Early the next morning, Gawain and Amber arrived together at Agondor's highest Council Hall. They had decided to set out for the West Coast ahead of schedule to investigate the tower.
The polar night was still ongoing, so even during the theoretical "daytime," the sun lingered below the horizon. Only a dim glow spread from the far end of the plains. Magic Crystal Lamps illuminated the corridor as Coletta, the Black Dragon Girl, walked ahead of Gawain and Amber. The footsteps of the three echoed through the somewhat empty space—they had arrived outside Heragol's office.
A young female dragon with a shorter build and red hair pushed open the door and stepped out. She looked at Gawain and the others, who had appeared so early in the morning, with some surprise. Then her gaze fell on Coletta the Black Dragon. After exchanging a brief greeting, the young dragon hurried away down the corridor.
"That was Bellanta, the caretaker responsible for the hatchlings..." Only after the other woman had left did Coletta reveal a curious expression and mutter softly, "Why would she come to see the leader at a time like this...?"
She then shook her head, setting this minor incident aside for the moment, and stepped forward to help Gawain push open the office door. "Please come in. The leader is already waiting for you both inside."
Gawain and Amber entered Heragol's office. Under the bright lights, they saw the dragon leader seated behind his desk, but to their surprise, another familiar figure was in the room as well.
Melita Pernia stood not far from the desk. As Gawain and Amber entered, the Blue Dragon lady turned around at the same time, her gaze meeting Gawain's. Both of them looked somewhat surprised.
But Gawain had come to discuss urgent matters