Serving the Dragons

Part I: The Second - 1: History Lessons

Beneath a mask of trust we stood,

In bonds we thought were solid wood,

Yet shadows hid deceit’s cruel art,

A stab that pierced the trusting heart.

Betrayal’s sting, a bitter rain,

Leaves fractured trust, a lasting pain,

A friendship’s flame, now turned to ash,

In treachery’s cold, relentless clash.

------

Raavi had a very vague memory of her childhood, just a glimpse of a beautiful land with people running around and dragons flying in the sky. But other than that, there was no more and perhaps that’s the reason why she is not sentimental in any way, does not bear any emotion that could stir her duty—unlike those who just came into servitude, crying as if serving the Dragons were something they fear. She hated seeing their tears and the pain in their eyes, couldn’t understand why they were in conflict with the chance to serve the greatest beings in the land. Their life beforehand would not have been as grand as the path they are to take now.

She understands their trouble though. Serving the Dragons is no easy task. In this kind of life, they are bound in the House entirely and if ever they are claimed by a Dragon, they would have to dedicate their lives to them. That is what’s required of them as Servers.

Flavia, the Master of House Taaffeite, is stern with the rules and does not accept ill behaviors from her pupils such as crying and sometimes, leading to uncontrollable defiance.

The House values consent immensely, therefore, as soon as an olimien—someone who is chosen to be in serve—they are guided to the Faithfuls to hear whatever troubles them that could hinder their duty. As soon as they confirmed their voluntariness, they are stripped off of their past clothing and bathed in the River of Damess to cleanse them before stepping inside. Afterwards, they are to give their oath and then be clothed with the unsullied veil which they would wear until they finally serve. There are others in the House that do not wear it anymore which means that they already served a dragon and they are performing their duties with their skills, instead of their purity.

If ever they are claimed by a Dragon, they would serve him or her in their own house, showered with gifts and honor. Everyone aspired to be together with a Dragon…including her. Unfortunately, she could not. Despite her years of being in the House Taaffeite, Raavi is still covered with the veil, still untouched and unclaimed.

With gritted teeth, she watched as an olimien came out of the carriage and looked around, her face showing that of lost and vulnerable. The weather was nice that day, the wind blowing softly and the clouds blocking the bright light of the sun. Envy is one of the teachings that they shouldn’t foster in their hearts but Raavi could not help but feel it nonetheless, thinking that this woman would possibly serve before her since nature itself is in her favor.

She has been stuck in the house for so long, more so when Flavia made her Second, leaving her with more duties and responsibilities. As time went by, there’s just impatience that she couldn’t deem to shove away.

“Lady Flavia, Lady Raavi,” the woman said in a small voice after bowing her head to them. “I am Sylvia Rouman from the Land of Vrodantis, offering myself to serve the House and the Dragons.”

“Raise your head, child so I could see you,” Flavia said, her inked fingers signaling the woman to do as she says.

Sylvia did so, lips trembling and eyes watery but she did not weep which means her resolve is strong. Raavi breathed deeply because of it and Flavia must have heard her sound of disagreement since the woman nodded at the other Servers, letting them take Sylvia away to be cleansed.

Flavia’s green eyes bore on her and when the woman does that she purposely intends to intimidate. “Does the acceptance of olimien bore you?”

She shook her head. “No, Lady.”

“You are troubled and I understand that but you should also know that there is always a right timing for everything. Yours just hasn’t come, Raavi.”

She has been in the House for fourteen years in her life. She was way past the serving age but she did not voice it out. Waiting should be practiced by every server and that is what she has been doing. Though there are times that she thinks that this arrangement might have been what her life would be until she dies.

—

“Wrong,” she said, looking at Sylvia who, even with her veil, is obviously conflicted about the history she’s trying to teach.

As Second, Raavi was tasked to teach the newcomers until their Selection. There are only three a month that come in to serve which means that she has less workload for the day unlike others. But it doesn’t mean that it wasn’t taxing. She has been doing it repeatedly and it is getting dull compared to what the others do.

“Mind the Dragons’ names because that is what the lands are derived from. The Dragon Leader of the First is called Drakon and his land is Drakku—the capital of Asiariel—and where our House is currently situated. Our country is renowned for its rich history, grandeur, and strategic significance, located in the South where we are most at advantage of since we are far from all dangers that lie within the other areas, especially in the North. Meanwhile, Dragon Seraphix claimed the lands at the central part of the continent, naming it Salkti. Orriella, what is this country known for?”

She turned her head to her other pupil and the woman frantically turned the pages of her notes, letting an anguished moan when she didn’t find any information to help her.

“How about you, Annikka? Do you know?”

The woman did not answer and just lowered her veiled head even more.

Raavi shook her head in disappointment. “You all wish to serve yet you don’t even know the basic history.”

“I apologize, Lady,” the three of them said in unison.

Raavi could not blame them though. Materials like what they have in the House are not always available for the public—something that she dislikes from the laws of the royals. The Seekers try their best to impart their knowledge by word of mouth though most commoners are not interested in it since earning a living is their utmost priority.

“Pay attention.” She tapped the board that shows the map with the different countries. “Salkti lands, which the Dragon Seraphix claimed, are renowned for their fertility and are recognized as the primary source of food supply for other regions of the kingdom. They are in the middle which makes them accessible. Next is the Dragon Fyraxi who ventured to the northern lands, calling it Novaria. The place has its snowy mountains which serve as a barrier for the creatures that dwell within the cold.”

“Does that mean that there are still creatures created by the mages in those areas, Lady?” Sylvia asked.

“If there are none, then they wouldn’t be bothered to guard it.” She tapped the board again. “Fourth is the Dragon Celestrix who went to the eastern coastal lands that are now called Serendell. The country is considered as a bustling hub of trade and commerce, attracting traders and sailors to its shores. The area benefits from its strategic coastal location, facilitating maritime activities and promoting economic prosperity.” She faced Annikka. “Who are the only ones remaining?”

The woman stiffened but answered nonetheless. “The Dragons Nyx, Karavex, Xyron, and Volthrax.”

“Tell me about them,” she challenged, clasping both of her hands.

Annikka cleared her throat and with a trembling voice, she started, “The Dragon Nyx flew to the southeastern lands, naming it Lenyx. The place is known for its abundant reserves of gold. Next to it lies Kazakhi which is founded by the Dragon Karavex. Unlike Lenyx, this land is rich with gemstones.”

“Very good,” Raavi said before pointing at the two who were not performing well in the class. “How about the Dragon Xyron? You came from Xioval, so you must know what your country is popular for.”

Orriella nodded. “The Dragon Xyron founded the land of Xioval that borders Novaria and Serendell. The country serves as a significant training ground for soldiers since the founder itself is a warrior that fought for the Dragon Leader against the mages.”

“What are the soldiers called?”

“First Order, Lady Raavi.”

She turned her attention to Sylvia. “And you, tell me about Dragon Volthrax.”

“He settled in the desert lands and called it Vrodantis, Lady.”

“That is all?”

“The Faithfuls are also there, Lady.”

The Faithfuls who sometimes oppose them or not. They are a confusing sort of order, hating that they dedicate their lives to the Dragons. But then they are also fearful of what might become of the world if they weren’t there to save them from the wrath of the mages