《Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies》


 Darkened Skies: Chapter 1: Crimson Sky

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


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    <u>Chapter 1:Crimson Sky</u>


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    Veledar took a breath of the crisp air, pounding his tan membraned wings against the cerulean, cloud dotted sky. The golden rays of the sun shown down to warm and sparkle off his crimson scales. Like he was some great treasure for all to behold. For of course he was, in his own mind. He angled his wings, his tail frill of his tail catching the wind as he entered a spin. The world swirled around him as he let out a joyous trill.


    He pounded his wings harder against the air, his lungs tingling as his segmented scales clinked softly with the swelling of his chest. The dragon released a pleasing sigh as his frills on either side of his head twitched in the wind. Veledar angled a wing, soaring around a pristine white cloud like he was on the hunt, his sapphire eyes scanning down towards the vast tapestry of the countryside below. Vibrant crimsons, dazzling golds, bright viridians, and flat browns painted the ground below. It made it look like a vast quilt knitted to be pleasing to his eyes alone. For who else could fly this high above the ground and view such beauty? He smiled with the next flap of his wings, quickly tucking them against his back as he entered a divebomb. He enjoyed the rush of gravity pulling him down, the winds wrapping around his scales in their embrace and whistling past his senses. For anyone else this might have been terrifying to watch the ground come rushing ever faster with each passing second. But he was a dragon, and this only thrilled him to no end, brought warmth into his paws and made his scales tingle with bliss. He fought the roar building in his chest, to vocalize the single thought permeating every corner of his mind.


    I love the sky.


    It had been far too long since he could do this. To be this free, to go wherever he wanted, unburdened by the ground below. He spread his wings wide, catching the uplift into a glide as his membranes ripped. He closed his eyes, thinking about how this was a much needed thing.


    Especially after my stay in the city of light.


    That accursed city that held the reason for his previous adventure. The book of stories that he had treasured for all his years, a tome that was a reminder of his dead brother from long ago. Stolen by a human king and locked away in a lab by the nation of Lumara. He had tried to retrieve the thing with a group of adventurers he had met along the way. The quest had not ended the way he had thought it would, and had surprised even him.


    I found a different treasure.


    His gaze focused onto a small collection of wooden buildings planted on the great quilt below. They rose up from the ground like mahogany stumps. These structures marked the first town that he and his companions had visited in this nation. The nation of Drenedar. He let out a small trill as he flapped his wings and started his descent towards the town. He recalled just three months prior he had landed into another village, catching his horns onto a banner and thoroughly embarrassing himself in a way not befitting of a dragon. He wrinkled his snout as he remembered ripping the thing into tiny little pieces.


    Not the best first impression.


    This time however he had made a much better one. He had made sure all the banners had been taken down before he revealed himself to the stunned mortals. He dipped a wing, passing over a red tree and scattering any loose little leaves in his wake. Like some sort of great explosion. He eyed one of the collection of mortal buildings, a grey painted thing that had seen better days. He had expected things in Drenedar to be clean, pristine, well taken care of. For that was what he had heard in all his travels before coming here. He had not expected to find each building smeared with dirt and covered in arrows jutting from the wood like numerous thorns.


    Orcs...That is what the scared humans, wolven and elves had said. How the collection of raiders had descended onto their village. Taken and pillaged from them by ax point. Time and time again bringing the people under their blood smeared boots. Forcing the town to provide food for their ravenous horde. The perfect outlet for a dragon trying to make a name for himself. He could already imagine the story they would tell.


    The day the magnificent Crimson Sky saved them from the orc raiders, and graced them with his beauty. Maybe they would even build a statue to honor the occasion?


    The red''s white claws nearly scraped the a pale brown roof that was covered in shillingles that made it look like a collection of dragon scales more then a home for mortals. He beat his wings, easily speeding over the rooftops. Not a soul could be found walking the cobblestone streets. What had been full of life at one point was now nothing more then a hollow shell of what it once was. Windows had been bared, doors shattered onto the ground, some had even been burned to resemble horrid twisted corpses. Burned wood and sweat permeated the air, twisted images coming to his mind of what cruelty these orcs could inflict. Who would have thought he would be here helping them? Especially after they had only intended to stay the night, a brief return to civilization from the time spent avoiding gryphon patrols and sleeping under the vast star filled sky. They had been going to stock up on supplies for their destination, the port city of Struport. For that was the location that supposedly contained the next part of their quest, one crystal of many his elven companion had said.


    Veledar chuckled as he remembered Shandalar''s brow wrinkling as he scoffed at the idea of needing such a tiny magical crystal. Oh how he had loved to see her icy blue eyes glare at him, narrowing as the anger she supposedly didn''t have bubbled to the surface, threatening to be released like a storm. The dragon sighed. The one night stay of course had not gone to plan, the villagers telling them about the orcs and how they desperately needed help. His group offered their assistance, and he being the loyal dragon he was to his friends, agreed to help with a twitch of his tail frill.


    Now he would have helped the town for a fee, make a deal for those poor souls. Possibly suggest they construct a statue in his brilliance. He even knew what pose he would take for such a wondrous thing.


    Head up,slightly turned, wings neatly tucked, and chest swelled proudly.


    His companions of course had different ideas about the definition of help. They had even offered their assistance for free. The idea had made him wrinkle his snout as the words were repeated to him, his jaw falling in disbelief. It was only the tender stroking of his snout by his human mate Arcturus Lund did his jaw close, and the bitter pill become easier to swallow. Course much was able to be done with the man''s tender hands touching him. It was a weakness that he had come to enjoy, the warmth and affection warming his strong heart.


    There was a statue of a dancing women in the center of town that Veledar passed over, his tail almost striking the sturdy grey stone as he passed. Bromwich was engraved into the base of the stone, the towns name on full display in proud letters. In the dragon''s opinion it was another stupid name for a mortal hovel. Sounding more like something that one of them would eat instead of a proper powerful name. He gave a final snort before passing the thing, and heading towards the town-hall. The place that all his companions had gathered for their defense of Bromwich.


    ¡°So ya finally came ta help us after all da work is done!¡± The loud voice of his dwarven ally Merlia Gallogalar called to him. The skilled ranger was standing proudly on a dull blue, scaly roof, her shining steel tipped boots glaring in the sun. She set down a quiver of green feathered arrows, lining it up with at least a dozen others at her feet. ¡°Figures ya do dat ya red scaled baby!¡± She shook her fist at him, her emerald eyes filling with the fierceness he had come to expect from her in battle and when not. He did enjoy playing with her quick temper, enjoying making the dwarf turn red.


    ¡°I never said I was going to help set up your little traps.¡± He chuckled, landing in the street before her with a quick backwing. His magical flying harness'' rings jingled slightly as he stretched out his serpentine neck with a sigh, flicking his tail behind him. ¡°Besides..Looks like you managed to do it without my help. I figured you could handle this task with your own expertise....Besides..¡± He stretched himself out like a cat with his haunches in the air, a tongue curling yawn escaping his maw. ¡°I was doing work.¡±


    ¡°Oh I bet.¡± She crossed her dark studded leather clad arms across her chest. The golden dwarven runes that lined the hide on full display. ¡°I saw ya spinning and diving in da air. Lots o work dat be.¡± She tossed her braided red hair to the side before thrusting a finger less gloved finger at him. ¡°You was playin, an don''t even try to deny it. We both know it.¡± She thumbed back towards her pristine white bow with golden strands running from the middle to the ends. ¡°If ya lie I can always turn ya into a pin cushion wit da bow ya gave me.¡±


    ¡°Borrowed.¡± He sighed, sticking his tongue out at her. ¡°Figures that you would forget that critical detail dwarf.¡± He took a few steps, not leaving her with his eyes. Despite the grin on her face, and he calling her a friend, he knew her threat was genuine. He had never seen a better archer in all his years of life, and that was before he gave her a bow that helped her aim. Heck it could even hit around corners if she had seen the person before she let loose her sharpened stick. ¡°Fine..You caught me. I was enjoying myself with some flight time.¡± He held a paw to his chest, trying to appear hurt with drooping frills. ¡°I know you...As a dwarf cannot understand the pain that I feel every time that I am not high up in the clouds..¡± He spread his forelimb out towards the sky above. ¡°In my domain.¡±


    ¡°Hmmph. Stuff it dragon. I can know ya pain. Krotos there likes it as well.¡± She gestured to her side and towards the gryphon laying down on his side.


    ¡°Yup, he was definitely playing.¡± Squawked the gryphon before he ran his beak through his near pristine navy fur. ¡°Defiantly recognized it.¡± He chirped, preening away like he usually did with his yellow beak with an orange stripe down the front.


    ¡°Course here I am complainin. Probably for da best ya up dere.¡± Merlia chuckled, slapping her white furred breeches. ¡°Nothin up dere for ya to trip on. Or get ya head stuck in somethin.¡±


    ¡°Or crash into a house.¡± Krotos laughed, pulling out a seafoam teal tipped feather.


    ¡°Oh...So you two think this is funny huh?¡± He wrinkled his snout, casting a glare to the cackling harpies he called his friends. ¡°I''m not that clumsy. You make it sound like I can''t go two feet without catching something with my...¡± Veledar turned to check on his tail, make sure the mischievous thing wasn''t countering his point. To his relief it sat there not hurting anything, more importantly, not his reputation. ¡°See nothing tripped on or crashed into today!¡±


    ¡°So...dats a record of wut?¡± Merlia turned to Krotos, scratching under his grey furred neck. ¡°One day?¡±


    ¡°More like an hour!¡± replied Krotos with a smirk, and tap of his tail on the roof.


    ¡°I''d watch your sharp tongue there kittybird.¡± Veledar snorted, flicking his tail slowly behind him. ¡°Or I will practice my revenge on you for each little insult that dare leaves that beak of yours.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± The gryphon tilted his head to the side with a smirk. ¡°I can..but will this revenge be in a most pleasing fashion? Perhaps something like how you tend to your paladin every night?¡±


    Veledar just chuckled in the back of his throat as Krotos added a wink. There was no way he was going to allow the craft bird to get out of this one without a little flash of teasing from himself. ¡°Perhaps I will pin you down, and drum my talons across your beak until you admit your wrong doings. I had a gryphon friend who hated getting that done to him.¡±


    ¡°See? He was playing.¡±


    ¡°That''s only because little kitty bird like you do it all the time. Don''t think I haven''t spotted you flying blissfully in the sky with me. You''re just as guilty as I am.¡± He snapped his head to Merlia with a snort. ¡°Why even need my help anyway? You have Krotos there, and he''s the one with nimble claws.¡±


    ¡°No hes been..¡± Merlia turned with a red tint to her skin, glaring at the gryphon who had not ceased his preening. ¡°Have ya been doing dat the whole time instead of getting stuff ready?¡±


    Krotos stopped mid preen to eye the dwarf as her hands shifted to rest at her waist. ¡°Perhaps?¡±


    ¡°Why in bonnie blazed would ya be preening at a time like this when I needs ya help?¡± Merlia shouted, shaking a fist towards the lazy bird.


    Veledar just chuckled and left his friends behind with quickened steps through the street. He swished his tail playfully as the sounds of their loud conversation faded away with each paw placed on the cobblestone. He gave one last smirk as he heard a loud word that should not have come from a classy noble woman, but Merlia often held nothing back in that regard. He pressed on with a breath towards the ¡°Safe¡± spot his cleric friend Asterion had made out of the town hall.


    ¡°Safe.¡± The cleric had said with his gruff voice, almost as if having the dragon''s protection didn''t already make them safe. The bovine man had flicked his tail against the furred almond cloak that rested around his muscled shoulders, and prattled on about defenses before Veledar just had to get away from his voice. The dragon''s eyes came to the large building that towered over all the others, almost double in height from any other building that graced Bromwich. It appeared to be made out of the same sturdy wood as the rest of the other buildings, even having the same color pallet that was present in every other building. It''s main differentiating feature besides the height was the presence of a large golden bell at it''s top. No doubt this accessory was used to sound the alarm in situations just as this, a call to protect their very place from being destroyed.


    That''s why they have me after all.


    The brown furred cleric was now standing before the hall''s navy wooden doors, pounding his strong hands against the surface with dull smacks. His large spell book was slung around his neck with a leather strap, rattling with each powerful strike.


    ¡°I think if the orcs are going to be coming they will be using more then just their fists to assault said door.¡± Veledar grinned, showing off his pearly whites and pointing to the minotaur''s efforts.


    ¡°It is a strong wood dragon.¡± The bull snorted, giving the door one last good bang for good measure. ¡°It won''t come that. We are strong, this door is just a formality. A safety net as your paladin would describe it.¡± The cleric rose his silver warhammer, the surface gleaming in the sunlight before the dragon''s eyes. It''s beauty reminding the dragon to take this item should his companion end up dying.


    ¡°Oh yes. I am sure they will be quite intimidated by you when I reveal myself before them. I can see them positively shivering in their boots.¡±


    ¡°Do not discard my contributions dragon. Or you shall find yourself bleeding and bruised without me to coddle you back to health. And I would not risk the wrath of the gods myself.¡±


    The gods? Really?


    ¡°Last time I checked little minotaur, you were flesh and blood same as anyone else. Despite your boast, you''re not a god.¡± Veledar slunk over, with his next breath. ¡°You preform parlor tricks that Korde in his wisdom bestows upon you. Your deity could take all your powers away with a flick of his tail.¡± Veledar rose his head high with a pompous snort. ¡°I..On the other hand need not such permissions to cast my spells.¡± The dragon glared down as the cleric looked speechless before him. The bull only heaved the warhammer into his other hand with a sigh.


    ¡°We shall see who the gods favor dragon. A pompous headstrong, scaled dragon with the ego of a mountain. Or the cleric that seeks to do honorable battle.¡±


    ¡°That all you have in your bag of insults little bull? I have heard better come from the dwarve''s mouth back there. Perhaps you should have some time with her to gather your faculties. I''d think wisely about what you say though. It was I that freed you from the Emerald Ladie''s clutches back in the forest of despair.¡±


    ¡°And who then ended up healing you while you lay broken and beaten aboard the destiny?¡±


    Damnt.


    ¡°I gots it!¡± A green scaled blur suddenly darted under Veledar''s next step. He had to retreat his limb in a desperate attempt to not crush his kolbold companion under foot. ¡°I gots it! I gots it!¡± Feku cried out, dashing over to Asterion so quick the dragon was almost certain she had teleported. She was carrying a sturdy looking wooden shield in both hands that was almost the same size as she was. ¡°Sorry Crimson Sky!¡± She shouted over her shoulder, her little claws catching a rock and causing the kobold to stumble. At the last moment she shifted her weight, catching herself with a smile. ¡°Not today ground!¡±


    ¡°Whatever is it that has you so happy?¡± Veledar chuckled, snaking his nose down towards the pair.


