Throughout the Ragnar military camp, rumors spread like wildfire.

• “Theo Ragnar has been chosen by the Primeval Dragon!”
• “He opened the mysteries of the White Tower and bound the dragons within as his vassals!”
• “Beneath the ground, Desert Worms protect him; on land, Drakes; in the skies, Wyverns and Griffins; and in magic, Fairy Dragons shield him.”
• “Even the Black Iron Guard and the Red Sword Knights were overwhelmed by the dragon army’s sheer force!”

From incredulous whispers to blatant exaggerations, the details varied. But one thing was certain:

• “For the first time since Sigurd, someone beloved …