Early the next morning, Storm, Aurora and Orian were busy finalizing the details of their trip.
As Orian was still small, and his wings hadn't fully developed yet, his parents would be forced to fly him towards their destination.
Once everyone was ready to depart, Orian excitedly scrambled up Storm's back and long neck to find a spot where he could see everything below.
He finally settled into place on top of his father's head between his horns.
After the hatchling was secured, Storm slowly took off slowly so that he didn't frighten his son, who had yet to grow accustomed to the height.
Orian was nervous at first, based on how tightly he was gripping his father, so Storm decided to give him some words of encouragement.
"Don't worry, son! I will catch you if you fall! Just relax and enjoy the view!"
After a moment, Orian lessened his grip and began to look around. Now that his son was focused, Storm began to give him a lesson on flying.
Even though it would still be another year before his son's body was developed enough to fly.
Storm figured that an early lesson on the topic couldn't hurt. So he began to demonstrate the basics, How to use the updrafts to maintain or increase your height, How to slow down or accelerate, How to use your tail to turn and change your direction.
His son eagerly listened to every word and even attempted to mimic his father on occasion.
Aurora watched the father/son exchange from a distance with a pleased grin.
By noon, the settlement of Twin Rivers came into view from above.
It had remained mostly unaltered since the last time Storm had seen it.
As it was meant to be a forward outpost, not a proper settlement, most of the occupants were soldiers. What was unique however, was the small camp of wagons located just outside the walls.
"That certainly wasn't there before!? Wonder what is going on?!" Thought Storm.
Feeling cautious, he angled towards the village center inside the walls, instead of the outskirts where he would usually land.
The wind from his wings formed a miniature dust storm as he settled into place.
Once his feet was firmly on the ground, Orian eagerly climbed off his father.
The Dwarven garrison commander ran up to Storm as he folded his wings.
"Calamity, sir!!! I wasn't expecting you to arrive this soon!! How did you get our message so quickly!?" Asked the dwarf.
Storm frowned in response.
"I didn't receive a message, captain? I decided to bring my family on a tour and to inspect your garrison emergency stores for winter?" Exclaimed Storm.
The captain seemed somewhat relieved to see him.
"There is an 'dilemma' I'm hoping you could help to resolve. I sent a messanger yesterday, but wasn't expecting you until tomorrow at least."
Without another word, the captain led Storm and his family towards the front gates.
Two Rakasha pushed open the massive doors before taking up defensive positions on either side of Storm.
Now that he was on the ground, he was able to get a better look at the owners of the wagons.
They were all humans. Wearing rugged travel clothes that was caked with dirt from long periods on the roads. Although the men carried weapons, they were clearly not soldiers.
These were wandering tradesman. What they were doing here however was a complete mystery. When their leader saw Storm's delegation, he eagerly presented himself.
Orian stared at the man in wonder. He was a man of medium height and build with a colorful long sleeved shirt and pants, with a wide rimmed straw hat to protect him from the sun.
A ring with an serpent crest was on his hand.
As he stood in front of Storm, he bowed to the dragon.
"Greetings, Great Wyrm! I am Rudifus Radisson of the Trading Consortium. Here's my card." Stated the man.
He pulled out a small card with the name and location of his guild's main chapter house stamped on it and eagerly held it out for Storm to take.
Storm eyed the paper as if asking what he was supposed to do with it.
"Ohhh!! A human!!! Is he edible?! Can I have a bite!?" Exclaimed Orian.
Causing the man to sweat.
"Yes he is, but not now! Maybe later, if I don't like what he has to say." Replied Storm.
Storm glared at the man.
"You are interrupting what is meant to be a pleasant family outing for me human!! You have a business proposal I'm told? I suggest you speak quickly before my patience runs out or I get hungry." Stated Storm.
The man swallowed as sweat began to form on his head.
"I'll get right to the point, Calamity.
Goods and trinkets from the non-human cultures are in high demand in certain circles of society right now. It is a market that you are sadly unable to exploit due to your current ongoing war." Stated the man
"But 'you' can 'exploit' it? I assume that is why you are here?" Stated Storm.
The man nodded his head.
"We can bring items your people find of worth to you, and in return you pay us in these simple trinkets. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. "
"And what happens if your superiors or The Order finds out about this, hmm? I can't imagine they would be pleased about the arrangement?"
"I assure you that everything is completely legal inside the trade charter. We're no lowborn smugglers, dragon! By law, they will be unable to object!" Exclaimed the man.
"State your terms then!" Said Storm.
"Rules are simple. We are forbidden from trading anything that can aid your war efforts.
No information, weapons nor anything our governments considers to be new or sensitive technology, I would assume you would have similar restrictions?" Asked the man.
Storm nodded his head.
"We would trade via a barter system, goods for goods.No currency will be accepted." Stated the man
Storm nodded his head again.
So far everything the man had said was acceptable.
"We will of course also have toll free access to all your holdings..." started the man.
"Absolutely not!! I'm not about to let some people I hardly know have access to where my people sleep! Possibly relaying that information back to your 'masters'!" Stated Storm flatly.
"How are we supposed to do business then if we don't have access to your people?" Asked the man.
Storm thought on it for a moment.
"I'll construct a market here in Twin Rivers for your people. If my people wish to trade, they can seek you out there.But you will not be allowed to travel further than this settlement.
'If' you prove you can be trusted, And if my people are in agreement. Then we can rediscuss terms again at a later date.
That's the best I can do right now." Stated Storm.
The man considered it for a moment.
"We have a deal, Dragon. " stated the man.