    ¡°I lost....A shield....for Asterion!¡± She gasped, her purple eyes closing as she held above her head the brown painted shield with a multicolored first of Korde right in the middle. The smile she had on her face right now looked to dominate her entire snout. ¡°I spents all day painting it for you!¡±


    ¡°You made that?¡± Veledar pulled his snout back, frills trembling in surprise. ¡°I had no idea you...¡±


    ¡°I painting it!¡± She thumbed her chest. ¡°Arcturus been helpin me get worse every day!¡±


    ¡°You mean better?¡± The dragon smirked, fighting laughter as the kobold''s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She hissed before suddenly snapping to Asterion without a hint of anger in her voice. ¡°What...do ya think?¡± She tapped her tail against the ground, practically bouncing in excitement.


    ¡°It''s crudely drawn, and put onto an item that I generally do not wield.¡± replied Asterion gruffly, his stern demeanor crumbling away as the kobold''s head dipped. ¡°B...But it is a fine paint...and the best things for battle are generally not pretty anyway. It will serve me well in the coming battle.¡± This seemed to do the trick as the kobold mood brightened as she lifted her head.


    ¡°YAY!¡± Feku jumped, clapping her claws together with a joyous clack.


    ¡°Hmmpf.¡± Veledar snorted, raising his head. ¡°Shows that once again you have rocks in your head. I can do battle and still stay pleasing to look at.¡± He shifted his snout to look down the cobblestone street that was barren and smelled of lingering humans and wolves. They were not as bad as horses of course, a small miracle to be counted for sure. ¡°Speaking of things that are pretty...Have you seen Arcturus?¡± He flicked his tail gently as he tried to not seem too excited at finding his human knight. He purposefully looked away from the bull and kobold and instead focused on the elf of his band of adventurers.


    Shandalar was her name, a wizard from the land of Rothdell to the east. She stood straight across the way with her hands raised and flowing as if she were dragging water across the air. Sections of the street sprang up with every motion to rest at several feet high. She had used this trick to provide cover for his friends as they had escaped the human castle in Entis. The elve''s brown robes flowed just as easily with her fluid foot steps. It truly looked like that she was a dancer, so good at that her movements did not distract her focus. All her motions flowed into the next. Veledar hated to admit it as he watched her weave the magic around her with practiced grace, that it was beautiful. Despite that fact another was also true to the dragon''s irritation, that the woman''s mastery of the arcane arts was superior to his own. He reminded himself that despite not being a dragon, the elvish mage had spent a solid one hundred to two hundred years of life ahead of him. He wrinkled his snout as suddenly Asterion stomped his hoof against the cobblestone with a loud clack.


    ¡°You''re not listening are you? Dragon!¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Veledar shifted casually to the bull who had his arms crossed, his eyes filled to the brim with annoyance. ¡°You know...Just to enlighten you.¡± He flared his sharpened teeth to the stern warrior. ¡°That it is not wise to stare at a dragon like you are doing currently. It''s...rather rude of you.¡±


    ¡°I shall look at you however I wish dragon. Your intimidation does not work on me.¡±


    And this is why I loathe him sometimes.


    ¡°Fine minotaur, you have my attention.¡± He smacked his tail with a dull thwack against the stone as he rolled his eyes. ¡°Now where is that human that I call my mate? You know the one..With his brown hair, green eyes...wears a metal skirt that clangs together at times?¡±


    ¡°He''s inside with Lyndis.¡± Asterion pointed to the town hall.


    ¡°Both of them?¡± Veledar pulled his head back, looking past the cleric to the door. ¡°What could be needed that both of them are occupied by a handful of peasants?¡±


    As if on cue, the doors parted wide with a loud creek. From the safety of the town hall came the leather clad half-elf rogue that had joined him in trying to get his book back. Lyndis Kuxion strolled out, green sash around her waist pulled tight. Hanging from her neck was the grey cloak of invisibility that he had given to her, fastened with a golden broach. She was chatting away, her amber eyes not on where she was walking but instead to that of Veledar''s mate Arcturus. The once dragon slayer now a proud paladin to a dragon goddess.


    The emerald eyed man was currently chatting to Lyndis, stride filled with purpose as the sunlight shined off his silver armor. Veledar''s tail twitched as he gazed to the human whose presence made his hearth beat a tad faster, to his red and silver tabard to his metal plates that had saved the man many times over in their last adventure, every part of him made the red dragon want to hum, and trill.


    Arcturus ran a hand carefully through his short hair, letting out a sigh as he and the half-elf came to a stop before the red dragon, offering him a smile. ¡°Just gazing at us now?


    ¡°I think ''es bloody love struck.¡± Chuckled the rogue. ¡°You can tell by that look in his eye. Smittin as it where.¡±


    ¡°Trust me princess.¡± Veledar smirked, ¡°If I was gazing long fully at anyone right now it was not you, but that of my Umraadi.¡± The dragon lowered his snout, nosing at the paladin with a flicking tail. He closed his eyes when he felt the man wrap his own limbs around his head and stroke the underside of his jaw. The touch brought a warmth to the dragon''s heart, and made him snort his happiness.


    The human laughed, scratching in just the right spot to make Veledar groan slightly. ¡°Have a pleasant flight?¡± Genuine concern flowing with his words as he scratched, making the dragon''s digits tremble.


    ¡°That I did.¡± He purred, pushing insistently at his human''s armored chest. For a brief moment he wished that the stupid piece of metal were not there. ¡°Was good to stretch the wings of course...Dive across the sky, and make all of you earth bound mortals jealous of my scales.¡±


    ¡°What a sight to see.¡± Arcturus moved one hand to brush at Veledar''s cheek. ¡°Sorry that I missed it.¡±


    ¡°Next time you should join me up there.¡± Veledar rumbled in the back of his throat. ¡°It was starting to feel lonely up there without you with me.¡± He pulled back and offered the affectionate human a lick across his pleasing face. ¡°I think you have wormed your way into my heart little human.¡±


    Arcturus smiled, hand still gently on the dragon. ¡°I already knew that my dearest dragon.¡± The man tapped his breastplate with several dull knocks. ¡°I can feel it in your heart...remember?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes. The bond we share.¡± The dragon''s frills twitched slightly, remembering all the times this magical connection they shared allowed them to sense each other''s emotions, share spells, and even provided the human with a basic understanding of the draconic language.


    ¡°Ahem.¡± Lyndis cleared her throat loudly, tapping her boots on the ground.


    ¡°Yes Lyndis? Do you want something?¡±


    ¡°I was talking over with your human on what to do before you drew his attention with your nosing.¡±


    ¡°Whats wrong with a good nosing?¡± He raised a brow with a smile. ¡° I missed him, and it allows him to tend to me in a most pleasing way.¡± He gestured to the doors with a tilt of his head. ¡°Why did you even go with my mate in there anyway? Last I recalled he had a very good way with words.¡±


    ¡°Actually.¡± Arcturus coughed, ¡°I needed help for this...They...wouldn''t listen to anything that I had to say.¡±


    ¡°They actually took one listen and told him to get the fock out of their village! Said they didn''t need no help from a bleedin tin man from Lumara!¡± Lyndis burst out before rolling her eyes. ¡°You''d think the bastards would be grateful for the help. Buuuut nooo...With how rude they responded, I almost didn''t want to help them.¡±


    ¡°But are they not your people?¡± Veledar tilted his head to the side. ¡°Should you not always want to help them? You know...despite the bad business sense?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Arcturus pouted, crossing his arms.


    ¡°Oh please Arcturus, we both know you''re bad at that. If you were not you would have charged the town a fee for our services. Don''t worry.¡± Veledar waved slightly to his paladin. ¡°I will of course rectify the problem once the current orc business is settled. I imagine they will be sent packing the moment they see that they have to content with such a powerful and formidable dragon such as myself.¡± He swelled up his chest, smirking to his amused looking friends.


    ¡°And here I thought your bleedin ego would be deflated because of the whole adventure to Entis.¡± Lyndis chuckled, shaking her head slightly side to side. ¡°But there you focken go, spoutin your tongue like that. You''d think that you were the greatest thing to ever...¡±


    Veledar flashed her a grin, making her hold the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°Yup..Just realized who I was focken talking to. Try not to whollop them with your oversized head your brightness.¡±


    ¡°Please Lyndis, that is not how dragons do battle. Unless it''s a special kind of battle.¡± He growled lustfully as the rogue started rifling through her pouch, and pulling out a small blackened cylinder. She extended it out to reveal that it was a spyglass.


    ¡°Did you spot anything from up high O greatest thing ever?¡± She asked with a sarcastic tone, before uttering a quick word and easily jumping to the roof of the hall with hardly any effort. ¡°Or were you too busy thinking of yourself? Or perhaps about the lewd things you do with your mate?¡±


    Manticores bottom.


    Veledar wrinkled his snout, he of course had forgotten to do that while enjoying the delight of flight. Perhaps if he had been a tad more focused he could have helped them in this moment. But how could he not lose himself to the sky? Shandalar had them hide over the last two months as they traveled, and brief moments of flight had hardly satisfied the flying need lurking in his bones. ¡°None that I saw, course you try spotting a bunch of green skins in these hills.¡± He rolled his eyes as he took a step next to his human, who was giving him a knowing look. The man knew he was lying. ¡°Oh Arcturus, don''t give me that look. Unless you are transfixed by my scales.¡± He rumbled, raising his brows playfully and licking the human across his face with a long slurp.


    ¡°There may come a day that dragon licks wont get you out of something.¡± His human chuckled, wiping away the slime coating his face.


    ¡°Yes..But tis not this day human.¡± He smiled, almost tempted to give the human he adored another lick but he held his need in check. There was plenty of times to tend to each other after this little orc business was handled.


    ¡°Found them!¡± Lyndis shouted out from above. ¡°Looks to be nearly sixty in number, if I can count them correctly. Sodding hard with all their wolves moving about how they are.


    ¡°Only sixty?¡± Asterion sighed, stomping his hoof with a disappointed snort. ¡°I was hoping for more this day.¡±


    ¡°Raise your head! Perhaps they are rather weak!¡± Feku smiled.


    ¡°You mean strong?¡± Veledar chuckled. ¡°I think Asterion likes hard challenges.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Feku hissed, sticking her tongue out as flashes of red started to dot her green scales. It made the kolbold look like a rosebush.


    ¡°So...¡± Veledar lowered himself, stretching his wings with a yawn. ¡°Hop up my lovely knight, and let us go meet them? I think it is far past time that we show them an entrance befitting of a dragon.¡± He grinned, showing off his teeth with a wiggle of his tail.


    ¡°I''d not try that if I were you, O great overlord. They got plenty of spears and bows. And if they look like what I think they are, this could be bad.¡± Lyndis shouted from above.


    ¡°Pfff.¡± Veldar scoffed, rolling his eyes. ¡°Pointy sticks Lyndis? They will have to try harder than that. My scales are like powerful armor, it would take many to even pierce it.¡±


    ¡°How about explosive tipped spears your brightness? Do you think that could break open your scales?¡±


    ¡°Explosive?¡± Veledar flicked his tail. ¡°As in the dragon powder from the story with Swirling Storm?¡± His digits trembled slightly as he thought in disgust of his own scales being blown open by that material. Yet another mortal weapon that he hated.


    ¡°That would be the one.¡± Arcturus nodded, placing a hand onto Veleadar''s side with a sigh. ¡°How did you not remember that? We talked about it while crossing the border.¡±


    ¡°How can I be expected to care about pointy sticks you lot throw? And the powder in the story was not used on spears.¡± He snapped his jaw. ¡°Besides, what does it matter when I can strafe them with fire from my maw. What good is their stick then?¡± He rose his head with a final snort of victory. Surely they could not come up with a counter argument. Sure these explosive sticks might be mighty, but not against a flying dragon who would hit and run them with flames.


    ¡°You have to get close eventually.¡± Lyndis grumbled, causing the dragon to throw her back a growly chuckle.


    ¡°That would be a victory for me then. I say again o'' bravest knight whose heart beats just for me.¡± He smirked, nuzzling the human he cared for. ¡°Shall you grab your shield, steel your nerves and mount me?''


    Lyndis burst out laughing from above as Krotos'' loud squawk sounded from behind.


    ¡°Oh shush your snouts, you know what I meant.¡± He gasped when even his human joined in with the laughing. ¡°And you Arcturus? You keep that up and I will make you pay whilst I am mounting you!¡±


    ¡°You know I''m right,¡± Arcturus grabbed hold of the dragon''s head in a tender touch. His words losing the sting that would have come from anyone else. ¡°I would want nothing more then to leap into the sky atop your back, soaring high above and scattering this band of orcs with hardly any effort.¡± The man sighed, patting the crimson scales. ¡°But..By the sounds of the townsfolk, these mercs if you want to call them that contain some casters and what not. So before we go gallivanting on forward on your beautiful scales...¡±


    Veledar released a croon at the compliment, purring under his human''s ministrations. ¡°See if you..¡±


    Arcturus silenced him by placing a hand over his snout. ¡°Listen Veledar...If they have spells to strike you from the sky...Pull you to the earth...Then our advantage would be lost and we would be stuck out there surrounded. So trust me..¡± The man''s eyes met Veledar''s own, ensnaring the dragon''s focus in their caring gaze and wrapping around the dragon''s heart. In that moment, anything seemed possible in those emerald spheres.


    Veledar sighed and closed his eyes as Arcturus leaned forward and planted a kiss onto his scales.


    ¡°We can keep you in reserve. Have you as an element of surprise. And when we do..¡± Arcturus gestured with a sweep of his hands to all their friends setting up walls, arrows, and inspecting gear, ¡°The positions, the defenses, the dragon. We will have more advantages then you can shake your tail at.¡±


    ¡°I can shake my tail at a lot of things.¡± Veledar rumbled delightfully in a growly sort of way.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Arcturus sighed, chuckling. ¡°You do have a wonderful tail.¡±


    The dragon rewarded his human with another lick across the face, and a purr. ¡°Lyndis!¡± Veledar turned towards the rogue who still was looking away like she was the atop of a vessel of the sea. ¡°How much longer till they are here?¡± He lifted his head away from Arcturus'' pleasing touch, vowing to return.


