"Mom isn't afraid of change, I know this. She'll jump at a chance to try changing something in our normal lives short of allowing me to keep the ring off. I've noticed most people aren't as enthusiastic about change though," Nathan said, carving out a few symbols into the stone bricks, "I think she might be afriad of what I inherited from my father. As for calling dragons in general mindless feral beasts, I think she's only ever seen a dragon that was controled by Tyler. Something just never seemed right about them."

"I see... I guess they'll be looking for someone to replace him then. Other than myself, there hasn't really been anyone willing enough to stay within talking distance of the keepers. I've made friends with their leader Kial," he said, looking down, "I might try for the possition myself, but I don't even know the basics of how to be a beastkeeper. From what Kial says, it sounds more like a companionship than anything. I would rather have a companion than a mindless puppet."

"If I do become a keeper, I'll keep that in mind. Every creature derserves respect, even those we hunt for food. Mom has taught me that everything has s soul, no matter how non-living it may seem. Everything in nature deserves respect, no matter how minor or major it is in the world," he said, placing his ring in a small baghanging from his belt.

"Nathan? You still alive up there," a voice asked, coming from the stairs, the sounds of several nevous footsteps could be hear on the floor bellow.

"I told you she wouldn't hurt him without reason," a second voice said, sounding like Kial. When he and the child stepped onto the roof with Goldenscale and the others, Kial glanced over Nathan  for a brief moment. "I see Nathan is comfortable enough to show you his true self. Though I think Zack here owes you an appology for doubting your reasoning," he said, giving the child a slight push.

"I'm sorry. I was just going off of stories portraying dragons as beasts to be feared," Zack said, keeping his head down, still not having seen Nathan yet.

"The stories you've heard and read show what dragons are like when they've gone completely insane," Ahnah said, packing away the books she had taken out, "They were created long ago when all species were equal as a way to warn against tampering with a dragon's mind."

Standing up, Nathan slipped his ring back on, reconcieling himself before Zack could see him. "So, the stories are more a possible outcome than trueth," Zack asked, looking to Ahnah to see her nod, "I guess that makes sense. If all creatures were equal, the cautionary tails would be a great way to help keep that balance."

"When you're done talking, the hunters and foragers are ready to set out for the barrier," Kial said, "One of my colonies of Throdama will be fallowing us there to protect them."

"I suppose I am. I can get more rest later. I'll meet you at the bottom," she said, slinging her bag  onto her back before climbing over the edge of the tower.

"Don't worry Zack, there's way more to her than what she look. She'll survuve," Kial said, hold Zack back before he could run to the edge of the tower. "I suppose we'll meet you at the edge of town =or at the barrier," he said, looking back to Goldenscale, "The Throdama will be just as thrilled to meet someone so close to nature."

"I'd rather walk, but I bet these two would love a ride," Kial said, giving Zack and Nathan a pat on the back, "Besides, there's one last thing of Tyler's that needs to be destroyed. I need to make sure he never comes back."

"I would love to have a ride," Nathan said with a nod and smile, "The chance is rare, and I would love to see the plains from high above."

"I would like to join in as well," Zack said, smiling as well.

"Cool. Mom will probably freak if she hears of this, but it'll be worth it," Nathan said, climbing up with Zack fallowing just behind him. "OK, we're ready," he said once they were in place and hanging on.