Chapter 75: Chapter 5.27 - Eggs

Serin had already had a cart loaded with honey, gold, and salted boar meat. He sat in the newly designed audience chamber with only a few seats. Dana sat to his left, while Edel sat to his right. The table was circular in nature, but was not filled, instead having a large gap in between. In the center was the entire clutch of ice dragon eggs, surrounded by perma-ice to keep their temperature stable.

King Jeffrey sat at the table as well, with him was Julias, the 2nd strongest tamer and the one designated to be the instructor at Haven's Academy. Bursting through the door, with much regality left behind, was Queen Narissa. She ignored Uriel, who was surprised by her lack of advances and walked straight to Serin.

Narissa's eyes glowed with envy. "A clutch of eggs. Never did I believe this to be true. Whatever you wish, Lord Serin, it will be yours, but the eggs must be mine."

Serin then cleared his throat. "Queen Narissa, these dragon eggs are of the ice variety, and they were harvested from our dungeon. We have told you of the dungeon, yes."

Queen Narissa never had her eyes leave the eggs. "The one where you monsters spawn on each level no matter how many you defeat, yes i am aware."

Serin then said, "The monsters continue to spawn. As well as the treasures of the dungeon."

Queen Narissa then looked, "You mean more?"

Serin nodded, "Yes. These eggs were very far down, so we planned on making another expedition down to the correct level, but we believe that there are more."

Narissa was truly in tears. "Serin, you don't understand, but we dragon's remember. In memories of dreams we remember our families, or broodmates, we remember our bonding rituals. But when we came here, we found that we were barren, unable to produce. Most dragons wallow in despair knowing they are the last of their kind, but, if these eggs are hatched here, they may not be sterile, our species may continue."

Serin looked at Narissa, "Queen Narissa, Do you think you alone could care for the influx of dragons we are going to find? This clutch contained 7 dragon's eggs. From our texts it states that for the first hundred years or so, a dragon does not have the higher intelligence of an adult dragon. Could you ensure that the unruly dragons are kept in check?" Narissa seemed distraught. "But I need to be present! I need to guide them in their dreams. Only an adult dragon can guide them away from becoming the monstrosities we know."

Serin looked at Queen Narissa, "Queen Narissa, I agree that a golden dragon would make an excellent mother for these dragons, and your mere presence would be needed. Dragons need to fight and learn to hunt. This is why I have invited King Jeffrey."

Serin pulled out a totem, "King Jeffrey can summon beasts for a dragon to fight, kill, and consume. This will ensure they grow up strong."

Narissa was unsure, "What are you proposing?"

Serin smiled, "I will make a new region, a protected grove, dedicated solely to the raising and nurturing of dragons. This will ensure they are protected from the outside world until they are old enough to leave. King Jeffrey will supply trainers to bond to the young dragons. This will ensure they learn to hunt, feed, and are socialized with humans."

Narissa's golden eyes glowed, "You think dragons to be their dogs? Dragons are proud creatures, and their right to rule their territory is their own."

Serin smiled a sad smile, "I agree with you, however the human nations destroy what they cannot control. If you remember Reginald came to my town and was summarily destroyed. We were only able to both survive because we recognized each other's strengths. By bonding with humans and teaching dragons to socialize, we can ensure they are able to grow and belong in a world that contains humans."

Narissa's eyes dimmed, "You are right Serin. Most nations attempt to bribe me as a weapon, but you see me as a friend. Even if this world thinks I am nothing more than a monster."

Narissa then laughed, "So you know dragons are more nature than nurture, and Ice dragons tend to be an unruly lot. What will you do with those that refuse to cooperate?"

Serin laughed, "I will auction off their hunting rights to the highest bidder and use the proceeds to enrich your region, Narissa."

Narissa smiled, "Does this make me one of your subjects then?"

Serin laughed, "As if I would dare to tell a golden dragon what to do. I would say you would be more a permanent guest and Allied Member of our table."

Narissa looked at King Jeffrey and Julias. Julias smiled, "I think I have the perfect person to work with Narissa."

***

Serin had not planned on creating another region anytime soon. He also did not plan on having a dragon move in. Or a large host of dragons move in. Or to set up an entire region dedicated to the training and upbringing of an entire species that could easily pose a dire threat to humanity. However, having a resident adult dragon that was in his back pocket, as well as giving changelings the right to hunt the dragons that were too wild, the benefits greatly outweighed the cost.

Serin had spoken with Narissa, and according to her, it can take as little as a few weeks, and as long as 100 years. Narissa smiled, "Although the younger they learn to take human form, the more apt they are to be civilized."

Serin laughed at the concept of it. But he had other concerns. He had yet to formally accept emigration for any of the 36 soldiers that Dana's team had tempted over. They had since been living a modest existence, and Serin had yet to decide on the naturalization process. There was an entire page on rules for emigrants to other nations, but at the top there was a notice, "National Identity is divinely protected. Every plated individual is given the right to emigrate once in their lives."

Serin thought about it. There were many issues with a citizen flip flopping between nations, as well as holding citizenship within two separate nations. So for now Serin declined dual citizenship.

'Amnesty' was selected, stating that those who emigrate to Haven will be forgiven of their criminal record.

Serin selected 'Equal Rights' for immigrants, but then hovered under the military service part. Serin then remembered that all citizens must be treated equal, so a recent immigrant would be given full rights under the law.

Then Serin had the 36 people assemble to be introduced to the other species. It seemed that most of these people had a young smitten changeling on their arm. Serin gave Dana the look of 'we can't bribe everyone with a mate'. Dana simply smiled then showed Serin their expected single changeling population over the next 5 years.

Serin looked at the numbers and simply shook his head. He had forgotten that changelings mature faster than others, and since they were given multiple ways to train and hunt, their childhood was being shortened when compared to the underdeveloped plated that first came a few years back.

Serin went over the laws of his country, the rules, and the regulations. He discussed the treasures to be found for those brave enough, but was sure to explain that a peaceful life was always an option if they had the skills to do so.

They listened, enraptured by the diverse nature of this nation. After the presentation, one of the younger soldiers raised his hand, "Is it really true that changelings don't mind if we take on another wife, as long as it is not a changeling?"

Serin looked at the unphased girl on his arm, "Ilwali, wasn't it?" The changeling, surprised that Lord Serin knew her name, "How many children do you want Ilwali?"

She blushed, "at least 10. Maybe more if I can slow my aging."

Serin saw the slight look of horror come across the face of the soldier. Serin smiled, "Yes its true. But it looks like you will be a father to at least 10 children in your life. I am not sure you will have the stamina to do much more than that unless your increase your skills quite a bit."

The Soldier, barely a year past his plate, had fallen in love, but Illwali already knew what she wanted in life. Serin smiled, "There are government assistance programs for childcare, however I am sure you now realize that the dream you have come to is only fueled through hard work."

***