Chapter 5: Internal Conflicts
The wind blew strongly, pushing the gray clouds towards the city. The sky, which had started bright in the morning, was growing darker, as if the atmosphere reflected the confusion that was overtaking Riven. As he walked through the streets of the capital, his thoughts couldn't escape the recent victory against the tamers. While his heart had soared with the triumph, a sense of unease was beginning to take up an increasingly larger space within him. He had won a small confrontation, but what did that really mean? Was his power enough to face the true challenges that awaited him?
Vorgar walked alongside him, as imposing as ever, but today the dragon's presence felt more like a burden than a source of comfort. Riven glanced sideways at his companion. The dragon was not just a wild beast he controlled; it was also a mirror of his own insecurities, of his lack of mastery over the power he had begun to awaken. In his fight against the tamers, he had felt the connection between them, but he had also sensed the limit of his control. It wasn't enough. Something was missing.
With every step he took, the doubts grew. The dragon had responded well, but could he maintain that connection when faced with something greater? In the distance, the murmurs of the city seemed to fade away as his thoughts absorbed him entirely. The anxiety wrapped around him, an uncomfortable feeling pushing him towards a dead-end. *What if I can't control Vorgar in a real battle?* That question echoed in his mind, resounding over and over again.
A creak behind him made him turn. An older man, his face marked by the years and a deep, serene gaze, approached slowly, his step firm but measured. Riven watched him warily, noting his simple but functional clothing. The man looked like a tamer, but something in his posture revealed a wisdom rarely found in the arrogant young people of the city.
— *Seems like something's troubling you, young one.* — said the man in a deep, yet kind voice.
Riven tensed but curiosity drove him to respond.
— *And what makes you think that?*
The man smiled softly, pointing to Vorgar, who walked by his side, his tail swaying slowly from side to side.
— *It's not hard to see that you carry such an imposing beast, but you still don't control its power. Have you ever wondered what it means to be a true tamer?*
The question fell upon Riven like a weight. *What did it mean to be a true tamer?* He thought about everything he had accomplished so far. He had won the challenge in the city, yes, but was that enough? He had gained power, but did he truly know how to use it?
Riven fell silent as the man approached him, keeping a respectful distance.
— *Listen, young one. Being a tamer isn't just about controlling the beast. It's not just about having the power to tame and direct its will. A true tamer understands their creature. They don't see it as just a tool for combat. They connect with it, understand it, and respect it. Only then can they truly rely on it.* — The man paused, observing Vorgar. — *You don't have control over what you don't understand, young one. The beast isn't just at your service. It has its own will. The question is, can you connect with it in such a way that you both become one?*
Riven felt a knot form in his stomach. The man was right. Even though he had managed to make Vorgar obey him in the challenge, there was still a barrier between them, a lack of true connection. It felt more like forced control than a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
The man leaned slightly forward, as if reading Riven's thoughts.
— *And don't forget this. No matter how big your power is, there will always be something greater waiting for you. Control is something you earn, not something you take by force.* — he said before stepping back. — *Perhaps your greatest challenge is yet to come.*
Before Riven could respond, the man turned and began walking in the opposite direction. Riven watched him for a moment, feeling there was something more he needed to learn, something he hadn't considered until now. The feeling of insecurity didn't fade, but the old tamer's words had planted a seed of reflection.
Soon after, the calm of the city was interrupted by a distant scream, followed by the sound of war drums. Riven spun on his heels, searching for the source of the commotion. A current of people began moving towards the north, and a feeling of tension overtook the city. This was no rumor: the beasts near the city were becoming more aggressive.
Vorgar raised his head, his ears twitching attentively, and Riven could see the tension in his muscles. The dragon felt it too. Something was about to happen. Suddenly, the ground beneath their feet vibrated, and in the distance, a massive shadow appeared, moving quickly. Riven knew it wasn't an illusion. The beast approaching was real, and it was much bigger and more dangerous than he had imagined.
The crowd began to panic, but Riven couldn't take his eyes off the creature advancing. He had to face it. Not just for the city, but for himself. He knew his relationship with Vorgar wasn't perfect yet, but this was the moment to test what he had learned.
— *Vorgar...* — he murmured, looking the dragon in the eye. — *This is the moment. I need you to trust me.*
The dragon responded with a piercing gaze, and Riven felt a small spark of connection within him. It wasn't much, but it was a beginning.
Riven ran toward the place where the beast was approaching, with Vorgar at his side. The creature was gigantic, its body covered in black scales that reflected the sunlight like living obsidian. The beast's eyes glowed with fury, and its roar echoed through the streets, making the windows of nearby buildings tremble.
Riven knew he couldn't face that beast with brute strength alone. *Power wasn't the key*, he thought. He had to find a way to connect, to work with Vorgar. Without that connection, all the power in the world would be useless.
The chained dragon began walking alongside him, its step steady but measured. The wind blew more fiercely, and Riven, with a deep breath, extended his hand toward the beast, seeking a response.
In the distance, the battle was about to begin. But this time, Riven wouldn't fight with just strength. This time, he would fight with his bond.
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End of Chapter 5