ã€ŠScales and Honor: Dragon&#x27;s Paladinã€‹


 Chapter 1: DreadFlame

    <u>Chapter 1: Dread Flame</u>

    <u></u>

    Our story begins in the kingdom of Lumara, a rather large nation located on the continent of Sethera. Lumara was well known for its cold winters, said to chill a person to the very bone, even while hugging their fire for warmth. It also bore some of the wettest summers where rain soaked the countryside for months. Some outsiders that lived in such climate spoke of Lumara as the worst place for anyone to live. However, in spite of the ill rumors, Lumara was not without its bounty. Several races inhabited these lands, and even though the majority of them were human, the others species were not treated any lesser.

    To the other kingdoms of Man, Elf, and Dwarf. Lumara appeared a violent nation, never satisfied with its borders. Many years ago, the forefathers of present day Lumara found ruins that contained knowledge of mana crystals, and -most important of them all- their creation. These crystals had been used eons ago by the Dragons -one of the oldest races of the world- to fuel vast magics in their empire, and keep the mortal races tethered under their claws. By making use of the knowledge they uncovered, Lumara entered a new age of prosperity where evolution knew a pace unlike any other race discovered before. They were able to build marvels like flying ships, castles that could fly amongst the clouds. They were even able to project beams of concentrated magical energy. With the help of these deadly devices, Lumara took upon itself to spread this newfound prosperity to the rest of Sethera.

    Now, far away from Lumara''s capital city of Entis, far away from even its ruling king, past the Dragon Neck mountains to the west, even further than the forest of dreams, there was a village called Garricksville. An old wizard lived there, and Vargus was his name. Vargus had recently returned from an expedition into one of the ruins of the dragon empire where he was able to walk away with a treasure unseen before by his kin. He had found a red orb, perfect in shape, weighting almost nothing, and if one stared at it long enough the night sky appeared in the orb''s bosom.

    Vargus had put many of his years into studying the ruins of old. He now resided in the study of his large house, personally crafted to suit the wizard''s needs by the best masons in the land.

    In the confines of his trusted home, Vargus, wielder of the orb, found himself blissfully unaware of the knights sent to retrieve the treasure from him, by any means necessary.

    *

    An airship sailed across the dark night sky, hardly making a noise louder than the creaking of the wooden boards upon its deck. In the space where a mast would stand, there was a large balloon-like structure that was tethered to the hull of the grand ship. Two large propellers -powered of course by mana crystals hiding deep in the hull of the ship- stood in place of a rudder to guide the ship through the darkened sky. It was made of a dark brown wood with scratches and signs of wear acquired over the years of her service. On her balloon was painted the symbol of Lumara, a gold roaring gryphon painted over a brown shield. At her front of the ship stood a wooden carved woman with her arms outstretched, as if welcoming the sky''s embrace. Painted below this statue was the name of the vessel ¡°RLA Destiny" which stood for Royal Lumara Airship, a vessel commissioned only at the orders of the king of this great nation.

    On the Destiny''s deck, her crew preformed last checks on the three beam cannons. These formidable weapons stood large enough for a person to sit in, and although bulky in form, they could turn on a dime if situation demanded. Other crewmen checked the heat oozing from the engines below, and navigators calculated the distance to their destination. Standing out from the rest of the crew was a group of knights clad in gray and silver armor, ten in total, all of various heights and genders. Each one, however, bore features filled with experience, grim determination plastered over their faces to denote the urgency of the task at hand.

    One man walked around, inspecting the troops to ensure that tabards were in order, longswords stowed, shields strapped to their backs, and energy crossbows slung in proper place. This man was their leader, and his name was Arcturus Lund. He was a man of twenty three years and had already achieved the rank of Paladin in Lumara''s military. Arcturus stopped at another knight whose crossbow was slung around the wrong shoulder. His green eyes narrowed at the man whose gear was out of order.

    ¡°Harrison!" he barked to the man, ¡°tend to your weapon or see danger bite you in the ass."

    ¡°S-sir?"

    ¡°Other shoulder, soldier." Arcturus said firmly.

    The man called Harrison quickly switched the position of his weapon. The large crossbow looked like a normal one at first glance, but a critical eye could notice exhausts to vent the heat from the mana crystal used to power up the weapon.

    Arcturus swept his short brown hair as he looked to the remaining nine knights. Experienced, they may have been, but worry still managed to creep its tendrils across their faces.

    ¡°Steady your hearts, my warriors!" Arcturus spoke loudly, ¡°I have seen you all perform on the battlefield with honor and skill unmatched by any other knight. Today will be no different. Focus, and we shall see this mission to its end."

    He turned to walk the other way as he continued his inspiring words. "Though our foe might be a wizard of experience, with men like you at my side, I know we will emerge victorious."

    He held up his gauntlet clad hand. ¡°Look to your fellow knights, keep your shields up, and don''t give the spell slinger an opportunity to conjure anything."

    Arcturus smiled. He saw the worry drain from their faces, replaced with courage. Satisfied with himself, he dismissed the men for preparation as he looked to his own gear one last time.

    At his right hip was a smaller version of the energy crossbow, designed to be used in only one hand. He felt for the grip, thinking back to the day when he received the weapon at his promotion. On its side, he had marked with ink all the lives the crossbow had taken. Around his waist, to the left, was his trusty longsword, still in use since he joined the ranks of the Lumarian army when he was but a boy, at the frail age of fifteen. The blacksmith kept on telling him to replace the weathered sword, but Arcturus never listened, always reforging the same blade over and over again. He laughed inside as he remembered teaching his son Geoffery on how to hold his training sword, and how the first swing''s momentum had the boy tumble to the ground. Arcturus then thought to his wife, Selina. Of how her brown eyes shined with anger that day. The paladin reached into one of his pouches to check if they were still tied properly, then pulled out a handkerchief, light blue in color, given to him by Selina before he boarded this ship on the king''s orders. Arcturus gripped it tightly. Some people thought him superstitious, yet in spite of what they believed, he always prayed to the gods in a whisper for the safe return back to the arms of his beloved wife.

    The Paladin smirked and pocketed his precious family treasure. Tonight was not going to be an exception. He flipped the visor of his helmet down as the ship started to descend. He fastened the helmet''s leather strap, noticing how the other Knights followed his example.

    Ahead of them rose a dark castle illuminated by moonlight, nestled between rolling hills. The structure had many towers, but in spite of its impressive arsenal, the stone crumbled in places, giving the castle a disheveled appearance. Its windows were dark, the light of the moon still too weak to pierce through their veil of shadows.

    ¡°No one mentioned a castle." Arcturus heard a knight whisper.

    ¡°Well, it''s fitting, don''t you think?" he said. ¡°The wizard we seek is just as old. It makes sense he''d inhabit a place that matches the man. Perhaps he''s trying to give us a message. What kind of knights would we be, to strike down an old man in his crumbling home? Best turn around, eh?"

    The others chuckled nervously in the night air.

    Arcturus scanned the castle''s battlements. No weapons of any kind could be seen upon its ramparts. However, wizards always had a trick up their sleeves, or a few fireballs to throw your way when not paying attention.

    Although, the Paladin told himself, at least I''m not facing a dragon in there. A beast of that magnitude would be a different challenge altogether. Despite being trained to fight them, even Arcturus wasn''t sure if his knights would be up to the task if a dragon showed up.

    ¡°Do not fall back into the clutch of despair," Arcturus patted the wooden railing of the ship. ¡°Even if fate turns against us, we have the Destiny here for support. Between our crossbows and the beam canons, the only way our friend is getting away is on the back of a dragon."

    ¡°Like there''s a man in this world crazy enough to ride a dragon!" one of the men said, and laughter quickly followed.

    Perhaps this wizard is just that kind of crazy, Arcturus thought. Guess we''re going to find what hides in the depths of his castle in a bit.

    Arcturus watched intently as the Destiny descended towards one of the makeshift walls. He spied small cracks in the wall, a sign of arcane crafting. Was it possible that the wizard knew of their arrival? His fingers brushed over the slung hand-crossbow at his side. If that were true, they might have been in for a nasty surprise when they pierced the wizard''s domain. He signaled to the others to move out as the ship''s plank touched down. As his boots hit the stone, his knights drew their weapons, filling the night air with a small hum. Arcturus felt a gust of wind from behind, a sign that the Destiny had left just as the last one of them made it off the ship. Arcturus pressed a small rune on the side of his helm, allowing him to send a message to the ship.

    ¡°Retrieve us if I send out a flare."

    ¡°As you command, Paladin," came a reply from the captain, his voice sounding as if the man were inches from Arcturus'' ear.

    With his escape secured, the troops mobilized. Arcturus followed the knights through the courtyard. What looked like a normal castle from far away turned into a much stranger show on the inside. The walls were jutting out at odd angles, and carried growths of stone on them, looking like some sort of warts. It was obvious whoever participated in the crafting of this castle held time in much higher regard than aesthetics.

    ¡°I don''t like the looks of this." A knight had spoken.

    ¡°Like your face looks any better." Another replied, chuckling.

    ¡°Keep focused." Arcturus approached the two men. ¡°We don''t fully know what secrets hide between these walls, marred as they may look."

    The group kept on walking until they arrived in front of a sizable house, an odd thing to see in the middle of this collection of arcane-bound stone. The structure seemed to be attached to a large stone tower growing out of the building¡¯s side, stone fusing with the wood to form a grotesque whole. Its front door was distorted by magic, making it much bigger than any door crafted by men. Arcturus guessed it would have to be at least thirty feet tall, and just as wide, and like the walls, the door too carried the small cracks characteristic to arcane tampering.

    Arcturus signaled with a hand to the others to open the door, a heavy thing that took five of the knights to crack open. In silence, the men flowed inside, weapons drawn. Arcturus'' view was filled with a bizarre hallway, so long it hardly matched the size of the house he saw from the outside. The hallway''s walls were lined with what appeared to be knickknacks and odd pieces of what Arcturus might call metal garbage that didn''t seem to have any rhyme or reason. Among the refuse were torches powered by magic to light the way.

    It really looks like he''s been expecting somebody. Perhaps this wizard has company in the depths of his crazy mind¡­

    ¡°Alright men, spread out!" he told to the knights as their boots sullied the orange rug lining the floor. His eyes found themselves drawn to several paintings of an old man. Possibly Vargus himself. His hazel eyes almost seemed to follow Arcturus at every step as he walked down the hallway. Arcturus shrugged and kept going. In this strange place, even the rug beneath his feet could twist at moment''s notice.

    ¡°You lot. With me!" Came a woman''s voice, a knight garbed in armor scratched by swords and dented by hundreds of powerful blows. Arcturus walked past the half orc knight who had proven herself over the years to be his most trusted follower. Half of the others followed her through a door they came across, including Harrison. She busted it down with a single shove and a loud cheer. ¡°Knock Knock! Your delivery has just arrived!"

    Several shots from her crossbow bathed the knights in flashes of red light.

    ¡°Room''s clear boys." she casually walked out, a puff of exhaust coming from her crossbow¡¯s vents. ¡°Seems our prey is hiding in another room."

    ¡°Or another castle." Someone laughed.

    The knights continued down the hallway, keeping a close look on their surroundings. Though they tried to keep a positive attitude, the ominous nature of this place put even the most seasoned men on guard. Arcturus scanned every cobwebbed stone, every, crevice, every creepy self-painting in search of any hidden traps.

    Fortunately, the wizard had none in store for them thus far, and the knights stopped at a cross intersection of doors, each one a different shade of brown with a handle that failed to match its color. These colors were gold, silver, and bronze. Arcturus pulled out his hand-sized crossbow and flipped the activation rune, the rising hum of its power music to his ears.

    ¡°Form squads. Two men." He signaled the knights to enter in pairs. He turned towards the bronze door, the one he planned to go through with the knight Erin. Erin was relatively new to the squad, selected for her expertise in lock picking and trap disarmament.

    ¡°Are you sure about this, sir? Shouldn''t you have someone more skilled at your side?" she spoke on a soft, worried voice.

    ¡°You happen to be a fine shot, Erin. Put mind to purpose. If I didn''t think you could handle yourself, you would have remained on the deck of the ship, far removed from any sort of danger."

    He pushed open the door after she gave him a thumbs-up to find the inside safe to walk in. The room was made of stone, with a singular pedestal containing a small palm sized red orb resting on a purple cushion. The dim light cast dark shadows that crept up like beasts along the walls, sending a sense of dread up the paladin''s spine.

    ¡°Looks like the perfect den of horrors in here." He turned to back towards the others. ¡°What did you find?"

    Spit froze in his throat when, instead of his knights, stood a wall of stone. Arcturus found himself alone with no sign of the others or the door he came through. He raised his crossbow at a moment''s notice, then scanned the dim light for any sign of movement, any hint at what had just happened. His steps were slow and placed with care, as if he was treading on very thin ice. Slowly, Arcturus made his way to the opposite side of the room, finding no exit, as expected.

    ¡°Damn it. There has to be a-¡°

    He spun around when a faint noise buried itself in his ear. It sounded like a great roar, coming from behind him and very far away. His finger hugged the trigger of the crossbow almost instantly. The once dim room shone with brilliant red light and the wall hissed with three energy impacts on the stone surface. Arcturus stood in silence, listening to his own thumping heartbeat, trying to focus on the source of the strange roar. His eyes hovered over to the orb that sat there, the most single mysterious object in this entire chamber. An itch prodded him in the back of his mind, drawing him to the orb. Slowly, the paladin stretched his hand towards the object, sheathing his crossbow. The orb was what drew him to this forsaken place, right? That was his task. To retrieve the orb and return it to the king.

    Arcturus took one more step. Then another. He was but a hand away from the orb now, trapped in the agonizing moment when his mind all but screamed for the danger that lurked ahead.

    However, despite his rising anxiety, Arcturus grabbed the orb and gritted his teeth.

    But no spell came out. No trap. The orb was perfectly safe in his hand, cold to the touch like any other metal.

    ¡°Well, that was easy," Arcturus let out a long sigh, then smiled. ¡°Guess I''m going home after all."

    ¡°Don''t judge a book by its cover!" a voice suddenly said, as if from every wall.

    ¡°Blast it," Arcturus looked around as Vargus seemed to emerge from one of the many walls around him. Arcturus'' first instinct was to grab hold of his crossbow, yet he found himself unable to move a single muscle.

    ¡°I don''t know what shallow twist of fate allowed you to bypass my defenses and get into this room."

    Vargus made his way over to Arcturus until he stood several feet in front of the paladin, his hand stretching towards the orb. ¡°Regardless, I would have you return the orb to its rightful place."

    ¡°You¡­forgot to¡­say please¡­" Arcturus strained as he felt his body compelled against his will to walk towards Vargus.

    ¡°Would it make any difference? The orb is mine either way. You but have to place it in my palm."

    ¡°Nghhhh." Arcturus grunted. Every step felt like pulling against thousands of thorn-vines, a fight against himself. ¡°What''s this red pebble to a man who can build a castle out of nothing anyway?"

    ¡°The feeble mind of an iron-clad brute could not possibly comprehend my intentions," Vargus said.

    ¡°Try me." Arcturus hissed. He knew the wizard was a proud sort from the way he expected the orb to be handed to him. While the bastard filled the air with his boasting voice, Arcturus moved his trembling hand towards his crossbow, almost touching the activation rune.

    ¡°Rah!" With a sneer of the wizard''s mouth and a twitch of his wrist, the crossbow flew from the knight¡¯s grasp.

    ¡°That was a clever trick, but useless still." Vargus chuckled. ¡°When a wizard speaks to you, you would do well to listen. But ah. I am afraid we are getting ahead of ourselves. We have yet to be introduced! Now what should I call you, knight of Lumara? Enforcer of our Dictator''s will?"

    ¡°My name is Arcturus¡­and I am no mere knight!" he said, pride resonating in his voice ¡°I am a Paladin. I suggest you don''t forget my name, nor the title attached to it¡­when you contemplate the choices you''ve made in chains."

    ¡°Paladin, you say? Now that is a title forged by skill, and prestige. Perhaps fate planned to bring us together this night," Vargus said, amused. He placed a hand on his chin, then walked around Arcturus, no words filling the void chamber until the mage stopped but a few steps away from the Paladin''s face.

    ¡°But alas, I stand unimpressed. Paladins used to wield so much more than steel in the past. I speak of magic, a power that might rival my very own!" Vargus sighed. ¡°Ah¡­it is a pity the glory days have faded. There was one time where your order used to stand for something more than a crumpled piece of history. Now, you are but a flea straddling the fur of a beast beyond your understanding."

    ¡°I am sorry to disappoint you, wizard." Arcturus said. ¡°I shall pass your wisdom to our king, after I see you bound in chains."

    ¡°Oh, but I don''t think you shall have that opportunity, paladin." Vargus chuckled again. ¡°You see, I have you in chains now. Your whole body is at my command, and soon enough your mind shall eagerly follow."

    Arcturus disregarded the wizard''s poisonous words. Instead, he focused on the faint pounding sound starting behind the wizard. The voices¡­they had to be those of Thraka and the knights.

    ¡°Throw your backs into it, or the paladin will have you clean latrines for a week!"

    Vargus immediately spun towards the source of the voices. The door bust down to reveal all the knights and Thraka holding her crossbow at the ready. A blue shimmering energy shield appeared before the wizard as shots slammed against his magic barrier, only to rebound and hit harmlessly on the stone walls. The other knights filed in adding their own shots as Vargus backed up, blocking each shot with his energy shield but having little opportunity to do much else.

    ¡°Enough of this nonsense!" Vargus cried out.

    A wave of magic spread out towards the knights, causing their weapons to suddenly smoke and fall from their grasp. However, Erin managed to pull a knife out just as Vargus casted his spell and threw it at the wizard.

    ¡°Grrraaaaaahhh!" Vargus screamed as the knife sunk into his shoulder. Arcturus felt control return to his body. He ducked as Vargus threw several rays of fire around the room in retribution. Harrison groaned as the knight hit the ground. Arcturus had no time to even look at the damage. he grabbed his crossbow from the ground and quickly hit a second switch on the crossbow. He raised it and fired. Instead of a red energy blast, a blue projectile fired at Vargus, taking the wizard squarely in the back while he was distracted by the other knights.

    ¡°Damn the¡­luck." The man mumbled before he hit the ground like a sack of potatoes.

    The thump announced an end to the crazed wizard''s threat. Arcturus lifted his helmet''s visor to wipe the sweat from his brow. The other knights rushed towards him, bombarding him with questions, all background noise to him as he gazed into the orb held within his hand. It seemed to call to him. A whisper, far different than the spell Vargus used on him.

    A pat to the shoulder shook him out of his trance.

    ¡°Are you alright, Arcturus?" Thraka said, her tusks slightly to the left, a sign of worry as Arcturus came to know from the time they spent together on various missions.

    He straightened up and laughed ¡°I''m great! This is what we came for, after all." He held up the orb for the others to see.

    ¡°That small thing?"

    ¡°What''s that do?"

    ¡°It''s what the King wanted. We couldn''t let this stay in the hands of this rebel filth." Arcturus gestured to Vargus. ¡°The fact that he was also a talkative bastard takes second place."

    ¡°Uh sir, we only fought summons, not rebels." Harrison added.

    ¡°Yeah I thought that was odd. This mage must not have trusted his compatriots enough guard his treasured ball."

    ¡°Well, what should we do with the spell slinger?" Thraka lightly shoved the unconscious Vargus with her boot.

    ¡°Carry him back to the ship, shackle his hands, cover his mouth, and throw him in a cell. I''m sure the interrogators will love to break some words out of his mouth."

    The others chuckled, picking up the drooling wizard and dragging him back towards the entrance. Arcturus holstered his crossbow and followed the others out.

    The knights gathered outside in the quiet courtyard as Arcturus reached for a thin piece of wood on his belt. He gripped the worn wood engraved with various runes, then raised it above his head. Three yellow lights burst into the skies. A few moments after, the flare gave away the position of the troops, the airship appeared, landing a few feet from them. The knights boarded with a collective sigh of relief, dragging Vargus up the plank. Arcturus stopped midway to look back to the castle, his ears still troubled by the faint roar in the distance. He remembered the stories he told Geoffery about a dark shadow beast that stalked the night in search of little boys to devour.

    ¡°Are you coming sir?" one of the deck hands asked from above.

    ¡°Yes. I just¡­it''s really good to be out of that place." Arcturus turned back to the ship and walked on its deck, his mouth devoid of any other words past what was customary after a mission. He felt the engines roar to life, and a slight lurch as the ship ascended back into the dark skies.

    When they gained cruising altitude, Arcturus strode across the deck towards his quarters. His mind could definitely use rest from Vargus'' incessant blabber. If he spent more time with the wizard, Arcturus feared he would''ve collapsed under the mage''s unending spree.

    Why did you need that orb, Vargus? It must be of importance to seclude yourself in the castle, more so when you came to punish me yourself. Arcturus thought for a few minutes on how easily they breached the castle. Could it be that the mage wanted them to find the orb?

    Possibly. Then again, many seers claimed to have untangled the strings of the future.

    Arcturus purged his mind of the wizard. The mission was done. For now, that was all that mattered when they had hours left before they reached the capital and his men were more than capable of watching the subdued wizard. He nodded to another crew member as he opened the oak door to his quarters.

    His quarters were nothing too extravagant. A bed with tan sheets sprawled over to the left, big enough for a single man to rest in. There was a stand for his armaments a few feet away, followed by a desk and a sizable storage chest for his clothes. Arcturus detached his armor, letting the plates softly hit the bed., each piece removed accompanied by a sigh. He then fell onto the bed, his eyes closing softly at the comforting warmth of the cushion. With such a long night under his belt, sleep came to him before he even knew what hit him.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Arcturus opened his eyes to find himself on the cobbled path of a street. He looked up into the dark sky to see clouds gathering overhead. They were moving around as if thousands of insects crawled beneath their surface.

    A drop fell from the sky. Then another, and another. Arcturus soon felt the rain starting to soak his dark gray clothes. A streak of lightning arced across the night sky, followed by thunder soon after. Arcturus turned his head, looking for anything in this black void, not seeing the ship, his knights, or his family.

    Another lightning bolt flashed in the sky, the booming thunder forcing Arcturus cover his ears as he collapsed in pain.

    From all directions echoed a mighty roar of no earthly origins. Arcturus jumped on his feet, immediately falling into a combat position.

    ¡°What are you?" he shouted into the storm above. The clouds parted before him, pierced by a great scaled head that descended like a great meteor. Following suit, its mighty platinum wings opened up as the great dragon circled the lone knight briefly before landing on its claws. The great beast''s eyes stared at him, fluid, as if filled with liquid mercury. The Paladin stood his ground as he looked up at the dragon that easily towered over him several times over. He noted the smooth scaled head with less pronounced horns belonged to a female, a boon owed to years of studying these majestic beasts. The dragoness opened her maw, each inch lined with sharp teeth gleaming even in the muted light. She raised her head, and let loose another thunderous roar that shook Arcturus to the very core of his being.

    ¡°GAH!" Arcturus woke with a start only to find himself in the bed of his quarters. He grasped the sheets tightly in his hands, sweat starting to drip from his forehead.

    ¡°Just a dream," he muttered, sighing in relief. ¡°It was just a blasted dream not even half as crazy as that blabbering mage."

    A strong knock rattled his door.

    ¡°Yes! I''m well awake."

    ¡°Sir, the prisoner wishes to speak with you.¡± Harrison¡¯s voice echoed through the door.

    ¡°I''ll be there in a moment." Arcturus grumbled. He got out of the bed, hastily donning his belt and longsword. He opened the door to find Harrison, his face pale. Arcturus ignored this as Harrison started leading him through the ship.

    ¡°He just started talking¡­ different."

    ¡°Different?¡± Acrturus frowned. ¡°What do you mean, different?"

    ¡°In another language or-or something akin to organized gibberish, so we tightened his bindings to prevent him from weaving one of his spells. Then a moment ago he asked for you, and put up quite a stir."

    Arcturus was brought to the lower parts of the ship, where iron bars were bolted into the wooden floor. Besides that, there was a small enclosure with a tiny porthole, barred by a door. Vargus sat on the lone bench, still tied up with ropes. His face was stern, mouth straight, head un-moving, and his eyes staring straight at Arcturus, following him as he walked, similarly to how the paintings on the castle''s walls reacted to the men that trespassed within its walls.

    One of Arcturus'' knights sat next to the cell, reading a book with the title ''A Bard¡¯s tale'' written by some halfling that Arcturus had no knowledge of.

    ¡°Vargus," Arcturus said coldly. ¡°I hope you realize that causing a stir will just make your stay with us all the more difficult."

    ¡°You just had a dream. Did you not?" He smiled as recognition appeared on the paladin''s face. ¡°It was of a dragon descending from the heavens."

    Arcturus did not say a word as he stepped closer to the bars and whispered, ¡°how did you know that?"

    Vargus smirked, ¡°You touched the orb, paladin. Only one other man managed such a feat, and he is standing right before you."

    ¡°Cut the nonsense! You can peer into my head now? How''s that possible?"

    ¡°It''s not me who does the peering."

    Arcturus gritted his jaws. ¡°Don''t play with me, Vargus. You will find my mood sharp and cold, just like the edge of a blade. Now tell me straight. How did you know what I dreamed of?"

    The mage seemed to ponder for a bit. ¡°Send your peons away and we can discuss this matter further." Vargus gestured to the knights. ¡°They make poor company for men such as us."

    ¡°You are no elven ray of light yourself, old man." Harrison snapped back.

    Arcturus put out his hand, signaling to the others to be silent. ¡°Leave us."

    ¡°S-sir, is that wise? Bound or not he''s still a-¡°

    ¡°I said leave us," Arcturus hissed. ¡°I wish to find out what he knows. Stay close though. If you hear any sort of commotion, come to my aid at once."

    ¡°You heard the paladin!" said the book reading knight. ¡°Leave them alone lads!" He stood up and left the room along with Harrison. As silence filled the air, Arcturus pulled up a chair, dragging it across the floor with a loud scrape. He sat down and stared at the wizard.

    ¡°I have done as you asked, old man. Now explain yourself."

    ¡°Why, it''s magic of course!" Vargus laughed. ¡°Honestly, my good iron-clad jailer, you should know better than to trust the words of a wizard." Vargus'' voice grew deeper.

    ¡°Impossible. We have you tied up right now!" Arcturus shot back.

    ¡°There are some magics that require no hand gestures, or words of power." Vargus sighed. ¡°But what can really be expected of a whelp like you?"

    Arcturus scowled at Vargus. ¡°Call me that again, and you shall find out how sharp this whelp''s fangs can pierce when provoked.¡±

    Vargus smiled. ¡°Stroke a chord, have I? The mighty paladin''s ears find themselves sensitive to anything lesser than praise."

    ¡°You know nothing of duty, of honor!" Arcturus said. ¡°You''d use your powers to achieve selfish goals, a man who believes in nothing but himself."

    ¡°As should you." Vargus said. ¡°We come in this world alone. Why should the rest be any different?"

    Arcturus grew tired of his babbling. ¡°Straighten your tongue, mage. I asked you a question and demand an answer."

    Vargus let out a long sigh. ¡°Veeery well. What you felt was only the residual energy of the orb playing tricks on your mind. Remember the voices? No? The roar, perhaps?"

    ¡°Residual," Arcturus put his hand on his chin, ¡°Where has the rest of the magic gone, then?"

    Vargus straightened his back, smiling as if he just achieved some great goal. ¡°You understand speech! That is good, my dear paladin. Keen mind. Sharp as your sword!" Vargus then chuckled in his throat. ¡°Could it be that I have already harnessed the orb''s power, perhaps? Or that, when you stand before your beloved king, all you''ll have is a broken trinket to show for your valiant efforts?"

    ¡°For your sake wizard, I hope you have not done what you''ve just said." Arcturus spat out. He was starting to tire of Vargus. The man''s laughter was like a thorn on his side. His words, spikes driven into his chest. Even the wizard''s face started to become more offending the longer Arcturus stared at it.

    ¡°Of course, there''s the matter of ever arriving to your king''s court. I haven''t forgotten to mention that, have I?" Vargus'' eyes narrowed.

    ¡°What does that imply, exactly?" Arcturus replied sternly.

    Vargus raised his eyes, adopting the same cocky grin that made his face a hard thing to look at.

    ¡°I am only trapped in this stinky cell because I allow it, and you, paladin¡­ you are only alive because you entertain me more than the other fools that came after me. To believe you''d be the only one to actually manage to touch my orb¡­well, that is a reason in itself to prolong your existence."

    Arcturus balled his hands into fists. ¡°If you try anything even resembling a spell, you will find yourself executed quicker than you can blink. If memory fails you, dear wizard, recall how you fell on the ground when my stunning bolt struck you in the back. You drooled on the ground as the rest of my men carried you into this stinking cell, as you so fondly named it." Arcturus boasted, his own grin finding its way to his face.

    ¡°Ah, here it comes. The cockiness of youth. You know, I''ve been wondering how long you''d resist the temptation to show off. Knights are so predictable. Haven''t you wondered why your journey through my castle went so smooth? How Vargus, the greatest mage in Lumara, perhaps in the whole world, fell at the hands of a ragtag band of idiots? It is because I allowed it!" Vargus rasped. ¡°I wanted to be trapped here with you so I could share these very words right now!" Vargus'' voice kept getting deeper with every word he uttered. Arcturus had to admit the situation started to get strange really fast.

    ¡°Have you lost your wits, old man?"

    Vargus opened his mouth to form a toothy smile. His bright white teeth seemed to be sharpened to points. His eyes had also changed from hazel to orange and the slits that replaced his round pupils sharpened into slits, much like a reptile¡¯s eyes. Arcturus tried to stand up, but found himself unable to, the dull noises of the ship fading away, leaving nothing but Vargus chanting in his deep creepy voice. Arcturus did not know what the words were, but the way they hissed upon the mage''s breath couldn''t be good.

    Arcturus watched in utter bewilderment as the room slowly began to melt slowly. Its droplets collected beneath him, vanishing as if getting sucked down a drain. Arcturus'' eyes never strayed from Vargus as he was plunged into darkness. The wizard''s ropes seemed to uncoil from around his limbs, then faded into nothingness.

    ¡°No, paladin. You did not face me when you captured my pitiful vessel!" Vargus approached, outstretching his hand. The flesh on it seemed to slowly peel off out of its own accord, managing to touch Arcturus on the chin. Arcturus could see four black talons ripping their way slowly from Vargus'' flesh. If the wizard was in pain, he did not show it at all.

    ¡°Now let''s see what kind of man you truly are!" Vargus sneered. The blackness around them slowly became a fuzzy vision of Arcturus'' house in the capital of Entis. Despite the darkness looming all around him, he could still recognize his wife cooking stew on the fireplace. As the vision cleared, he could see her straight brown hair, draped behind her and adorned with beads. She wasn''t cooking now, her brown eyes filled with worry over her frozen face.

    ¡°Ah, so you left your mate and child alone to heed the command of your king. Hunt Vargus down, as you would a stag!" the wizard paused to tilt his head as he inspected the frozen woman. ¡°You chose me over her¡­in spite of your wife''s protests."

    Arcturus struggled to move even a single finger. Whatever magic Vargus had over him was much stronger than it had been inside the orb''s chamber. He made the mistake of looking into Selina''s eyes. He didn''t abandon her¡­did he? He just heeded his duty, as would any other man in his place. Despite of wave of guilt washing over him, Arcturus swore to the gods that he would make it back to her.

    ¡°S-Selina?" Vargus said. ¡°The name barely wants to part with the tongue." He stopped again and raised an eyebrow ¡°Selina and¡­Geoffery!" The wizard wrinkled his brow. ¡°It pains you to have me gain knowledge of their names, does it not?"

    A grunt was all Arcturus could muster.

    ¡°There is no point in struggling, whelp! My magic has you bound tighter than my vessel had ever been on the deck of your filthy ship! But alas, we must not let ourselves carried away," Vargus spun around once again to face Arcturus. ¡°There''s more I would know about the great iron-clad man that captured me. Arcturus, the shining paladin." Vargus waved his hand, the flesh dropping away in large meaty chunks that slapped wetly onto the floor. All that remained was a red blood covered claw covered in scales.

    Arcturus'' house melted away, leaving nothing but utter darkness. With another wave of Vargus'' claw, Arcturus found himself in a field outside of Entis, where his father used to train him.

    ¡°Oh, this is intriguing. You are a Lund, after all!" Vargus shouted as his slitted eyes widened. ¡°A Lund!" He jumped for a moment, moving close to Arcturus'' face. ¡°Dragon slayers, are you not? Men with tradition!" Vargus laughed deeply as cracks appeared on his face. ¡°Such misery your family has brought upon dragon kind, and such good fortune that we have met together at this point in time. It''s like fate wished to pit us against each other!"

    Arcturus renewed his struggle and got rewarded for his efforts. The scene before him faded away. He once again found himself back in the cell of the ship. He had his sword in hand with Vargus in the other. The man''s eyes had not returned to normal. He shook his head once and quickly noticed that Harrison and the other guard were currently tugging on his sword arm, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor. Vargus just cackled as he collapsed onto the bench once more.

    Arcturus rubbed his head in circular motions. ¡°What happened?" he muttered, turning to the others. ¡°The bastard must''ve casted a spell on me. I''d never¡­raise sword against a defenseless man like that¡­"

    ¡°Don''t know, sir," stammered Harrison. ¡°You just entered the cell, weapon drawn. That''s all I know."

    ¡°But¡­we shared words. I ordered you out, and-¡° Arcturus stopped when the confusion only grew on Harrison''s face.

    ¡°Mages and their kin, ugh!" Arcturus rose from the ground, shooting daggers with his eyes at the wizard. He grabbed a piece of cloth and tied it roughly around Vargus'' mouth once more.

    ¡°There will be no more trickery coming out of your mouth tonight, wizard. My blood but warms at the thought of handing you over to the king himself. You¡¯ll meet true justice in the dungeons of our glorious capital." Arcturus turned and slammed the door to the cell shut.

    Hours seem to shuffle past on the deck of the Destiny, never seeming to end. Arcturus watched soldiers shuffle by, performing the needed checks with looks of worry present on their faces. He was amazed to see the story of his private time with Vargus in the cell spread so quickly throughout the crew. All their eyes were filled with worry, uncertainty, and even fear. He didn''t blame the men for their reaction. You didn''t see many powerful wizards just roaming the streets or halls of Lumara. Only the High Wizard seemed to have that quality. However, if you really wanted to see powerful mages, you had to go west, to the nation of Rothdell. The wizards there ruled over the populous in a council made up of three elders wise beyond their years. Each territory was divided to a different wizard, much similar to how Lumara did it with lords. Arcturus stopped in the middle of his thoughts to look over balcony of the Destiny, onto the endless horizon. He could already see familiar mountains growing in the moonlight. He knew the landmarks well. In spite of everything that happened tonight, he was close to his home, soon to be in the loving arms of his wife and child.

    A smile graced his face at the thoughts of his family. Geoffery was most likely asleep, holding fast to a stuffed gryphon Arcturus made for him last year. He pictured his face buried snugly in the cushy body of the toy without a worry to trouble his sleep. He imagined Selina waiting, looking up into the night sky for any sign of his airship, her eyes longing to gaze upon him once more. He felt the ship start to descend slowly, yet another sign they were close to home.

    Arcturus made his way to the bow of the ship to see the city of Entis, his home, truly a sight to behold for those who have not yet set eyes upon such a marvel. Spread way below the bulk of the airship flickered lights from the city lamps, illuminating every alley, bearing the semblance of little fireflies from this distance. Closer, stone and wooden houses awaited with fine roofs routinely inspected by the city for damage. Banners of every color hung off street corners and windows for various noble houses, guilds, or announcements. Yet despite such striking sights, Arcturus looked to the two wonders that towered above all others.

    Floating above the city were two large fortresses. Stone guardians held aloft by large mana crystals. The brown banners of Lumara hung atop them, billowing down to the base. Behind them was the castle, standing high above the city with many gargoyles and towers. Arcturus remembered that, even when he was much younger, he realized how long these structures endured, before elves graced the kingdom with their presence. It was even rumored that dragons would have attacked its walls, fended off by heroic knights of old. He remembered passing the gates to the castle as a child, seeing large claw marks across the surface of the stone walls. His father had pointed them out, reminding him that his great, great, great ancestor had slew the beast in his final moments. He remembered smiling at the story, imagining himself as the great, great, great ancestor, a man garbed in glorious plate armor fending off the great wrym that threatened his marvelous city with a giant, two handed sword held in his burly hands.

    Arcturus pulled himself out of the memory and made his way back to his quarters. He was going to be home soon, and he wouldn''t even dare to greet his wife without the proper gear. He donned his armor carefully over his gambeson. With each strap. he remembered how the armor had saved his life from countless blades over the years. He stopped, grabbing the helm with his gloved hands. He ran his hand over a scratch down the center, over the vision slit, when, suddenly the ship lurched. The helmet dropped from his hands and clattered to the floor, the sound drowned out by thunderous explosions that raged within the bowels of the ship.

    Arcturus sheathed his weapons and swung the shield around his back. Armed this way, the metal-clad paladin walked out of his chamber. As he walked along the hall, his thoughts turned to the prisoner in the hold, and another explosion rocked the ship. Screams came from ahead, piercing through the splintering wood to fill Arcturus'' heart with dread at the sound of his crewman being shredded into nothingness. He feared the worst when he passed a knight in the hall, his armor torn to ribbons and blood leaking from each deep gash on his body. Arcturus tried to look away but found himself unable. The knight was an elf named Croecear, he could tell by the elven rune on his blood covered gauntlet. He hadn''t been the most talkative of the group, but he didn''t deserve such gruesome end.

    ¡°Paladin!" a voice gurgled out. A quick scan of the hallway revealed two things. Smoke was beginning to billow down the hallway, and Harrison, lying on the floor several feet ahead. His limbs seemed to have been bent at odd angles, his mouth saturated with blood, and his eyes tearing up from the excruciating pain that undoubtedly coursed through the man¡¯s broken body. Arcturus noted the rising and falling of his chest; Harrison was alive, if just for the moment.

    ¡°Harrison,¡± Arcturus knelt beside his broken comrade, his face grim. He had lost soldiers before, but even after years of fighting, he hardly got used to it.

    ¡°Hang on, soldier." Arcturus grasped Harrison''s'' hand. ¡°I need you to hold on for just a moment longer. Tell me what happened."

    ¡°B-Big," Harrison spat.

    Arcturus grimaced at the droplets of blood that painted his chest plate in a sickly layer of crimson. ¡°The wizard, h-h-he turned into some sort of b-b-beast. B-big. With¡­.wh¡­with¡­¡± Harrison clenched his teeth, gasping in pain.

    Arcturus looked left and right for maybe a cleric that could help, but not even the gods themselves could have saved the fallen knight even if they poured down from the heavens.

    ¡°Crocecear. Harrison." Arcturus said, rising up from the fallen knight. ¡°I will be sure to honor your fall once we deal with this blasted wizard."

    That said, Arcturus broke into a run down the hallway, following the trail of blood and corpses that made the Destiny look like a flying cemetery. Each door he passed was cracked or destroyed outright, the splinters of them thrown across the floor. Bodies of those who manned the ship could be hardly recognized from the pieces that remained, but with each fallen comrade. Arcturus was filled with a greater determination to put an end to Vargus'' machinations. It didn''t matter that he was wanted alive by the king. The man was clearly too dangerous for any other course of action, and if the king disagreed with his methods, Arcturus would find a way to enter his good graces once more.

    Arcturus burst through the shambles that used to be the engine room door to find several more of his knights, all dead. Thraka, his trusted orc commander, was suspended in the air by three black talons impaled in her chest.

    ¡°N-no," Arcturus''s throat tightened at the sight. ¡°Not you too¡­"

    His eyes looked past the fallen orc. Through the smoke curtain of smoke that was coming from the engine emerged a great beast that towered over Arcturus, its ominous eyes glowing like fire in the dark. It was adorned with worn red scales all over its long body, tail poised around, with great wings spread to cover the great hole in the ceiling. The beast''s head was equipped with two long black horns and its maw was open to reveal its teeth dripping with fresh blood in almost grin fashion.

    ¡°The esteemed paladin comes at last. For a moment I thought you perished in the bowels of your pathetic little ship." said the dragon in a loud booming voice, gesturing to the dead knights. ¡°Please excuse the dreary company. I would''ve kept some of your knights alive¡­if only to watch you suffer as I tore the hearts from their chests. Your feeble kin thought their lesser minds could rival my genius! That their steel sticks and mismatched crafts could match the power of a dragon. Oh, I enjoyed seeing them crumble around me as I tore their ship asunder. I assume you have the same delusion, to stand before me when the only place a human has before a dragon is on his knees."

    The engine started to sputter and howl, its screeching groans more painful than the dreaded dragon''s roar. Arcturus was no expert in engineering, but clearly the ship''s heart could hardly endure more than a few moments. He looked back to the menacing red dragon and swelled up his chest.

    ¡°I am a man¡­and I am still standing, beast! You put on a charade this entire time, but you will not catch me unprepared like you did with the others." His hand brushed his crossbow as he stared into the piercing eyes of the dragon. ¡°Whatever fancy polymorph potion you ingested will not-¡°

    ¡°I AM NOT THE WRETCH YOU SPEAK OF!!" the dragon roared, smoke flaring from its twitching nostrils. ¡°Do NOT compare me to that pitiful excuse of a creature." The dragon thrashed its tail against the ground with a loud thwack. Arcturus'' hand touched the crossbow in his holster.

    ¡°If you''re not Vargus¡­then how should I call you, you mean scaled beast?" Arcturus smiled with the corner of his mouth as he started to back away from the dragon who had taken a step towards him on four limbs. Arcturus had to admit he had never felt so small before.

    ¡°Grah!" The dragon growled. ¡°You prolong your pitiful existence with a few more minutes, but I shall entertain you for amusing me thus far, even if I doubt your stupid mouth could even form the words." The dragon sneered. ¡°Dread Flame. Does this name satisfy your curiosity?"

    Arcturus carefully watched the dragon¡¯s eyes move to the crossbow as Arcturus hit the activation rune. ¡°Fondling your little toy so soon? I''m surprised to see you throw yourself into the jaws of death so eagerly, but alas, everything that has a beginning bears an end." The dragon snarled, smashing his tail into a piece of machinery and crushing it to pieces.

    ¡°I hope you''ll put up a more valiant effort than the pile of dented steel and broken bones you call knights!"

    Arcturus saw the dragon''s nostrils flare, already starting to kindle the flame that was sure to be unleashed. He dove to the side, pulling out the crossbow in midair and firing three times in rapid succession. His bolts bit into the dragon¡¯s neck, just below the head. The destroyed room flared to life in a shower of blue light that emerged from his crossbow. At the same time, Dread Flame opened his maw to unleash his own devastating attack.

    But what greeted Arcturus was not the sea of flames one would expect. Dread flame shook his head in irritation as only a small plume of black smoke sprung forth from his maw.

    ¡°How do you like that, beast? Not so powerful now, are we?" Arcturus stood up as Dread Flame gasped in surprise.

    ¡°Oh, you clever little whelp." Dread flame chuckled. ¡°So, you know where my fire glands reside! I commend your efforts, although they do little to protect you against my CLAWS!" Dread Flame pounced towards the paladin, black talons poised to rip him to shreds.

    Arcturus had only a split second to react. On the dragon''s upper portion was a scorch mark, most likely from his comrades attempts of bringing Dread Flame down. Arcturus took aim and fired quickly into the exposed spot, then tried to roll out of the dragon''s way. His shots hit home, causing Dread Flame to roar out in pain, but a claw still found its mark, slicing into Arcturus in a haze of sharp, seething agony.

    ¡°Nrraaaahhh!" The paladin hit the floor, wincing in pain as the dragon skidded past him. His crossbow was pulled from his grasp and shattered onto the wooden floor with a golden flash.

    ¡°That was a fine shot, paladin." The dragon hissed. ¡°You do live up to that family name of yours. I am impressed you managed to wound me." Dread flame spun around, claws ready to deliver a second blow, but Arcturus pulled off his shield and slammed it hard against the slashing talons. His shield screeched as the dragon''s humongous claws scraped against the steep incline of his metal barrier briefly before Arcturus was thrown back several feet.

    ¡°See how you crumple before me?" Dread Flame advanced slowly, with an audible deep growl rumbling within the depths of his maw. ¡°You''re lucky I am holding my rage back, paladin, or that metal scale of yours would not have saved you."

    ¡°One of the last mistakes you''ll ever make." Arcturus gritted his teeth as he got up, unsheathing his sword with a sharp hiss. His crossbow was all but mangled scraps, yet there was another way to strike back at the beast. Arcturus blocked another slash from Dread Flames'' claws, then nimbly avoided the dripping teeth that lurched forth to claim his life. The dragon snapped at the air where his head would''ve been. Arcturus felt his adrenaline pumping as shield met teeth, sword parried claws, until Arcturus saw an opening in the dragon''s attack. Pouring all his strength into a single counterattack, Arcturus struck an unarmored portion of the dragon, his blade shoving deep into the creature''s flesh to taste warm, dripping blood.

    ¡°Hrraaaaaahhhh!" Dread Flame backed away from him. ¡°This is preposterous! How can a wretch like you muster such strength?" The dragon''s eyes looked to his own blood as it dripped and splattered onto the floor. Dread Flame snarled and backed towards the sputtering engine. ¡°I have underestimated you, paladin. Perhaps you are worthy to soar above the mediocrity displayed by the knights I''ve killed, but your life will still end at the tips of my claws. It is a rule, you see. Like the sun that rises in the sky, or the ivory moon that takes its place at night. Humans are made to kneel before their betters. It simply boils down to our superiority as a species, and in the end, you too will bend the knee."

    Arcturus shook a few drops of viscous blood from his sword. ¡°False words that mask true intent. You don''t seem so superior, retreating from a mere human. If you make a god bleed, people will stop believing in him, and you, dear dragon, bleed all over the floor of my ship." Arcturus advanced towards the dragon, arms at the ready.

    ¡°You would think that, despite the answer that¡¯s staring you blatantly in the face. All this ingrained cockiness clouded your eyes to the obvious," snarled Dread Flame. The dragon grabbed the engine tight with both of his claws and spread his wings. ¡°I can FLY, and you CAN NOT!" Dread flame gave a mighty flap of his wings and with a great rip, he tore the engine from its resting place and flew out the hole in the ship.

    The broken ship shuddered one last time before it started to plunge towards the ground below.

    Arcturus had only time to sheathe his sword as his hands desperately grasped for anything to hold onto. He found his salvation in a chain that dangled from one of the walls. His arms strained from his own weight as the chain pulled taut. The whistling winds screeched at his ears from the sizable hole where the engine should''ve been, the night sky getting further and further away by the second. Arcturus took a deep breath, then scanned his surroundings for a way out of this deathtrap.

    The escape boats! his mind screamed at him, as he remembered the emergency boats that came along with every ship. These miniatures flying crafts fit six to eight people. He found pointing to one such craft on the wall along with a lever to release it away from the Destiny. The only snag in this plan was that the emergency boat was located a fair distance away from him. It would require a great swing from the chain he was holding onto, and if he missed the jump¡­

    Arcturus shook his head. He had to try, otherwise he was going to perish with the rest of the ship anyway.

    He started to swing on the chain to get momentum before he flung himself at the lifeboat. The armored paladin landed with a thud and scrambled to find a good hold as he started to slip. His arms felt like they were on fire as he pulled himself to grasp the activation lever.

    Please work¡­by all the gods above...please get me back to my family¡­but not before I kill this blasted dragon.

    Arcturus closed his eyes and pushed the lever with all the strength he could muster. It slammed into place with a loud clunk as the gears and mechanical parts sprung to life. With a small explosion, the lifeboat shot itself out of the doomed ship and gently sailed into the night air, its propellers unfolded to keep the little craft aloft. Arcturus breathed a sigh of relief as the life boat came to a hovering stop in midair. He watched the Destiny collide with the cobblestone streets of Entis with a thunderous crash. Wood beams split at the contact, machinery ripped and flew in all directions from the Destiny''s crumbling carcass, and windows shattered in the wake of the shockwave created by the rough impact.

    ¡°Nice trick!" boomed the dragon''s familiar voice.

    Arcturus had no desire to quarrel verbally with the deranged beast. He quickly grabbed the controls of his little ship and descended along with the lifeboat. He had to at least give the dragon a moving target, not one that simply waited to be killed. He turned the lifeboat around to see Dread Flame following him with a wicked smile of delight on his snout, which quickly opened to release a great cone of orange fire that spread in the darkness of the night. Arcturus swerved the boat hastily to barely avoid the brunt of the flames, the heat still licking at his neck.

    ¡°You cannot flee from my wrath, little wretch!" roared the dragon with another flap of its mighty wings. ¡°We share a bond of pain, you and I, and I shall wound you deeper than you''ve ever wounded me!"

    Arcturus hated to admit it, but the dragon was right in both regards. He would not rest until he saw the beast dead for the massacre on the ship. However, Arcturus was well aware he could not fulfill his task if he perished prematurely. With every passing moment, the dragon was gaining on him thanks to his mighty wings.

    Arcturus needed advantage, and fast. He brought the boat around 180 degrees, then reached for an unstrapped spear that clattered to the floor of the boat. With the lifeboat facing Dread Flame, he pulled the spear up and held it pointed at the beast, controls veered to maximum speed.

    If the dragon was concerned, Arcturus could not tell, for Dread Flame just flew straight towards him, looking as malevolent as ever. At the last moment the dragon tilted his wings, as to avoid the spear meant for his chest, but Arcturus used the controls to change direction. With a thunderous crack the spear''s head found purchase in the upper right of the dragon¡¯s chest. Carried by unearthly momentum, its iron head pierced through the beast''s mighty crimson scales. Arcturus was flung forward towards the dragon as Dread Flame roared out in agony. The paladin crashed hard onto the dragon''s chest even as his own was filled with a dull pain. He started to fall, but quickly grabbed his knife and stabbed it as well into the dragon, hard and fast, until the blade found purchase into an unarmored spot. Arcturus plunged the dagger deeper, then twisted it hard.

    Dread Flame screeched out into the night as he struggled to remain in the air. The dragon''s sharp claws immediately came in the defense of their owner, trying to tear the pesky human off, but the paladin clung onto the dragon with all he had. He thanked the gods for his armor as the otherwise deadly claws scrapped against the hardened steel instead of his own flesh. The dragon shuttered below him as they impacted a chimney, scattering the brick everywhere before the debris littered the street below. With a loud thud and a groan from the dragon, the two crashed into the street.

    Arcturus lay on the ground, his body aching all over from the tough impact. He could feel the cold wind licking through the cracked parts of his armor. With a breath that felt like a thousand little needles pressed firmly into his lungs, he propped himself up. Several feet away from his position, Dread Flame slowly picked himself up with the same difficulty. With a tight grip of his claws, the dragon ripped the spear out from his chest. Dread Flame''s eyes narrowed as the blood covered spear clattered to the street, but not for long, a smile replacing irritation when the orange eyes noticed the blood starting to drip from his approaching enemy.

    ¡°You are a tenacious little wretch¡­I give you that. But your heroics are about to come to an end." Dread Flame growled mockingly as the two of them slowly approached each other.

    Arcturus groaned in pain. He had to keep moving, or the dragon would surely kill him. Dread Flame realized this as well, pouncing to Arcturus with his claws outstretched. With a herculean effort Arcturus rolled away from the deadly dragon, its claws striking the stone hard enough to send sparks along the cobbles of the street. With adrenaline filling his body, Arcturus stood back up, grabbing his sword and shield, trying hard to keep his trembling arms still, and his weakened legs from collapsing under his own weight.

    ¡°How intimidating." Dread Flame growled. ¡°No words left to mock me, paladin? I''ve killed your squad, destroyed your ship, landed straight in the heart of your city¡­yet you say nothing! I bet you used the last of your energy to stand up and draw those pitiful weapons of yours." Dread Flame started to limp around him. ¡°So, how''s this going to go from now? Will you strike me again? Or finally accept your place before your betters?"

    ¡°I think you are trying to hide your wounds through talk." said Arcturus through gritted teeth, trying to ignore the pain coursing through his veins.

    ¡°Rrraahh." The dragon shook his head as his lips curled with obvious pain. ¡°It comes hard for a dragon to admit its flaws, but I believe compliments are in order. As inferior as you humans are, you¡­Arcturus Lund¡­ wounded me far greater than anyone had ever managed before." Dread Flame sneered.

    ¡°However¡­" The dragon stopped in his tracks. ¡°Your quest for retribution comes to an end. I will not be giving you the satisfaction to finish me off in the same way your ancestors killed my kin!" Dread Flame turned to spread his wings, and Arcturus willed himself to sprint at him, so focused on the sinking feeling rising from his gut that he didn''t notice the threat in time. With a sharp whip of the dragon''s tail slammed into his side, Arcturus tumbled to the ground with a pained grunt.

    ¡°Your family stole more lives from dragon kind than you can ever comprehend, so it is only fair of me to return the favor."

    ¡°Straighten tongue, you blasted dragon!" Arcturus roared. ¡°Tell me your plans before you die!"

    ¡°You already know, paladin, for nothing was hidden in your mind when I peered into it."

    Arcturus'' heart skipped a beat. His blood turned to ice as his thoughts quickly turned to his family.

    ¡°N-no. No, you can''t!"

    ¡°Can''t I?" the dragon sneered. ¡°I still have enough life in me to pay them a visit."

    ¡°NOOOO!" Arcturus shouted. ¡°Stand and face me you vile wyrm! My family has done nothing! I''ve pierced the gates of your castle. I captured you. I wounded you! Your quarrels are with me, not with them!

    ¡°Do you mistake me for a fool, human?" The dragon spoke. ¡°Another bout with you might very well claim my life," said Dread Flame, a devilish grin spreading on his snout. ¡°But I will hurt you, in a way that my claws and fangs never can. Stand there. Writhe in agony. Cry in despair as your retribution crumbles into dust!"

    Dread Flame flapped his great wings, leaving Arcturus to slice empty air with his sword.

    ¡°Selina! Geoffery!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. Arcturus looked around in a panic, but what could he do against such a beast? The ship was in tatters. His lifeboat, gone. He had no horse, and to top things off his own body barely allowed him to take a few steps without a burst of crackling pain shooting through his muscles.

    I must¡­protect them. Must¡­defend¡­my family. Arcturus looked to all the houses, finding he recognized them. Through sheer adrenaline he started to sprint towards his home. He was only a few blocks away from his family. With each footstep, he feared that he would be too late.

