It had been a while since Doryu's father had returned to the sky. Alaois grew impatient, so Doryu used Looge auk to make a hole in the sky to watch below. They were higher up than he thought, the ground being miles below them.

I don't smell anything down there besides İzzet, Danuška, Lorcan, and the forest full of wildlife. Perhaps we have the wrong one? Or your father's just going crazy. I also don't smell Kiragi. He had a faint scent to him the entire trip.

That's weird. Everything has a corresponding smell to it. Alaois grumbled in agreement. The two circled above the clouds for a few more minutes until Lorcan came to retrieve them.

Your father has convinced the Frukink's to allow us to stay. Saying he had a new dragon and Rider helped, so they are very excited to meet you. Alaois gave a judgmental look towards the owl before following him towards the ground. The three soon emerged from the clouds, Alaois diving at a faster speed. He then released his wings from his side and slowed himself, landing gracefully on the ground below. He then picked up his head and looked at the forest. Doryu did as well.

Look at their faces. They're in shock, Alaoid mentioned as he continued his way towards the forest. Doryu studied the Frukink's lizard face.

More like they're in awe.

"See, Urbali? I was not lying about a new Rider and dragon," İzzet said loudly. As Doryu and Alaois came upon the woodland, the Frukink's immediately bowed, their tails curling to look like a hook and one hand rested on their stomach while the other laid on their back.

"Greetings, Young Rider. I am Urbali, commander of the Frukink Döyüş Qüvvələri." Doryu turned to his father and Danuška, asking them what the word ment.

It means Frukink Fighting Force, Danuška educated him with a smile.

"What be thy name?" asked Urbali.

"Doryu. Doryu Raulart. And this be Alaois," Doryu responded. Alaois curled his tail.

"Ah.." Urbali scowled at İzzet. "Another one of your betraying bloodline, perhaps?"

"Doryu may be my son, but he's different from me and Bokon. He's proved himself time and time again that he won't join my deranged brother and nephew." Urbali turned his lizard face towards the teenager, and flicked his tongue for a minute before speaking again.

"Well then, Doryu Raulart, I'd like to welcome you to Fethprist, the home of the Frukink's." The sandy yellow Frukink turned around to face the forest and muttered. Doryu and Alaois glanced ahead to see the sight of a civilization begin to fade in. Silhouette's of the reptilian race starred at the opening of the invisible door. Alaois was motioned forward by Urbali. Doryu clung onto the hoop that rested on the saddle as he studied the different faces. Each had different features to them; colors, eyes, face types. They all had the face of a lizard; chameleons, skinks, geckos, and more. Doryu turned to Kiragi, who was walking beside the two. He had never noticed it before, but Kiragi's face was very similar to that of a horned lizard, but he was blue.

All the children came running to see Alaois, but were stopped by the guards. Doryu glanced up at the trees to see wooden bridges tied together by vines, each with Frukink citizens on them. The trees had doors on the trunk, each one having a bridge leading to it. Many trees had multiple entrances.

I wonder how they fit so many Frukink's in a small tree, Doryu said to Alaois.

Especially when there's so many to a family. But I'm more curious where we'll be staying during this time, because I am not squeezing myself into that little doorway. Doryu nodded in agreement. He couldn't see Alaois walk into one of the doors, nor could he see with Danuška, as she was much larger than the small, green dragon.

The five followed Urbali up to one of the largest trees. Alaois and Danuška flew up to the platform with their Rider's on their backs. In the middle, two thrones sat. The arms were snakeheads with lavender wrapped around the top. Above on the large tree trunks, lanterns tangled and banners hung, each telling a story in some way. Then they came to a figure walking towards them

It was a Frukink. She was an orange color, with frills resting on the side of her neck, which faded to sunset hues. Her dress: white with transparent sleeves and gold specks scattered across them. On her head rested a crown woven together with vines and white flowers aimed towards the front.

