"Don"t make that expression. No one wants to deal with this stuff anymore than you do. Especially our grandparents, they are exhausted. We should try to help as best we can." Rosalie sympathized with her younger brother, but that did not mean he could just stay in the background. They both should try helping their grandparents control the situation.
"No, I"ll help. I just don"t know how much a.s.sistance I can provide. These types of situations are not exactly my forte." Greyson just shrugged feeling he truthfully did not have much to offer.
"You"re intelligent. You will be fit to help if you really apply yourself instead of avoiding uncomfortable circ.u.mstances."
"Alright, let"s not fight about it. Did I say I was not going to help?" Raising his hands in surrender, Greyson did not go on with the debate.
"Fight? It"s not a fight when you only stop because you know I"m right." Rosalie teased flas.h.i.+ng him a smug grin.
Rolling his eyes with a sigh, Greyson did not grace her with an answer. He merely indicating with his chin for her to lead the way back in. Knowing this was his way of yielding, Rosalie stopped poking fun and escorted him back through the mountains. The closer they were to the Snow Peak, the more Greyson could feel the situation had escalated more rapidly than he previously a.s.sumed. Stationed guards stood all around the borders of the familiar mountain. From what he could discern, they were keeping the Snow Dragons locked in. Not even the children were capable of taking a step out. Furrowing his brows, Greyson could see some of the guards were even acting out violently towards the Snow Dragons. Obviously victimizing them, the guards kicked around the weaker dragons and beat up the Beastmen who were still out working. Provoked, Greyson moved to defend them and beat off the oppressive guards. However, Rosalie jerked him back with a vise-like grip. Shaking her head almost imperceptibly, she warned him off.
"You will only just make the situation worse. Know your actions now reflect on our grandparents. Whatever you do, the dragons will a.s.sume you are acting on the will of our grandfather and grandmother."
"How can you merely watch? Don"t you want to help them?"
"No one will die. Even the injuries are mostly superficial. Place away your mistaken sense of heroism. Exacerbating the conflict would be what really causes our tribesmen to die." Speaking with a much harsher tone than usual, Rosalie a.s.sumed a hard stance and lectured Greyson firmly. Undoubtedly, her heart ached with every punch; much more so than Greyson could ever know. But she was equally clear that her not doing anything was better than any form violent vengeance. Clenching his fists until their loudly cracked, Greyson managed to hold himself back. Scanning around, he noticed that most of the other Snow Dragons were also pa.s.sively watching just trying to set about their business. Everyone knew that right now was not the time.
"Our grandparents sent out the order to not fight back.""I"m guessing that did not go over well."
"Not well at all. But they are influential and respected, the majority still listen."
Greyson went silent afterward and continued to quietly follow his sister towards his grandparents" cave.
...
"Ambrose! You are insane. You will drag down the entire tribe with your actions. We cannot support your unmistakable greed for power. Plus, how do you suppose we will overcome the bloodline suppression? Get your heads out of the clouds and think logically!"
Entering the cave, Greyson could overhear his grandfather"s voice bellowing at in anger.
"Brevre, it is all because you are short-sighted. Did you think I would suggest this if I did not have a solution to the bloodline suppression issue?" Greyson could hear an unfamiliar voice answer. It was deep and melodic with an even-keeled feel to it that relaxed people. He sounded like a dragon with things under control. "Can"t you see I want to help our tribe? To make everyone give us the respect that we deserve! I am working for the greater good, I am just asking you stand by me."
"Hmph! Don"t patronize us! It would be more favourable for you to portray your power-hungry nature and be honest with us and yourself, instead of giving us this rubbish about "working for the greater good." At least then we could respect you for being upfront. Not everyone is a fool who will fall for your pretty words." This time it was Elder Freizon that retorted back. "If you were genuinely distressed about he well-being of our tribesmen, you would try preventing a fight. This is all due to your idiot son anyways! His actions are no doubt part of your plan, though. I only pity Almonis for getting stuck with such a snake for father, thinking he could believe your words."
"You know nothing of the suffering of Lutea! Don"t speak as if you would not do the same for your child." Only then did Ambrose"s calm voice finally crack with emotion.
It was at this point that Greyson finally arrived at the grand hall and could clearly see the figures that the voices belonged to. Both of his grandparents were in their humanoid forms along with a newcomer who Greyson could easily determine was Ambrose. Also an older dragon, this Ambrose aged quite elegantly. Only slight wrinkles around his eyes, he was adorned in the signature white robes. His white hair was close-cropped and his face still showed ruggedly handsome looks. Everything about his presence exuded charm and charisma. At first glance, somehow, Greyson did not like this man. Underneath the gentle demeanor were eyes that pierced into your being. Like if you were not vigilant, those eyes would grip onto your weaknesses.
"A snake, huh? Very apt description." Greyson thought to himself.
"Oh? You must be Greyson." Openly observing Greyson, Ambrose put on a amiable smile and stuck out his hand. "Nice to meet you, I am Ambrose. An elder of the Snow Dragons like your grandparents." Although slightly hesitant, Greyson felt it would be impolite to not reciprocate. He reached out to shake Ambrose"s hand and introduce himself, however, his grandmother speedily arrived at his side and slapped away Ambrose"s outstretched hand.
"Greyson, baby, no need to a.s.sociate with this man. Elder Ambrose, I think it"s about time you leave. We have things we need to discuss with our grandson." Not giving Ambrose any face, Freizon gestured towards the way out.
Forcing himself to maintain the smile on his face, Ambrose awkwardly received his outstretched hand.
"Naturally, you must have a lot to catch up on. We can continue our discussion later." After replying polite as ever, Ambrose quickly turned around and disappeared.
"Are you sure it"s okay to talk to him like that?" Greyson felt a little worried.
"Hahaha, are you troubled because he said he was an elder as well? You have to understand, Grey. There are levels to elders as well. Power and age have a lot to do with it. Your grandfather and I are much older and powerful than Ambrose; our influence is also greater. He merely has a silver tongue is all. He knows how to gather followers. The time has not yet come that he can act up in front of us." Snorting indignantly, Freizon did not appear to pay any mind towards Elder Ambrose.
"What"s the story there anyways? Who are Almonis and Lutea?"