    ¡°No,¡± the paladin shook his head and prayed to the gods the dragon would take time to gloat, buying him enough time to catch up.

    Arcturus dashed down the street as parts of his armor started to fall off. The leather straps snapped one by one from the strain. His limbs arched, his lungs struggled to draw breath, but he still pushed his body to his limits in order to protect his most beloved of treasures: his family.

    He heard screams from nearby houses. Possibly from the fire that stared to spread after his ship fell from the sky. Or more likely because of the dragon. His steps fell back into pattern with the bells ringing from the roof tops, signaling an attack on the city. Arcturus rounded the last corner of the street, to find his house enveloped in flames. Its front seemed to have been crushed in with a mighty strike of a claw, or even a tail. Definitely Dread Flame''s work.

    Arcturus¡¯ eyes focused on the red beast. The dragon lay collapsed on the street, blood oozing out from the numerous wounds inflicted by the fall, as well as the paladin¡¯s frenzied attempts to end his life. On its pebbly snout rested the same grin that became characteristic to this dreadful beast. Arcturus could see that the dragon still drew breath as he approached. He noticed there was another spear piercing its chest, close to where Arcturus had stabbed. Dread Flame chuckled as Arcturus tried to run by to his house. When he tripped in his haste, the dragon had reached out and grabbed his leg. He landed with a painful thud, and a hoarse laugh from Dread Flame.

    ¡°Not so fast, human¡­" growled the dragon.

    Arcturus struggled to pull himself free. His eyes found the dead form of a man clad in chain mail, obviously one of the guards. It looked like the dragon had sliced through his armor, inscribed in the red lines of blood that marred the man''s broken chest. Arcturus pulled again on his leg but no matter how hard he pulled, Dread Flame had no desire to let go.

    ¡°Linger a while. I don''t want you to be alone when your family gives their last breath. We shall watch them die together." Dread Flame taunted.

    ¡°Not today¡­you vile monster!" Arcturus unsheathed his sword in reply and whirled around. ¡°I owe you pain!" he gritted his teeth, then rammed his blade with both hands through the dragon''s skull, right through his eye and into his brain, silencing his taunting forever.

    Arcturus gave another pull of his leg. Even in death the dragon held firm. He tugged again, then again, and finally the reptile''s dead limb gave way. Arcturus scrambled to stand, stumbling through the first attempt, then rushed to the burning frame of his home.

    Pieces of debris started to collapse among the flames, nearly hitting Arcturus as he searched in desperation for a way through the debris. Like an enraged bull, he pushed through fire and smoke, passing rooms filled with memories, now engulfed in the flames that threatened to consume them forever. The paladin valiantly pushed aside debris and burning wood. He shouted his wife''s, then his son''s name.

    Coughing from the thick smoke, he quickly covered his mouth with part of his ragged clothes and kept on searching, straining his ears, hoping for anything other than the sound of burning wood, collapsing house, and the pounding of his heart. He started to feel the shimmer of hope in him starting to die when a sudden cry made his eyes bulge out.

    ¡°Daddy!"

    Filled by a second wind, Arcturus rushed towards the voice of his son. Arcturus found him among the wrecked items of the house. Geoffery was covered in cuts and bruises, gasping for air. Arcturus quickly picked up his son with care. He tried not think about the dried blood on his son''s face, how or why it was so pale. When the little boy smiled up at him even through all that pain, Arcturus all but felt his heart break. He looked around for Selina, only spotting her burned body under a collapsed beam that trapped her forever.

    ¡°N-no,¡± Arcturus stammered. ¡°Gods, why¡­why did you¡­?¡±

    ¡°Daddy¡­pl-please¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Arcturus caressed through the hair of his boy. ¡°You¡¯ll be alright, Geoffery.¡±

    With a heavy heart, he turned away from his once-beautiful wife. He couldn¡¯t mourn her fate. Right now, he had to get his son out of there. He clutched Geoffery tightly to his chest and pushed his way through the debris. It was all a blur as he struggled to get out of the burning wreckage of his home, but somehow, he made it.

    Arcturus found himself in the panic filled streets of his city. He passed the dragon''s corpse in haste, as even in death Dread Flame had that wicked smile about his snout, taunting him from the grave.

    ¡°Cleric!" he cried out with tears forming on the edge of his eyes. His steps were now filled with stabs of pain, and they collapsed from under him a second later. ¡°Hold on Geoffery. I got you, son. I got you¡­"

    ¡°D-dad, I saw a dragon." Geoffery said, his voice barely a whisper. Arcturus watched in horror as the last color on his son¡¯s face drained away.

    ¡°N-no! No no no no no!" Arcturus clutched Geoffery tighter than ever. ¡°Just stay with me, son. You have to be strong for me, Geoffery. Fight through this, the same way I fought for you. Cleric!" he cried out. ¡°My boy. My boy is¡­CLEEERIIIIIC!"

    A soft tug on his chin pushed Arcturus'' head down to his son.

    ¡°She was- she was so pretty, dad¡­ all silver¡­with eyes like¡­mer-mercu¡­mmmercury¡­"

    Geoffery sighed for a final time, his tarnished body going limp in Arcturus'' arms. His hands went to his son''s face, smacking him softly.

    ¡°Son. Please don''t¡­please don''t do this to me. Fight through this, son. Don''t let that monster take you too!"

    But Geoffery had no fight left in him. After a few failed attempts at resuscitating his son, Arcturus collapsed his head into Geoffery''s chest as he sobbed and screamed into the night.

 Chapter 2: A Dragons Day

    Chapter 2: A Dragon''s Day

    Two years had passed over Lumara, although those who did not inhabit a city or found themselves breaching Lumara¡¯s lands during times of strife would not have noticed the time pass by. The country kept expanding, and slowly, its enemies had no option but to fall back further into their territory. Our story takes us to the north-western border of Lumara, into a wild mountainous area where a dragon soared freely through the skies.

    Veledar spread his wings, gliding upon the gentle currents of the wind, basking in the warmth of the sun falling upon his crimson scales. Few things felt as exhilarating for a dragon as flying. The dragon tilted his tan wing membranes and did a spin, closing his eyes in happiness. He loved every little thing about flying. The foreign smells carried by the breeze, the gusts brushing against his wings, even the way his tail swung back and forth. With another flap and a slight tilt of his wings, the red dragon descended toward the tree covered mountain top below. His blue eyes narrowed on a stream he usually visited during warm days. He landed as softly as a dragon of decent size could, but even so, the animals took notice of his presence, which produced a low rumble within the dragon¡¯s throat. He didn''t mind the reception. Such reaction was warranted when you happened to be an apex predator. Veledar walked towards the river, then opened his maw and slurped in the water with his dark pink tongue, sighing in relief as the coolness of the water washed over his weary body. His front claws twitched slightly to anchor him in the rock bed of the river, and Veledar paused for a quick moment to gaze upon his own magnificent reflection.

    The dragon considered himself in better shape than the scrawny body presented upon the water¡¯s surface. He stood at roughly 28 hands high, and 22 feet long from nose to tail, a presence that already intimidated every animal around.

    Probably not humans though. Veledar snorted. He wasn''t exactly small by even dragon standards, but there was no drawback for a larger size, especially with dragons. The larger wyrms controlled vast territories, with wisdom to match their legendary deeds. Veledar had a mind to become a legend himself one day. It was amusing, to think of humans reciting tales of his deeds to their children.

    The dragon immersed himself into thoughts of self-grandeur until an ungainly rumbling from his stomach drew his attention back to the present.

    How annoying! Veledar hissed as he brushed his belly with a wet front paw. He had no mood to chase his prey through thick trees and trip on their gnarled roots, but alas, even dragons had to submit to the basic needs of every living being. Veledar sniffed the air, looking for a trail that he could follow for an easy meal. He moved his snout from side to side until his eyes sprang open. He recognized the smell of deer, one of his favorite prey to feast upon. The dragon took flight from the river¡¯s shore and chased his prey from the air until he isolated a single doe. The frills lining his snout twitched in anticipation as she made him work for it, so in return, Veledar planned to give her an honorable death. The dragon crashed back on the ground and chased with great speed after the creature. With a great pounce and slice of his claws the doe crumbled to the ground, giving her life to prolong Veledar¡¯s own.

    The dragon burned whatever remained of the doe to honor the female¡¯s sacrifice, then returned to the stream to clean the blood from his claws and teeth. Although he liked the intimidating image of himself all covered in viscous blood, he rather disliked being dirty.

    ¡°Why not do something about this?¡± The dragon growled happily before he jumped into the stream with a great splash. He swam around for a bit, then hopped out onto the shore to shake the water off his dripping scales. How he hated the cold water! The stuff poked through his scales like daggers, although a hot bath every now and again lessened that hatred. Veledar relaxed on the river¡¯s shore for a bit to soak in more sun. He spread out his tail frill, twitching it slightly, then looked at the sky to notice that the white clouds sailed away from the blue sky while he was feasting. Time passed quicker than he had expected.

    The dragon rose on his fours, then unfurled his wings to take to the skies when a faint cry reached his ears. Veledar turned his head towards the sound and quickly found the source behind a small bush. The culprit was small, perhaps not even the size of a little house cat.

    Curious as he was to check on the source of the disturbance, Veledar remember his mother scolding him once for trying to peek on the elves near his old home. He scrunched his snout up at the ridiculous notion he was forced to swallow that day. It had something to do with privacy or some man-made nonsense like that. The red dragon pushed it from his mind and moved the bush with his front claw, yet the thing was persistent. Hard to gaze through. Veledar ripped it from the earth rather harshly, scattering dirt all over.

    ¡°Yaaaaawwwwhhh!¡± The fairy screamed and darted out of his reach. She was a small humanoid in appearance, with wings sprouting from her back. She began to flutter in front of him roughly at the same height of his head, pointing and cursing his lack of decency. ¡°Have you no respect for a fairy¡¯s privacy, you big, lumbering scale-head?!¡±

    ¡°Scale what?¡± Veledar¡¯s snout curled with irritation. ¡°You don¡¯t get to call me names, little thing!¡±

    ¡°Fairy. I am a fairy in case you are not familiar with my kin, which your lack of manners clearly suggests!¡±

    Veledar found himself quite amused by the creature¡¯s courage. She wore a green dress to go with her short brown hair. Her blue eyes dripped with half cried tears not from the brief exchange they had, but for some other reason that Veledar could not understand. The fairy looked at him, unsure of what to do.

    ¡°Sorry about the outburst. I might¡¯ve gotten a bit ahead of myself, but just so you know, it¡¯s rather rude to rip up a girl¡¯s hiding place from her!¡± she shouted at him.

    ¡°Outburst, again.¡± Veledar growled slightly. He often hated when a lesser creature addressed him with such a lack of respect, but the fairy was right in one regard. He did intrude upon her.

    ¡°You¡¯re not making it easy, you crimson-scaled brute.¡±

    ¡°Brute now, am I? Well, excuse my lack of patience, gentle creature, but I had to find where that annoying noise was coming from. From what I know you could¡¯ve been in danger!¡± He shot back, sounding perhaps more aggressive than he meant to.

    ¡°No, you!¡± The fairy slapped him on the snout with her tiny hand. ¡°You are the danger, sticking this oversized snout into somebody else¡¯s business!¡± The fairy flew back several feet to avoid Veledar¡¯s pokes. ¡°First those nasty humans, and now a dragon? What else can possibly go wrong today? I feel like the world is playing a joke on me, after¡­after¡­.yaaah I can¡¯t even say it!¡± she cried out in frustration.

    ¡°Lady, you need to calm down,¡± Veledar said calmly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll calm down when you give me back my bush!¡± The fairy sounded even more irritated now.

    Veledar sighed and pieced back the bush as well as he could with his ungainly claws. ¡°There. Your shrub is back. Feeling more protected from the crimson scaled, big nosed brute now?¡±

    ¡°Slightly.¡± The fairy rubbed the last remaining tears from her eyes. ¡°But¡­ it doesn¡¯t fix the damage that¡¯s already been done.¡±

    Veledar strained not to growl at her. Her persistence to seek justice was unwavering, but he remembered his mother¡¯s advice regarding the lesser creatures. She had said that, in situations like the one Veledar found himself in right now, there was a far greater reward than coin or gems to be earned with little effort.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Veledar rolled his eyes and sat down on his belly, paws crossed. ¡°Nasty humans you say?¡± he cocked his head. ¡°How did they grieve a small- no, a gentle creature such as you?¡±

    The fairy seemed irritated at first, but then she crossed her arms, as if considering her reply. ¡°Why should you care about my problems, dragon? Don''t you have a village to burn, or a maiden to capture for ransom? I heard what your kind is capable of.¡±

    Veledar fought the instinct to bare his teeth, and simply smiled instead. ¡°Oh, you are mistaken, my good fairy. I do try to lend my skills, my wings, and my paws to lesser creatures whenever I find myself¡­available.¡± He emphasized lesser louder than the rest. ¡°For the right price, I might be able to do something about this¡­situation you find yourself in,¡± he finished.

    ¡°I don''t have any coin or shiny gems that can ever match the size of your ego,¡± the fairy grumbled. ¡°But the humans I speak of are even nastier than you, dragon. They trampled over my grove with no regards for my flowers, which they plucked one by one until there was nothing left. Even my favorite fell prey to their fat, greedy fingers!¡±

    ¡°What kind of flower are you speaking about, fair fairy?¡±

    ¡°I don''t reaaaaaally remember what name it bears in human or dragon tongue¡­ but we call it the sun¡¯s tears on account of its orange color.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Veledar rolled his eyes. ¡°When in doubt, go with the obvious. Now, where did the humans run off to? Perhaps you can illuminate me on their whereabouts.¡±

    ¡°Illuminate you?¡± the fairy looked at him as if he suddenly spoke a different language. ¡°You want me to turn your scales white?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Veledar jumped on his feet. ¡°I mean¡­graaarrr, I mean¡­.¡±

    ¡°I can show you then!¡± The fairy zipped around his head. ¡°I promise not to use any spells on you¡­unless you ask for it!¡± she started to fly away, then turned back towards him, ¡°I¡¯m curious about your name though!¡±

    ¡°I did not give it. I request you give yours instead.¡± Veledar started swelling his chest as he usually did when he would proclaim his title.

    ¡°Trixie,¡± the fairy said, a smiling forming on her face. ¡°It rolls like a river on the tongue, does it not?¡±

    Veledar wasn¡¯t really going to provide his real name to a lesser creature, be they fairies or otherwise. Titles were what dragons used for such encounters, and even though she proved herself somewhat reliable, Trixie wasn¡¯t that special yet.

    ¡°You may call me¡­¡± Veledar paused and grinned, ¡°Crimson Sky. Easy to pronounce and obvious on the eye.¡±

    ¡°Well, Crimson Sky, can you follow me please?¡± Trixie turned to fly off, going upstream with the dragon following close behind.

    Trixie led him to a clearing not too far from the spot she had been crying in. The bushes and local flora were sliced into pieces, with orange petals scattered all over the ground. Trixie immediately burst into tears.

    ¡°Nyyyaaaaaaaaah! I can¡¯t bear to look upon this¡­devious devastation! See what they have done? See?¡± she zipped erratically around the dragon¡¯s snout before she pointed in horror to a particularly large growth of leaves and bisected vines. ¡°Most humans come here in peace, but those smelly, two legged, pelt-wearing bastards took all my flowers!¡±

    Though the tragedy hardly had the same impact on him, Veledar felt a sliver of remorse for the fairy. He paced back and forth, disappointed by the carnage that had been wrought through this once-peaceful grove.

    ¡°Why did they harvest your flowers, Trixie? Have they said anything to you before¡­well, before this happened?¡±

    ¡°They didn''t give a reason,¡± Trixie sniffled. ¡°They just¡­ stomped around in their stupid boots and ripped my flowers with their fat, sausage fingers!¡±

    If you were as sharp with your spells as you are with your tongue, perhaps they wouldn¡¯t have had the chance, Veledar thought, but even a proud dragon like him realized that was the wrong thing to say in this situation. Instead, he looked around and searched for tracks with Trixie sobbing behind him. She would occasionally point out more damage the humans had caused, until at last he found boot prints leaving the clearing.

    ¡°Worry not, Trixie friend. I, Crimson Sky, will return your flowers back where they belong, and as a bonus for your unique form of hospitality, I will also make sure these humans never set foot near your grove again.¡± Veledar dipped his head to her with pride.

    ¡°Thank you! Oh, thank you so much. You are a good dragon, Crimson Sky. Very good dragon!¡± Trixie hugged a scale on his snout with her little arms.

    When she retreated, Veledar moved quickly after the trail of boots. He raced through the underbrush, following a combination of boot prints and smells of what he remembered to be human in origin. He barely avoided a head-on encounter with a tree as his mind planned for what he was going to say when those two oafs gazed upon his magnificence. Perhaps he would make a threat or two or open the short-lived dialogue with a great roar. He would knock them around a bit to put them in their place, then take back the flowers. He grinned, already celebrating his victory in his mind when he was pulled out of his pleasant daydreams by the sound of two voices talking.

    ¡°Quiet, Jenn! I think I heard something nearby.¡± A male voice said, bristling with concern.

    ¡°I was quiet until you opened your mouth again! I would be concerned if this was not the twelfth blasted time you warned me of nonexistent threats!¡± an angry woman''s voice yelled back.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Veledar stalked around the two. One was a rather large man dressed in furs of various kinds with a large pack hoisted upon on his back. Beside him was a woman with long brown hair, resting on her studded leather armor covered in tribal markings. She held a bow at the ready, scanning the foliage with her brown eyes.

    ¡°Listen here,¡± she began, ¡°you can''t be jumping at every sound while we make our way back to town. That¡¯s not what a man does! That fairy we met will not be coming to retrieve her lifeless plants. Besides, think of the children. We need these herbs to brew healing teas and cure their ailments.¡±

    The man sighed. ¡°I know, I know¡­I just¡­I find myself wishing to have a tenth of your bravery, lass.¡± Morca replied, and Jenn smirked. Then Veledar made his move and pounced in.

    He collided with Jenn, knocking the girl off her feet. She slammed into the hard ground with a thud, the bow falling from her grasp. Morca went to pull out his quarter staff tied to his back, but quickly found his legs dislodged from the ground by a quick swipe of Veledar¡¯s tail which sent Morca in the ground¡¯s embrace in the same way as his woman.

    ¡°Why hello there, humans!¡± Veledar swept the bow from the ground, snapping it in pieces between his jaws. ¡°Now that weapons are taken care of, we can share words in peace. What brings you out to this dangerous part of the forest? After the encounter with that fairy, you never know what kind of beast you could run into. It might¡¯ve been a bear that got you, but today, you have the luck to stand in the presence of a bigger, and much better-looking predator.¡±

    ¡°You forgot to mention your pride,¡± Jenn managed to squirm her way out of his grasp, jumping back to stand beside Morca. Veledar''s eyes locked on them as he began to circle the terrified man and his much more confident woman.

    ¡°T-that¡¯s a D-Dragon!¡± Morca exclaimed, clutching Jenn tightly. ¡°How can you address his Brightness in such a crude way? What in the blazes we gonna do if he feels insulted?¡±

    ¡°Well, it seems your mate here is a master of stating the obvious.¡± Veledar chuckled. ¡°My fairy friend would like him¡­if he put his mouth to use instead of his hands! She likes to hear tales, that is, when she is not screaming at you.¡±

    ¡°Cut to the point, dragon. What is it you want from us? Money? Steel? We carry nothing of worth on our bodies or bags,¡± Jenn said sternly.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Veledar puffed his chest. ¡°I believe you happened to steal some rather unique flowers from an acquaintance of mine. Small of size, carried upon the air by gentle wings. Oh, and you might¡¯ve heard her rant at me if you happened to be in the vicinity.¡±

    ¡°See? See?! I told you that fairy would find a blasted way to get her revenge on us!¡± Morca cried out, color all but draining from his face. ¡°We are dead, woman! We are dead dead DEAD!¡±

    ¡°Shut your cryin¡¯ mouth for scale¡¯s sake!¡± Jenn hissed, her defiant eyes fixing on Veledar. ¡°We did take those flowers, but not to make coin from them. The children in our village are ill. They need tea brewed from these flowers. I promised the wee lads that I¡¯ll return to them with hope in my bags, an¡¯ you¡¯re not getting in me way.¡±

    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Veledar said. ¡°You say that with such bravery. Or as some others would say, foolishness.¡± he grinned, ¡°You are aware of the repercussions that can fall upon you if you fall on the wrong side of a dragon?¡±

    ¡°I focken do, red scales, but these plants are worth the risk! Didn¡¯ ye hear a word I said? Our young ¡®uns are sick in their beds.¡±

    ¡°Can you provide proof of that?¡±

    The woman shrugged.

    ¡°Hard for me to trust the words of a thief. Produce proof, or-¡°

    Her sword poured from its sheath with a hiss, so Veledar offered a threat of his own, fangs barred.

    ¡°You are about to make a huge mistake, human. You can swing that feeble spike at me, curse my name, or punch my scales until you scrape your knuckles bare, but that is not going to change anything. Place the flowers on the ground and leave, or you will find out how deep a dragon¡¯s retribution can cut.¡± Veledar growled, flexing his claws into the dirt.

    Jenn''s eyes darted to Morca, huddled over with fear. ¡°I will not get any help from my man, nor justice from the pain you¡¯ve just caused, you heartless thing,¡± she exclaimed. She reached into her pack to throw a group of flowers onto the ground. ¡°Take your plants back, but know that retribution will find you one day. You mark my words, beast.¡±

    Veledar laughed. ¡°A thief telling me I¡¯m in the wrong! That¡¯s beyond precious,¡± he thrashed his tail and roared. Jenn and Morca sprinted for their lives away from him. Veledar grinned to himself and looked to the small flowers. They were far too fragile for his paws, too gentle to be carried in his mouth. He sighed and performed a quick gesture with his claws, muttering a quick phrase in draconic. A small disk just large enough to fit the flowers appeared underneath the bundle of plants and lifted them three feet into the air. Veledar turned and made his way back towards Trixie''s grove.

    ¡°Cry no more, gentle Trixie, for I, Crimson Sky, have returned with your flowers.¡± he boasted with his chest swelling with pride.

    Trixie flew over, barely able to stop her cries of joy as she hugged the dragon''s snout in whatever ways she could.

    ¡°Hey, I gave you no permission to get all teary-eyed again!¡±

    ¡°I''m sorry, Crimson Sky.¡± The fairy wiped her eyes. ¡°I am just so relieved to have my flowers returned, damaged as they may be.¡± She floated over to the disk to retrieve the flowers, then reattached the cut stems to the flowers, making her garden whole again before Veledar¡¯s own eyes.

    ¡°See how beautiful they look? Tell me, tell me!¡±

    ¡°Yes, they are positively radiant!¡± Veledar tried to keep a straight face.

    ¡°All because of you!¡± The fairy added. ¡°There has been no braver dragon strolling through my forest until you happened along.¡±

    Veledar pushed out his chest again. ¡°What can I say, Trixie? I really am the best!¡±

    ¡°Owwwh, you really are,¡± the fairy hugged him again. ¡°I would offer you something else in return apart from words and hugs, Crimson Sky. You see, my grove is connected to my sister¡¯s, far, far away.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± he asked, cocking his head to the side.

    ¡°With the right words, a passage forms, which allows the user to be transported there!¡± she beamed. ¡°Whenever you are in need, come here and I will allow you to use its power.¡±

    Veledar sighed. A reward was a reward, after all. Certainly, better than nothing.

    ¡°Very well, Trixie. I will contact you if the urge to experience the wonders of fairy magic strikes me one day.¡± Veledar turned towards a mountain that overlooked the forest and pointed with a claw. ¡± And if you ever need my help again, my lair can be found up there near the top of that mountain.¡±

    The fairy smiled warmly. ¡°Thank you again, Crimson Sky, for your valiant victory. You truly are the bravest dragon around!¡±

    Veledar smirked at the honest praise. He always loved the sound of praise no matter where it came from. With a flap of his mighty wings he left the forest far below and returned to the sky.

    Veledar flew towards the mountain that had been his home for the last two years. On his way there, he admired the forest rolling below him, the river that snaked its way down the slant, and the vast mountainside that encompassed his domain. His territory was truly a gift; one that Veledar would protect with his very life if it ever came to that.

    The dragon dove down swiftly, startling a flock of birds as he passed by them. The cave that was his home was nestled near the top of the mountain at the perfect altitude for a dragon to look over his territory. It was hard to get to without wings, and deep enough to shelter a sizable amount of treasure. The dragon landed at the mouth of the cave, inspecting the slashes carved into the top center. This crude symbol would tell any dragon that this cave was claimed. With a smile, Veledar strode past the entrance, lighting the torches lining the walls with his breath, his flame funneled into a small strip that would not damage the frail things.

    The rear of his cave was filled with piles of gold pieces and various gems. As he approached the pile, the dragon let out a satisfied sigh. His hoard was large enough for him to sleep on, but paled in comparison to his mother''s mountains of treasure. Though Veledar was somewhat happy with his possessions, he still longed for more riches, just like any respecting dragon would.

    In time, he would get there, but for now the red male strode over to his collection of soft furs and laid in them. How could he multiply his fortune? Through deceit and destruction like other members of his kind? The prospect of something so distasteful turned his stomach. His mother had raised him to respect the lesser creatures, not frighten or hurt them beyond the necessary amount, like he did with the two humans that messed up Trixie¡¯s garden. They deserved a scare, not to lose their lives over some healing tea flowers.

    Veledar wondered if another dragon would¡¯ve showed the same mercy. He picked up one of his golden goblets and tossed it across the stone floor, watching it until it collided with a tower of books and other objects.

    On top of the tower lay his favorite item, a collection of stories depicting the dragons that inhabited the various places of the world. He walked over to the pile of books and picked up the top book. The cover was orange with the title Knights and Knaves scribbled in the middle. He quickly tossed it aside to grab onto the next book from the pile. This wasn''t the right book either! The dragon stifled his frustration and pulled book after book harshly from the stack, tossing them from the rapidly shrinking pile. When he had gone through all his books he started to remove gold and search beneath that as well. He was certain the item he searched for was there in the morning, right before he went on his hunt.

    His hunt. Humans! Veledar took a deep breath, growling as he noticed a scent that evaded him when he entered the cave. It smelled like fear, sweat, and horse. His green eyes widened at the realization.

    ¡°You little thieves!¡± he shouted aloud. He searched around, and soon enough found a faint trail of boot prints.

    ¡°How dare you come into MY HOME, and STEAL my POSSESSIONS?¡± he roared. Oh, he would do a lot more than scare them this time around. Blood burning hot, Veledar followed the tracks outside, but their lead came to a premature end. Veledar sniffed around. There was another smell along the human stench. Something he hadn''t smelled in over two years. It was the smell of a gryphon, heading eastward, towards a village bearing a name he had long forgotten.

    Veledar paced around, claws clicking on the stone of the cave¡¯s ledge, his tight jaws trying to hold control of the anger that now boiled in his blood. He tried to breath in and out to calm himself but all he could see as he closed his eyes was a human male holding his book and laughing with glee. A wretch without manners, just like the flower thieves.

    ¡°I will teach you what befalls those who steal from a dragon!¡± Veledar took off into the sky with haste, ignoring the words of his mother as they rang in his ears. Rage must be tempered. Instincts too can lead you astray. The quickest decision is rarely the wisest.

    Veledar ignored every word of his mother¡¯s wisdom, following the trail of that vile scent all the way to the village, to a humble house on the outskirts. The small house was made of wood, with a golden gryphon painted on its door. Shadows covered the building from some nearby trees, giving it a false sense of protection.

    The dragon landed softly and slowly crept to the building, making sure there were no others around. He made sure that with each paw placed on the ground he made as little noise as he could. The smell he followed led right inside.

    Veledar flared his nostrils and slammed his bulk into the door, causing the thing to splinter and collapse inward. His momentum carried him over a wooden table that broke itself upon his body as well. Veledar flared his wings and roared out for all to hear.

    ¡°Little thieves! How DARE you sneak into my lair and--¡± he began, only to be cut off by the scream of a little girl dressed in a simple brown dress. A man stood in front of her, cold fear in his eyes as he held a broken chair. Veledar paused to see the kitchen he had destroyed with small pots tossed over, their contents leaking onto the floor.

    ¡°W-what do you want from us, monster?¡± the man stuttered as the child clung on to him, with tears rolling down her terrified cheeks.

    Veledar held his maw agape for a second before cocking his head to the side. Was this really what he wanted? To unleash his vengeance upon a defenseless girl? ¡°I¡­¡± his eyes narrowed. No. He couldn¡¯t appear weak. Humans were known to be adept liars. ¡°You have stolen something of importance from me, human! Did you not think I¡¯d notice your stench laying around my cave? That my vengeance would not find you, no matter how far you ran?¡± he asked aggressively.

    ¡°I-I am a simple carpenter, dragon! I swear I have not left this house since morn!¡± The man¡¯s hands started to tremble along with the broken chair he held. ¡°Ppp-please¡­my daughter¡­let me take her to a safe place, an-and then we¡¯ll talk, alright? We¡¯ll talk about this.¡±

    ¡°Hraarrrr¡­¡± Veledar hissed. ¡°The culprit is here. I know it for a fact. Unless you are suggesting your whelp grew wings, entered my lair, and snatched away my possession, I will hold you accountable.¡± Veledar said, strutting in the cramped house still eyeing the family. ¡°Where is your mate? I would have words with her as well.¡±

    ¡°My w-wife works for the king, dragon. If you are to kill me, please¡­ spare my daughter, for she is young and innocent. Truly the purest soul you can find. My-my greatest treasure of all! Spare her. Please, forgive us!¡± the man cried, dropping to his knees before Veledar to grab and kiss at his toes.

    Veledar was almost insulted to have his paw touched by the human¡¯s trembling fingers. He took a step back, holding his paw aloft. ¡°I wouldn''t kill your whelp, human, nor I appreciate you throwing your life at my feet.¡± said Veledar, gently guiding the man around to a chair that was still standing. ¡°Take a seat and tell me where your mate is.¡±

    ¡°Wife.¡± the man replied, a bit calmer now that his trembling body found purchase on the chair. ¡°She¡¯ll be here at sundown.¡±

    To wait almost an entire day on this man¡¯s promise? Veledar did not feel fully convinced. ¡°Where can I find her? I said it before. The item in question holds significant value to me, and the more I wait, the higher the chances are that your wife will pass it into another pair of hands.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­do you¡­are you referring to the book me mum had?¡± the little girl asked softly.

    Veledar turned his head towards the little whelp, who was currently wiping tears from her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­seen it. Had pretty pictures of dragons in it. You would be pretty too, if you weren¡¯t so angry.¡±

    Veledar approached her, his neck and head low. His eyes were locked on her, and as he neared, the father raised from his seat.

    ¡°What do you intend to do, dragon? She but complimented your-¡±

    Veledar hissed at him, but the man already grabbed his makeshift weapon and swung, though the hit missed its mark. Veledar tripped him with his tail, causing the man to collapse lightly onto the floor with a groan.

    ¡°Gah, you and your infuriatingly long tails. Don¡¯t lay a claw on her, dragon, or I swear by the Gods above that¡­¡±

    Veledar ignored the man¡¯s empty threats and focused on the girl. ¡°Let us make a deal, little one. You tell me where your mother took my book, and I will allow you to touch any scale of mine you like.¡±

    ¡°She didn''t say¡­¡± the girl looked down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I really wish to help you, dragon. I really do.¡±

    Veledar rumbled softly. ¡°Can you tell me where she is then?¡±

    The girl nodded a few times. ¡°But only if you promise not to hurt her.¡±

    ¡°I promise.¡± Veledar said.

    ¡°You swear?¡±

    Veledar held up a paw to his chest, ¡°I vow upon the very scales of my body.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good enough for me,¡± the girl smiled, extending a hand towards his snout. ¡°So red¡­so pretty! Can I¡­touch?¡±

    Veledar closed his eyes, bowed his head, then waited for that petite hand to make contact with his snout.

    ¡°Don¡¯t trust him!¡±

    The girl drew back, Veledar opened his eyes to the shout that came from the outside.

    ¡°Vern!¡± the voice was the first among the chatter of at least twelve other voices. ¡°What manner of misfortune befell your house? You alright in there?¡±

    ¡°I got a focken dragon in here.¡± The girl¡¯s father rasped. ¡°Raise weapons. Sound the alarm. He¡¯s just about to eat my little daughter!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about this,¡± Veledar whispered. He had all the intentions to smile when he watched that girl¡¯s eyes widen as his snout made contact with her curious hand, but unfortunately, he had no time to fulfill that bargain anymore, thanks to loud mouthed Vern. Veledar knocked him down again with his tail, then bounded out of the house into the twelve men wearing chain mail, carrying a combination of long spears and crossbows.

    ¡°By the gods above. Vern spoke the truth!¡± one of the men gasped aloud.

    ¡°Dragon! Focken dragon!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s red like fire. He gonna burn us!¡±

    ¡°Can we even fight something so big? We¡¯ll all die!¡±

    Veledar had no time to deal with this nonsense. He spread his wings and charged them, tossing the men aside like pebbles. Two bolts glanced harmlessly off his scales, but by the time the men gathered their bearings, Veledar already pierced through their ranks, his wings taking him into a realm where they could not hope to follow.

    He looked back to see most of the guards back on their feet, firing uselessly as the distance between them grew larger with each wing beat.

    That could¡¯ve gone so much better if I didn¡¯t barge in like a tempest. The dragon shook his head and scolded himself at how reckless and stupid that was. His sister would¡¯ve made the humans comfortable with her presence. Maybe even bring them gifts to pave her way through to their hearts, while Veledar brought with him only rants and destruction. The red dragon flew through a curtain of rain clouds to cool off his blood, then landed outside his lair once more, looking to the far-away dot that was the village. It had already started to disappear as the sun sank beneath the mountains. He would probably spend the night looking into the stars. Veledar laid down in his usual spot, a patch of earth that had left an imprint of his form. He looked up as the stars started to reclaim the sky and sighed. Tomorrow would give him another chance to right today¡¯s wrongs.

 Chapter 3: Back to Duty

    Chapter 3: Back to Duty

    A pounding knock rattled the simple wooden door of a seemingly empty house. The only furniture inside the home was made up of a small table with the plates and utensils of previous meals scattered about, and an aging bookcase covered in dust with tomes of various sizes and colors. Atop of that bookcase stood two painted frames, one of Selina Lund, and the other of Geoffrey Lund.

    Knock! The sound rumbled again from the door, startling a nearby alley cat who let out a rather loud yelp. However, despite the ruckus, the simple house''s black curtains remained drawn. In one room of the house rested a suit of plate mail, all dented, scarred, and a sword held aloft next to a damaged shield engraved with the symbol of a gryphon. The knock came again, this time accompanied by a shout. ¡°Rise up already! The ninth bell had just rang, which just about marks you as the laziest bastard in this town!¡±

    Arcturus slowly opened his eyes, instantly shutting them from the radiant light streaking in from one of the missing blinds. ¡°I''m up. I¡¯m up!¡± he shouted, his voice coarse as he tried to stifle a morbid cough that had been with him for the past days.

    ¡°You alright in there, sir? Your voice threatens to descend into a dragon¡¯s growl if you keep that up.¡± came the voice.

    ¡°Oh, leave me bloody alone, Gus.¡± Arcturus yelled, his voice already sounding better. ¡°It¡¯s just a minor annoyance. Happens every morning.¡±

    Arcturus rose from the small bed, scattering the sheets all over the place. He quickly threw on his customary brown uniform, then released a drawn-out sigh as he looked into the body-length mirror on his wall to find a grizzled looking man with pain filled eyes staring back at him. He admired the tan cloak he tossed over his shoulders, and placed a golden broach of an eagle on it. The symbol that belonged to the captain of the guards. Arcturus had been honored with this position shortly after the incident with the dragon. He scowled whenever he thought of the grisly details he endured through that day, yet more so at the implications of it. This position was supposed to be much easier. Alas, fate had a way of twisting up every now and again. Arcturus almost imagined himself home that night, in the loving embrace of his wife. And then¡­

    Arcturus snatched up his leather belt and stowed his long sword. No time to think about that now.

    ¡°Any disturbances to report?¡± he asked Gus.

    ¡°We had a small theft from Petunia''s, but nothing else that¡¯s worth mentioning. The king told us to retrieve you.¡±

    ¡°Retrieve me? What, am I unable to find my way to him now?¡±

    ¡°You know that¡¯s not what he meant, mate.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­I know.¡± Arcturus shoved on his black boots, then grabbed a piece of stale bread off of his table before opening his front door. ¡°So the king wants to see me, you say? What would he have of me this time?¡±

    The man standing in front of him was a portly looking guard, with chain mail one size too small. Though Arcturus kept his tongue reigned, he always felt that the man¡¯s girth threatened to burst out of the armor at any moment.

    ¡°You look deceptively better than you sound, sir. Though I can still tell you had a rough night. Are the nightmares getting any easier?¡±

    Arcturus¡¯ frown was answer enough.

    ¡°Never mind that. We should turn our attention to more pressing matters. No time like the present, eh?¡±

    ¡°Quite so.¡± Arcturus grabbed a bite from the tough hunk of bread he carried. ¡°Did the king say what he wanted?¡±

    Gus scratched his beard. ¡°He didn''t mention that much, with your ears so far removed from his mouth. But he did make it sound urgent. Figured he must have something grand in mind for the slayer of Dread Flame.¡±

    ¡°You know better than to utter that creature¡¯s name.¡± Arcturus grumbled, and that put an end to the discussion for now. To distract himself from the dark thoughts that prodded at his mind, Arcturus started to look to the streets, bustling with people of different races. They were all conversing or haggling with merchants in the street. The air smelled of cooking meat roasting in a menagerie of spices. Arcturus'' stomach tightened as a horse-drawn carriage strode past them. It was driven by a stern-faced human in a well-kept purple suit. On the carriage was painted a black raven symbolizing the house of Raverst. Odd. They usually kept away from public roads.

    Arcturus and Gus rounded a few corners, passing a number of armored guards. Each one of them pulled off a quick and crisp salute as they walked past them, to which Arcturus either bowed his head or saluted in response. He had to admit. The guard force was more efficient than ever before. Over the last two years he had the mayor retrain the guards, see them better equipped with both armor and weapons, and he even hired a couple of elven rangers to tutor the lookouts and archers on the weak spots of many beasts that could pose a threat to the town, dragons most of all. The first two weeks of that training had been amusing, as the ranger he knew whipped the soft men into shape. Arcturus¡¯ mind focused on her stern discipline until he was pulled out of thought by a familiar voice.

    ¡°Hey Arcturus! Care for a few rounds with a friend?¡± shouted a man clad in dark half-plate, only lightened by the scars the armor bore. He was leaning against a stone wall adjacent to a training ring full of fledgling swordsmen. The figure appeared to be in his late twenties, with shaggy black hair that reached to his shoulders, lightened up somewhat by bright blue eyes. The man was also tall, standing at about two meters.

    ¡°Garroth!¡± Arcturus shouted, a small smile growing on his face. He extended his hand for a shake. ¡°I did not think to see you here so soon. Is the whole band with you?¡±

    Garroth grasped his hand firmly. ¡±Hah! The tombs were not as harrowing as those lost mines.¡±

    ¡°The ones plagued by ghasts?¡±

    ¡°The very same.¡± Garroth beamed.

    ¡°What in God¡¯s sweet name is a ghast?¡± Gus asked, scratching his head. ¡°Some sort of ghost made of poisonous gas?¡±

    ¡°A fearsome undead creature that can paralyze people with but a single touch.¡± Arcturus quickly replied.

    ¡°I always admire men who know their craft!¡± Garroth pointed at Arcturus. ¡°Stay a while. I would share many tales of adventures with a man I¡¯m proud to call friend!¡±

    ¡°Ah, I am afraid pressing matters must keep my legs moving.¡± Arcturus frowned. ¡°Wish I could linger, but the king is requesting my presence. We will catch up another time.¡±

    ¡°Hmmph.¡± Garroth laughed, putting his hands on his waist. ¡°Don''t want to get in your way then, lordship!¡± He laughed. ¡°Hopefully you have time later to get your accomplishments bested by an experienced adventurer.¡±

    ¡°Bested? When did that ever happen?¡±

    ¡°Hush.¡± Garroth whispered. ¡°I don''t want the others to know I''m beaten by a bloody captain of the guards every time. I¡¯ve got a reputation to uphold, after all!¡±

    ¡°Well, if whatever the king wants is not too time consuming, I would definitely be up to hearing about your latest adventure.¡±

    Both men wished each other the best and went off in different directions. Arcturus made his way with Gus toward the castle, while Garroth remained behind with his band of adventurers.

    ¡°Sir, who was that man?¡± Gus asked the moment they were out of earshot.

    ¡°Garroth? He is an adventurer that stops in from time to time. He and his lot tend to live between towns, fulfilling all sorts of quests, collecting bounties, adventuring, most of all. I spar with him every time they return to Entis.¡± Arcturus chuckled. ¡°You should have seen our last contest. Garroth stumbled backwards into a Siigonis woman, I have never seen a man battered so thoroughly by one of those lizardfolk!¡±

    Minutes passed in silence as they passed several more streets with wares and goods. Out of the corner of Arcturus'' eye, he spotted a sign in the shape of a large gear. It was a shop run by a gnome woman named Matilda, who always loved to tinker with things. She was one of the best crafters ever to create swords, armor, basically everything a guard, knight, or adventurer would ever need. Gus filled the time talking about the weather, then politics with nobles, and even corraled Arcturus to the right side of the road, for in the center of this street was a stuffed head of Dread Flame thrust on a spike for all to see. Arcturus scowled at the grisly memento. He remembered the King and various others trying to convince him the dead dragon was a symbol of hope; of a brave man¡¯s victory against unfathomable odds.

    But all Arcturus saw was the constant reminder of his empty house. Thankfully, they walked rather quickly away from this dull red eyesore, heading into the docks.

    The docks were located close to the floating fortresses that watched over the city. It was busy this time of day, with several vessels docked and crews unloading cargo, most likely from the eastern coast. Arcturus waved to the men he passed by, knowing many of the ship''s crews. It wasn''t until they passed the aviary that they stopped once again.

    Gus had just started a conversation about his favorite airship to enter port. No surprise it was the RLA Destiny B, reported as the fastest ship of them all. Arcturus spotted a trio of gryphons gliding gracefully overhead with their golden wings outstretched. Entis had teams of them patrolling the city to aid the guard. Today they were being led by a woman named Elizabeth. Arcturus saw her wave a hand as the team circled back around one more time to offer him a warm and vocal greeting. The gryphons landed on their paws softly on the stone streets. Elizabeth was in the center of the others with a large smile on her face, her blonde hair tucked neatly in a bun.

    ¡°How goes the patrol, Elizabeth? I trust Swift Wing there hasn''t been up to his usual mischief,¡± Arcturus said, gesturing to the gryphon.

    ¡°Your wounds hurt me such, human,¡± protested the gryphon, his voice a tad high pitched.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t furrow your feathers over his words, Swifty.¡± Elizabeth said, petting the gryphon on his head. ¡°The captain¡¯s jokes are known to miss their mark more than they find it.¡± Elizabeth returned her green eyes to Arcturus who couldn¡¯t help but smile at the jape. ¡°New ship came in this morning, quite a big thing. What was the name again George?¡± she turned to a strong built human guard atop an earthy brown furred gryphon that had teal tipped wings. The man raised a brown leather gauntlet to his chin in thought.

    ¡°There¡¯s none bigger and stronger than the Indomitous!¡± he said with a grin. ¡°Lots of soldiers on board of that hulking beast. If I didn''t know any better, I''d say someone is gearing up for an important task.¡±

    ¡°Maybe Rothdell finally got the guts to push us back?¡± asked the third guard, who was easily smaller than George and hd the face of a young recruit.

    ¡°I don''t think those silk-wearing, finger twiddling spell-weavers will make any meaningful progress while we are around.¡± laughed Elizabeth. ¡°Our ships are powerful enough on their own, and the gryphons only reinforce our strength. We are blessed to have such stalwart allies at our side.¡± she added as Swift Wing looked to start a fuss. ¡°Well Arcturus, as nice as it is speaking to you, it¡¯s time we returned to the sky. Fare you well.¡± The group gave a quick salute before their gryphons spread their wings and swiftly returned to the busy air above.

    ¡°They¡¯re quite something when you see them take to formations.¡± Arcturus observed.

    ¡°Did you ever consider joining the air patrol, sir?¡± Gus asked as the two men resumed their walk towards the castle. ¡°It might do you good to have a partner by your side. Or under you. When you¡¯re in the air, that is. Because the saddle- gods I¡¯m just getting deeper in my own pit, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Tends to happen when the tongue gets ahead of the head.¡± Arcturus laughed.

    ¡°I would be in your debt if you don¡¯t mention this to Garroth. That man looks perilous.¡±

    Arcturus laid a hand on Gus¡¯ shoulder. ¡°Worry not, my friend. What we talk remains between us. As for riding a gryphon...the appeal is lost to me when I have so many years of experience leading troops. I am used to have land under my feet, not bare, empty air. If you are interested, I can put in a good word for you. Get you trained by the best, only that you have to loosen a bit of that girth you don¡¯t want your gryphon to fall out of the sky.¡±

    ¡°That would be fantastic!¡± Gus exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything you ask of me, sir. Train harder. Move more. And¡­try to take it easier with the meals. Graaaah! The hardest mission of all, eh? With so many quality inns around I¡¯m surprised the king himself isn¡¯t a tad portlier.¡±

    Arcturus smiled. ¡°You have an exciting future ahead of you, Gus. Though I am afraid you won¡¯t be so grateful when the time comes to get acquainted with your gryphon. They are as picky as they look, and quite needy if my memory serves.¡±

    ¡°I don''t care what it takes to bond with a gryphon. I just want to soar upon the winds, free like a bird.¡± Gus closed his eyes. ¡°Would be the experience of a life time sir. And-and of course my appreciation will extend to the gryphon. I don¡¯t just want to borrow its wings, you know. A partner. That¡¯s all I ever wanted. To have someone to share my happiness with. I was always a bit jealous of your squads, sir. The men look up to you. Respect you. Obey you without question, while I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m just a simple guardsman¡­¡±

    ¡°Not for much longer.¡± Arcturus draped his arm over the man¡¯s neck. ¡°I might¡¯ve not been able to help everybody, but I will see you ascend to the skies, Gus. You have my word.¡±

    The man could barely keep his eyes from tearing up, so he kept on discussing gryphons as they walked past many stores, inns, bars, and brothels, until they finally stood outside the great stone gates of the castle. The walls had been carved by the most skilled dwarves ages ago. They also engraved runes every few feet as a mark of their craftsmanship, along with scratches. Arcturus recalled the stories that spoke of dragons that laid waste to the city. In its darkest hour, the city summoned its bravest heroes, who stood up against the tide of darkness and protected these very walls with their lives. Between the walls was a very large wooden gate painted with a mural of a mountainside, where a large snowy gryphon spread its broad wings. On the gate''s top, Arcturus could make out six guards standing at attention, ready to give alarm if anything out of the ordinary threatened the city.

    ¡°Hail, paladin!¡± shouted one of the guards clad in polished half plate mail. The man wore a barbute helmet adorned with gold that marked him as part of the king¡¯s royal guard.

    Arcturus had only been to the castle a few times in his lifetime. Once when he was still a child, during his knighthood, when he obtained the position of a knight, when he ascended to the paladin rank, then finally after he had slain Dread Flame, the biggest menace known to the city at that point. Each time, he remembered the small dose of pride he carried within his soul, although the same exhilarating feeling eluded him on the fateful days after the dragon¡¯s fall. Arcturus had nothing pleasant to think about. Even now he struggled to keep the dragon¡¯s smirk out of his mind, the dead bodies, his son¡¯s whispers as he gave out his very last breath.

    Arcturus shook his head and focused on the guards as a smaller door in the gate cracked open, right below the painted gryphon.

    ¡°Come on, you blasted thing!¡± came a struggled shout from behind the door. ¡°Put your backs into it, men, and haul this bastard up before the paladin has words with you!¡±

    With a struggled grunt, the door swung open and two guards fell through, onto the ground.

    ¡°There we go, paladin,¡± said one of the humans, dusting himself off. ¡°That damn thing gets stuck from time to time. Apologies you had to see us like this.¡±

    ¡°A thing of no consequence.¡± Arcturus replied quickly. He remembered that each time he had visited the castle, the door always posed a problem or two. If there was ever a symbol for the things royalty did not care about, this was clearly below their notice.

    From the opened door emerged an old man clad in orange robes adorned with runes. The robes easily draped over his body to cover his feet, and dragged behind him on the stone. Upon the man¡¯s waist circled a brown leather belt with many bottles held by straps, spaced carefully so they did not rattle together as he walked. His hair was grey and cut thin to hide his receding hairline. He smiled with bright white teeth in the middle of a grey beard that seemed to devour his face, though even amongst all that hair his eyes remained clear and full of kindness.

    ¡°Arcturus!¡± said the man. ¡°I can see you took your sweet time coming here. Luckily, the king has been very busy this morning and barely noticed your tardiness.¡±

    ¡°Fortune finally hears my prayers, Father Devlin.¡± Arcturus sighed in relief, in spite of the joke. The last thing he needed was an angry royal, especially the king.

    Arcturus had many dealings with father Devlin during his time as the leader of the order of knights and paladins that served Lumara. He also acted as one of the king¡¯s advisors in spiritual matters.

    ¡°Come, come. We must see Cornelius at once. You are of course well aware that the matters we have to discuss are of great importance. However...ummmm.¡± He gestured to Gus. ¡°Guard.....ummmm..¡±

    ¡°You sent me to find him.¡± Gus said, ¡°By the light, has my name eluded you again?¡±

    Devlin put up his hand to silence Gus. ¡°Hmm, don¡¯t give up on this enlightened mind just yet. Mhhhmmm¡­something with a K, right?¡±

    Gus shook his head, then Devlin¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Ken¡­Kenvar¡­no, Peter!!¡± he exclaimed. ¡°Ah yes. Peter! Well, the maters at hand are only for our ears only, so you will have to excuse us.¡±

    ¡°Very well, although my name is not Peter.¡± Gus insisted.

    ¡°Wh-what?¡± Devlin stroke his beard, as if lost in thought. ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn I knew your name better than I know my own beard. Hmm, how curious. It just slipped away from my mind. Might you refresh my memory, please?¡± asked Devlin, crossing his arms.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    ¡°It''s Gus!¡±

    ¡°Well that is a terrible name!¡± the old man said. ¡°No wonder I forgot it. Now, if your parents had named you something simple, like Peter, I''d have remembered it, of course.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­I bet.¡± Gus just sighed and rolled his eyes. With a quick goodbye Gus, walked off back to the town.

    ¡°Alright now, where were we?¡± Devlin turned to Arcturus, placing his two palms together. ¡°Oh yes, I was telling Griff there that king Cornelius wanted to talk to you about a little town on our North Western border.¡±

    Arcturus sighed. He was led from the main gate to the castle¡¯s inner halls. Father Devlin kept getting lost in his own conversation, often forgetting who had told him what and half remembering tales. Arcturus feigned attention as they made their way through the well decorated halls. They had been adorned with rugs of various colors, artwork from different ages and kings, and antique armor and weapons. The halls were much cooler inside, much different than the last time he had been here. Noticing the paladin¡¯s expression, Devlin mentioned a cooling spell took effect ever since the king complained about the heat. Arcturus sniffed the air and found a very pleasing aroma laying about. The air smelled of roasted ham, probably being prepared for the upcoming meal. His stomach rumbled as he remembered the exquisite meal he had at his paladin promotion. His mouth began to water as it had been the best meal of his life. It had a bed of vegetables that put any other dish to shame, coupled with wines from all over the continent. Arcturus tried to keep a stern face even as his stomach rumbled like a dragon¡¯s throat. He didn¡¯t want Devlin to think him unshackled, acting upon instincts like those beasts.

    ¡°Hungry, are we?¡± laughed Devlin, ¡°I''ll suggest the cook to whip you up something before you go. We can¡¯t have our mighty paladin fall prey to starvation, can we?¡±

    ¡°Much appreciated.¡± Arcturus nodded quickly. He found the walk to the king¡¯s audience chamber much shorter than it had ever been. He was brought through a well-made sturdy oak door that looked like it never gathered a speck of dust on it. Past the door stretched a long hall with two large windows that allowed the viewer to look down upon the city. Various other doors that led to different wings of the castle spread like a spider¡¯s web along the hall. Two thrones sat in the center of the hall, raised up on a section of stone steps. Behind the thrones was a large brown flag with the symbol of Lumara on it. King Cornelius sat on the right throne, a small crown with jewels atop his raven black hair that reached his shoulders. He was currently wearing navy blue silk clothes, and stared with his emerald eyes towards a kneeling soldier in plate mail. Cornelius picked up a sword and placed it on each of the soldier¡¯s shoulders, one slowly after the other. There was a collection of onlookers that looked at the ceremony with pride on their faces.

    ¡°Now recite the paladin''s oath.¡± The king said to the woman before him.

    ¡°As a paladin, I am sworn to valor. My heart will know only virtue, my blade will defend the helpless, my might will uphold the weak, my word will speak only truth, and my wrath will undo the wicked.¡± the woman said a smile growing on her face.

    ¡°Then rise, lady Elwin, and take your place alongside Lumara''s paladins.¡± said Cornelius as he sheathed his gleaming sword.

    Elwin stood proudly with the smile that occupied most of her face. Arctutus got to shake her hand as the other group of guests bombarded her with praises and cheers. Arcturus was reminded of his own ceremony, of Selina running over to him, hugging him deeply as tears of happiness cascaded down her perfect cheeks. Now he felt all alone, staring emptily ahead as the guests drained out of the room.