    ¡°Most likely within the hour if they keep up that pace theys doing. Plenty of time to set up final traps, arm weapons.¡± The half-elf folded up the spyglass with a soft clink, and stashed it back inside her pouches. ¡°Never seen them so bold before in all my life.¡±


    ¡°I''m glad that they are.¡± Asterion grumbled, gesturing to Feku to help him with some potions that he was sorting. The glass bottles clanked together softly as he spread them out onto a brown mat.


    ¡°Well not everyone gets a boner for blood shed like you do!¡± Lyndis laughed, leaping down from the townhall and rubbing a golden ring around her finger. One that she had gotten from a vault of treasure from Entis. Her boots touched the ground without a sound. Not even a kick up of dust could be found as she smiled up at her friends. ¡°Man got to love this ring of the feathers. I can think of plenty of situations that this thing will come in handy.¡±


    ¡°You would not need such a thing if you could stop yourself from falling dearest rogue, or be good enough where you wont have to use it.¡± Veledar rolled his eyes, the item he had picked from the vault treasure had been a necklace with a dragon head on it. It had a magical aura about it but he had been unable to figure out what it did.


    ¡°Think outside the cave dragon, you do many of things with it. Not all of us have wings to lend to our aid and make long falls safe.¡± Lyndis looked passed the houses and towards a place Veledar could not see. She eerily looked like the Emerald lady for a moment and made the red''s scales shiver.


    ¡°Whats on the mind? You seem positively lost.¡±


    ¡°Just...¡± A sigh escaped her lips with a shrug of her shoulders. ¡°These sort of things used to be kept in check by the sodding military. Forts and things would scout problems such as these, then with the right application stop them from happening.¡±


    ¡°So this is not typical? To have scores of orcs riding around and taking what they want?¡± Arcturus rose a brow with a skeptical voice. ¡°Not even once?¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    ¡°Okay smart arse, this happened once in awhile, but it never lasted for long. Hasn''t happened in decades if I recall. It''s a troubling sign that something is wrong...¡± Lyndis crossed her arms as a breeze washed over them. ¡°Especially with the news my country surrendered to yours.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry Lyndis.¡± Veledar spoke proudly, hoping his optimistic tone would raise his friends spirits. ¡°We shall get to the bottom of this, just you watch. Your people will have a story to tell about how the great Crimson Sky came to save them from the roaming hordes of orcish savagery.¡± He grinned wide at the thought of being a hero. He liked the the sound of that more than he should have, it made him picture all the smiling faces as they spread words of his deeds like a wild fire in a dry summer.


    ¡°So you''re giving your word then?¡±


    The red chuckled at the idea. How could she doubt his words like that? ¡°Of course I''d be giving my word Lyndis. I say on my very scales that I will help you and your people. Imagine all the favors I can get from the crown when this is over!¡± He grinned wide, raising his head to appear more regal. It did not even phase him when the rouge let out a sigh and placing a hand on his side.


    ¡°Knew you had a big heart beneath those pompous scales and swollen ego.¡±


    ¡°Hey let up knife ears. I am risking my hide in protecting these people!¡±


    ¡°Only because your mate is the one doing it as well.¡± She struck back, punctuated by a tapping of his scales with a finger.


    ¡°Not so! I care all so much about this patch of dirt and wood that you call...You call...¡±


    Damnt I forgot.


    ¡°Its on the tip of my tongue I swear.¡± He glanced back to Arcturus who was rolling his hands as if trying to coax the answer out. ¡°I...¡± Veledar snorted. ¡°Manticore''s bottom.¡±


    ¡°The town''s called Bromwich you red jester.¡± Lyndis playfully smacked him on the shoulder, earning her a quick snap of the dragon''s jaws. ¡°I''m just foolin with ya drake. Best keep those tougher scales on your hide. I''d have left by now if I couldn''t stand ya.


    ¡°See? I knew I was rubbing off on him.¡± Arcturus chuckled as they began striding towards the makeshift walls that Shandalar was erecting.


    ¡°Ugh...Don''t remind me.¡± The dragon rolled his eyes. ¡°Next you know it I will be doing all my good deeds for free and wearing a metal skirt such as yourself.¡± He extended his headfrills, letting out a small hiss. ¡°I bet in several weeks I will even be calling myself a knight.¡±


    ¡°Would that be oh so terrible my mate? I think you would look rather dashing in some armor made for a dragon.¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± Veledar rumbled his approval, already picturing the silver armor sparkling in the sunlight like how his mate''s did on occasion. His tail brushed over one of the stone walls being summoned up from the ground. ¡°That would be rather nice.¡±


    ¡°Looks like we''re ready doesn''t it?¡± Lyndis gestured to the boarded up windows, the summoned walls, and Merlia up high positioning some boxes for cover. ¡°Suppose we should tell Navarra should bring out any volunteers she rounded up from the townsfolk.¡±


    ¡°Volunteers?¡± He turned quickly to the half-elf. ¡°They are actually going to help us? I figured they were going to huddle away in that wooden box of theirs while we did the real work.¡± He smirked and offered the woman a puff of air from his nostrils. ¡°I guess that will be excellent. Even more mortals to witness my greatness.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn''t count on much from them though.¡± Arcturus sighed. ¡°Anyone that was good at fighting was taken care of by the raiders. All we are going to have is some militia that have hardly ever held a weapon in their life...So I figure we hold them back in reserve, only use them as a last resort. Let us bear the burden of the attack for now.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Lyndis smiled, placing a hand to Arcturus'' shoulder. ¡°I''ll go back and spread the word to the others.¡± She gestured to Veledar with a smirk. ¡°You tend to our resplendent overlord there and keep him hidden.¡± She gave them both a wave before running off towards a collection of humans and wolven that emerged from the town hall with twitching fingers clutching sword or spear. They hardly wore any armor, only the clothes on their back. Their faces were one of worry, eyes darting from side to side as if unsure of how the events were going to unfold. Veledar pitied them.


    But they will see me in action...Hopefully then they will have their faith restored.


    ¡°So...¡± He nudged his human with his nose. ¡°Where shall you hide me? He looked back towards some building that would hide him if he crouched low enough. ¡°I could also simply use invisibility when they get close. Don''t want to keep them waiting too long to gaze upon my glorious red armor and my fierce human mate.¡± He puffed out his chest, several scales clinking softly together. ¡°I give them several seconds before they let out the most scared scream you imagine and go running from this place...Never to return.¡±


    ¡°Ever the optimist you are.¡± Arcturus mumbled, a hint of worry lurking in his eyes as he gazed to the townsfolk.


    ¡°Hey..¡± He licked the man across his face with a swish of his tail and a playful growl. ¡°Don''t fret my mate. You have me to protect your armored arse when things get messy, and no one gets a crack at it but me.¡± He grinned lewdly, making the human chuckle and laugh.


    ¡°Save that sort of talk for the victory you silly thing you.¡± The man placed a hand onto the dragon''s nose. ¡°Just try to stay out of sight until they are right on top of us. Then we can spring our attack, guarantee they will be surprised from finding a dragon suddenly among them.¡±


    Arcturus''s words made a good deal of sense after all. Veledar nodded, and gave his mate a departing kiss before slinking towards one of the large structures and pressing himself up against the sturdy wood. He settled in with an excited breath, looking to Lyndis who had briefly chatted with the peasants who looked more ready to tend a field rather then fight against orcish raiders. He saw their eyes go to him, a sense of awe spreading through their faces as they took positions around the townhall, their last bastion of defense. Lyndis leapt once more to the top of the structure, spyglass already in hand and extended. She held it out, watching the movements of their devilish foes and calling out whenever they got closer.


    Veledar felt his heart beat faster with each moment that Lyndis announced the imminent arrival of their foes. He kneaded the ground with his claws, twitched his tail and wiggled it over the cobblestone. He could feel his wings begging him to take flight into the air, drag him into is domain. It was where he belonged. Not to be stuck on the ground like these humans and their horses. He spied Krotos finally taking a stand across the way instead of lazing around. Merlia drew her first arrow and knocked it, nudging the gryph with a bout of laughter. Like they had shared some great lewd joke. Asterion made sure to bring Feku back to the townhall, and hide her among the collected volunteers. She seemed to protest at first, but a simple pat from the bull was enough for her to sigh and nod in agreement of his choice.


    The dragon narrowed his eyes as the seconds felt like hours, the wait almost unbearable as his mind tried to seduce him once more into ignoring his mate''s plan. He once recalled Arcturus telling him that his scales were relaxing, perhaps he could try something like that? He gazed down to his fine red scales, watching the smooth armor rise and fall with his steady breaths. For a brief moment moment he felt the rising anticipation in his chest start to recede, and his wing''s siren like call fade away into nothing.


    ¡°Getting ready for the battle?¡± Arcturus nudged him, starting to sift through his pouches around his waist.


    ¡°Hardly...You know my place is in the sky..To be grounded such as this is something that I do not find comforting.¡± He stuck his tongue out, only for him to retract it when Arcturus set his hand carefully onto his nose and rubbed. The pleasing touch brushing aside the worry.


    Damn his touch.


    Veledar sighed and refolded his wings against his back. ¡°I will make it a rule that you must tend to me each time that you make a request of me that is not befitting a dragon.¡± He purred, closing his eyes, the coming battle almost forgotten. That was until Lyndis shouted the arrival of the orcish raiding party. ¡°So...Whose the one that is going to try talking to the orcs before the battle?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think I was going to try talking with the raiders first?¡±


    ¡°I know you Umraadi.¡± Veledar chuckled, wiggling his tail. ¡°You will make the attempt for peace despite my want to greet these raiders with flames.


    ¡°That could be the case clever dragon...But..¡± Arcturus gazed out to the broken buildings, the barren streets,and to the shivering and scared people. ¡°These raiders have done much to these people. It might seem like an injustice to not do something about them.¡±


    ¡°Hmm..Then we go get her parents, whoever is in charge of the land. We then come back and snatch the land back from these vile orcs. Sound like a good plan?¡±


    ¡°That does sound good, but we need to survive the day. I will threaten them with violence and death if they push us. If they still proceed to come at us I will warn them we have a dragon that will burn them alive.¡±


    ¡°And that''s when I leap out with some flare. Perhaps shoot some flames at them, while spreading my wings. Then I can roar the loudest I have ever done right in their surprised faces.¡± He grinned, showing off his sharpened teeth.


    ¡°Gods...with that smile you look like the villainous dragons from the stories of my people. I''m sure with your little display of draconic fury it will instill fear into their hearts.¡±


    ¡°And run tail like every other foe we have faced thus far.¡±


    ¡°The hydra didn''t run..Nor the construct...Or the elemental warriors.¡± Arcturus counted off each one on a finger.


    ¡°Oh shush you. Let''s pretend those encounters didn''t happen.¡± He nosed the man, falling silent as the chants of orcs soon caught his senses. They were loud, booming, probably would instill fear in any mortal that heard it. Lucky though he was a dragon, and such petty things did not work on him. He waited in anxious silences as his friends took positions around the town. Merlia pulled tight her bow with Krotos at her side with leather armor wrapped around vulnerable joints, crouched and ready to pounce at any foe that got close. For a brief moment with the gryph''s crown feathers extended and fierce gaze the dragon forgot he had been a simple guard back at Entis. He honestly looked like one of his fierce adventurer friends. He wished that the brave gryphon could handle his own, would be a shame to lose one that did bring smiles to the dragon''s snout at the many lewd suggestions offered.


    Lyndis was among the worried townsfolk. Views getting tossed in her direction as the gathered mortals shifted and gripped their weapons with white knuckles. It was like she was their pillar of strength, and without the crafty half-elf they would turn and run at a moments notice. Arcturus might have been cursed out in the negotiations trying to secure the town help, but he figured the half-elf had pulled the princess card. That would explain the glances and such power that the worried people seemed to think she had. She was silencing any concern with a practiced voice of confidence, although when she cast a view to Veledar, he saw worry and concern in her eyes. Like they were begging Arcturus to come over and be the captain of Lumara that he was and take over.


    Shandalar was near Arcturus near the town square, close to where the dragon was hiding. How he wished to be standing proudly beside them right now with his wings spread wide. His talons digging into the dirt as he glared ferociously at the orcs that dared to attack this place. Each passing second he watched the elegant elf chant to herself, and stand tall with his mate. If the dragon did not know any better he might assume she was a statue with how still she was staying. She did not even flinch when the sound of drumbeats suddenly filled the air. Wrapping around everyone with their sound and making teeth rattle and shake.


    Veledar almost took flight. How his talons wiggled against the ground with each beat upon the stretched animal hide. It almost sounded like it was coming from inside his very head to the point it ached a dull pain. The red dragon groaned, tapping his tail against the ground with a quick snort of blackened smoke that curled up from his nostrils. He made a vow that when this attack started in earnest, the drum bearers would be the first to go. It was almost as bad as when Merlia had tried her new bagpipe out, unfortunately the dwarf had managed to keep it away from his poking claws. With the sound then came the smells to fill his senses. Fur, iron, and blood mixed with the repugnant odor of sweat, grime, and death of all those that had fought this collection of brutish warriors. If the urge to fly was strong before the feeling now was like a raging storm inside of him that made his wings tremble and flex in anticipation. It slithered against his scales, stroking his soul and begged with the sweetish words for him to take fly and scatter these orcs to the wind.


    I hope you know what you''re doing Arcturus.


    He felt his frills on his head move on their own as he took a deep breath. The proud dragon lowered himself further to the ground, just in case an orc would get a stray look at him. If their plan was going to fail it was not going to because he wasn''t able to properly hide himself when asked. He growled in the back of his throat, trying to silence the frightened whispers that he could hear being shared among the townsfolk. He could not resist creeping forward to steal a peek of the attackers beset them, and dragged himself along the cobblestone.


    What he saw before him was at least twenty five green skin warriors clad in furs and leathers that had been stitched together from various animals. Axes and spears were clutched in large hands, at the ready in case of trouble. Fierce eyes glared out from each one of the tall warriors, scanning for any attackers that might leap out at them from the ruined buildings. Crude metal plates were strapped to sections of their bodies not covered by furs, the once gleaming metal was now brown and rusted away from lacking any upkeep. They rode atop large grey furred wolves that stood taller than most horses.


    The furred beasts stood at six feet tall with ferocious looking eyes and sharpened teeth that looked as if they could pierce any hide short of a dragon''s scales. Saddlebags were draped over their lupine forms, empty no doubt and ready for whatever they were going to get from this ravaged town. Lyndis had not been exaggerating from their numbers, the red dragon could see more emerging as they strode up the street slowly, a dangerous pack to be sure. Smug faces were worn among the large toothed warriors. Veledar snorted, they thought they had the upper hand here. Their literal army coming to face a lone group of people and scared townsfolk.


