Lyndria thought she would never adapt to living with humans. She was glad to find out how wrong she was. Over the last couple of months, things had picked up. The humans knew she didn’t like to be catered to and so gave her space to things herself at her pace. They still often came to her for advice and to settle disputes, but that was fine. It turned out she liked giving advice and helping others.

Over time, she had become the go-to for information and problem-solving. She knew every piece of gossip, scandal, and family history in the place. Even Sareen had started coming to her for advice on how to run things. Since Lyndria had an ear to the ground, she knew what the humans were most lacking in and any innovations they wanted to try.

As nice as life was, Lyndria couldn’t shake the feeling it was too good to be true. Here in their little temple, the chaos of the outside world had been all but forgotten. It was only during early mornings or hunts that she saw the pillars of smoke from some battle from far away and she remembered the state of things.

Very little news on the state of the world passed through there, even with Silias going off on scouting missions. The most he would say was the fighting hadn’t slown down. It was getting worrying if not surprising. With most of the forests and fields burned and the lack of clean water, everyone was fighting over what little remained.

They also had a few intruders try to muscle in on them, but they all met the same fate. Lyndria’s knowledge of everyone made it easy to find anyone trying to sow dissent into their ranks and Sareen was quick to stamp it out.

It still didn’t set her mind at ease. Just like today. Lyndria had come back from a conversation with Thomas who was in charge of their food stores. The last hunt had come up light and so they were dangerously low on meat. They were working on crops but those wouldn’t yield much before the winter hit. It would take careful rationing to ensure no one starved.

So the unpleasant job of informing Sareeen of this fell on Lyndria’s shoulders. She didn’t look forward to it. Over the last several weeks, the dragoness was distracted by something and hated being disturbed.

She found the Stormborne in her usual spot, a special empty chamber below the temple she had designated her training room. Training for what, Lyndria was unsure, but Sareen spent nearly every waking moment in it.

The grey form of her companion was easy to spot even in the dark chamber. Electricity arced across her body illuminating the room in an eerie glow. Metallic objects littered the floor around her.

“Still working at it?” Lyndria asked.

Sareen snorted. “You make light but I’m attempting to unlock the secrets of our ancestors.”

“Yeah, sure. Anyway, while you’re chasing secrets, I need to tell you something—”

“If it concerns the temple or it’s residents, you deal with it. I’m far too busy to bother with your picayune concerns.”

“Well excuuuuse me for thinking our illustrious leader gave a damn about the people in her care!”

Sareen spun on her, a deep rumble filling the chamber. “In case it has escaped your attention, we are at war, and I will not suffer the same fates as others who became complacent and lazy.”

“Um, pardon me, your graces,” a human said.

Lyndria rolled her eyes and faced the interloper. Sure enough, it was a human wearing long flowing robes. Kobolds, Sareen called them. They followed her around like a freshly hatched whelp. Unlike the other humans, they swore to serve dragons and praised them daily.

“What do you want?” Lyndria snapped.

The human flinched and bowed her head. “Forgive my interruption, but travelers have arrived outside the gates.”

“Travelers?” Sareen asked. “Have they been hostile?”

“Just the opposite. They have a Dracaena with them. She wants to speak with you.”

Lyndria tilted her head. Another dragon with humans? That was new.

The front gate wasn’t nearly as lively as she had hoped. Instead of armed humans demanding an end to dragon tyranny, it was a group of scared, dirty faces. As for weapons, none of them held any. Some of them were lucky enough to be wearing clothes.

At the front of the group was a dragon Lyndria had never seen before. She was just as dirty as the humans, but it didn’t hide her bright blue scales and white underbelly. Lyndria had never seen a species like this before.

The dragoness motioned to Lyndria. “Fuck you staring at?”

Lyndria snapped out of her stupor and frowned, but Sareen quickly cut her off before she could respond. “My companion is a bit untrusting of others. Pay her no mind.” She turned to Lyndria and whispered, “Would you mind not starting an incident before we even learn our guests’ names?”

Lyndria snorted.

