The Power of Creation
Copyright© 2026 by Vasantrutu
Chapter 17: Wife
The meeting was formally opened by the Core Head. His voice was calm, steady, and carried the weight of finality.
“Welcome, esteemed guests,” he began. “You are gathered here because we are creating a new kingdom—one that will not be hidden, nor weak, nor borrowed. This land shall henceforth be known as The Sanctum of the Twelve Dragons.”
A quiet stir passed through the gathering.
He gestured toward the model displayed before everyone. As his hand moved, the miniature city subtly shifted, lines of division glowing faintly.
“We have acquired all the land available to us from Ironspine. The only remaining territory beyond our borders belongs to Verdant Maw. For now, it remains outside our domain.”
He pointed toward the innermost structure.
“As you can see, the area within the first wall forms the heart of the kingdom. This core area is divided into four concentric sections encircling the central mansion.”
His finger traced the rings one by one.
“The first circle is reserved for the heads of the kingdom—those who bear responsibility for governance and stability.
The second circle is dedicated to essential institutions: libraries, temples, academies, archives, and halls of governance.
The third circle belongs to elite artisans—individuals whose skills require space for both residence and craft.
The fourth circle is designated for guards, scouts, and rapid-response forces tasked with internal security.”
He paused, allowing the structure to settle in the minds of the listeners.
“The area between the first and second wall will house our trusted citizens—families who have proven loyalty through action, not words.”
His hand moved outward again.
“The land between the second and third wall is reserved for beasts. Not wild creatures, but trained and bonded ones—beasts that can coexist, work, and fight alongside us.”
A faint murmur followed, quickly silenced as he continued.
“The area between the third and fourth wall will be allocated to other citizens. They are welcome within our borders, but full trust must be earned over time.”
Then his tone shifted—slower, more reverent.
“The region between the fourth and fifth wall is the Dragon Zone. Dragons are not assets. They are not weapons. They are not livestock. They are to be respected as gods and guardians. Any presence in this zone must be approached with that understanding.”
Silence followed his words.
“The land between the fifth and sixth wall is designated for food and herb production—farmland, orchards, fisheries, and cultivation zones necessary to sustain the kingdom.”
He straightened, his voice firm.
“In total, the kingdom spans a sixty-kilometer radius from the central point.”
He raised two fingers.
“As for transportation, we will rely on two primary methods.
First—ground transport, using carts and designated roadways.
Second—teleportation, through portals strategically placed throughout the kingdom for efficiency, defense, and emergency response.”
He glanced around the room.
“Houses will be constructed primarily of stone and wood, with stone forming the exterior walls for durability and fire resistance.”
Finally, he inclined his head slightly.
“If you have architectural designs, functional requirements, or personal needs, they will be considered. This kingdom is not meant to cage its people—it is meant to let them live comfortably, safely, and with purpose.”
He folded his hands behind his back.
“And now, if you have questions, speak freely.”
Kareth Vorn was the first to step forward.
“My name is Kareth Vorn,” he said calmly, his voice carrying the quiet authority of someone long used to command. “I am the spokesperson of the rebel factions and the head of our collective decision-making. I have two questions. First—what will be our role within this kingdom? And second—what will be our status as citizens?”
The Core Head responded without hesitation, his tone firm yet measured.
“Citizenship is simple. Those you trust explicitly will be allowed to reside in the Inner Circle, between the first and second walls. Your appointed leaders will reside within the Core Area itself. As for your role—this kingdom is still being shaped. Many positions remain unfilled. Tell us, what role do you seek?”
Kareth’s eyes narrowed slightly, calculating.
“If the position of Sixth Wall Commander is available, I will take it,” he said. “There are ten individuals under me who will serve as heads beneath that command. Excluding those ten families, our people will be divided into two groups—one to remain within the Inner Circle, and the other stationed near the Sixth Wall.”
He paused, then continued, his tone sharpening.
“Before I formally accept your invitation, I have one question—and one condition. First, you stated earlier that this kingdom would remain under Ironspine’s authority for the next ten years. I want that explained.”
The Core Head nodded, clearly expecting this.
“For the next decade, remaining under Ironspine grants us time,” he explained. “Time to accumulate resources, stabilize infrastructure, and consolidate strength. You need not worry about interference—we have purchased anonymity for the entire duration. Our internal affairs will remain unseen.”
Kareth considered this carefully, then inclined his head slightly.
“Very well. Now for my condition,” he said. “I want my son to serve as your lord’s personal guard.”
