While the leaders of the various races focused on the crisis in southern Alagaësia, the young Dragon Rider Anna spent her time in the forest at the foot of the Beor Mountains. Since she and her soul companion Altaris were sent away by their masters two days ago, they utilized every free minute to train their minds and bodies as instructed.

"Altaris, I simply don't understand what listening to the creatures here is supposed to achieve. And what's the point of this morning dance, other than pulling muscles?"

"We will only find out once we have mastered the exercises given to us. After all, we are inexperienced students, and if the purpose of an exercise were immediately clear, there would be no need for instruction or a teacher."

"Since when did you become so wise, Great One?"

Altaris snorted indignantly and turned offended to the side upon hearing the sarcastic tone in his rider's voice.

"Dragons are born wise! However, it is within our power to share or withhold our knowledge. I thought you would have at least paid some attention to Mistress Arya during our journey here when she spoke about the ancient dragons...!"

To avoid further fueling this discussion, which felt more like an argument to Altaris, Anna fell silent once again. She returned to her mental exploration of the wilderness. After several hours, she had to admit that the lives of the forest and mountain inhabitants proved to be both exciting and dangerous. She had developed a particular fondness for a small family of rabbits that roamed near their burrow, gathering food for their young. Unfortunately, they were not the only creatures on the ground in this area, and on that afternoon, the cute rabbits encountered a full-grown fox that saw them as its next meal. Upon closer examination of its mind, the rider realized that the fox, too, was merely searching for food to sustain its offspring. For a moment, Anna considered intervening to stop the fox, but she decided against it when Altaris interjected into her train of thought.

"This fox is simply following its natural instincts, just as I do. Or do you intend to prevent me from hunting for my meals in the future?"

"Of course not, but these little rabbits also have to feed their young, so they are forced to leave their burrow and fall into the clutches of the fox."

"That, dear Anna, is simply the way of things. Besides, I'm sure you have enjoyed a meat dish before. It's the same principle."

Unable to counter Altaris' argument, Anna continued to observe the behavior of the rabbit family and the fox. However, after about half an hour, the fox startled and hastily ran deeper into the forest. Perplexed by the sudden fear of the small predator, the Dragon Rider searched for the reason behind its flight. She expanded her consciousness in all directions and came across a presence she couldn't define. This presence exuded a sense of age and great experience, and at the same time, Altaris felt a familiar feeling emanating from it: hunger.

"Altaris, do you know what kind of creature this is?"

"No, I'm sorry, but the presence feels vaguely familiar to me, as if we've encountered it before."

"Oh really? It doesn't ring a bell for me in the slightest."

Surprised by her midnight-black soul companion's statement, she directed her attention solely to this unfamiliar presence in order to comprehend it. However, when Anna attempted to delve deeper into it, it immediately blocked her and created an impenetrable barrier. This ability even surprised Altaris, who immediately assumed an attacking stance and positioned himself in front of his rider. Moments later, the unknown creature launched an attack, but to the confusion of the Dragon Rider duo, the target was the rabbit family. Anna felt the life essence of one of the adorable creatures vanish and couldn't help but flinch. She found this feeling extremely unsettling.

So this is what it feels like when a life fades away. It's a more than just a frightening feeling...

While Anna pondered her thoughts, Altaris spread his now very large wings and started growling menacingly. However, shortly after, the previously unknown spirit made contact with them.

"You still don't need to fear me, my companions."

Incredulously, Anna peered past her soul companion and caught sight of the large feline figure of Gasor. When Altaris noticed him, he ceased his threatening gestures and observed him curiously.

"Gasor, what are you doing here? I thought you went with one of our rescuers, Angela."

"As I mentioned from the beginning, Argetlam, I want to accompany you to the Great Shadeslayer. If I gave you the wrong impression back then, I sincerely apologize, but I thought my company was approved."

"But of course, we have nothing against your company. After the attack, we weren't able to speak with you anymore as Mistress Arya wanted to continue quickly. If anyone needs to apologize, it's probably me, once again."

Anna spoke these words with more regret than she intended, as they inevitably reminded her of her failures two days ago. After the werewolf cat inquired further due to her remorseful tone, she told him about the argument with one of the religious dwarves, her eavesdropping, and her masters' reaction.

"Oh dear, young Argetlam. It is unwise to provoke the anger of a dragon, and that is precisely what you do when you intrude into its territory without permission. But your young Skulblaka should know that as well."

Altaris remained silent, as he didn't want to hear any more accusations regarding that matter, and only emitted an annoyed snort.