“Anyway, which one of you is in charge?” the dragoness asked.

“That would be me,” Sareen replied, striding forward with a note of arrogance that made Lyndria fight the urge to roll her eyes again. “I am Sareen. The one behind me is Lyndria. And you are?”

“Call me Cutter.”

“Cutter? That is a rather unusual name.”

“Wow, this place isn’t high on manners, is it? Works for me. The damn world’s ending and we don’t have time to waste on stupid shit like etiquette.”

“That is a very dangerous principle to have,” Sareen replied. “After all, our mannerisms are what separate us from the mindless beasts the humans claim we are.”

“Ha! Can’t argue with that. Anyway, I got a bunch of humans here who are cold, hungry, and tired. You got room for any more in there?”

“Only if your followers are willing to work,” Sareen said. “This place is far—”

A man wearing only a pair of dirty pants. “We are! We’ll rebuild this place from the ground up if we have to! Please, we need—” His eyes went blank as he fell silent. Without a word, he bowed his head and backed into the crowd. Several humans stepped away from the man and whispered to each other.

“How ironic that you reprimand me for lack of manners but proceed to interrupt others without provocation,” Sareen said.

Cutter shot an annoyed look at the stormborne. “Can you not do that?  These people are already worried about getting fucked over. The last thing they need is you throwing your dick around and scaring them off.”

“Then you understand the importance of manners.”

Cutter smiled. “Anyway, what’s your answer? Can we stay or do we need to keep walking?”

Sareen looked back at Lyndria. “Well, do you oppose?”

“Can we talk in private?”

****

“Whoa, whoa,” Karl said. “Before you finish, I have to ask: Since when is Cutter blue? I’m no dragon expert but that doesn’t sound like her species at all.”

“That is because it isn’t,” William replied grimly. “The Cutter we know is an Aquarian Short-Snout, so recognized by their fins and green scales. The Cutter described here is a different species entirely.”

“So our Cutter is named after this dragon?”

“I’m not aware of dragons following such practices. More likely she’s using a fake name.” Although he had never heard of a dragon doing that either. All the dragons he had met, Cutter included, seemed too proud to hide their true identity. It would explain why this book was dangerous. Cutter probably didn’t want that information to get out.

Really? After all this time you are still going to pretend you’re a dragon expert?

He quickly pushed the thought aside. Before jumping to any conclusions, he needed more evidence. But to do that, they needed to get out of this place which wasn’t possible currently.

“I haven’t been excited to have a book read to me since I was a boy,” Karl said. “I have to know what happens next.”

William nodded and continued reading.

****

Lyndria led Sareen into an empty side room. What the room was meant to be used for, she didn’t know, but it would work for her current purpose. After making sure no one was close enough to listen in, she closed the door.

“That’s what I needed to talk to you about,” Lyndria said. “We barely have enough food to feed ourselves. We can’t take in more mouths to feed.”

“How unfortunate. I would have liked to expand our ranks. A larger settlement would deter would-be scavengers.”

“I don’t trust that dragon anyway. What even is she and where did she come from?”

“She’s an Ardelle Celestial. They rarely come down from the mountains. But since she will not be residing alongside us, her reasons for travel are not our concern.”

Lyndria wasn’t sure how their new guests would take the news. She expected a lot of screaming and accusations before a fight broke out, so she braced for the worst. Sareen strode out of the room without a care in the world.

“I’m afraid we must decline your request,” Sareen said. “My partner here has informed me that our food stores are taxed as it is without adding more mouths to feed.”

Cutter seemed unbothered by the response. “Kinda figured that. Your humans don’t look too well fed. So here’s my counteroffer: what if I told you I knew where there was enough food for both of us to last the winter?”

Lyndria frowned. “Do you think we’re stupid? Steal it you mean, and if you knew that, why are you still hungry?”

The blue dragoness motioned to the crowd behind her. “Do these people look like the fighting sort? They’ll sooner piss themselves than hold their own.”

“So you intend to use us to acquire these rations for you,” Sareen said.

