Luker had become Haldor's right-hand man, constantly by his side like a protective guardian.
Nothing happened without him being there; he was still very young in the eyes of the great sages who were teaching him many things, and he learned with devotion.
"What stance should I take towards my father?" Haldor had doubts about how to act in front of a man he had only seen in stolen memories from the previous owner of this body.
Luker, who had arrived with the warships, looked at him thoughtfully and said, "I suppose he doesn't wish to see you, at least not in recent years. The stance I recommend you take is neutral. He will name you heir, and if not, we have assassins ready to act in your name."
Usurping the power that was not yet his didn't bother him. If Haldor hadn't been attacked repeatedly, he wouldn't care about a damned kingdom he considered a hell.
The emotional burden of depending on hundreds of thousands is something he was not prepared to take on, at least not a responsibility he desired. If his brothers or whoever else wouldn't try to kill him, his desire for power wouldn't have been so great.
Now, he would show mercy to those who would bow their heads and had no ideas of usurping power. If they refused, he would kill them, and if his father didn't name him an heir, he would disappear from this place along with his men and the alliance of the armored bears.
Furthermore, he would strive even harder to unite all the tribes of free men currently being united by Baba Voss, who had promised a great army in less than five years.
"The prince Haldor Mondragón has arrived!"
"The prince Haldor Mondragón has arrived!"
"The prince Haldor Mondragón has arrived!"
The loud cries spread throughout the city, and soon those interested in meeting the prince with a dragon were astonished by the white hair falling over his shoulders.
Haldor had the aura of a magnificent warrior, someone who, at his age, had achieved what very few men have experienced in their entire lives.
"Form up, be ready." Haldor jumped and landed at the port.
Luker, along with his royal guard, escorted Haldor to the palace, which was not far from their location. On the way, everyone seemed friendly, amazed by the enormous white dragon flying over the island, ready to rain fire if Haldor was attacked, something many understood.
"It's the prince Haldor's dragon, the star of the north."
What very few knew was that Haldor had the mages on his side. A group of mages led by Lucian was in his convoy, heading home.
"Everything is fine, my Lord. The mages trust you and are sure you will be chosen to rule the lands of the west."
As the carriage carrying Haldor to the castle moved forward, the high command of the island had been informed, and everyone who had seen the white dragon felt a certain respect.
Azazel was not a dragon to be feared but respected, something many saw and felt protected by.
Soon they arrived at the castle, guarded by royal warriors wearing armor slightly inferior to that made by the armored bears.
"Only the prince shall pass; his guard will remain outside awaiting further orders."
Luker, who was outside the carriage, approached the man and looked at him as if waiting to hear his imprudent words once again before him, a king.
"I will be fine. Azazel feels my emotions from this distance. If something happens, my dragon will know, but I think we are being overly distrustful."
Luker did not look at Haldor and said, "Trust is good, but distrust is the key to survival."