    What a surprise they are going to get.


    Veledar grinned to himself, wiggling his tail as the next breath did little to quell the racing of his heart, that threatened to explode from his chest. The red dragon snorted, trying to mask the noise as he ducked his head, already tasting the flames that would be coming from his maw in the next few minutes.


    Course..That''s if Arcturus fails in his little talk for peace.


    He watched the human take a breath like the others, and fold his arms against his chest.


    Shandalar placed a finger to her throat, and quickly whispered a spell under her breath.


    ¡°Who goes there in the fair town of Bromwhich?¡± Arcturus shouted, his voice suddenly sounding as though it came from a being ten times as large. ¡°I would advise you turn and leave. The town doesn''t want any visitors today I''m afraid.¡± The paladin gestured to the mass of weapons and nervous humans huddled behind the summoned walls. ¡°So turn your little band of dogs away, and run along.¡±


    One orc willed his wolf to the front of the pack while the others slowed to a murmuring stop. The large, muscled green skilled warrior flashed a toothy grin as his armor settled into place with several clinks of metal striking metal. ¡°Is that so human?¡± The orc bellowed, ¡°We come to get our protection fee from dis here hovel and this is how we''s greeted?


    ¡°Protection fee?¡±


    ¡°Aye! It''s so da boyz ca keep on fighten and keepin dis place safe!¡±


    ¡°What they going on about?¡± Lyndis suddenly turned her head to the townsfolk.


    ¡°Protection? That''s what you call it?¡± One woman from the crowd, thrusting an accusing finger towards the orcs. ¡°You come ''ere, kill all that remains of our fighters...Take most of our weapons and then demand we pay you in sodding food or be killed? That is what you lot call protection?¡±


    ¡°Well ya!¡± Laughed the orc, wiping his nose with his arm. ¡°Or else you lot would ''ave been chomped on by the shamblin boyz! I ''eard dey like chompin on humies! Much more den chompin on us boyz!¡± The warrior patted the top saddle of his mount with a throaty laugh. ¡°So if ya want da boyz ta keep fightin for ya, ya got ta keep givin us supplies and such!¡± The orc rose his arms as whoops and hollers came from the mass of skin and teeth behind him.


    Veledar snorted a long burst of air. So these so called protectors sounded like bullies. Hell they sounded more like the villainous dragons that could be found in Lumara''s stories. Whoever these shambling boys were sounded bad, and protecting the people was a good act...But forcing themselves onto the town and killing any opposition? He growled in the back of his throat as he smacked his tail roughly against the building with a dull thud. Thankfully his friends came to their own conclusion fairly quickly, and he didn''t have to voice his disdain for the orcs.


    ¡°Sounds like you extort this town for everything it''s worth! It might be better off without your protection orc!¡± Arcturus''s lips formed into a sneer. ¡°So we will be canceling this contract you seem to think you had today!¡±


    ¡°HAH!¡± The orc laughed, causing the ones behind him to echo the sound. ¡°Dat sounds easy for you lad. But what happens when ya leave this place? Who goes an protects da people afta you lot leave? I bet da shamblin boyz will have em for lunch faster than you can say gongalanpeshateo!¡±


    ¡°I told you to leave orc!¡± Arcturus rested his hand to his dragon headed hilt of his sword. ¡°This town doesn''t want you here, and I am being more than fair. No go before you force our hand and we are forced to defend this place and spill your blood!¡±


    The orc''s laughter suddenly stopped at the drop of a hat. Silence filled the air, lingering as orc and human stared each other down. ¡°Ya lookin for a fight?¡± The orc raised a brow, unfolding his arms.


    ¡°I warned you orc!¡±


    ¡°I ''eard what ya said armor boy! Youse want a fight!¡± The orc undid an axe by his belt, thrusting it high into the air. ¡°''ere dat lads? DA humie up dere wants ta fight!¡±


    -Thats it


    Veledar grinned as the worried voices of the town worked their way to his senses. Time to show this town what a magnificent dragon he was. One surely worthy of song and praise by all. He leaped to the roof of a building overlooking the orcs with a single bound, his claws digging into the shingles. He silently thanked the gods he didn''t slip, that would have really ruined his image. ¡°Greetings orcs.¡± He shouted, puffing out his scaled chest and spreading his wings slowly as he gave each of the gathered mass below a good view of his sharpened teeth. ¡°This town is under the protection of Crimson Sky, easy to say and obvious to the eye.¡± He placed a claw to his chest before flicking his tail and letting loose a thunderous roar that seemed to shake the building below him in it''s wake. When he finished his thunderous greeting he simply stared at the mass of green skins. Surely none would want to do battle after such a display as that? Especially with his mortals behind him backing him up. These orcs would have to be stupid, dense, or....Veledar noticed that not a single orc ran from him. He did pat himself on the back as several of the warriors jaws fell low, and weapons were dropped to the ground with a series of clangs.


    ¡°Well, well, well. Look it what dey got here boyz! These lot got themselves a fire lizard to defend em!¡± The orc laughed, pointing a gauntlet clad hand straight at Veledar. ¡°Though he looks a wee bit runty! Dun matter, wese can still use ''is ''ide to make some fancy armor!¡± The orc rose his ax with a loud resonating cheer that worked it''s way into the other orc''s throats, the sound becoming a dull roar.


    ¡°How DARE you!¡± Veledar roared, his sound startling even more orcs into silence as he smashed a paw onto the roof. ¡°I am the GREAT Crimson Sky, slayer of beasts, conquer of the fiercest storms, savior of paladins and defeater of constructs!¡± The dragon took a forceful step on the roof, creeks greeted him as the structure struggled to hold his weight. ¡°I have slain whole companies of Lumarian soldiers, what makes you any different little orcs? That human there has given you his demand...You take that or I will start incinerating you and your ilk from this world.¡± He hissed through narrowed eyes as several orcs backed away, terror spreading to their faces despite their cries moments ago. ¡°And all that will be left of you will be able to be cast away with the wind.¡± Veledar tapped his claw again to the ground to make his point with a final snort, black smoke curling up from his nostrils.


    The orc leader even seemed to be thinking it over as he scratched his chin with his fingers. ¡°Well boyz.¡± The greenskin chuckled, gazing up to the adventurers and townsfolk. ¡°You ''eard dis lot. Dey tink cause dey brought a fancy group of adventurers and their pet dragon they all put a stop to da moon whisperin clan!¡± The orc pointed his gleeming ax head straight at Veledar''s snout.


    They all laughed to Veledar''s growing annoyance. He wondered how confident they would truly be when he started breathing fire into them. He kneaded the roof below his claws, steeled his nerves, and opened his fire glands. He spread wide his maw, letting loose a red-orange plume of death that rolled down and spread before the collection of orcish warriors. He held the flames for several moments, daring them to advance upon their position. ¡°What do you think of that little orc?¡± He growled, snapping his mouth and standing proudly. ¡°You still think this puny dragon won''t roast you alive?¡± To his growing dismay the orc leader didn''t looked phased in the slightest, he simple offered Veledar a smirk.


    ¡°Nice trick dere dragon! We''ve seen dat ting before! Now boyz! CHAR-¡± The orc stopped mid shout to catch an arrow with green feathers out of thin air. ¡°Hah!¡± He laughed, holding out the thin wood. ¡°Ya tink a thing like that will...¡± The arrow suddenly glew a bright white before exploding outward in a violent fiery burst of destruction. The closest orcs were violently ripped from their wolves and scattered to the ground as their leader was ripped to pieces from the explosion. Shouts and cries of surprise radiated through the orc''s lines.


    ¡°Get dese boyz!¡± Shouted another orc, who had recovered faster than the rest of his kin. The mass of orcs unleashed a deep battle cry as their wolves suddenly dashed forward with barred teeth.


    Veledar rose a claw as the wolves bounded over the stone, their warriors holding their weapon''s high. He thought to chain lightning he had used before. ¡°Sken qoe¡± He bellowed as lines of white blue flowed in the air around his claws. The electricity kissed his scales and made them tingle slightly before he thrust his claw outward, and guided the line of death towards it''s target. The bolt struck the lead orc square in the chest, making him shake and tremble to death before little bolts flowed off of him and his mount like water. They formed a spiderweb of brilliant light that connected orc and wolf by strands of lightning. To his approval at least four more slumped down in their saddles, killed right on the spot.


    The remaining orc''s charge closed in on the defensive wall that Shandalar had summoned as the defenders readied their weapons and rose shield to weather the incoming assault. Merlia laughed heartily as she rained down arrows of death into the coming horde, each one a glowing thing that broke into twenty other arrows of similar size before flinging towards their targets. Each one would strike an orc in a vital spot, drawing out shouts of pain as the metal head pierced their flesh. Several wolves were felled from rising sections of stone, tripping them up and having those behind them tumble to the ground, crushing their rider in the process.


    If they wanted to fight a dragon this day...They will get their wish.


    Veledar bounded into the air, flapping his wings as he soared over the stampeding horde of orcs. He opened his glands, and let loose another torrent of fiery death upon their ranks. Screams followed as flames licked at their skin, burning them away in a passing moment. He sailed away in the next instant, avoiding several arrows loosed at him. He tried to not to smirk as the front line lifted up into the air, caught by his wizard''s reverse gravity spell. Though unlike the city of Entis, it did not last as long. From the ranks of the orcs came a spear that flew through the air so swiftly it seemed to have been propelled by magic. It sailed through the air towards it''s intended target, the elf that had them all so bound. Arcturus was the first to react, pulling Shandalar back roughly and holding out his shield. The spear struck the surface and exploded with the force of a mini fireball. It sent the armored man tumbling backwards against the stone wall with a clang. With Shandalar knocked back, the spell failed. The mass of greenskins and wolves that had been risen into the air came rushing down to greet the ground. Veledar almost looked away as skulls shattered with sickening thuds, and the streets started to run thick with orc blood. The ones not caught by the spell continued on towards the adventurers with shouts of blood fury lingering in their voices.


    With a quick glance to see that his mate was fine, Veledar dipped his wing and circled the mass of greenskins. Arcturus had grabbed Shandalar and wisely ran back towards their defensive line as the wolves steady approached. The red dragon avoided several spears that looked like the one that had been tossed. He patted himself on the scales at such maneuvering, would be something he would have to brag to Lyndis about, and how her worries about such destructive weapons had been for naught. He let loose another wave of fire into their front lines, disrupting their charge as the lead orcs were incinerated without impunity. Those that survived were forced to ride through the lingering burning bodies of their comrades, and finally reach the stone walls meant to slow them down. Shouts sounded from the townsfolk as more arrows were loosed into the battered orcs, striking some from their mounts only to be crushed under paws.


    ¡°This is where they fall!'' Arcturus shouted, his sword slashed out, sending an orc and his wolf flying backwards like they had been punched by a giant. The man smirked, rather enjoying the magical enchantment to strength that a magical band of his provided him. It was not long before Asterion had taken spot right beside him with his hammer held high, and a group of spear wielding townsfolk right beside them.


    ¡°Bring da dragon down!¡± An orc cried as more of their number flung themselves at his companion''s defense.


    Veledar spotted from among their number, several hooded orcs wearing layers of white furred hides. Feathers adorned their shoulders as they rose their large hands almost in unison. From their fingertips sprung sparks of cerulean light that followed their every movement. He could see their mouths muttering something under their breaths, some spell no doubt. One caster thrust his hands down, the movement coinciding with the feeling of an invisible force trying to force his wings together.


    Not today spell caster.


    With a focused breath he imagined his scales were the slipperiest they had ever been, as if oil had been smeared over it so that he would gleam in the sun. To his thoughts his scales took on a slight glow, the magical sensation soon being swept to the winds. He would have smirked at the stunned magical wielding casters, but he had to dip a wing and avoid the bolt of lightning tossed by one of the other ones. The strand of intense cackling white light nearly grazing his scales with it''s fierce passing. In return he flicked his tail, spinning as he let loose his own lightning in kind. The bright arc of death wrapped itself around his paws, and flew out with a mere thought towards his foes. It crashed into the enemy mage with a shower of sparks, flinging the orc out of his saddle in a brilliant explosion of blue white light. The green skin struck the earth with a thump and did not rise.


    The last sorcerer circled his hands, summoning forth a great transparent lime green disembodied hand out of thin air. With a flick of the caster''s wrist the great hand flew towards the dragon with grasping digits.


    ¡°You summon hands to tear me from the sky?¡± Veledar roared, trusting his wings to keep him safely away from the rapidly approaching hand. It was moving far more quickly than he would have thought possible. He turned to shoot a red bolt of fire from his maw, the bolt impacting the hand but having no other effect to the shimmering surface. The hand continued it''s pursuit of him unhindered.


    Damn this thing. He growled, angling a wing and turning round a building, beating his wings ever harder to try and stay away from the body part. He passed over Shandalar''s walls, which the defenders were slowly pulling back from to heads towards the town hall. Explosions from spears followed in their wake, blowing chunks of ground every which way. He opened his maw and covered their retreat, dousing the wolves and orcs with a spray of his fiery death. Cheers sounded upon his deed, making his heart grow warm and his thoughts to the hand dull for a moment.


    He peeked back to the hand, that now was within mere feet of his swaying tail. It seemed no matter how fast that he was, the hand was slightly faster. It would not be long until the grasping thing had it''s magical digits wrapped around his glorious tail, maybe even bring him down to the ground. His mind went to the caster. All he had to do was break the orc''s concentration and the hand would cease to be, if it was like every other spell in that regard. His breath grew hot as he turned towards the detachment of orcs, his eyes locking onto the hand''s master. The red dragon felt several arrows splinter against his chest, his scales too tough. He cupped a claw, focusing onto a different spell then the lightning. He opened his maw, a sphere of swirling flames flying out towards the orc and detonating feet in front of his wolf. The green skin only got out a surprised yelp before the flames engulfed him and the thunderous explosion silenced his cry. Veledar let loose a roar of victory as the hand suddenly vanished, as if it had never really been there. He sailed away from the orcs, preparing another strafe of their lines.


    ¡°Fire!¡± Merlia shouted out at the top of her lungs. The snaps of dragon fire rifles filled the air as the defenders defended their final line. It was like a row of force hit the orc wave, sending more riders to their deaths upon the ground. Human''s with shields moved to the front, holding them ready to intercept the coming attack.


    Got to soften them up more. He growled, letting forth his fire to punish the attackers that dare threaten his friends. His inferno roasted the attackers without mercy, the intense flames searing flesh and bones with his passing. It caught fur, brought screams of pain, and filled the air with a symphony of agony. To his relief it looked like from the ground sprouted a line of figures made out of water. Humanoid in shape and formed together to take the brunt of the orcish charge. Shandalar stood next to his mate, hands risen with a slight glow.


