Chapter 217: Home

Chapter 217: Home

After seeing Zoya off, Eileen was in no hurry to return to the City Manor. Zoya had known what she wanted from the very beginning, but what about me? Eileen walked towards the Wizards’ encampment, where her people were. But when she met her people, she found she had nothing to say. A vague sense of caution hovered between them.

It wasn’t that her people were cold; it was her. There were many things she simply couldn’t say out loud.

Zoya was right. When the Dragon Rider tried to kill Bran, nothing could ever go back to how it was before. Bran killed Uncle Grew and many people she knew. Even though she kept telling herself to accept it, resentful thoughts would always bubble up uncontrollably.

Here, she saw the Wizards’ power , but also the optimism of the Northlanders. Danny and the others never stopped training. When they gathered, they mostly talked about how to deal with the Wizards.

The Wizards in Northland City provided them with plenty of examples. Those Wizards, so smug and pleased with themselves, didn’t realize they were already someone else’s prey.

As long as these Wizards were still Mortals, as long as they could still be hurt, there was always a way to deal with them. Bran said they relied too much on their abilities but neglected training their bodies. Bran often mocked these Wizards, saying their movements couldn’t keep up with their eyes.

Even Bran himself was a subject of study for these Northlanders. Bran allowed it, even pointing out his own traits. Of course, during such times, she would take her leave, and Bran wouldn’t try to stop her. What was Zoya doing then? She seemed to be constantly imitating Bran’s moves, only to get knocked around dizzy by a group of Northlanders.

Bran liked it this way. He always said if your own people find your weaknesses, you still have a chance to survive. If an outsider discovers them first, you’re as good as dead.

Many Wizards whispered privately, thinking the Northlanders’ confidence in the City Manor came from Bran. But that wasn’t entirely true. The Northlanders’ confidence didn’t come from Bran alone.

When Pachu, Earl, and others like them, carried away by their own pride, were preparing their oath of allegiance ceremonies, the Northlanders in the City Manor were preparing to make an example of them. But the sudden, furious Ancient Tree saved them.

Sometimes fate was truly strange. Life and death could pass by each other in an instant.

She hoped these Wizards would learn their lesson, otherwise they would pay a heavy price sooner or later. Even if their intention was only to pledge loyalty to Bran, since the objects of that loyalty included Danny and their families, it couldn’t be just for show. Bran’s Mortal talk had eventually influenced his own family. This was probably something he hadn’t expected.

These poor Wizards. They had only seen or heard about Bran killing people. They didn’t know that Danny once killed until an entire Caravan begged for mercy on the ground. These people faced danger without realizing it. Sometimes she really worried for them. The only thing she could do was remind the Dragon Rider not to get too proud.

But it didn’t work well. The Dragon Rider’s Wizards were also starting to be influenced by the Mortal talk. She didn’t know what would become of her people if things continued like this.

Bran was powerful, but he always followed the traditions of the Northlands. She never understood why Bran cared so much about his identity. He didn’t seem like a Northlander at all, if not for those Facial Markings.

With him holding the fort, the Little Wizards of the Northlands probably wouldn’t dare have any improper ideas. As long as this attitude was accepted by the Northlands’ Little Wizards, it would become part of tradition.

She had reminded her people not to forget their original intentions, but once ambition was ignited, how could it be easily extinguished?

Zoya could easily handle her family affairs. How big could her family be? How many close relatives did she have? Eileen sighed. Some things were just wishful thinking.

She had been here long enough! It was time to leave.

Here, she had learned much and understood much. She knew Wizards were not invincible, as long as they could be hurt. She knew Bran was not invincible because he was always careful.

Bran had said: Life and death are decided in an instant. In that instant, there is no difference between a Wizard and a Mortal. If you can see it, if you can seize it.

She had wanted to stay a while longer. There were still things she hadn’t figured out.

She could never quite measure Danny’s depth. Danny was supposed to be just an ordinary Northland Warrior, but sometimes the power she showed was overwhelming. Eileen wanted to know the source of Danny’s strength. Bran’s power came from Mana, but what about Danny’s? It would be great to know Danny’s secret.

She always felt that if there was truly someone in this world who could threaten Bran, that person must be Danny. Because Danny understood Bran too well, and Bran trusted her too much. But Danny always guarded this secret carefully, never revealing a hint.

Maybe that was for the best. Bran probably already knew her thoughts. He was the legendary Great Wizard who could perceive good and evil. How could such an ability fail on her?

Bran would often retell the story of how he and Danny dealt with the Caravan’s Wizards. Back then, he didn’t have direct and effective means of attack, so Danny had to handle many things. She had once fantasized about the two of them traveling across this Continent together, but that could never happen now.

…

On the same day Zoya left, Eileen also departed from Northland City. Before leaving, Danny hugged her. It was the first time Danny had ever hugged her. And so, she finally understood why Bran liked being in Danny’s embrace. It was warm and safe.

Zoya had been wrong about one thing too. The Dragon Rider’s home was not comfortable. It was surrounded by sea, with waves as high as mountains and winds that swept away everything. Yet the Dragon Riders still made their home there.

Bran had said if he gave up his identity as a Northlander, he would be nothing.

Eileen agreed with that.

Some things could never be changed. It had been that way since the moment they were born. No matter how much you hide or pretend, you are ultimately only yourself. You can’t truly become someone else.

Zoya could only be Zoya. She still couldn’t escape her past. Even though she genuinely wanted to cut those ties, if she really could, why would she need to go back?

I know who I am, so I understand how to choose and how to act.

I am not a lost, pitiful creature!

I am a Dragon Rider — Eileen!

Even if I must face an unbeatable Monster.

I still know — who I am. I will return to my home and face this with my family, whether we ultimately live or die.