That evening, as Cole took a break from his duties, he overheard a conversation between the knights nearby.
"Why are we fighting a dragon's battle?" one knight asked in frustration.
"I dunno. Rumor says the king made a deal with Solara," replied another knight, his voice having a hint of suspicion.
"You think Solara threatened to burn down our kingdom?" chimed in yet another knight, his voice filled with worry.
Cole's mind raced with questions. Dragons? Those overgrown lizards were thought to be a myth that existed only in stories from centuries ago. If they've always been here, why would one show itself to humanity now? And what could possibly compel their king to strike a deal with such powerful beings?
The mystery of the dragons' return and their involvement with the kingdom of Astoria gnawed at Cole's mind. That night, as he lay in his small, dimly-lit room, Cole's thoughts whirled with questions. Why would their king make a pact with Solara? What could Solara want from Astoria?
Cole resolved to find answers. The next morning, he began his quest. He sought out the castle's oldest inhabitant, a wise and reclusive mage named Eldric, hoping that the old man's knowledge might shed light on the dragons' reappearance.
"Eldric," Cole called as he approached the mage's tower, "I need your wisdom. It's about the dragons and the deal with our king."
The mage, an ancient figure with a long, silver beard and piercing eyes, nodded slowly. "Come in, young squire. It seems the time has come for you to learn the truths hidden from most."
Inside the tower, Eldric led Cole to a dusty, ancient tome. He opened it to a page depicting a fierce dragon with scales that shimmered like gold. "This," Eldric began, "is Solara, one of the fiercest and most powerful dragons of Draconia. Long ago, the dragons and humans lived in harmony. But as you heard, a great conflict has divided them. Solara seeks allies to claim the throne of Draconia, and our king has struck a bargain with her, though the terms remain shrouded in secrecy."
Cole listened intently, absorbing every word. "What do you know about the war between Solara and Lumis?" he asked.
"Their struggle is one of power and destiny," Eldric explained. "Lumis and Solara both believe they are the rightful heirs to the Dragon Queen's legacy. Their battle has torn Draconia apart and now threatens our land. If they are not stopped, their war could spill into our world, bringing ruin to us all."
Determined to uncover the full extent of the alliance between Solara and his king, Cole decided to infiltrate the royal council. With Eldric's guidance, he managed to eavesdrop on a secret meeting. Hidden behind a thick tapestry, he overheard King Roland speaking with his advisors.
"We must hold up our end of the bargain," King Roland said gravely. "Solara has promised us protection from Lumis' forces. In return, we provide her with supplies and shelter."
"But what if Solara turns against us?" an advisor questioned. "We cannot trust a dragon completely."
"We have no choice," the king replied. "Without Solara, Lumis' dragons could destroy us."
Cole's heart pounded. The stakes were higher than he'd imagined. He knew he had to act, but he couldn't do it alone. He decided to seek help from a brave and skilled knight he admired: Sir Gareth, known for his loyalty and valor.
"Sir Gareth," Cole approached him with urgency, "I've discovered something important. Our kingdom is in great danger because of the dragons. I need your help to stop this war from spreading to our land."
"If you think I'm willing to risk my life to help a clumsy squire on his dangerous quest," the knight paused, leaving much suspension in the air, "No."
"What?" Cole questioned.
"No." Gareth repeated.
"B-but..." Cole stammered.
"I said what I said, young lad," Gareth said, shooing Cole away.
Cole huffed, tripping over a few tree roots as he walked away. But Cole knew he couldn't give up. As he wandered the castle halls, he pondered who else might assist him. Then he remembered Elanor, a kind and resourceful healer who often helped the knights and squires with their injuries. She had a reputation for bravery and had once saved Cole from a particularly nasty fall.
"Elanor," Cole called as he found her in the infirmary, mixing potions. "I need your help. It's about the dragons and our king's deal with Solara."
Elanor looked up, her eyes filled with concern. "Dragons? What have you gotten yourself into, Cole?"
"I overheard the king," Cole explained, "and I believe our kingdom is in great danger. Sir Gareth refused to help, but I need someone I can trust. Someone brave."
Elanor put down her herbs and listened as Cole recounted everything he had learned. When he finished, she nodded thoughtfully. "If what you say is true, we can't stand by and do nothing."
"So will you help?" Cole asked hopefully.
"Of course," Elanor answered
Relieved to have an ally, Cole and Elanor began planning their next steps. They decided to seek out more information from the archives, hoping to find records of past interactions between dragons and humans. With Elanor's knowledge of the castle and its secrets, they managed to access the restricted section of the library.
Among the dusty scrolls and ancient books, they discovered a journal written by a past advisor to the king. It detailed the last great dragon war.
"Listen to this," said Elanor, "Centuries ago, when dragons ruled the land, the skies, and the seas, there was a kingdom known as Draconia."
Cole walked to Elanor's side to see what she was reading.
"The land was divided into regions, each watched over by different dragon species, each bringing its own unique magic and personality to the area. The Dragon Queen ruled them all with beauty and grace." Elanor continued reading, "Her wisdom and fairness united the diverse dragons, ensuring peace and harmony in Draconia. Under her reign, the kingdom flourished, a magical realm where dragons lived in respect for one another. But one day, like all good kings and queens, the Queen's reign came to an end. Weeks passed. Lumis and Solara came to the conclusion that one of them must take place on the throne..."
"That must be why the dragons are fighting," Cole said.
"Must be," said Elanor, "...are you sure you want to go on this journey?"
"I have to! It's the only way I can prove my worth!"
"Very well. But first I must travel to the coastal village to retrieve some herbs."
Cole and Elanor set out on a journey to the Whispering Woods. The forest was as mysterious as the legends described, with trees that seemed to whisper secrets and paths that changed direction.
"Remind me what we're doing here," said Cole.
"I told you before," said Elanor, "I have to take this path to get to the coastal villages."