    Cornelius made his way over to Arcturus. ¡°If it isn¡¯t my favorite paladin!¡± he clapped a hand on Arcturus'' shoulder. ¡°My heart soars to see you again, Arcturus. Tales of your valor are not enough to explain what you¡¯ve done for our city. The way you¡¯ve plunged your blade through that monster¡¯s eye¡­tell me again how it felt to end the beast¡¯s life.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    The king shrugged at the lifeless reply he got. ¡°Good? That¡¯s all? Hardly inspires the same courage I hear in the taverns!¡±

    Arcturus had nothing to say. Even the king noticed his brooding mood, so he looked past Arcturus to the departing guests. ¡°You know what I love most about these celebrations? Each one is a chance to get another one like you! Now imagine what we can achieve if I have a full squad of heroes like you; men who fell from the sky, who overcame crippling injuries, who ended dragons ten times bigger than them!¡±

    Noticing Arcturus'' silence, the king quickly shifted his feet and led Arcturus over to the window overlooking Entis. ¡°Alas, mere talk of better times is not why you are here.¡± Cornelius turned toward Arcturus as his face grew stern. ¡°We received word of a dragon that¡¯s flying loose around one of our villages.¡± Cornelius sighed. ¡°The beast has destroyed a house, kidnapped a little girl, and burned our valiant guards to cinders.¡± he waved his hand. ¡°The beast¡¯s foul deeds are all written in the report if you want to glance over it.¡±

    Arcturus felt his hands tighten up. ¡°Why me, sire? Surely you can find another slayer who can go after the beast.¡±

    ¡°Ah, but that¡¯s the problem. Arcturus is but one man.¡±

    ¡°A man who¡¯s had his fill of dragons!¡± Arcturus immediately lowered his voice. ¡°Apologies. I have overstepped.¡±

    The king''s eyes filled with pity. Arcturus remembered those eyes from the night Dread Flame attacked. ¡°I am aware of what that monster took from you Arcturus. I would not wish this fate to befall anyone. It is a cruel, cruel thing to watch your own family wither before your eyes¡­¡± The king looked back to the city. ¡°But for this task I would have no other man. Your legacy lives in you! Your family is the best at hunting down the vile monsters that darken our world and steal the smiles off our children¡¯s faces. I shudder to think of what else we can lose if another dragon happens upon the city.¡±

    The king turned back towards Arcturus. ¡°Please. Before you make your decision, think of the families that live in that village, robbed off their guards, crippled by fear. Would they deserve a second-rate hunter to deliver them from the terror of the monster that haunts their nights?¡± The king tilted his head to the side, causing Arcturus to shake his head. ¡°If our man fails to accomplish his task, everyone in that village will die. Dragons are not merciful like we are, and when provoked¡­well, you¡¯ve seen first hand the gruesome things they are capable of.¡±

    Despite knowing the king as a friend, Arcturus admired how well Cornelius understood him. He was a man that saw the spirit, not the armor and flesh that made a man who he was.

    ¡°What kind of dragon are we talking about? I would have more than vague mentions.¡± Arcturus said.

    ¡°The beast is said to have scales of fire, with piercing eyes of sapphire.¡±

    ¡°A fire-breathing dragon, then?¡± Arcturus said coolly. ¡°This cannot be a mere coincidence.¡±

    ¡°Exactly what I¡¯m afraid of. This whelp can belong to DreadFlame¡¯s clutch, seeking vengeance in the name of his father.¡±

    Arcturus gritted his jaws so hard they hurt, focusing to try and wipe his mind of the image of Dread Flame looming menacingly over him. ¡°That is a risk we cannot take. What resources will I have to bring the beast down?¡±

    ¡°I want you to assemble a team of apt men.¡± Cornelius waved a hand. ¡°Do not even think about the price, I want only the best to accompany you in this task. We will be assigning a vessel to you as well. The Indomitous carries a dozen men and has enough firepower to slay dozens of these beasts. I shall have it placed in your command, to do as you see fit.¡±

    Arcturus nodded. The ship would definitely come in handy, especially with its beam cannons. ¡°As for the men, I will need a team of shieldguards, or a party of adventurers who know at least the basics of dragon slaying, fire resistant armors and ropes, energy crossbows, and traps.¡±

    Cornelius clapped his hands together. ¡°Done! Although there is something else I would ask of you. Something that might make your task a bit more difficult.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Arcturus asked.

    ¡°I want the beast brought back alive.¡±

    ¡°Alive?!¡± Arcturus exclaimed in shock, a little angrier than he intended. ¡°It was hard enough to slay Dread Flame, and now you want me to bring his offspring all the way here?¡±

    Cornelius raised a hand. ¡°I merely wish for my citizens to see that even a dragon cannot stand up to the might of our army. They have lived in fear of dragons long enough for superstitions to run rampant through the taverns. We need to quench the rumors that dragons are stronger than us, Arcturus.¡±

    ¡°Didn''t they get a taste of a dragon¡¯s pain when I slew Dread Flame two years ago?¡±

    ¡°Ah yes, of course they did,¡± Cornelis spoke quickly. ¡°But between you and I.¡± the king placed a hand over his mouth and spoke in a whisper, ¡°Morale has been wavering lately, and we need to reinforce the belief that our city stands strong no matter what creature smashes itself against our walls. I believe this vile beast¡¯s capture, and eventual humiliation, will provide us exactly what we need, not to mention we will make it answer for the hundreds of crimes it and its vile kin committed against our people. We shall hold trial, then perhaps¡­a public gathering to witness the beast¡¯s helplessness first hand. I would look into its teary eyes as it squirms for freedom, and deny it, over and over again, until every flicker of fight leaves its body.¡±

    ¡°Your word, my hands.¡± Arcturus nodded sternly.

    ¡°Excellent!¡± The king cheered. ¡°I will pick the best men for the job. I suggest you pack with haste, for you will leave immediately. Now let Delvin and I discuss your supplies.¡±

    ¡°As you wish, sire.¡±

    ¡°Hunt well, Arcturus. We¡¯ll shake hands when the beast stands on our soil!¡±

    Arcturus began to leave, but was stopped by a firm hand from father Devlin, who thrust a scroll into his hands.

    ¡°All of the information you will need, Arcturus.¡± He smiled. ¡°I know you won¡¯t let us down.¡±

    Arcturus nodded, and wished the two farewell as he made his way out of the castle and back to the city below. As he walked, he unwrapped the manila colored scroll, avoiding the other people, careful to side step around the numerous obstructions that arose in his path. His eyes were drawn to the name of the village in question, Deet. Arcturus stopped and tried to remember why the village sounded so familiar to him. He thought for a moment before it came to him. A while ago, he had swayed the village leaders at the time to join Lumara rather than stand in their way. Arcturus frowned as he remembered the clang of steel and the smell of death that the conflict with Rothdell had brought. He placed the grisly war back into his mind as he continued to read the scroll in his hands. He noticed that the report revealed the testimonies of the present guards and the rough description of the red dragon. The image of a great dragon with sharp teeth, razor like claws, and terrible fire filled his mind. He looked up to get that image out of his head, barely avoiding a sign that was shaped like a gear. Arcturus quickly rolled up the parchment and opened the bronze covered door of the building.

    Immediately, his nose was assaulted with the smell of oil, burning fumes, and something he did not recognize but of an equally gruesome tint. The room was filled with knickknacks and devices whose purposes were lost on a man like him; a mere warrior who wore the armor crafted by wiser hands. Some were small in all various shapes roughly the size of his palm, while some dangled from the ceiling with multiple limbs that looked more like a giant spider than any metal thing he had ever seen. With his first step into the cluttered place, a bell chimed rather loudly, even louder than the sound of gears that filled the room.

    ¡°I''ll be with you in a moment!¡± came a high-pitched voice that definitely belonged to a female, which he instantly recognized as Matilda''s.

    With a small explosion from the back room, a burst of smoke, and toppling of what was most likely a stool, a small woman entered covered in soot, cursing silently under her breath. She was a gnome, goggles strapped to her onyx hair. Her face was not too old, but had lines of late nights and signs of experience. What started as a neutral expression on her face turned into a warm smile at the sight of the man that entered her shop.

    ¡°Arcturus my dear! You should have said it was you!¡± she exclaimed, ¡°I mistook you for dear ole Fergus that came to remind me to fix his darn glasses.¡± She turned to a cylinder-like device on the wall, and pulled its brass handle. ¡°Care for some tea?¡± she said, grabbing two cups. There were small wisps of steam rolling up from the surface of the liquid.

    ¡°Some other time, perhaps. I came to check on the armor you were making for me. The mission I am embarking upon requires your exquisite craft.¡±

    Matilda had a frown flash across her face for a second before placing the tea cups back and clapping her hands together with a smile. ¡°You know¡­ I totally forgot to send word about that. Can''t tell you how many things I tend to forget these days.¡± She laughed, grabbing his hand and starting to pull him towards the back room. ¡°Come oooon! You¡¯ve got to see it! The armor is all finished and in pristine condition. Come, come!¡±

    Arcturus followed Matilda as she tugged him into the next room. He was always surprised by the strength she always showed, much greater than her size led to believe. She led him down a hallway, down some wooden steps, into a well-lit basement. Arcturus had to look twice to the torches that lit the place to observe that, instead of fire, stood small mana crystals. Matilda stopped before the suit of armor, a white sheet draped over it. She let go of his hands and clasped the sheet with her small fingers. ¡°Presenting, one of a kind, Matilda''s Marvelous Mechanical Production!¡± she then pulled free the sheet, letting it fall to the ground to reveal her marvelous creation.

    It was a set of full plate bearing no marks of a particular house or even a crafter. It was metallic silver that perfectly reflected the room around them, with a barbute helm that had its visor down.

    ¡°Well, what do you think?¡± Matilda asked, her voice shuddering with pride. ¡°Is she not the most beautiful suit of armor your eyes have ever seen?¡±

    ¡°It looks¡­outstanding! But doesn''t it look exactly like my suit of armor back at home? The similarities are quite¡­how to put it? Rather¡­striking, one would say.¡±

    ¡°NO! No, they¡¯re neither this or that!¡± Matilda shouted, her brow scrunching up in anger. ¡°That''s an insult if I ever heard one so vile. Armor is not like a dress, to judge with eyes alone! Pick up a piece and feel it before you start babbling about!¡± She crossed her arms and began to mutter to herself.

    Arcturus took the armguards off the suit and felt them in his hand. They were smooth to the touch, slightly cold, and missing buckles for the black leather straps. He noticed a small gear engraving near the elbow. ¡°Why didn''t you include any buckles? How could it possibly fit me? And what makes it so light?¡±

    ¡°The paladin finally realizes the armor¡¯s intricate beauty.¡± Matilda said, the smile returning to her face. ¡°Infused the metal with mithril. Makes it light as a feather but harder than steel. As for your straps problem,¡± she laughed, ¡°try pressing the gear and see what happens.¡±

    Arcturus did what Matilda said, and found the leather straps hanging loose. He looked to Matilda who held up a hand and waved for him to continue. His fingers grazed the engraving to find blue runes light up all over the armor as it started to segment and shape itself to his arm. The leather straps receded until they fit firm, but not too tight to feel uncomfortable. The hand portion conformed to the exact fit of his hand, with segmented plates forming over his fingers much like the scales of a dragon. Arcturus clenched his hand into a fist, amazed that he could hardly feel the armor at all. ¡°This is amazing!¡± he said, turning to his friend. ¡°How could you achieve something like this?¡±

    ¡°Just a special order from a friend. Who wouldn¡¯t want a self-fitting armor that hardly weighs a thing? Plus, it¡¯s also resistant to fire, which makes it the most desired item against dragons and what not.¡± Matilda blurted out so fast Arcturus barely understood what she said.

    ¡°Whoa¡­this must have cost way more than I paid.¡± he said softly.

    ¡°Think nothing of it. Or better, consider it a gift from a friend.¡± said Matilda.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± he smiled. ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know what else to say other than how amazing you are when you put your tools to the right purpose.¡±

    ¡°I knoooow!¡± Matilda giggled. ¡°But I¡¯m curious about one thing. What will you be using it for?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s dragons, right? Actually, I really hope it¡¯s something else, but y¡¯know, fire breathing and all¡­¡±

    Arcturus'' smile vanished from his face. ¡°The king wants me to hunt down a dragon that might or might not be one of Dread Flame¡¯s offspring.¡±

    Matilda let out a small gasp.

    ¡°Alive.¡±

    She gasped again.

    ¡°Yeah¡­I had the same reaction, minus the gasping. Cornelius wants to make an example out of the beast. To remind the city that we are more than scared rats waiting for a dragon to swoop down upon us.¡±

    ¡°He isn¡¯t wrong. Many people still talk about the night when¡­you know¡­anyway, where is this vile creature?¡± she asked. ¡°Have any whereabouts of its location?¡±

    Arcturus sighed. ¡°A small village to the north-western border. It¡¯s a red, just like¡­you know. Probably male, though I don¡¯t know for certain until I find it.¡±

    ¡°What if it¡¯s not?¡±

    ¡°What, male?¡±

    ¡°Mhm!¡± Matilda nodded her head. ¡°Females are worse at fighting, right? Easier to catch.¡±

    ¡°Hardly,¡± Arcturus found himself chuckle. ¡°Male or female, it will be a struggle to subdue it without making full use of our arsenal. Our king would not have the beast expire before he has the chance to parade it through the city as a symbol of human endurance in the face of their greatest enemy, so we have to be gentle in how we capture it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s twisted.¡± Matilda scrunched her face.

    ¡°I know, but in a weird way, I believe Cornelius is right,¡± Arcturus said. ¡°These beasts prey on fear and deceit. If we show the people of this city that we can stand up to them, maybe¡­we can win this war.¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Arcturus had to admit, for a person that was shocked to learn about another dragon attack, Matilda recovered rather quickly. The witty gnome put her hands on her hips and started bossing him around. For several minutes, she showed him how to put each piece of his armor on until she soon found herself smacking his armored back plate out the door.

    ¡°Be careful now! You best not let that dragon scratch you too much, or kill you!¡± she shouted to him. ¡°I have a reputation to keep!¡±

    ¡°Don''t worry, I don''t intend to do any dying anytime soon!¡± He laughed back to her, placing the helmet on his head.

    Arcturus returned to his house to gather his belongings. He figured the king would supply what he requested, so Arcturus picked up his leather pack, a black belt with a small pack of marbles, a brown cloak with the symbol of a paladin stitched into it -an eagle holding a sword in one claw and a book in the other, then his scabbard. He latched that one to his belt before gathering up his trusty sword. Arcturus gave it a few practice swings, feeling the familiar grip and warmth spread to his fingertips.

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this again, he thought, then grabbed his energy crossbow, placing it in a holster strapped to his right side.

    With that done, Arcturus walked over to his cabinet. He looked quickly through the cupboards to find two vials of semi-clear red liquid inside of them. He closed his eyes and thought to Selina and Geoffrey. How he wished he had one of these when he had returned home. He gave a small sigh before he placed the potions carefully in a pouch on his belt labeled with a small red caduceus. The last thing he grabbed before shoving a hundred feet of rope into his pack was his sacred shield, swinging the thing over his shoulder by the leather strap before buckling it.

    With his gear in place, Arcturus prepared to head out, then stopped when he saw a picture of Selina, looking as if to wish him farewell, like she had always done in the past.

    ¡°Oh, my dear, beloved wife¡­what has the world come to?¡± He sighed, picking up the picture carefully. He could feel his heart begin to ache painfully, so he gently set the memento down and looked away,

    ¡°Why do I keep these things when they only serve to torment me?¡± He said to himself aloud. ¡°The past is already written. There¡¯s nothing I can do to change it¡­except look towards the future.¡± A stern frown took hold of the paladin¡¯s face. ¡°Don''t worry, my heart,¡± he said softly as he turned walk out of his home, ¡°I will hunt that dragon down and make sure he gets exactly what he deserves for his heinous crimes.¡±

    Arcturus grabbed the knob of his door, finding that it felt a tad different than what he got used to. He felt a small tingle start at the base of his feet, slowly working its way up his leg, along his spine, and finally to his head. He turned his head back to look at the place he called home, wondering if this would be the last time he would ever set eyes upon it.

    ¡°Farewell.¡± Arcturus said, then took upon the road with brisk steps.

    His walk to the docks was anything but slow. Though a few people called his name or saluted him, nobody got in his way. Arcturus looked to the sky. The sun started to fall over the western mountains, casting a long shadow over anything it touched. Orange and red clouds stretched across the sky. Arcturus remembered his mother had told him that these were a sign of tough roads ahead. He had argued with her so fiercely. After all, how could something so beautiful bring trouble and strife? She just chuckled and picked his brain further. Arcturus had replied without missing a beat that it meant good luck, fortune, and anything your heart longed for.

    How quickly those times had passed. It almost felt like yesterday, when he ate a warm meal together with his wife, when he heard the joyous laughter of his child¡­

    Arcturus was brought out of his memory when the clamor intensified around him. He was already at the docks, and the ship laying in front of his eyes was one of the largest vessels that he had ever seen. She stretched out at least twice as large as the first Destiny had been, with large propellers hanging off her, unmoving slabs of metal standing vigilant until they were called to spring her aloft into the sky.

    The Indomitous was painted brown like all vessels of Lumara, with a mural of a gryphon at the front of her port and starboard sides. Atop her deck stood at least twelve shining energy cannons with numerous crew members shuffling about in dark brown uniforms. The ship had a ramp stretching down from her midsection to the dock below. From the ramp came a group of humans clad in dark red leathers, swords strapped to their belts, crossbows at the hip, and shields around their backs.

    After a quick introduction, the soldiers picked up their collective things and boarded the vessel in silence. Arcturus was the last one to climb the ramp, knowing the worry he spotted on their faces. No matter the supplies, no matter the experience a soldier had, few things could prepare you for the encounter with a dragon. Arcturus had been lucky in that regard. He grew up learning about dragons, even if most of those teachings focused on the various ways to end a dragon¡¯s life. When it came his turn to face a beast like that, Arcturus was far from afraid. He thought to the long grueling days of training filled with many aches, cuts, and bruises, a journey that led him to this day, when he would put another dent in Dread Flame¡¯s legacy.

    ¡°Excuse me.¡±

    Arcturus turned to an aged man with a scant amount of hair on his head. To him, it looked as if the hair had simply migrated to the man¡¯s mustache. The man twirled the bushy thing that seemed to take up the majority of his face.

    The man held out his rough hand, easily dwarfing Arcturus'' hand. ¡°It is truly an honor to be in your presence, sir. And to work with you, of course.¡±

    ¡°Likewise...Captain,¡± Arcturus looked for the man''s rank on his collar.

    ¡°Fredrick Ruthgar.¡± The man said, his barrel of a chest swelling with pride. ¡°Captain of the Indomitous, with over a dozen victories over Rothdell at the helm.¡±

    A silence filled the air, as he expected Arcturus to be clapping or cheering. He soon coughed into his fist.

    ¡°Anyway, let me show you to your quarters, paladin. We have quite the journey ahead of us, eh?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯m sent to hunt down a dragon.¡±

    ¡°And probably not the last,¡± Frederick added. ¡°Rest. I would have your mind sharp for when the time comes to face the beast.¡±

    Arcturus allowed the captain to lead him below the deck, his mind as silent as his lips. The engines of the ship started purring. A strange sense of serenity washed over him. With Frederick in charge of an experienced crew, Arcturus felt liberated of the burden of choice. As he lay in his bed, his mind ventured not to the beast, but to the vast skies his ship threaded upon, a realm far removed from the torment he suffered in the city that became smaller and smaller with each passing moment.

 Chapter 4: Draconic Heroics

    Chapter 4: Draconic Heroics

    Veledar''s wings carried him swiftly through the air. He pierced the fluffy clouds that stuck to him in the form of watery beads, startling any bird that dared to get too close to him. Ahead of him stretched the small human village he visited before, during his quest to recover his lost book. It had taken him a few days to work up the strength to return the place where he made a fool of himself, but to Veledar, the book was far more important than his pride, even if he¡¯d never admit that to anybody.

    Veledar felt his muscles tighten when he replayed the events in his mind. He could¡¯ve slain all the guards and wreck the entire village, an option that remained available even now, but Veledar knew better than to give in to such basic impulses. He had to resist the urge to smash buildings for just a simple theft. He thought back to the days he spent around his lair, hunting, swimming, and even flying, while his mind focused on that human woman that had dared steal from him. It had taken several attempts of looking into his mirror to strike up a pose that, he figured, would not inspire fear in the humans. Veledar found such simple task deceptively difficult, especially for such a great dragon like himself. Why, every feature on his body looked like a potential weapon: the spikes on his back, his broad tail that ended with a leaf-shaped tip, even his horns could impale somebody! Veledar had no mind for killing though. No. He deserved something far better. He imagined a gathering of humans, with their soft, fat faces praising him for being so polite, sympathizing for the loss of his beloved book. He thought that, perhaps, they would even bring that woman to justice. This line of thought brought a smirk to the red dragon¡¯s face, although he reminded himself not get too deep into his own fantasies. More often than not, reality turned out to be completely different.

    The dragon tilted his wings to make a slight turn down towards the village. The small buildings grew larger with each wing flap. Small houses made of wood, of various shapes and rough sizes, made the village look like a collection of half cut stumps to Veledar. The amalgamation of human dens was spread out in random directions and only connected by a dirt road that was beaten down with the passing of too many hooves. He started to correct his flight as the center of this mess came into view. The dragon stretched his hind legs first, then landed with a spray of dirt and rocks, quickly followed by the most annoying sound a creature could conjure: human screams.

    ¡°Dragon! There¡¯s a focken dragon!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the red bastard again! He¡¯s back-back to finish what he started!¡±

    Veledar¡¯s snout scrunched as more men joined in to point fingers at him and shout derogatory terms. This was definitely not the sort of reception he expected. Not when he landed so properly in their midst.

    So Veledar drew his head back and unleashed a deafening roar to silence the unruly crowd. What a mistake, to think the humans had more than rocks in their hollow heads. As he looked around, his disappointment only grew further as the cowards sprinted to hide behind piles of hay, water troughs, wooden poles, and just about anything that would fit. The brave ones stood their ground, loud and red with fury.

    ¡°Leave us, Gods be damned!¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t wan¡¯ ya here!¡±

    ¡°Aye! Don¡¯t need your kind causing any more problems, ye wretched scaled beast!¡±

    ¡°Wait. Hold on. I-¡° Veledar covered himself with a wing as the mob dwarfed his voice. ¡°I don¡¯t mean you any harm, you rowdy simpletons!¡± he growled again, then sat upright on his haunches. ¡°I actually came here to-¡± one of his horns caught a banner hanging overhead as he turned his head.

    ¡°Grarrrr,¡± Veledar tugged the blue banner in frustration, breaking off the frail thing from the building it was attached to.

    And it still remained locked around his horn.

    ¡°Let go, accursed piece of inanimate cloth!¡± Veledar sucked up his hiss of frustration as he flailed his head around.

    But the banner was stubborn, stronger than he realized. The dragon couldn¡¯t stop himself this time. He hissed loudly in frustration as he bowed down his head and scraped the blasted thing off with a forepaw. The banner crumpled under his claws into the pile of crap it deserved to be. Veledar breathed in and out as he looked with satisfaction to the shredded remains of the banner before he stomped them into oblivion.

    ¡°As I was saying, I don''t mean any harm, humans. I simply think we got off on the wrong claw the other day-¡°

    ¡°Oy! Red scales!¡± A new voice joined the mumbling crowd. ¡°That was me mum¡¯s banner you just trashed! What she ever do to you, to disrespect her work like that?¡±

    Veledar narrowed his eyes at the peasant, a simple farmer dressed in a brown tunic and frayed leather leggings. ¡°That banner attacked me first! You¡¯ve seen it. You¡¯ve all seen how viciously it refused to let go even when I asked!¡±

    The mumbling picked up. Some humans looked at him like he lost his mind, while others smiled and chuckled to themselves.

    ¡°As I was saying, before the banner got in the way of things, I came here to discuss the theft that happened at my lair a few days ago.¡±

    ¡°Did you hear that? The dragon says he hates Gerald''s mum!¡± shouted a woman hiding behind a wooden post.

    ¡°Heard¡¯im too, spouting hatred and callin¡¯ it honey!¡± another man answered.

    ¡°Oh, shut it Voskren. I never really liked the crone, always naggin¡¯ about me debts! I¡¯d rather hug the focken dragon than work with that old hag again!¡± replied another man.

    ¡°Aye! I can attest to that too! She never gave anyone fair prices. Y¡¯know, mayhap this be a sign from the gods, to bring dragon here an¡¯ rid us of the crone¡¯s greedy fingers!¡±

    ¡°Are you hit in the head? This beast isn¡¯t here to help us. He¡¯s here to pillage and destroy until there¡¯s nothing left but dust!¡±

    ¡°Focus and listen, you chatty monkeys!¡± Veledar hissed in irritation. ¡°I¡¯m not here to fulfill your weird prophecies, and I am even less qualified to act like a mediator for whatever menial issues you have between yourselves. I wanted to talk about the theft that happened in my cave a few days ago! That¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°How warm you speak,¡± an old woman walked slowly towards him, aiming her cane at his head. ¡°You destroyed a house for no reason. Attacked a girl in her home. Harmed her father while she watched. Oh, if you would see her crying¡­her cheeks still wet from all the tears she shed even after you left.¡±

    ¡°Attacked? I did no such thing, you ill-speaking fossil!¡± Veledar turned to lock eyes with the old woman, his nostrils flaring with irritation. ¡°The wall simply got in the way. Maybe you should make your homes bigger, so that a polite dragon doesn¡¯t have face such problems again.¡±

    ¡°Aye? An¡¯ who pays for all the work? You?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, as long as you rename the village in my name.¡± A toothy smile spread along Veledar¡¯s snout. ¡°And maybe build a gate engraved with my likeness. Or should it be a statue? I think a statue fits me much better. Right here in the center, where everybody can marvel at the fine looks of Crimson Sky, slayer of poverty, beloved of the people!¡±

    The crowd burst into the loudest, longest fit of laughter Veledar had the misfortune of hearing. He didn¡¯t stop them this time. Instead, he looked around at the growing crowd of people that was starting to get far too close for his liking.

    ¡°I do love a cult, but you¡¯re all starting to get a bit too close for my liking.¡±

    ¡°Only to see ya betta!¡±

    Cheers accompanied the brave fool¡¯s words.

    Veledar didn¡¯t buy that. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of what damage I can inflict to your feeble little bodies if you anger me?¡±

    ¡°Na we¡¯re not!¡±

    ¡°Because,¡± a man clad in a guard¡¯s uniform continued. ¡°We all heard the tales of how this Crimson whatever you call yourself turned tail and ran from our mighty guard force.¡±

    Veledar closed his eyes as yet another collection of laughter filtered through the crowd.

    ¡°Crimson Sky! Hah, more like the fearful strawberry!¡±

    ¡°Shiverin¡¯ Raspberry sounds betta cause the scales look like a-¡±

    Veledar had enough of this barbaric nonsense. He flared his wings, then bounded towards the guard who instigated this feast of insults.

    ¡°Listen here, you pink little worm. I restrained myself from turning your valiant defense into armored steaks, but my patience wears thin, and your lack of respect slowly makes me reconsider the wisdom of my choices.¡±

    ¡°Oh G-god,¡± The man started sobbing. ¡°Pppp-please, don''t kill me, oh mighty dragon. I¡¯ll-I¡¯ll clean your scales. Polish your claws! Just please don¡¯t kill meeeeeee!¡±

    ¡°I might hold onto your promises,¡± Veledar got off the man, then helped him onto his feet. ¡°See?¡± he turned towards the townsfolk as the man dusted himself off with a blessed smile on his face. ¡°I can be reasonable to those who behave themselves.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s bloody right!¡± The guard stammered. ¡°This dragon is good!¡±

    ¡°Bull¡¯s piss!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯ believe tha¡¯!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to them.¡± The guard hugged one of Veledar¡¯s forepaws. ¡°Talk to me. Anything you need, anything you want, I¡¯m the man for the job.¡±

    An obedient pet was not what he had in mind, so Veledar gently pushed the man away. ¡°I¡¯m searching for the vile woman that stole my book! She¡¯s the mother of the girl I allegedly attacked, though I swear by my fine scales I did no such thing.¡±

    ¡°The woman whose house you destroyed?¡± a man shouted.

    ¡°Damaged!¡± Veledar growled, ¡°That thieving, manner-less female stole a possession of mine and I demand it returned at once.¡±

    No suitable answers came until an older man joined the fray. ¡°You there! Why are you tormenting my guards like that?¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Veledar turned his snout to see a man walk towards him in a suit of clanky, shining metal armor. He carried a sword and shield, and he was flanked by at least a dozen more guards with spears and crossbows. ¡°I say again, dragon whatever your name is, what manner of ill curses have you inflicted upon my guard there?¡±

    Veledar hissed with amusement. ¡°I was telling your minion here that my property was stolen by a woman that lives here, in your village.¡±

    ¡°Which woman is that?¡± the man asked, raising one of his large grey eyebrows.

    ¡°The one that lives near the edge of town, in the house I¡­allegedly damaged, though it was nothing more than a slight dent. Barely noticeable.¡±

    ¡°You mean Jizrah?¡± The captain scratched through his beard. ¡°She has been gone long before her house got smashed to pieces. Left poor Vern here ¡®lone with his daughter. You accuse her of thievery?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Veledar groaned. ¡°I assure you that human woman is a mischievous, selfish thief that got on the wrong side of a dragon. Now, would you kindly point me in the direction she went? I would like to talk to her privately.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t obey your instructions, dragon. You come here to our peaceful town in a rampage, destroying houses, wrecking banners, threatening guards! Makes me believe you have nothing but ill intentions hidin¡¯ beneath your those shiny scales of yours!¡±

    Veledar strolled towards the man. People parted before him like water, muttering praise and insults alike. He had been polite, and though some smarter individuals appreciated his arrival, most of the mob still saw him like pestilence incarnated. How thick were they? Haven¡¯t they understood he could burn them all to cinders?

    ¡°Now you listen here, white beard.¡± Veledar stuck his snout into the valiant captain¡¯s face. ¡°I have been nothing but polite and infinitely patient with your angry mob, while your people have responded with only with rudeness and intolerance. That aggravates me, but no more than safeguarding a thief who stole from me!¡±

    Veledar snorted angrily as the captain stood his ground. ¡°Do you forget that a dragon stands before you? That I can, with but a simple yawn, unleash true devastation upon this village?¡± His eyes narrowed on the man who gulped emptily, his blue eyes filling with genuine worries. Veledar knew he overstepped again by using fear to persuade these people, but there was simply no other way to get past their inferior intellect.

    ¡°Now humans, all I seek is a thief. Provide me with her whereabouts and I shall take my leave in peace, just like I did when I first arrived here.¡± he shouted, flaring wings and thrashing his tail, smashing a water trough in two.

    ¡°She went s-south, towards the capital! Please stop destroying my mum¡¯s store!¡± shouted the mumbling man others referred to as Gerald.

    Veledar turned towards the man. ¡°Where can I find this capital? How far is it from here?¡±

    ¡°I dunno, I dunno!¡± the man gulped, ¡°Best I figure it''s about two weeks travel by horse. Just follow the road south! You can''t miss it!¡±

    ¡°Ya! Has floating castles and such!¡± shouted another person from the crowd. ¡°Hard to miss for a dragon.¡±

    ¡°See? Was this any harder than throwing petty insults at me?¡± With a flap of his wings, Veledar once more found himself back into the tranquil realm of the high skies, thankful to be away from that boisterous group of miscreants. He was also grateful for the amount of self-control he exhibited under duress. A few days ago, he would¡¯ve surely unleashed his wrath upon the village.

    While he flew, Veledar wondered how big this capital was. He had never ventured deep into human controlled lands, but he figured anything man-made couldn¡¯t be much bigger than that village. Still, the floating castles posed a few problems.

    If they are even real, Veledar shook his snout and laughed at that simple joke, for not even dragons had floating castles, and he was certain one of his kind would¡¯ve built such a thing.

    It wasn¡¯t long before his eyes spotted the rough dirt path the man had spoken about. It stretched as far as his eyes could see, winding the earth like a serpent. Veledar felt bad for the humans that had to take the long and slow path, but he quickly shrugged it off with another beat of his wings.

    Minutes later he found himself miles along the path stretched out before him. His eyes fell to a rather large green hill covered in a sea of flowers. However, what stood apart from the multicolored flora drew his attention. From the tree line came a figure running for its life. Arrows zipped past her, barely missing the flowing brown cloak that flew behind her back. The figure made it several hundred feet before at least two dozen other humanoids came in fast pursuit. They were hooting and cheering as they bounded through fields after their prey. They soon had the brown cloaked person surrounded with weapons drawn. Veledar could see that they were talking, but he knew not of what. He circled overhead as the cloaked figure removed their hood to reveal a brown-haired female.

    The woman found herself beset on by all sides as the crowd closed in with sharp blades and even sharper grins on their faces. The woman seemed to be holding her own with a series of flips and kicks to the jaw that caused some thug to collapse to the ground a bloody mess. She pulled out a rapier to cross blades with the few that would have struck her, then laughed loudly as her rapier found its mark, to hide the fear that Veledar could smell. He honestly was surprised that nobody spotted him.

    However, the woman¡¯s victory streak seemed to be coming to a close as a blade nicked her shoulder. A solid fist collided with her gut, knocking the wind out of her with a gasp, then another took her on the side of the head. She collapsed to the ground as the men closed in to mock her in their usual sneering voices.

    ¡°Awwww, what¡¯s the matter, Lyndis? Where is that smart mouth now? Bleeding all over the place?¡± one of the men laughed, spraying his spittle all over the ground.

    ¡°You¡¯re the ones who¡¯ll bleed!¡± The woman grunted. Lyndis sprung up to stab the man through the chest with her rapier. She flipped over his dumbstruck face, but when her feet hit the ground now stood four of her copies. They all moved hair from their faces to reveal small pointed ears.

    ¡°Fock¡¯s sake! Nobody told me the bloody half elf was a mage!¡± another man shouted as they rushed the four standing half elves. Veledar chuckled to himself as the warrioress sprung from man to man. Her attackers seemed unable to spot the real half elf amongst the copies, but Veledar of course had spotted the real one right off the bat. It was all a matter of close examination, for the copies of the half elf could not land a blow, lest it caused them to vanish, so Lyndis was having them duck, dodge, and jump around the frustrated thugs. Through all the chaos, she would get in a good stab, and a man would collapse to the ground in a pile of screams and blood.

    ¡°I got her!¡± came a cry from a thug as his sword struck her shoulder. Lyndis gasped aloud as her illusions vanished under her lack of concentration. The man followed with a punch to her face, causing her to fall to the ground.

    ¡°You¡¯re a feisty bitch, lass, but your games end now,¡± the man breathed heavily at the bleeding Lyndis. He turned his head to the side to spit out some blood.

    ¡°Well, ye can go get yerself bent,¡± Lyndis groaned back. ¡°Only took twenty four of ya to get me, ya bloody small cocked basterds-¡°

    The man slapped her in the face to silence her vile tongue.

    ¡°You know, before we be getting this one to the boss, I figure we should have a little bit of fun.¡± One person hissed, to which the others chuckled and nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Don''t worry, princess,¡± the man said, putting a rough hand to her chin. ¡°We won¡¯t go too hard on ya. Gotta preserve whatever prettiness we can for the boss.¡±

    Veledar had enough. Fighting to the death was fine as long as the person deserved it. However, to violate the other person was simply crossing a line. With a flare of his nostrils and a swell of heroic pride, he swooped in and landed behind the man. Veledar smiled as the collected survivors of Lyndis backed away in terror as he spread his wings and unleashed a loud, angry roar. They stood before him like cowering rats, their faces draining of color, their hands tightening over their weapons, and dread filling their eyes.

    ¡°Well boys, seems your moment of fun has come to an end. Maybe if you wouldn¡¯t have laughed like snorting pigs, my partner wouldn¡¯t have heard your squeals.¡± Lyndis laughed in a series of coughs, then, with the other men distracted, she twisted of her captive¡¯s grasp and in one fluid motion she pulled a hidden dagger and sunk it deep into the leader¡¯s skull. With a dull thud, and a quick gasp of pain, the man collapsed dead onto the ground.

    Veledar watched as the men barely cared for their leader¡¯s fall. Instead of running, like common humans, they charged him in a feeble display of bravery. They carried their weapons high as they shouted cries of false bravery. With a flick of his red tail, Veledar let loose a deep breath of orange and red flame that enveloped six of the charging men in its fury. They collapsed in screams as the fires consumed their burning bodies. Veledar bounded from the rest, brushing them aside with his scales.

    ¡°Retreat!¡± one of the men cried. Veledar had to admit. This might have been the smartest thing one of them said so far. The man looked around to find that he was the last one there, as his compatriots had left him the moment Veledar had incinerated the stupid six. ¡°Wait for me, you focking cunts!¡± The man shouted as he sprinted for the trees. Veledar considered chasing the man down and ending him, but in a way, it was better to let him spread word of his greatness. He turned back towards Lyndis, for despite this show of force, she was still standing before him.

    She did not move as her messy hair waved with the wind and her eyes of amber locked onto his movements. ¡°Nice work. Wha¡¯d you want?¡± She asked.

    ¡°A simple thank you would be enough,¡± he said, striking a rather regal pose. ¡°I did rescue you from a real bind, have I not?¡±

    ¡°I think I dispatched more of them than you, dragon.¡± She smirked, limping over to one of the dead men and rifling through his pouches. ¡°Name¡¯s Lyndis Kuxion. What should I call my valiant rescuer?¡±

    ¡°Crimson Sky, terror of thugs and slayer of unwashed men.¡± Valiant beamed with his great white teeth.

    ¡°Very well.¡± Lyndis spoke curtly.

    Veledar moved closer to her. ¡°Hey, would you be able to satisfy a curiosity of mine? Why were those thugs after you?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± she started to say, cutting a pouch from another man. ¡°Beat this group¡¯s boss to a job, took his share of the treasure when I learned what exact kind of man he was, then kinda pissed on his name. You can imagine he wasn¡¯t very happy to have his reputation smeared through filth. He¡¯s lucky to get latrine duties now.¡±

    ¡°And what kind of job would this be? You don¡¯t see many mages doing back flips like you showed back there.¡±

    ¡°Nope. Maybe not,¡± Lyndis said. ¡°I like to think of myself as an adventurer, thrill seeker, sometimes a sword for hire. If you need something gotten, I can also do that.¡±

    Veledar noted the swell of pride in her voice.

    ¡°You sound like a thief!¡± he snorted.

    ¡°I am very well not.¡± Lyndis laughed. ¡°Where were you off to anyway, oh brave and beautiful Crimson Sky? We don''t see many dragons around these parts.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m-¡° Veledar stumbled over his words for a moment. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m off to retrieve a thief that has stolen something of great importance to me.¡±

    ¡°Do you know where they headed? Maybe I can help you find them. For a price of course.¡± Lyndis moved over to loot another dead scoundrel.

    ¡°They say she went to the capital of this land, located somewhere in the south.¡± said Veledar as he shifted a paw through the flowers. For all the bravery and majesty he inspired in Lyndis, exposing such a blatant lack of knowledge made him feel exposed. Lesser, somewhat.

    ¡°Entis?¡± the woman¡¯s eyes widened briefly before they narrowed down to the same confident look. ¡°You can count me focking out then, dragon. Unless you want to live the rest of your life in chains or get your head parted from your body, I would suggest you count whatever was stolen gone.¡± Lyndis wiped her blade clean of blood, then sheathed it back at her hip.

    ¡°And let them get away with stealing from me? Do you realize how that sounds? To a dragon?¡± he said as he moved his tail, ready to thrash the ground. ¡°Might as well tell me to cut off my own wings.¡±

    ¡°Aye. I imagine how bitter defeat sounds on that big boastful tongue. However, I am talking about real danger here, not whatever distorted scenarios you created in your mind. This is not a quest that ends in victory, but then again I guess you haven¡¯t even heard what happened to the last dragon that went against Lumara.¡± Lyndis said, pulling out a brush and running it through her hair.

    ¡°Lumara? Where is this thing you speak of?¡± Veledar asked, puzzled.

    Lyndis rolled her eyes at the dragon''s ignorance. ¡°This land is called Lumara, and the last dragon was killed by some veteran going by the name of Arcturus Lund. Word on the street says he¡¯s quite the dragon slayer.¡±

    ¡°One mortal doesn¡¯t scare me.¡± Veledar snorted in dismissal.

    Lyndis gritted her jaws. ¡°This one should. Didn¡¯t you just hear what I said? Dragon slayer.¡±

    ¡°Can you see me trembling?¡± Veledar snorted again.

    ¡°Fine. What about millions of trained humans? And flying machines? And gryphons that can hunt you down no matter where you flee? I suggest you return home and count yourself lucky the king didn¡¯t put a bounty on your head.¡± She looked towards the forest. ¡°We¡¯ve spoken enough about this matter. If you¡¯re as smart as you look, you will consider my words before you do anything foolish.¡± she stated. ¡°It was pleasant to meet you, Crimson Sky. I honestly hope you will quit this silly crusade. It would be a shame to lose a dragon so quick to jump to a lady¡¯s rescue,¡± she smirked, ¡°even if she doesn''t really need it.¡±

    Veledar watched the lady leave as he settled comfortably on his belly to contemplate his next move. Flying castles? Dragon slayers? Gryphons? Flying Machines? This place was sounding worse every time he learned something new about it. Worst of all, it was starting to sound like this place actually existed, and was not just a simple story from a peasant told to mislead him.

    Veledar closed his eyes and tried to imagine what his mother would say at a time like this. She had always been the best at dealing with the lesser races, although she always interacted more with elves than with humanity, or this place called Lumara. The dragon frowned. He knew exactly what she would have said to him. His thoughts turned instead to the dragon slayer. This Lund character sounded familiar. Not the person, of course, but the name. He was certain he had heard it before, maybe in a story or two when he was but a hatchling.

    The dragon shook his head. The sun moved a bit in the sky, and Lyndis was nowhere to be seen. Realizing he spent too long on this hill surrounded by corpses, Veledar spread his wings and returned home, the only environment where he felt confident to make the right decision.

 Chapter 5: To Capture a Dragon

    <u>Chapter 5: To Capture a Dragon</u>

    Arcturus stood on the deck of the Indomitous, watching the men assigned by the king -his men now- train for the upcoming task. He had demanded their best to ensure that minimum mistakes were made. He drilled them in a dragon''s weak spots, reminded them how to disable the beast¡¯s fearsome breath, as well as how to best spread out if the dragon had the chance to unleash its fiery fury. This rigorous training made the sixty-hour journey pass in a blur for him. By the end of the fifty fifth hour, Arcturus was sure they would at least hold up against the dragon. He had instructed the men specifically on using the stun setting on the crossbow to avoid hurting the beast more than necessary. The bolas they brought, the weighted fire proof nets, flash bombs, and the other various gear he requested also had its part to play. Even so, the soldiers seemed to keep to themselves, away from the paladin, as if he bore some curse that could rub off on them. Arcturus didn¡¯t mind the extra distance. If anything, it allowed him to mentally prepare for the encounter with the dragon. He pictured the beast¡¯s movements, the lunges it was bound to make, preemptively plotting out his tumbles and dodges to best avoid the creature¡¯s inferno of a breath.

    Dread Flame¡­it¡¯s been two years since I¡¯ve stained my name and my blade with your unworthy life. Why do I feel your claws squeeze me ever tighter. Will I ever be rid of you? Am I even deserving of peace, when I failed my family?

    Arcturus stared into the cloudy sky, the drifting clouds, the perfect picture of serenity. Thankfully, there had been no sign of storms on the way to the village, even if his mind felt like one. No matter where he ran, what he did, the memory of Dread Flame latched onto him at every turn. From time to time, he would hear what he would describe as the faint roar of a dragon in the distance, Arcturus knew it was not real. Each time he would shake his head, to convince himself the sound was a product of his tired mind, for no one else made any mention of it. Arcturus tossed it up to his nerves and went through various sword stances on the ship''s deck. He stepped to each movement in tune with his heartbeat, letting his arms flow gracefully with each swing.

    ¡°Town in view!¡± a crew member shouted out, interrupting his rhythm. ¡°Keep an eye out for the beast, men! Prepare for the fight of your lives!¡±

    ¡°This is what we¡¯ve been training for!¡± Arcturus sheathed his sword into his scabbard and strode over to the wooden railing at the ship''s front.

    ¡°Aye aye, sir.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll show this dragon what happens when they mess with us!¡±

    Arcturus put a faint smile on his face as he made his way through the soldiers that gathered by the railing. He patted their shoulders, shook hands, emboldened them with a few words to calm their undoubtedly racing hearts. Some of these men had never seen a village from above before, their honest fascination and glee reminding Arcturus of what it meant to live. To truly live.

    The town was small from the air, relatively tiny compared to Entis, a sea of masterfully crafted buildings that seemed to stretch on for miles. The small roofs could already be seen like tiny pebbles on a clear floor of green. He only lingered on the sight for a moment before looking to the surrounding skyline, almost expecting to see the dragon descend upon the ship with its teeth bared.

    ¡°Ready up, men! The dragon doesn¡¯t care who inhabits this ship. In its eyes, we¡¯re all kindling for its flames. Prey to sink its deadly teeth into, So quit your staring, pack up your gear, and be ready to disembark at a moment¡¯s notice!¡±

    Arcturus smiled as the men gave him a sharp salute before scrambling for their gear. He descended below deck with them to fetch a clipboard that had a list of questions he had prepared for the townsfolk who saw the dragon. He wondered how terrible of a beast this one would be, only to see Selina looking at him in his mind.  Her eyes stared at him with the same familiarity Arcturus got used to whenever he his left home. He remembered how she had made him recite the paladin''s oath before he left each time.  It must have brought her comfort, he thought, to hear himself center his mind, his actions, and his beliefs.

    So, as he picked up the pieces of his armor that Matilda had made for him, Arcturus began to recite his oath once more like he had always done for Selina.

    ¡°As a paladin, I am sworn to valor.¡± He placed his leg armor one at a time, left, and then right.

    ¡°My heart will know only virtue.¡± Next, he set the greaves, then tassels.

    ¡±My blade will defend the helpless.¡± He placed on his chest-plate and back-plate.

    ¡±My might will uphold the weak.¡± He attached the pauldrons next, hearing them click into place.

    ¡°My words will speak only truth.¡± His armguards completed him, his form already turned into a metal soldier. ¡°And my wrath shall undo the wicked.¡±

    Arcturus held up his helmet in his gloved hands before donning it softly, letting the straps tighten around his chin to perfection. Through the visor, he gathered his longsword and crossbow, before returning to the ship''s deck. Along the way, several soldiers joined him some wearing smiles on their faces, others worry. Arcturus knew the feeling well, and offered them some words of encouragement. He spoke of their training too, praising the men for their unmatched skill. The soldiers thanked him with large smiles, almost forgetting that mere hours separated them from a clash with a potentially deadly dragon.

    The Indomitous drifted into the small town, settling in a clearing not too far from the center of the town. From her plank filed out the soldiers clad in heavy armor, each carrying a different weapon, all equipped with packs of gear upon their backs and spirits of determination on their faces. Arcturus gave each an assignment, from rounding up the witnesses, to questioning the other townsfolk about the dragon. They all scrambled off, ready to please the paladin. He had not ventured far into the town before he was approached by the guard captain, with a retinue of four other guards. Arcturus remembered the bald man from the reports, but could not place the name just yet. He knew it started with a B though, for whatever it was worth.

    ¡°Welcome, Paladin Arcturus. Tis truly an honor to have you and your men aid us in the hunt for the wicked beast.¡± the blue-eyed captain said. ¡°Your presence already put our fair town at ease.¡± he gestured to the buildings around them. ¡°If we can be of any assistance whatsoever, please don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you, captain Borbaneous--¡± nodded Arcturus.

    ¡°It''s Sirius.¡± The captain interrupted, making Arcturus mentally kick himself.

    ¡°Apologies. My mind is focused on the dragon. Captain Sirius, you should be commended for your unrelenting bravery. You and your men survived an encounter with a dragon! That is no small feat, considering the list of things the beast has done to your cozy town.¡± Arcturus gestured to the town center, which, despite the missing banner, looked rather pristine.

    ¡°Well, we had the best carpenters on the job to fix up all the damage caused by that rampaging monster. If you would¡¯ve arrived after the cowardly beast fled, you would¡¯ve gazed upon one of Devastation¡¯s many faces.¡± said the captain as he smiled nervously. ¡°Anyway, for the value of the damages, you would have to ask the councilman Troy Gestaurin. He handles all the book keeping affairs. Will the king send us money to cover the extensive repairs? My men worked day and night to-¡°

    ¡°I have every reason to think he will,¡± said Arcturus, eyeing Sirius with suspicion. It was not unheard of for towns to exaggerate threats so they would receive compensation for supposed damage. While they had been talking, a crowd began to gather, each person trying to thank Arcturus for arriving to finally free them from the dragon''s tyranny. Arcturus held his clipboard at the ready, asking anyone who had a story for details, and strangely enough, everyone had their own version of things.

    ¡°See, the big scaly bastard came down, spoutin¡¯ fire, and when he popped his jaws open, I saw teeth so many I lost count! He tore through my mum¡¯s poor banner, he did!¡± a man sobbed, holding up pieces of a thoroughly shredded banner. ¡°But thanks to the brave guards, the beast fled before he had the chance to gobble me in revenge. Should he return, I fear for my safety, good sir. You need to catch it before he destroys anything else!¡±

    ¡°He?¡± Arcturus raised an eyebrow. ¡°So the dragon¡¯s male?¡±

    The man scrunched his face. ¡°I dunno!¡± he spouted. ¡°Not like I had the chance to glance ¡®tween his legs when he rampaged aroun¡¯ our town, sir!¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll just take that as a vague no.¡± Arcturus rolled his eyes, doubting a dragon would take the time to shred a banner, less likely in any villainous form. Thankfully, his soldiers had brought him other people to question, more importantly, townsfolk who had seen the dragon firsthand.

    Arcturus settled comfortably at a table brought over by one of the many inns. The wood was rather thin, and covered in signs of wear. Across from him sat the little girl and her father that had seen the dragon during its first arrival.

    ¡°So, this dragon burst through your door, just like that? Had he no reason to target your house specifically?¡± Arcturus asked, looking up from the testimonial he had from the man.

    ¡°Not out of random, papa!¡± came the little girl¡¯s voice. ¡°He was after something like¡­something like a book of sorts!¡± the girl¡¯s eyes lit up with realization. ¡°Yes, he was searching for a book stolen by-¡°

    ¡°Hush now, Abigail. The paladin was talking to me.¡± The father quickly grabbed his child and bounced her on his leg. ¡°Sorry to confuse you, my lord. The girl, she¡¯s just shocked by this dreadful act of vandalism. Truly, she means nothing by it. The book, that¡¯s just something she conjured to cope up with all the confusion and fear our town has been put through.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Arcturus said. ¡°However, there is a reason why you both stand here. I heard your version. Now I want to hear hers,¡± the paladin smiled back at the girl. ¡°Abigail, you said the dragon was after a book? Why would you imagine a big, angry lizard like that would be after something so¡­ordinary?¡±

    Abigail¡¯s lips threatened to cover her face with the size of the smile that had sprung forth. She took a deep breath before answering.

    ¡°T¡¯wasn¡¯t a normal book! He was looking for this one, with pretty pictures of dragons in it! Told me so himself!¡±

    ¡°Oh, oh, h-hold on!¡± Arcturus chuckled as he struggled to keep up with the little girl. ¡°You have to slow down there. I simply cannot write that fast.¡±

    Abigail blushed and apologized before repeating herself at a slower pace.

    ¡°Me mum came home with a pretty book, full of pictures. It looked like a fairy tale, and¡­I love these kind of books, sir. They make me happy!¡± she said, putting her hands together.

    ¡°What kind of pictures did it have in it?¡± Arcturus asked as he wrote the description on his paper.

    ¡°Of dragons! All different colors! They were so pretty, sir paladin. I want a dragon of my own!¡±

    Arcturus chuckled. ¡°Well, Abbi, if I find an abandoned egg, I¡¯ll know exactly what to do with it. Now, did the book say anything that can help our investigation? Who the dragon is? Perhaps why he was after this particular item?¡±

    ¡°Me mum dunno. It had strange scratch marks that could be letters, I suppose. Then, after she left, the dragon came into me home with a big boom like thunder!¡± Abigail held up her hands and mimed the wall crashing down.

    ¡°Were you not afraid of the dragon, Abigail? You tell the story with such excitement.¡± Arcturus chuckled. ¡°Why¡¯ you¡¯re almost leading me to believe this dragon and you are best friends!¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± the little girl cocked her head back a bit. ¡°I was a bit afraid, you know, when he barged in like the storm. The dragon was very angry.¡±

    ¡°Why was the dragon angry?¡± Arcturus raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°He said mum stole his book, and he wanted it back.¡± She started to lean back in her chair. ¡°Are you going to kill the dragon, sir paladin?¡± she asked.

    Arcturus stopped writing to look into her eyes, which started to fill with tears.

    ¡°You can''t kill ¡®im. Please! He promised not to hurt me mum!¡± her little hand grabbed onto one of Arcturus¡¯ fingers.

    The paladin¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°Oh, sweet child. The dragon probably meant that he would kill her painlessly. You cannot trust the words of a such a deceitful creature.¡±

    ¡°Nuh-uh! I don¡¯t believe you!¡± said Abigail, placing her hands on her hips. ¡°You weren¡¯t there to see him! He¡¯s not evil, just pissed because his book got lost, but he only wants it back, I swear. He never hurt anybody!¡±

    ¡°How can you be so sure of that, dear?¡± Arcturus frowned. ¡°Dragons mastered the art of weaving lies. That¡¯s why they live so long. They lounge in their caves, plotting from the top of their treasure hoards. No matter what this one told you, dragons can be very deceptive at times.¡±

    ¡°Abbi,¡± said the father. ¡°Trust the paladin. He is more experienced in dealing with dragons.¡± he placed his hand on Abigail¡¯s shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s just a child, sir. You know how creative young¡¯uns are. I¡¯ve been there to look into the eyes of real terror. Believe me, this beast is nowhere half as accommodating as she makes it sound.¡±

    ¡°But I saw it in his eyes!¡± Abigail continued, turning her head to her father. ¡°Papa, he wasn¡¯t a killer! Please, please, please, don¡¯t make him the bad guy!¡±

    For a moment, Arcturus believed what she said. The devotion she held onto the dragon¡¯s sincerity was remarkable.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    Then Dread Flame roared in his mind, reminding Arcturus of all that he lost at the claws of a dragon.

    ¡°You were fooled, my dear.¡± He released a long, drawn out sigh. ¡°Listen to your father this time. I believe this dragon would have harmed your mother grievously for stealing his item. I suggest you count yourself lucky he didn''t want to extract his revenge on you or your father.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s not-¡°

    Arcturus heard enough by that point. He thanked the two for their time and had a guard escort the family out of the room.

