Chapter 17 - The Treaty of the Peaks
With the Frost-Lord defeated and the northern vanguard retreating into the high peaks, the royal army set up camp at the mouth of Frost-Tooth Pass.
Lord Kaelen stood before King Alden and Queen Seraphina inside the command tent, holding a ceremonial parchment inscribed with ancient northern runes. The tension that had defined the initial meeting in the capital was entirely gone, replaced by mutual respect born from shared combat.
“You fought with honor, King Alden,” Kaelen acknowledged, bowing his head slightly. “And your son... he carries a strength we haven't seen in these mountains for a thousand years.”
“We did not come to conquer the north, Lord Kaelen,” Alden replied, resting his hand on the handle of his saber. “We came to ensure that the peace between our lands is never broken by lies or shadows again.”
“Then let us seal it,” Kaelen said, laying the parchment upon the table.
The Treaty of the Peaks was signed under the pale winter sun, establishing open trade routes between Eldoria and the northern tribes, and securing the mountain passes against any future dark threats.
As the chieftains and guards celebrated their newfound alliance outside the tents, Lucas walked out alone toward a high snowy ridge that overlooked the vast expanse of the northern horizon.
Above him, the great golden dragon looped lazily through the crisp air, before descending to land softly on the snow beside the boy. Its massive, warm head lowered, resting gently against Lucas’s shoulder.
Queen Seraphina walked up behind him, wrapping a warm fur cloak around his shoulders. “Penny for your thoughts, little prince?” she asked softly.
May you like
Lucas looked up at his mother, then out at the endless mountain range. “I was just thinking... there’s a whole world out there beyond the capital, Mother. Now that the kingdom is safe, maybe we can explore it together.”
Seraphina smiled, pulling him close against her side. “Whenever you’re ready, Lucas. We have the rest of our lives.”