“Yes, and no. These people can’t fight worth a damn, but I’ll pull the weight for them. Agree to take us in and I’ll take you to it.”

“Who are we stealing from?” Lyndria asked.

“The fuck it matter?” Cutter replied.

“It does not,” Sareen said. “Now, we accept your terms. Are we in agreement?”

“We are,” Cutter said. She turned to the humans. “All right, people, we’re staying here! Grab your shit and move your ass!”

Cheers and praises overlapped, hurting Lyndria’s head. She almost didn’t notice Sareen standing in front of her. “Take Silias with you,” Sareen whispered. “I’ll remain here and ensure this isn’t an attempted coup.”

Lyndria wondered if the dragoness could handle things on her own, but knowing how much Sareen despised losing, she doubted anything would go wrong. And she wasn’t completely alone. The humans under their care would die for her if need be.

When Sareen moved, Cutter stood right there. Lyndria wondered how much the dragoness heard of their conversation.

“So, ready to get raiding?” Cutter asked.

She wasn’t, but there was no point in worrying about such things. Convincing Silias to go with them was simpler than expected. Once he heard that it was Sareeen’s order, he complied without hesitation. They grabbed several able-bodied humans and carts so they could bring the supplies back.

According to Cutter, flying could give them away so they walked to their destination. It surprised Lyndria to learn it was only a 3-day walk. During that time, they spoke little. They had to be focused on their task. What bothered Lyndria was they had thoroughly scouted the area when they arrived and hadn’t found any signs of others in the area.

She quickly learned why.

It was like stepping through a portal to another world. Where there were lush green trees, had now become dead, burned husks of wood. The ground crunched with every step they took. Even the air smelled of ash and death. They hadn’t spent a lot of time scouting this area; there was nothing to find.

It was a bigger surprise to see the large stone structures built in the middle of the dead forest. From the outside, it looked just like any other rundown abandoned building they had seen.

“That’s where they’re hiding?” Silias asked. “I’ve flown over that building and found nothing of note.”

“It wouldn’t be much of a hidey-hole if you did,” Cutter replied. “Nah, most places like this hide their stuff underground.”

“And how do you know it exists?”

“Because I’ve used it before.”

Silias quickly cut in front of her. His body glowed as it crackled with electricity. “What aren’t you telling us?”

Cutter remained calm. “This storeroom belongs to a very dangerous dragon. I would warn you that robbing her will piss her off, but she’s going to fuck with us anyway. Might as well get something out of it.”

“What dragon?” Lyndria asked.

“Look, I’ll tell you everything when we get back. Right now, we need to clean this bitch out before someone shows.”

Lyndria didn’t like it, but they didn’t have a choice. Things would get very complicated if they were discovered. Silias refused to let Cutter out of his sight which helped a lot because Lyndria didn’t trust her either.

The storeroom was packed with food and supplies. After several trips, they filled the two wagons they had and there was still a lot more remaining. It was more worrying than anything. This place hadn’t filled up overnight and just how many people did this dragon have in their care to require this much stuff?

Lyndria was glad to finally leave the place behind. Cutter mentioned that they may be able to return for the rest if they were fast enough, but Lyndria didn’t want to come back. They got away clean. No point in pushing their luck.

They arrived back home without incident. The temple was still as they had left it. That was one less thing to worry about. Cutter’s group had acclimated quite nicely. Lyndria hadn’t noticed it before now that she walked by the crowd, it was clear Cutter handled her humans very differently than Sareen. They were the only ones who didn’t bow or avoid eye contact. A few of them even spoke, but it wasn’t songs of praise and adoration. It was very casual greetings.

Lyndria smiled at the idea of Sareen’s face upon hearing them speak to a dragon that way. Cutter didn’t seem to mind and returned the gesture.

It wasn’t until they were inside the temple that the blue dragoness finally addressed them directly. “So, I promised you answers. We should get that other one though. She ought to hear this and I hate repeating myself. We got somewhere private to talk?”

Silias growled, no doubt angry at Sareen being referred to as “that other one”, but his only response was, “Follow me”, before walking away.

“We got somewhere private to talk?”