    The next person to enter was a guard who had been with captain Sirius on that day, in the man''s words own words ¡°the dragon attacked the village.¡± Arcturus endured through a tale of heroics that the man listed off as performed by many of his fellow guardsman, This valiant defender had just finished telling how he had struck the dragon with an arrow, when a half-elven woman strode into the room with her face full of anger.

    ¡°That''s a load of goblin spittle you¡¯s bein¡¯ fed!¡± the woman pointed a finger at the paladin, brushing her brown hair out of her face.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± One of the guards said.

    She crossed her arms over her studded leather armor, worn from use by scrapes and patches.

    ¡°Let her speak!¡± Arcturus said to the two men that moved to restrain the woman.

    ¡°I met the dragon all these liars claim to have attacked the town, and he just doesn¡¯t seem the type to do something so nonsensical.¡±

    ¡°Lady, forgive me for being blunt, but who are you to throw such claims?¡± Arcturus narrowed his eyes.

    The woman must¡¯ve been an adventurer, judging by all the gear she was carrying. She had a bedroll strapped to her back, torches, rope, and a backpack. Arcturus was ready to bet his week¡¯s salary she was definitely one of those traveler types, or a mercenary.

    ¡°Name¡¯s Lyndis Kuxion.¡± she said, ¡°and that dragon you¡¯re all ready take revenge on saved my life from a band of fockin¡¯ bandits.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Arcturus replied, his voice thick with skepticism. ¡°Please, expand. No. Enlighten us on how this supposedly benevolent dragon saved your life.¡±

    ¡°Glady, you Lumarian brute.¡± Lyndis said. She dragged her own chair over to the table, quickly turning it around so the backing was facing the table. She sat down, then started to tell her version of the story.

    Arcturus listened to her tale of events. It all started on a nearby hill along the road. He figured she was exaggerating her abilities. What else was new with the adventurer types? They all slayed dragons single handedly, stood against dozens of enemies, and somehow always found a priceless artifact, all on the virtue of their own singular skill.

    One thing stuck out, though. Arcturus considered himself generally good at picking up when someone was lying, but when the woman spoke of the dragon saving her, she certainly sounded like this was the truth. When her mouth ceased forming words, she just looked to him with a great big smile on her face.

    ¡°How does that sound? More believable than¡­murdering dragon descends upon a town to destroy buildings from the thrill of it, aye? They¡¯re strong and full of themselves sometime, but dragons ain¡¯t stupid. You should know that better than these cryin¡¯ oafs.¡±

    Arcturus frowned as he moved his fingers over to the report. He had two accounts of the dragon now that did not paint him in the same light as the rest of the town had shone on him. Most importantly, it certainly didn''t match the official report the king had given him to study.

    ¡°Well, you can believe it if you want, paladin. I¡¯ve no reason whatsoever to lie to you. Buuuuuut if you¡¯d prefer to hunt monsters and blindly swing your sword at things, be my guest, of course.¡± She shrugged, stood up and brushed past a guard on her way out. ¡°Best not waste your time with the others. They¡¯ll just trickle the same squirt of urine and call it wine!¡± she yelled back to him.

    Arcturus rubbed his forehead. This day seemed to drag on forever. ¡°Alright, who¡¯s next?¡±

    Next to enter the room was captain Sirius with his usual guards around him. In his hands rested a brown cloth, clutched tightly, as if this bag was of the utmost importance. Arcturus noted that the guards were giving the captain a wider birth than they had previously.

    ¡°My lord,¡± the captain bowed as much as his back allowed, ¡°I have returned with an item that may prove fruitful in your endeavor to capture the beast.¡±

    He held up the cloth bag and undid the string that held the thing together. When the mouth of the bag parted, a single crimson scale was revealed, clearly belonging to the dragon Arcturus was sent to hunt.

    ¡°When the dragon burst into the house the first time, he must have scratched himself on a beam. Left this crucial piece of evidence behind without checking, like the proud fool he is.¡±

    Arcturus reached out to grasp the scale in his left hand. It was smooth to the touch, like he figured it would be. He looked up to the captain with a slight smile of relief on his tired face.

    ¡°This will actually be of great help, captain. You have my gratitude for your contributions.¡± He gestured to a soldier that had just walked in, then handed the scale to the man, gently. The last thing he wanted was to damage the scale too much. ¡°Make your way back to the ship and tell the captain to get ready for lift-off. Once that¡¯s done, head to the gryphon keeper. I believe we have a way to find the beast¡¯s lair.¡±

    It had only taken an hour to round up all the soldiers and take off in the indomitous. The ship rose into the sky gracefully, being led as if on an invisible wire by the tawny gryphon leading it towards the mountains. Arcturus stood on the deck, eyes scanning the forest below, occasionally drifting to the sunflower-colored wing of the gryphon gryphon. He held up the scale, then smiled to the gryphon, still amazed at their tracking ability.

    This is good. We¡¯ll wrap this unpleasant story, and in a few hours, and after that, I guess I¡¯ll go back to my usual life. What remains of it, at least.

    Arcturus turned back towards the group of men that gathered on the deck. The squad fidgeted with the same anticipation that stirred within Arcturus¡¯ breast. Despite being a force of destruction, he had to admit to himself. Seeing a dragon in flesh was a special feeling.

    They flew for quite some time before the gryphon screeched back towards the ship as they reached the top of the largest mountain.  The gryphon circled as Arcturus ordered the men to the lifeboats. Arcturus took the lead with his lifeboat as the four other boats followed him down towards the cave. He noted it was a tad small, for someone he considered the offspring of Dread Flame.

    Arcturus jumped over the side of the boat as they touched down gently.  He gave hand signals to the men to follow as he slowly advanced into the cave''s mouth. He saw some of his soldiers hovering their fingers over the trigger of their weapons, or gripping the grip tight.

    ¡°Set up the traps,¡± he whispered to the others. They grabbed and set up several launchers for the nets, just in case the dragon decided to fly away from his lair. ¡°You stay outside with the launchers,¡± he pointed out towards the sharpshooters. ¡°Get ready to stun him if he tries anything funny.¡±

    Arcturus turned back to his hunting party. ¡°As for the rest of you, keep your weapons up and your eyes peeled. We don¡¯t know what manner of beast we¡¯re dealing with here.¡±

    ¡°What if he¡¯s friendly?¡± A man suddenly asked.

    ¡°Are you ready to take that risk?¡± Arcturus hissed.

    The stern look in the paladin¡¯s eyes allowed for no comebacks. Once his men nodded, he made his way into the cave, the steps of their boots akin to the click clack of a centipede. The air smelled of stale cooked meat, and something specific to the scent of a dragon. Arcturus crouched along the cave wall, the others right behind him. They hugged it as if the wall could very well be the thing that would save them from what lay ahead.

    The torch-lit hall led deeper into the cave, wide enough to fit at least two dragons. He found himself eyeing the tracks on the floor, along with scratch marks from what were no doubt horns on the ceiling.

    ¡°Why¡¯s the dragon havin¡¯ a focken-?¡±

    Arcturus held up a finger to silence the man, cursing to himself. Although the man had a point, dragons could very well see in the dark. However, maybe this one just liked the illumination of the pleasant torchlight. He moved the thought away from his mind as he peeked around the corner ahead of him, barely stifling a gasp.

    Forty feet away the dragon was lying on makeshift blankets and mattresses next to a pile of gold and books. His eyes were closed shut, and his chest was moving up and down with the deep breaths characteristic to deep sleep. Between the dragon¡¯s front limbs was some kind of toy, that, upon careful inspection, revealed itself to be a stuffed dragon of some kind.

    The Gods are with me today, Arcturus¡¯ heart quickened as he grabbed hold of his crossbow. Let us see if you are indeed the-

    ¡°You know, it¡¯s somewhat rude to sneak up on a dragon at the height of his laziness.¡± The red beast yawned, opening one eye lazily. He stood up on his four limbs and stretched very much how a cat might. ¡°To what do I owe the displeasure of being roused from-¡°

    ¡°Aim at his throat!¡± Arcturus shouted, interrupting the dragon mid speech. Bolts of energy sailed past his gleaming armor as he fired his own crossbow at the dragon. Veledar yelped in surprise and tried to leap out of the way, but the barrage was much too thick to avoid every missile.

    ¡°Fan out! Trap him in the corner!¡±

    ¡°You insolent slugs!¡± Veledar growled as he inhaled a deep breath, only to have small sparks of useless fire escape through his jaws.

    ¡°Hah! Missing something?¡± Arcturus pointed a finger at the dragon. ¡°Guess you¡¯ll have to stretch your limbs after all! Men, advance!¡±

    ¡°How dare you?¡± Veledar hissed as he bounded past several men. With a whip of his tail he slammed them against the cave wall.

    ¡°FIRE!¡± the paladin¡¯s voice washed over the scrapes of steel and claws.

    Arcturus'' men fired another volley, then he quickly tossed a flashbang towards the dragon. It exploded with a brilliant light that forced the dragon to leap behind his pile of treasure.

    ¡°Trap him!¡±

    The men took positions around the cave, weapons at the ready, hearts thundering in their chests.

    ¡°Sir, we have him cornered. Shouldn¡¯t we bring the nets?¡±

    ¡°Not yet!¡±

    Veledar then burst out from behind the gold, wings spread wide. He swooped around the men as they fired, before suddenly turning towards the exit. The soldiers followed him with their energy shots, one man even tossing a bola. However, none of the attacks seemed to have an effect on the dragon, who spread his wings to fly out of the cave unmolested.

    ¡°What in the blazes happened?¡±

    Arcturus took aim with his own crossbow at the departing dragon. He spied a slight glitter in the dragon''s form, followed by more bolts from his men impacting the scales.

    ¡°It¡¯s an illusion!¡± he cried out to his men in shock. He turned back towards the gold, but it was too late. Veledar had already pounced out onto several soldiers, flailing his limbs and tail, carving his way through the wall of steel-clad men that stood between him and freedom. The dislodged men landed on the ground with hard thuds, not rising when the dragon moved onto their comrades. The remaining soldiers and Arcturus fired volley after volley into Veledar''s wings and torso, causing the dragon to recoil in pain.

    ¡°Rraaaah, what an annoying itch!¡± he roared out, smashing two soldiers together with his paws.

    ¡°You come to my home!¡± He smashed another soldier into the ground. ¡°And attack me!¡± He toppled over soldier after soldier, the bolts of energy only a slight inconvenience to the red beast. He deflected nets that were tossed at his wings, bolas that would¡¯ve rendered his legs useless, and even hitting back a flashbang thrown his way. He stopped only when the other soldiers were all scattered on the ground before him, with only Arcturus and a handful of soldiers left to stare him down.

    ¡°Take your leave, you ill-mannered monkeys, before I push you out myself!¡± Veledar hissed through ragged breaths.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Arcturus raised his crossbow and shot another bolt into the dragon¡¯s torso, followed by more from his soldiers.

    ¡°Nrrr¡­nraaaawarrhhh¡­¡±

    Arcturus smirked as Veledar¡¯s limbs splayed uselessly around his collapsing form. On his way to greet the floor, he still flailed his tail at several soldiers foolish enough to get close. They flew through the air with little grace, hitting the floor hard. Arcturus watched Veledar try to stand, the dragon¡¯s limbs unresponsive, dragged down by invisible weight. Although he managed to keep his head up as his shaking limbs collapsed beneath him, the dragon stared at Arcturus'' visor with his blue eyes full of spite.

    ¡°You filthy cowards! Not even daring to face me in a fair fight!¡± he gasped out in pain. ¡°I guess¡­that steel dress suits you well¡­woman.¡±

    ¡°Fair?¡± Arcturus chuckled. ¡°Take a look at yourself, beastie. You tower over me, weight more than all of us combined, bear scales that put even my own armor to shame, and to top that off, you can take wing whenever you please. I can hardly imagine how a fight would play out fairly between us, so please, illuminate me with your esteemed wisdom. You are, after all, much better than us, right? Isn¡¯t that how your kind sees us? Playthings to combat boredom? Perhaps even prey to fill their bellies with?¡±

    ¡°If only you fought the same way you talk... You¡¯re putting me to sleep just by talking,¡± the dragon snorted tiredly.

    ¡°Aye. But I¡¯m the one who stands, while you¡¯re the one to greet the ground. Sleep well, beastie.¡±

    Arcturus didn¡¯t even restrain himself this time. He just laughed in the dragon¡¯s face, then ordered his remaining men to bring shackles.

    He took off his helmet and set it down close to Veledar, who collapsed his head on the ground, his breath becoming increasingly steadier. The beast looked deceptively pleasing to the eye when incapacitated. A small itch even flared the words spoken by the two girls, Abigail and Lyndis. What did they see, when they looked upon this beast? A monster? Perhaps something else?

    Arcturus almost felt pity for the creature. His hand twitched above his sword, not to grab the weapon, but to stop the men from carrying his orders. Perhaps it was wise, to have a few moments alone with the dragon. Just to consider his options.

    Then Dread Flame roared inside the depths of his mind. Arcturus saw the ship going down. His desperate escape which led him to the very streets of his home, where the beast locked his claws around his leg to prevent him from giving aid to his terrified family.

    The fear, the pain, the anguish¡­it all reflected off the scales of what Abigail and Lyndis branded as a friend and savior.

    Arcturus rested his hand on the pommel of his sword, then approached the beast¡¯s fallen head. The dragon¡¯s moist breath stained his armor, but Arcturus felt anything but warm. His cold eyes bore straight into the beast¡¯s blue gaze, hard as the steel he wore. ¡°I am Arcturus Lund, dragon. Remember my name well, along with the day when you fell at my feet.¡±

    ¡°Y-You did not best me,¡± Veledar hissed, his voice growing quieter. ¡°You brought an army into my home¡­ambushed me just as I fell asleep... and worse of all, you think your actions are justified.¡±

    ¡°Gah. I cannot waste anymore time with this nonsense.¡± He waved to his men. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of this unpleasant tongue. Shackle him.¡±

    The soldiers clasped large iron shackles onto the dragon, pinning his rear and front limbs together.

    ¡°Steel suits you, beast.¡± Arcturus said, feeling a strange, almost cruel manner of satisfaction from besting his second dragon since Dread Flame.

    ¡°Like false justice suits you.¡± The dragon shot back. ¡°Why are you doing this? I only damaged a house and crumpled a stupid cloth on a stick called banner.¡±

    ¡°Oh, is that what you truly believe?¡± Arcturus pressed.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­the truth. Ask anyone around.¡± The dragon answered.

    ¡°Sir, is it wise to-¡°

    Arcturus raised a hand. ¡°I¡¯ve already interrogated the town you terrorized. I am not doing this because I like it, dragon. I do it because it¡¯s just. For crimes against our land, our king, and our citizens, you are going to be brought to our capital and made an example of.¡± Arcturus finished that off by picking his helmet.

    ¡°A trial for a wooden wall and a cheap banner¡­that doesn¡¯t¡­sound right¡­¡± The beast managed to say before fatigue overwhelmed his senses.

    Arcturus walked away from the dragon in silence. He was certainly a tad smaller than Dread Flame had been, but that made sense in a way, for the offspring to always be smaller than the father. Arcturus waved to the survivors to start moving the dragon out of the cave. They tied up some ropes around him and dragged the dragon down the hallway and out to the ship. Arcturus stayed behind with a group to recover the soldiers the dragon had attacked. He noticed something while they came to the first body. The man was still alive. He quickly gave a look to the others brought down by Veledar to notice with utter surprise that all of them were alive as well. It looked like the dragon had simply knocked them out instead of killing them. He called over a soldier with healing herbs and potions, praising the Gods for their intervention.

    ¡°Pah! The Gods. Are you asking for their aid, or mine?¡± The healer shook off his belt of vials.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking both. Do what you can for my men please. We must depart immediately.¡±

    ¡°Hah. Bruises and simple scrapes are all the afflictions I can count. Either your dragon doesn''t know how to fight.¡± laughed the man, ¡°or he didn''t attack with the intention to kill anybody.¡±

    Arcturus walked outside to where the dragon now laid unconscious. Veledar was held tight by the ropes that now bound his wings together. Arcturus certainly didn''t expect the dragon to spare anyone. Perhaps he really was as lazy as he described himself before the attack began.

    ¡°Collect his treasure before we leave.¡± he called out to some of the men. ¡°It will be good to rid this beast from his ill-gotten gains.¡±

    ¡°What shall we do with it, sir?¡±

    ¡°Give back to those he stole from.¡± Arcturus said confidently, even if the same creeping feeling of doubt resurfaced beneath his confident smile. He dropped down between the dragon¡¯s legs to rest his back against the beast¡¯s scaly belly, warm, in spite of the hard scales that protected it.

    Who am I really dealing with here? The paladin wondered as he looked upon the dragon¡¯s sleeping form. Am I making the right choice, to condemn this creature based on shady evidence? To take his hoard without justification? What if¡­

    Arcturus grabbed one of the dragon¡¯s talons, a sharp, wicked thing he knew too well from his encounters with Dread Flame. He couldn¡¯t allow himself to be pinned a second time. To be helpless. To stand idly and watch others suffer at the claws of a dragon.

    With a grim look about his face, Arcturus stood up, took one last look at the dragon, then ordered him hauled onto the ship for the trial that awaited in in the capital city of Entis.

 Chapter 6: Restrained Questions

    <u>Chapter 6: Restrained Questions</u>

    The morning sun slowly pierced through the overwhelming amount of gray clouds cluttering the distant sky. Its warm rays descended from the heavens briefly, illuminating the green treetops that swayed every so often in the cool spring breeze. These verdant giants were alive this morning, during the first day of spring. Birds with vibrant plumage flew quickly through the curtain of leaves, darting from branch to branch like little thrill seekers determined to test their mettle. They seemed exhilarated, to bask in the embrace of blessed warmth, now that winter relinquished the frigid grasp it had over the land. Mammals of all species and sizes also seemed to spring from their dens like little flowers, helping turn the forest that had been crippled by the winter¡¯s frozen blanket into a verdant realm that was bursting with life.

    On this particular morning, a young doe grazed in a nearby field, her brown and white fur cast in the shadow of the nearby trees. Though her ears flicked this way and that, she was blissfully unaware of the crimson scaled hatchling that stared at her from the tall grass.

    The little dragon prowled on all fours, trying to keep his red body from showing through the foliage. His haunches stood tense, ready to spring, like the limbs of a cat on the verge of pouncing its prey, with his tail swaying from one side to the other. His front claws fidgeted for a moment, digging into the soft earth with excitement from the prey yet uncaught. Though he felt the urge to pounce, his wings remained close to his body, biding their time to flare.

    The hatchling opened and closed his snout, displaying rows of sharp teeth. Oh, how much he would¡¯ve loved to terrify his prey. Show it what a powerful dragon he was!

    Unfortunately, such approach would surely lead to failure, so the dragon shook his head and closed his blue eyes, trying to focus on the current hunt, not the taste of what was to come. As he advanced towards his prey, he breathed carefully, not smelling the usual stench of fear erupting from an animal on the brink of death. He grinned to himself, proud that he had snuck this close to her undetected. He was almost poised to strike when he heard a crack from what sounded like a nearby tree branch, causing the doe to lift her head. She sniffed and bolted into the trees, its legs almost slipping in haste.

    The wrymling pounced from his hiding spot to find his claws grasping at thin air instead of the succulent flesh he imagined in his mind.

    ¡°Manticore¡¯s bottom!¡± The wrymling snarled angrily, smacking his tail on the ground with a dull thump. ¡°I was this close to catching it!¡±

    While his claws tore through the earth in frustration, his mind raced with what could have gone wrong. By all accounts, he made sure to be downwind, kept hidden from sight, and remained as silent as a dragon could be. His eyes squinted as he thought to the twig snapping. The dragon¡¯s nostrils shuddered as he drew in a deep breath. A familiar smell he knew far too well was the source of all his pains.

    ¡°Veledar!¡± A feminine voice shouted. A silver wrymling pounced from the grass, tackling the red one.

    They rolled around, smacking and clawing playfully at each other, following up with a bite to the shoulder.

    ¡°Get off, pest! Get off I said!¡± Veledar protested, pushing the annoyingly clingy silver wrymling off him. ¡°That wasn''t funny, Adalina. You ruined my hunt is what you did.¡±

    ¡°You hunt?¡± Adalina laughed, rising up onto all four paws and smirking with a wide grin. ¡°What hunt is that? I don''t see any prey laying around.¡±

    ¡°That''s because you soured it with your clumsy paws and your¡­your stench! Your stench is what drove my prey away!¡± Veledar stuck his tongue out at her.

    ¡°Why did you even go out?¡± Adalina brushed the insults off without a care in the world, her amber eyes filled with curiosity instead of anger. ¡°You know momma doesn''t like it when you wander off on your own.¡±

    ¡°Grah! She¡¯s silly, to think I¡¯m helpless as a squirrel. I was going to show her what a great hunter I am.¡± He strode over to her. ¡°I¡¯m ahead of any dragon my age. Probably the best that ever lived!¡±

    ¡°That''s not true.¡± Adalina stuck her tongue out in mockery of him. ¡°Momma is a way better hunter than you. She kept us fed. What did you do? Scare a deer like a clumsy little hatchling.¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡±

    ¡°Not until you admit you¡¯re still a hatchling instead of this great dragon overlord.¡±

    ¡°Well, obviously.¡± Veledar rolled his eyes and stomped his paws. ¡°But that''s not fair. Momma is all grown up! When I¡¯ll be her age, I will have a gigantic cave filled with treasure and-and humans to do my bidding! I¡¯ll be their new king!¡±

    ¡°Somehow, I doubt they will listen to any word you say. Besides, they love their current king.¡± Adalina remarked. She darted away into the grass and crouched into a similar stance that Veledar had. ¡°Besides, while you will be proclaiming yourself the king of humans, I will be busy ruling the whole world. You have such simple views, Veledar. Still a hatchling in both body and mind.¡±

    ¡°Am not!¡± He shot back, sniffing the ground where the doe had been.

    He could probably track the damn prey to wherever she had gotten off to. Prove to his sister he was the better offspring, and make his mother radiate pure pride in the process.

    ¡°Hey, Adalina...Hey!¡± He shouted as, once again, his sister tackled him to the ground. After another round of play biting and scratches, Veledar had his sister pinned to the ground, smugly looking down on her.

    ¡°Stop these stupid games! I need to hunt.¡± He let her go as she sighed.

    ¡°When will you be back from this extremely important task?¡± she asked. ¡°It''s been boring without you around. Momma¡¯s been making her usual trips. That leaves the cave silent. And cold¡­¡± Her head dipped slightly.

    Veledar almost felt bad for mistreating his sister. With his head bowed in shame, he moved closer and nuzzled her scaly neck. ¡°Once I catch this doe, we can have the rest of the day for ourselves. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°Deal!¡± Adalina smiled back. ¡°You know¡­it¡¯s male dragons who usually provide for their mates. Bring me something good!¡±

    Veledar blushed slightly as her warm tongue rolled over his cheek. What did she mean by that? He shook his head off the strange butterflies that caught hold of his scales, but Adalina was already gone, off toward the mountain top they called home.

    Left alone, Veledar quickly dashed after his missing doe, quietly as a young dragon could be, careful not to crush a twig under his paws or tangle his horns in a bush. The doe was easy to follow for a hunter with keen senses. His mother had told him once how elves hunted without relying so much on their instinct of smell, which made him wonder how they caught any sort of prey. The doe''s path took Veledar up the river that ran down his mother''s mountain, snaking its way up patches of loose rocks that looked like they could dislodge themselves at only the slightest of nudges.

    The dragon stopped when he caught sight of the doe once again. She was standing in a ring of trees, oblivious to the threat hiding in the shadows.

    Veledar crouched low into his hunting stance, his tail once again twitching in anticipation, He wriggled his haunches, and when the doe went down for another bite of succulent grass, he pushed the ground with all he had and latched himself onto his prey. His claws found new purchase into the doe¡¯s hide, and his teeth quickly followed. Veledar fell along with his prey, blood spraying everywhere around him. In a moment, the anticipation, the thrill, the concentration, all of it dispelled once he picked up his prey by its dead, clammy neck.

    Veledar would¡¯ve celebrated his victory if his eyes didn¡¯t catch two fawns staring back at him from the river¡¯s bank. They were brown in color, naturally smaller than their dead mother. They scampered off into the underbrush, still watching with dread-filled eyes from the new hiding spot.

    ¡°I¡­I¡¯m sorry,¡± Veledar muttered to himself. He was well aware of the fact that simple animals could not comprehend his words, but still, he felt like he had a duty towards the two orphans. ¡°I will honor her. She did not die in vain.¡±

    That said, he grabbed the doe by the scruff of the neck and started to drag the corpse back home, to share it with his sister. Every once in a while, he¡¯d throw a look back to the blood-stained spot where he ended the promising life of a mother. How could he tell Adalina something like this?

    The answer was simple. He wouldn¡¯t. Instead, he was going to spin this into a tale of bravery that would surely make his sister proud -and perhaps even envious- of his skill.

    *

    ¡°Wake up!¡±

    Veledar didn¡¯t really want to, despite the voice¡¯s desires. It was a distinctive male one, quiet at first, as if the sound was muffled through a piece of cloth. Veledar tried to ignore it, but the voice returned with renewed fury. The scenery around Veledar started to blur and fade away. His limbs seemed to lock up with the ground, and with a growl of panic, Veledar merged with the earth, darkness filling up his eyes in an instant.

    Veledar opened an eye and tried to move his limbs, only to find that he could not. He was currently strapped to the floor of a wooden room, with leather straps that felt slightly too tight. The room was lit by a single lantern hanging by a large dark red door, and somehow, the dragon realized could open his mouth. Veledar did the first thing that came to mind. He took a deep breath, letting his glands flare open to let out the molten fire brewing within them. He was going to show those foolish humans how stupid it was to keep him contained in an environment predominantly made of wood. Veledar growled. Hissed. Spat. Yet no matter how much he struggled, fire refused to spring forth, and he was only left with an unpleasant burning sensation in the back of his throat. It was then that he noticed another belt, tight around his neck, right where his fire glands were, its purpose to keep them tight enough to render him unable to breathe out his blazing fury.

    ¡°Wicked pink-skinned rats!¡± Veledar unleashed a hiss of frustration. He tried to thrash around in hopes to loosen up the bindings. There had to be a weakness somewhere. Had to.

    ¡°Try as hard as you like, dragon. All this growly effort of yours serves to make you tired,¡± laughed a man''s voice.

    Veledar''s eyes squinted. ¡°Why don¡¯t you come closer, and see what else I can do?¡± He hissed. ¡°I would be surprised if you managed to keep your breeches clean more than a few seconds.¡±

    ¡°Ah, as much as I¡¯d enjoy proving you wrong, I find myself quite content to observe you from here. Besides, the paladin wanted to have words with you. Preserve whatever strength you have. Why, it¡¯s your only chance to explain yourself.¡±

    The paladin? Was that the man in the fancy metal suit? Veledar wasn''t completely certain. He had the eyes of a hunter though, unafraid as Veledar leaped to his men and knocked them out one by one.

    ¡°By all means, bring this paladin thing in here,¡± the dragon said. ¡°I would like to talk to the coward that sneaks into the lairs of innocent dragons to ambush them in their sleep with his little army of metal-clad ants.¡±

    The man laughed again. ¡°Mighty words robbed of their meaning considering your current position. You still believe you¡¯re innocent?¡±

    ¡°I know I am! Bring your leader here so I can tell it to his face. What was his name, by the way? The one with the fierce eyes and silver armor.¡±

    ¡°Forgot already?¡±

    ¡°Human names are like the birds that relieve themselves on the roofs of your homes. Only you care about the stench they leave behind. Me? I¡¯m hardly ever hit by their¡­¡± the dragon smirked. ¡°Is it considered rude if I make an ungainly comparison between their droppings and the fur you wear on top of your head?¡±

    ¡°My. He was right, after all. You¡¯ve got a way with words, beastie. They pour out of your mouth like a waterfall. Haven¡¯t you accused the paladin of talking better than he fights?¡± the human chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s¡­it¡¯s just amusing, with you all tied up and everything.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Veledar narrowed his eyes. ¡°It definitely looks like the droppings of a-¡°

    ¡°Oh, come on, don¡¯t go there,¡± the human brushed Veledar off. ¡°His name¡¯s Arcturus Lund, dragon slayer and Paladin of Lumara. You ought to feel lucky he didn''t drive his sword through your eye as you lay broken at his feet. Heard that¡¯s what he did with the last red that got on his angry side. Heh. For all your size and scales, you die just as easily as the birds you prattle about.¡±

    ¡°Delude yourself all you want, human. I was hardly broken by your foul trickery.¡± Veledar jerked in his restraints a little. ¡°Do I seem weak to you? Helpless? You would not have done such a thorough job with these restraints if you thought me broken. Now go. Fetch that paladin of yours, I dry my throat uselessly by talking with one so filled with fear that he will not even show his face to me.¡±

    Silence filled the next few seconds before Veledar heard the man leave the chamber. A soft sigh left his maw. It was obvious they did not want him dead, otherwise he would have had his guts opened up in his lair by that annoying, loud-mouthed, self righteous paladin.

    ¡°I¡¯ll show him when he gets here.¡± The dragon strained against the leather once more. ¡°He¡¯s just a human, after all.¡±

    One that managed to capture him. What would Adalina think of him? He, the mighty Veledar, captured by humans for who knew what reason. Veledar truly had no idea why Arcturus ambushed him like that. Could be an order from a deluded higher-up, or maybe he acted as the hand of vengeance for the flower thieves that stole from Trixie¡¯s garden. What if that fierce healer-woman spoke the truth? An entire village of children might¡¯ve perished because he decided to brush off the pleadings of a desperate woman.

    No. That can¡¯t be it. Her mate almost pissed his pants. He would¡¯ve fought if the stakes were that high.

    Nevertheless, Veledar emptied his mind of theories as his eyes shifted to stare at the door, waiting for the sound of the guard¡¯s steps. There was no need to think so hard when answers were going to grace his ears soon.

    He did not have to wait long, as only a couple minutes passed before he heard steps heavier than the man that had left. What he would say to the paladin crossed his mind. Would he start with an insult? Or perhaps a boast? That was a bit too crude. Maybe the best course of action was to taunt him again and find out what the humans truly wanted with him.

    Veledar was still in thought when a soft slick and turn of the knob opened the door in front of him. Standing there was accursed man that captured him -Arcturus- still wearing the same shiny armor, only this time his helmet was off and he carried no weapons Veledar could see.

    ¡°You know¡­ coming in here to lay eyes on a trapped dragon with no weapons to protect yourself with is not exactly a sound decision.¡± Veledar couldn¡¯t help himself even if his mind rebelled at the unwise choice to start off this dialogue.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Even Arcturus agreed it was stupid through a soft, disappointed sigh. ¡°I see old habits die hard with you dragons.¡± The human¡¯s eyes quickly scanned the straps before stepping closer towards his captive.

    ¡°You can leave us now.¡± Arcturus said to the guard behind him.

    ¡°As you wish, sir.¡± The man said as he shut the door softly. ¡°Be careful with the¡­beast.¡±

    ¡°Yes, leave us so you don''t die of boredom when I walk your precious paladin in endless loops of dialogue.¡± Veledar said drily, his blue eyes moving onto the main event. ¡°How do you feel, Arcturus? Knowing that you only came here to have your time wasted? You can bark orders to your minions, eat something fancy, perhaps even rest. And out of all these more enticing options, your first choice is to come here, to me.¡± Veledar smiled as a wicked thought crossed his mind. ¡°Maybe the reason you¡¯ve come here is to admire my radiant scales. Who knows? Given the way you look at me now, you¡¯ve probably watched me through all the hours I slept, crippled by a late sense of guilt. After all, how could you, a man with a sense of morality, with honor, restrain such a noble dragon? You feel bad. Admit it.¡±

    Veledar had hoped to get a reaction out of the paladin, but there was barely any to speak of. This man stood like a mountain, straight, confident, and completely emotionless.

    ¡°This is going to turn into a very drab affair if you keep looking at me like that. I have been known to kill humans with boredom before.¡± Veledar grinned.

    Arcturus said nothing. Instead, he pulled out a scroll from his pouch and rolled it out until it was held tight in his hands.

    ¡°What you say bears no significance to me, unless spoken with purpose. I will be asking you a series of questions, and if you truly care about your future, you better do your best to answer truthfully, dragon.¡±

    Veledar was taken back for a moment. The human said the last word with such disdain, such anger. He guessed it was no surprise coming from a man who literally earned his living by claiming the lives of dragons.

    ¡°Engage in whatever fruitless endeavor you see fit, paladin. Though I must warn you. This crusade of yours is nothing like the stories of old.¡±

    ¡°Why do you believe such?¡± Arcturus asked, poking his head out from the scroll. ¡°Loosen tongue and see the veil behind your words lifted.¡±

    ¡°Why am I not dead, for one? The heroes of your stories believe only in blind justice. They do not give dragons like me second chances. All they care about is returning home with a dragon¡¯s head in their cart, to be cheered and admired by the gloating crowd of simpletons. The king, mayor or whatever grants them land, title, then our hero finds a woman, falls in love, mates, lives happily ever after off the blood spilled. You find such tales heroic. I find them disgusting to the last.¡±

    ¡°Amusing, but far removed from the truth.¡± The paladin said. ¡°My king wanted you alive so you can face justice for your crimes against our kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Crimes? What crimes?¡± Veledar hissed. ¡°You keep babbling about these crimes as if you found me bathed in blood amidst hundreds of corpses!¡± Veledar¡¯s claws scraped against the floor in anger. ¡°You¡¯re no better than the rest of your guild, fattening your pouches with gold bought with the lives of innocent dragons.¡±

    ¡°That word again. Innocent. Why should I believe a word you say?¡±

    ¡°Because...because of the facts!¡± Veledar snarled again. ¡°How did you find me? Tell me! Say the truth for once instead of demonizing me!¡±

    Veledar noticed a tense in the human¡¯s jaws before he spoke. ¡°Asleep.¡±

    ¡°Asleep how?¡± Veledar pressed on. ¡°Did I hold a captive in my paws? A dying knight? The pitiful remains of my last meal?¡±

    ¡°No, You had a¡­something akin to what we give to our children.¡±

    The words felt heavy on the man¡¯s tongue, and Veledar extracted much joy from his clever ploy. As embarrassing as it was to admit, a mighty predator like him slept with an inanimate gryphon. Veledar was slowly, but surely, cutting his way into the human¡¯s frail heart.

    ¡°A toy. Out of all the things I listed, all the dreadful weapons those simpletons are afraid of, it had to be a toy. Tell me, paladin. Was my gryphon so threatening that you had to wrestle him away from me along with the entirety of my hoard? You said you want to judge me for my actions, but I would like to hear again of the charges brought against me. I admit to damaging a man''s house and one woman''s banner, but this hardly matches the crimes you¡¯ve committed against me!¡± Veledar snarled.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Arcturus brought the scroll up again. ¡°Let¡¯s see if a wall and a banner are what is listed here.¡±

    The paladin listed what Veledar already knew, but the similarities ended after his first couple of words. What followed after was a cacophony of nonsense, including murder, kidnapping of children, and stealing from merchants on the king¡¯s roads.

    Veledar''s maw went agape with disgust. He heard nonsense before, but this amalgamation of filth felt like hedgehogs burying into his ears. How vile was this human king? To fabricate such lies in order to get an innocent dragon captured?

    ¡°That¡­¡± Veledar let his fierce growl sink into a depressed sigh. He had to play his part, even if that meant striking a blow to his pride. ¡°That cannot be what you truly believe, is it? You are a dragon slayer, yes, but I have to hope the paladin in you is stronger than that. My mother¡­she told me tales of resplendent men that carried the light of the sun upon their armor. Men who are sworn to valor. Men who are just.¡± His eyes slowly rose from the ground to look at Arcturus. ¡°Are you one of these men, Arcturus?¡±

    The paladin¡¯s gaze faltered, but only for a moment. ¡°I¡­there have been some who see things differently. I trust word of mouth to a degree, but the written word holds much more power.¡± Arcturus answered, to which Veledar snorted in disgust.

    ¡°Fine. Trust that pile of stinking horse crap if it makes you feel any better.¡± He turned his eyes as much as he could away from this joke of a paladin. ¡°All I know is that your people stole from my treasure and accuse me of things that make even my stomach revolt at the thought of d-doing such things!¡± He strained against the leather, making Arcturus back away from him for a moment. Veledar slumped to the ground when the straps refuse to budge, pleased to see the human breathe a sigh of relief as he stepped back to his previous spot.

    ¡°I admire your fighting spirit, dragon. Perhaps you even hide some chaffed scales beneath those bindings. Do you truly believe that all these charges are simply lies fabricated to implicate you?¡± he said, his hand moving to stroke his chin. ¡°That does not make any sense no matter from which angle you look at it.¡±

    ¡°Just like your title, paladin.¡± Veledar spat that word, eyes narrowing at the distasteful human.

    ¡°What?¡± Arcturus eyes widened for a brief moment. ¡°How dare you accuse me like he did?¡±

    ¡°He? You¡¯ve gone and captured another dragon, have you?¡± Veledar pressed on, driven by an innate urge to see this human implode on himself. ¡°Are you reading him the same lies? How many are there in the bowels of the ship besides me? I¡¯m just curious, to know how many lives are enough to sate your thirst for innocent blood, dragon slayer.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Arcturus stomped the ground. ¡°I haven¡¯t captured more. You are my only mission.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± Veledar said, making the human clench his fists.

    ¡°Stop it. If you¡¯re trying to use my anger to your advantage, know that I am trained well against the poison that courses through your tongue with every word you speak.¡±

    Veledar had to give at least a brief smile. He might not have managed to persuade the human of his innocence, yet seeing him simmer felt just as satisfying. ¡°Stings, does it not? To be accused of falsehoods. If not me, who else were you speaking about?¡±

    Arcturus sighed. Arms crossed, he paced around the room, lost in thought for a bit. ¡°It was another dragon, bearing crimson scales not very different from yours, and no, it isn¡¯t my desire to expand that topic further. Instead, I¡¯d like to hear why you tarnished my title.¡±

    ¡°You know why, human.¡± Veledar said. ¡°In the tales I¡¯ve been told, paladins had a sense of honor and virtue. They could wield impressive magic, inspired bravery in their allies, and fought against the agents of evil across all world. Whatever you are is nothing like that. What you wield is an empty name, a mockery of what my mother¡¯s tales spoke of.¡±

    Veledar noticed the human stop and study his response. Good. He had gotten under his skin at least. ¡°Tell me, slayer. How many dragons have found their end at the tip of your blade? Rumors say you come from a family with a particularly vicious taste for dragon blood. That you have this urge, this drive to kill that only ceases when you take a dragon¡¯s life.¡±

    A dark frown creased Arcturus¡¯ face. Within two long strides he was upon the cage, armored hands wrapping themselves tight against the bars. Veledar could choose to maim the human, but the pain inflicted by his words felt more satisfying than any physical wound.

    ¡°What you heard is no truer than the claims you deny!¡± Arcturus spoke. ¡°I¡¯ve only ended one dragon, and I can assure you, it was quite an effort to put him down. I also did not murder him in his sleep or anything ridiculous of that sort. Merely brought the light of justice down upon that¡­that monster.¡±

    ¡°Is that how you live with yourself?¡± He mocked the human by poking his fingers with the top of his snout. Arcturus pulled back immediately from the dragon¡¯s moist breath. ¡°Admit you are a dragon murderer. Say something true just this once.¡±

    Arcturus put his right hand to his nose and squeezed gently at its length with his eyes shut briefly.

    Veledar accepted the gesture for the time being.

    ¡°In exchange, I also wanted to know why you did not kill any of the soldiers I sent into your cave,¡± he said, reopening his eyes and looking into the dragon¡¯s eyes. ¡°That was something I did not expect to see.¡±

    ¡°You already know that answer. I am not the monster you or all of the oafs in that village paint me out to be. Are we not talking without raking at each other¡¯s hides right now? Imagine how fruitful our encounter would have been if you would have talked with me instead of charging me like a dumb orc.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t take any chances,¡± Arcturus said flatly.

    ¡°Spare me the lecture. Just because another red dragon fractured your heart, that doesn¡¯t make me guilty of the same sins. Now, if you don¡¯t mind, I would like to know what your plans with me are. My limbs are starting to feel really stiff.¡± Veledar would have thrashed his tail, but the leather strap on it stopped that, of course.

    ¡°We are several days away from the capital. Unfortunately, that means we¡¯ll be holding you tied up until the time comes to face justice for all that¡¯s written in this scroll.¡± Arcturus replied, placing his quill at the top of his clipboard. ¡°May the Gods forgive me if I¡¯m wrong. Like I said before, I cannot take the risk.¡±

    Veledar¡¯s snout crashed back on the ground. This human paladin was disappointing him further and further. ¡°Not that pile of dung again. For the sake of the paladins of old, can you at least pretend I¡¯m speaking the truth? Does this sound like justice to you? A trial based on lies and your people''s hatred for dragons?¡± Veledar replied harshly. He noticed Arcturus would not meet his gaze, clearly the human was conflicted about this issue.

    ¡°It does not.¡± he admitted as he looked into Veledar''s eyes. ¡°But it is my king¡¯s will you defy. The words of dozens of villagers that claimed to have seen you perform these very crimes. I¡­¡± the human faltered. ¡°Tell me again you did not do those things. Slowly.¡±

    What the human was up to,Veledar did not know, but without hesitating, the red dragon picked his head up, his unwavering gaze staring straight into the human¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I swear by my integrity as a dragon that I have not done any of those things. I only damaged the house accidentally in pursuit of my¡­well that¡¯s private, but again, I did not harm anyone physically. Might have called them pink-skinned rats a few times, but that¡¯s just a truth your species has to live with. You have a myriad of jokes about us too, right? Tell me one. Go on. Amuse me. I know I will not get any justice here, so might as well try to have a bit of fun, before¡­¡±

    Veledar let his words wither. Arcturus sat in silence, looking at nothing in particular, as if contemplating Veledar''s reply. He waited for the human to say something about deceit. Honestly, he had no idea why he even put up with this ridiculous charade. One way or the other, he was going to end up roasted in the capital city of Entis, surrounded by the biggest, meanest group of pink-skinned rats a dragon could ever see.

    ¡°I believe you.¡± Arcturus said, much to Veledar''s amazement. ¡°Now tell me what happened, in your words, and leave nothing to assumption.¡± Arcturus settled down near Veledar''s head and put the quill to the paper. ¡°Also, for the purpose of this note, I will need a name to refer you by. I can simply write dragon if you don''t want to tell me.¡±

    ¡°Write Crimson Sky on your paper, human. I want your king to know the dragon he has wronged this day. Although mark my words, I do not believe he will listen to anything I have to say.¡±

    Arcturus started writing down the moment Veledar started speaking. Crimson Sky spoke about the theft, the little girl''s house, his trip to town, and finally the fight with the bandits. The dragon of course spoke with much flattery about his actions. Although he insisted that someone threw the banner he had ripped at him. Crimson Sky mentioned how he heroically swooped in to save the half-elf Lyndis and how the half-elf woman had been in awe of his greatness.

    Arcturus doubted, of course, that the strong, spirited half-elf had really bowed before the dragon¡¯s greatness, but he humored the dragon anyway. Veledar snorted when he finished, causing Arcturus to flinch slightly.

    ¡°Is that satisfying for you, dragon slayer?¡± he asked, raising a scaly eyebrow.

    ¡°I prefer you not call me that.¡±

    ¡°It is what you are though.¡±

    ¡°As you are a dragon. I will say again that I did not murder the other red wyrm out of cold blood. He was a monster that had done plenty of killing before he tried to end my life. Then¡­just before he faded into the depths of death, he took something very precious from me. Some things can¡¯t be replaced, Crimson Sky¡­no matter how much we struggle.¡± Arcturus replied. Veledar noticed he reached into the pouch on his belt and seemed to be feeling for something within when he said that last part.

    ¡°So he took back a gem, coin, or possibly a piece of art as a memento of your confrontation. I imagine you deserved whatever happened. Your people seem very skilled at twisting stories according to their needs.¡± He hissed.

    He watched the human¡¯s response for the moment. Arcturus sighed and seemed to grip whatever was in his pocket tighter, then wrote more on the paper, but the human now looked drained. Veledar guessed whatever he said had hurt the human deeper than intended.

    ¡°Perhaps you are telling the truth as well, and I am wrong to assume vile things of you.¡± Veledar said, causing Arcturus to look at him once again. ¡°However, I am curious as to what is going to happen to me now. What is Crimson Sky¡¯s fate? Will he be sentenced to death? Perhaps tortured?¡±

    He saw what could be described as confusion in the paladin''s eyes, so he pressed the point harder. Perhaps he would even be able to manipulate the man now that he gained a small measure of lenience.

    ¡°Would that be the just or noble thing for a knight to do?¡± he said, watching Arcturus return the gaze.

    ¡°I will make sure the king hears your side of the story,¡± the man stood up, putting his clipboard to his side, much to Veledar''s disappointment. ¡°Do you require anything? I can have food brought to you if you want. It''s not the best we have, but should keep you satisfied until¡­well, you know.¡± Arcturus said.

    ¡°I wish to be set free, not feast on whatever scraps you find on your tables. Now send me my armored jailer back. I have a few words to share with him.¡±

    ¡°Will do. Fare you well, Crimson Sky,¡± Arcturus said before walking out of the room, letting the guard from before slip into his shadowy corner.

    ¡°Well if it isn''t the mysterious armored monk, coming to marvel at my ferocious beauty. What¡¯s the matter? Are my scales so dazzling they tangled your tongue?¡±

    ¡°Aye. You are a sight to behold, tied up like a juicy ham eager for the fire¡¯s licks,¡± the guard chuckled. ¡°Reminds me of this roasted lizard I ate once. Kinda looked like you, minus the wings.¡±

    ¡°I weep for your faulty sight, human.¡± Veledar snorted, blowing some dust over the floor. How dare this guard insult him by calling him a common lizard.

    ¡°You a winged lizard then. No, a serpent, like the trickster from my mother¡¯s tales. D¡¯you happen to hear the story of Lenrogor the Muffin Thief?¡±

    ¡°I might tell you if you call me by my name, title, or species, you pink skinned brute.¡±

    ¡°Lizard wants to play games now?¡±

    ¡°Grah but you¡¯re thick! I am a dragon you metal-clad, urine drenched urchin! Is the king so drowned in debts that he snatches illiterate orphans from the streets to serve as his knights now?¡± He grinned at the last bit, thinking he had the human backed to the wall.

    ¡°Oh, hahaha! Good one, good one! Can¡¯t have a discussion with a dragon without resorting to petty, thoughtless insults. Just you wait until the rest of Lumara gets a piece of the great comedian. Then we¡¯ll see who¡¯s laughing, serpent.¡±

    Veledar stuck his tongue out at the man before tugging on his leathers one last time, then slumped to the ground defeated. He closed his eyelids and tried to think back to the dream he was having before he was so rudely awakened by the brute¡¯s shouts inconvenient shouts.

    *

    Arcturus swiftly ran back to his quarters with the manuscript from the dragon rolled up under his arm. He was currently holding his hand to the ridge of his nose. He had just received a message from one of the king''s wizards consisting of an unexpected change in his orders. Instead of bringing the dragon back to the capital, he was charged with killing him while he was still firmly bound in the hold of the ship. The news struck him particularly hard after the unpleasant discussion he had with the dragon.

    What if Crimson Sky is right? That nagging voice in the back of his mind kept whispering thoughts Arcturus would have considered treasonous under normal circumstances. However, the more he pondered, the more he realized how rotten this course of action was. In serving his king, he could very well send an innocent creature to a premature death. Arcturus didn''t know if he could read dragons as well as he did people. He tried not to think about what Crimson Sky had said about justice, honor, and doing what was right. Clearly the dragon had a silver tongue. With its life at stake, he¡¯d not leave any stone unturned, no matter what terrors lurked underneath. As he closed his eyes for a faltering moment, the image of his burning house sprung to his mind.

    Selena¡­Geoffrey¡­ Dread Flame¡¯s talons locked around his useless leg, forcing Arcturus to watch as his family withered before his very eyes¡­

    The paladin placed a hand on the sturdy door that led to his quarters. He took a moment to regain his bearings, then opened the door and collapsed onto the cot with a thump. Despite everything his gut was telling him, a big part of him still believed the dragon. There had been some stretching of the truth involved, but he could still not shake the truthfulness in the creature¡¯s cerulean eyes. They had not wavered, nor were they filled with malice when he spoke. He imagined how it would have looked if the dragon was any other species. Would there even be a debate on this matter?

    ¡°Selina¡­¡± He whispered, pulling a small locket from his pouch. He flipped open the silver case to reveal a picture of his wife and son, side by side. ¡°If only you were here to soothe my troubled mind. What would you do, hmm? Is a dragon¡¯s life worth going against my kingdom? Betraying a king that trusted me to¡­¡±

    Arcturus¡¯ words faltered. He came here to capture the dragon, not end his life based on an order sent through a mage.

    ¡°Gods be good, what am I getting into?¡± He sat up with his hands on his face. He knew what Selena would have said. She would have reminded him about his oath, strengthen his wavering beliefs with her sweet, calming voice. She would have also pointed out that none of those words referred only to humans. Was not every life precious in its own, intricate way?

    Arcturus sighed. He imagined her face all scrunched up, annoyed that she had to renew his faith yet again, but in her eyes hid love too, not just concern.

    He stood up, stashing the locket back into his pocket. If he was to kill the dragon like his king commanded him to, an innocent life would be lost forever, and that, he could not allow. Not as a paladin.

    Arcturus grabbed his pack from his table and started packing his belongings.

    ¡°If any of you are watching, now would be a good time to grant me your favor,¡± he whispered to the skies as he slung his shield around his back. He did not yet know how he would go about this task, but one thing was certain. Today, Arcturus, paladin of Lumara, was going to save a dragon from the clutches of impending death.

 Chapter 7: Next Time Lets Just Fly

    <u>Chapter 7: Next Time Lets Just Fly</u>

    Arcturus returned to Crimson Sky''s cell after the crew had their dinner. With a casual order from his lips, the guard was relieved of his duty, and no one would be the wiser. He turned the knob to the room and opened the door slowly. The plan was simple. Let the dragon escape and take the full blame for the mishap. Of course, it sounded easy when you put it like that. The lies that followed after said deed put Arcturus on edge. He didn¡¯t want to stick to his oath by betraying his people, so he tried to focus on the immediate future for now. More precisely, on how to convince his men -and even the king- that he had no involvement in the dragon¡¯s escape.

    Arcturus imagined himself standing before the foot of Cornelius¡¯ throne, with a grave look about his face. I¡¯ve seen the cage give way before the dragon¡¯s might with my own eyes, m¡¯lord. We got lucky to escape unscathed. Yes, the dragon¡¯s gone, but what matters here is that we¡¯re all alive. The beast didn¡¯t kill anyone.

    He kicked himself at how stupid that sounded. A full squad of the king¡¯s best men, outsmarted by a captive dragon? It was a hard sell, but Arcturus still remained determined. Whatever justice the king would bestow upon him was better than the regret of having an innocent creature killed. Man or dragon, red or black, male or female. It was a living, sentient creature that deserved better than to be put down like a sick dog.

    Arcturus shut the door behind him with a soft click, then turned to the dragon. Crimson Sky had not moved, and his eyelids were closed. Was that snoring he heard? He internally laughed at the thought.

    ¡°My favorite inquisitor just can¡¯t get enough of me.¡± The dragon yawned, his tongue curling like a feline¡¯s before it returned back inside its toothy cage. ¡°What brings you back here, paladin? Surely it¡¯s not only my charming looks or irresistible humor.¡±

    Arcturus chuckled. This dragon had quite the mouth on him.

    ¡°That brooding look again? Does this mean I will be subjected to another round of questions?¡± Crimson Sky crossed his paws, one on top of the other, a curious look in his cerulean eyes. ¡°Or is it that reason finally dawned upon that furred head of yours?¡±

    The dragon tried to bite at his straps in vain, ¡°Despite how stylish these bonds are, they start to feel really uncomfortable, especially around my hind legs, and I¡¯m not even speaking about what¡¯s tucked between them. Did it ever occur to you, at any point in this journey, that your captive might need to unburden himself?¡±

    ¡°Shut your nonsense, dragon.¡± Arcturus whispered. ¡°I¡¯ve got a set of explanations in my head, but there¡¯s no way I can tell my guards the dragon crapped himself with a straight face.¡±

    ¡°As if I ever would.¡± The dragon snorted. ¡°So why are you-¡°

    Arcturus hissed again. He approached the dragon slowly and carefully, a hand extended ahead to test the beast¡¯s reflexes.

    ¡°You were not really sleeping, were you?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°As if I ever could.¡± The dragon snorted. ¡°How can you lot even sleep in this contraption is beyond me. Entertain me for a second.¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯m not talking about dragon-sized outhouses when I¡¯m about to-¡°

    The dragon probably sensed something was amiss. ¡°About to what?¡± he tilted his head. ¡°You¡¯re thinking of something good, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Arcturus rolled his eyes at how chatty the dragon was today. He fought evil beasts, lazy beasts, but he rarely had the misfortune to face off against chatty ones. The paladin made his way to the strap at the dragon''s neck, then hesitated. What he was about to do next was going to set a whole lot of weird events into motion. Was it really worth it? A dragon¡¯s life for-

    The human shook his head. He couldn¡¯t think such thoughts. Not when the dragon looked at him with such peaceful eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that twitch, you know. You are thinking of setting me free, after all.¡± said Crimson Sky with a grin. ¡°Oh, you can¡¯t tell me you got cold feet now when you¡¯ve already come all the way here. Approach. I might even offer you my wet appreciation in return.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m better off without dragon drool on my clothes.¡± Arcturus said. He kneeled and looked Crimson Sky in the eye, ¡°I¡¯ll set you free, but in exchange, I need your word that no one else is to be harmed.¡±

    ¡°Of course, of course. When did I ever lie to you anyway?¡± replied Crimson Sky, his eyes not straying in the slightest. ¡°Besides, even if I had this silver tongue you seem so wary of, I¡¯m not stupid to attack a warship. You have my word on that.¡±

    That was the final push Arcturus needed. After brief pause to gather himself mentally, he loosened that strap around Crimson Sky''s neck, and immediately, the dragon pushed his head up, letting out a long sigh of relief.