    The mass of sloshing water beings were cut down by the orcs, but enough time having been bought for another wave of rifle fire to impact their ranks, and another pass of dragon fire to break them further. The dragon roared in pain as his senses filled with a rippling agony, a bolt of lightning having struck him square in the chest. His wings trembled as he lost a good amount of altitude, almost crashing into a building. He saved himself at the last moment with a turn of his wings and a quick flap that brought an ache to his membranes at the effort.


    Veledar circled the spellcaster, before heading straight for him. The red swerved to avoid some spears tossed his way, before he clamped down on the orc with his sharpened teeth. With a snarl the dragon violently tossed the flailing mage into a building. The orc instantly crumpled as his form impacted the wall with the dull smack. His lifeless corpse collapsed to the ground a bloody mess as the red quickly spirited away and avoiding the orc''s retribution.


    ¡°Is that the best you can do orcs?¡± He roared circling friend and foe alike as cheers sounded up from the defenders with his passing. ¡°Flee!¡± He cried, unleashing yet more flames of death into the persistent orcs. He prided himself as several of their number started to break. They dropped their weapons and urged their wolves to scamper away as fast as the beasts paws could carry them.


    ¡°What are ya doin?¡± Shouted an orc as more and more of their number either ran or were felled by the combined might of the adventurers, townsfolk and dragon. ¡°Get back in dere! Ya can''t let a few humies get da best of ya!¡±


    The dragon swooped towards him with an eager breath, the sounds of combat fading away as his world became narrowed onto that screaming orc. He passed the shouting figure with a slash of his talons, lifting the warrior from his saddle and crashing him to the ground. Veledar landed onto all fours as the orcs scattered like sand before a windstorm.


    ¡°Foul....dragon.¡± The orc snarled, spitting out a wad of blood as he pulled himself to all fours, limbs quivering beneath him.


    ¡°You chose this orc.¡± Veledar bared his teeth, taking a forceful step with a flick of his tail. ¡°You could have left from this place. Told the other''s how protected this town was, and how magnificent the dragon who protected it was. But....No.¡± Veledar snorted, looking to all the other orcs who had begun to flee for their lives.


    ¡°Oh..dun worry ya snout dragon.¡± The orc laughed hoarsely, grabbing at his side and coughing up some slime. ¡°Wen da boss hears bout a dragon round ''ere he''ll bring all da boyz. Then they will guts ya.¡±


    ¡°Threats? Is that all you can muster now as you can hardly hold yourself up?¡± Veledar chuckled, lifting his head high. ¡°You can cease those useless things.¡± He enveloped the orc with his flames. To his surprise the warrior stood still, not even letting out a shriek as his body was burned away like a candle. He simply stared at the dragon with fierce eyes as his body blackened and withered away into nothing.


    When his flames had died he poked the blackened corpse of the oddly toughened warrior, just to be sure he was actually dead. Thankfully as his talon pierced the burned flesh the orc had not managed to preform a miracle. The dragon snorted, retracting his head away from the smell of burning flesh. He wrinkled his nose and almost sneezed as the townsfolk began to creep towards him with smiles and joyous shouts of victory.


    ¡°It certainly looks like they high tailed it and fled!¡± He proudly beamed, the orc''s words fading from him with each resonating sound the human''s were shouting.


    ¡°What a glorious dragon!¡±


    ¡°So powerful!¡±


    ¡°Like a gift from the gods!¡±


    Veledar could not help letting out a trill as each praise threatened to swell his chest ever close to bursting. Although this good cheer did not last for long. The shouts of praise soon muted as the defenders looked to the bodies that littered their town, and the ones that had been felled by the attackers. The twelve or so townsfolk soon approached Arcturus and Asterion for their wounds, the two warriors tending to them with glowing hands of healing energy.


    Veledar frowned, looking to his scales. He traced every red piece of his armor and tan chest plate. Luckily it looked as though the lightning bolt had not left too much damage to his form. He sighed in relief as his claw grazed his scales.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Shouted one of the townsfolk. It was the older looking woman from before in ragged leathers with fierce brown eyes. ¡°You cant just let them get away! They will tell the others about this! The reprisal will be even worse!¡±


    ¡°What ever are you gabbing about?¡± Lyndis asked, striding over and stashing her rapier before Veledar could even open his maw. ¡°Was this NOT all there was?¡±


    ¡°Um...no..¡± The woman shifted her weight, the fire in her eyes seeming to flicker. ¡°That was just a raiding party. They have an army of thousands to patrol this part of Drenedar.


    ¡°Thousands?¡± Veledar pulled his head back in surprise, his frills flaring outward. ¡°So..¡± He mumbled softly. ¡°What that orc said was true.¡± He glanced off towards the direction of the fleeing warriors, the urge to fly after them rising forth in his mind.


    ¡°You have to pursue them..Kill them...It will give us time to leave this place.¡± The woman shifted to Lyndis. ¡°Please...beg him to go..¡±


    ¡°So you want us to help you leave as well?¡± Lyndis folded her arms. ¡°That wasn''t part of the sodding plan. Why didn''t you focken tell us about this before?¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± The woman sighed, dipping her head. ¡°We thought you might leave when told the exact number of the force we were up against.¡±


    Veledar swung his head to his paladin, who was unaware of anything other then the people he was helping. He knew the man would help. Offer his aid to those that needed it. Would probably say that it was their place to help them.


    Doesn''t mean I will do it for free though.


    ¡°I will help you...On conditions.¡± He gazed down to the women with a practiced smirk.


    ¡°Anything you want dragon.¡±


    ¡°Apologize to my mate over there. Your people were incredibly rude to him and thus to me.¡± He sunk his snout lower so that he could stare eye to eye with her. ¡°And two...I would like some good spirits if you have any...And three...Tell everyone about me.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Veledar pounded into the air almost instantly the words left the woman''s mouth. He set course for the fleeing orcs as he heard his name shouted by his mate. ¡°Don''t worry Arcturus.¡± He whispered to himself, his voice almost getting lost in the winds. ¡°I''m defending the helpless, protecting the weak.¡± Veledar smirked, and pounded his wings against the sky. ¡°A Dragon worthy of song.¡±


    *


    This was a good idea.


    Veledar grinned as the breeze of the sky wrapped itself around his scales and whistled by his snout. His breaths came faster with each beat of his wings, the excitement building up inside of him and threatened to burst his chest like a balloon.


    Crimson Sky. The great and powerful red dragon with the most resplendent scales. The one whose deeds halted the destruction Bromwhich...That is where the tales will start.


    The red drake dipped a wing as he imagined the catch he had made of Arcturus above his mother''s lair. The moment that he had proved that he was indeed a heroic dragon. His claws had grasped at the man and prevented his untimely demise.


    His next beat of his wings carried him over the rolling hills, the small blackened dots of wolves racing along the sea of grass as fast as their paws could carry them. Sadly for the orc''s who were urging them to go faster, the dragon was much faster. Veledar closed the distance between them, his digits tingling with anticipation as he clenched them in and out. If he focused hard enough he could already feel the orc''s hide between his claws. He might have felt pity for the marauding orcs for his quick over take of them. What chance would they truly have against a dragon like him anyway?


    None...that''s what.


    With a quick turn of his wings Veledar rolled through the air, avoiding several arrows loosed from trembling hands. He snarled, circling the pack of orc''s like the great hunter that he was, his pity dying within him as he recalled all the murder, theft, and bullying they had inflicted upon that small village.


    They really brought this upon themselves.


    He passed them by like a red blur, flames getting loosed and catching at least three of the riders with his intense inferno. They fell from their mounts crying out in pain as the crackling heated waves claimed their lives.


    ¡°Dragon!¡± The orc''s shouted, their voices cracking and filling with fear. ¡°''e''s back! Someone ''it ''im!¡± The green skinned warriors soon dispersed into a wide formation, not one rider finding himself close to another.


    Of course it''s now they learn.


    Veledar clenched his claws tightly with his next breath, swooshing towards an orc with a growl before he reminded them he had claws. His white talons dug into flesh of the orc, who tried to grasp hold of his ax. The man struck the dragon''s armor in the wrong spot with a clang. Veledar didn''t want an attack like that to go unpunished, making a slash with his claws. It was enough to glide through the man''s leathers, his claws getting coated in the orc''s lifeblood as it spurted out of him. The orc was lifted from his wolf and sent tumbling to the ground with a loud thud and gasp of pain.


    Without another thought the dragon''s mind forgot about the warrior he had just killed. Instead his mind focused on the other orc''s. His eyes filled with murderous intent before he leapt to them with a loud roar. His claws went from orc to orc as he dispatched them in a manner of ways befitting a dragon Some he sliced into with his claws, some he chomped down onto with his teeth. Other''s were sent flying by his tail, and the unlucky ones were set to flame by his mighty breath, or scattered from their mounts with explosions of magical fire.


    ¡°LEG IT!¡± One orc tried to yell before getting dispatched by Veledar''s claws.


    It was not long before the entire company of retreating orcs was down on the ground, the mounts that did survive running away for their lives. Veledar swooped down upon the last orc still wiggling on the ground as wounded man tried to drag himself along the blackened grass.


    ¡°So ya come ta finish my personally.¡± The orc growled, griping his spear tightly with his hands as he ceased his crawling.


    ¡°Looks like you''re the only one left.¡± Veledar hissed, lowering his snout and baring his teeth as he advanced on the orc. He spotted the man''s arm start to tremble as his claw touched the ground, and saw a bead of sweat drip down his forehead. ¡°I can smell the fear in you little orc.¡± His eyes narrowed, taking another powerful step. ¡°Do you think your victims felt the same way before you killed them?¡± Veledar snarled, letting black plumes of smoke coil up from his nostrils like little wiggling snakes.


    The orc did not reply, only pulling his arm back with a groan and tossing the spear like his life depended on it.


    The spear missed the dragon by scant inches as he avoided it with a single bound to the side. His maw opened and he doused the green man with red orange flames that danced in the afternoon light. The orc collapsed to the ground screaming out his agony as he was consumed by the fire''s hunger. Veledar watched with a swishing tail as the flames died away, and all that was left of the lone orc a blackened, charred corpse, that turned to ash the moment Veledar touched it with his talon.


    He silently savored the satisfaction of a job well done, the safety of the town achieved for the night from their orcish enemies. He rose his head, gazing out to the countryside. All the vibrant colors ever the brighter from the golden rays that seemed to bring life back to the hills. He settled onto his haunches and curled his tail around him with a sigh.


    They will speak of this for quite some time


    ¡°He was so handsome.¡± He knew one townsfolk would say louder than the rest of them.


    ¡°Brave!¡± Another would shout with cupped hands. Perhaps a guard captain or merchant with fancy clothes.


    He tapped his tail at the phantom praise before settling down onto a portion of the field not burned away with his flames. He closed his eyes in bliss, letting the warm ray''s of the sun tease and kiss his scales with their relaxing and warming embrace. It was when a purr was threatening to escape his lips when he knew it was time to leave. Despite his want to spend the day lounging away he knew he could not. For he had a town full of thankful humans to greet, and a human mate that he would love to kiss.


    Don''t worry mate.


    He glanced one last time to the smoldering corpses that had been left in his wake. He gave a snort of air before spreading his wings and bounding into the air. He circled the battlefield once before pounding his wings and heading towards the place any dragon could call their domain.


    Time past fairly quickly as he sailed across the bright sky like a crimson arrow. Soon the greens of the hills were replaced by the buildings of civilization, and cobblestone replaced dirt. Bodies littered the streets below as he passed over the rooftops, a grim reminder of what had transpired this day. He paid them no mind however, telling himself it was for the safety of those below. The mortals that had been taken advantage of by those orcish brutes. With a tilt of his wing he began his descent towards the gathered mortals below.


    He landed with a gust of wind that rattled loose banners, clothes, and tabbards. Any loose dirt in the area was cast away in the fierce storm created by his wings. His talons clinked on the stone as he resettled his wings against his back, and he worked a kink out from his neck. Almost instantly he heard the soft clinks of platemail that announced the arrival of his human mate, and made his heart grow warm.


    ¡°Arcturus.¡± He turned his head with a grin towards the human who made his heart go all fuzzy. He saw a flash of concern on the man''s brow as he trotted towards the red, as a feeling poked into his heart like a needle through cloth.


    ¡°Veledar!¡± Arcturus said loudly. Thankfully they were away from prying ears so the dragon didn''t have to remind him to not throw his name around.


    ¡°Why hello there mate.¡± The dragon met the human, a rumble escaping his throat like rolling stones as his tail gently brushed the rough stone. He lowered his head and nuzzled the knight with tender care, the rumble soon turning into a soft purr.


    ¡°Thank Bahamut you were alright.¡± The man placed his hand softly on his snout. Arcturus'' touch making Veledar''s tail shiver in delight as the knight caressed his cheeks.


    ¡°The gods had nothing to do with it.¡± Veledar sighed, wrapping a claw around his human and pulling him slightly against him. ¡°Our foes tangled with the Crimson sky, The paladin of Bahamut, and their mighty cohorts.¡± The red found a chuckle escaping his maw as he licked the human across his face tenderly, his tail tapping the stone behind him in delight as he settled onto his haunches. ¡°This was always the expected outcome when you contend with a great dragon such as I.¡±


    ¡°There''s always room to improve o great arrogant one.¡± Arcturus tapped his snout, ¡°We both know your scales might be strong as steel, smooth and highly resistant, but you''re not invincible dragon of mine.¡±


    ¡°Shh..¡± He licked the human with a roll of his eyes. ¡°Don''t go blabbing that around, you''re going to ruin this lovely heroic image I have going on right now.¡± He silenced the man''s next concern with a quick push of his head against his armored chest. He sighed as Arcturus relented and embraced his head in a hug. No words were needed as the dragon closed his eyes, the closeness he felt right now was all he needed, and he could feel it was what his knight needed as well. ¡°I wasn''t worried about you, you know.¡±


    ¡°That might be a lie if I ever heard one. I was certain you checked in on us several times during the fighting.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Veledar rose his head, looking away with a snort and his frills extending out. ¡°I would dare you prove it though.¡±


    ¡°The way you''re looking right now, that little smirk on your lips.¡± Arcturus punched his scales with a soft thump. ¡°I can also feel the concern you red scaled thing. When you swept over to defend our ranks...I felt it when you looked to us.¡±


    ¡°Fine...I was concerned for you.¡± He quickly snapped to his human, offering a quick lick to his smiling knight. ¡°But then I was reminded how skilled you were.¡±


    ¡°And you trusted yourself to defend us.¡± Arcturus cupped the dragon''s lower jaw in his hands.


