A new ray of hope was ignited in their hearts as Gildaryn made them aware of the exact location where the tree was located.
He also informed them about the potential dangers that lay ahead and the challenges they could face. The monsters that lurked in marshy lands and the Underworld.
"We appreciate your help, Gildaryn," Cassandra offered with a smile.
"Thank you! Beautiful dragon and god of wealth," Lotus praised. She had come to admire this dragon.
They all got ready for their journey ahead.
"Stay for the night in my humble abode. Leave in the morning. You won’t find many safe places to sleep in these lands," Gildaryn graciously offered as he began to head back towards the mountain he had jumped down from earlier.
Siroos finally shifted back, after brokering a deal with Duskborn that he would let him speak to Cassandra alone.
"What if he is still pissed at brother dear for defeating him and killing us in our sleep," Faris posted the question as soon as Siroos transformed and hugged Cassandra.
"He would have already done it. He broke past my shield easily. Gildaryn is strong but dragons are known to keep their words. He won’t harm us and we do need a place to stay for the night," Cassandra countered.
"I trust the dragon too. He had positive majestic vibes to him," Lotus offered.
Consensus was reached and they followed Gildaryn to his abode inside the mountain. There was an opening like a cave, its entrance nestled within the mountain, concealed by thick undergrowth and jagged rocks.
The narrow opening led the CAFLRS into a dim, winding tunnel, which gradually widened into a larger chamber.
They were stunned to see the colossal space was lit by a golden glow emanating from piles of gold coins, jewelled crowns, and ornate artefacts scattered across the floor in dazzling abundance. Many treasure chests with rubies, diamonds and sapphires spilling out from them lay open.
"I have never seen such treasures," Aiko murmured to her mate, her eyes dazzling. The fox inside her was bubbling to steal some.
"Don’t think about stealing from him," Faris understood that look and warned her, he had begun to predict her better.
"Fine!" She sounded disappointed.
Cassandra observed the chamber’s roof was a natural amalgamation of a mosaic of stalactites that shimmered as they caught the reflected light from the treasure below. Some stalactites were massive and jagged, while the others were delicate, resembling crystalline icicles. Cracks and fissures in the ceiling allowed faint beams of sunlight to pierce through, adding a mystical aura to the golden cavern.
The walls were rugged yet mesmerizing, embedded with veins of glittering minerals and gemstones. Intricate patterns carved by centuries of water erosion weaved across the stones, giving the impression of ancient, arcane symbols etched by an unseen hand. Every surface seemed alive, echoing with the weight of untold stories and hidden secrets that only the golden king of this cave seemed to know.
Gildaryn moved and nestled himself comfortably amidst his amassed treasures and placed his gigantic maw on the piles of gold coins.
"Make yourself comfortable. Don’t steal my treasure. Rest you people can do whatever you wish," he reminded them in his gruff voice, and Siroos answered with his hand on his chest.
"No one will steal even a single coin. You have my word. I appreciate the gift you offered my dragon spirit."
Gildaryn hummed, feeling sleepy now that the night had fallen and he needed to heal from the injuries Duskborn had given him.
"He earned it. That’s a very special dragon you got there."
Siroos turned away to walk towards Cassandra, she was examining the patterns in the walls that shone like jewels.
Lotus took out the healing balm from her satchel while Aiko and Faris began to gather small logs to start a fire and heat some food.
The commander was preparing the beddings for the night. He cautiously watched Lotus making her way towards the dragon through the piles and piles of treasure strewn all around him.
Lotus approached Gildaryn with the balm in her hand. The dragon opened his left eye and took the petite intelligent woman in.
"You are hurt. This is a healing balm. May I?" Lotus respectfully asked and the dragon gave a sharp nod.
Commander Razial’s breath remained dislodged and he kept wearily watching as long as Lotus remained closer to the dragon.
She took some of the salve on her index finger and spread it on his wound. His skin had such an unnatural sheen to it.
"He is your mate?" The dragon quietly asked, feeling Commander’s worried eyes on them.
"More like a fiancé," Lotus added as she carefully covered the dragon’s wounds.
"He cares about you. A good man who will keep you happy," the dragon mused before closing his eyes and placing his jaw back on his claws. Lotus inwardly smiled and quietly retreated, letting the gigantic creature rest.
Lotus returned to Razial’s side. She placed the jar of balm back inside the satchel as he awkwardly asked.
"What was the dragon saying?"
An evil smile graced Lotus’s pink lips as she answered.
"He said you are a horrible match for me."
Razial’s whole body tensed like a tree trunk and his eyes largened.
"Really?" He tried to catch Lotus’s eyes and found her snickering.
"No, you idiot. He just thanked me for the help. Relax." Lotus wasn’t going to boost his ego. Thumping his chest she walked away to help Aiko and Faris with food.
After they had prepared the food. They took a sizable amount of meat for Gildaryn. The giant beast thanked them and accepted the food. They ate, sat around the fire, shared stories, and sometimes listened to wise tales of Gildaryn.
The night became long and they put out the fire and cleaned up after eating. Taking their designated places everyone went to sleep.
Lotus nestled in Razial’s arms.
Aiko in Faris’s.
And Cassandra curled up with Siroos.
Tomorrow, they were going to have another adventure, but tonight, they slept in the cave of a dragon filled with gold and treasures.