The Monster King's Legacy

The aftermath of the wyvern attack weighed heavily on the goblin kingdom. Though, it was mostly due to the panic and not destruction, as there wasn't as much.

Three subdued wyverns, snarling and thrashing in shimmering chains, were dragged to a secured area. Their reptilian eyes glared at everyone with primal fury, especially Aelyndra who pulled them forward. Even though they tried to break free of it, the powerful binds, produced out of magic, kept them restrained.

Lance, accompanied by Rynne went to Aelyndra to approach the restrained wyverns.

As they arrived, Lance could see the wyverns struggling to set themselves free, but it was impossible, they were completely subdued. He remembered this magic Aelyndra was using at the moment, as he had seen her use it during their travels, but this one appeared to be more powerful and improved.

Lance nodded, appreciating Aelyndra's insight. "Let's see what they have to say."

Aelyndra stepped forward, her human form exuding a draconic authority that silenced the wyverns' snarls. Her golden eyes locked onto the largest of the three. "Enough. You've lost. Cooperate, and this will end easier for all of us."

The wyvern thrashed weakly but stopped its growling, its intelligent eyes studying Aelyndra with reluctant acknowledgment.

Lance came before the subdued wyverns, his voice calm but commanding. "Why did you attack us? Who sent you?"

The largest wyvern hissed, refusing to respond. Its muscles tensed against the chains, and it snapped its jaws in defiance.

"Stubborn, aren't they?" Rynne said, her tone edged with frustration.

Aelyndra stepped closer, her draconic aura flaring slightly. "You attacked without provocation and lost. Do you really want to suffer more?"

The wyvern finally hissed a guttural sound escaping its mouth. "Thieves… eggs were stolen." The wyvern said, conveying the response directly into their midns.

Lance's brows furrowed. "Stolen eggs?"

The wyvern snarled again, its tail lashing against the ground. "Two… they were stolen… and now the eggs are here!"

Rynne's hand instinctively gripped her weapon. "You're saying someone in our kingdom stole your eggs and brought them here?"

The wyvern's low growl confirmed it.

"If this is true, then someone in our kingdom is responsible for provoking these attacks."

Aelyndra sighed as she looked at Lance. "Wyvern eggs are incredibly rare and valuable, similar to dragons, they don't birth young ones that often. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing. They endangered not only the kingdom but also the lives of everyone here."

The thought of one of his own people stealing wyvern eggs, such a reckless act that had endangered thousands, left a bitter taste in Lance's mouth.

"I almost find it hard to believe," Lance said. "That it's one of us… but the possibility is there, and we can't ignore it."

"We'll find them," Rynne said resolutely. "I'll alert everyone and begin a sweep of the capital."

"No," Lance interjected, his voice firm. "If we act too aggressively, it might scare the culprit into fleeing, or worse, hiding the eggs where we can't find them."

"Then what do you suggest?" Aelyndra asked, her tone sharp but curious.

Lance's golden eyes narrowed. "We'll question the merchants, travelers, and anyone new to the city. Someone carrying wyvern eggs wouldn't go unnoticed for long. Do so for the last week. Also, shutting all exit and entrance into the city will come before all that. Block all exits, obvious ones and the hidden obscure. Post guards on every gate and passageway. No one leaves the capital until we uncover the truth."

Nodding in approval, Rynne left immediately.

…

Word spread quickly through the kingdom. Soldiers mobilized, sealing gates and patrolling the perimeter of the capital. Even the unsuspecting exits were guarded. The city was on lockdown, and the tension was palpable.

Lance stood outside the chamber, observing the city. It was clear that the people were cooperative, but the fear in them eyes was unmistakable. The wyverns' attack had shaken their sense of safety.

He turned to the wyverns, still chained and weakened from their capture. Their defiance had dimmed, replaced by the dull exhaustion of injured creatures. Lance stepped forward, his hand glowing faintly with the golden hue of his healing magic.

Seeing this and unsure what it was, the wyverns recoiled at first, but as Lance reached out, his touch brought warmth and relief.

"Stay still," Lance said softly, his tone calm and commanding. "I'm not your enemy."

The largest wyvern flinched but allowed Lance to place a hand on its side. A surge of healing magic flowed into the creature, mending its wounds and restoring its strength. The wyvern's snarls quieted, replaced by a curious gaze as it studied Lance's glowing hand.

One by one, Lance healed the wyverns, their battered bodies returning to their full power.

"Why are you healing them?" Rynne asked, her tone skeptical.

"Because I want them to carry a message," Lance replied, finishing the last wyvern's treatment. "One that shows we aren't their enemy."

The largest wyvern, now fully healed, stood tall and imposing. Its piercing eyes locked onto Lance, a mix of respect and wariness in its gaze. Though the brief stay had been more hospitable than a captive would receive, it was not trusting of them, not so easily.

Lance stepped forward, meeting its eyes without flinching. "Return to your leader and tell them I seek a hearing, not more violence. If we want to solve this without bloodshed, they need to meet with me."

The wyvern growled softly, glancing at its companions before spreading its massive wings. The other two followed suit, their restored strength evident in the powerful beats of their wings as they prepared for flight.

"They'll deliver your message," Aelyndra said, watching them rise into the sky. "But whether their leader listens is another matter."

Lance sighed, his gaze following the wyverns as they disappeared into the horizon. "I can only hope they will."

With the wyverns gone, Lance turned his attention back to the city. He knew that if the thief was still in the capital, they would try to escape before being caught.

It had already been about an hour since the attack, and Lance had just sat in a meeting with his council to discuss the matter. Now, though, the meeting was over.

"We're imposing a complete curfew effective immediately. No one leaves their homes unless summoned by the guard. Every street will be patrolled, and every building will be searched."

Listening to what Lance said, Mira appeared a bit saddened. "For how long? Won't that leave people hungry? Not everyone will have stock for food with them."

"Don't worry, Mira." Lance said, patting her head lightly as she sat close to where he stood.

Lia nodded. "This curfew isn't just about finding the thief, it's about showing the people that we're taking this seriously. As for food, we can have them delivered door by door."

Lance nodded. "We'll find whoever did this. And when we do, they'll answer for the chaos they've caused."