    Veledar chuckled, smirking as he gazed into his human''s emerald eyes. ¡°Yes..There may have been a little of that as well.¡±


    ¡°Well..¡± Arcturus sighed, rubbing the scales under the dragon''s jaw gently. ¡°As much as I''d love to stand here and chat away with you. Things have to be done, plans to be made. And..¡± Arcturus looked out to the dead orcs that littered the stone, a frown coming to his lightly bearded face. ¡°Did you finish the other orcs that fled?¡±


    ¡°I certainly did.¡± Veledar''s chest swelled outward involuntary as he thought to his heroic deed. ¡°It had to be done to protect this town from their wrath. It will give us more time to figure out what to do with them.¡± The dragon''s gaze shifted from the paladin he cared for to the woman from before. She was currently chatting to Lyndis. The half-elf had her arms crossed firmly against her chest as Krotos lounged behind her on a section of grass untouched by the orcs or dragon''s flames.


    ¡°Still.¡± Arcturus sighed, shoulders rising and falling. ¡°Doesn''t feel right to chase down a foe whose fleeing from you. No honor in that is there?¡±


    ¡°Would you rather the orcs return in greater number and sooner?¡± The dragon raised a scaly eye ridge. ¡°More lives to be lost? This enemy did not share the same code of honor you did. This needed to be done.¡± Veledar snorted to punctuated his point,adding a good tail tap for good measure.


    ¡°I suppose you''re right.¡± He patted the dragon''s cheek as they started padding over towards the townsfolk. ¡°To the nine hells with them anyway. They were taking advantage of these people!¡±


    ¡°Precisely.¡± He snorted, settling down onto his haunches as Lyndis started yelling at the lead townswoman from before. Her eyes were filled with flames at the other woman, and for a brief moment. Veledar was glad she wasn''t doing that to him.


    ¡°So what do we bloody do now? You practically dropped this into our focken laps! Is their anything else you''re lying about?¡± She snarled thrusting a finger towards the woman''s face. ¡°Do you secretly have tons of healing potions we could have used? A scroll to raise he dead?¡±


    ¡°Or how about a humongous cushion so that your dragon hero can lie down on?¡± He smiled, showing off his teeth.


    ¡°And what about that Navarra? What about one of those?¡± Lyndis gestured to Veledar with outstretched arms.


    ¡°Uh..n..None of those.¡± Narvarra said softly, her voice lowering as she glared back to the half-elf. ¡°We....are sorry for deceiving you like we did..But..¡± She looked over her shoulder at the town hall, her shoulders falling. ¡° She looked back to Veledar, her eyes misting and glistening in the sunlight. ¡°We thank you great dragon with all hearts..but I pray that you will be able to help us a bit further.¡±


    Well that didn''t sound too good. Sounded like another side quest to him, and he hated those. However the way the woman was staring at him, shifting from side to side with such pain in her eyes. He could do nothing but ignore that previous feeling and let out a soft sigh. ¡°What exactly did you need my assistance with?¡±


    ¡°We...can''t stay here o'' great Crimson Sky. The orcs will eventually return to make us pay for this attack on their men. We would request that you and your brave adventurer friends escort us to the Runswick, it''s the next town over. It is said to have a good deal of fighters that could keep us safe from the orcs. So...would you be our protectors until we can find some of our own?¡±


    ¡°So..you would give up your land?¡± He rose a eye ridge, ¡°Just hand over everything to those that tried to steal from you?¡±


    ¡°That''s about right dragon.¡± Narvarra gestured to the ruined buildings, and devestated streets covered in corpses. ¡°We didn''t have much left before you came along. All that remains of this place is the bleeding buildings and things.¡± She sighed and looked again towards the townsfolk chatting among themselves, ¡°Things can be replaced, and our people cannot.¡± She swiveled her head back round, wiping her eyes with her fingers. ¡°So....Will you do this for us great Crimson Sky?¡±


    ¡°Why did you not go there when this trouble all started? When the orcs first gave you a problem?¡±


    ¡°Our leaders at the time thought they could handle everything that was going on. Had their bloody heads up their asses if you ask me.¡± She crossed her arms, letting out a sigh. ¡°By the time we were ready to make our choice the orcs had cut us off from the other towns. They soon killed our leaders after that.¡±


    Veledar refolded his wings. ¡°So...What do you think Arcturus, Lyndis?¡±


    ¡°You know where I stand on the issue.¡± The human knight nodded, ¡°My blade will defend the helpless, my might upholds the weak. It is my sworn duty to help those in need such as this.¡±


    Good, always could count on you. Veledar made a mental note to snuggle and kiss the warrior in the future. Maybe mate him in victory. The red dragon fought the urge to lick his snout as he averted his gaze to his other companion. ¡°And you?¡± He nudged her softly with his snout. ¡°Now would not be the best time to hold your tongue.¡±


    The rogue sighed, pushing his snout away gently. ¡°That you''re right Crimson. These are my people. Despite our need to head to Struport....They have to be helped.¡± Veledar watched her view shift off of him and instead to the Shandalar, striding over with her hands crossed, and a stern look on her elven face.


    ¡°I wonder how she will react to our decision?¡± Veledar grumbled, swishing his tail as the elf closed the distance rather quickly.


    ¡°About how you seem to want to help every person in our way?¡± Shandalar rose a brow, ¡° I understand their plight, and their need for help. But we can''t stop every time to help them. We are on a mission of vital importance, and each day we tarry people will die.¡±


    Veledar fought a growl in his throat as Lyndis looked back and forth towards the people and the wizard.


    ¡°We''re helping them if you want our focken help.¡± Lyndis shot back with a frown. ¡°They need our assistance.


    ¡°And I take it you feel the same way?¡± The elf gestured to Arcturus and then to the dragon, both who nodded in unison. Shandalar just sighed, placing a hand to the bridge of her nose and shook her head. ¡°Then I am forced to play along with your decision in the meantime. I pray that not too many souls go hurting because you could not turn away a pair of needful eyes.¡± She turned around on her heels, swiftly walking away to do who knows what. Veledar bet she would fume and go read her spell books, perhaps the plan for the crystals.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Navarra bowed, ¡°I will tell the others to start getting ready and packing some things. We have a dangerous journey ahead of us, even one for a dragon.¡±


    ¡°Even for a dragon?¡± Veledar scoffed, raising a brow. ¡°What could possibly be out there?¡± He gestured to his friends with his neck.


    ¡°Drenedar has plenty of things roaming around brave dragon, and since the surrender things have gotten worse. Orcs, bandits, it seems like everyone is trying to take advantage of the situation. But mighty dragon..What has everyone so spooked and concerned is not any of those I just listed. For what lurks in our land is far worse. Undead have been spotted roaming the lands in vast numbers unseen for many of years. Not since their invasion two hundred years ago.


    Veledar rose his head, puffing out his chest and casting a smug smile to the concerned woman. He looked to Arcturus, Lyndis, and each of his adventurer allies. ¡°Don''t worry Navarra.¡± He spread his wings and wrapped them around Lyndis and Arcturus, pulling them against him. ¡°You will be safe within our claws.¡±

 Darkened Skies: Chapter 2:

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


    <u> </u>


    <u>Chapter 2: Adventure Begins</u>


    ¡°Undead?¡± Krotos squawked, his feathers rustling in surprise. ¡°You''re c-Certain that''s....that''s what they said?¡± The blue and grey gryphon settled onto his haunches, tail brushing aside the hay beneath him.


    ¡°Of course it''s what they said.¡± Veledar snorted, settling down on the makeshift bed of straw. It prickled at his scales something awful, but it was out of necessity not choice. This place lacked any proper beds any more for him to slumber upon. ¡°The orc leader said something about it. Then the town leader woman. That Nivarra woman. She confirmed it with her troubled eyes.¡± He tapped his tail twice, motioning for the gryphon to scooch closer. ¡°Now cease your worrying about it. That''s all in the future anyway.¡± He looked up to the twinkling stars above, little fireflies lost within the sea of blackness. Their only company being the great half crescent moon, that peeked every now like a watchful parent out from behind darkened wispy clouds. ¡°You have to get some sleep or you will be ragged tomorrow, and there is no way that I am carrying your fluffy tail the entire time.¡± He snapped his snout down, sticking his tongue out at the less then amused gryphon.


    ¡°You''re probably right.¡± Krotos sighed softly, his ears splaying cutely as he lowered his head, shifted his posture, and circled a spot before letting out a beak stretching yawn. ¡°I miss my nest in Entis..That at least had a proper bed.¡±


    ¡°Hmmpf.¡± Veledar chuckled, letting out a yawn of his own. ¡°Welcome to my world gryphon. Where most things are too small for my liking.¡±


    ¡°How can that be? You can change your size! With but a mere gesture you can fit wherever you please! I hardly think that''s a problem.¡±


    ¡°But not when I slumber fluffy feathers. I revert to my true size when I sleep. Just ask Arcturus, the man has had to pay for some damages I''m sure.¡± The dragon chuckled in growly sort of way, remembering the desks and  splintered wood  broken by his flailing limbs.


    ¡°Which you won''t pay him for of course.¡± The bird chirped, his pleased sounds eventually devolving into laughter.


    ¡°Why should I?¡± Veledar scoffed, a low rumble working it''s way down his throat that sounded like the tumbling of stones done a hill. ¡°He has me for treasure now, and I''m worth more than any bit of coin that he could have scrape up in a lifetime.¡± His eyes shifted to the darkened trees, their branches raised high as if holding up the very sky. From the star covered tapestry  he went to the torches that dimly lit the streets with their soft glow. Long shadows hung on the burned corpses that still dotted the street. To everyone''s regret there had been no time to dispose of them, instead the time had been spent packing things for the road ahead.


    The town had used Merlia''s talent to tame animals to secure several riding wolves that had not perished with their riders during the attack. A quick handful of makeshift treats, kind words, and a simple spell had been all that was required for the beasts to be eating quite literally out of their paws. The town had soon loaded everything up into carts, only the essentials like food, water, and some weapons had been loaded into crates and bags. Even Veledar''s harness meant for treasure, had been filled with trinkets and potions for the adventure that awaited them. He peaked back to the thing, spying thin ends of rope that Arcturus had insisted that they needed. He narrowed his eyes at the wound fibers. Why would the man need a rope anyway when he had such a wonderful dragon to aid him?


    ¡°Have you, you know...Fought undead before?¡± Krotos'' trembled slightly, his eyes looking like a wounded puppy more than a fierce gryphon.


    Veledar silently gazed to the quivering gryphon, the only sound between them being soft chirps in the distance, or the chatter of mortals as they continued their diligent work despite the late hour. ¡°No.¡± He trailed off, remembering all the stories from his youth that contained such things. ¡°I have heard about them in stories, read things in books, should be no trouble for my scales and claws.¡± He grinned, raising a claw to show the gryphon his gleaming talons. ¡°If those can''t cut their decaying flesh and bones I imagine that they are quite flammable.¡± He showed off his teeth, his frills fluttering. ¡°And if not that, I imagine some spells could do some work on them.¡±


    ¡°Well you seemed prepared for anything.¡± Grumbled the gryphon, lowering his beak into his forelimbs. ¡°Some of us don''t have scales to protect us.¡± Krotos slowly extended one of his teal tipped wings in the firelight. ¡°Just wings and fur.¡±


    ¡°You could always avoid them if you''re frightened.¡±


    ¡°I''m not frightened in the slightest!¡± The bird''s feathers ruffled as his eyes narrowed.


    ¡°Of course you are. I can see it in your feathers!¡± Veledar pointed, to which the gryphon instantly retraced the offered wing and hugged it close to his body.  ¡°You were a guard!¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Krotos turned his head around , his beak running slowly through his feathers. ¡°Whats that have to do with anything?¡±


    Veledar chuckled with a flick of his tail. ¡°So how is it that you''re scared of some shambling human with rotted teeth? Or one of those skeletons walking around? Surely you faced much worse with the live ones?¡±


    ¡°It''s unnatural alright?¡± Krotos shivered, enough to stop his usual preening. ¡°Besides..It''s not like it''s just those you have to worry about. Those undead can be anything. Zombies, skeletons, other gryphon''s, they can even be intelligent like mummies or vampires! Those are the sort of things they don''t exactly train you for!¡±


    ¡°Well what did they train you for?¡± He rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Humans, being watchful, elves, other gryphons! Not the most creepy kind of things you know!¡±


    ¡°Sure, Sure.¡± He waved dismissively with a snort, scattering some hay with his tail.¡±


    ¡°Take that smug look off your face dragon. At least I could out run the blasted things better than you ever could. You''d be easily caught by the fast moving ones!¡±


    ¡°Hmmph.¡± He lowered his snout with twitching frills so that he was gazing into the gryphon''s eyes. ¡°Is that so kittybird? I suppose I would just have to dispatch them with my claws and fire.¡±


    ¡°Then you''d be eaten! You know...Eventually!¡± Krotos extended a wing with a squawk. ¡°Your scales can''t hold out forever you know!¡±


    ¡°Did you not just listen to my words?¡± Veledar smiled. ¡°I wouldn''t have to last forever.¡± He avoided the angry flames that had found their way into the bird''s eyes. It was at least a better change from the fear. He instead turned his head towards Arcturus, Lyndis, and Shandalar. All whom were busy talking to Navarra across the street while people busily passed them. It looked almost like they were the herders among a flock of fast moving, multicolored sheep.


    ¡°But that wasn''t the point dragon! I was saying I could fly faster than you!¡±


    ¡°Yea?¡± Veledar smirked, shifting his head back to the gyrphon with the increasingly fluffed feathers. ¡°Doesn''t matter if you''re faster. Besides..¡± He unfolded one of his own limbs, to show off his tan membraned wings. ¡°I have the more resplendent scales and wings if we''re going to start bragging about things.¡±


    ¡°You brag all the damned time!¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He snorted, ¡°I am simply stating facts dearest gryphon. Is it your failing that you take them as boasts?¡±


    ¡°And what good are resplendent scales against necrotic magic?¡±


    That didn''t sound particularly friendly. Might even be able to do something to his scales by the sound of it. Veledar shook his head, not letting his friend win this little round. ¡°You simply lack the imagination of course. And what about that sort of magic?¡± He tapped his tail with a chuckle. ¡°That''s why I have the others around for.¡±


    Krotos snapped his beak shut, glaring daggers from his eyes before puffing up his feathers and going back to his careful preening with a thump of his tail. ¡°No sense in trying to reach that thick head of yours. Better of preening.¡± The bird firmly grabbed one of his feathers with his beak, gliding along the blue surface.