"Welcome, Doryu Raulart. I am N'bushe, queen of the Frukinks." The queen bowed her head slightly. "I'm terribly sorry that my mate isn't able to meet you in person, but he is in a very important meeting. I hope you can understand." Doryu nodded, indicating he understood. "And this must be the great Alaois. Why, such a majestic dragon you are. Perfect shape as well-you!" Queen N'bushe starred at İzzet.

"Hello, N'bushe."

"Don't you dare speak my name!" she hissed, her frills expanding out from her side. "You come into my home and expect me to forgive you?! You are wrong. You left my eldest son to die on the battlefield. You have no respect for our species." Doryu looked at his father. He really did that?

"He was wounded, yes, but I couldn't get to him in time to save him. Bokon's Frukink's surrounded me and attacked Danuška. A Rider must protect their dragon, even in difficult circumstances. I cannot replace your son. All I may do is ask for forgiveness." Resting her frills to her side, N'bushe scowled.

"That will be something you will have to prove, and may it only be approved by me and my mate. The only thing you will be promised is that you will be treated with less respect than Doryu." The queen then turned to Doryu, who was still perched on top of Alaois.

"Now, Young Rider. You and Alaois, along with your father and Danuška, will be staying in the Tempat Tidur Pengendara, which we had finished not long ago."

Rider Sleeping Quarters, Danuška translated.

"Seen as you've already met Kiragi," N'bushe continued, "he will be your guide during your stay in Fethprist. He will lead you to wherever you need to attend, day or night. You will also have a servant whenever you need them. Soldiers will be posted at every inch of both your quarters, even with as safe Fethprist is, we always make extra precautions with Riders and special guests." Doryu glanced at the Frukink to Alaois's side, who bowed to the queen. "Unlike your father, you will be treated with the utmost respect, as will Alaois. If anything were to happen, or anyone were to harass you, you will bring that to me or my mate immediately. Our subjects should know not to disrespect Riders and their dragons."

"Thank you, Queen N'bushe."

Tell her I said thank you as well. Doryu told N'bushe that Alalois was thankful.

"Now, if you excuse me, I must tend to the rest of my subjects. I would like to see you all in the Tempat Tidur Pengendara for the day so you may rest from the journey. Kiragi, you will be staying in the guest quarters right beside them with their servants during their stay. I will send my mate, if possible, to meet you, Doryu and Alaois, or I will send a messenger to bring you." The queen turned away and walked across one of the wooden bridges with soldiers following her trail.

Please tell me I'm not going to be staying in one of those small doors in the trees, Alaois hissed.

"Don't worry, Alaois. The Tempat Tidur Pengendara aren't associated with the magic we use for our dorms. Follow me." Kiragi smiled as he turned around to walk across a bridge. Doryu and Alaois followed the Frukink but by flying, as did Danuška and İzzet, due to the fact that the bridges were too small and would probably break with the amount of weight the dragons would put on them. Doryu crouched down in the saddle and clung onto the handles on the sides so he wouldn't hit anything as Alaois maneuvered around tree trunks, bridges, and branches. They then came upon a vast number of large huts, each being supported by about three trees. Kiragi instructed Alaois to land on the platform leading to one of the huts, as he did with Danuška to a different one. Doryu sat up straight and looked at the interior. A bed in the middle, large amounts of hay and leaves scattered the flooring to the right inside a large cubby, along with a single wooden pole sticking out of the wall. There were no windows, but gaps decorated with vines. A rug sat in front of the bed along with a table, and it had a bowl full of fruit and nuts. Above, the lanterns Doryu saw at the throne platform hung from the ceiling, along with more greenery.

This place is absolutely massive! Alaois exclaimed. Better than the cave we stayed at in the Goderath Peaks.

Definitely.

"If you ever need anything, you can contact any of the soldiers posted around your hut. I will be just a few platforms down." Kiragi exited through the door and shut it as he left. Doryu then slid off Alaois and examined his new room. He approached the table and picked up a pear, biting into it and enjoying the savory flavor.

