Power
In my fictional world, the power lies in many places. The planet has unimaginable power, enough to share with the dragons and now the humans. But she needs them to protect herself, because while the planet has raw power there is only so much she can do, she is a planet, after all. The council of each continent has power, but only so long as the territory dragons honor the council bond. If the one or more members of the council is believed to mean harm to others, the territory dragons will force that council member out of power. If a territory dragon attempts force or conversion of his clan or other dragons, he or she can be judged by the council. And at any time a dragon with a clan bond with a territory dragon can choose to leave, taking their own power to a new territory. The bonds hold power, but do not coerce or force anyone.
Of course mistakes occur, feeling can be injured, individuals taken advantage of, and some even disrespected. It is the reason that so many are drawn to the Combined Territories, and why as they continue to grow and develop, even more humans and dragons will find their home among Grabon’s and Heron’s clan.