    ¡°Be careful with your insults little kittybird. I shall show you how thick I can be.¡± He growled lustfully, smirking when Krotos shivered and did not look at him.


    ¡°So that''s what you two do in your spare time? Sit around squabbling and talk about mating the other?¡± Lyndis laughed cheerily, trotting over and flopping onto the hay with a sigh.


    ¡°I was simply chatting to my fine feathered...acquaintance of the undead, and how I shall defeat any that try and poke at me with bony fingers.¡±


    ¡°He was talking about beating them with his pretty scales.¡± Krotos grumbled, beak full of feathers.


    ¡°Now that...¡± Lyndis smirked, crossing her arms at her chest. ¡°Would be something to see I imagine¡± She let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes as she rested her head against Veledar''s flank. ¡°Think I might sleep out here with you lot. Gods Crimson...You''re warm. I can see why Arcturus sleeps comfortably with ya.¡±


    ¡°For numerous reasons I assure you.¡± The dragon beamed, coiling around the princess and flashing Krotos a toothy grin as the bird simply stuck his tongue at him with narrowed eyes. ¡°So what brings you out here to our little patch of hay?¡±


    ¡°Beds being used by all the townies, bleedin inn''s in worse bit of a shape than a hen at a gryphon orgy. Better off just pitching a tent out here ''neath the stars and cuddling with a dragon or gryphon.¡±


    Krotos stifled a laugh as Lyndis tossed him a stern look. ¡°What? You said pitching a tent! That''s one of your weird human innuendos. It means when a male has his bits...¡±


    ¡°I know what it means you childish bunch of feathers and fur! I was just sho....You know what.¡± She sighed, resting her fingers on the bridge of her nose. ¡°I should be less surprised now. I just keep hurting myself.¡±


    The dragon nosed the half-elf with a smile. He partially suspected what this was about as his eyes were drawn to an emerald scale that hung around her neck by a thin golden strand. It had been given to her by a green dragon that the princess had given her heart to in the forest of despair. She also had a green sash around her waist, yet another way to remember his green and black scales. He wrapped a forelimb around her softly before giving her head a tender lick. She did not pull away from his affections, another sign of her worry. For that necklace had also given her the ability to link her dreams with the green scale dragon that was thousands of miles away, and those dreams had been silent for quite some time now. He figured if the green dragon lover was not going to be there for his shivering princess, then at least he would fill in for the cuddling part. He nuzzled her softly and prayed silently that nothing had happened to Cordenth.


    Despite his brief concern he knew it was silly. While the green dragon might not have been as skilled with combat as he was. Cordenth was still a dragon, and a capable one at that. ¡°You can share my company if it helps fight the lonely nights away from your green lover.¡± He chuckled as the princess'' face lit up and wrapped her arms around his snout.


    ¡°Sometimes I forget how sweet you can be.¡± She laughed, kissing him on his nose and making him rumble his approval.


    ¡°Careful now princess.¡± He tapped his tail and pressed into her pleasing touch. ¡°My mate might get jealous of your ministrations.¡±


    ¡°I doubt the bleedin knight you love will care in the slightest about scratches and playfully kisses between friends dragon. Feel free to imagine whatever you want in your sodding head of yours.¡±


    ¡°Course I can.¡± Veledar nuzzled against her as she traced the underside of his jaw. Her touch was almost as good as Arcturus. It was soft, tender, and made his scales shiver in delight as tiny sparks travled down his spine. ¡°Why are you not talking with the town''s make shift leader?¡±


    Lyndis sighed, as she rubbed the top of his scaled snout, casting a sour filled look to the wizard and paladin. ¡°Not my sort of thing actually. You know me crimson. I never want to be in the torchlight if I can help it. Coming up with plans and that? That isn''t my specialty, and the last time I did?¡± She paused, her strokes ceasing as her mind drifted. ¡°Azzik died.¡±


    At those words and a dip of her head, Krotos crawled instantly to her side and wrapped a wing around the rogue. The gryphon nudged her with a soft coo. One that a mother might make to an upset child.


    ¡°Thanks you two.¡± She smiled, placing a hand to his beak and the other to the dragon''s snout. ¡°You spoil me.¡±


    ¡°Which begs the question. Which is better on a cold night?'' Krotos rose a brow, his crown feathers rising one by one. ¡°Gryphon fur or dragon scales?¡± The gryphon smirked, gazing up to Veledar. ¡°I don''t charge a fee.¡±


    ¡°That''s only because you lack proper business sense. If you were smarter you could be making plenty of coin.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Lyndis smacked the dragon''s scales with a chuckle. She caressed Krotos'' beak with a hand, slipping her fingers under his jaw and scratching softly. ¡°I think for that kind of draconic answer I will pick the gryphon simply to spite you!¡±


    ¡°You surprise me princess.¡± Veledar gasped, pulling his head back and looking away to feign injury. ¡°You continue to insult me like this and I shall increase your fee by even more gold!...and upfront!¡± He rumbled as he looked back to find both his friends just staring at him with knowing smiles. It was like they never expected him to collect on his bill for his services.


    ¡°Not very convincing is he?¡± Krotos nudged the woman with a chirp. ¡°You can almost believe him.¡±


    ¡°Crimson, if you didn''t act so cute at times I''d think that would make good on that threat.¡± Lyndis chuckled, moving her scratching hands up Krotos'' cheek and back towards his ears.


    Veledar rolled his eyes, pulling away from his friends who released sighs and shivers as the night air bit at their hides.


    Let that be their reward.


    ¡°He did it!¡± Krotos laughed, pulling Lyndis close and wrapping her in his wings.


    ¡°If you want me to provide my warmth it will be a two gold fee for each of you.¡± He pointed to his harness with a talon. ¡°Now do you think I''m serious?¡±


    Lyndis  sighed, scrunching her face into a scowl. ¡°Fine then.¡± She stuck her tongue out, wrapping both of her arms around the gryphon''s furry neck and resting her head against him. ¡°Guess I''ll just have to keep close to this focken bundle of feathers and fur wont I? Woe is me dragon.¡±


    ¡°Guess the princess likes the touch of a gryphon more than a smug dragon eh?¡± Krotos smirked in delight, purring as Lyndis stroked his chin. Veledar already felt a grump come to his throat out of jealously, but he couldn''t let them know that.


    ¡°She is free to make the wrong decision of course. I will have to remember this when we meet her dragon again. I''m certain he will love to hear how she prefers a gryphon''s touch to that of dragon.He curled into a ball, folding his wings against his back and twitching his empty claws. He already missed the pleasing warmth of his human who seemed oh so far away.


    Wont be long now. How long can be left talking to that woman anyway?


    ¡°Yet another bluff dragon.¡± Lyndis snickered, waving his words off for a moment before she held her gaze on his smirk. ¡°You wouldn''t dare.¡± She gasped, placing a hand to her mouth. Veledar rose a scaly ridge not entirely sure if she was being sarcastic. He of course was going to play along and find out.


    ¡°You think I wont?¡± He proudly raised his head, placing a scaled claw next to his chest plates.¡±Oh Radiant Star you will never guess that the half elf you adore? She likes gryphons feathers better than dragon scales.¡±


    ¡°Well if we are going to be telling Cordy things I suppose I can tell him about how you got your head stuck in the wooden rafters of the Matilda''s workshop !¡± Lyndis snapped back with a thrusted finger.


    ¡°Don''t remind me that happened.¡± He groaned, raising a claw to massage the dull ache summoned up from the memories. He continued on with his tender massage until the throb faded away into nothing.  ¡°It wounded my head and my pride.¡± He gasped as he saw the look on her face. It was a smug expression that he could read. One similar to the one he had made about his threat. ¡°You wouldn''t dare!¡±


    ¡°Bwahahahah!¡± She tapped Krotos'' flank with an open palm. ¡°Try me Crimson. ¡° She stuck a thumb to her chest. ¡°You go telling Cordy such untruths such as that and he will hear every embarrassing story since you two parted ways.¡± She ended her little threat with a quick satisfied nod and a wink.


    Veledar grumbled in the back of his throat as he dragged a paw against the ground, his jaw clamping shut and his frills fluttering silently.


    She was serious.


    ¡°She has you by the balls dragon!¡± Krotos happily announced with a squawk and throwing his head back. ¡°Awk Awk Awk!¡±


    ¡°Hmmph.¡± Veledar snorted, the bird''s laughter and the rogues little words working their way right under his scales like a well placed blade. He let little threads of black smoke rise up from his nostrils. ¡°I didn''t know that extortion was one of your many skills....rogue. Should I be worried about my treasure lest you snatch it away whilest I slumber?¡±


    ¡°Oh come now. It''s one of my many talents we rogues employ. And feel free to lock up your treasure if you think I have sticky fingers. I''d think you''d know better then to think I''d want anything of yours.¡±


    ¡°That might be almost insulting. Not wanting anything I have.¡± He tapped his talon against his chin, swishing his tail along the ground. It only took a moment before his lips curled into a smirk. ¡°I know what you want. Do I need to remind you of my home?¡± He watched the rogue''s mouth instantly shut, words fail her, and for a moment she was silent before folding his arms against her chest.


    ¡°Okay, fine. You got me there. But that''s kind of hard not to. That was the single largest collection of coins that anyone has every seen!¡±


    ¡°What pile of coins?¡± Krotos tilted his head to the side, ending his words with a slight chirp. ¡°How big was it?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Veledar lowered his snout to puff a plume of air into the gryphon''s face. ¡°Another time kittybird. When you and your half-elf friend are being nicer to their dragon protector.¡± HE thumped his tail to end his point, only bringing smiles and laughter to his friends.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± The bird splayed his ears, a cute little display Veledar had to admit, but his attention did not go to the gryphon. It instead went to Lyndis as he watched her good cheer slowly evaporate away like water on a hot day. Her eyes looked passed the dragon and to the people behind them. He watched her hardly move, like she was taking in the entire scene and committing it to memory. From the buildings wracked with damage her eyes fell to the cobblestone streets still littered with dead. She stayed silent this time as she stroked the gryphon''s fur. Like it was the only comfort her soul could use right now. The kittybird only started to preen his feathers, offering her a chorus of happy chirps.


    ¡°What has you so captivated?¡± Veledar nosed the woman gently. ¡°It can''t be my scales, since you haven''t looked to them. Tell me..What ails your heart?¡± He swerved his head to inspect one of the many ruined buildings. The blackened wood hardly looking like it would last another day. The rickety deathtrap lingered, ready to be cast away with the wind. ¡°Did you know this place before?¡± He swung his head to the corpse laden streets, smeared with darkened blood and ruined chunks of stone. Even the dancing statue from before had been injured, the thing splintered and broken into an uneven spike.


    ¡°I guess I must be easy to read then.¡± The rogue sighed, patting his snout. ¡°Yes Crimson...I use to know this place...Possibly twice or even three times if I can recall correctly.¡±


    ¡°As the princess or your adventuring persona that we have come to know?¡±


    ¡°Adventuring dearest dragon. I did not get the chance to get out and explore much with my parents having me bound up in books and learning.¡±


    ¡°You''re starting to sound like Cordy.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Did your parents also have green scales and speak and deep tones?¡± Veledar wrinkled his snout as he was reminded of the towering dragoness that called herself the Emerald Lady. How she had them utterly under her claws during their stint in her forest. ¡°Now I know why you two get along so well.¡±


    ¡°Only partially.¡± She tapped his nose, wagging her finger afterwords. ¡°But this place use to be known for cherry blossoms during it''s life.¡± She gazed out to the darkened forests in the distance, ¡°Oh you should have seen them Crimson...During the spring month of Frien Hemdah...They would practically glow in the afternoon sun.¡± She gestured to a barren, twisted tree that looked to be more like a series of vines. ¡°The most prettiest pink that I had ever laid eyes upon. Hell..I think even you would have had your jaw agape at their splendor.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± He mumbled softly, nuzzling her cheek. With her words and face he actually thought that might have been true. ¡°But we can always come back and look upon them during such times. Simply because we leave now, doesn''t mean we can''t return.¡± He offered her a comforting lick, one that his mother might have given him if he were upset. To his rumbling approval she did not resist, instead moving into his affections.¡±


    ¡°Dragon licks...Why do they seem so comforting?¡±


    ¡°We have that effect on the ones we care about.¡± He nosed her. ¡°We can be quite affectionate.¡±


    ¡°When you''re not being a lewd thing..¡± She giggled, caressing his cheeks.


    ¡°There is always that little snag isn''t there.¡± He grinned, offering her a parting lick.


    ¡°But I would love to return with you. If you so wished it.¡±


    ¡°Would you have room in your little duo for a gryphon? I would like to look upon these things you claim to be wondrous.¡± Krotos chimed in, ceasing his preening and pulling the rogue closer against his belly. The half-elf simply laughed, wiggling within his grasp.


    ¡°Of course we would feather head. Everyone can come if they want.¡±


    The dragon simply watched the pair nuzzle against one another as jealously wound it''s way into his bones. Like a blanket of thorns it pricked at his scales and made him want to nibble them. He  glanced up to his human, a soft groan sounding  from his throat. He watched the man he loved pace around with the brown haired woman. He inspected  carts and wolves with those dutiful eyes. If he did not know better he would have guessed the knight had the eyes of a dragon. The man stopped several times to inspect the worn material. By his side was Shandalar, lending her suggestions as they went, holding a pad of parchment and checking things off with a quill.


    Come on Arcturus...Hurry up. He clenched his talons, longing to hold the man in his embrace and feel Arcturus'' warmth bring life to his scales. He wished to press his head to the knight''s chest and feel his heart thump steadily just for him. To feel his light breath come quicker as the human touched his cheeks, and gaze into his eyes that would lose themselves to his own. He had wondered if somehow the human had cast a charm upon his soul. One that would make his claws feel so empty without him. He sighed and simply wiggled to get more comfortable in the hay, twitching his tail as he followed the paladin with his snout.


    ¡°Waiting for your knight in shining armor to finish up?¡± Lyndis chuckled, resting her palm on her cheek. ¡°It is rather adorable how enamored you are with him you know.¡±


    ¡°Oh shush your little face.¡± He grumbled as Krotos joined in on her chuckling. ¡°I will remember to make fun of you when we meet your green dragon. Then we shall see how you fare. Besides...¡± He snorted, looking away from them with a raised head. ¡°I don''t need  the paladin''s touch you snickering harpies. I am a strong dragon who can survive without such things.¡± He peaked down to Arcturus with his cerulean eyes, his heart beating a tad faster when he bowed to the wizard and townswoman.