    ¡°Much better.¡±

    Arcturus tensed for a brief moment, but there was no deep breath, no intense flame coming out of the dragon¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯re looking at me as if I grew another pair of horns.¡±

    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s just- no, no, don¡¯t even think of-¡°The dragon¡¯s snout descended upon him, and if that sea of scales wasn¡¯t bad enough, his slimy eel of a tongue poked out, along with the dragon¡¯s less-than-likable breath. Arcturus¡¯ fears came true. Crimson Sky was definitely going to slobber and drift his tongue all over his fine clothes.

    ¡°Gods¡­¡± he grimaced as he flung off ropes of translucent goo from his vestments while the dragon stared at him with a very pleased look on his face. ¡°You know what? I¡¯m not even going to bother talking.¡±

    ¡°Good. Because I will.¡± Crimson Sky went into a pompous lecture about his features, starting with his silky wings, then following up with his tough scales, even talking about the perfect curves of his claws. For a brief moment, his words made Arcturus feel as if he was actually releasing a deity from hundreds of years of imprisonment. That¡¯s how convincing the dragon¡¯s words were. After he finished with the front half, he moved to the dragon¡¯s bottom to unstrap his legs one at a time. The creature¡¯s swishing tail tip reminded Arcturus of the slap he got back in the cave, and if the circumstances were better, he would¡¯ve gotten his revenge right here and now.

    But this was not the right time. ¡°Alright. You¡¯re done.¡±

    Crimson Sky threw a quick look behind, then propped himself up on his fours to stretch his limbs.

    ¡°Grrrraaaaatitude,¡± he said as he turned around to face Arcturus. ¡°I owe you more than a few licks, human.¡±

    ¡°Consider us even.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Even you say? Even?¡± the dragon paced closer, clearly trying to intimidate him with his size. Then, in a flash, that bothersome tail whirled around, sending Arcturus slamming against the wall, hard enough to hurt. He collapsed on the ground with a cough, then groaned as the dragon trapped him underneath a clawed forepaw.

    ¡°B-bastard,¡± he grabbed onto his scaly fingers to pry them apart, only to find them strong and sturdy.

    ¡°Do you feel even now, human? Imagine how I feel.¡± The dragon snarled. ¡°First, you roused me from my sleep, then attacked me with your mob of angry peasants, stole my treasure, brought me here, forced me to sit for hours with the most annoying sound buzzing in my ears, and to you, we are even?¡± he growled. ¡°Don''t think I will forget what you¡¯ve put me through.¡±

    Arcturus felt his pulse quicken. Out of all the scenarios he conjured in his mind, finding himself pinned and helpless was not on the list. He cursed himself for letting his guard down. This bastard was probably just like the other red he faced. A lying, manipulative sod who-

    The prison of toes receded, and with a deep breath Arcturus¡¯ fears went away.

    ¡°Still, you have freed me. This has to count for something, right? Now show me the way out of this place before I really lose my temper.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s rich,¡± Arcturus picked himself up. ¡°You should see how it feels to be rammed to the wall when you put your trust in a blabbering Red.¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not speaking about me.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m not.¡± Arcturus lied to avoid another word warfare with the dragon. ¡°Follow me, and heed my instructions if you want to leave this place on your own paws. All I have to do is pull a lever to open the hatch and you can fly away.¡± Arcturus replied as he turned and opened the large door for the dragon. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s that easy, unless my guards get suspicious.¡±

    Hopefully, that was not the case. Together with the dragon, Arcturus made his way into the empty hanger just as he planned. Crimson Sky was quickly behind him, squeezing his way through the hallways. Luckily, the staff was on a lunch break, so the two of them had a clear way through.

    ¡°What convinced you to let me go? Was it my greatness? Or was I able to masterfully manipulate you into doing my bidding?¡± Crimson Sky whispered from behind.

    ¡°Believe it or not, that loud maw of yours told me things I didn¡¯t expect. I... decided to put my trust in someone.¡± Arcturus sighed. His thoughts went to Selina.

    ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is I was able to manipulate you.¡± the dragon grinned, causing Arcturus to sigh a second time.

    Arcturus walked to a metallic console with different buttons and levers, clearly labeled for their uses. He grasped the one that opened the hangar, then looked back at Crimson Sky.

    ¡°Once I open this, you fly away. No questions asked, no farewells given,¡± he said. ¡°Make sure you get far away to a place where my king cannot find you. I will sort out this nonsense with the false charges on my own.¡± He turned to Crimson Sky who had narrowed eyes. ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°I cannot do that.¡± Crimson Sky shook his horned head. ¡°Your king demanded my capture, you grieved me in more than one way, and you expect me to just leave?¡± Crimson Sky cocked his head to the side. ¡°I am going to find your king and make him give back everything he¡¯s taken from me over a pleasant chat about how he thinks it is within his right to steal from a perfectly peaceful citizen of his realm.¡±

    Arcturus could not believe the dragon''s bravery, or ignorance. ¡°Gods. You¡­this is the biggest nonsense I heard yet. Do you realize how many soldiers we have? How many airships, how many men, and teams of gryphons? You couldn''t possibly get anywhere near our king without a cage to house you or fetters to bind your limbs.¡± He said calmly, gripping the lever tighter in his hand. ¡°Now, I did my part and freed your scaly bottom, so how about you do yours?¡±

    ¡°You had contact with your king?¡± Crimson Sky asked as he raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Yes, I have met with him on occasions.¡± said Arcturus as he peeked to make sure no one was coming. The hangar was still empty. All that remained for him to do was convince this stubborn dragon to leave.

    ¡°And you know the layout of the castle?¡± continued Crimson Sky, and Arcturus noticed the growing grin on his snout. Crimson Sky pounced on him before he could respond. The dragon had him wrapped tight under a scaled limb, then his other paw reached for the lever. The floor of the ship opened up to reveal the ground far below.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Arcturus struggled against the dragon¡¯s grip, but the red beast was too strong, and he was pulled firm against the dragon''s chest. He slammed his fists against the dragon¡¯s scales, his efforts as useless as everything he previously tried.

    ¡°Put me down, you deluded beast!¡± Arcturus shouted over the howling wind.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a smart thing to say.¡± The dragon chuckled.

    Over on the other side of the hangar, the door opened with one of the guards holding a wooden tankard.

    ¡°Hey Arcturus, the lads upstairs are having this- by the gods he¡¯s got you!¡± he dropped the tankard to the floor with a thud, ale spilling over the wooden boards. ¡°The dragon has escaped!¡± he cried to the hallway. ¡°Beast¡¯s loose! He has the Paladin! To arms, men, to arms! Beast¡¯s loose!¡± The man sprinted back the way he came to most likely grab a weapon.

    ¡°Alright. Alright.¡± Arcturus spoke quickly. ¡°You had your fun now, but they¡¯re never going to let you leave, so put me aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!¡±

    He felt his stomach lurch as the dragon dove headfirst out the hatch with the paladin tightly held in his claws. Arcturus felt the other forepaw grip him tightly as they descended rapidly from the shrinking ship. Despite not really wanting to be kidnapped in this embarrassing sort of way, Arcturus held onto the dragon as tight as he possibly could. His mind went numb with fright, and his throat never stopped vocalizing said panic.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Arcturus? I thought a man that travels in flying machines wouldn''t be afraid of heights!¡± Crimson Sky laughed deeply. ¡°Or is it just for dragons that you scream like a banshee?¡±

    ¡°Do you know what you''ve done?!¡± Arcturus shouted, his nerves starting to ease as the dragon steadied his flight.

    ¡°I have escaped your flying machine, captured a valuable resource that will help me, oh, and I get to hear you sing.¡± Crimson Sky said, his voice oozing with narcissism.

    ¡°All you¡¯ve done is getting us neck-deep into stupid, scaly dragon crap! They¡¯ll hunt us down to the end of the earth for this. Gods be damned, I was giving you a chance, you arsehole of a dragon, and you¡¯ve messed everything!¡± Arcturus shouted as he still gripped his captor. ¡°Put me down, already. PUT ME DOWN!¡±

    ¡°Not a very good choice of words for a wingless human.¡± Arcturus felt the dragon''s grip tighten on him. ¡°Would be a very long drop for you.¡±

    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± He asked. Surely the dragon wasn''t going back to his lair. That would have to be the most stupid plan, and hopefully even this blabber-mouth was smarter than that.

    ¡°I have a plan, and I have my ways.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Your devious, careless ways. Excuse me if I¡¯m not feeling overly optimistic about your plan.¡±

    ¡°All you need to know is that we are going somewhere safe.¡± Crimson Sky replied.

    The rest of the flight went in silence as Arcturus tried to not focus on the ground, so very far removed from his feet. It made his stomach queasy, and his head ache, to even look at the wobbling skies. He instead focused on the scales that adorned the dragon¡¯s chest and forepaws. They were smooth and segmented as to allow fine movements, but possibly even stronger than the armor that Arcturus was wearing. He felt Crimson Sky''s wing beats with every flap, and inhaled the dragon¡¯s scent with every breath. Arcturus had to admit, he smelled dogs a lot more displeasing than this dragon. If it were not for the fear of falling, the flight might have even been relaxing.

    ¡°Hold tight. We¡¯re going down.¡±

    Arcturus wrapped his fingers around the dragon¡¯s limbs and felt his stomach churn one last time as Crimson Sky started his decent towards the ground.

    He landed with a thud, the cracking of wood following shortly after.  From the darkness, Arcturus spotted the form of his crossbow splintered in pieces across the dark ground. He stood up and pulled out his sword, holding the gleaming metal between Crimson Sky and himself.

    ¡°I get it, you vile, overly loud beast! You lie to me, kidnap me, take me to a secluded spot and eat me.¡± He looked for an opening, but with Crimson Sky now standing in front of him, he did not see a way out. He most likely could not out-fight the dragon like this, with hardly any equipment. So Arcturus reached into his pouch to pull out a small yellow stone, that, with a simple touch, illuminated the area like a torch.

    ¡°Come. Fight me. I assure you, I won¡¯t go down that easily,¡± he said sternly, gripping his sword tightly. The dragon became all the more intimidating in the stone¡¯s light that reflected off his scales.

    ¡°Really?¡± The dragon just stared at him for a moment before he rolled his cerulean eyes. ¡°Are we going to do this now?¡±

    ¡°What else is left?¡± Arcturus hissed.

    ¡°Oh please. If I wanted to kill you, I would have just dropped you the moment I dove out of your machine.¡±

    Arcturus hated to admit as much, but Crimson Sky had a point. He hesitated a moment before stowing his sword. ¡°So where does this put me? I am your captive? Or maybe¡­a friend?¡±

    A small smirk appeared on Crimson Sky''s snout. ¡°That can be arranged if you help me recover all what I¡¯ve lost. You owe me a lot of things, friend,¡± the dragon empathized that last word with a hiss.

    Crimson Sky started to circle him slowly, with each paw hardly making a noise on the ground.

    ¡°Now that¡¯s rich. Why should I be helping you? You kidnapped me!¡± He shouted, but despite this, Crimson Sky just grinned with his pointed teeth. He settled onto his haunches with his tail flicking back and forth.

    ¡°That¡¯s all? I expected a better rant from the mighty Arcturus Lund, paladin of Lumara, vanquisher of scaly evildoers.¡±

    ¡°And I expected an honest dragon!¡±

    ¡°Well, I did save your life, so there¡¯s that.¡±

    Arcturus narrowed his eyes. ¡°This is even better. Out of all the possible things you could say, this is the worst. Please, enlighten me. How in the world did you come to such rational conclusion?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy. By freeing me, you turned your back against your king¡¯s orders. Oh. You probably thought he¡¯s going to fall prey to your simple lies, is that it? This might be hard to hear, but you are not a good liar at all, paladin. The king would¡¯ve seen right through you, then what? Torture? What punishment do you humans have for freeing a dragon?¡±

    The dragon had a point. Curses, it had to come to this, stranded in the middle of nowhere with the same dragon he was supposed to deliver back to Lumara.

    ¡°Why are you still thinking? Just admit the truth. Right now, I am the best chance you have.¡±

    ¡°Thank you¡­Crimson Sky,¡± Arcturus replied, much to the dragon¡¯s surprise. He even looked another way to avoid showing too many emotions.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    ¡°That¡­that came a bit faster than I expected from a pompous paladin.¡±

    Arcturus let the snide remark go for now. ¡°I have to admit, you don¡¯t sound half as stupid as I imagined. Lay out the rest of your plans for me.¡±

    ¡°No. You share first.¡± The dragon said.

    Arcturus sighed. ¡°I thought that¡¯s obvious.¡± Arcturus looked back at the sky. ¡°I figure they already came up with the obvious course of action. There will be several gryphons coming after you that will track us both down and attempt to recapture you.¡±

    ¡°Hmmmphhh, well, luckily, we won¡¯t be here for long,¡± grumbled Crimson Sky as he was yet to look away from the trees. ¡°I have an acquaintance in this forest that owes me a favor, and I''m sure she would be glad to see that debt paid.¡±

    ¡°Another dragon? How far are they?¡±

    The dragon snorted. ¡°Never mentioned the species to keep you guessing. Besides, I quite enjoyed the clattering feel of your armor rattling over that shivering body of yours. Leaves quite the impression of a brave knight.¡± Crimson Sky snickered as he stretched his wings wide before turning his snout to a collection of bushes.

    ¡°What do you think of our brave knight, Trixie? Quite a sight to behold, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Oh yes I did! How loud did he cry?¡± came the sound of a small female voice. Arcturus turned to see a little fairy emerging from the bushes with a small flash of blue light.

    ¡°Oh, you should have been there. He screeched like a proper banshee. Almost hurt me to see him squeal like that,¡± said Crimson Sky as he stood up and stretched like a cat.

    ¡°You¡¯re speaking vile things, dragon.¡± Arcturus said. ¡°And as the sole being without wings here, I think it is fairly reasonable to be scared of falling to my death when a certain dragon kidnaps me out of nowhere.¡± He crossed his arms defensibly, a gesture that made the fairy and dragon laugh even harder.

    ¡°Crimson Sky, have you returned to collect your favor?¡±

    Crimson Sky nodded at the fairy. ¡°This human and I need to use your portal. He claims that his companions will dispatch gryphons and capture me again. I, of course, intend to lose them before they make any progress.¡±

    ¡°Of course you may use the portal, Crimson Sky, but be wary. Fairy magic has a way of messing around with non-fairies.¡±

    Truthfully, Arcturus had never studied or heard too much about fairy magic. ¡°Could you tell us more please?¡± He walked closer to the fairy with an eyebrow raised.

    ¡°There¡¯s not much to say. You need to have a clear head during the process of gate-hopping, otherwise you may be pulled to whoever knows where.¡± Trixie said while flying around Arcturus'' head.

    ¡°Where would that be?¡± asked Crimson Sky as he tilted his head to the side.

    ¡°No one knows!¡± she cried. ¡°That¡¯s what I just said!¡±

    Crimson Sky laughed at her little outburst.

    ¡°I wouldn''t laugh if I were you. The other realm affects dragons in the same way it enfeebles other mortals. Even if said dragon is full of hot air.¡± Trixie scolded the dragon by waving her tiny little index finger.

    ¡°Watch your little tongue, Trixie. Friend or not, I do not take kindly to anyone besmirching my name.¡± Crimson Sky growled, ¡°Let¡¯s just get this over with so I don''t have to listen to more of this be careful it¡¯s so dangerous nonsense. I can handle myself just fine.¡±

    Despite trying to hold it in, Arcturus let out a small laugh. He tried to stop as Crimson Sky turned to him with unblinking eyes.

    ¡°You have something to say, paladin?¡± Crimson Sky asked. He approached slowly, his tail curling around him. ¡°Something you found funny, perhaps?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just that¡­I¡¯ve got firsthand experience with this hot air she speaks of.¡± He burst out, causing Crimson Sky to turn to the fairy.

    ¡°See what you''ve done? Now my human is snickering at me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not YOUR human, dragon!¡± Arcturus pointed out, to which the dragon let out a gust of hot air.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t seem so when you held on to me for dear life.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I wouldn¡¯t have if you didn¡¯t kidnap me!¡±

    ¡°Ok, ok ok ok!¡± Trixie held up her small arms to split the two arguing males apart. ¡°You guys are making my head spin. If you are serious about using the gate, you need to be a lot closer. Much safer to travel with a buddy if you¡¯re a non-fairy.¡± She gestured towards them to get closer. Arcturus moved slightly towards Crimson Sky, who did the same.

    ¡°Closer. Has to be much closer than that.¡± she put her arms on her hips.

    ¡°Ah, blast it. A few steps closer and you¡¯ll ask me to kiss him!¡± Arcturus scoffed.

    Crimson Sky puffed out his chest. ¡°Oh, Arcturus, I know I look good, but you don¡¯t have to-¡°

    ¡°Shut it, you gnarly lizard.¡±

    Crimson Sky stuck his tongue out at him much to Trixie¡¯s disappointment, who zapped them both with a touch of fairy magic.

    ¡°If you two keep arguing, I¡¯ll leave you here to sort this conflict out with your chasers.¡±

    The two males shared an angry glance before they nodded at her.

    How did I get here? Arcturus inched closer little by little towards Crimson Sky. I had a good thing going on that ship. I had my squad, my honor, all traded for a gorram blabber-mouth with an ego the size of Lumara.

    Arcturus was still pondering his misfortune until Trixie pushed him into Crimson Sky, who dragged the paladin against his chest with a scaly forepaw.

    ¡°There, there. Wasn¡¯t that hard, was it? My little human pet¡­¡±

    Arcturus didn¡¯t even bother speaking with this¡­ distasteful dragon.

    ¡°Now, Crimson Sky, put your claws on his shoulders. You have to have physical contact with your buddy.¡±

    ¡°What, this hug isn¡¯t good enough?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better the way I say it. Just do it.¡±

    Arcturus figured the fairy¡¯s advice wasn¡¯t completely selfless. The dragon probably did too, only he enjoyed extracting amusement from this unfortunate situation. Arcturus felt the dragon¡¯s fingers give way. The beast looked down on him not with malice, but with amusement, and maybe¡­something else. He certainly was much gentler than Arcturus imagined, his sharp, curved claws barely making a sound as they fell onto the metal shoulderpads.

    ¡°Is this good enough for you Trixie?¡± he glanced over the fairy to obtain a quick nod from her. ¡°Praise the Gods. Any closer and we¡¯d be smacking our lips together.¡±

    Arcturus rolled his eyes, still as a statue. The dragon probably noticed the discomfort showing on his face, for he broke the silence shortly after with a simple question. ¡°What happens now?¡±

    ¡°You will feel a small numbing sensation, then feel as if the ground wants to swallow you whole. A faint path will appear in front of you. One you must follow no matter what happens.¡± Trixie explained as she clapped her hands together. Then Arcturus and Crimson Sky nodded in unison.

    ¡°Now stay still. Both of you. We¡¯ll part ways in just a moment. Try to have fun, alright?¡± Trixie gleefully cried as she started to circle them, chanting in a language Arcturus did not understand. It sounded soft and easy on the ears, with numerous oooo sounds. As she spoke, the surrounding trees started to blur, as if he was falling to sleep. The night sky started to darken, as if the moon and stars just vanished into nothingness. Even the bright crystal Arcturus held in his hand started to fade away, until the only thing he could see was the dragon clasping his shoulders. The last thing to fade away were Trixie''s words as they started to drift away until they became mute, uncomfortable silence.

    Arcturus turned his head away from Crimson Sky. He saw a blurred forest around him, in dull colors of blue and purple. The once pleasant murmur of the forest was replaced by a soft humming every few minutes, but not loud enough to be annoying.

    ¡°Should we let go now?¡±

    Arcturus slowly nodded to the dragon. He let go of Crimson Sky to feel the ground. Soft just like the forest they had left behind. He breathed in deeply, yet strangely enough, only Crimson Sky¡¯s scent lingered upon the air.

    ¡°Eerie place we¡¯ve gotten ourselves into,¡± said Crimson Sky as he tested the ground with one of his claws. ¡°Do you suppose this ugly earth will swallow us if we stray off the path? I don¡¯t like things that try to eat me.¡±

    Arcturus couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the irony of that. ¡°Indeed. Not like you have a perfectly fine pair of wings to wrestle yourself out of trouble.¡± Arcturus started to inspect his surroundings. ¡°This forest feels the same, but something is amiss. There¡¯s no sound, no smells¡­¡± he trailed off to look around.

    ¡°There it is.¡± The dragon started walking towards what looked like a small worn path through the blurry trees. That must have been the trail that Trixie spoke of.

    As they approached the path, Arcturus noticed that the trees seemed to bend away from them. The corridor was large enough for Crimson Sky and himself to walk alongside each other, without either one feeling cramped. Arcturus reached out to touch a purple leaf, only to have the plant recoil its branch before his hand even made contact. Startled, he pulled his hand back.

    ¡°What an odd place,¡± he gasped, turning towards Crimson Sky. The dragon apparently had been watching what he was doing intently.

    ¡°I agree. Most bizarre. I have not seen anything like it before. I suggest we follow the path like Trixie suggested. She can be a bit of a joker sometimes, but that piece of advice didn¡¯t strike me as random.¡± Crimson Sky gestured to the path with his neck. ¡°At the front, paladin. Pretend you¡¯re leading your valiant dragon-slaying knights into battle, only this time you seek to please the dragon, not slay him.¡± Crimson Sky grinned.

    ¡°The more time I spend around you, the more I start to realize what an odd creature you are.¡±

    ¡°Oh, there it is. A compliment after a downpour of ill-intentioned japes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to take it that way.¡±

    ¡°Nevertheless, I will, because I am painfully aware of how striking I am.¡±

    Arcturus eyed the dragon''s teeth with a slight hint of worry, then quickly realized he had better chances to drown on his mead than get harmed by this joker of a dragon.

    ¡°So? Who leads if I refuse to please the dragon, as you put it?¡±

    The dragon¡¯s claws tapped Arcturus¡¯ backside.

    ¡°Oh, fine then¡­I suppose if Crimson Sky is scared, a paladin will of course have to lead the way until the fearsome dragon¡¯s bravery returns.¡± He smirked at the dragon.

    ¡°You¡¯re so full of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Hah! Get a good look at who¡¯s talking, your strikingness.¡± Arcturus took the lead and they both started walking on the strange path laid before them.

    They walked for hours, the path never seeming to change direction or turn. Several times they stopped at the sound of a slight roar.  Crimson Sky confirmed that it was indeed the sound of a dragon. A quick discussion was held about the possibility of lost dragons in the woods, followed quickly by arguments against such nonsense. Arcturus stopped for a moment as his feet had begun to ache, at which Crimson Sky causally bumped into him.

    ¡°Why did you stop?¡± the dragon asked, sitting down on his haunches.

    Arcturus had to sit. It felt like they had been walking for days. When his rear touched the soft ground, an utter wave of exhaustion washed over him. Like days upon days of exercise had suddenly caught up with his weary body. All his limbs felt as though they were weighted down by armor five times heavier. He slumped down backwards as his eyelids threatened to close. They shut only for a few seconds before he opened them again. He saw Crimson Sky was fighting to stay awake as well, as the dragon''s head was slowly descending towards the ground. It rested softly beside him with a small groan.

    ¡°I rrrrreally need to rest for a bit¡­¡± The dragon mumbled as his words slowly descended into snoring.

    Arcturus felt his eyelids once again insist on closing. He found them even heavier than before, and this time he did not think he had the strength to keep on fighting.  He remembered slumping over and laying down beside the dragon before his dreams took him.

    Hours later, Arcturus awoke with a deep yawn, sitting upright and feeling completely refreshed. Beside him still lay the sleeping Crimson Sky. His wings were draped over him like a veiny, semi-transparent blanket. Arcturus looked around. The once dull colors of the night had been replaced with very vibrant greens and browns lit by a very bright blue sky. However, as he looked around, he could still make out a slight blurriness, a sign that they were still in the faerie¡¯s realm. He quickly checked his gear, finding everything was where he left it, except the crossbow that got smashed by the dragon.

    He felt his stomach grumble, so he started digging through his pockets. After minutes of pulling out every gadget he had, Arcturus held a small brown bag in his hand, containing a stash of trail rations. He greedily grasped the dried fruit and nuts, stuffing them into his mouth. While he was chewing, in the back of his mind, he realized he was way hungrier than he thought he would be. It felt as though he had not eaten in days. He pulled the water skin from his pack and took a swig from it. The water was cool to his tongue as he gulped it down. He gasped before wiping his mouth. When he was done he turned back towards Crimson Sky, who, by the sign of his deep breaths, was still very much asleep.

    He rolled his eyes as he sighed. Out of all the possible dragons he could get paired with¡­

    He moved over and placed his hands on the dragon''s head, ready to shove him awake. He stopped of course, to think about what Crimson Sky would do if he was -again- rudely awoken.

    ¡°Now, Arcturus,¡± he said aloud to himself, ¡°this is either the worst decision of your career, or just one of many. Eh. What¡¯s an extra boulder on top of a mountain?¡±

    Arcturus dragged his voice, then moved his hands down the dragon¡¯s scaly neck. He knew just what this lazy lizard needed.

    ¡°Wake up!!¡± he slapped the dragon¡¯s tan belly. ¡°We can''t be resting the day away!¡±

    ¡°Well maybe YOU can''t do that, but I certainly intend to.¡± Crimson Sky yawned lazily before opening one of his eyes. ¡°Hold on. Are we still in Trixie¡¯s realm?¡±

    ¡°Take a look around, your highness.¡± Arcturus waved sarcastically.

    ¡°You¡¯re a crap servant.¡±

    ¡°Why thank you, my liege.¡± Arcturus gave a mocking bow. ¡°Please, pardon me for not cleaning your claws or polishing your scales during your rest.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an idea.¡± The dragon stood up and stretched his spine, following with his wings, and then slamming his tail onto the earth.

    ¡°How long have we been asleep?¡± Crimson Sky asked as he flung off patches of dirt from his belly with the help of his claws.

    ¡°Just slept the night. Gods, I have never been so tired before. I didn''t think we were walking for THAT long.¡± Arcturus said.

    ¡°I noticed that as well.¡± Crimson Sky started to scowl, ¡°I imagine that in this place, time moves at a different pace.¡± Suddenly, Crimson Sky grabbed his stomach as it gave a loud growl, which was a very terrifying noise to Arcturus.

    Arcturus met Crimson Sky''s eyes briefly. ¡°Oh, don''t be frightened,¡± laughed the dragon. ¡°I am not so hungry as to eat you. Although....¡± The dragon looked into the blurred woods. ¡°I fear I must go hungry, for I have not seen a speck of wildlife, and even I¡¯m not stupid enough to venture off the path just to sate my hunger.¡±

    ¡°How about some nuts?¡± Arcturus stretched out whatever remained of his rations.

    ¡°No.¡± The dragon said sternly. ¡°The quicker we¡¯re out of this place, the better. Move your armored ass now,¡± said Crimson Sky as he pushed Arcturus along with his snout.

    They started on the path again, with Arcturus still in the front and Crimson Sky very close behind him. They would both stop to stare at the myriad of different bizarre plant life they encountered, some with many branches that ended with eyeballs, or flowers they spotted that gave off a purr like a cat. As they walked, the path seemed to be less and less verdant. They even saw what possibly could have been birds overhead, but Crimson Sky cited Trixie and decided to not take a closer look. They stopped at the next clearing for a rest, Arcturus looked up to find no sun, so he was unsure of what time it was supposed to be.

    Crimson Sky laid down onto the grass and sprawled out as he stretched. ¡°You know, I realized something.¡±

    ¡°Oh my. I stand in awe before your intellect. Please. Amaze me.¡±

    ¡°I hate all this walking.¡± Crimson Sky said as he sat up and stretched his neck into an S shape.

    ¡°Yeah. I can see that on your snout as you look to the sky throughout the day, praying for it to end. Still,¡± Arcturus groaned as he stretched out his arms, ¡°you¡¯ll find no disagreement from me here.¡±

    ¡°Never felt this way since I was a hatchling. Suddenly find myself unable to take to the skies, that is.¡± The dragon paused. ¡°Grarr, how annoying. Imagine how quick this journey would¡¯ve been if your dwarfish legs didn¡¯t slow us down.¡±

    Arcturus let out a dry laugh. ¡°Try harder, Crimson Sky. I¡¯m sure you can do better.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to!¡± the dragon complained. ¡°Thinking takes energy, and time. I just want to fly.¡±

    Well, that was something he did not learn from his studying of dragons. ¡°You can¡¯t fly as a hatchling? I thought dragons came out chirping and darting every which way through the air.¡± He mimed his arms to be like wings, to which Crimson Sky frowned.

    ¡°No, our wings are not strong enough to carry us at that age. It falls to our parents to carry us around.¡± Crimson Sky said as he closed his eyes, ¡°I almost pity you for not experiencing that blissful safety of soaring over the world in the claws of a loving parent.¡±

    Arcturus figured the dragon was picturing himself flying once more in the sky.

    ¡°Hmm¡­I imagine it is more enjoyable when you are not plucked suddenly from the ground against your will.¡±

    Crimson Sky just grinned, ¡°That scream you gave was pretty hilarious. Maybe we should do it again when I need a laugh.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even try.¡± Arcturus said, pointing a finger at the dragon. ¡°Or I will make sure you are missing one of your claws next time you wake up.¡± He brandished his sword around.

    Crimson sky just replied with a smug look. Then a moment of silence. ¡°I don''t think you are capable of harming me.¡±

    ¡°Why would you think that?¡± he asked. ¡°I was trained to kill dragons, you know.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but you have a different heart than the men I speak of. You are¡­frail. In a good way. Gentle is the word I seek, yes.¡±

    Arcturus smiled. ¡°Crimson Sky just gave me a compliment!¡±

    The dragon snarled, but couldn¡¯t find anything to say in his defense, so he just draped that annoyingly slimy eel of a tongue over Arcturus¡¯ hands as the human struggled to protect his face.

    ¡°Stop that!¡±

    The dragon pulled his snout back. ¡°What? I¡¯m expressing my affection!¡±

    ¡°Express it somewhere else,¡± Arcturus grumbled. ¡°You know how I feel about dragon drool.¡±

    ¡°Get over yourself.¡± Crimson Sky playfully shoved the human back. ¡°Speaking of which, now that we have the time. I wanted to know why you freed me.¡±

    Arcturus put the licking behind him. Silly or not, the dragon had enough mockery for now. ¡°I believed your words, dragon. Everything you said about me as a man and a paladin¡­ it made me realize I could not put an innocent life to death.¡±

    Crimson sky laughed, ¡°Innocent, am I now?¡± he rolled in the grass, ¡°Yes yes yes! An innocent hatchling free of any sins!¡±

    ¡°Well innocent of those crimes.¡± Arcturus chuckled at the dragon¡¯s playfulness. ¡°My king changed his mind and ordered me to kill you.¡±

    Veledar rolled back onto his belly. ¡°And the person you mentioned that you put your trust in, what was that about?¡±

    Arcturus paused when Crimson Sky asked about Selina. ¡°Let¡¯s just say the person would have given you a chance. I reminded myself that my oaths were not to just humanoids, and could extend to any living creature, including dragons.¡±

    This just made Crimson Sky grin again. ¡°This person sounds very wise.¡±

    ¡°She was.¡± Arcturus went to feel the locket in his pouch.

    ¡°What¡¯s there? More little nuts?¡± Crimson Sky approached with his head tilted to the side. ¡°I saw you reach in there when we were talking on the ship.¡±

    Arcturus pulled out the locket, opened it, and showed it to the dragon. ¡°These were my son and wife. They were the ones taken from me by the¡­other red dragon I mentioned.¡±

    The dragon stared at the pictures of the paladin¡¯s dead family for a moment in silence. ¡°I did not know. That is certainly more valuable than a coin, gem, or piece of art.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Arcturus placed the locked back into the pocket. ¡°Yes it is.¡±

    ¡°I cannot claim to know the dragon you¡¯ve killed, but to rob the lives of your family¡­it takes a monster to do that, you know?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Thank you for¡­you know.¡± Arcturus mumbled, stroking the dragon over his snout more as a reflex. Crimson Sky gave no signs of discomfort. Quite the opposite. He started purring like a cat, only in a much deeper way.

    ¡°You don¡¯t mind this?¡±

    ¡°Nraarrr.¡± The dragon growled in a rather cute way. ¡°Not many humans touched me like this. Believe it or not, you are the first human to not be a complete arse to me, in spite of the incident at my cave.¡± He finished speaking with a growl.

    ¡°I''m sorry about that. Truly.¡± Arcturus grabbed both sides of the dragon¡¯s jaws. ¡°I will make sure every coin is returned and that your name is cleared of any false accusations.¡±

    ¡°And my books? What about those?¡± the dragon mumbled.

    ¡°New ones if I can get them.¡±

    ¡°New ones?¡± Crimson Sky said, getting his snout closer to Arcturus'' face. ¡°I want old books, not fresh ones.¡±

    Arcturus nodded, ¡°Of course. Old ones it is. Valuable at that.¡±

    This seemed to please Crimson Sky as he sat back down next to him. His attention was drawn to what appeared to be a silver wrymling running out towards the clearing. The wyrmling was female. Arcturus could tell by the less pronounced horns and spines. She stood as half as tall as Crimson Sky and eyed him with a look of playfulness.  She opened her mouth and seemed to speak in a language of hisses and growls.

    Crimson Sky turned his head in an instant, his face frozen in terror. The little wrymling darted away from them into the forest away from the path.

    ¡°Who was that?¡± Arcturus placed his hand over the shocked dragon¡¯s leg.

    ¡°T-that,¡± Crimson Sky began, ¡°That can''t be her. She is much older than that!¡±

    Crimson Sky stood up to pace in front of Arcturus, ¡°It has to be an illusion.¡± He started to ramble nonsense in the same growls and hisses the silver dragon had talked in.

    ¡°Crimson, who was that!¡± exclaimed Arcturus. This seemed to snap Crimson Sky out of it as he turned towards him. ¡°I think what I witnessed -what we both saw in fact- was an illusion of my younger sister, and when did you start calling me Crimson?¡±

    ¡°Just now.  I decided it was easier than Crimson Sky all the time, and somewhat better than dragon.¡±

    ¡°I don''t like how it feels, bare and insignificant.¡± Crimson Sky replied as his muzzle scrunched up. ¡°Use the full title. Don¡¯t be lazy.¡±

    ¡°Fine, Crimson Sky.¡± said Arcturus in a monotone voice.

    ¡°That¡¯s much better!¡± Crimson Sky beamed.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be surprised you have a family, but in a way, I find myself¡­mystified.¡± Arcturus said. Although now that he thought of it, it seemed natural for dragons to have families. It was just something he never thought of.

    ¡°Go on. I¡¯ll tell you in a moment.¡±

    They started walking once again, although Crimson Sky was walking more slowly than he did.

    ¡°I had a sister. That was her, back when she was still a hatchling. We both had a mother as well, in case you¡¯re wondering.¡±

    ¡°Well I figured that, unless you dragons just sprout out from the ground¡­¡± he stopped as Crimson Sky turned to him with his teeth barred.

    ¡°Bad joke. Sorry,¡± he said quickly, then decided to ask him another question. ¡°So, what were their names?¡± He quickened his pace to now match the dragon that was leading.

    ¡°I see what you are trying to do.¡± chuckled Crimson Sky. ¡°But you will not get their names from me. You will have to earn their names from them. You can of course have their titles. My sister was known as the Radiant Gem of the East, and my mother''s favorite title was the Indomitable Aegis. She was quite fond of that one. Said an elven caravan gave it to her when she fought off a large group of bandits that had beset them.¡±

    ¡°She had the best stories.¡± Crimson Sky sighed, ¡°Not like your human stories at all, where dragons capture maidens, pick on humans, or wreck devastation on the countryside.¡±

    ¡°You are kind of picking on me.¡± Arcturus pet the dragon¡¯s side to keep him from growling. ¡°And I am sure we have a good dragon in one of the stories. Definitely. We know you¡¯re not all that bad,¡± he protested, but with a quick stare and the dare, ¡°prove it¡± he was wracking his brain for one. After a moment of thinking, he sighed and admitted defeat to the dragon that thrilled at having bested him.

    ¡°I can''t think of one right now, but I will let you know when my memory returns.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Something tells me I will be waiting till your death bed until you remember one.¡± Crimson Sky chuckled.

    The two of them suddenly stopped. The road they were walking on had been bright and colorful, while the road ahead looked dark, dreary, and covered with clouds. Arcturus looked to the path that was littered with worn stones and gnarled roots. A crack of thunder later, and the downpour started. It was a strange sight to see, as if an invisible wall separated the bright trail from its much darker counterpart.

    ¡°I am starting to hate this fairy magic.¡± Arcturus said with a stern face.

    ¡°A sentiment well shared.¡± The dragon agreed.

    They both took a step onto the dark path, finding it was not a trap, but it did make them wet. As they walked, the sound of the rain hitting Arcturus¡¯ metal armor suddenly came to a stop after a few hundred feet. Looking up, he saw what had happened. There was a tan membrane of a wing overhead, sheltering him from the rain like an umbrella.

    ¡°Much obliged, dragon,¡± he said with a smile, pointing to the wing.

    ¡°I only did it to stop that annoying sound your scales make when the rain hits them,¡± grumbled Crimson Sky. He then turned his snout to the path ahead, as if to ignore Arcturus. Although Arcturus swore he saw a smirk on the dragon''s snout.

    ¡°Sure dragon, sure.¡± He poked the dragon¡¯s chin, then continued walking down the path in the company of the only worthy dragon he knew. Perhaps in a few years, there would be a story of a good dragon out there. The tale of Crimson Sky the Bold. Arcturus merely had to witness such heroic acts¡­and hope both of them lived to see the tales spread throughout the taverns of the world.

 Chapter 8: Escaping Sorrows

    <u>Chapter 8: Escaping Sorrows</u>

    Veledar closely followed Arcturus down the wet path of earth. His wings still covered the human to at least keep him dry from the rain that pattered upon his tan membrane. He breathed in deep into the smell of fresh rain, then opened his maw to catch a few droplets of water onto his tongue. The liquid certainly tasted like normal rain. There was nothing odd about it. The dragon stared at the dark clouds that filled the sky, where he would see the occasional flash of lighting spear through the heavy curtain.  However, every time that happened, there was no bang. Veledar was sure he never heard the deafening roar of thunder ever since he entered Trixie¡¯s realm.

    The two of them kept on walking, paws and boots splashing through the mud. His joints would occasionally ache during the drip, a dull pain that he could manage, but he still let out a loud groan to startle the human. This amused the dragon as Arcturus would then apologize for capturing the dragon and throwing him in the bowels of the Lumarian airship.

    They had come to a gnarled tree in the middle of their path, easily dwarfing Veledar in size. He stared up at the trunk that had two large knots at a split that looked suspiciously like eyes.

    ¡°Well, nothing wrong with a bit of creepiness as long as I can sit on it.¡± The human found a dry bit of earth and sat against the tree, letting out a sigh of relaxation.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you feeling watched?¡±

    Arcturus waved dismissively at the eyes, comparing them to a weird type of fairy flower.

    ¡°Grrr, fine.¡± Veledar sat beside him. He started poking and licking at his wing joints to ease the tension while he flexed his limbs slowly to keep the blood from pouring through his weary muscles. They sat there in silence for a while. Veledar noted that the rain had not exactly stopped, but simply did not fall beneath this tree or its branches. He tilted his neck in curiosity, as the tree had no leaves at all to protect them from the water droplets.

    ¡°How long do you think we have been walking?¡± Arcturus rested his back more comfortably against one of the roots.

    ¡°Can''t tell in a place where there¡¯s no sun or moon to speak of...¡± Veledar replied as he dashed his tongue over a hind paw. He could already feel the ache in his joints starting to go away, in spite of the human¡¯s silly comments about the taste of dirt and what not. He called this practice barbaric. As if he knew anything about being a dragon.

    ¡°Fine. Lick them all away. I don¡¯t know why we¡¯re arguing about grooming habits when you yawn like a cat, stretch like a cat, eat like a cat and probably even mate like one.¡±

    Veledar had a few answers prepared, but the grooming felt far too relaxing. Besides, he didn¡¯t want to give the human the satisfaction of another silly debate.

    When Veledar finished with his paws, he continued with his tail. Arcturus mumbled something about continuing the journey. Veledar, however, loved his tail too much to leave it cold and damp.

    ¡°I am more interested in why the rain does not fall beneath this tree, adding that to the list of other things we have seen.¡± He answered to one of the human¡¯s many concerns.

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right. Perhaps we shouldn¡¯t look a dragon in the mouth.¡± Arcturus chuckled.

    ¡°Horse. It¡¯s horse. I have heard this human saying before, so please don¡¯t compare me with those things.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of horses in my life, and at the risk of inflating your immense ego, I do have to admit you look much better than a horse.¡±

    Veledar stopped mid-lick. ¡°Thank you.¡± He quickly continued to distract himself from the hot blood rushing into his cheeks. It wasn¡¯t the first time he heard a compliment from this human¡¯s mouth. Why was his heart beating so quick? The dragon nibbled onto his scales, figuring it must¡¯ve been some weird fairy magic that made him feel awkward.

    ¡°Stretch your wing in my direction. I can use a bit of warmth over here.¡±

    Veledar did. He stifled a weird growl when the human started caressing along his sensitive membrane.

    ¡°Strange, how soft your wings are when your entire body is made for battle.¡± Arcturus traced his finger along a thick blood vessel. ¡°When we get to a village, I¡¯ll speak with one of the blacksmiths to fashion you something for the wings. It only takes a single claw to rob you off the ability to fly.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t get hit.¡± Veledar said. He tried to pull his wing back, only to find himself unable as the human held onto two of his phalanges.

    ¡°It¡¯s mine now. You offered it, remember?¡±

    The dragon mumbled something about rudeness, then continued with his grooming.

    Thankfully Arcturus was too tired to poke fun at him. The human put his hands beneath his head and reclined onto the ground. ¡°Figure it would a good time to rest for a while.¡± the human opened one eye to look at the dragon. ¡°Unless you have something else to lick, Crimson Sky.¡±

    Veledar groaned. Even with all the licking, his muscles still felt fatigued. He snorted before he coiled around himself, resting his head on top of a hind paw. He hated how bare, cold and hard the ground felt. If only he had materials to build himself a proper nest...

    ¡°I only disagree because this place lacks any soft beds for us to sleep on. Since SOMEONE decided to take mine.¡± He looked to Arcturus to see a wave of regret wash over the human¡¯s face before he apologized yet again. Veledar smiled and closed his eyes.

    ¡°How old are you anyway? I figure you¡¯re in the hundreds. Somewhere close to that figure anyway.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an odd, sudden question. Do you really want to know?¡±

    The human mumbled a quick yes.

    Veledar remained silent for a moment. Age was something he never really thought about when he simply existed without any worries about the changing seasons or the passing of time.

    ¡°Alright. If I had to say, I would guess five hundred and twenty seasons?¡± Veledar cocked his head, seemingly unsure of himself.  ¡°Wait. That¡¯s not right. Or is it? Human years are so odd!¡± Veledar frowned slightly, knowing he wasn''t as old as other dragons, but he hoped Arcturus would not notice that.

    ¡°Five hundred and twenty seasons?¡± Arcturus said, sitting up and opening his eyes. It took him a moment before he replied. ¡°Oh, that means a hundred thirty something. Still, rather young for an adult dragon. You¡¯ve got so many more years to go, my scaly friend. Good health to you.¡±

    Veledar sighed. He felt rather embarrassed by the human¡¯s deductive skills. It made sense for the paladin to know that. He had studied dragons, after all.

    ¡°So, dragons measure their ages in seasons. That''s something books never mention, probably because how redundant that is. Much easier to count years than seasons.¡±

    ¡°Well honestly, it is only a rough guess, I honestly don''t care about my age too much.¡±

    Arcturus looked to him as if he might have something to say before shutting his mouth quickly. Well, since the human had asked him, Veledar figured he might as well return the favor.

    ¡°What about you, paladin?¡±

    ¡°Twenty-five. That¡¯s a hundred seasons in dragon age.¡±

    ¡°Is that old for humans?¡±

    Arcturus chuckled.

    Veledar had to admit to himself, he was not too sure about the life span of humans. He had heard they were not long as long lived as the elves or even their trusty gryphons. He sighed in pity for their race.  Almost a drop of water in the bucket that was Veledar''s life span.

    ¡°Humans can live for eighty or up to one hundred with the right spells. Past that...I¡¯m not even sure it¡¯s worth living.¡±

    ¡°Only one hundred? Then the tales I have heard are true!¡± Veledar replied, ¡°You have such a short time in this world. How can you manage to achieve anything of worth?¡±

    ¡°Simple. We strive to do the most with the time we are given.¡± Arcturus beamed, ¡°Live for the day. Absorb as much knowledge as we can from our surroundings. We are kind of forced to do it faster than the other races. Trust me, you¡¯re not the only one to ask me this question. You should hear some of the stories of elves in our city. Sometimes, they can be cold, heartless bastards.¡± Arcturus then paused for a moment as Veledar just looked at him during the silence.

    ¡°How about your stories, dragon? Is this the first time you have a meaningful interaction with a human?¡±

    ¡°I met two scavengers when I encountered Trixie, then made acquaintance with hundreds when I blundered into that man''s house. Before that, I had only heard of you in stories from the wood elves.¡±

    ¡°You knew wood elves?¡±

    ¡°But of course,¡± The dragon said. ¡°Hard not to when you live next to their great forest.¡±

    ¡°That must have been hard, you know, being a fire breathing dragon in a forest full of flammable elves.¡± the human smirked.

    Veledar just chuckled. ¡°Yes, that would be a very big problem for an irresponsible hatchling, but mother kept us away from them for the most part. They gave her plenty of leeway in raising us.¡±

    ¡°Did you have any other siblings besides the one you mentioned before?¡±

    Veledar frowned. He usually enjoyed his talks about the past. However, that was a topic he never enjoyed. ¡°Yes, I had a brother who was older than I,¡± he said slowly and more quietly than he usually talked.

    ¡°Have you stayed in contact with him? I have heard dragons live very much in solitude.¡±

    ¡°That is not a hard rule. We generally like to live alone, but we enjoy companionship as much as any other living being.¡±

    He thought to the day that he and Adalina had decided to leave the nest and fly away from his mother. She had been relieved they were heading out, but he had always remembered how she looked a little sad.

    ¡°Although we are separated, we do keep tabs on where the other ones keep their lairs.¡± He thought to his sister''s lair that resided over the sea in another country.

    ¡°Well, how long ago did you separate from your family?¡±

    ¡°Twenty-five years ago, in human time.¡± he let out a mighty sigh. Sometimes, it felt as though it were just yesterday that they were all one big happy clutch. He frowned again as he thought back to his brother, imagining how he would have looked now, all grown and strong. Veledar turned his head as they both heard the snapping of a twig behind them. What he saw made his blood run cold, and a shiver of dread tingle up his spine. In the span of that lone moment, Veledar found himself completely helpless.

    Standing about one hundred feet from the tree was a silver hatchling on the verge of adulthood. He stood half as tall as Veledar on all four limbs, with armored scales bearing the color of silver. He had two white horns, with one of them severed around the middle. The hatchling had frills along his back all the way from head to his tail, and even under his chin. His gray wings were drooped, dragging against the earth as he moved around.

    Veledar shot up when he noticed a sickly red streak slashed around the hatchling¡¯s hind leg. When the hatchling turned, more gashes came into view; nauseating things that dripped with crimson goo.

    ¡°No. No, not again. Rrraaaaaaahhhh!¡± Veledar found himself bounding over to the wrymling as the form of his dying brother collapsed onto the ground. He heard Arcturus shout something to him, but he ignored the human as he desperately reached for his brother. He collapsed as he caressed the dragon¡¯s snout. There was no air coming out of his nostrils, no warmth in his cold body. Veledar placed his head on the dead dragon¡¯s back, already feeling the tears that plagued him during the moments of depression that followed his brother¡¯s death many years ago.

    ¡°How can this be?¡± He cried out. ¡°You were dead for so many ages! Why must you return to torment me so?¡± he asked as he softly ran his claws over the cuts in his brother''s scales.

    ¡°If I had......¡± he trailed off as the tears began to fall down his cheeks now, translucent trickles that splashed onto the ground below. ¡°If only I had been stronger to¡­to protect you¡­¡±

    ¡°Dragon. Dragon¡­¡± A faint voice called to him. ¡°Crimson Sky!¡±

    Confused, Veledar turned his head around as something warm touched his shoulder.

    ¡°Your brother?¡± The human asked, his voice but a whisper.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Veledar¡¯s breath shuddered. The dragon closed his teary eyes. He thought back to when his brother began to fall from the sky, spiraling down towards the ground. He shook his snout to clear the memory from his mind.

    ¡°How did he perish?¡±

    ¡°That.¡± Veledar sniffed, ¡°That will be a tale for another time.¡± He then wiped his eyes, then opened them to find that his brother''s corpse had vanished. He felt his anger grow at the realization this was all an illusion brought on about by this accursed place.

    ¡°Graaaaarrr! I hate you!¡± Veledar smashed his tail into the ground. ¡°This mud that sticks to my feet, the cold air, the oppressive clouds that never stop weeping. I hate everything!¡± Veledar roared out at the blurred forest, using all his four feet to rake gashes into the ground while his tail left gape after gape until he found his rampage blocked by the human¡¯s defiant form.

    ¡°Get out of my way.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Arcturus stretched a hand towards his snout. ¡°This place¡­it pulses with our memories, unveiling deepest secrets. The more we linger here, the harder it will be to leave. We should get some rest, then get out as quick as we can, especially after¡­ that.¡± Arcturus said.

    Veledar threw his snout into the human¡¯s arms. He didn¡¯t care how ungainly it was, but right now, he needed something warm to banish the cold dread pulsing within his veins. After he got a healthy dose of scratches and a tight sympathy hug from the human, Veledar was ready to leave. He thanked Arcturus for his support, then returned back to the tree, where he acted as a makeshift bed for the tired human.

    It must¡¯ve been a while since they dozed off. Veledar had been having such a wonderful dream. He remembered dragons, and Arcturus too, although anything beyond that out of his grasp. He looked around while his jaws parted in a healthy yawn to find Arcturus missing from his resting place.

    ¡°Arcturus?¡± The dragon lifted each wing at a time to make sure he wasn¡¯t missing anything.

    There was a trail of boot prints leading towards the blurry forest.

    ¡°Arcturus!¡± he shouted, practically jumping to all fours. Damn that human! Veledar cursed to himself. He should have tied him to his tail to stop this from happening, or maybe sleep on top of him. Nevertheless, there was nothing to be done now. Veledar quickly followed the tracks to the trail''s edge. He inspected the boot prints, still fresh. That was at least some good news, if the human had not left long ago, he could not have possibly gotten that far. Veledar hesitated before placing a paw into the woods off the beaten path. He remembered Trixie''s words, but leaving Arcturus alone in this world of lost memories was just not the right thing to do. Veledar thought back on his own experience, when he tore the ground in grief over his brother¡¯s demise. It was Arcturus that calmed his rage. Arcturus that offered him comfort when the coldness of the skies closed down on him.

    After a moment of mental preparation, Veledar bounded into the forest. Creepy trees surrounded him from all sides, their gnarled branches almost reaching out to him. Veledar kept away from any roots, avoiding every form of vegetation until he found Arcturus not that far from the path. Arcturus was crouched over what appeared to be two burned corpses. One was the size of an adult, and the other was the size of a small child.  The human was holding one in each arm, sobbing quietly into their seared flesh.

    Veledar had an idea about who those humans could be. He approached the human, poking him hard in the back.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    ¡°Leave me, you vile beast!¡± Arcturus shouted with animalistic fury, almost catching Veledar on the snout with his sword. ¡°Can''t you see that they need me?!¡± He pointed the sharp tip at Veledar¡¯s eyes. ¡°I need to tend to their wounds, and you are not getting in my way!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not real, Arcturus. What you are seeing now is a lie.¡±

    ¡°Wh-what?¡± The human shook his head. ¡°No. No, they¡¯re here. Can¡¯t you see them?¡±

    ¡°Only the roots of the trees. You¡¯re staring at roots, Arcturus.¡±

    The human dropped on his knees to grab onto the other two figures. ¡°No, they¡¯re here. I can smell their seared flesh. Touch their¡­their¡­ ¡±

    Veledar grabbed onto Arcturus. ¡°It¡¯s all in your mind, human. The forest is feeding on you. Let go. Let go now!¡±

    He could almost feel the forest¡¯s grip tighten around their forms. Urging them to remain here. Give themselves to the phantasms of the past.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re in pain. I know they need you. But so do I!¡± Veledar snarled as he began to drag Arcturus away from the two corpses.

    ¡°Nooooo! Don¡¯t do this! Please don¡¯t take them away from me again!¡±

    Veledar ignored Arcturus as the human punched and kicked like a wild, caged beast.

    ¡°Let go. Le¡¯go!¡± The human wailed, grabbing onto a branch and holding firm. ¡°Noooooo!¡±

    With a final tug, the human''s grip slipped, and Veledar pulled him all the way back to the tree. He plopped Arcturus down, who now seemed to be calm, with no fight left in him.  The human just slouched, hugged his knees, and continued sobbing silently to himself.

    ¡°I lied.¡±

    Arcturus looked at the dragon, so much pain welling in his eyes. It almost hurt Veledar, to see the once stern paladin so¡­broken.

    ¡°I saw the burned corpses¡­what remained of your family. But I couldn¡¯t leave you there alone, because I need you here, with me.¡±

    ¡°Why did you do that, dragon?¡± Arcturus whispered, drool coming out of his mouth to join the streams of tears that fell down the sides of his pained face. ¡°They needed me¡­without me by their side, they¡¯ll be lost again.¡± Arcturus said softly. ¡°I can¡¯t do this¡­I cannot abandon them again.¡±

    ¡°That was not your family. Only an illusion meant to lure you off the path. Just¡­just like my brother.¡± Veledar stated calmly, although he felt a pang of pity for the deceased dragon. He sat quietly as Arcturus continued to sob silently to himself.

    ¡°What were their names?¡± Veledar asked as he slowly eased the human against his scaly chest.

    Arcturus sniffed and wiped a hand across his face to clear his tears. ¡°My wife''s name was Selina, and my son was named Geoffery. Two years ago, a red dragon going by the name Dread Flame killed them in revenge after I bloodied his scales. For that deed, and all the suffering he caused, I plunged my sword so deep into his eye that his hot blood washed over my knuckles. Dread Flame¡­if there ever was a beast more deserving of my blade. My only regret is that I hadn¡¯t killed him slower.¡± Arcturus hissed. ¡°He should¡¯ve suffered just as much as my family did!¡±

    Having vented out his inner demons, Arcturus slowly regained his calmer state.