They followed the drake to Sareen’s room. It surprised Lyndria to see Olyvia there as well. Once they entered, Olyvia flicked her tongue and somehow turned even paler.

“Cutter? What are you doing here?” Olyvia asked.

“Hey, what a surprise!” Cutter said. “They said you were dead! You look damn good for a corpse.”

“You know each other?” Lyndria asked.

Cutter laughed and sat in the corner. “Looks like this story just got a little longer. Yeah, we know each other. Haven’t seen her in years, though.” Her smile faded as she looked over the Horntail. “Judging from those scars, it hasn’t been kind.”

Olyvia curled into a ball and said nothing.

“She has suffered greatly at the hands of humans,” Sareen said. “It’s not a pleasant memory.”

“The humans who did that to her, they dead?”

“I saw to it personally.”

“Then that’s one less thing to fuck us in the ass later.”

“Are you actually to elaborate on these statements or will you continue to speak in riddles?” Sareen asked.

“Oh right! Your chosen wanted to know—”

“He’s not my chosen.”

“Oh, good to know.” She sent a sly look in Silias’ direction then continued. “Now, that storehouse I told you about? It belongs to a dragon who goes by Tanor.”

“What?” Olyvia asked. “But that’s—”

“I’m assuming you know who that is?” Lyndria asked.

Before the Horntail could respond, Cutter spoke up. “Tanor is the meanest sack-spawn to ever walk this earth. She’s a Matriarch and she has the largest clan anyone’s ever seen.”

“I have never heard of this Tanor,” Sareen said.

“Well, with the world gone tits up, why would you? Also, Tanor likes to be thorough. You either join her or feed her so unless you crossed paths, you probably didn’t hear of her.”

Silias’ tail slapped the floor. “If she’s so dangerous, why would you suggest we rob her?”

“Oh, that. Well, Tanor’s got this idea that she should rule the world, so either way, she’s a problem.” She looked at Sareen and added.  “She doesn’t like to share.”

Sareen huffed and said, “Another Matriarch with an inflated ego. I know how to deal with them.”

Olyvia squealed and curled up tighter.

“Not this one you don’t,” Cutter said grimly. “I’ve seen her work. She might just pull off this whole world domination thing. Look, I don’t see any one dragon taking her down, but together, I think we have a shot.”

It all clicked together instantly. Cutter and her group were defectors of Tanor’s. She couldn’t beat the Matriarch on her own, so she’s recruiting others to fight for her. Lyndria tensed, her claws scraping the floor. What a coward to not even want to fight her own battles.

“She’s…right,” Olyvia said softly, surprising everyone. “You can’t beat her.”

“I would expect you of all dragons to have more faith,” Silias said.

“She’s not like other dragons!”

Lyndria was taken aback by the outburst. Olyvia never raised her voice at anyone.

“I don’t think she’s unbeatable,” Cutter said. “But it won’t be easy. That’s why I’m trying to recruit whoever’s left. Tanor’s been moving south, taking what she wants and crushing whoever resists. Human, dragon, she doesn’t care about anyone except for herself, she won’t stop she’s got the whole world bent over. I couldn’t take it anymore. She needs to be stopped.”

“Then we shall stop her,” Sareen said.

Cutter tilted her head. “Just like that? I thought you’d need more convincing.”

“This Tanor threatens my rule. If she was content to leave me alone, I would return the courtesy, but if she truly is determined to bring the world to heel, I cannot let that stand.”

Lyndria didn’t know what to say. This Tanor reminded her too much of Delour, but she also didn’t see a reason to get involved. They managed to stay out of her way this long, haven’t they?

“As you wish, your Grace,” Silias said, bowing, “But may I make a suggestion? One of her storerooms is only three days from here, less by flight. I recommend we take what we can from it and move on as quickly as possible. This place will not hold against an army.”

Sareen nodded. “Make the arrangements. Cutter, was it? I assume you have a plan for dealing with this Tanor besides, recruit others?”

A sly grin spread across Cutter’s face. “Oh, I have a few ideas.”