A Seawing Story~Chpt 3

Instructions

The water in the treaty chamber was thick with a nervous tension. Three massive, brown MudWings waited, their gazes as heavy as the silt on the riverbed. At their head was a dragon named Cypress, his snout scarred and his eyes holding a cynical gleam. Urchin sat opposite them, her fins rigid with resolve. Flounder stood behind her, a silent, comforting weight. "Queen Urchin," Cypress rumbled, his voice like rocks grinding together. "My siblings and I have waited long enough. Your patrols have overfished our river mouths. The MudWings go hungry while your tribe feasts. What say you to that?" Urchin’s mind raced. She could feel the faint, familiar hum of her animus power. A few words, a simple spell, and she could conjure more fish in the rivers than the MudWings had ever dreamed of. It would be a permanent solution, a peace offering that would secure their alliance for generations. But the memory of Flounder's warning—the price of such a spell—held her back. She met Cypress's stare. "I say that is unacceptable," she stated, her voice clear and strong. "My people will not thrive on the hardship of another tribe. But the blame lies with old patrol routes, not with a desire for greed." Cypress let out a scoffing growl. "Words are wind, Your Majesty. We need food, not excuses." The temptation was a burning coal in Urchin's soul. Do it. It will be so easy. A small thing for a great peace. She could almost taste the magic on her tongue. Her talons curled, and a tiny, almost imperceptible spark of light flickered from one of her scales. Flounder’s wing brushed against hers, a gentle, solid reminder. He didn't speak, but he didn't have to. The message was clear: she was not alone, and she was capable of more than just magic. Urchin took a deep breath, and the luminescent glow in her scales faded. "I have a different solution," she said. "Not a magical one, but a just one. I will enact a new law: our patrols will move to the deeper ocean. We will also work with you to establish new fishing grounds for your tribe, where the river meets the sea. And to show our commitment, we will provide an immediate caravan of fish from our stores." Cypress’s eyes narrowed, surprised by the offer. It wasn't what he expected. "A caravan?" "And a temporary truce on all fishing until your new grounds are established and flourishing," Urchin added. She was taking a risk, but it felt right. It was a solution built on cooperation, not on a quick, magical fix. The three MudWings exchanged a series of silent, calculating glances. Finally, Cypress nodded slowly. "This is... acceptable. It shows you are a queen of action, not just words." As the MudWings left with the signed treaty in hand, a sense of profound relief washed over Urchin. She hadn't used her power. She had done it the hard way, the right way. Flounder's smile was the brightest thing she had ever seen. "I knew you could do it," he said, his voice full of pride. Urchin felt a quiet strength settle within her. She was Queen, not just because she had won a challenge, but because she had chosen to lead with wisdom and courage. Her animus power was a part of her, but it did not define her rule. She had found a way to lead, without a single spell.