    ¡°I held my son in my arms when he gave his final breath. I screamed for a cleric until my voice gave out but¡­it was too late. I failed them. I failed my squad, my king¡­I failed everyone.¡± Arcturus looked up at the dragon, ¡°You¡¯re the only left, Crimson. The only one I managed to save.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Veledar placed his head in the human¡¯s lap, ignoring the fact Arcturus had referred to him simply as ¡°Crimson¡± twice now. ¡°We cannot think about the past now. Let us get some rest before our bodies collapse.¡±

    He grabbed the human and pulled him tightly against his scaled chest. He was surprised to find him so soft. In many ways, he reminded Veledar of the stuffed animal he used to hug every night in the comfort of his lair.

    ¡°I will be holding you close to me so you don''t wander off again¡­if that¡¯s alright with you.¡±

    Arcturus nodded and replied with a simple ¡°Good.¡±

    ¡°Rest now. When we both rise, we shall see this path to completion.¡± Veledar yawned, curling his head and draping his wings over them both. He closed his eyes as he felt the human fall asleep, hoping that tomorrow he would greet the real world once more.

    Veledar awoke the next morning when he felt Arcturus'' trying to wiggle free from his grasp. He opened his eyes and yawned a healthy ten seconds tongue-curling yawn before smirking at the human¡¯s futile struggles.

    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± he said coyly.

    ¡°How could I not, when your big scaly bum kept me warm as a baby?¡±

    ¡°Bum? Do you really want to see how it feels to sleep at my other end?¡±

    ¡°No! Gods no! Fair, mighty, crimson dragon, I beseech you, never try something so wicked with me.¡±

    ¡°Grawr, fine.¡± Veledar relaxed his front limbs. Though he wanted to have a bit more fun with the human, he couldn¡¯t antagonize him when he spoke such honest, beautiful words.

    Veledar slowly stood up. He sprawled his wings on either side, his joints trembling as they stretched to their limits. The dragon flapped them lightly a few times to wear off the stiffness, then continued with the usual stretching motions of his other pairs of limbs.

    ¡°Do you have to moan like that when you stretch?¡±

    Veledar was well aware of the rumbles coming out of his throat. Of course, an inferior creature like the human could not possibly understand how good it felt to stretch after a long night of resting.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Can you stop scratching your face-fur?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s called a beard,¡± Arcturus felt around the brown bush that started to cover his whole jaw. ¡°And if your scales itch for an answer, know that I plan to get rid of it as soon as we return to civilization.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Veledar lifted a forepaw to poke at his obviously sharp claws. ¡°I have everything I need right here.¡±

    Arcturus unsheathed his sword. ¡°This is a lot sharper.¡±

    ¡°Then use it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he pointed towards the dragon¡¯s tail. ¡°Kind of like you use your claws to scratch your ass, eh?¡±

    The little mink was getting the hang of this game of teasing, a revelation for which Veledar hadn¡¯t planned ahead. For a dragon, losing at anything felt like a dull throbbing headache that persisted for days.

    ¡°That was a joke, in case you couldn¡¯t tell.¡± The dragon waved a paw around, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯m not as cruel as to sit on your tiny, crumbly body when we rest. Besides, you barely even stirred.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I just love being held like a babe when I sleep. Why, I should¡¯ve married a dragon instead of a woman!¡± Arcturus rolled his eyes. ¡°You are good at many things, dragon, but even you have your limits.¡±

    ¡°So what you are saying is that you would rather sleep out in the cold?¡±

    Arcturus nodded. ¡°Why did you even do that? I would have been fine without getting the special treatment. Knights are trained to endure much worse than a bit of cold, and I am a-¡°

    ¡°Paladin.¡± It was the dragon¡¯s time to growl. ¡°Heard that enough times already.¡±

    He was a bit annoyed that Arcturus did not realize he had done him a great service. ¡°Excuse me for trying too hard. All I did was make sure you did not wander off in the middle of the night again. I found you holding the forms of your dead wife and child in case that memory eludes you.¡±

    Arcturus froze in place and looked to Veledar as if the dragon suddenly sprouted additional heads. ¡°I did what?¡± He asked in disbelief.

    Veledar tilted his head. Was it possible, that the human did not remember the night before? Just in case, he explained everything that had happened, especially enjoying the part when he told Arcturus about how he had bravely rescued the paladin from wandering the forest for all eternity. He ended with the tale with how Arcturus crawled into his embrace all by himself after a heart-touching moment shared prior to that.

    ¡°Whoa. Well¡­I almost feel like a different person did all that, but I¡¯m here, you¡¯re there, it happened, so thanks.¡± Arcturus shook his head. ¡°Are you absolutely sure it wasn¡¯t a dream?¡±

    ¡°You are now both testing my patience and insulting my acuity, dear human.¡± Veledar smiled, ¡°I am a dragon. Doubt is like the wind that comes out of my other end when-¡°

    ¡°Alright, I heard enough. Thanks again for warming me like a campfire. You¡¯re a lot warmer and comfortable than I initially believed, alright? Is your scaly ego satisfied now?¡±

    Veledar beamed at the human¡¯s words, then looked quickly around and noticed something was off. They were not in the same place they had fallen asleep in. Instead, they were in the middle of a field of bright green grass. There was a tree where the previous one had been, but instead of a creepy leafless monster, leaves of all different colors sprouted from this one¡¯s branches. The trunk too looked to be vibrant and full of life.

    ¡°Uh, do you suppose we wandered off some more?¡± Arcturus asked, scratching his head in confusion.

    If they had, Veledar did not know, but he spied the path again, parting the grass and leading off deeper into the forest.

    ¡°Crimson Sky!¡± Arcturus shouted.

    Veledar turned to Arcturus, who was busy scooping what looked like berries out of his pack. His belt pouches were similarly loaded, and the paladin quickly formed small piles of fruits on the ground.

    ¡°Looks like someone filled my pouches and pack with berries while we slept. I don''t know whether to be terrified something snuck in on us or thank them.¡±

    ¡°Who cares?¡± Veledar shrugged and speared one of the purple berries with his claw. He inspected its soft surface and the juice that slowly dripped down his claw, then quickly popped it into his maw, much to the disapproval of his human companion.

    ¡°Wait! We don''t even know where those came from.¡±

    ¡°Mrawrm, who cares??¡± Veledar mumbled as he took another. He felt the hunger that had been growing over their journey fade away almost instantly. He remembered that druids shared some of these berries when he was a hatchling, so he was well aware of what happened.

    ¡°Are they safe?¡± Arcturus asked, placing one next to his eye.

    ¡°Not for humans.¡± Veledar lied. ¡°Quickly, give me yours.¡± He laughed.

    Arcturus quickly snatched up three or four of the berries, eyeing them with suspicion. ¡°You greedy bastard! They¡¯re perfectly safe, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Veledar rolled his eyes in amusement. ¡°Yes, Arcturus. Trixie¡¯s friends won¡¯t suddenly poison us just to see what kind of faces we make before we die. Actually, I¡¯m pretty sure every last one of her friends has heard of my heroic exploits, which explains these berries, obviously a tribute to my greatness.¡±

    ¡°Oh, shut that prideful mouth before it infects me.¡± Arcturus laughed. Both of them ate about half of the berries. Arcturus put the rest back into his pouch and patted his belly.

    ¡°Well, that really hit the spot. What are these things again? Dragon berries, dragon balls, dragon-¡°

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you balls.¡± Veledar bared his teeth, then suddenly burped loudly. ¡°Night¡¯s essence or something of that sort. One of them can sustain a human for an entire day.¡±

    He expected some sort of praise from the human for knowing such a fact, but Arcturus kept staring at him. ¡°Do I have some juice on my snout or something?¡±

    ¡°You burped!¡± Arcturus said in disbelief.

    ¡°So?¡± Veledar shrugged.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think dragons to be capable of that!¡± Arcturus started to laugh.

    ¡°Of course we burp!¡± Veledar cried, ¡°What did you think we did, blow flames out of our nostrils?¡±

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s just something that never occurred to me.¡± Arcturus mumbled as his face turned red. ¡°Wonder what else you dragons can do.¡±

    Veledar stood up and started walking towards the path. ¡°I can show you how I blow gas from my other end, but we should go before you annoy me to the point where I¡¯ll really do that.¡±

    He didn''t have to look back to hear Arcturus swiftly trying to catch up to him.

    ¡°What''s with the rush, Crimson Sky? This path just seems to keep going and going.¡±

    Veledar could feel a sensation running through his bones, a hunch some might call it, or a premonition.

    ¡°I feel as though this path nears its end, and we shall soon find ourselves returning to our world. ¡°He said, slowing his pace slightly so that Arcturus caught up next to him.

    ¡°Good. Fairy world has its fair share of surprises, but honestly I think we¡¯ve both seen enough.¡± Arcturus replied.

    ¡°Is it the place, or the company?¡± Veledar asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°The place, you silly dragon. The company hasn''t been too unpleasant. Although there is this really annoying dragon who keeps making fart jokes.¡± Arcturus laughed.

    ¡°Annoying?¡± Veledar asked. ¡°That¡¯s the best you could come up with? Not dreadful, honorable, handsome, or wise?¡±

    ¡°Nope, just annoying.¡±

    Veledar playfully smacked Arcturus with a paw. ¡°Be careful, human, I am much bigger than you.¡±

    ¡°Well that just means you have a bigger ego to bruise when you are swiftly outsmarted.¡±

    Usually, Veledar would get annoyed with the playful insults, but he instead found himself arguing with the human playfully as they walked until they had made their way out of the forest, out towards another green field. It seemed to stretch as far as Veledar could see in all directions. He and Arcturus were currently talking about magic and who was better at casting it. They stopped only when they looked to what seemed to be a clearing in the middle of the field.

    Within the clearing of grass was a symbol in the shape of a tree made out of small, worn gray stones. The symbol was ten feet in size, with many branches, kind of like a portal to another world.

    ¡°Well, it looks like we are finally at the end of this journey.¡± Veledar smiled, ¡°We can talk about how dragons are better at magic in every other way than humans later.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯ll pretend to listen. Now, wise dragon, maybe you can divine us a method of using this portal.¡± Arcturus said while kneeling beside one of the stones, running his hand along it.  Veleder decided to do the same with another stone and found them very smooth to the touch. He felt a small aura oozing out of the stone, something that happened with every magic-imbued object.¡±

    ¡°Well, the stones are magical,¡± Veledar said aloud, ¡°but I have no idea on how to activate them.¡±

    ¡°Great! We¡¯re stuck.¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡± Veledar scratched at the stone surface slowly, careful not to leave any lasting marks. It was a shame they had to leave this place. Dark things it did have, but the other things were rather fascinating. Veledar decided he would have to question Trixie about this fascinating realm when this was all said and done. After he was done yelling at her, that is.

    They spent the next hour prodding, scratching, and Veledar tried some can-trip spells. Despite this, nothing happened. Nott even a single rock moved out of place. Veledar roared loudly in frustration, smashing his tail into the rock strong enough to recoil in pain.

    ¡°Raaarrhhhh, This stone taunts me!¡± Veledar hissed. He turned towards Arcturus, who was busy drawing the symbol on a pad of parchment. He walked over slowly, trying to take a peek at the drawing.

    ¡°Why are you drawing that?¡± Veledar snarled, placing his snout inches from the parchment. From the looks of it, Arcturus had done a fairly decent job of duplicating the symbol on the ground.

    ¡°Figured an actual representation of our conundrum here would help me think of a different way to solve this thing, instead of thrashing my tail, baring my teeth and snarling like a beast.¡± Arcturus replied with a smirk.

    ¡°You don''t have any- hey, that''s part of a dragon''s thinking process!¡± Veledar put his snout up high, ¡°If something doesn''t require a baring of teeth and a good tail smack, then it clearly wasn''t worth our time.¡± He opened one eye to peer down at the human, who was looking at him with an amused grin.

    ¡°Why are you making that face? You¡¯re not supposed to be amused! Besides, it''s better than that smudge you barfed on your crumpled little piece of-¡°

    Something suddenly moved in the corner of Veledar''s eye, causing him to stop talking mid-sentence. He spun around to see something mightily peculiar. Eight figures seemed to have sprouted out of the earth like trees. They stood at roughly eight feet tall and seemed to be made completely of shadows. Where humans would have had hands, they instead seemed to have large claws, and instead of a face all they had was a blank space with no features. Veledar flared his wings as his tail flicked back and forth behind him. He heard the metallic hiss of Arcturus¡¯ unsheathing sword, and a quick glance revealed four more had appeared around Arcturus. The figures in front of Veledar started to move, seemingly gliding along the ground.

    Veledar fought the urge to take flight and let his fire breath burn the lot of them. He lashed out with his claws instead as the silhouettes moved in to strike at his scales. He bit at one with his teeth only to have it dissipate inside his jaws. He felt some claws dig into his flesh, his blood smearing against his scales. The dragon growled in pain and lashed out at the shadows as he cursed his inability to leave the human behind. As a dragon, Veledar was not used to protecting someone during a fight. To Veledar''s shock, each time his claws sliced through one of the shadows, it would burst into two other copies instead.

    Despite his success at ripping and biting them asunder, the dragon soon found himself surrounded on all sides. However, his scales could not protect him forever as he roared out in pain when a beast struck his hind leg.

    Veledar swiped the human close to him with his tail, took a deep breath, then unleashed a jet of fire that washed over the shadows like the river pouring through rocks. The shadows melted like wax, giving way to nothingness without any sort of sound.

    ¡°That does it.¡± The dragon stood proud, breathing heavy and aching as he looked over where his foes once were.

    The sounds of grunts and shouts reminded him of the human, who had a sizable amount of shadows around him as well. Veledar quickly dove over the human and crashed the bulk of his body into the shadows before him. However, as he turned his snout to look around, he found the ones he had melted with his fire reforming before his eyes. He pushed the shadows back and started to draw a circle on the ground around himself and Arcturus. ¡°Protection!¡± he yelled out.

    The circle shone bright white before forming a wall of light between them and the shadows. Veledar winced from the pain in his side. It was a minor wound by dragon standards, but it still hurt. He stared at the shadows as they raked the shimmering wall with their claws like a pack of rabid wolves. He knew the shield would not last for very long if they kept striking it.

    ¡°We need to find a way out of here!¡± The dragon hissed.

    ¡°Did you notice the symbol on their backs?¡± Arcturus asked, his breath just as labored.

    ¡°No, I was too busy destroying them.¡± Veledar hissed. ¡°Why do you even care what is on their backs?¡±

    ¡°It is the same symbol as the stones on the ground. They must be a puzzle on how to escape. It must be one last test of endurance for you to leave.¡±

    ¡°How do you mean?¡± Veledar cocked his head to the side.

    ¡°Trixie said to focus, and that''s why she sent both of us. I think we need to ignore the shadows and focus on leaving.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Veledar growled when a dark claw started to pierce through the wall.

    ¡°No, course not, but what in god¡¯s name are we supposed to do?!¡±

    ¡°Well, aren''t you just a great fountain of inspiration, my dear paladin?¡±

    ¡°Crimson Sky, do what I tell you just this once!¡±

    ¡°Graawwrh.¡± Veledar turned towards Arcturus, ¡°Fine. But if we die here, I will haunt you throughout the entirety of afterlife with the worse jokes I can think of.¡±

    ¡°Deal! Now do it!¡±

    Veledar closed his eyes and tried to picture his escape from this place. He imagined himself once again in the sky, flying alongside other dragons. He smiled, thinking about the morning dew between his toes and finding a decent meal. He felt the barrier collapse, but he pushed the grim reality of the present situation far from his mind. He imagined a large ornate door made of mahogany, engraved with grand dragon carvings. He turned to his right to see Arcturus smiling back at him.

    ¡°This is incredible, Veledar.¡± He said, and the dragon didn''t even notice he used his name. They both turned to a faint roar from the other side of the door. ¡°Ready, my friend?¡± the human said, drawing his sword. Veledar nodded as he felt something shake him.

    ¡°Wake up, you lazy son of a lizard!¡±

    Veledar''s eyes opened, followed by a deep yawn. Had he been sleeping? He thought he had closed his eyes to avoid the shadows. He looked around at the clearing they were in. It looked like the one they had been in when Trixie performed the ritual. Although, when Veledar looked around, he realized there was no mountain. The sun was high above in the sky, hinting at noon. He stretched out on the grass, letting his claws dig into the earth. He peered down at Arcturus, who was on his feet, checking his pockets.

    ¡°I am not familiar with your lands. Do you know where we ended up?¡± Veledar asked.

    ¡°Don''t know yet.¡± Arcturus replied. ¡°We first need to see what¡¯s out of this clearing.¡± The human crossed his arms when he seemed satisfied his gear was in order. ¡°Ready for another journey?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking the same thing.¡± Veledar grinned as mischief sprung to his mind.

    ¡°So which direction should we inspect first? I think north makes the most seeeeeenssss. Gods, not agaaaaaaaaaain!¡± Arcturus cried as Veledar snatched him up into the vastness of the skies.

    The dragon shot into the air like an arrow loosed from a mighty bow. Veledar felt the sun cascade upon his scales. The rushing air traveling all around his wings in the form of favorable currents. Everything was so perfect.

    ¡°Oh, cheer up already. You know I won¡¯t drop you.¡± He looked down at the less than thrilled human as he began to beat his wings to steady his flight path.

    ¡°You bastard!!¡± Arcturus shouted as he pounded against the dragon''s scales.

    ¡°Sorry, I forgot how much you enjoy flying,¡± he replied, stifling down a laugh. ¡°Besides, I need to look around. Figure out our position.¡±

    He heard Arcturus gulp as he gazed out to the rolling hills that were covered in patches of green, yellow, and brown. Every so often, there seemed to be buildings that had sprouted from the ground, dotting the hills with the obvious sign of human habitation.

    ¡°She sent us far south!¡± Arcturus shouted in disbelief. ¡°We are close to Drenedar! I recognize these hills from the time when I was still a wee boy!¡±

    ¡°Hits me right in the heart. So where do we go next?¡± Veledar asked. He had never ventured so far into these lands before. ¡°Grawwr,¡± the dragon complained over the vocal rumble of his belly. ¡°I think we may want to find something to eat. Are you as hungry as I am?¡± Veledar chuckled.

    ¡°Hungry like a wyrm! Haven¡¯t you heard my stomach rumble almost at the same time?¡± Arcturus laughed. ¡°There is a village not far from here where we can find a much better meal than the unsalted, stringy deer you¡¯re thinking of right now.¡±

    ¡°You make a fair point, human. Would they mind a dragon suddenly showing up in their midst?¡±

    ¡°I am sure they have seen stranger things in that village. Put me down first. There is no way I am being carried like a package to the village.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don''t think you have a choice in the matter,¡± laughed Veledar as he decided to dive, only to stop after a couple of seconds.

    ¡°What is the name of this village that treats dragons with the respect they deserve?¡± He asked to a pale faced Arcturus.

    ¡°T-T-T-T-T¡ªrost¡± Arcturus stammered, ¡°Please, do NOT do that again.¡±

    ¡°As you say, captain of knights, paladin of whatever,¡± Veledar grinned, letting the currents carry them eastward.

 Chapter 9: The Town of Trost

    Chapter 9: Town of Trost

    Arcturus had never been as grateful as he was in that blissful moment when the dragon placed him softly on the grass hill overlooking the village of Trost.

    ¡°Thanks¡­for the ghloooaaaaahk, ¡° he immediately fell to his knees and vomited all over the ground over the dragon¡¯s throaty chuckle.

    ¡°I really hope you can avoid doing that while I am carrying you.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t it strike you that this happens exactly because your inability to ask before swooping me up? Stop picking me up without warning!¡± Arcturus coughed, spat a few more times, then ripped a fistful of grass to wipe himself off the disgusting sludge. He stood up with a groan and joined the dragon, looking down to the village. It looked just like it had when he was just a boy. In a way, it seemed the passage of time hardly had an effect on the place. There were about three dozen wooden cottages huddled together on the rolling hills, bathed in the light of the afternoon sun. Arcturus could make out the tiny specks of people from the distance, hurrying to deliver all sorts of goods back to their homes.

    ¡°Are you sure these people will be more accepting of a dragon? This village looks pretty much like every human settlement I¡¯ve seen.¡±

    ¡°And how far does that number reach, wise, centered Crimson Sky?¡±

    ¡°One?¡± Veledar tilted his head, scrunching up his snout. ¡°Or is it¡­two?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± the human chuckled. ¡°Two out of hundreds. You see, Trost is amiable to dragons beca-¡±

    Arcturus was interrupted by a loud screech and a sudden blur of feathers. Three gold and white gryphons landed in a triangle pattern around them. They wore specially crafted, brown leather armor to cover their vulnerable joints, and each had a small tabard hanging around their necks by golden chains. Crimson Sky immediately bared his teeth and flared his wings. Arcturus only rolled his eyes at that. The dragon moved closer to no doubt protect him, even if he would most likely not admit such a thing.

    Arcturus calmly stood his ground as the gryphons stared at them with un-moving brown eyes.

    ¡°A scaly? I¡¯ve never had the pleasure to gaze upon a dragon around these parts.¡± said the gryphon closest to Arcturus. Arcturus could see the gryphon¡¯s chest getting bigger, obviously in an attempt to appear more threatening.

    Arcturus sighed, closed his eyes, then spoke calmly. ¡°Because they have the most gryphons compared to any other village in Lumara,¡± Arcturus finished saying to Crimson Sky.

    The gryphons gave a collection of confused looks to this. ¡°That wasn''t an answer to my...¡± one of the other gryphons started to say.

    ¡°Sorry ¡®bout that.¡± Arcturus intervened. ¡°Please, allow me to explain myself. I was just telling Crimson Sky here that Trost is defended by more gryphons than any other town in Lumara.¡± Arcturus gestured to Crimson Sky, who still was showing his teeth.

    ¡°Oh, of course you were,¡± the gryphon said. Arcturus noticed he started to strut. Crimson Sky closed his maw and rolled his eyes.

    ¡°I speak the truth. This dragon happens to be my official escort, erm, sorry. That doesn¡¯t sound right.¡± Arcturus calmly rephrased. ¡°He¡¯s both a guard and a method of transportation. You see, we are conducting official business in the name of the king. Information I sadly cannot disclose to a patrol. I¡¯m sure you understand the nature of these tasks.¡± Arcturus said calmly to the gryphon that was now strutting around him. It appeared none of them noticed how Crimson Sky rolled his eyes in irritation.

    ¡°Official business?¡± the strutting gryphon asked. ¡°Never heard of official business with a dragon involved. Your story smells worse than that one¡¯s wings.¡± The gryphon pointed a claw at Veledar¡¯s scrunched snout.

    ¡°Oh please, you should take a whiff from that broom you call fur before-¡°

    Arcturus slapped the dragon¡¯s neck and placed himself between the gryphon and the dragon. ¡°This is starting to get bothersome. I am Arcturus Lund, dragon slayer and paladin of Lumara. If you haven¡¯t heard my name, then you probably hatched from rocks.¡± Arcturus said, trying to not sound a little smug.

    The gryphon ruffled his feathers as he clacked his beak a few times. ¡°Perhaps we did. What value does a name bring to our town?¡± The gryphon''s eyes looked away, just like Crimson Sky did when he was trying to hide his curiosity.

    ¡°I have orders to bring him to the king.¡± Arcturus slapped Veledar¡¯s foreleg a few more times. ¡°Got some big plans involving this big scale bum here.¡±

    ¡°If you call me that again, I swear you won¡¯t have a hand to-¡°

    The air rang with the screech of gryphons, who flared their wings in an instant.

    ¡°Stand down!¡± Arcturus barked. ¡°Dragon¡¯s of no value to me or the king if you three start a fight over bad jokes. My scaly friend here¡­he¡¯s special, you know.¡± Arcturus smiled, patting Crimson Sky on his scales again. He felt the dragon¡¯s hide tense for a moment before it relaxed. He was a tad taken back as the strutting gryphon suddenly moved in close and put his beak very close to his face. Although, after he found himself face to face with a dragon not very long ago, moments like these had very little effect on Arcturus. The gryphon breathed in deep as he stared at him square in the eyes, as if searching for the slightest flinch.

    ¡°Will you let us proceed?¡± Arcturus asked.

    The gryphon whirled with a satisfied squawk and let his lion tail smack Arcturus on his leg armor.

    ¡°Checks out. The name¡¯s Mek, and my companions are DuskTalon and Miraka.¡± Mek gestured to the other gryphons one at a time. ¡°As much as I would like to continue our conversation, we have a patrol to finish. I advise you both to stay out of trouble while you are in our village. Paladin, dragon, or whatever you are matters little to us as long as you behave properly.¡±

    ¡°Of course we will, you pampered bird.¡± Crimson Sky said, putting a paw to his chest. ¡°I will be an example of harmony. Who knows, your town might love me so much that next time we come around we¡¯ll see dragons flying around instead of gryphons.¡±

    ¡°Dream on, scale-wings.¡± Mek said curtly before spreading his golden wings wide. With a puff of dirt from their wings, all three gryphons launched themselves high into the skies.

    ¡°Well that was certainly a delightful experience.¡± Crimson Sky said sarcastically as the human led him down the hill. ¡°Walking feels good. The earth¡¯s soft under my paws and the grass tickles my feet in lovely ways. However, I cannot help but observe we are making the wrong choice here. Why burden our legs when we can fly?¡±

    ¡°You want to fly after that delightful talk we just had?¡± Arcturus narrowed his eyes. ¡°You insulted Mek in front of his squad. Do you realize how deep this sting goes?¡±

    Veledar snorted dismissively. ¡°My scales suffered worse.¡±

    ¡°Good for you. Now keep on walking. We¡¯ll be there in just a bit.¡±

    ¡°Graaarrr! I so wish I could fly. Imagine how fast we¡¯d get there. Ten wing beats and we are done.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Arcturus said.

    ¡°Choice is an illusion. You know I can pick you up any time I want.¡±

    ¡°And I thought I might ride on your back for a change!¡± The human shot back, much to the dragon¡¯s surprise. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m not afraid of heights or flying. It¡¯s your¡­method of transportation that brought out the banshee in me.¡±

    Arcturus cringed at the growly laughter that came out of the dragon¡¯s throat. He waited for him to calm down, then continued. ¡°I can handle straight flying. It¡¯s only diving that gets me. Same goes for the ascension, so if you can smoothen those for me, we can be flying partners.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The dragon cocked his head, blinking a couple of times. ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡±

    ¡°Why not? Flying can be quite refreshing, and certainly feels much better than being caged in the wailing bowels of a flying machine.¡±

    ¡°I think I might just feel insulted by your request.¡± Crimson Sky replied, Arcturus was not sure if the dragon was being serious or not. ¡°You wish to ride upon my back like I¡¯m some common animal. Method of transportation, am I? Or one of those horse things you rest your arses on whenever you feel too lazy to move on your own legs?¡±

    ¡°Ah, but you¡¯d be a noble and dignified steed. A dragon worthy of a paladin!¡± Arcturus laughed.

    ¡°A fancy title to obscure the nasty weight of your armored ass.¡± The dragon snorted, then paused for a bit before speaking. ¡°Let me think about it, Arcturus. It might be easier to swallow my pride than to watch you retch every time we land.¡±

    ¡°Ah, so you dragons are able to choose reason over pride. I¡¯m thrilled. This way, everybody wins!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re an awful paladin, know that?¡± Crimson Sky replied, squinting his eyes. ¡°There would be one more thing to say though. I never got the chance to say your idea of escaping the fairy realm had a spark of draconic brilliance in it. Sounds almost like something I¡¯d think of!¡±

    Arcturus smiled at the dragon¡¯s words. ¡°My dear dragon, I do believe you¡¯re trying to leech my merits, because I haven¡¯t heard you come up with this exact plan before me.¡±

    Crimson Sky scrunched up his snout in slight disgust. ¡°I was trying to pay you a compliment, you thick armored buffoon! You could do better than poke at my shortcomings. If I didn¡¯t erect that magic shield, there would be no brave paladin to save us from those shadows, so I win!¡±

    ¡°Oh, come now, Crimson Sky, I said that in jest. I had no idea a strong dragon like you could be so easily wounded.¡± Arcturus said, playfully shoving the dragon in the shoulder even if Crimson Sky showed no signs of feeling the nudge. Moments later, while they were walking towards the village, Crimson Sky returned the favor and shoved Arcturus onto the grass with one scaly paw.

    ¡°Down your armored ass goes! Now you can consider us even.¡± Crimson sky growled with glee.

    Arcturus spit out some grass that had gotten into his mouth and dusted himself off. The dragon was nothing but amused, even pleased with his juvenile way of thinking.

    ¡°My fault! It¡¯s my fault?¡± The paladin pointed a finger at the silly dragon. ¡°I severely overestimated your intellect. Beneath these fancy scales and big, pompous words, you¡¯re nothing but a child!¡±

    ¡°Hatchling.¡± The dragon swished his tail playfully. ¡°Go on. I am intrigued by what comes next.¡±

    Arcturus chuckled. ¡°Hah. I take it we are starting to be friends now?¡±

    The dragon settled onto his haunches to look at the human with what could be described as an amused look. ¡°You are indeed growing on me, paladin Arcturus.¡± He then looked away with the same silly smile, ¡°Like damp, stinky cave mold that clings onto everything it touches.¡±

    ¡°Ugh. Where did you get that from?¡±

    ¡°I can always make another joke about my backside.¡±

    ¡°No, Gods no! We can be friends without sharing these types of jokes, can¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, human. Dragons don''t have friends besides other dragons.¡±

    ¡°Really? What about Trixie? She certainly thought of you as a friend,¡± he said, but felt instantly guilty as he saw a look of remorse grow on Crimson Sky''s snout.

    ¡°I knew a female dragon once, so full of life, always up to mischief, but her light had dimmed. She¡¯s...gone.¡±

    Well, that was certainly something he did not plan on doing to the dragon. ¡°Apologies. It was not my intention to remind you of your loss.¡±

    ¡°I did not say she was dead, Arcturus. She went east to explore a continent far away. Unfortunately for the both of us, I decided to stay here, and a precious bond we forged over the years crumbled to dust. Do not pity me. It is the way of the dragon, to live a life of solitude.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but¡­I can¡¯t help but feel bad about it.¡±

    The dragon said nothing. Instead, he allowed the human to touch him, and Arcturus walked with a hand on Crimson Sky''s side in silence until they reached the village at the base of the hill.

    Arcturus made his way onto the bustling streets, avoiding the gawking faces made by the various people. The red dragon seemed to bask in the attention he received. Paper cutouts of gryphons hung between each wooden building that dotted the small village. Despite the stares, gryphons were passing over frequently to get a good look at the dragon. Arcturus noted that things were going well so far. No one was rushing over to instigate a conflict on purpose. If anything, they were curious about this unlikely pair. Arcturus had to send the insistent birds away despite Crimson Sky''s protests, whose only desire was to stop and tell anyone that would listen about his magnificence. After the third such instance, Arcturus had no option but to grab the dragon by his pompous snout.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Listen here, you pampered mink! We are supposed to avoid drawing too much attention to ourselves. A dragon is already big news without you stopping to make idle chit chat with every passing person!¡±

    Crimson sky just smirked with his teeth and growled quietly. ¡°Mrawr, awwr, Arcturus. I was simply making these townsfolk feel more confident about my benevolence. I imagined would be proud of what I am trying to achieve here; cooperation between our two very different races.¡±

    Arcturus bit his lip. The dragon did have a point. The last time Crimson Sky landed in a human village, he not only angered the people, but messed up their village, albeit in much minor ways than another dragon would.

    ¡°Alright, alright!¡± Arcturus said. ¡°You¡¯re doing much better than last time, but that doesn''t change the fact that you are going against the very thing we try to achieve here.¡± He sighed, ¡°I thought you¡¯d be satisfied with a full stomach and a soft place to rest.¡±

    Crimson Sky quickly nodded. ¡°Honestly, I would have made more of a fuss if not for the curiosity of these people. Why can''t the rest of your race act like normal people, instead of petty little things with corn up their arses?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t even try to debate that.¡± The paladin said. Crimson Sky started following Arcturus, who had started leading him to a rather large wooden building that seemed to be built with purpose in mind. Everything about the inn was twice the size of anything else in the village, from its clear glass windows to its great wooden door. The sign outside was pristine and hardly looked a day old. In gold lettering, it read The Gallant Gryphon, and beneath the letters was a mural of a golden gryphon standing proudly in front of pair of rolling hills.

    ¡°So why this place and not the inn we passed five minutes ago?¡± Crimson Sky asked. His snout sneaked inches from Arcturus¡¯ head, making him jump in surprise. Arcturus caught his breath and narrowed his eyes at the chuckling dragon.

    ¡°Do I startle you so easily, Arcturus?¡±

    Arcturus ignored him, ¡°This place is more suited for a creature of your stature.¡± He gestured with his arms to Crimson Sky''s body. ¡°You might have felt a tad cramped in the other places I had in mind.¡±

    He watched Crimson Sky turn back towards the previous inns they passed, and Arcturus thought he saw a hint of disappointment on his snout when his words were proven true.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. They¡¯re smaller than my¡­you know, what I have between my legs.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your tail.¡± Arcturus said quickly. ¡°Come now, before somebody else hears you.¡±

    Crimson Sky turned back towards The Gallant Gryphon, quickly barging through the front door with a smirk. Arcturus quickly heard a crash and the cracking of wood from inside.

    ¡°Don''t worry, good people! My human friend will pay for all the damages I cause.¡± he heard Crimson Sky say loudly.

    Arcturus opened the door to find Crimson Sky sitting in the middle of a cracked table with a group of laughing gryphons and humans.

    ¡°There he is. The finest in all the land. Quite a looker too, am I right?¡± Crimson Sky said, pointing at Arcturus.

    Arcturus made his way past the patrons. On his way to the bar, he heard Crimson Sky already ordering what sounded like a banquet of food. Behind the bar stood a bald man cleaning an iron mug with a frown plastered over his hard, pockmarked face.

    ¡°Damages for the table will be fifty silver pieces,¡± he said in a gruff voice.

    ¡°My word is my bond,¡± Arcturus sighed, reaching into his pouch to find the coins for the man. ¡±Need two rooms as well.¡±

    ¡°Only got one. Tis¡¯ a busy day to be wantin¡¯ a room, friend,¡± the barkeep stated.

    ¡°Fine, we will take the one room you have. Hope it¡¯s big enough to house a dragon.¡± Arcturus sighed. He turned back to the sound of a waitress in a blue uniform holding what looked like a stack of food rather than an order.

    ¡°That dragon ordered everything on the menu!¡± she exclaimed in surprise. ¡°Not even the gryphons ever order this much! I hope you¡¯re all hungry!¡±

    The barkeep just eyed Arcturus with a grin as he forked over more coin to the man. ¡°Very well,¡± Arcturus placed a small bag of twenty gold pieces. ¡°That should cover everything my scaly friend has ordered.¡±

    After he paid, Arcturus took a seat next to the dragon, who was sitting at an over-sized table, talking with a group of three gryphons. They seemed to be one upping each other in tales of courage and skill.

    ¡°Then I pounced on the shadow creatures, claws ripping at their throat, flames coating everything! I could have flown away, of course. Incinerate them all from above, but that would have meant abandoning a helpless human to a most gruesome fate, and I, Crimson Sky, defender of the realm, vowed to protect those who cannot defend themselves.¡± Crimson Sky said, swelling his chest in pride.

    ¡°How did you save him?¡± a gryphon asked.

    ¡°Well, it started like this.¡± Veledar narrated the incident, only this time he made himself the hero who came up with the brilliant idea to leave the fairy¡¯s realm.

    The gryphons gave a collected gasp at the story, with one turning towards Arcturus, ¡°Is this true, human? Did Crimson Sky here really save you from thirty shadow creatures?¡±

    The others looked to him with eagerness while Crimson Sky''s snout seemed to say, ¡°tell them¡±.

    He smirked. This wasn¡¯t a bad place to craft a little telltale in Crimson Sky¡¯s name.

    ¡°Ah, but my scaly friend here is too humble to recount the true danger of our predicament. I reckon it must¡¯ve been at least fifty shades, one more wicked looking than the other.¡± Arcturus said. ¡°Those dreadful creatures had us surrounded. Our weary bodies were covered in wounds, our magic, fading. I had no hope of victory. And if not for my brave dragon savior, I would surely not be here telling you this tale.¡±

    He folded his arms while the gryphons turned back to Crimson Sky and bombarded the dragon with questions and praises. Arcturus was glad for the steaming food as several of the cook¡¯s assistants brought it over in the middle of another tale of unmatched bravery from Crimson Sky. Arcturus dug into a roasted goose. Its taste was sweeter than anything he ate recently. He washed it down with a mug of bitter, but not bad tasting ale.

    It was when a song started up from the others that Arcturus joined in the revelry. He looked to Crimson Sky, who had a large smile and was singing along with the rest, looking utterly ridiculous.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Arcturus?¡± Crimson Sky slurred, his tongue hanging from his mouth, eyes cloudy from the amount of ale he ingested.

    ¡°Crimson Sky, you¡¯re¡­Gods, this is better than any tale I¡¯ve heard today. You¡­you¡¯re drunker than guard on his free day!¡± Arcturus exclaimed in surprised.

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± The dragon growled, almost losing his balance as he wobbled around the inn much to the fright of the staff that scampered out of his way. ¡°I am a m-mighty dragon, and it takes a lot¡­a lot more than that to get me properly drunk!¡± Crimson Sky shouted, his voice filling the inn.

    Arcturus gestured to the two empty kegs at the dragon¡¯s side. ¡°Like those?¡±

    Crimson Sky stuck his nose into them. ¡°They¡¯re empty!¡± he snarled angrily. ¡°Servants! More drink!¡±

    ¡°No no no,¡± Arcturus ran over to the unsteady dragon. ¡°You¡¯ve had more than enough, my friend. Let¡¯s get you out of here before you wreck the whole inn.¡±

    Arcturus helped the dragon to a door labeled room seven. It matched the key the barkeep had given him while he had enjoyed his meal. Inside, the room was lit by a single mana crystal that bathed the walls in a pleasant shade of orange that could be mistaken for candle light. There was a simple dresser for their clothes, as well as a bed large enough for a gryphon in the shape of a nest. Crimson Sky collapsed onto the bed as Arcturus removed his suit of armor piece by piece, sighing in relief.

    ¡°Are you going to bed me?¡± Crimson Sky hiccupped from behind.

    ¡°W-what?¡± the paladin¡¯s eyes constricted with panic.

    ¡°Are you going to come to bed with me?¡± the dragon repeated in an eerily calm voice.

    ¡°No! I have my own bed, right¡­here.¡± Arcturus whirled on his feet. ¡°Alright, nowhere.¡± The human sighed after he checked the room twice. ¡°A single bed for two people? Who does that?¡±

    ¡°It is not uncommon for friends to share.¡± The dragon spread his wings invitingly. ¡°Come now. Don¡¯t pretend there¡¯s a choice involved.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re bloody annoying even when you¡¯re drunk.¡± Arcturus grumbled as he walked over to the dragon.

    ¡°You afraid someone might get some ideas between the two of us?¡± the dragon continued with a sly grin. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the way you look at me.¡±

    ¡°You stay on your bloody side, and try to keep that babbling maw shut.¡± The human replied, pushing the bulk of the dragon to the other side of the nest bed. He was soon drifting to sleep, even with the dragon poking about his naked body, chuckling in that growly, drunky way of his.

    * * * *

    Arcturus found himself in the sky. More accurately, on top of Crimson Sky¡¯s back, with his arse rested upon a saddle. Arcturus was holding tight onto the makeshift thing as the dragon¡¯s wings carried them both through the blue expanse. Every wing beat from the dragon filled him with excitement as he looked to the horizon, finding he liked the feeling of wind flowing through his hair. Strangely enough, the paladin felt a smile come to his face as he realized he was much calmer than usual. Somehow, he knew there was no danger involved. More than that.

    He knew this was a dream. Surely in the waking world the dragon would detest this to the end of time, but within his mind, Arcturus enjoyed the dive, the turns, and somewhat scary barrel rolls. Despite being this high up in the sky, Arcturus felt warm, the heat radiating from the dragon ensuring he suffered no grievance from the biting gusts of the shifting winds.

    In a few moments the sky warped around them, changing until Arcturus found himself free-falling without the dragon. He screamed out as fear found its way into him. He held his eyes shut, telling himself it was just a dream, until he fell hard not onto a grassy field, but a cold, stone floor.

    He opened his eyes to find himself in his father''s old study. The chamber was adorned with dragon bones of all sizes hanging ominously by thin wires. Books lined the walls, filled with techniques studying these beasts, various ways to subdue and kill them. Arcturus stood up, finding his joints all ached with a dull pain that made him wince. He turned towards a fireplace, already lit and bathing the room with a flickering light. In front of the fire place rested a couple of pale, green chairs. One of them turned to face him, revealing no one else than his father, a stern look upon his aged, bearded face. His short hair was lined with gray hairs, and his piercing blue eyes stared at Arcturus as if they could pierce the man¡¯s very flesh.

    ¡°My son¡­¡± the man said with a voice full of disappointment.

    Arcturus soon heard whispers around him. Words such as tricked, traitor, dishonor, each one of these words making Arcturus slowly fall to his knees. Part of him wanted nothing more than to drop to his hands and beg forgiveness before he heard a faint roar that made him pull his attention away from his father to find Crimson Sky towering over him, looking ferocious. His teeth were bared, and his eyes focused solely on him, with his tail twitching from side to side.

    Arcturus reacted by trying to reach for his sword. Instead, his hands found cold, empty air. Somewhere in the darkness, he heard his father¡¯s ominous laughter.

    ¡°This is what you get for bargaining with monsters instead of killing them.¡±

    Arcturus ducked as Crimson Sky tried to snap his jaws on him, so close that he could feel a spray of saliva coat his neck. He fell backwards as Crimson Sky shoved and pinned him underneath a sharp claw. Arcturus grasped the paw that was holding him down, trying to force it off him. He gasped in pain as Crimson Sky let his claws dig into his chest, drawing blood.

    He sensed pity from his father as Crimson Sky bared down at him, and he opened his maw wide. Arcturus watched a glow start in the back of the dragon¡¯s pink throat before the flame exploded outwards. Although, instead of intense heat, he felt a warming sensation. He felt the dragon''s weight lift off him, and he sprang to his feet. Arcturus darted towards the door of his home. He had to get out of here and end this nightmare. He grasped the handle of the large door that was covered in dragons of every color. Their little gem eyes stared at him as he pressed down on the metal handle. The eyes seemed to follow him as he sprinted down an endless hallway. He could hear his father''s voice calling for him, urging him back to his home, but Arcturus pushed it from his mind.

    He gasped when a silver dragon sprung from one of the walls, wrapping itself around him as he struggled in its tight scaled grip. Arcturus cried out as he fell onto the floor with the dragon. His heartbeat quickened as his struggles continued against the thing. When his foot sank into the floor, he went to cry out, but found he was unable to voice anything.

    Wrapped in complete silence, Arcturus sank entirely into the floor, his eyes filling up with nothing but darkness. He could still, however, feel the tight grip of the dragon holding him in this abyss. He tried to speak, but like before, he found his words lost to the air, making no noise.

    From within, he felt sorrow on a level he could not have imagined before. It filled him quickly, and he felt tears well up in his eyes. Like hundreds of pieces of him had been scattered all around, and he was holding onto this world by a thread. The feeling passed as quickly as it had entered, and Arcturus once again felt warmness return to his body. He felt his chest grow tight, almost too hard to breath. He could feel what felt like breathing on his neck and sighed in relief rather than fear. That was the sound of the Crimson Sky he knew. His friend.

    His eyes bolted awake instantly.

    He was being held by Crimson Sky, who was clearly still asleep. The dragon must have snatched him in his sleep and held him close against his frame like a child might do to a stuffed animal. Arcturus was angry at first, but sighed as he relaxed in the dragon''s warm embrace. He admitted that, with a source of warmth draped over him, it was much nicer to sleep than in the embrace of the usual cold air that was common in Trost. He felt the dragon kick his left leg, causing Arcturus to wonder what the dragon could possibly be dreaming about. Could it be drinking? Flying? Female dragons? A conquest? Or simply winning an argument? Arcturus squirmed his way slowly out of the dragon''s grip. He came free several minutes later, and instantly regretted his choice as he felt the chill of the air wrap its tendrils around him. As he looked back to the slumbering Crimson Sky, he fought the urge to crawl back into the dragon''s embrace and fall asleep once more.

    Maybe later, Arcturus shook his head and dismissed the idea. His stomach rumbled a most enticing counter offer.

    He made his way to the bathing room and washed himself thoroughly in a comfortable iron tub. He found the warmth of the crystal-heated water appetizing, just like the smell of eggs and bacon that filled the room. He chuckled at the thought of gryphons eating eggs, but his thoughts changed when he rounded the corner and found a whole party of gryphons digging into a heaping pile of scrambled eggs. Arcturus sat down and asked for a cup of coffee from one of the elven waitresses, who looked to him with amusement in her green eyes.

    ¡°I know you. Paladin, right? You have that red dragon following you around, am I right?¡± she asked, while scrambling some more eggs.

    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Arcturus gave her a quick nod as he took a sip from the coffee mug placed in front of him. He sighed as the liquid warmed and did its intended effect of waking him up.

    ¡°Quite an odd pair you two make. That says a lot when we get a bunch of feathers like them.¡± She gestured to the gryphons. Two of the birds squawked at her, she waved them back, then shifted her eyes back to Arcturus. ¡°Didn''t know dragons still fly around these parts. I only ever heard stories ¡®bout them, including the one in Entis,¡± she said before sighing, ¡°do you two ever go on grand adventurers, or is your position keeping you tied behind the walls of your city?¡±

    Arcturus chuckled as she looked to him with those curious eyes. She must have been at least one hundred years old, although she was looking at him as if she were a kid.

    ¡°I¡¯m on a journey right now, as fate would have it, filled with a tad too much excitement for me to stomach,¡± he said, taking another sip from his mug. ¡°Though your coffee surely helps. Listen. Do you have anything to help with the nausea when he takes me up there?¡±

    The waitress smiled. ¡°We¡¯ve got plenty of herbs for airsick lowlanders. Want me to bring you some?¡±

    Airsick? Lowlander? Somehow, feeling nauseous suddenly became the smallest concern when pitted against an eternity of teasing.

    ¡°Nah. Only way to stay sharp is to fight that which you fear.¡±

    ¡°Or fly.¡± The woman pointed out.

    ¡°Yes. Exactly that.¡± Arcturus took another sip from his mug.

    The waitress excused herself back to the kitchen. Arcturus sat in a few moments of silence before he found another person sitting beside him, a familiar looking half elf wearing a grin.

    ¡°So, if it isn''t the stubborn, metal-clad jester who wasted his time prosecuting an innocent dragon,¡± she said, picking up a mug of coffee handed to by a kind, smiling waitress. ¡°Didn''t think I''d see you again, your highness.¡±

    ¡°Same. And you don¡¯t have to call me that. Arcturus will do fine.¡±

    She grabbed a fork and knife as a plate of food was placed in front of her. ¡°I don¡¯t really care about it, although now it''s more intriguing why an officer of your prestige ran away from his duties.¡± She watched him closely with her eyes full of questions. ¡°What ever did happen with that dragon anyway? Last I heard he swept you off your feet and carried you away. Could be to eat you, could be he took a fancy to you. Or possibly¡­mayhap it¡¯s you who took a fancy to him!¡±

    Arcturus clenched his jaws at the annoying waterfall of prattling sounds that poured from her mouth. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not your business to know why I¡¯m here.¡±

    Suddenly, revelation ran through his mind. What wind brought the half-elf here? Trost was very far from the village of Deet. ¡°Actually, do entertain me for a moment. Say my memory¡¯s a bit fuzzy. How many days passed since our last encounter, and how did you find me here? You must¡¯ve moved on quick feet to-¡±

    ¡°Quick?¡± she asked in surprise. ¡°You really must¡¯ve hit your head or something. I took nearly a month to get here. Been side tracking as I made my way back home.¡±

    ¡°A month?!¡± Arcturus shot up from his chair, making several patrons gasp.  ¡°But I saw you merely four days ago!¡±

    His mind raced with the possibilities of the Fairy''s magic. Was it possible he had been walking with Crimson Sky for thirty days they had not noticed because of the realm¡¯s weirdness?

    ¡°You might want to lower the tone of your voice a little. The gryphs are starting to get queasy.¡±

    Arcturus sat down, holding his head. He thought to all of his friends, who probably believed him to be a pile of bones abandoned somewhere. ¡°A whole month?¡± he scratched through his beard again. ¡°Oh, blasted¡­.¡±

    ¡°What happened that you lost a month of time, my friend?¡± She laughed. ¡°Partnered up with your cup a bit too long last night, haven¡¯t you? I heard that dragon has a lovely singing voice.¡±

    Arcturus put his hands down and told her everything that had happened up until that point. Not sure why felt the need, to be honest, but as he went along with the story, somehow the words started to pour naturally from his lips, while the half-elf seemed to grow more curious with every passing moment.

    ¡°That''s all I have to say.¡± Arcturus finished up his recounting of the events. ¡°We''re now trying to find our way to Entis so that my drunk, singing dragon can get his special book back from whoever had the brilliant idea to snatch it from his lair.¡±

    Lyndis just held a sly grin as she finished sipping the last remainders of her coffee. ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±

    ¡°In where?¡±

    ¡°In this adventure, madness, nonsensical quest or whatever you two are up to!¡±

    Arcturus frowned. ¡°Listen, lady. We¡¯re not exactly a team, you and I. We barely know each other¡¯s names!¡±

    She held a hand up to cut him off. ¡°Perhaps you should listen to me, metal-clad. Your lack of subtlety is legendary, and you will need someone who can get you into Entis without drawing much attention to yourselves.¡± She gestured to the broken table. ¡°Does that look like the work of a master of shadows to you?¡±

    At that point Arcturus had to admit the truth. The woman was right. He could not think of a way to get Crimson Sky into the city, least of all the castle without being incarcerated by the city guard.

    ¡°Alright. Say I am considering this mad proposal. How exactly will you be able to help, miss Lyndis?¡±

    ¡°Well....¡± She pulled out a knife to stab it into the table. ¡°I''m not only good with illusion magic, but I also have skills in stealth and adventuring. I know this land almost as well as I know my own clothes.¡± she smiled.

    ¡°Fine. You can come with us, although we will need to get horses. Crimson Sky is not exactly the type of dragon who would eagerly offer you a ride out of the kindness of his heart¡± he laughed, imagining the dragon ranting at the two adventurers that demanded a place upon his back.

    ¡°No problem. I''ll go pick two of the best mounts while you tell the big guy the news.¡± Lyndis dropped a small bag of coins for the inn, thanked the innkeeper for her meal, and left quickly. Arcturus finished his own scrambled eggs in much needed silence. He needed to think of the proper way to approach his proud partner.

    ¡°You mean we have another person with us?¡± Crimson Sky shouted, ¡°And why haven¡¯t I been made aware of this before you took this ridiculous, stupid, careless decision?¡±

    ¡°She practically ambushed me.¡± Arcturus defended himself.

    ¡°That may be, but you could¡¯ve stalled her until I woke up. I¡¯m the leader here! Me. Crimson Sky the Brave, savior of humans, beloved of the gryphons, singer of tales and proud owner of Lumara¡¯s finest paladin.¡±

    Arcturus scratched his head. ¡°Yeah, that¡­that¡¯s not going to do so early in the morning. I heard the word paladin, but the rest is gone.¡±

    ¡°Gone?¡± the dragon growled. ¡°Oh, human, you insult me so.¡±

    That made Arcturus raise an eyebrow. ¡°Maybe I wouldn¡¯t, if we were proper partners for one! What made you think you were the leader?¡±

    ¡°Why, I am a dragon, of course! How can I be anything less than the leader? This is my quest, my rules.¡± Crimson sky paused and did the thing where he looked away but still had his eyes on him. ¡°Who did you find anyway that could possibly be of help to me?¡±

    So, the dragon did not entirely hate the idea after all. ¡°A half-elf that is good with illusions. Goes by the name of Lyndis. You should know her from the-¡±

    Crimson Sky seemed to perk up at the name. ¡°Lyndis!¡± He shouted. ¡°Lyndis, as in the half elf I saved from certain death?!¡±

    ¡°Well, her version of the story is a little different.¡±

    Veledar beamed at that. ¡°Kind, selfless Lyndis. She must¡¯ve increased the number of bandits tenfold.¡±

    ¡°Actually, she claimed you just helped.¡±

    ¡°Mrrrrrffff,¡± Crimson Sky snorted, ¡°We both know that¡¯s not how it happened, metal ass! But still,¡± he grinned, ¡°It will be nice to talk to someone who can actually use magic.¡±

    ¡°Magic? Even peasants know what that is.¡± Arcturus laughed.

    ¡°Yes, but I¡¯m not speaking about theoretical magic. You know what it is, but as far as I know, you cannot even create a spark without rubbing two stones together like a primitive.¡± Crimson Sky wagged a talon at him with a coy grin.

    Arcturus missed his energy crossbow. If he had it right now, he would¡¯ve stunned this joker¡¯s prattling tongue.

    ¡°Now that you have been once again made aware of the superior nature of my species, I must leave to attend more pressing matters.¡± Crimson Sky shoved him aside and worked his way to the dining room.

    Yeah. Go and feast, you loud, rude beast. Arcturus thought as he went over to his armor, reciting his oath with each piece he strapped upon himself. When he stowed his sword and slung his shield around his back, the human grinned at the image presented in the mirror; that of a young man ready to take on the whole world.

    ¡°Today is going to be a good day.¡± He looked around the room with nostalgic fondness before he left the room, and the memories he formed in this place, forever behind.

 Chapter 10: Dragons Trust

    Chapter 10: Dragon''s Trust

    Horses smelled horrible to Veledar. That earthy smell of fur, manure, and whatever else stuck to their mangy coats made the dragon sick to his stomach. Veledar even started hacking when Lyndis brought a bay horse within close distance of his sensitive nose.

    ¡°Please, take¡­take that horrible thing away.¡± He addressed the lady in the most polite way he could given the situation.

