It was just another average morning in his frosty desert home. Cera was still asleep, one heavy wing was draped across the child protectively; honeyed orbs opened to greet a morning sun long before its bright rays had found reason to slither across a seemingly bare land. Cherub stirred restlessly, ebony muzzle turned to nuzzle his babe into a state of calm; hot breath traveled across the small coltish face, “Good morning,” he hummed tenderly. Many long moments passed where everything seemed perfect, the father wouldn’t have changed a single thing. Suddenly, their quaint morning was broken by the bellow of his sultana’s summons, her vocals echoing across sandstone and beyond.

A herd meeting was unavoidable and long in coming, body rose slowly to avoid joisting his still half-awake son he said, “Rise little one, our leader calls; it’s time for you to see the herd in its entirety.” fatherly vocals murmured, coxing. Frame turned toward his mistresses call, it was hard to meet everyone on a daily basis; clan gatherings allowed families to meet on leveled ground.

They approached after a few had already gathered, most of which he couldn’t recognize by name. Midas paused to dip skull respectfully at his leader before falling into an open spot between horses. Quietly the golden general leaned down to speak the names of those he knew into Cera’s ear as they came into view. After many moments of idle chatter, their caramel hostess started to speak.

Attention followed professionally, the first few sentences held knowledge he had already been familiarized with. Midas alone had stumbled across many rouge from the outerlands and led them into the security of Dragons throat. Countless kin doubled their family almost double fold. With so many new eyes and ears it was easy to allow flex within ranks, the general would have to rectify this notion on a later date. Kri also cautioned them to travel in groups or pairs for safety, golden gaze fell on Cera; unspoken tone calm but sharp in point. They had to be careful. Plain and simple.

What she mentioned next was pertinent, talk of getting off hunches and training. He nodded solemnly, knowing that his sparing gains would need to be more present.

Other topics included the building of a wall. A wall? Ears perked, Kri wanted them to construct a wall? His mind instantly flexed to the hidden spools of magic within, sand granules pooled around his feet.

All else that was said struck little interest; she mentioned outcast bands and his thoughts turned to a certain lady friend. Then a blessing was bestowed on one of his skilled soldiers, a promotion toward the highest honor obtainable in this clan. Sultan. It seemed that their family had a new father, skull bowed respectfully; but reserve was hidden behind a bottomless gaze. He wouldn’t have picked the golden boy to lead them, but, he also wasn’t one for politics.