Dawn of the Aspects: Part II Read Online Free

Among dragons, racing had always been a popular competition.
    Malygos peered over his shoulder to see Coros and the others trying their best to catch up. However, Malygos and Neltharion set an astounding pace. Kalec could scarcely believe his host still had such strength, then sensed that Malygos had embraced the suggestion not only because of his disdain for Coros but also so that for a short time, the blue-and-white male could focus less on the horrors unleashed upon his world.
    Despite the strain, Malygos continued to fly right alongside Neltharion and several lengths ahead of his rival. Try as he might, Coros could not catch up, although he did soon leave his other companions far behind.
    It occurred to Kalec, only too late, that spread out as they were, the six proto-dragons made a much more visible target, but fortunately, nothing happened. Still, he felt Malygos also relieved to arrive finally at a bowl-shaped valley where in the shadows it soon became apparent that scores upon scores of proto-dragons warily gathered.
    The valley echoed with hisses as the newcomers descended, but not all of the reactions focused on the arrivals. There were members of nearly every proto-dragon family of which Malygos was aware, plus a few that Kalec’s host did not recognize. Many were not by nature or by attitude on friendly terms with one another. Only the disaster sweeping over their world forced them now at least to pretend to be allies.
    The tension was also magnified by the presence of many of the lesser—as Malygos thought them—proto-dragons, those that were essentially little more than animals. They had to be constantly herded or guarded by their more intelligent brethren. For Kalec, it set into stark relief the curious rise of those of Malygos’s generation.
    A throaty, harsh hiss rose above the din. It cut off the rest. Malygos followed the hiss to its source.
    Talonixa dominated not only in voice but also in size and presence. She was a third again as large as most of the males, only a few, such as Neltharion, outweighing her. Her smooth hide glittered gold even under the overcast sky. Talonixa had sharp, gleaming black eyes that, when fixed upon individual proto-dragons, subdued even the most restive.
    Malygos and Neltharion moved to where Alexstrasza and Ysera perched. Unlike many of the other proto-dragons, the sisters had kept to themselves and not their family. Some of Malygos’s family stared at his choice of companions, but there seemed no surprise on the part of Neltharion’s family that he chose such odd friends. In fact, Kalec thought that its members looked a little relieved not to have to concern themselves with the brash gray.
    Coros alighted a short distance to Talonixa’s left. He was obviously out of breath but did his best to pretend he was as calm as Malygos.
    â€œMore have come!” Talonixa roared. “We are many! Say it! We are many!”
    A chorus of proto-dragon voices repeated her litany over and over. Kalec shared Malygos’s frustration with the proto-dragons now risking their hiding place as they followed Talonixa’s lead. Strength was important, but common sense was something obviously not shared by all.
    â€œShe talks fighting,” Ysera muttered. “Not good. Peace is better.”
    Although looking as disappointed as her sister, Alexstrasza disagreed. “We must fight . . . but not fight like Talonixa.”
    â€œWe fight . . . we die!”
    As the two females argued, Coros slid up to Talonixa and whispered to her. This snared Malygos’s attention. He strained to hear anything but could not. Kalec was also frustrated; he did not trust Coros any more than his host did.
    Talonixa listened intently, then dismissed Coros with a short hiss. He moved back to his previous position, seeming satisfied with whatever he had passed on to the larger proto-dragon.
    â€œNorth is empty!” she proclaimed. “No not-living!