Been a while since I've had actual food, Doryu said as he picked up another fruit. This time, it was an apple. He looked over to see Alaois, who was sniffing the hay and leafy bedding. I believe that's for you.

It does look quite comfy, he commented.

Before you lay down, let me take off your saddle. Would probably be more comfortable that way too. Doryu did as his father instructed; he broke the metal bands around his legs then hurled the saddle over Alalois's head, where it rested on the wooden pole.

Thanks, he spoke as he stretched his wings. So, how long do you think we'll be here? Our original plan was to reach the Ġellieda in Idovine.

I'm not sure. Though I am in love with Fethprist and very interested in their culture, reaching Idovine is more important. I'll ask my father.

I'll come with you, Alaois said as he stood from his resting position.

You can stay. He's just across from us, Doryu shared.

True, but you're danger prone. Even before I hatched, you almost got yourself killed. So, I will be by your side until I know you won't be in peril all the time. Doryu rolled his eyes then chuckled as Alaois approached the platform from where they entered. There's no getting him out of it. As soon as Doryu opened the door, Alaois launched himself into the sky then appeared around the hut a few seconds later, landing just before Doryu on the stand. Just as Queen N'bushe said, soldiers were posted in every inch of both Doryu and İzzet's hut. They looked at Alaois in awe, their eyes unblinking, then bowed before the dragon and Doryu. Alaois shuffled his wings and grunted at the Frukink's.

"Is my father here?" he asked one of the soldiers who was stationed outside of İzzet's quarters.

"No, sir. He took off once a messenger came to retrieve him." the soldier responded. "Would you like me to send someone to fetch him?"

We best just leave him be. It'd be best if we just wait till he gets back. Alaois curled his tail and ridged his claws on the wood out of boredom.

I suppose. We do need to rest, so let's follow the Queen's orders. Doryu turned back to the Frukink. "No, we're good. We can wait. However, do you have any books I can borrow? Specifically about culture?" The Frukink nodded, his armor clanking.

"Of course, sir. I will send a servant to retrieve some books from our library." Doryu then returned to his quarters, Alaois entering through the large gap with the platform and retreating to his chubby, and sat on the bed as he practiced levitating heavier objects while he waited. He managed to lift the table with the bowl of fruits, the desk and chair hidden to the side, and Alaois's front leg, which he wasn't too happy about.

Don't test your magic on me. How'd you like it if I burned you alive? he snapped.

Realize that if I'm able to lift your leg, I am becoming better with magic. Plus, you couldn't burn me alive even if you wanted to. You couldn't bear to live without me. Doryu told him with a smug smile.

True, Alaois growled as he nipped at the gnats flying around his face.

Doryu had been trying to read through one of the books called Ti Sarita dagiti Bangkay, but he couldn't understand the language. He kept on flipping through the load of books to find any stories written in the language he understood, yet his hopes had decreased over the next hour.

I guess that Frukink's are bilingual, Doryu mentioned to Alaois.

I know none of their history, but I believe that writing could be their Ancient language, just as we have ours with magic, he said.

And how much have I learned within the previous days? Alaois didn't answer. I'm growing impatient. I know İzzet has his own way of teaching and it takes time, but when days turn into weeks without learning anything new, my interest grows weak and I seek for another way to learn. You've learned more from Danuška than I've learned from my father the first time we've met. Alaois turned his head towards the platform entrance.

There's someone out there, he stated before rising and crawling to the platform, a low growl emerged from his chest. His wings dropped as he slowly walked. Doryu jumped off from his bed and raced to Alaois's side, then looked over the edge.

I appreciate you being aware, but I don't think they will hurt us. A huge crowd of Frukink's gathered below Doryu's hut, all cheering at the sight of both himself and the green dragon. Go on, give 'em a roar. It's the least we can do for their excitement. Alaois drew closer to the ledge, opened his wings, and released a loud bellow. The Frukink citizens cheered even louder than before.

"Seems like you made yourself known to all of Fethprist." The two turned their heads to a gap where a window normally would be to see Kiragi. He was sitting on the vines, his tail curled slightly above the floor, and a bird perched on his knee, which he was petting.

