They soon realized they had no time left. The Hydra would be upon them by the next night. Everyone gathered around the war table with serious faces. There was no pride, no discrimination. Every voice mattered, every idea was heard. They discussed formations, strategies, weapons, defenses, and counterattacks. Nothing was left unchecked.
The meeting stretched long into the night. By the time they were finished, dawn was only a few hours away. Everyone was weary and went to rest, but who could truly sleep with war pressing so close?
Aeron could not. He walked out quietly to where Draco was. The dragon lay low as though asleep, but the moment he felt Aeron's presence, he lifted his head. His eyes studied Aeron's face, as if he could sense his fear.
"Hey, boy," Aeron whispered, reaching out to him. "How are you?" He forced a smile. "Yeah, I know. You feel it too. Don't worry. It'll be fine. We'll make it through this."
