It was another rainy day in Verlo and another day without Rafael’s company. It seemed lonely in my room alone and work wasn't moving forward because the constant silence was a reminder that Rafael still hadn't returned. I knew that the crow hated the rain and before every rainstorm he would be safe and dry in his own made burrow below the window with shiny things he had been gathering. What also bothered me was a war that came closer and closer. The king had a plan, but with every passing day, I grew more wary of my dedication. I loved this place, and I had come to the conclusion that I would go against my Master and choose freedom for myself and for the kingdom of Verlo. I knew not what would await me after this fateful day, but I knew that I wouldn't just stand around waiting for something to happen to my newfound home.

            If I couldn't work alone in my room, I would just have to find my own company. I grabbed my maps, and a freshly sharpened pencil and dashed the door. The king and I had been planning to meet up soon anyway, so I hoped he wouldn't mind me showing a little earlier than usual. He went to the main room, for he was very punctual. He never came too early and never came late. I hoped to find him in his room, but I heard a silent sound coming from one of the hallways. My ears twitched and suddenly the sound was as clear as day. It was the king!

            I brushed my hair down to hide the dragon ears that had popped up and set to finding the man. I came to a halt when I realized what I had heard were tears. Why was the king crying? I took a peek from my place behind a turn and saw his majesty kneeling on the cold floor next to a lovely, decorated table. It had seashells covering it and little flowers that had begun to wither, but in the middle slept a painting of a beautiful lady with a bright smile I had seen myself. She looked eye to eye like Astra, so I guessed this was her mother.

            “Is someone there?” The king whispered, turning his head. I took a deep breath and readied myself. I wouldn't run away, and I wouldn't fear being truthful with my feelings.

            “Yeah, my king?” The older man’s soul smiled when he failed to do it himself, and I left my hiding place to greet him.

            “Erlan! Is our meeting time already started?” He worried himself.

            “No, sir, I just, I was looking for some company,” I said with one breath and the king seemed confused.

            “Is Astra busy?” He asked.

            I hadn't thought that the king had noticed our friendship, so it made me embarrassed. “No, it's just, I’m bothered about the war.” The king looked at me as a father does and it made me feel small and weak. Although I hated being small and weak, for some reason, it made me feel loved and accepted.

            “Oh, my child! I know how you feel,” he bowed his head, leading the way back to the main hall. I got the maps ready and my pencil while the king made his way to his seat. He looked upon me as I started working on the map, but then he grabbed me by my hand and pulled it away from its work. “No amount of work will make the fear go away, Erlan,” his words hurt, but I knew the king was wise to say so. I obeyed and sat in my place, watchful of what he would have me do, for I desperately wanted to know no fear. “You do not have to, I do not expect you to die for Verlo if you aren’t content to, after all this isn’t your home,” his words were soft, and I wished I could grab on to them and fly away, but I knew the truth was heavier. I broke my smile and my eyebrows narrowed to my eyes with anger. I had so much in Verlo to protect. It was a home!

            “I do want to! This is a home to me more than any other place will ever be!” I said, raising my voice. Hearing it made me fear myself, for the king might have heard a growl in it, but his expression denied it.

            “Then we will be victorious,” the king convinced the room with a chant. It hurts to think of any other possibilities of the coming battle.

             I curled my human fingers together and begged the king for some reassurance. “I’m scared.”

            The room fell silent. There was the distant sound of rain talking in the background and my heartbeat pounding over the words I had just spoken out loud. I looked at the king again and I didn't see the seemingly strong man, but a fearful king with the burden of his kingdom. “Erlan, it’s Okay to be scared,” the words were quiet for me, and I couldn't bring myself to listen, but the king continued. “It’s Okay to feel fear! We are only human after all. Whatever shall happen, remember what you are fighting for. I think it helps, and do not chase the fear away! It’s there for a reason, and I hope your fear and sense of danger will be enough to bring you back to Verlo once the war is over,” he patted my shoulder.

            Those were words I needed, and I retold myself the king’s words over and over till it was as a heartbeat beating in the back of my mind over and over again. I would be strong enough and I will come back! After the king revised the plan with certainty that everything was considered and the plan would work, we parted ways. I went back to my room and sank into silence, letting the rain fill my mind with sleep. But somewhere in the castle a soul light in happiness. The king had gone back to the portrait of his dear wife to see it surrounded with bright-coloured flowers, blooming with life. Emotions sometimes made the dragon unaware of his actions, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.