"And who'd be this?" Doryu asked as Alaois stalked closer to the mysterious bird.

"Rider's aren't the only ones that have bird companions," Kiragi said. "This is my companion, Halitus. She's a Eurosian Eagle-Owl. She's a special kind of bird." The owl turned her attention to Doryu. Halitus was a beautiful tan and green owl, much different than Lorcan. He's never seen a bird that looked quite like Halitus that he couldn't describe it.

"She's a very beautiful bird," Doryu complinted Halitus, who ruffled her feathers in response. You're quite welcome.

"She is very majestic, isn't she?" Kiragi leaped from the gap ledge with Halitus on his arms then introduced her to Alaois. "Heard from your father yet?"

"No," Doryu responded with a sigh. "He just..disappeared. Is this normal of him?"

"İzzet? Definitely. Whether it's a matter of duty, business, or just an excuse, he always disappears. Why? He didn't run off while in the Goderath Peaks?"

Doryu shrugged. "Just to hunt, nothing more." Kiragi didn't respond, but mumbled something under his breath.

"I better head back. It's getting late and I see your father coming. You'd probably want to talk with him." He said goodbye to Doryu before exiting from the same way he came in, with Halitus soaring behind him. A loud thud came from his father's hut.

Doryu, come. Danuška called out to him. Alaois leaned forward as he allowed Doryu to rest on his back.

It'll be quick, he assured Doryu. He didn't like the idea of riding without anything to cling onto besides Alaois's horns, but he didn't say a word and held his breath while the dragon dropped from the platform then landed on the other leading into İzzet's hut. Doryu slid down Alaois's side, careful not to damage his skin from the scales in the process.

"Doryu," İzzet said with a smile, a Frukink standing over him. "Come, sit. We have some things to talk about." He instructed Doryu to sit in the chair across from him. "Bring us some tea if you have any." The Frukink bowed before rushing out the door. "How are you liking Fethprist so far?" Alaois laid behind Doryu while Danuška returned to her cubby, which was a lot larger than Alaois's.

"It's nice. A very beautiful city. Although I wish I could understand their Ancient language so I'm able to read their literature." The door opened as the same Frukink as before came carrying a tray of tea cups made of marble.

"Green tea, sir," he said, placing the tray down. Bowing again, he left.

"You'll learn within time." İzzet picked up a cup and took a sip. "Everything does share the same Ancient language. You just know a few words." Alaois sniffed the tea before telling Doryu he was okay. "Getting back on track, I talked with the King today, and he'll be delighted to meet you in the morning."

His Majesty is more excited than your father makes it sound. Danuška mentioned.

"Yes, Danuška. Thank you." The dragon sighed as she rested her head on her talons. "N'bushe has agreed to send more scouts to check on Bokon's troops in Soirault and report back when they decide to move. Until then, we will be staying here. However, this isn't a vacation. You will train every day, and not just with magic. N'bushe has ordered you to train in combat with weapons, along with other things that I won't mention. Alaois will train with Danuška as well." The green serpent flared his nostrils and growled.

Tell him I will not be leaving your side. Doryu recited his words.

"If you so please. I won't argue. Doryu will be present with your training, as you will be with his." Content, Alaois asked another question, which Doryu delivered.

"How long will we be here?" İzzet took another sip of the tea, which Doryu hadn't even tried yet, though he didn't feel like it.

"That is a good question, for we will have to wait for the scouts to return. Until then, we stay in Fethprist and we are not to leave until the coast is clear. Knowing Shahzad and Bokon, it'll be a few weeks before they grow impatient and move on."

You both should return to your quarters. It's a busy day tomorrow, and I doubt you two aren't tired, especially with such little flying Alaois have taken. Doryu listened to Danuška's words, said goodnight to his father, and returned to his hut, where Alaois entered just seconds later and settled back into his chubby.

Let's hope the soldiers leave, Alaois spoke.

Aye.