    ¡°Tis just a horse. Can¡¯t tell me you¡¯re getting a queasy stomach from a mere animal. You¡¯ve no problem slashing your way through bandits, or dropping in the middle of a village unannounced. I¡¯m not even talking about heading to Entis to recover a silly book, a journey that, by the way, can get us all imprisoned, or worse, killed.¡± Lyndis frowned as she pulled the horse¡¯s reins to lead the animal away from the nauseous dragon.

    ¡°Grahhhr,¡± Veledar rubbed his nose with his paw. ¡°I know why you must get these beasts, but why something so ugly and stinky like horses? Surely you¡¯d be better off traveling upon the back of two gryphons.¡± He said, thankful that the half elf put more distance between of them. He had another one to deal with; a beast just as vile as its brethren. If it wasn¡¯t for the man astride the horse, Veledar would¡¯ve flown off long ago.

    ¡°You agree with me, right?¡± Veledar shot a quick look in the paladin¡¯s direction, only to have Arcturus shake his head with a meek smile. ¡°Why? How can this wingless creature suit a man of your stature better than a gryphon? Even your banner has them. Why not us?¡±

    ¡°Because then, my dear, valiant dragon, we would not see the pretty look you¡¯ve got on your face right now.¡± Lyndis continued to laugh from afar, clutching her sides as she tried to stay in her saddle.

    He squinted his eyes at her, ¡°I should knock you off your saddle for that.¡± he hissed, ¡°now that would be a funny sight to see.¡± Veledar moved his tail, getting ready to strike the half elf off, but stopped when Arcturus moved along his other side.

    ¡°You¡¯d better behave properly around a lady, Crimson Sky, or you will answer to me.¡± the human said with a smirk.

    Oh, so he thought himself funny as well? Veledar walked right next to Arcturus. ¡°Don''t think I won''t knock your armored ass into the dirt, paladin. Why, the combination of metal and horse smells even worse than our half breed over there does.¡± Veledar moved his tail, gesturing to Arcturus now. The human watched it carefully as he brought his horse past the dragon.

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question,¡± he hissed.

    ¡°Do I have to? I thought the answer is obvious.¡± Arcturus said.

    ¡°It would be best if we avoid taking to the skies, least we attract unnecessary attention to ourselves.¡±

    ¡°And why is that, elf lady?¡± The dragon¡¯s throat rumbled with irritation. Few things annoyed him more than a two-legs spouting their inferior wisdom at him.

    ¡°Just trust me.¡± Lyndis waved him to keep up.

    Veledar groaned loudly. He hated the walking part, more so after their recent, month-long journey through the fairy realm. Part of him still couldn''t believe it had been that long; he certainly hadn''t believed it when Arcturus told him at breakfast. Veledar guessed they lost track of time, when the realm itself did not follow the same rules as the real world. However, Veledar was thankful when Lyndis suggest casting a spell to disguise him. Pass without trace, she had called it. Said it would make him blend in the clouds overhead if he prevented himself from roaring with glee like a fool.

    ¡°Tell me again why this fancy spell doesn¡¯t work on all of us.¡± Veledar hissed with obvious annoyance.

    ¡°Two words. Gryphon Riders.¡±

    Veledar cocked his head, which in turn coaxed a sigh out of the half-elf. ¡°And here I thought dragons were all-knowledgeable. Fine. Let me put this in bare terms. Between Entis and us stand hundreds of lookouts. Mages who are just as proficient as I in the use of spells, and most important, the detection of said spells are going to have an easy time with you. Believe me. We wouldn¡¯t be the only ones who¡¯d try to sneak into the capital with a simple invisibility trick. So how about, instead of getting caught on account of your pride, we take the safe option? Wouldn¡¯t you agree this is the better plan?¡±

    ¡°No. I do not agree. We should analyze our options and come up with an even better plan!¡± Veledar growled.

    It was Arcturus¡¯ turn to sigh now. ¡°There is none we haven¡¯t already went over a dozen times. What Lyndis is saying is that a lone camouflaged dragon can wriggle himself out of a bind. A dragon with a human deserter and a half-elf on his back?¡± the human shook his head. ¡°No way of getting out of that one.¡±

    Veledar preferred to win in any kind of contest, be it an argument, flying, or fighting, but this time, his companions had the upper hand. He straightened up as Lyndis placed a hand on his right side, slowly speaking the words Pass without trace in elven. The magic felt like cool drops of water rolling over his spine as the spell slowly took effect. Veledar looked down to find his scales blend in almost perfectly with the grass beneath his feet. He disliked the idea that his scales were no longer red, as he very much loved their fiery radiance when the sun¡¯s light reflected off them. The dragon sighed in understanding. He would be able to fly in the sky, at least. Unfurling his wings, the dragon gave one last big grin before he launched himself into the skies, away from the two puny, wingless humans and their stinky horses.

    ¡°I wonder what ill names he¡¯s cooking for us.¡± Arcturus looked over to Lyndis, who smiled back at him. ¡°What? You too?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not about to get beaten by a dragon.¡±

    Veledar flew higher and higher, leaving his two traveling companions far behind on the ground. He turned, did some barrel rolls, and dove a few times before he once again rejoined the group. The dragon spread his wings wide and started to glide carefully behind them, gazing out onto the path ahead. A path that led them to the capital city of Entis. He thought of another town that he had seen on the map shown to him before they had left. It lay between here and the capital, a settlement going by the name of Drakenburg. Veledar remembered the name from his youth, particularly how much he despised it. His mother had made frequent trips to that place after his brother perished, probably to distract herself from the same pain that kept Veledar crippled for years. He glided for a moment as he shook his head, clearing the dark thoughts of his brother¡¯s demise from his head. There was no sense in ruining a perfectly good day by remembering such a sad moment.

    The three of them traveled for the course of several days, stopping to rest and eat along the way. They slept by firelight, as Lyndis had cast an illusion to hide their campfire. Veledar found himself talking to Arcturus more and more each night. Each time they spoke, it usually involved the stories of old, especially dragons.

    ¡°I think our adventure will make for a great story to tell your fellow humans about.¡± Veledar smirked. ¡°Filled with adventure, excitement, and danger, as our brave dragon leads a team of adventurers to retrieve a precious heirloom taken unjustly from his lair.¡± He said, very much liking the idea of people cheering for him and offering him numerous praises.

    Arcturus just reclined on a rock and laughed quietly for a bit. ¡°Should I leave in the parts about how you wobbled around like a slithering snake after you had one too many barrels to drink? Or perhaps I should tell the tale of Veledar the woodbreaker, who bravely vanquished the tavern¡¯s table? Now that is a feat to remember!¡±

    Veledar held up his snout, but not so much as to lose the human from sight ¡°You know how to wound me, paladin.¡± The dragon let his head fall to the ground softly, closing his eyes. ¡°You have killed me with your words...you murderer.¡± he said with a quick display of his many teeth.

    Noticing the half-elf was being silent, Veledar decided to turn his attention to her. ¡°So. Lady Lyndis. I find myself curious as to what manner of winds or tangled circumstances brought you further south of Drenedar.¡± he said, placing his head between his paws.  ¡°Still running from those folks you mentioned last time?¡±

    ¡°Oh, gods no.¡± the woman flicked her hand dismissively. ¡°I thought I would be heading home till I ran into you two. My dad used to say...¡± she held up a hand and dropped her voice, ¡°never turn down a chance at adventure, daughter of mine. You only have one life to accomplish everything you wish.¡± she said, growing quiet for a moment after spouting that.

    Veledar watched how she just stared into the fire intently, letting the light dance across her face before she started up again. ¡°Besides, how could I say no to you blundering fools? I bet you couldn''t stay secretive even if your lives depended on it.¡±

    ¡°How rude! I certainly possess the means to conceal myself!¡± Veledar growled. ¡°Why, I have proven myself a great hunter to my sister over a hundred times!¡±

    ¡°That may be true, but I heard how you two got drunk and started singing along with some gryphons back there in Trost. That sort of thing can''t happen in Entis. There are too many prying eyes, hidden agendas, and ears just desperate for any information worth selling.¡± She said, pulling a stick to stoke the fire. ¡°Imagine the challenge! If I can get you two into the city to pull this book stealing thing off, I will become one of the legendary travelers you hear about in taverns! I¡¯ll be a fockin¡¯ hero!¡±

    Lyndis held out her hands, as if holding a sign in between them. ¡°And I will be known as Lyndis, the best illusionist in the land.¡±

    Veledar admired the fire she spoke with, determined and fierce, not very different from how a dragoness would speak.

    ¡°Besides, any chance to get back at this evil bloated kingdom is worth taking.¡± she spat out, voice teeming with hatred.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Arcturus chimed in. ¡°Since when is our kingdom so vile that you have to spit in the fire?¡±

    ¡°Hah.¡± Lyndis shrugged. ¡°My tongue itches to unburden itself, but I¡¯ll just say this one thing. Since when does a good and just kingdom want an innocent dragon killed, hmm?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Veledar intervened. ¡°What¡¯s that about?¡±

    ¡°You have already turned against your king by letting Crimson Sky here loose. How far will you go to prove your point then?¡± Lyndis asked, her eyes never leaving Arcturus.

    ¡°Now hold on a moment! I just decided to help the dragon get his book back, which is no good reason to squabble over!¡± the paladin snapped back.

    So he said, although in the human¡¯s eyes, Veledar saw fury, and in his voice, heard confusion. It might just have been possible that the human was hanging onto the idea that what he heard must have been some sort of mistake.

    ¡°Well, you best not waver in your conviction to help Crimson Sky once we are closer to Entis. In spite of what I said, if the focken dragon trusts your resolve, I see no reason why I shouldn¡¯t.¡± Lyndis finished with a slight frown.

    There was a pregnant pause between them as they just stared into the fire. Of course, Veledar couldn''t have that. He absolutely had to break the silence. ¡°Why do you hate the people of this land, Lyndis? I have plenty of reasons to dislike dragon murderers and thieves, present company excluded of course, but what manner of grievance brings out such passion in your voice? Lumara must¡¯ve done something terrible, to get under your skin like that.¡±

    Lyndis took a long, hard swig from her water skin. Her eyes turned to Arcturus, cold as ice. Although the smell on her breath suggested that her water container was being used to hold wine, she began to talk with a voice full of hatred.

    ¡°His people came to our towns, our villages.¡± She spat out, then took another swig, ¡°they dropped from their flying machines like conquerors, armed to the teeth. They washed over us like a plague of locusts, erasing everything in their path, until they forced our people to surrender.¡±

    Lyndis took a deep breath. ¡°Sure. They had fair reasons and all. Every human spouted nonsense about spreading their prosperity, but all they gave our people is slavery and death!¡± she shouted out before capping her water skin and putting it away. ¡°Every time I close my eyes, I can still see the light your people bring.¡±

    ¡°Watch your tongue, woman. You might aid us in our quest, but that does not give you the right to insult my kingdom!¡± Arcturus shot back, his voice raised ever so slightly. ¡°What you speak of are lies spread by impostors! I personally helped set up academies, barracks, places where your people can sharpen their skills. I brought in food and supplies so that the transition to your new lives was as easy as possible. I don¡¯t know what you heard or believed up until now, but I¡­I¡¯ve made people''s lives better, Lyndis!¡±

    If the words moved Lyndis, she did now show it on her face. She continued her stare down of the human in her cold, emotionless way. Veledar was reminded of how his sister looked when hunting down some prey. She would focus just as intently as the half elf was doing now.

    ¡°Hmpf. I suppose that¡¯s to be expected from a paladin whose leash is yanked by the brutal hands of his mighty king. Have you ever gone back to those villages after your first arrival? Do you have the faintest idea of how they look now?¡±

    Veledar watched the color drain from Arcturus'' face. He could see the realization dawn on his face in the wake of a possibility the human had never considered.

    ¡°I will show you some of the villages close to Rothdell. Perhaps even around Drenedar. Together, we¡¯ll inspect this light your people have brought, and see for ourselves if it shines as bright as they say.¡± Lyndis crossed her arms, ¡°What say you, Paladin? Care to accompany me on this journey of discovery?¡±

    ¡°I...I¡¯m¡­I...¡± Arcturus stammered. His own tongue betrayed him, and his face grew incredibly red as he quickly walked away from the campfire.

    ¡°Good. At least some of my words got through his tick skull, otherwise I would have cause of concern.¡± Lyndis yawned as she dove into her bedroll. ¡°Have an enjoyable night, Crimson Sky. Don¡¯t let the paladin stab you in the back while you¡¯re sleeping. I heard he has the tendency to ambush sleeping dragons in their own lairs.¡±

    ¡°Sleep well,¡± he replied shortly before he rose on all fours. The dragon looked longingly at Lyndis, wishing he had his soft things to sleep on throughout the night, just like the woman. Snuggle back into his nest and just forget about all the sorrows and the problems of the day.

    He looked to Arcturus. The paladin had taken a seat on the grass about fifty feet away from the camp, on top of the hill. Although it felt mightily uncomfortable, Veledar decided to stride over to the human, his tail swaying lazily behind with every step.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Veledar took a seat beside the human. Arcturus was staring down at the lake overlooked by the hill, its calm waters seeming to twinkle in the moon-lit sky. After the brief moment of silence, he turned his attention to the human. The paladin¡¯s face, usually full of purpose, was now filled with worry, doubt, and confusion. Arcturus'' eyes were not only staring at the lake, but also at the forest beyond, and he slouched over instead of standing up straight like he usually did. The human picked up a stone and threw it hard over the hill.

    ¡°She wasn¡¯t exactly gracious, but it¡¯s just words, Arcturus. How deep can they pierce?¡± the dragon asked, moving a bit closer to so that he could sit a few feet away from the armored human.

    ¡°It¡¯s not her opinion that wounds me, dragon, but the implications that make my stomach tighten with the same pain I felt when my family...¡± Arcturus sighed. ¡°I have striven to do what was right for my family, my nation, for my life. If what Lyndis says is true, then I went against my oath. I¡¯ve been helping evil flourish instead of plucking it from its roots. To go against the codes I stand for¡­that¡¯s...¡± He turned to Veledar, his eyes heavy, and his eyebrows furrowed not with anger, but with pain, All in all, he had the look of a defeated man on his face, very different than the paladin Veledar got used to.

    ¡°I am not worthy to even bear the title of Paladin. Selina would be ashamed if she saw me right now, and my son¡­how can I ever explain this to him? That his father, the great hero, brought so much suffering?¡±

    ¡°You are being too hard on yourself, human. Everyone makes mistakes. You are not a bad person. You say you have gone against your oaths, but need I remind you that when faced with my demise, you chose to free me instead of carrying out the king¡¯s orders?¡± Veledar yawned and stretched out his wings so that his membrane dwarfed the human. ¡°I figure the decision you made that day, on that ship, took a whole lot of courage. It would have been easier to live in ignorance. Easier to lie to yourself than to your king, your squad, your country.¡± The dragon snorted. ¡°I am glad you decided to put your faith in me. For better or worse, we are together in this.¡±

    The dragon took a shuddering breath. ¡°If what Lyndis says is true, what will you do?¡±

    Arcturus sat in silence for a moment as he mulled the question over. He then sighed, ¡° the right thing, as I have always done.¡±

    ¡°Even if that means taking arms against the king you serve?¡±

    ¡°I see no other way.¡± Arcturus said, a spark of the man Veledar came to know returning to those green eyes.

    Veledar did not know how to go about comforting the human. He rarely mingled in the affairs of other races, and now here he was, close to a human he started to take a liking to. In his mind, he practiced it several times, not really deciding on how to do it. Should he get close? Look into the human''s eyes and say it? Or perhaps, spread his wings, swell his chest and loudly proclaim his piece of mind? Both options seemed fitting for a dragon. Veledar was in the middle of thinking of another great choice when Arcturus interrupted his thoughts. He guessed he had been quiet too long for his own good.

    ¡°What are you thinking about, Crimson Sky? You seem ready to tell me something interesting, if not important,¡± the human said with a smile.

    Veledar¡¯s wings twitched for a moment. The human got the better of him. He, a dragon, figured out so easily? Preposterous!

    ¡°You are starting to know me well Arcturus. Why, you¡¯ve read me faster than I care to admit,¡± the dragon¡¯s claws sunk into the earth for a little bit. This feeling of vulnerability did not crawl very often along his scales. Still, it was too late to back down now, so, with a silent growl of affection rumbling in his throat, the dragon crawled closer to the human until he settled down on his belly, eyes looking up at the surprised paladin.

    ¡°Making yourself comfortable, are you?¡±

    Veledar used his tail to drag the pile of armor against his belly. ¡°Whoa, hold on a moment!¡±

    ¡°Grrrrrr¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like the sound of that,¡± Arcturus said, even as his hands stroke along the dragon¡¯s snout. ¡°What in the blazes got you so thirsty for this¡­petting?¡±

    Veledar closed his eyes. The human¡¯s touch felt so¡­calming. If only he could enjoy it in silence for a bit longer¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s that thing, right? The important one.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± the dragon sighed, then the human pressed his face closer.

    ¡°You know, it is a bit odd to see the mighty dragon so confused,¡± Arcturus said on a calm voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Veledar hissed. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­I wanted to¡­awwr, this is deceptively difficult compared to what I had in my head.¡±

    Arcturus crossed his arms when the dragon pulled his snout away. ¡°I haven¡¯t known a single thing that brought you down so far, Crimson Sky. We¡¯ve escaped from the bowels of the Indomitous together. We¡¯ve traveled through a fairy¡¯s world, almost got captured by gryphons. Then I heard you sing more beautifully than most minstrels in my city, and¡­ gods! Ee even slept together! So straighten your tongue and say what you have to say, because you can¡¯t honestly tell me that a few words are harder than what we¡¯ve already lived through!¡±

    The dragon smiled, closed his eyes, then opened his maw. ¡°Veledar. That is my name. My real name. You can still call me dragon or whatever, but since we¡¯re alone, I figured you should know,¡± he said, slowly and carefully, although he made sure to speak his name louder than usual. No sense in having the human take him by surprise a second time.

    Arcturus went to speak, although he did not get two words out before he did a double take. ¡°Whoa¡­that¡¯s¡­you¡¯ve held on to such a simple thing for ages. Your name. You told me your name!¡± he said loudly, his voice full of excitement.

    ¡°Correct. But I advise against blabbering out in the open. I don¡¯t want my name to sink into the wrong pair of ears.¡± hissed Veledar. The dragon picked his head up, but made sure to keep his eyes on the human''s reaction. He had at least shown joy at learning his name, and that made Veledar feel warmer inside than he usually did in the presence of a puny human.

    ¡°Well, Vel-Velar-Veledar¡± Arcturus said, struggling at first, but managing to say the name correctly in the end, ¡°I thank you sharing this gift with me. I will cherish it well.¡± he stood up and hugged Veledar''s left fore-paw. ¡°I¡¯m also grateful for keeping me distracted. You¡¯re a good¡­ friend, to have around.¡±

    Veledar playfully rolled his eyes, ¡°Don''t get all sappy on me, or Lyndis will think we are betrothed.¡± he then pushed the human away with a smirk, ¡°although you are welcome to sleep with me any time you wish.¡±

    Veledar gestured back towards the campfire with the half-elf neatly wrapped in her sleeping bag.

    ¡°We best get back before she notices our absence, although I suspect she may be a tad passed out to notice that.¡± He turned tail and started walking back towards the camp. He coiled around himself, as usual, then draped a wing over the human that snuggled against his belly.

    ¡°This feels almost like a proper bed,¡± Arcturus mumbled as he stroked along the warm membrane of the dragon¡¯s wing. ¡°Good night¡­Veledar.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it will be, now that we get to do this embarrassing, seemingly improper thing second time.¡±

    A chuckle came from beneath his wing, putting a warm smile on the dragon¡¯s face. Veledar stared at the stars for a couple more moments, then joined his companion in the realm of dreams.

    Veledar awoke the next morning refreshed and rested. He stretched his spine and limbs, as he usually did after a good night¡¯s sleep, yawned, then flew into the sky for a few minutes. The exercise breathed life into his wings, and the dragon pushed himself through a few acrobatics before he dived back for the first meal of the day. He looked around to see Lyndis sitting on a blue cloth, meditating in front of a crumpled piece of parchment scribbled with elven runes. He could hear her muttering under-breath. Incantations in elvish. No doubt she was preparing her spells for later use in the day, like she typically did each morning.

    Veledar was thankful that dragons did not have to waste time on such archaic methods of focusing magic. As magical creatures, all dragons could simply will up magic whenever it suit them. He felt pity for the half-elf, thinking it sad that not everyone could hold the grasp of magic that dragons did. Although Veledar had heard of great sorcerers, bards, and warlocks being able to cast spells on demand, just like he did.

    Veledar strode around the camp twice, noting the absence of a certain human. Since Lyndis was busy preparing her spells, he decided to follow the human''s scent instead. He chuckled at the idea that he was now hunting the hunter. The scent was easy to follow. It led down the verdant hill, in a small glade where the human practiced in his own way. Arcturus had his sword out, performing what looked like strikes against the air. His sword would occasionally look as though a strand of the sun would pass by, each strike swung with purpose.

    ¡°You know, the air makes for a very poor opponent,¡± Veledar chuckled as he strode over to the human.

    ¡°Well, it certainly doesn¡¯t talk back as loud as you do.¡± Arcturus replied with a grin, ¡°It¡¯s a practice technique. Figured I would keep my body in shape while Lyndis was preparing spells and you were off doing whatever dragons do.¡±

    Veledar noticed that, as Arcturus was striking the air, he would follow a pattern that would repeat every ten strikes. Each one would be a different side or height in relation to his body.

    Arcturus must have sensed his growing curiosity since he began to explain it. Had he become able to predict all his thoughts now? Veledar thought last night had been an isolated incident. Perhaps it was his eyes, or his snout, or possibly the way he was currently holding his head to the side with an eyebrow raised that tipped the paladin off.

    ¡°You see,¡± Arcturus slowed down his swings. ¡°Each movement represents the flow of energy from my mind to my hand, which then follows up along my blade. Each step is to help focus my body and mind so that they act as one for the day ahead. Usually, while doing this, I would recite my oaths, to remind myself of what is expected of me, and where my loyalties truly stand.¡±

    This form of combat meditation had intrigued Veledar. It was at least a tad more interesting than watching the elf ponder in silence, and he was always up for learning something new.

    ¡°May I join you?¡±

    The human nodded his head.

    Veledar took a spot next to Arcturus, still watching the human. He knew Arcturus to be redeemable over his other, dragon slayer kind, but this reminded him of his mother''s self-reflection each day, and the scale she held as to remind herself of who she was.

    ¡°Sure, although I don''t know how this will relate to you, Veledar, since you have no sword to swing around.¡±

    ¡°Who needs such pitiful craft? I have teeth, a tail, and claws!¡± he held them each up as he mentioned them to Arcturus, ¡°my whole body is a weapon far greater than one mere sword.¡±

    Arcturus took a moment before replying with a, ¡°so you do¡± he chuckled. ¡°Very well. Start here, with your head held high.¡±

    Veledar followed his directions, and held his head high as instructed so he could still see the movements made by the paladin.

    ¡°I suppose you should shift to the right and lash out with your right limb.¡± Arcturus mimed the action with his sword instead of claws. Veledar mimicked him with a savage slash in the air.

    ¡°Very good! Now shift to the left and use your right paw, or whatever you prefer to call it!¡±

    Once again, Veledar followed the paladin''s instructions. He felt sort of silly as he slashed the air for a second time, but felt a cool sensation go down his spine.

    ¡°Now close your eyes and breathe deeply through your nostrils, then exhale through your mouth. Do it slowly.¡±

    Veledar did as he was told, closing his eyes carefully and letting a big breath of air fill his lungs. He let it hang in there for a moment, feeling his chest grow warm, then exhaled, letting a thin stream of fire escape his scaled lips. He opened his eyes in shock at that, as he clearly did not mean to do that.

    ¡°Sorry. Force of habit.¡± He looked to Arcturus, imagining the paladin would be wearing naught but irritation on his face. Instead, he found the human amused by the mishap. Satisfied, Veledar repeated his actions and closed his eyes. He went to breathe in, but felt the ground rumble beneath him. It started out as small tremor, something Veledar was sure only he could feel beneath his paws. He looked around through a cracked eye for the source of the commotion, but he did not say anything. He didn''t want Arcturus to panic if it was simply nothing.

    There! He spotted among the grass what looked like a shark fin. Veledar had never been to the ocean to see such creatures, but he had read about them before. Although, in a way, it would be a bit strange for a shark to swim through the dirt.

    The dragon pounced on Arcturus and rolled with him, tightly pressing the human¡¯s body against his. A large beast leapt from the earth as if it were water. It stood on four legs, and was roughly the size of a horse, armed with large, sharp claws, and a fat head very much like a whale. Where its mouth parted, there were rows upon rows of very sharp teeth.

    The earth-brown creature eyed them with large, black reptilian eyes filled with murderous intent.

    ¡°What did you do that for?¡± Arcturus said, raising an eyebrow. He stopped and dropped into a combat stance he readied his armaments. ¡°Wh-what is that thing?¡± he asked as Veledar spread his wings and hissed. If the creature cared for his display of power, it did not show any concern in the slightest, advancing slowly towards them.

    ¡°That''s a bulette,¡± Veledar said, watching the creature. ¡°Some call it the land shark. It often travels in packs to hunt its prey.¡± Veledar stopped as his eyes widened. That''s why it was being patient! It was hunting them with a partner that was moving into position! Veledar went to turn and take off with Arcturus, but it was too late. From the ground burst two more of the creatures. Veledar easily spun out of the way and sliced into the creature''s leathery hide with a claw. Arcturus though had not been so lucky. The bulette on his side barreled into him, holding him pinned to the ground underneath its bulk. The paladin currently struggled against the creature''s weight, and despite his sword cutting into its leg, the beast failed to relent.

    Veleder gave out a battle roar, causing the buelette on Arcturus to raise its head and take notice of him.

    Distracted, the beast became easy prey for Veledar, who crashed into the bulette and ripped it from Arcturus as he sunk his teeth deep into its hide. It tasted like dirt and he gagged slightly, but nevertheless, sliced viciously into the bulette¡¯s soft underbelly as he wrestled with the creature. It squirmed, kicked, and clawed against his crimson scales to no avail. Veledar continued his attack with pride now that his beautiful scales were holding the bulette¡¯s frenzy at bay.

    He heard Arcturus shout out his own battle cry. The human had stabbed his sword through his bulette¡¯s head, causing the creature to collapse dead on the ground.  However, even in death, it managed to pull the sword from Arcturus'' hands and stick it out of its wounded body.

    Veledar''s attention was pulled back to the one he was fighting as its jaws found home around his neck. The dragon grabbed onto it with both forepaws, then ripped it open. The beast let go of the him with a roar of pain. Veledar managed to throw the creature ten feet away and stood back up to all fours. He watched the buelette eye him as dirt was fell off both of their bodies. Veledar could feel the bite of the creature throb through his muscles. It wasn''t deep by dragon standards, but still packed quite the sting. Veledar smirked as the creature breathed in deep, obviously exhausted. Veledar admired its determination as it went to dive underground for an attack, but Veledar was faster. In a flash, the bulette was cut, bit, then roasted alive in a bath of blazing flames until the dragon let the creature''s charred remains fall from his grasp.

    He felt a tad bit of regret for eating early. Even though the creature¡¯s hide had a mediocre taste at best, its succulent insides were far better. Maybe he could convince the paladin to slice off a piece and preserve it.

    The Paladin!

    He turned quickly to find Arcturus beneath another one of the beasts. Arcturus was shoving the creature with his hands, trying to lift the bulk of the beast off him. However, as Veledar neared the two, it became clear that the creature was already dead from the two rapiers stuck in its back. Lyndis popped up from the other side, her face all red.

    ¡°So heavy! What do these things focking eat?¡± Lyndis shouted through grunts of effort.

    ¡°Probably a ton of rocks!¡± gasped Arcturus, before sighing in defeat. ¡°Vele-Crimson Sky, could you perhaps lend me your strength?¡±

    Veledar was pleased to see that the human had remembered the promise to keep his name secret. He smirked as he placed two paws on the corpse. With a great shove, a grunt, and thanks from his companions, Veledar pushed the creature off Arcturus, quite surprised that the little man held his own without him.

    ¡°So now that you two are done nearly getting killed by what is clearly bulette territory.¡± Lyndis pointed towards a patch of dirt out in the field that looked upturned, most likely from the previous beasts. ¡°We should be off to Entis.¡±

    Veledar agreed. He decided to watch as his two companions picked up their things. When they were ready, they mounted their horses, and Veledar shot into the air like an arrow. ¡°I feel sorry for you two, having to tolerate such smelly creatures!¡± he shouted down at them.

    ¡°Well, it is a nice change of pace from your scaly arse!¡± Lyndis shouted back, making Veledar pout. That had been an excellent comeback, although he would NEVER tell her that.

    ¡°I shall name Arcturus'' beast Smelly, and yours is going to bear the fit name of Stinky!¡± he replied loudly, watching the two laugh on their newly named horses. Both Arcturus and Lyndis seemed to be petting the horses, as if to comfort them on the nature of their new names.

    Veledar pushed his wings higher and higher, until his companions looked like tiny ants below him. He flew into a cloud, letting the vapors condense on his snout before passing through with his next flap of wings. The dragon looked down far to the edge of his vision, past the rolling hills and the small mountains, past the forests sprinkled around the land. He saw a village, for that is all what those tiny specks could be. He thought about flying ahead, greeting his mother far before his companions could get there. He imagined his mother nuzzling him as she always did, grateful that he had stopped by. The dragon ultimately decided against it as he swooped down around to circle the two horse riders. No. It was better to stick together with them. Especially if he had to protect them from more monsters. He soared over their heads as they gave a quick wave to the cheerful dragon.

    Veledar kept himself busy as the two riders made their way to the village as fast as Stinky and Smelly could carry them. Across the winding paths, it took them days compared to what Veledar could fly in a fraction of that time. Every night, he would watch them as if he were a mother protecting her hatchlings. He would keep the fire going and position himself to block the cold night wind. Veledar made a mental note to remind them how much he sacrificed himself for their comfort throughout this journey. That would surely add up to a suitable reward worthy of a dragon. The dragon did his duty every night, chuckling in silence as the bill kept rising and rising in his satisfied head.

    When he was not busy, the dragon would watch the serene stars, with only the sound of the crackling fire to keep him company. On the fourth night of this leg of the journey, Veledar was once again stargazing, watching what dragons called Bahamut''s tears.

    ¡°I''ve watched you these past few nights. What are you searching for, up there?¡± came the voice of Arcturus. The human walked over to him with a kind smile on his face. The pleasant sound of his voice did not startle Veledar, only surprised him. The dragon pointed a claw towards another one of Bahamut''s tears.

    ¡°I always loved looking into the stars and seeing the souls of dragons shine down on us. I especially like the Bahamut''s tears that go across the sky.¡± he said slowly.

    ¡°You mean a shooting star. Some of the wizards say the stars up there are  small portals to the realm of fire.¡± the human said, sitting down beside him.

    Veledar simply snorted at that idea. ¡°That is a really mundane theory, I like mine better.¡±

    ¡°I suppose yours is perfectly crafted for your views.¡± Arcturus paused for several seconds. ¡°Why do you call them Bahamut''s tears? Must be an important figure, to name stars after.¡±

    Veledar¡¯s toothy smile completely dominated his snout. He LOVED telling that story, but not in a way that would scare the human off. With his smile shrinking to a more manageable size, the dragon got closer to Arcturus and curled his tail around him. The human looked to him with big eyes. They were so inviting, so curious, he simply could not resist.

    ¡°Long ago, there was a great dragon called Bahamut. She would travel across all realms, bringing life to the dragons of old. She was one of the first dragons, who taught her hatchlings that life was important, and specifically insisted on how much it should be cherished. It is said that she left this plane of existence when her children took to enslaving the other races and destroyed the life she held dear.¡± said Veledar as he hung his head for dramatic effect, then continued slowly on a calm, silent voice.

    ¡°It was in those days of strife when she changed from a life giver into a creature of justice, good, and protection. Those tears in the sky represent her sorrow; the burden of having to take the lives of her misguided children, and the state of dragons today.¡±

    He watched the human sit in silence, contemplating the story. ¡°I''ve never heard of her before today. I guess we humans know next to nothing of the dragons of old,¡± Arcturus said with a shrug. Then his eyes lit up at having realized something. ¡°Veledar, what was the color of her scales?¡±

    That was a good question. Not surprising, considering what kind of man Arcturus was. ¡°Her scales were a great silver in color, and her eyes were fluid, like liquid mercury. It is said she waits in the great beyond to help dragons reach their place in the heavens.¡±

    ¡°My son mentioned a silver dragon right before he died, despite neither of us having any knowledge of this Bahamut.¡± Arcturus said again after a moment of silence. His voice was once again filled with the pain of that memory.

    ¡°It is most peculiar, that she would appear to him instead of another dragon.¡± Veledar replied, cocking his head to the side as he usually did. He had never known the goddess to appear to anyone, especially a human.

    The two of them pondered in silence for some time before Veledar interrupted serenity of the night. ¡°There is a town called Drakenburg nearby. I am going to go there.¡± He turned to Arcturus, ¡°and I am not asking for permission.¡±

    ¡°I could tell.¡± Arcturus coughed, ¡°But still, a question is the right thing to do in a group. It''s not like we would have said no to you. Why do you want to visit there anyway? You typically know next to nothing of my nation or its people.¡±

    Veledar thought back to the day his mother left, never to return. She had simply asked them to be strong before she went to the town of Drakenburg to fulfill a promise. Veledar frowned, remembering the reason for that promise¡­his brother.

    ¡°My mother resides there. She made a deal with the people of that town.¡±

    ¡°Veledar, I have been across all of our villages and towns in Lumara. The town you speak of may have the symbol of a dragon stitched onto every building, but we have never seen a dragon around those parts for years.¡± Arcturus said, his eyes filled with pity.

    ¡°Well, she was always good with magic. Perhaps she simply did not want to be found by your people.¡± Veleder shot back with a grin.

    ¡°Perhaps....¡± Arcturus replied, putting a hand to his chin. ¡°I will tell Lyndis of your plan in the morning then. I envy you, Veledar. You¡¯re going to soon have a touching reunion with your mother.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Veledar said, scratching his head with a wingtip talon. ¡°You should get some rest before the sun rises. We need you in fresh shape to ride your trusty steed, the valiant horse called Smelly.¡±

    Arcturus nodded and returned to his bedroll, leaving Veledar alone once more. Veledar sighed. Arcturus and Lyndis were better company than he gave them credit for. Maybe, when this was all said and done, he could convince them to visit him every once and awhile.

    As the dragon settled to sleep, he closed his eyes for a second, imagining the tales they would tell him during such exciting occasions.

 Chapter 11: Drakenburg

    The town of Drakenburg lay a few miles down the cobblestone road. The sun was starting to rise above the mountains in such a magnificent way that a single ray of light seemed to pierce through the permeating darkness, touching the sun with its radiance. You could say it was a busy town from the amount of foot traffic it received, both by carriage, and the occasional airship flying overhead.

    Not that our travelers minded the crowd. Arcturus looked back to his two companions to see Lyndis busy creating a disguise for Veledar.

    ¡°Alright, enough prattling. My head is starting to ache worse than it did when this steel-head ambushed me in my lair.¡± The dragon pointed at the human who feigned ignorance by scratching through his hair. ¡°Just so we¡¯re clear, I will become small just to stop your nagging. Dragons are perfect the way they are. None should be forced to endure such humiliation, even for a good cause,¡± Veledar hissed, than stuck his tongue out at Lyndis. ¡°What are you smiling at? I just said-¡°

    ¡°Do you want to be focken spotted?¡± Lyndis whispered back. Arcturus just shook his head. The two had been fighting way before they arrived at this point.

    ¡°Well, be my guest then. Let the sun bathe your glorious scales. I¡¯m curious how long till the guards have you in irons and shipped off to their grand, merciful king. Maybe he¡¯ll even prepare a feast in your honor!¡±

    ¡°Mrrrr, well, for your information, lady Lyndis, that¡¯s the same king that wants me dead. Secondly, I doubt the effectiveness of their entrapment team without their prized paladin there to inspire them. I give these fools about a month to find me, if they even manage that,¡± Veledar chuckled, then jumped back as he avoided a playful smack by Lyndis.

    ¡°Just do your focken thing and spare us the rest of this lecture. Haven¡¯t joined your merry squad to listen to your babbling. We have a task to accomplish, and we shouldn¡¯t waver on account of something as silly as pride.¡±

    ¡°I think you just insulted our dragon, Lyndis.¡±

    The half-elf scoffed, Arcturus chuckled, and Veledar just rolled his eyes at them both. The dragon moved his claws in a triangle fashion before ending it with what looked like a slap at the air with his claw. He then started to shrink, bit by bit, until he was no bigger than the average horse.

    ¡°Do I look pleasing now, your highness?¡± Veledar bowed his head mockingly before the frowning half-elf.

    ¡°Could be better. Oh, and pack your wings. One glance is enough to give away your secret.¡±

    Veledar frowned as he pushed his wings close. He made another incantation, then the two beautiful appendages melded into his scales before disappearing altogether.

    ¡°I¡¯m hideous,¡± Veledar slumped to the ground, snout in his paws.

    ¡°Oh, don''t look so miserable, Crimson Sky. You¡¯re still a dragon, wings or no wings,¡± Arcturus said, trying to cheer the dragon up.

    ¡°Easy for you to say.¡± The dragon said. ¡°You didn''t just become smaller than your two companions and lost the ability to fly on top of that. How do I look?¡± Veledar turned this way and that. ¡°I want an honest answer. Better. A thorough one. Is my tail fine? What about my hinds?¡± he lifted one paw after the other, curling and spreading his toes to make sure there were no strange deformities.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s as beautiful as ever.¡±

    The dragon picked himself up. ¡°Another lie to sweeten the bitter truth.¡±

    ¡°That''s true, but it is the best I can provide for the time being. We¡¯d better hurry up or we will lose the day.¡± Arcturus replied as he led Smelly down the road. Lyndis followed shortly behind with Stinky, and a grumbling Veledar.

    They reached Drakenburg within the course of the hour, passing several merchants bound southward on the way. They seemed curious about Veledar, about what he was and where he came from. Arcturus threw them off the trail by suggesting he was from Rothdell, used to hunt dragons. To his amusement, Veledar stared at him with irritated eyes as the merchants had been amazed, even offered to purchase him. When they were out of ear shot, Veledar had started up a string of insults so long Arcturus lost count as the dragon shifted the blame to him for exposing his pride to such indignities. He watched the dragon''s attitude change the moment they reached the town, for hanging from every building was a blue banner with a silver dragon stitched into the cloth.

    ¡°Look!¡± Veledar exclaimed with a grin, ¡°they have dragon banners, just like you said!¡±

    Arcturus and Lyndis tied up Stinky and Smelly outside a tavern painted in gray scales. It bore a great wooden shield with a silver dragon in flight.

    ¡°Loves dragons, this town does.¡± Lyndis remarked as a peasant walked passed, gawking at Veledar.

    ¡°This place is wonderful!¡± Veledar whispered, as the dragon''s head practically did not stop moving around, finding some new dragon decoration to look at. He quickly bounded to a cart littered with dragon shaped trinkets. ¡°No wonder mother wanted to come here. These people adore her!¡±

    ¡°Ah, your little drake seems to like the banners.¡± A wrinkled woman emerged from the cart''s other side. She wore a dark green dress that seemed conspicuously clean. The woman ran an old hand through her gray hair as she looked to them with her amber eyes. Arcturus felt the hairs on his neck stand on end for some reason.

    ¡°Oh yes, the drakes from Rothdell are quite intelligent.¡± Lyndis smiled through her teeth, ¡°they can even recognize the picture of the creature they hunt.¡±

    Arcturus saw Veledar frown at her words before darting past her legs and nipping her hand. Though she mainly kept her composure, the half-elf did give a slight twitch as she shooed the dragon away.

    ¡°Is that what brought you here? Are you in search of a dragon as benevolent travelers, or after its tail as hunters? the old lady said with a grin, her hand moving to clasp a silver dragon amulet hanging around her neck. ¡°Such a dangerous job, dragon hunting. Pointless. Unneeded. The dragoness has been our protector for years. What reason have you to take arms against her?¡±

    Arcturus noticed several peasants stop to gawk at them, dirty looks being thrown especially at him and Lyndis.

    ¡°We are not hunters. Tell me. When was the last time you saw this guardian of yours?¡± He said, taking his eyes off the peasants and fixing them back on the woman.

    ¡°We have not seen her in five years, but that does not mean she isn''t around. Dragons perceive time differently than you or l. However, dragon slayer-¡± The woman''s eyes narrowed, ¡°you will find not a single soul in this town that will help you find and slay our protector.¡±

    ¡°I told you, we¡¯re not here to-¡°

    Arcturus suddenly stopped when several guards dressed in chain mail walked over with spears in hand, their brown tabards a stark contrast to the blue banners that hung from virtually every building in the town.

    ¡°What do you need, dearies? Came here to hear a story of the great protector?¡± the old lady asked sweetly to the guards. She held out a hand to them with a silver brooch in the shape of a dragon. The gruff looking guard she held it out to swiftly smacked the lady¡¯s hand away.

    ¡°Listen here, you crumpled hag. You villagers talk about this dragon left and right, but none of me focken men or even the captain ever seen a glimpse of it. You should cease telling such lies to travelers and stop trying to get us to wear those things!¡±

    The guards returned to their routine as they laughed to themselves as they left, like they pulled some great prank. The old woman sighed and picked up the brooch.

    ¡°My name is Lida, and I apologize for my harsh words. I forget sometimes that our true enemies walk among us.¡± She gestured to Arcturus'' ragged tabard that was torn almost to rags at this point. ¡°Despite your allegiance to the kingdom of Lumara, I have judged you like our guards. Tell me, truly now, what do you intend to do when you find our protector?¡±

    ¡°We have a friend that would want to meet her and have a long talk.¡± Lyndis said.

    ¡°Would this friend of yours be a dragon, dearies?¡± said Lida, gesturing to Veledar, who was busy eyeing a cart full of cooked lamb.

    ¡°How did you-¡±

    ¡°Old, I might be, but I can spot a spell, especially a crude craft such as this.¡± The hag chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s most fortunate the guards here don''t seem able to spot such things. You best continue on your journey, but be warned. To find this town''s protector will only bring about hardship and misery.¡±

    ¡°Why is that?¡± Arcturus said, turning back to find that both the cart and Lida had vanished. He looked to Lyndis, who was staring as if struck by lightning, just like he was.

    Veledar on the other hand was all growls and clicking claws. ¡°Well, that just happened. Nothing to be done about an old lady and her vanishing cart now when my stomach rumbles like a war drum. I need to eat, now!¡± the dragon grabbed his belly with both paws. Arcturus just shook his head in disbelief. How could a ragged woman with no visible magic crystals vanish out of nowhere? The cost of that spell must have been-

    ¡°Thinking about an inn?¡± Veledar¡¯s poking snout drew the paladin¡¯s attention back to the present.

    ¡°Yeah, alright, alright! Just give me a moment.¡± He nodded to the red dragon. That woman was an illusion the entire time? Or was she a spell caster like Lyndis?

    ¡°What do you think?¡± he moved towards Lyndis and watched the half-elf think hard for a moment as they walked back towards the inn. ¡°I know illusions, and if that¡¯s the case, it must be some pretty focken good one. She was breathing an¡¯ talking as if she really was alive!¡±

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Arcturus and Lyndis had to eat their lunch outside, as the innkeeper was insistent about the establishment¡¯s regulations. No quadrupeds were allowed. Not even intelligent ones. And especially¡­

    ¡°No pets!¡± the elven man had shouted with a vein popping out on his forehead. The meal wasn''t too satisfying either. Just some meat that Arcturus could barely chew on, cheap fountain water, and a purple vegetable that was crunchy and in the shape of the letter L. Veledar seemed hateful of his meal too, but he ate with minimal complaints as they discussed their plan. They decided to split up and ask around about the lady, and more importantly, the protector¡¯s lair.

    The party split up not a moment after lunch, with Veledar heading with Arcturus. Lyndis insisted they needed each other if they got into trouble. However, when asked about what sort of trouble, she just laughed, and said with a big grin that she was a people person. Over the first few hours, they only got repeated versions of the information they already knew. Arcturus was glad that no one recognized him. Even if they did, nobody connected him to the disappearing dragon incident. It confirmed one thing to him though. That his disappearance was not as wide spread as he originally thought.

    The last two hours proved more productive than the previous. They got valuable information from a child all eager to tell them where the protector¡¯s lair was. The child said it was deep in the north western mountains, guarded by a raging snowstorm that kept everything away. Veledar rewarded the young child with a story about a brave dragon that naturally saved a maiden from a group of evil knights, and Arcturus watched with amazement. The child was not even phased that Veledar could talk. She just scampered back to her house with a great smile on her face.

    They started to make their way back to the inn when the sun descended beneath the horizon. Veledar suddenly stopped. Arcturus watched him tense up, his head looking around quickly.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± He asked, looking around as well. He did not see anything that looked out of the ordinary in the practically empty streets.

    Then, they came. Men poured from the alleys, one after the other, all clad in a mixture of leathers and chain armor. They had short hairs, all clearly human, with eyes full of mischievous intent.

    ¡°Why hello there,¡± he found himself saying. ¡°Pleasant night for a stroll, eh?¡±

    The gathered men sneered at his politeness. His gut told already had an idea on how this was going to end. Yet as a man of virtue, Arcturus had to give them a chance to prove their intentions.

    ¡°Fancy drake, that.¡± One man pointed to Veledar with a club he was holding. ¡°Figure he¡¯d feel right at home in our group. What do you say, lads?¡±

    The rest of the men grumbled, nodded, and chuckled when the one who spoke pulled out a net from his pack with his massively muscled arms.

    One of the other men, taller than the rest, carried a bag that was tossed at Arcturus'' feet. ¡°Fifty plat says you walk away and we get that drake. Choose otherwise, and ma boys here will put a beat down on ya!¡±

    ¡°Wait wait wait. I have a better idea!¡± Veledar laughed, much to the surprise of the party, ¡°We take the money you have given us, and you get to leave with your lives. How¡¯s that?¡±

    Arcturus drew his sword as the dragon bared his teeth at the men. ¡°Deal¡¯s more than fair. I''d listen to the drake, people. After all, we don¡¯t want to stain the streets of this fine town on our first visit.¡±

    Arcturus watched the group of thugs nervously grip their weapons as they looked to him, then to Veledar, who had started hissing at them.

    ¡°Anyone here can choose to flee, but if you decide to cross blades with us, consider this is your only warning.¡± Arcturus continued. He took his shield off his back and held it firmly in front of him.

    ¡°Aye. We hear ya, lad. But you be missin¡¯ one thing.¡± the bag tosser flicked his fingers to the men that poured from the alleys behind Arcturus. ¡°We¡¯ve got the numbers to topple ye over. Get ¡®em, lads!¡±

    Arcturus whirled on his feet to indeed spy five more men with short swords and leather rags that seemed to be stitched together into a grotesque whole. He smirked as the men charged at them in disorganized fashion, with their weapons ready to bludgeon the two of them to death. Arcturus blocked the first club and shoved the man backwards as his sword tasted another one''s flesh. The arc slash painted the cobblestone a dark crimson substance. The man collapsed on his knees to hold onto the ooze that kept pouring from his slashed throat.

    Two more came at him. Arcturus ducked under a swing, then his blade sneaked under the opponent¡¯s and, with a brutal slash, the paladin took that man''s hand as payment for his crimes.

    ¡°Hraaaaah!¡± the now hand-less man fell on his back with a mighty groan, trying hopelessly to stop the blood that gushed out of his stump.

    Arcturus heard Veledar give a screech, a tiny roar that was more adorable than threatening. He would of course never tell the dragon such things in this moment, as he figured he would roar even louder just to prove something. The dragon sunk his teeth into a thug¡¯s arm, ripping a solid chunk of flesh along with whatever else clung to the limb. The paladin scrunched his face in disgust and charged at another man. He shoved his enemy to the ground with such force he thought he heard something crack. His triumph was short lived though. In less than a second, he felt a blade nick his side.

    ¡°Khh-¡° he whirled around for a counter-attack, only to see a club smash into his side.

    ¡°See? He isn''t such a hard-ass!¡± the bag-man kicked Arcturus¡¯ plated chest.

    ¡°Wrong words!¡± the paladin rose with an upper swing that sliced the bag-man from balls to chin. The man gurgled and collapsed to the ground, clutching desperately at his escaping insides.

    Arcturus turned to the others. He looked to the once confident thugs, who now had sweat dripping down their brows and eyes filled with doubt. He saw another shudder and fall, an arrow with green feathers sticking out of his back.

    ¡°Fock this!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not dying tonight.¡±

    The four remaining men backed away as Arcturus advanced on them with his bloodied sword.

    ¡°Screw this! Let the bastard keep the drake! No amount of money is worth being gutted for!¡± one shouted as the sound of his boots disappeared into the night. The others soon followed suit, leaving Veledar and Arcturus standing among the fallen, looking rather proud of themselves.

    ¡°Well, at least some of them had the sense to do the right thing.¡± Veledar grinned as he cut one of the man¡¯s purses to see what was inside. ¡°I mean, they attacked us, so they were not entirely thinking straight, but mraawr, look! Ten gold pieces!¡±

    Adorable, Arcturus smiled at Veledar, then went to each of the fallen men to retrieve whatever useful belongings they had. The entire time his eyes kept being drawn to the arrow sticking out of that thug¡¯s back. Arcturus walked over to it and pulled it out with a sickening noise.

    ¡°Veledar. Take a look at this.¡± He stuck out the arrow to the dragon, who quickly scampered over. ¡°I think someone saw the ruckus. Decided to lend a helping hand,¡± he said, his eyes scanning the dark windows, empty alleyways, and wooden boxes around the street. ¡°Although it looks like our mysterious friend prefers to remain hidden for now.¡±

    ¡°Who cares? More loot for us,¡± Veledar growled. ¡°Hold it straight. I still want to find out who this person is.¡± Veledar took in a deep breath near the arrow head. ¡°I don''t recognize the smell of who actually shot this thing, but there¡¯s an earthy tinge about it, very different from how you humans smell.¡±

    ¡°Earthy?¡± Arcturus was impressed by the dragon¡¯s nose. For a moment, he wondered who was better at tracking. The gryphons of his kingdom, or the dragon before him?

    ¡°We¡¯d better be careful on our way back to the inn. Maybe Lyndis has better information for us.¡±

    ¡°Don''t worry, Arcturus. If anything remotely dangerous crosses our path, I will be more than a match for it.¡± The little dragon swelled up his chest and took a regal pose.

    ¡°You are such a cute thing tonight.¡±

    Veledar¡¯s happy snout scrunched when the paladin rubbed his gloved hand along his head. ¡°You are aware that my cute claws and these adorable teeth can still pierce through your armor, right?¡±

    ¡°Normal steel, maybe. This one though had been crafted by the most skilled pair of hands I know. Even a sword would have a hard time piercing it.¡± The paladin slapped his plate, then kneeled to Veledar¡¯s eye level. ¡°But we both know you like me too much to even think such barbaric thoughts.¡±

    ¡°I like you?¡± The dragon hissed. ¡°You have it all wrong, paladin who crawls to my belly every night to whisper words of comfort to my ears. If anything, you¡¯re in love with me!¡±

    ¡°And what if I am?¡±

    Veledar snorted, bits of mucus splashing on the human¡¯s face.

    ¡°Seems this joke has two sides, after all.¡± Arcturus chuckled, wiping the distasteful goo off his face. ¡°I¡¯d ask you to lick it, but-¡°

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.¡±

    Arcturus cleaned himself with a thug¡¯s rag, then walked side by side with the dragon, feeling Veledar¡¯s scales shift under his gloved hand with every step the dragon took.

    ¡°See, if you acted like that all the time, we would get along much better!¡± Veledar turned to head his way down the street. ¡°Words for a dragon are ephemeral. True affection lays in the touch, although your personality is an improvement over most humans.¡±

    ¡°I can see how, ¡°Arcturus picked up his hand. ¡°You really are enjoying this as much as I think?¡±

    Veledar scowled for a moment before shaking his snout, ¡°Oh yes, extremely. Now put that hand back to work.¡±

    They continued down the dark streets of Drakenburg. Arcturus watched as Veledar''s snout would move from side to side to check every rooftop and alley. Each time he did so, Arcturus could see his muscles tense underneath his scaled body. No doubt his teeth were eager to bare themselves at the slightest hint of danger. Arcturus wondered if the dragon had taken the ambush as a failure on his part to detect it. Maybe a night of good drink, food, and entertainment would have the dragon back to his relaxed self. However, Veledar wasn''t the only thing he noticed. They never encountered one guard, not a single torch bearing man on patrol, and no posts. The streets were completely empty of people. Arcturus kicked a loose stone in irritation. If he would be in charge of the city, he would have the guards of this town whipped into shape in no time. A sigh left his mouth at the thought of Gus and Elizabeth. Arcturus kept wondering if they had stepped up in his absence. Surely Elizabeth would take on the extra responsibility of a captain. It was in her nature, to always strive for excellence.

    He was interrupted as Veledar bounded through the doors of the inn.

    ¡°You again? Get that beast outta my sight!¡± Came the shout of the elven man from earlier. ¡°How deaf must you be? I said no pets near the tables!¡±

    Arcturus entered to see the man picking up a tankard from the ground, while Veledar slunk away, trying to avoid the watchful eyes of the other patrons. The busy inn -despite that little hiccup- went back to their hot meals as the half-ling band started playing their melodious tune once again. Their music filled the inn with a happy, toe tapping tune that Arcturus wished to have heard at a better time of the day. It would have made a better impression than the rude guards from earlier, or the vanishing crone.

    Arcturus made his way to the bar where Lyndis was sitting, holding a mug in one hand and a spoon full of soup in the other. Just as he sat down, he heard Veledar pounce onto a chair next to him, two scaled paws thumping onto the bar. The elven barkeep quickly made his way over, forehead vein still very apparent on his cherry-colored face.

    ¡°Oy! What¡¯s he doin¡¯ here? Oy! Armor! I¡¯m talkin¡¯ to ya!¡± the innkeeper pointed an angry finger at Arcturus. ¡°This is your damned pet, innit?¡±

    ¡°Happens that he is.¡± The paladin spoke calmly.

    ¡°Then what did I say earlier, eh? You got dropped on your head as a kid or what? Take pet out or see yourselves gone from my establishment!¡± the unruly man jabbed a finger in Veledar¡¯s direction.