"Anyway, I will now enjoy my meal with relish and then grant myself a little nap in the dwarves' throne room."

"W-What?! You can simply stroll into the throne room and rest there?!"

"But of course! Haven't you been informed about the agreement between the werecats and the forces of the Varden?"

"No, I'm sorry, Gasor."

"If that's the case, allow me to give you a brief history lesson. You have surely heard of the Battle of Belatona, where Shimmering Scale was nearly killed by a terrified biped."

"But of course I have. There was even a very sad lament composed about her struggle. But what exactly hurt Mistress Saphira so deeply back then is unknown."

"That surely belongs to the greater secrets of the Dragon Riders or the elves. Methods to bring down such a powerful dragon would be highly sought after by the scoundrels among the bipeds. However, after that battle, our people joined the Varden, and our king, Grimrr Halfpaw, negotiated an alliance with the current High Queen Nasuada."

"But what does that have to do with the fact that you can simply walk into the dwarves' throne room?"

"If you let me finish, young Argetlam, you will learn the background of my intention."

Embarrassed, Anna looked down and skillfully ignored her soul companion's snippy thoughts.

"So, this alliance included, among other things that are now trivial, matters of war supply and armament, a condition for our victory over the Tyrant King. It states that every werecat is welcome in every royal house and may take a perpetually provided cushion next to the thrones. Of course, this condition applied to the ruler of humans during the war, but in a conference half a year ago, the monarchs of the dwarves, elves, and Urgals also agreed to this condition, as we bear no ill will against any race in Alagaësia."

The young Rider listened attentively to the explanations of the gray werecat. However, when he finished, a valid question came to her mind, but she didn't want to ask it, as she didn't want to step into another trap. Altaris noticed his Rider's hesitation and simply asked the question himself.

"Please forgive me, Gasor, but why are you interested in lingering in the throne rooms of the world? From what I've heard of you so far, your people are rather reserved and only come forward when they want to."

"A valid question, noble Skulblaka. Indeed, my people are very reserved and usually avoid the company of other beings. However, by accepting this condition, the leaders showed respect towards our race and, at the same time, promised not to judge us as mythical creatures or the like. Respect is the utmost principle in our way of life when dealing with other races."

After a short pause, Gasor continued, addressing Anna.

"Respect is also one of the things every Dragon Rider must master. By intruding into your masters' cave, you have lost that respect. My advice to you, young Argetlam, is to earn it back through obedience and diligence. As long as you maintain this strained relationship, you will create many obstacles for yourself, which certainly doesn't benefit your training. When I was still a reckless youth, entire dragon clans became enemies because of such minor transgressions, and that's why your master Firnen reacted that way. But if you'll excuse me now, I would like to enjoy my meal and then rest on a very soft cushion."

With the werewolf cat's final words, the Dragon Rider duo felt a sense of anticipation for a restful sleep in their minds. Anna and Altaris watched the gray cat for a while and immersed themselves in their own thoughts. However, shortly after, Anna remembered her Mistress's instructions and resumed her walk through the forest with the spirit. Altaris, on the other hand, wanted to move again and took to the air with several powerful wing beats, where he automatically felt comfortable. However, as he transitioned into gliding at a considerable altitude, he noticed a faint white shimmer moving rapidly towards him. He immediately alerted his Rider, who then connected to his mind and observed the swiftly approaching white shimmer with his eyes as well.

"Do you know what that is, Anna? I've never seen anything like it."

"No, how could I? Should we notify someone?"

"And what would you report?"

A few seconds passed, as Anna truly didn't know what exactly she could report. These seconds, however, proved to be potentially dangerous, as the white shimmer approached closer and closer.

"I have an idea, my friend. Just wait a second." Anna sent her consciousness towards the white shimmer, but she quickly recoiled as she felt an incredible amount of magic. However, before Altaris could ask her about it, the white shimmer whizzed past them at breathtaking speed, finding its way into the mountains.

"What in the... Did you see that, Anna? If I'm not mistaken, that thing looked like simple white smoke!"

At the same time, Arya sat in the Dragonhold, going through some documents and spells she would need for the next day, to ensure the success of Orik's plan. However, as she briefly closed her eyes to take a short break, she was abruptly knocked backward along with her chair. Firnen only caught a glimpse of something white shooting towards them, seemingly 'attacking' his Rider. But instead of feeling any kind of pain, the elf felt deep guilt and longing, emotions that were not her own despite her own feelings.