A murmur rippled through the gathered crowd.
“This is not a threat,” Kareth continued evenly. “It is trust. If my son stands beside your lord, then our people will know that we place our faith in you completely. He is ten years of age—but he is no child. He is a trained warrior.”
The Core Head turned and gestured for Rowan to step forward.
Rowan did so, meeting Kareth’s gaze directly.
“My name is Rowan,” he said clearly. “I am the Lord of this kingdom. And I am also ten years old.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Kareth’s face.
“I accept your condition,” Rowan continued, offering a respectful bow. “Not because I am forced to—but because I will gain a friend by doing so.”
For a long moment, Kareth simply stared at him.
Then he nodded once.
At his signal, a boy stepped forward from the rebel ranks and gave a deep, formal bow.
“We accept your invitation, Core Head. And we accept you as our lord, Rowan,” Kareth said. “My son’s name is Ryn Vorn. He will remain by your side for the next ten days. That will be enough time for our people to gather their belongings and prepare to relocate.”
With that, Kareth stepped back, signaling the end of his address.
Ryn moved quietly to Rowan’s side and stood there without speaking—straight-backed, alert, and unwavering.
The moment Ryn stepped to Rowan’s side, the air around the model shifted.
From its resting place atop the miniature sanctum, the Chinese Lava Dragon stirred.
A low, molten hum echoed through the hall as the dragon lifted its massive serpentine body, flowing like living magma. In a single, graceful motion, it descended from the model and settled gently atop Ryn’s head, coiling protectively, its ember-bright eyes scanning the crowd.
A ripple of shocked murmurs swept through the gathered representatives.
Without exception, the elders of the village bowed—just slightly, but with unmistakable reverence.
The Core Head allowed the silence to settle before speaking, his voice steady and authoritative.
“Mr. Kareth,” he said, turning to the rebel leader, “there is a tradition within our kingdom. Every child of this land is claimed by a dragon. But there are fourteen dragons who are revered as gods.”
He gestured toward Ryn.
“One of them has chosen your son. From this day forward, he will be trained in the Ways of the Dragon.”
Kareth’s expression shifted—shock giving way to solemn acceptance. After a moment, he nodded deeply.
The next to step forward was a woman clad in layered greens and earth-toned leathers, her presence calm yet resolute.
“My name is Liora Verdantveil,” she announced. “We hail from Verdant Maw. We have no capital kingdom ruling over us, nor do we interfere in another village’s governance.”
Her gaze moved briefly to Rowan before returning to the Core Head.
“We seek stewardship over livestock and forest-bound beasts. In return, our priest will oversee the lawful transfer of land to Lord Rowan.”
She paused, then continued, her voice firm but respectful.
“I also have a condition. My daughter is to become the lord’s mistress.”
A sharp intake of breath rippled through the hall.
“I understand that a lord may have his own preferences in choosing a wife,” Liora added calmly, “which is why I ask only that my daughter be accepted as a mistress—nothing more, nothing less.”
She inclined her head slightly.
“Our people will reside in the fifth section, near the sixth wall. Proximity to the forest is necessary for raising and managing livestock. We will require eleven houses within the core area for our leadership.”
Before Rowan could even process what was happening, his father stepped forward.
“I know this woman speaks truth,” he said, his voice measured and absolute. “A lord may take multiple wives. If my son chooses a woman by his own will, then that choice is his.”
He glanced briefly at Rowan—just long enough to freeze him in place.
“If there is no objection to my son having multiple wives, then I suggest your daughter be his first.”
Rowan squeaked.
Not a dignified sound. Not even a proper protest.
A full, unmistakable shriek escaped him.
The hall erupted into laughter.
Rowan’s father gave him a single look—one that drained the color from his face and reduced him to silence instantly.
Liora laughed openly now, covering her mouth in amusement as she nodded her agreement. Even Light joined in, teasing Rowan mercilessly through the mental link.
Overwhelmed, Rowan stepped forward on instinct. Taking the girl’s hand, he bent slightly and pressed a respectful kiss to the back of her fingers.
As she moved to stand beside him, the Verdant Sun Chinese Dragon rose from the model, its emerald-gold scales shimmering like leaves in sunlight. It glided down and settled atop her head, its presence warm and radiant.
The elders bowed again.
So did Kareth’s people.
The girl’s face flushed a deep crimson as she gently patted the dragon resting above her, eyes wide with awe.
Rowan stood frozen between destiny and embarrassment—very aware that his life had just taken a turn he had not planned for.
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