    Arcturus was about to speak and apologize for Veledar, but the dragon¡¯s errant tongue beat him to it.

    ¡°Listen here, you barking dog of an elf. I am not a pet to anyone, especially to this armored, good mannered human. He and I are traveling companions.¡± Veledar turned his snout towards Arcturus, ¡°and if you kick me out, you kick him -and his heavy pouch- back into the streets! Do you want us to find a better in? Fine! We¡¯re going.¡±

    Arcturus'' mind screamed internally as Veledar looked to him with a grin that seemed to say I got this. He watched the elf, his mouth hung open in disbelief at the talking drake. Arcturus sighed at Veledar''s complete inability to lay low, then the elf too sighed before setting his eyes on Arcturus, perhaps too proud to speak to Veledar as an equal.

    ¡°Sorry ¡®bout earlier. My mouth tends to¡­you know.¡± The elf brushed off the sweat from his concerned face. ¡°If that thing breaks anything, you will be paying for it. Understand? I¡¯ll bring your meals now. ¡®pologies again for losing my temper. Beasts tend to bring the worst in me.¡±

    Arcturus nodded to the man. ¡°No problem.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s just being polite with an innkeeper that has serious anger issues.¡± Veledar added.

    ¡°Fine,¡± the elf snapped to Veledar, ¡°just place an order with the waitress.¡± He raised a bony finger to Veledar''s snout, ¡°don''t make a mess, ya hear?¡±

    Veledar''s eyes narrowed at the elf, Arcturus thought he might snap at the man''s finger, but to his surprise, Veledar simply nodded instead.

    ¡°Good. If you behave accordingly, there will be no trouble between us.¡± the man laughed, to which Arcturus nervously joined him in laughter.

    Arcturus returned his attention to Lyndis as the barkeep walked away. ¡°So now that your little shout duel is done with, did you find anything useful?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a path used to travel up to the mountains. They don''t share it with outsiders or guards because they want to protect the dragon, just as she protects them.¡± Lyndis replied, pulling an old looking map from her pack. ¡°The way is usually safe, but they admitted no one went up there in years. Five, to be exact, just like the crone said, although what focken dragon keeps count? Five years is nothing for them, so I don''t know if that means anything.¡±

    ¡°My mother probably has better things to do than cater to a village full of rude guards and loud barkeeps.¡± Veledar mumbled.

    ¡°What do you think we will find up there?¡± Arcturus asked over the steps of a waitress that brought over a bowl of soup for him.

    ¡°Normal stuff, if you can call goblins normal, maybe a troll or two. However, the biggest obstacle is a storm that appears to protect the mountain. Drives unwanted visitors away if you¡¯re being optimistic, or kills them, if you want to think that way. Best we leave first thing in the morning. I have this symbol used by the townsfolk to approach the storm safely, and its previous owner would very well like it back.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Lyndis pulled out a small silver metal brooch in the shape of a dragon.

    ¡°You stole it?¡± Arcturus gasped.

    ¡°Nah, I only borrowed it, and trust me, the person it belongs to was anything but deserving of such token.¡± Lyndis smirked, pocketing the brooch.

    ¡°Suppose I agree with you. Who did you take it from?

    ¡°Don''t know him by name, but he runs the thugs here in Drakenburg. He is known around the streets as Knives. As you imagine, this charming fellow is the reason why guards don''t roam the streets at night.¡±

    The waitress returned to pour a bluish liquid into Lyndis'' tankard. It looked like partially frozen mush, with a sweet air about it. While Arcturus was staring at the liquid, Lyndis pointed to it, then took a sip. ¡°It''s elvish frost wine. Great stuff for long nights.¡±

    They went on to discuss the ambushes, which only coaxed a sigh from Lyndis¡¯ mouth, along with a single word. Typical.

    Veledar ordered large plates of food that surprised Arcturus only in price, not in gesture. Like last time, he shelled out the coin to feed the dragon¡¯s humongous appetite. They eventually retired for the evening as the music died down, drinks ran dry, and people started to leave. Lyndis strolled down to her door, shutting it quickly to leave Arcturus and Veledar in their own room again.

    The two fought over where to sleep for a brief while before Veledar just stole a side of the bed with a grin.  Arcturus got onto the other side as he took off his gear and laid it on the floor.

    ¡°You know, you could have talked to the elf some more about the rooms, Maybe I could have gotten a proper bed to slumber upon.¡± Veledar grumbled into his paws.

    ¡°No pets!¡± Arcturus mimicked the bartender. ¡°Can''t have a pet destroy my fine rooms.¡± Arcturus laughed as Veledar suddenly placed his snout close to his face.

    ¡°Oh, very funny. Maybe I¡¯ll keep reminding you of your lack of tail, or wings, or maybe this useless hide that does nothing to protect your feeble body.¡±

    ¡°Take it easy, Veledar, It¡¯s just a joke.¡±

    ¡°You know what else is a joke?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Arcturus was suddenly shoved off the bed by a scaly leg. He fell onto the floor with a thump, the hissing laughter of the dragon hurting more than the fall. ¡°Whimsy paladin! Now that¡¯s a more proper source of amusement!¡±

    Arcturus started to grumble to himself as he got back onto the bed and collapsed into the pillow. He closed his eyes until he felt a snout rest beside his head. He could practically feel Veledar''s grin, ¡°Not very funny when it¡¯s your turn, is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for calling you my pet.¡± he grumbled, eyes still closed. ¡°But just so you know, I find you adorable in this form.¡±

    ¡°Why thank you, human. Maybe next time I can think of something nice to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Not tonight?¡±

    ¡°Not tonight.¡± Veledar yawned as he curled up, hugging his own tail in the absence of his beloved wings.

 Chapter 12: Crashing Hopes

    There was a sudden knocking at Arcturus'' door, quick and hard, almost like it happened inside his skull.

    There better be a good reason for this, the paladin begrudgingly pulled himself from the sleepy dragon to look groggily out the window. Morning had not yet arrived. The stars still hung high in the sky twinkling every so often. Veledar snored as the bed strained against his weight. It appeared the dragon had returned to his normal size during sleep, and right now, that big body of his was taking up most of the room. Arcturus removed the dragon¡¯s forepaw from his middle, then took a few steps towards the door, shivering in the cold blanket of air that enveloped his body. From the door came the sound of the rapid knocking once more.

    ¡°Arcturus, open the fock up!¡± came Lyndis'' harsh voice. Arcturus pulled open the door. The woman quickly bolted in and slammed the door shut. She was fully dressed in her armor, weapons, and gear. Her face was full of determination, but her eyes had a tint of worry in them as she turned to look around the chamber.

    ¡°Well aren''t you a rude lady, waking a dragon from sweetest slumber,¡± Veledar mumbled sleepily.

    ¡°Shut it, dragon. Now is not the time for whatever humor passes through that sleepy head.¡± Lyndis snapped back, then lowered her voice. ¡°Arcturus, get your gear on. We are going to have company in just a few moments.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound bad.¡± Veledar yawned and stretched out to take up the entire bed. ¡°I wager the angry elf feels bad for last night, and to make up for his harsh words and complete lack of respect, he had his servants bring us food!¡±

    ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡± Lyndis sighed.

    Arcturus figured whatever she spoke of was serious. ¡°Lyndis, who exactly are you expecting?¡± he asked while he put on his plate armor piece by piece. During this time, Lyndis stayed at the door, cracking it open every now and again to see if anybody approached.

    ¡°Why the sagged face? Maybe these people heard of my exploits last night. I know! They want to pay their respects to the dragon that kept their streets clean of thugs!¡± Veledar growled excitedly, slithering out of his bed on four tired paws.

    ¡°Wrong again. Honestly, dragon, you must be the worst guessing partner I¡¯ve ever had. Here¡¯s the situation. The folks that had that brooch I took found out sooner than I would have liked, alright? We best head for your mother''s den quickly, before they come to get what is rightfully theirs.¡±

    ¡°Hmmph, hardly a challenge.¡± The dragon snorted. ¡°I can handle whatever company you have, dear Lyndis, for I am a dragon after all.¡±

    ¡°Well, I remember getting the better of you on quite a few occasions, dear dragon.¡± Arcturus pointed out, only for Veledar''s snout to scrunch up,

    ¡°Well that doesn''t count when I¡¯m not talking to you.¡± he hissed.

    ¡°Why not? Because you¡¯re a mighty dragon and I¡¯m a puny little human?¡± Arcturus smirked. A loud crash of shattering glass came from Lyndis'' room. Whoever broke into the room made a mess, throwing things around like a storm, undoubtedly searching for the brooch.

    ¡°The half-bitch isn''t here!¡± a thug just said.

    ¡°Well then, check the whole damn inn, you lazy fuck! Knives wants her brought to him in one piece.¡± yelled another voice.

    ¡°Oy, why does it have to be in one piece?¡±

    ¡°Cause boss says so. Now do as I say, or I¡¯ll carve myself a trophy from your own flesh.¡±

    Arcturus pulled his sword as the door from Lyndis'' room slammed open. He heard the window open in his own room and realized Lyndis was no longer next to him. He turned around to find that she was already one foot out the window.

    ¡°The fock you¡¯re lookin¡¯ at? Thought we¡¯ll leave the normal way?¡± she hissed through clenched teeth.

    ¡°We can take them.¡± Veledar whispered, hunching over and baring his teeth.

    ¡°No, you overgrown lizard. If you fight here, the entire inn will be destroyed.¡±

    ¡°Fine!¡± Veledar groaned, ¡°but let it be known I chose to let these fools live a while longer.¡± He moved his claws and shrank down to his waist high size.

    ¡°If only you fought as well as you talk...¡± Arcturus sighed as he clumsily climbed out the window and onto the street below.

    ¡°Next time you say something like that, I¡¯m going to bite your shiny metal ass.¡±

    Arcturus gritted his teeth when his metal boots clanked on the cobblestone street. He looked up to see Veledar flying out the window.

    ¡°Stupid dragon.¡±

    ¡°Shh!¡± Lyndis whispered from a nearby alley. She was crouched over, gesturing to Arcturus to come over to her. She then pointed to a large group of men and women of different races gathered at the front of the inn. They were adorned in leathers, chainmails, and a select few even afforded the safety of plate mail. They had crossbows, spears, and all other sorts of weapons. From afar, it looked like a small army had gathered to bring the mean innkeeper to justice, with grim frowns and determined looks upon their faces.

    Arcturus watched Lyndis sneak carefully from shadow to shadow, until she was well beyond the mercenaries¡¯ view. He rose to follow her when a yell pulled his attention; a shout of pain from the elven bartender.

    ¡°I told you, I don''t know where your ¡°princess¡± went! She was supposed to be in her room!¡± The elven man said before getting tossed through the door. He landed hard on the street, like no man deserved. Even from where he was hiding, Arcturus could see the large red stain on the man¡¯s brown tunic.

    ¡°NO! He already told you everything!¡± From the inn ran another elf wearing white undergarments. She quickly picked the wounded bartender up, pointing around the gathering of men. ¡°You bastards. Why don¡¯t you believe us? We¡¯re a common inn! What would a princess do here?¡±

    Arcturus figured the woman must¡¯ve been the elf¡¯s wife. Then, when the situation already looked grim, two ogres smashed their way out of the inn, busily munching on whatever they could steal from the kitchen. These two brutes stood at nine feet tall, covered in taters of hide. Their faces were rough, with a large underbite of yellow teeth.

    ¡°Half ogres.¡± Arcturus whispered quietly to himself

    ¡°Come on!¡± he heard Lyndis say in a harsh whisper. ¡°We have to get out of here.¡±

    His attention turned back towards the man as one of the half-ogre''s fist collided with the barkeep''s face.

    ¡°P-please, he doesn''t know anything else!¡± Cried the barkeep¡¯s wife as she desperately tried to hold back one of the ogres. The beastly creature simply tossed her aside like a ragdoll.

    Arcturus looked to Lyndis. She had already began to leave the man to his fate. He looked again to the man and his wife. Could he really leave these two innocent souls into the hands of these rogues? Arcturus felt the familiar tug in the back of his mind.

    His oaths, compelling him to stand against injustice.

    Without another thought, he drew his sword, undid his shield, and marched out towards the group of mercenaries.

    ¡°Hey! Let them go!¡± The paladin bellowed confidently, holding his sword high and pointing to the elf with an armored finger.

    The collected group looked dumbfounded for a moment before bursting out laughing, as if Arcturus was a mere squire brandishing a sword.

    ¡°And why should we do that?¡± one of the men sneered as he spit onto the street, ¡°because you want to play hero? Don''t you know who we are, boy?

    ¡°No, and frankly I don''t care. You let those people go, or this street is going to get messy.¡± Arcturus said.

    The group started laughing again as another man stepped forth from the collected group. He was dressed in fancy clothes, bright purple with gold runes stitched into them. He was a tough looking Half-elf, with a scar across his face, long braided hair, and blue eyes.

    ¡°Listen here, boy. Listen well, cause this¡¯ll be the only time I speak to a runt like you. Name¡¯s Knives. It would best for ya to just put that sword away and walk the other direction. Pretend you didn¡¯t see a thing, eh? Make this easy for the both of us.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re Knives, huh? Pretty stupid way to get your hands dirty.¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Knives chuckled. ¡°I own this town.¡± he held his arms out wide, ¡°I own the food, the merchants, the very people in it! No guard would dare to stand against me or my army. I can murder you in the middle of the street and nobody would look twice at your mangled corpse, because they respect Knives more than a random lowlife who stole his daddy¡¯s armor.¡±

    ¡°Interesting theory, Knives. But I have a different one.¡± Arcturus smirked, throwing glances at Knives¡¯ minions, who continued to brandish their weapons threateningly. Arcturus counted thirteen people, not including Knives. This would be difficult, but with Lyndis and Veledar. it would be doable.

    ¡°How about you face justice for your crimes, here and now? The city will breathe a sigh of relief once I clear off the kraken that chokes it.¡±

    ¡°Kraken¡­right. Someone kill this fool before he further embarrasses himself,¡± laughed Knives.

    Arcturus could feel Lyndis'' eyes on him, scolding him for his actions. He closed his eyes and imagined another pair of familiar eyes. ¡°Selina,¡± he said softly to himself as the two half ogres bounded towards him. In one motion, he sliced deep into the half ogre that reached him first. The swing severed the limb in one clean slice, followed by a sickly smack. The ogre naturally collapsed near his missing limb with a groan of anger and pain.

    The thugs were on him in an instant, with shouts of rage and bursting anger. Arcturus had to adopt a stance of total defense as they attacked him from all sides. Within the storm of swords, spears, and bludgeons, he had to constantly keep moving to stop the group from flanking him, and despite all the blocks ,parries, and glancing blows, he felt some of the weapons hit him square on.

    He silently thanked Matilda for his armor. Without it, he¡¯d be dead several times over.

    ¡°Grah!¡± A heavy blow knocked him to the ground before the sea of thugs. He recovered quickly however, punishing the fool that had done this by slicing off his fingers. Arcturus parried another strike  before the remaining ogre grabbed his shield and ripped it from his grasp. Their next attack had him disarmed, and finally encircled by the thugs. They looked to him with sneers and grins of victory. He raised his gauntlet clad hands as if to fight them with his fists.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you learned your lesson, boy? This is what you get for playing the hero.¡± Knives chuckled from behind the wall of muscle. ¡°Any last words? Perhaps telling me where that princess of mine is?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I think I may know where she is.¡±

    Knives slowly revealed his broken -and in some places missing- teeth. Arcturus grinned as he saw the elven man and woman make it to safety. He looked up to the sky, where the sound of wings was quickly followed by a fireball detonating behind the thugs. Several men were incinerated close to the blast, while others fell in the wake of the blazing explosion.

    ¡°There¡¯s a-¡± one man started to shout before a rapier was plunged into his chest. The man fell to reveal Lyndis.

    ¡°Heard you were searching for me,¡± she smirked, crossing swords with another thug.

    ¡°Lyndis! Bless your timing. I almost thought-¡±

    ¡°Now¡¯s not the time!¡± the half-elf hissed over the paladin¡¯s words.

    Arcturus fought his way through the ranks of men and snatched his weapons in the confusion that followed. With several well-placed strikes, he felled three thugs easily. On the fourth strike of his sword, the thug he was aiming for collapsed with an arrow sticking out of him. Arcturus almost froze at the realization. It looked like their mysterious helper was back.

    Throughout all the fighting, Lyndis was flipping, stabbing, and weaving her way through the remaining thugs. Knives was backing away from the whole fight as the situation was spiraling out of his control. Lyndis managed to jump her way over to him, holding up her rapier to his nose. ¡°What''s the matter, Knives? You think you can just muscle your way through everything?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, about that¡­just realized it¡¯s best for both sides if you can just keep the brooch, princess. You won¡¯t hear from me or my people. Just¡­just get out of here, will ya?¡± Knives said as a drop of sweat dripped down his head.

    ¡°Well you see, normally I would let you go, buuuuuutt. You see my friend over there? The one in the silver armor, currently cutting down the last of your thugs? Well, he isn''t too keen on letting filth like you propagate further, so I am going to have to refuse your generous offer.¡±

    ¡°Bad business, princess. Bad business when knives have to come out!¡± Knives said, pulling a hidden dagger from inside his shirt. He twirled it around in his hand before pointing it at Lyndis, ¡°I am going to cut that smile off your face.¡±

    Arcturus cut down the last thug with a wide slash of his sword, then turned to face Lyndis as she faced off with Knives. The man threw him a quick glance before he focused back on his opponent, his eyes wide with fear. Who wouldn''t be? A man in full plate striding over to you, covered in the blood of your minions?

    If Knives was a good fighter, Arcturus would never know, as an arrow pierced him right through the shoulder. The rogue leader gasped in pain as Lyndis leaped in to take advantage of the distraction. In one swift motion, she had him pierced on her rapier, straight through the heart.

    ¡°You should have just let this whole business go, Knives,¡± she said, kicking him off her rapier. Knives fell, clutching his chest, hitting the ground with a loud thump.

    ¡°Good to see that bastard come to deserved end. Why did he call you princess?¡± Arcturus asked, cleaning his sword with a rag he pulled from one of the dead thugs.

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± Lyndis sighed, ¡°Too complicated for me to go into right now, but at least this bastard is dead.¡± She kicked Knives'' corpse hard with her boot.

    ¡°Nrraaaaah! Get off my bear, ya big basterd!¡± Came a shout further down the street.

    Without a thought, Arcturus moved swiftly towards the source of the voice. Perhaps it belonged to the person that had been helping them from the shadows. He did not have to go far, as -after he rounded a corner- he found seven more thugs attacking a large brown bear and a dwarven woman with braided red hair. In each of her hands rested a well-crafted hand axe, smeared in dried blood. At her feet was a bow, possibly what she had been using before the thugs had closed in on her, to protect herself against close-quarters danger. The dwarf was wearing dark grey studded leather with small golden dwarven runes around the edges. Her white furred leggings were almost in blur as she avoided several weapon strikes with a smirk on her face.

    And by the looks of it, she knew how to fight. Arcturus quickly realized that when the woman ducked from a sword swing that nearly cut her hair clean off, then returned the strike by crashing her axe into the man''s gut.

    ¡°Almost got me right in the ''ead! Ye got guts, ya do!¡± She laughed, pulling her axe out, causing the man''s insides to spill out onto the street.

    Arcturus joined her by smashing one man''s head in with his shield, then he pulled out his sword and plunged it through the neck of another.

    ¡°Thank ye laddie! Pretty good for a human!¡± The dwarf lady cried as the large bear tackled a man and mauled his face. The man flailed with his sword, slicing into the bears muzzle and drawing blood before his neck got torn to shreds. The remaining thugs were cut down in a matter of moments from a combination of rapier, axe, bear, and sword. Once again Arcturus cleaned his sword and sheathed it in his scabbard, while Lyndis started to loot the dead bodies.

    One of these days I have to do something about that habit of hers, Arcturus shook his head, then walked to the dwarf, who was tending to the bear''s snout with a rag.

    ¡°Quit yer fussin¡¯ ya big baby. I¡¯ve had bigger cuts to deal with in da past.¡± She said, rubbing the rag deep into the cut. The bear let out a pained moan. ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll be alrigh¡¯ in a few moments. Human,¡± she turned her head to Arcturus. ¡°Thank ye for helpin me outta that bind back dere. Although it be about time you returned the favor. Ya seem to draw a lotta bad attention.¡± She said with a laugh.

    ¡°A most unfortunate consequence spurred from the desire to do good,¡± Arcturus chuckled. ¡°What do you go by? I can¡¯t simply call you our hidden friend, now that we¡¯ve met.¡±

    ¡°Ye can call me Merlia Gallowglar! Explorer at heart an¡¯ smasher of skulls when needs be. Dis moaning pup here is Ulga.¡±

    ¡°Charmed. I¡¯m Lyndis Kuxion,¡± Lynidis slid over with a smile, handing Arcturus a bag of gold. ¡°Your share of the loot, for now,¡± she added quickly before resuming her business.

    ¡°I¡¯m Arcturus Lund,¡± he said, sticking out a hand to the dwarf who shook it with a big smile.

    ¡°Arcturus, eh? I saw you an¡¯ yer lizard friend walkin¡¯ around, gettin attacked like righ now. What are ya lot up to that seems to draw so much attention?¡±

    ¡°This one is on you,¡± Lyndis placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°I am going to do a second pass and see if I missed anything worth taking.¡± Lyndis patted his shoulder before returning to the field of corpses.

    ¡°I don''t want to involve you in our affairs, even if you are as stout as you look. Merlia.¡±

    The dwarf didn¡¯t seem to take his words lightly. Frowning, she crossed her hands, then unleashed a piece of her mind. ¡°Ya listen here, ya clankin collection of pots and pans! It sounds like ya three are on an adventure, I like me some adventures. Makes da best stories, an¡¯ I can handle trouble just as good as any man, don¡¯ you worry about that, laddie.¡±

    Arcturus sighed, ¡°You have helped us quite a bit, so it wouldn¡¯t be fair to deny you a chance at adventure, as risky as it might get. We are heading to the capital to retrieve a book for a friend.¡±

    ¡°A book? What¡¯s it made from, gold? Cause when ya put it like dat, it don''t sound that excitin¡¯.¡± She laughed.

    ¡°That¡¯s only part of it. I also want to get some answers from my king. Especially why he wished me to end the life of an innocent dragon.¡±

    ¡°So ya sayin¡¯ that little red scamp of yours is a dragon? Do I look like a fool, laddie? I tink he is a wee bit too small for a dragon.¡± She said, her eyes full of skepticism.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Oh believe me, that one¡¯s more trouble than you can handle, especially if he just heard you,¡± Arcturus whispered, then smiled as the dwarf squinted her eyes at him. ¡°He just changed his size and hid his wings.¡±

    There was a sudden scrape of talons on stone that made Arcturus hold up his arms and gesture to the form of Veledar. ¡°He probably heard me say the word dragon and could not resist swooping down on us.¡±

    ¡°Now now, Arcturus, I think you are starting to know me a tad too well.¡± Veledar chuckled before strutting over. Arcturus could see he was clearing puffing his chest out. The dragon stopped several feet in front of Merlia before spreading his wings wide.

    ¡°I am Crimson Sky, easy to say and obvious to the eye¡­Merlia, was it?¡±

    Arcturus watched the dwarf¡¯s face. If she was concerned or scared of the dragon''s presence, she did not show it in that big, gleeful stare.

    ¡°Well, best keep yer big wings hidden in dis town. Knives there probably has more idiots waitin¡¯ in the alleys. Best we head to me camp. It''s a couple miles north of here. Once we get dere, ye can tell me wha¡¯ else ya lot up ta.¡±

    ¡°I find myself confused by your request, Merlia. Do you invite us to your camp out of kindness, to question us, or perhaps join in on our adventure?¡± Veledar asked, strutting around her.

    ¡°Why else would ye three be askin¡¯ bout da silver dragon? Rumor says lives on dat dere mountain?¡± she pointed to the towering mountains overlooking the town. ¡°I¡¯m comin¡¯ with ya, and there¡¯s nothin¡¯ ye can do ta stop me.¡±

    Arcturus had a quick discussion about traveling to Merlia''s camp. Veledar moaned that there was yet another person wanting to travel with them on HIS adventure. Lyndis brought up the point that the more work force they had, the better chances to succeed at getting the dragon''s book back. Veledar complained, but gave in to the half-elf¡¯s compelling arguments.

    ¡°Fine, Merlia. We shall follow you to your camp. However, if this is a trick, I will do things to you that will make you swear in every dwarvish word known to your kind,¡± Veledar squinted his eyes, and snarled at Merlia.

    ¡°Ya don have ta worry bout me stabbin ya in the back. Who do ya think I am, a sneaky goblin? Cause I gotta tell ya, dragon, dose be fighten¡¯ words!¡±

    ¡°Just lead us to your camp.¡± Veledar sighed, looking towards the sky.

    ¡°Good, now da lot of ya get ya horses and follow Ulga and me.¡±

    The group quickly left the town on horseback, with Merlia leading the way atop Ulga. Veledar flew overhead, following them closely. They spoke little as the night wind battered them from all sides. Arcturus saw even Veledar struggle against the gale, although he doubted the dragon would ever admit to having such trouble. They arrived at Merlia''s camp within the hour. It was made up of a simple tent and a dead campfire tied down to resist the harsh winds. It was next to a tree where, it looked like Merlia had hung several pelts to keep the place dry. Arcturus led Smelly over to the tree and tied him up. He turned around as he heard Veledar land behind him.

    ¡°Gods, can we get a fire going? My focken hands are freezing,¡± Lyndis rubbed her hands together.¡±

    ¡°Ah, forgot ya elves couldna stand da cold,¡± chuckled Merlia, pulling out flint and steel from a pack on the ground.  After several failed attempts to light the humid wood, Veledar let out an annoyed groan.

    ¡°That little thing is going to do nothing to this wood. Here. Let me show you how it¡¯s done, dear Merlia,¡± the dragon snorted, then unleashed a jet of flame from his mouth to light the wood in an instant. Arcturus took a seat beside Veledar, who had settled down by the fire. The others gathered around as the red dragon started telling Merlia of their journey thus far. Although he started the whole tale with the ¡°Great injustice done to him by Lumara¡¯s treacherous paladin.¡± He spoke of the trip through the fairy realm, the fight with the bulettes, and smiled fondly of their time in Drakenburg, up until Knives ruined everything.

    ¡°Dats all well an¡¯ good, Crimson Sky, but what¡¯s yer business with da silver dragon?¡± Her eyes went wide, then a coy grin grew on the dwarves face, ¡°Oh, I get ya! Yer lookin for a she dragon to keep ya big bum warm at night!¡±

    ¡°Gods no!¡± Veledar replied, scrunching up his snout and sticking out his tongue in disgust. He stopped only to make gagging noises as he turned away from Merlia. After a few more moments, he was able to respond with, ¡°Nothing of that sort, you perverted dwarf. That dragon is my mother. Is it so strange that I only wish to pay her a visit? It¡¯s been years since I last had any contact with her!¡±

    As Merlia and Veledar talked back and forth, Arcturus took note that Veledar did not mention the lady Lida. He must not have heard what the old woman said, that the journey to his mother¡¯s mountain would only bring hardship and pain upon them.

    He perked up as Veledar started telling a story about how his mother had put on a play with magic for his sister, brother, and himself. When he mentioned his brother, Veledar frowned, but continued with the story. Once it was finished, he was going to ask Merlia what wind brought her around Drakenburg, but Lyndis beat him to the question.

    The cheerful dwarf frowned during a sigh. She looked hurt, somehow. ¡°I''m on an adventure, of course!¡± she said, her face perking up. ¡°Little Ulga an¡¯ I get inta heaps of trouble while we explore da unknown.¡±

    ¡°Lumara is the unknown?¡± It was Arcturus¡¯ turn to frown. Far as he knew, Lumara encompassed most of the continent.

    ¡°Well ta me anyway. I''m from da south of course. Straight past that other place.¡± She paused for a moment in thought, scrunching up her brow, ¡°Drenedar!¡± she exclaimed, ¡°Da one with all da trees and pegasi. Alhough, tha place wasn''t a great fit for a dwarf. Everytin¡¯ was so tall, bright and clean!¡± She laughed, ¡°Can ye believe I watched a group scrub down da streets ta have dem perfect? Ridiculous!¡±

    She leaned up against Ulga and pulled out a knife from her side, then slowly started to carve a piece of wood she found nearby. ¡°If ya ask me, things need ta get a little dirty, rough, take a few scraps, den ye can tell da difference between what¡¯s cheap an¡¯ what¡¯s important.¡±

    She paused again for a moment to cut off a large section of the wooden stick. ¡°Anyways, I''m from a small village beneath da mountain o stonehammer. Da village has me whole clan. It be called da village of stone in case yer wonderin¡¯.¡±

    ¡°A tad bit ironic, is it?¡± Veledar smirked, ¡°It''s granite this, steel that, perhaps another village called pebble?¡±

    ¡°Well ya scaley git, dere is a town called pebble.¡± she replied, locking eyes with the dragon. They stared each other down with unblinking eyes before they both burst out laughing. ¡°Back to me story den! I had a yearnin¡¯ to see da world outside me village, so I set out for da surface. So far, I find humans da best....no offense lass.¡± she said, looking to Lyndis. ¡°I have found da elf folk are a tad slow moving for me tastes.¡±

    Lyndis silently mimed half-elf to herself as she pointed to her ears.

    ¡°Humans though, they always be striving ta move forward, dey always seek ta learn, always eager ta explore. Determination is sometin ta admire in dem.¡±

    ¡°I agree as well, even if said determination seems to get them in trouble more than it¡¯s worth it.¡± Veledar said. Arcturus felt the dragon put a claw on his shoulder. ¡°Isn''t that right, Arcturus?¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about yourself again, dragon? Because I sure didn¡¯t dive myself out of an airship before I met you!¡± Arcturus laughed.

    ¡°Your words wound me, human. I thought we are kind of simpatico.¡± Veledar grinned, placing a paw to his chest.

    The group laughed and spent the last bit of the night talking until they all fell asleep around the fire.

    Arcturus woke in the morning to the sound of Veledar¡¯s rustling. He breathed in the cold morning air before stretching his arms. The morning sun had already peeked through the clouds high in the sky.

    ¡°Arcturus, I am not a convenient table to rest your arm upon.¡± Veledar said, bumping into him, nearly causing Arcturus to fall.

    ¡°Maybe if you weren¡¯t so darn good at it!¡± he said, turning towards the dragon to catch him sticking his long tongue out at him. The dragon took off after his stomach gave a loud rumble, leaving Arcturus in a spray of light snow. He tended to Stinky and Smelly, noticing that the two females -Merlia and Lyndis- were meditating around the fire with a spellbook in front of Lyndis and a scroll in front of the dwarf. He took a spot at least ten feet away and began his own ritual of combat meditation. He swung at the air, slashed and thrust for half an hour before taking out his rations and stuffing the nuts and dried fruit into his mouth. He downed them with a swig of water from his water skin, longing for a hot meal served from an equally warm bowl.

    Arcturus¡¯ mind went from one tasty meal to another until he thought to a steak he had a couple of months ago back in Entis, and his mouth watered as he remembered the succulent flavors that washed over his tongue.  He mentally shook his head to rid the image of that delicious treat from his mind, but the following roar was a much better distraction.

    Veledar landed in front of him in a spray of snow, after which he shook off the white powder from his scales. Arcturus noticed the look of worry on Veledar''s snout, something he had never seen before on the dragon''s face.

    ¡°Let me guess. You stepped on someone¡¯s toes and now they¡¯re coming back here to demand payment for yet another one of your misdeeds.¡±

    Arcturus was almost ready to grab onto his gold pouch when the dragon growled. ¡°I saw a bunch of gryphons, and on top of them, I¡¯m pretty sure we have riders.¡±

    ¡°How many?¡± Arcturus immediately frowned.

    ¡°A dozen. Maybe more. I didn¡¯t exactly stay there to count them.¡±

    Arcturus gulped, feeling his heart skip a beat. He had a pretty good idea what was coming for them. ¡°Ah, blasted. You got us in real trouble this time. Why in the world have you gone out there, on a whim, without even thinking of using a protection spell? That¡¯s stupid, even by dragon standards.¡±

    The dragon snarled, but dared not to say anything. Even someone as proud and mighty as Veledar knew better then to make a fuss in this sort of situation.

    ¡°So what¡¯s the plan? Are you going to stand there and dazzle them with your scales?¡± Arcturus clenched his jaws.

    ¡°Shut up.¡± The dragon hissed as the human paced around, muttering angry things beneath his breath.

    ¡°It don¡¯t fockin¡¯ matter who messed what. It''s done now. Get your things and MOVE. Go! MOVE!¡±

    Arcturus knew gryphons were fast fliers, possibly faster than even Veledar. ¡°How far away are they?¡±

    ¡°Far enough to give us advantage.¡± The dragon said.

    Arcturus nodded and quickly donned his armor. He reminded himself to thank Matilda again for crafting such a wonderful thing. Within the span of five breaths, he was already suited up.

    Arcturus threw his stuff into his pack and quickly mounted Stinky. He held the reins tight as the others gathered around him, all their things packed into bundles, although by the look on their faces, the females didn''t have enough time to fully prepare all their spells. Lyndis pulled out the same map she read at the inn and held it inches from her face.

    ¡°If we follow this path, we will reach the passage point, and with the brooch we have in our possession, we should be able to pass unhindered. Hopefully the gryphon group will lose us in the snowstorm.¡± Lyndis said, pointing to a drawing of a mountain pass on the map.

    ¡°It is a good plan. May the Gods show us favor.¡± Arcturus said, quickly taking the lead with Lyndis, Merlia, and Veledar flying overhead.

    They rode over the snowy land, not even taking a moment to hide their tracks. Arcturus patted Stinky''s head and pushed the horse to keep running past his normal limits. He did not want to see those gryphon knights right now. More than that, he dreaded the thought of claiming responsibility for his actions until he had everything squared away. If these two sides got into a fight, it was going to be difficult pull his swings against people that were just doing their jobs. People that he could have met, talked, and dined with during his years of service.

    Arcturus¡¯ heart quickened when the skies rang with the distant screech of a gryphon. The hunting party was closing in now, and even with all his armor, the paladin felt the hair on the back of his neck straighten, and his blood warm up with anxious anticipation.

    ¡°Lyndis!¡± he shouted back to her, eyes scanning the skies for their winged friend. ¡°How much farther until we reach the pass?¡±

    ¡°Not far!¡± She cried back, ¡°Perhaps a mile to go before we get to the spot on the-¡°

    She was interrupted by the sound of Veledar''s roar, and Arcturus knew that type of roar well. It was the sound of a dragon in pain. Splinters and leaves burst from the forest as Veledar descended towards the ground. He fell in the snow alongside the two gryphons that tried to hold him down.

    ¡°You trespass in the king¡¯s lands, dragon!¡± One of them screeched with all his might, ¡°Stand down, or we¡¯ll have to subdue you by force!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­what you¡¯re already doing, you stinky pair of squawkers?¡±

    ¡°Crimson Sky!¡± Arcturus called out to him.

    The dragon didn¡¯t hear his shout; not with his roar deafening any other sound. Arcturus cursed under his breath as he pulled his horse towards the squabble of scales and feathers.

    Please, Gods. Be merciful. Don¡¯t let this turn into another bloodbath.

    The paladin quickly ran over his oaths over the beat of Stinky¡¯s hooves. ¡°Crimson Sky! Crimson Sky, stop!¡± Arcturus shouted in vain as the dragon shoved his smaller captors away. His tail smacked one of the gryphons unconscious into the snow, while his forepaw managed to get around the other¡¯s neck.

    Arcturus pushed the horse as hard as he could, shouting from atop his lungs. ¡°Crimson Sky! Do NOT kill that gryphon!¡±

    The dragon seemed to have heard something, turning his angry, spiteful gaze to the rider that dismounted a close distance away.

    ¡°This little wretch would have me delivered back to his king in chains! Isn¡¯t that right, birdy?¡± Veledar tightened his grip until the gryphon¡¯s defiant screech slowly turned into a softer, helpless squawk.

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Arcturus ran up to the dragon. ¡°Please....I know how it feels to hold someone¡¯s life in your hands, but this is not the way.¡±

    ¡°Could you pick a worse moment to lecture me? There is no choice here, paladin. It is either us, or them!¡± the dragon smashed his tail into the ground. ¡°If we do not stand our ground here, they will never stop chasing us. Their king wants me dead, remember? And these gryphons blindly obey him without a shred of remorse. I would have their lives before they chain me again!¡±

    Arcturus approached the angry dragon unarmed. ¡°I know how it feels to be powerless. I too had my choices stripped away when Dread Flame wrapped his vile claws around me, holding my tattered, exhausted body while my family died in front of my eyes. You are not him, Crimson Sky. You are not a monster, but if you strike this gryphon down now, your claws will forever be stained with the blood of the innocent.¡±

    ¡°Listen¡­to him¡­¡± the gryphon croaked.

    Veledar brought his bared teeth closer to the creature¡¯s beak. ¡°Say another word. I dare you.¡±

    ¡°Crimson Sky. Crimson Sky! This power you feel¡­it is not justice, dragon. Please, I beg of you¡­think what you¡¯re about to do¡­¡±

    The dragon¡¯s body shivered with pent-up tension. Arcturus noticed a few minor wounds along his sides, undoubtedly inflicted by the two gryphons. This wasn¡¯t the Veledar he knew from before, so instead of wasting his time on words, Arcturus quickly checked the unconscious bird. His heart still pumped, even in the slow rhythm of deep rest. Arcturus muttered a silent gratitude to the gods, then looked at Veledar from his knees.

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky this human has more mercy than your king, gryphon.¡± The dragon let his captive fall on the ground, then leapt over to Lyndis, who quickly put the gryphon to sleep with a quick charm.

    Arcturus let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Great job, everyone. Lyndis, try to do what you can to shield us from their eyes. Merlia, shoot them down if they get too close. Aim for the wings. We want them off our tracks, not dead.¡±

    ¡°Got a soft heart in ye, laddie. Think they¡¯ll show us da same mercy?¡±

    ¡°Only the Gods know for certain. We are not Knives, to use fear and intimidation as our weapons, just as we¡¯re not cutthroats, to slay our way through those who stand against us. We¡¯re better than that!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll remind you these words when you¡¯ll be tied up in the bowels of an airship.¡± Veledar growled.

    Arcturus got back on his horse, and the party got moving again, leaving the two gryphon scouts behind. Arcturus knew the hunting party wouldn¡¯t go easy on them. That¡¯s not how he trained his men.

    The same men who now inched ever closer to his position.

    Arcturus felt an arrow wiz by his head to strike another gryphon that appeared overhead.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a whole flock coming down!¡± Lyndis cried out.

    Arcturus quickly put his party into combat formation, with Merlia and Lyndis striking from afar while Ulga and Veledar held the line on the ground.

    Several gryphon landed around them, one more surprised than the other.

    ¡°Paladin! You¡¯re alive!¡± a gryphon said, quickly silenced by a white one with black tiger stripes encased in silver armor.

    ¡°Snap it shut, DuskWind! We have orders to capture the target at all costs!¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t have to be that way, SkyWing,¡± Arcturus approached the flock leader. ¡°Order your flock to stand down. I will talk to whoever is in charge of this operation.¡±

    ¡°The time for words passed the moment you allowed your prisoner to escape. ATTACK!¡±

    The gryphons charged or leaped at them from a spearhead formation. Arcturus knew his chances of success would be minimal at best. After all, he fought alongside gryphons like these for years. They were the best Lumara had to offer, specifically requested by him when he believed the king to be a selfless, honorable man.

    Arcturus threw one last look at Veledar. ¡°We¡¯re better than them,¡± he spoke softly, only for the dragon to hear, before he drew his sword and charged forward.

    He aimed to injure the head of the snake, but a screech was all he heard as he was lifted out of his saddle by another gyphon. He felt claws press hard around his torso, and within two heartbeat, Arcturus was dropped hard onto the ground. The gryphon was on top of him in an instant, tearing at the joints of his armor without saying a word.

    ¡°Stop this madness!¡± Arcturus hissed before droplets of saliva pelted his face alongside a deafening screech.

    Arcturus didn¡¯t strike back with his voice. He hit with his fist, right on the side of the gryphon¡¯s beak, stunning the white gryphon long enough for him to free his sheathed sword and slam it on the back of the creature¡¯s head hard enough to put the creature to sleep.

    ¡°Nghhh, heavy bastard.¡± With a great shove, the paladin pushed the unconscious gryphon off him. He stood up slowly to see that Stinky had been cut deep into his neck and now lay bleeding in the snow. He did a look around to find that Merlia and Lyndis were nowhere in sight. They must have been separated by another flock. Another screech pulled his mind from his friends, and Arcturus quickly ran to Veledar¡¯s side to help him. Three birds lay incapacitated on the ground, leaving four to deal with. The dragon kept them at bay with tail swipes and short bursts of fire, but Arcturus knew the flock would adapt to the situation. He was halfway there before a gryphon got close enough to leap onto his back.

    Veledar roared, thrashing about as the others latched on different parts of his body to drag him down.

    Hang on¡­just a moment longer¡­Arcturus unstrapped the shield from his back, the cacophony of growls, hisses and screeches getting louder the closer he got to the heart of the combat.

    When he finally reached Veledar, Arcturus smashed his shield into the side of the first gryphon he found, a purple male that fell prey to Veledar¡¯s tail. The gryphon crumpled to the ground under the heavy smack, never to rise again. With him out of the way, Arcturus pulled onto the tail of another, not to hurt, but annoy the creature, for once it looked back, Veledar shook himself free.

    ¡°BlackPaws, SunWing!¡± the flock leader inspected his fallen kin.

    ¡°They yet live.¡± Arcturus brushed off the gryphon¡¯s concern.

    ¡°Thanks to our mercy,¡± Veledar accompanied Arcturus with a tired huff. ¡°I have to say, you gryphons don¡¯t fight half as bad as you look¡­¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯ll find my beak more than a match, scaled one!¡±

    Arcturus cursed as the two of them were forced back on the defense. Gryphon after gryphon came down from the sky to reinforce their leader, and soon enough, Arcturus found himself in total defense as the sea of feathers struck at him with beak and claw.

    ¡°Enough!¡± A familiar voice called out from above. The gryphons backed away from Veledar and Arcturus, their keen eyes locked on their quarry.

    One gryphon landed in the snow in front of Veledar, carrying a man in familiar black plate upon its back. It was Garroth, standing before them with a tabard of Lumara draped over his pristine armor. He held a crossbow that pulsed with the familiar hum that Arcturus had gotten used to during his long years in the service of the king¡¯s knights. He looked above to find ten more gryphons hovering, with men wielding more of the same crossbows that Garroth held in his hand. They all had them pointed at Veledar.

    ¡°You won¡¯t escape our grasp this time, dragon. Tell me what you¡¯ve done to Arcturus, and I might find a spacious chamber for you to spend the rest of your miserable days in.¡± Garroth said, his voice full of hatred. ¡°You are going to pay for all the grievances you¡¯ve caused to the Crown.¡±

    ¡°Grievances?¡± Veledar scoffed. ¡°The only grievance I¡¯m guilty of is existing in your land! Your dragon slayers came into my home, stole my treasure, accused me of unspeakable deeds, and now you¡¯re here, blabbering about imprisonment, when the man you seek is right in front of you!¡±

    ¡°Arcturus?!¡± Garroth pushed his visor up. ¡°By the Gods¡­I thought someone stole your armor. Lift your visor up. Let me get a quick look at you.¡±

    ¡°Garroth,¡± Arcturus dipped his head, took off his helmet, then looked back at the man. ¡°This isn¡¯t how I imagined we¡¯d meet.¡±

    ¡°Same here, lad. You can imagine my surprise. I thought you¡¯d been kidnapped; held for ransom by this band of thieves you¡¯re traveling with.¡±

    Arcturus got in front of the dragon when Veledar started to snarl.

    ¡°I¡¯m on an important quest that allows no delays. Garroth, if my name still means something in Lumara, you will allow me to depart.¡±

    The man grumbled before he let out a long sigh. ¡°It is true we have history together, but the king requested your return, along with the quick delivery of the red beast.¡±

    Arcturus knew things were about to blow. He saw it in Garroth¡¯s eyes when he moved his hand over to his crossbow. Felt it in Veledar¡¯s quickening breath.

    ¡°Garroth-¡° he began to speak, but was cut off as Veledar suddenly bounded towards him, grabbed Arcturus, and bolted into the sky.

    ¡°Arcturus! Incapacitate the red beast! Shoot it down from the sky!¡± he heard Garroth shout orders as Veledar carried him higher into the sky.

    ¡°What¡­the fock was that?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re going to imprison you, right after they throw me into that spacious jail!¡±

    He felt his stomach lurch, but thankfully, his mind was still too focused on Garroth to pay attention to the nausea. Storm clouds had suddenly appeared in the sky, making Veledar¡¯s flight more unsteady with every passing moment. They must have been close to the point Lyndis had talked about. Arcturus looked back down to the tiny forms of Garroth, his men, and the gryphons now chasing after them.

    Veledar carried him further and higher into the sky. ¡°Nice friends you¡¯ve made during your time in Lumara.¡± The dragon said between deep breaths, ¡°Why, my mind bristles with all sorts of exciting scenarios, like my first meal in prison, or my first crap. Do you figure they have crapholes dug into the earth, or they¡¯ll slowly let me fill up my own bed with-¡°

    ¡°Shut up. Please¡­stop talking. We¡¯re still not safe enough for prattling¡­¡±

    ¡°As if their feeble wings can keep up!¡± Veledar roared joyfully. ¡°I got you out, human! I have you, they don¡¯t! You know what this means, right? You owe me!¡±

    ¡°Stupid¡­bumbling fool¡­ They have gryphons! They can still catch you!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense!¡± Veledar said, ¡°Those creatures could not hold a candle to me. They are basically oversized kittens!¡± the dragon chuckled weakly. Arcturus could feel the dragon¡¯s wing beats; they were different than the last time he was carried into the sky. These were slower, and the dragon seemed to be straining. Despite him not saying anything, he was clearly hurt.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Veledar said, flapping his wings again. The snow started to whip by Arcturus'' face, causing him to shield his eyes with one of his hands. ¡°They would be foolish to follow us into my mother¡¯s snowstorm.¡±

    ¡°The same storm that will smash us into a mountain! Lyndis and Merlia have the brooch. We will be lost without it!¡±

    Veledar did not reply for a few moments, clearly weighing his options on what to do next. ¡°Well you see-¡± Veledar was cut off as the battle screech of a gryphon sounded from behind, followed by at least twelve others.

    ¡°Graaarh, they have the most impeccable timing!¡± Veledar said, his voice clearly masking worry. ¡°You know, I really don''t want to be captured by this bunch of feathers. I don''t think they will be as rational as you were.¡±

    ¡°Arcturus! We¡¯re coming for you! Hold fast, paladin! Lumara¡¯s light outshines every darkness!¡± he heard the voice of Garroth bellow into the sky.

    Arcturus looked back down to see the form of three gryphons closing in on the red dragon''s tail. Their eyes locked onto him, then shifted back to the dragon. ¡°Don''t worry, Paladin!¡± one of them squawked. ¡°We''ll get you!¡± The gryphon that spoke swerved out of the way as a stream of fire shot towards him.

    ¡°The only thing you need to get is away from this dragon, you fools!¡± Arcturus shouted back as he clutched Veledar''s forelimbs tighter. He felt Veledar pull him closer as the gryphons inched ever closer.

    One of them flew towards the dragon¡¯s wings. Veledar let out a roar of pain, as the gryphon undoubtedly attacked his scale-less membranes. A second one flew towards the dragon¡¯s left, and let out a loud screech. This one seemed to dance in the air as Veledar tried to snap at him with his maw, his teeth only clamping onto thin air. The last one flew below the dragon, his eyes locked onto Arcturus. The golden gryphon angled his wings slightly and maneuvered into position below the dragon.

    Veledar suddenly thrashed his body as he did a swift turn. The dragon pounded his wings against the air and the gryphons were suddenly left behind. They recovered quickly however, and in another heartbeat,  they were right on top of the dragon all over again. Veledar let out another roar, as claws no doubt ripped into his flesh a second time.

    ¡°Fly away, you damned fools!¡± Arcturus shouted to the gryphons again, ¡°I don''t need to be rescued! You¡¯re going to get us all killed!¡±

    The gryphon below moved closer as the one to his left suddenly grabbed onto Veledar''s limb with his talons, ripping into the scales with ferocity.

    ¡°You are not safe with him! We¡¯ll get you back, sire, no matter the cost.¡± The gryphon slashed again quickly, drawing more blood from the dragon.

    ¡°Ngrraaaaawrrrr. You want to play rough?¡± Veledar hissed.

    ¡°Crimson Sky!¡± Arcturus screamed from the top of his lungs, then the gryphon screeched right over him.

    ¡°He¡¯s almost through, sire. Just a few more moments and-¡°

    Arcturus felt his body lurch as Veledar slammed his wings against the air. However, the gryphon holding his limbs made headway, and Veledar''s paws found themselves spread apart by the gryphon¡¯s stronger talons. Arcturus felt himself drop, with the gryphon below extending his paws, ready to snatch him from the air.

    ¡°Got you sire!¡± The gryphon exclaimed.

    But Arcturus felt no talons grab onto him. In his possessive fury, Veledar returned for him, slapping and fighting his way through the gryphons just like the birds said: by any means necessary.

    Arcturus looked up as the wind howled past his ears. Terror clutched at his heart as he dropped into the void below

    This is how I die. In the cold, storming, with nobody to hear my screams, he thought as Veledar was currently lashing out at the three gryphons that surrounded him. The dragon bellowed something, and lightning seemed to arc from the sky to his claws. In a flash of bright blinding light, Arcturus saw lightning bolts fly out in all directions around the dragon. They sprung from him to the gryphons, who erected their own spheres of light just in time to deflect the deadly surge of electricity. The magic must¡¯ve costed them all a heavy price. The gryphons glided down towards the ground, almost numb, while Veledar too seemed to struggle to remain conscious.

    Arcturus dared not look down at the ground that rushed to meet him. He closed his eyes and waited for the sudden stop, hoping the dragon had the sense to at least save himself.

    Don¡¯t come for me, you pile of thoughtless scales. For once in your life, do the selfish thing. Save yourself instead of dying with me¡­

    * * * * * *

    Veledar was not like Dread Flame, interested in only protecting his own hide. He dove through the sky, his pain forgotten as his wings pounded at the angry air. It was replaced by the sickening fear as he watched Arcturus grow further away from him. The worst thing was Arcturus'' silence as he fell. He had joked around with the human about his screech when he picked him up first, but that armored lump of meat had always been safe in his paws. Well, except now of course, when Veledar watched the human tumble through the air, his front cape flowing through upwards against the wind. He knew why the human was silent. It was the absolute dread of inevitability.

    Veledar willed himself to go faster as he saw the human clench his eyes shut, probably to pray in his last seconds; make peace with himself and the rest of the world.

    In turn, Veledar tried avoid thinking about his dying brother...the look of fear the silver dragon had on his own snout when he had plummeted to the ground, never to rise again.

    ¡°Arcturus!¡± Veledar gave an ear-splitting roar, the loudest his wounded throat could muster. The human HAD to know he was coming.

    I will not let you die. Not in my story! Veledar grit his teeth as he willed himself to go on. He was going to give this damned kingdom the story of a hero. A dragon who saved his human instead of monsters who kidnapped innocent maidens. His name would be spoken across the taverns of every human settlement. Veledar the protector, savior of paladins, conqueror of fiercest storms.

    Veledar streaked through the air, silence only broken by the sound of the whistling wind whipping by his snout. Arcturus was falling, and falling, and falling faster, still very much out of his reach.

    He tucked his wings, then his limbs, trying desperately to increase his speed. The air became a stinging menace, and the pain increased tenfold. Veledar tried to focus on Arcturus, and not the ground rushing towards his outstretched talons. Nothing else mattered now.

    Nothing but Arcturus.

    Pull up now, or you are going to die, instinct screamed inside his skull.

    But he was so close now. He almost had Arcturus. There was no way he could pull a selfish move now. If he was going to die at this moment, he was going to at least save the human. Let himself be the hero he knew he was. Let his tale be something people remembered in song. Veledar the heroic red dragon. He narrowed his eyes as he closed in on the human. They were going to live together, or die the same.

    ¡°Arcturus!¡± he roared again with the same ear-splitting ferocity.

    Arcturus opened his eyes as Veledar closed in on him. The dragon reached out with one of his paws, and in that terror-filled second, he realized if that if he just grabbed him and opened his wings, the air would break the human''s back due to the shift in weight. Possibly even tear his wing membranes to pieces. There was no room for error in this, not with the ground coming so close now. Veledar continued to reach out with a paw as Arcturus rose his arm in return to grab at his talons. He felt the human wrap his gloved hand around a cold, scaled finger, then Veledar pulled him close and clutched him against his chest.

    They fell together.

    Veledar slowly opened his wings a nerve wracking fraction at a time. He felt the wind slice through him like thousands of daggers, and though his membrane was being ripped apart, the descent started to slow, but he knew it was not going to be enough. He spread his wings wider, feeling the bones in his joints crackle with mind-numbing pain. He could see the snow dunes approach, the grey stones littering the place, the trees in the distance.

    The world was always so beautiful seconds before death.

    Veledar angled his wings down and aimed himself at a possible landing. ¡°Arcturus. Remember this part of the story.¡± He shouted as he tilted his wings and flipped his body, placing himself between the ground and the human he clutched tightly in his limbs.

    ¡°N-no! VELEDAR!¡±

    Veledar felt his body crash into the snow. Pain shot through his entire body like a flood of electricity. It made his teeth rattle, his spine quake, and his bones shift inside his body. He felt his wings break into thousands of painful fragments, and he gasped out, the air driven from his lungs through a horrendous growl. He clutched Arcturus tighter as they skidded through the soft snow, leaving behind splotches and streaks of red.

    NO! I¡­I must¡­ Veledar internally screamed as his own body started to wither. He could not move. Not with so many broken things inside his crumpled body. His next gasping breath brought in the taste of blood, and the dragon spat the substance onto the ground, unable to take in the air he sorely needed. Stars danced around his vision as he flopped his head back into the snow, letting out choking breaths as the skies above them grew darker. After a few heartbeats, even the pain died down. Veledar felt nothing.

    Nothing apart from the darkness that wrapped him in its tenebrous cloak.