A third ship carried the insignia of the High Elven Kingdom. Atheline looked at the three vessels.
"It seems we’re early or everyone else is late."
Lilith smiled.
"Either way, we aren’t the last."
The ship finally stopped and the crew secured it to the dock. The dragon representatives who had been waiting nearby immediately approached.
They were humanoid but unmistakably dragons. One had crimson scales along his neck and arms, while another had dark green scales covering portions of her face. Both possessed horns and tails.
It was clear that neither attempted to hide their draconic features. They stood proudly at the entrance to the docking platform.
When Atheline and Lilith stepped off the ship, the two dragons bowed.
"Welcome to Dragonic Island." Their voices were deep but respectful. "We are honored by your presence."
Lilith returned the gesture.
"We thank you for welcoming us."
The male dragon looked toward the invitation in her hand.
"May we verify the invitation?"
Lilith handed it over.
He examined the seal carefully. A faint golden glow passed over the document and after several seconds, he returned it.
"Everything is in order." He stepped aside. "You may proceed."
Atheline glanced around. There were no crowds but only dragons moving through the area occasionally. Some flew overhead while others walked along the rocky paths. Most paid little attention to them.
That was another indication of how territorial the dragons were. They weren’t interested in strangers unless those strangers entered their territory.
The female dragon gestured toward the road.
"Please follow us."
Atheline and Lilith began walking, their little fox following closely. The road led upward through the rocky terrain.
The higher they climbed, the more of the island became visible. Atheline could see massive valleys between the mountains.
Some contained forests while others were completely barren. Far in the distance, he could see enormous structures carved into the mountains.
Dragon dwellings.
Some were large enough to be mistaken for fortresses.
Lilith quietly observed them.
"Their architecture is impressive."
Atheline nodded.
"It’s built for dragons."
They continued walking.
Occasionally, a dragon passed overhead. Some were enormous enough to cast shadows over the road. Others were smaller, likely younger dragons.
One landed on a distant cliff, its wings folded against its body. It stared at them for a moment, then it turned away.
Atheline smiled.
"They really don’t care."
"Unless we test them."
The female dragon leading them heard him.
"You would be wise not to."
Atheline looked at her. She smiled slightly.
"Dragons are peaceful toward guests but we are protective of our territories."
Lilith nodded.
"We understand."
After walking for some time, they reached a large stone platform. A teleportation circle had been carved into the center. Several runes surrounded it.
Atheline immediately recognized the structure.
"A teleportation circle?"
"Yes." The male dragon stepped onto the platform. "This will take you directly to the palace."
Atheline looked toward Lilith.
"So we don’t have to walk across the entire island."
The dragon smiled.
"That would take a few days unfortunately."
Atheline laughed.
"Fair enough."
Lilith stepped onto the circle and Atheline followed. The little fox stayed close to them. The dragon representatives remained outside the formation.
"Once you arrive, you will be received by the palace attendants."
"We understand."
The female dragon bowed.
"We wish you a pleasant stay."
The teleportation circle activated. Golden light spread across the stone. Atheline felt the familiar sensation of space bending around him. The rocky island blurred and the mountains disappeared.
For a moment, there was nothing but light, then the world returned. They stood somewhere entirely different.
The palace.
Atheline looked around.
The Dragonic Palace was enormous. It had been carved directly into the mountain itself. Massive stone columns supported the entrance. The walls were decorated with ancient dragon symbols. Everything about the structure radiated age and power.
Lilith stood beside him.
"So this is where the meeting will happen."
Atheline nodded. He looked through the enormous entrance.
"Looks like it."
The little fox emerged from behind them and looked around curiously.
Atheline smiled.
"Welcome to Dragonic Island."
Lilith glanced toward him.
"Don’t get too comfortable we’re here for a meeting not a free vacation."
Atheline smiled.
"I know." He looked deeper into the palace. "And I’m curious what the dragons have to say."
Lilith’s expression became serious.
"So am I."
They began walking forward.