    ¡°Goblin spittle! Keep lying through your teeth of yours. It''s no bleedin secret how you look at him, or how you act in his presence...


    ¡°Or the words you whisper to him when you think we''re not listening!¡± Krotos chimed in, ruffling his feathers. ¡°You would think he''s the most lewd thing I have ever heard. The way he goes on about mating the paladin''s backside. You''d think he was obsessed with the thing.¡±


    Veledar pressed a talon to the stone, dragging it along with a screech to drown out the gryphon''s chuckling. ¡°Laugh all you want at that, but that won''t make me feel any different....¡± He sighed, letting his frills extend. ¡°Does it warm your heart to know I adore his touch? That my days no longer feel complete if he is not held within my grasp even once?¡± He snapped to Lyndis, his snout mere inches from her nose.¡±


    ¡°I think it''s rather sweet you scaled bastard. I just said that!¡± She tapped his nose with a grin. ¡°Only giving you a hard time cause we like ya dragon. Think I''d be making bleedin fun of a dragon that we hated?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Krotos tilted his head to the side, with a risen furred brow.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Lyndis hissed, ¡°But not when I am this close to his snout! When he could burn me to cinders!¡± She laughed before resting a palm below the red''s chin. ¡°Now swallow all your draconic pride and look me in the eyes while you tell me all about how you adore that bundle of steel and flesh.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± He rolled his eyes with a snort, fighting the pleased rumble as she began to scratch his chin, apparently she knew just the right places to reach as her ministrations made his tail rebel against him and wiggle it''s approval.  ¡°Another one of your half-elven games?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps...¡± She smirked, ¡°But I want to see evidence about your claim! They say that you can tell a man...well...er dragon by the look in his eyes. So I wish to see your focken eyes when you speak about your knight!¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± He snorted, shaking his head softly before staring into her amber spheres. He thought to Arcturus'' lightly bearded face and how it made butterflies flutter around inside. How his heart would warm and threaten to pounce out of his scaled chest. ¡°I adore that little human. His presence makes my heart beat faster than a flight of gryphons. My head grows all fuzzy when gazing upon him and I long for his delicate touch upon my scales.¡± He nosed the amused half-elf, his frills flickering softly. ¡°Does this satisfy you rogue?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± She giggled, ¡°Very much so you love struck poet. You spoke from the bloody heart!¡±


    ¡°I always speak from my heart.¡± He grumbled, his tail tip twitching behind him.


    ¡°Yes, but you meant every word you just said!¡±


    ¡°You''re surprised?¡±


    ¡°Not really..I will gladly proclaim my affections for Cordy if you''re still sour about this whole thing.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± He sighed, nuzzling the woman''s chest. ¡°Speaking of friends, how was it that you could so easily ask me to put my life in danger with your plan to enter Entis?When you seem so hesitant to ask these other mortals to do the very same?¡±


    She looked away from him, eyes avoiding his gaze.¡°That''s different Crimson....You''re different.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± He rumbled, already waiting for the praises that were no doubt going to be spilling from her mouth like that of a waterfall.


    The elf took a moment to look to the people. Staring at their weary and worn faces, before letting out a lingering sigh. ¡°For starters you''re a sodding dragon. You got talons sharpened like spears, teeth like swords. You wield magical spells at the flick of a tail, you got scales as tough as the heaviest of armor, and you can bloody fly.¡± She turned back, staring into his eyes with a fire flicking in her black pools. ¡°Shall I go on about all your abilities that would put others to shame?¡±


    Veledar released a pleased croon, smirking as the half-elf laid thick her praises.¡°Of course you should.¡± He lowered his snout and nosed her with a flick of his tail. ¡°I never tire of the compliments that your mind can conjure .¡±


    ¡°Walked into that one you did.¡± Krotos laughed as Lyndis held the bridge of her nose and shook her head.


    ¡°You know it amazes me that you can fly and stay aloft with an ego so large. I''d wager with a head so humongous it''d drag against the focken ground!¡±


    ¡°You will often find that dragon''s are full of surprises.¡± He gave the rogue a mischievous lick, chuckling at the playful bat she dealt to his nose. ¡°Perhaps I have gotten used to having large things being apart of me whilest I fly?¡± He grinned lewdly, a growl escaping his throat.


    ¡°Oh gods.¡± Lyndis smacked his nose , pushing his snout with a forceful shove and a warm chortle. ¡°Now you''re bragging about your focken cock. If it was anyone else I''d think they were having  compensating for something.¡±


    Veledar rose his head with a huff, taking pride in his small victory. He would add that the numerous times he had already won.


    ¡°Now back to you''re question you lewd bunch of red scales that somehow has become my friend.¡± She pointed to the tired people, loading the last bit of wooden boxes with dull thuds. ¡°Asking a bunch of commoners that lack your talents is a different thing entirely.¡±


    ¡°I don''t see the difference really.¡± He pouted, ¡°A life is a life.¡±


    ¡°So you''re saying that a commoner is the same as the great Crimson Sky?¡± Krotos laughed, tapping the dragon''s side with a talon.


    ¡°What?No.¡± He hissed, pushing the gryphon to his side. Veledar narrowed his eyes, ¡°I would never imply that.¡±


    ¡°So you can understand then that while you can look out for yourself, those people out there might not be able to?¡±


    Veledar sighed, watching the worn people yawning and slowly dragging themselves to their resting places. He grumbled, not finding the words to continue this debate any further. He could feel an itch working its way down from his snout and into his forelimbs.. He thrashing his tail against the ground with a thud. ¡°Graaaaah. You''re right Lyndis..¡± He spat out out like a vile meal, smacking a paw against the stone with a snort. ¡°Savior your victory of words this day.¡±


    ¡°Oh you can bet I will dragon.¡± She tapped Krotos fur, leaning her head back to the gryphon so that she whispered loudly. ¡°That''s twenty six to me, and a good four for the poor dragon.¡±


    ¡°What? When have you started counting?¡± He growled playfully, ¡°And I''m sure whoever was keeping score was bribed. You winning twenty six to my four?¡± He tossed his head back, laughing with a trembling of his wings. ¡°That is preposterous. You have to be pulling my scales.¡±


    The rogue simply maintained her stare, smile not fading as she started to caress and rub Krotos'' fur, the gryphon laying his head down into her lap and emitting soft chirps of pleasure as his tail tapped the ground in bliss.


    ¡°So...How are the lot of you doing?¡± Came Arcturus comforting voice. The soothing sounds breaking his stare contest with the rogue.


    ¡°Annnnd another point for me!¡± She exclaimed with a joyous shout.


    The dragon gave his human a smile, not saying a word as his frills trembled softly, breaths came faster. His heart began to beat hard against his chests almost feeling as though anyone could hear them.


    ¡°I felt that.¡± Arcturus'' emerald eyes lit up as he slipped over, resting a hand to Veledar''s scaled cheek. ¡°I take it you missed me? I could feel your glances the entire time I was trying to work.¡± He patted the dragon''s smooth armor, giving him a warm smile. ¡°You make it hard to focus on it you know.¡±


    ¡°Blame these two.¡± Veledar gestured to the two now snickering half-elf and gryphon. ¡°They teased me with their own scratches and cuddling affections.¡± He pressed his head into the human''s warm chest. He closed his eyes when he felt the man close his arms around his snout and hug him tightly. A purr rumbled from his throat as the man''s hands found their way to the underside of his jaw and began to press and tease him in a most pleasing fashion. ¡°So what did that town woman say about the plan? What is to be done?¡±


    ¡°If you wanted to know. Why didn''t u stay and listen?¡±


    ¡°I would have...But I didn''t want to listen to the elf prattle on like the way she does. Best to hear the abridged version when you made your way once more into my clutches.¡±


    ¡°Into your clutches? Seems as though it is you who is caught in my clutches dragon.¡± Arcturus laughed, hugging Veledar''s snout tighter against his chest. The dragon released a rumbling pleased trill as he heard the steady heartbeat work it''s thumps into his head.


    ¡°Oh..make no mistake Arcturus. Our roles can quite easily be reversed. You are most certainly always in my clutches Umraadi.¡± He grinned to himself, the paladin''s silence only making the dragon''s affectionate nuzzles increase in their intensity, and his purrs louden. It was almost as if a symphony was being played out, and his human the audience for him to entertain. He cared not that Lyndis and Krotos were staring at his human''s hands as they traced his scales and made cute pleasing sounds escape his maw. Ones that they probably didn''t even know dragons could make. ¡°You...have the hands for this.¡± His voice came softly, fading away into a croon. ¡°For tending to my scales...¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Oh...Shush your snout.¡± The human tapped his jaw, the other hand moving to caress the tan scales below the dragon''s eyes.


    ¡°I second the question.¡± Lyndis rose her voice over the dragon''s pleased noises. ¡°Seems as though our brightness has forgotten his words with your pleasing touches.¡±


    ¡°I can''t help it.¡± Veledar sighed, pressing more into the human''s caresses. The pleasure swirling around him, his world narrowing to the two fair hands on him. ¡°It''s like he has divine hands...Mmmmmmm.¡±


    ¡°Well if you three must know.¡± Arcturus'' hands  went back to the dragon''s frills, earning the skilled man a loud gasp before Veledar brought a claw around the man''s back,and pulled him closer against his head. ¡°We figured that we head out first thing in the morning, get some rest first. That way we only have to worry about fighting things we run into and not our own fatigue.¡± The man thumbed to the carts. ¡°We offered to help them load them, but they insisted that we take it easy. Spouting that we had done enough this day to help them survive against the orcs.¡± The human sighed, looking into Veledar''s eyes. ¡°Lucky thing that we came here. I shutter to think what would have become of them if we hadn''t.¡±


    ¡°And yet another life that was made better because I decided to become part of it. Even luckier that I had flames to burn away their attackers.¡± Veledar smiled, licking the human gently on his face. ¡°Thank you Umraadi for the touch.¡±


    ¡°You''re most welcome.¡± The human smiled,¡°Dragon with the most resplendent scales I have ever laid eyes upon.¡± Arcturus leaned in, kissing the dragon''s lips gently.


    Veledar sighed in bliss, closing his eyes and pushing back with fluttering frills. He could not resist holding Arcturus close, and letting out a pleased rumble from his scaled throat. Even the tip of his tail began to batter the ground happily as they held each other tightly.


    ¡°Most pleasing scales?¡± Lyndis laughed, rolling her eyes. ¡°We on this subject again? Honestly Arcturus you only encourage his narcissistic behavior with prattle like that.¡±


    ¡°But he is right you know.¡± Veledar pulled away, giving his human a departing lick. He laid down fully on his side, pulling Arcturus against his chest and curling around him. ¡°There human.¡± He smirked, holding him closer against his armored scales. ¡°You are mine.¡±


    ¡°Oh no. What every shall I do?'' Arcturus feigned worry, leaning up against the dragon and running a hand along his serpentine neck. ¡°Sound''s like a most serious situation I have found myself in.¡±


    ¡°Oh most serious my little human. I may never let you go.¡± He chuckled, curling his head around.


    ¡°Don''t think I''d mind that o red dragon.¡± Arcturus said softly, laying his head down upon the dragon''s scales.


    ¡°Arcturus?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Please enlighten these two non believers, that I have the most resplendent scales in all the land. Even more than that green one we found in the forest.¡±


    ¡°Why does this matter?¡± Arcturus chuckled, holding the dragon tighter. ¡°You really want my opinion on the matter? You are aware I am biased right?¡±


    ¡°See he admits it.¡± Lyndis exclaimed. ¡°So he can''t really be a good judge at all!¡±


    Veledar took a deep breath, letting out a sigh, ¡°Ah, but Lyndis. Shall I remind you that one of my mates oaths is that he cannot tell a lie? That any words he says must be truth?¡±


    ¡°That''s not what it means. The world does not conform to fit my words you know. I can only tell the truth on my own perceptions.¡± Arcturus returned his hand to the dragon''s snout, silencing him for a moment with his steady, careful hands.


    ¡°Please.¡± Veledar pulled back so that the human was left cupping his chin. ¡°Do it for me mate. Let them know who is the best.¡± His heart nearly leapt from his chest when he watched the human release a sigh, and scratch his chin.


    ¡°Fine dearest mate.¡± Arcturus gazed long fully into Veledar''s eyes. ¡°I Arcturus, find that this dragon. The great Crimson Sky has the most magnificient scales of any dragon.¡±


    ¡°Cheaters! All of you are blighted cheaters.¡± Squawked Krotos, ruffling his feathers. ¡°I almost thought I could take Arcturus to be fair.¡±


    ¡°Bribed!¡± Lyndis echoed her disapproval, smacking Krotos'' flank with a laugh. ¡°I call for a recount! Clearly the judge was bribed with dragon cuddles and kisses!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Veledar smiled to them, large enough that he showed off his teeth. ¡°You''re just displeased with my mates choice. I can feel all your jealously and it is delicious.¡± He curled around Arcturus as the chatter soon died away and the day''s exertions finally caught up to all of them. Even Krotos had fallen asleep in the next few minutes cuddled close to Lyndis who let out a brief snore. Veledar  positioned Arcturus between his forelimbs, nestled up against his chest. With a quick kiss goodnight he wrapped them in his wings, and fell asleep to the sound of Arcturus'' breathes.


    *


    Veledar awoke the next morning in a sour mood. He had been having a wonderful dream about Arctrus dancing with him in the sky. The human had not been in usual form. He had been a great silver dragon held tightly within his claws as they soared, and spiraled in the vast cerulean sky. Clouds had scattered at their combined wing beats, the thick things flowing around them like a vortex. The warm feeling of the sun shining on his scales had almost seemed real, something he could have lost himself within for a few more hours then he had been given. So when Arcturus had shoved him awake, he grumbled his disapproval. He blinked his eyes, looking to the sun not even cresting over the trees. To his irritation it wasn''t even time to leave the town, the mortals in his party still had to prepare their spells for the day, lest they be caught un-prepared. So he had nibbled at his knight in response, eventually nipping the man to get his point across. With a snort he circled around the knight with narrowed eyes and unintelligible grumbles. He settled down against a grassy section of ground with a groan, and smack of his tail against the ground. He watched silently as the human went about stretching while at the same time slashing his sword with several swooshes against the air. From the man''s lips came his oaths, the words that gave him focus while he concentrated on finding his spells for the day. The dragon didn''t resist as a yawn found it''s way to his maw. He curled his tongue, snapping his jaw several times. He stayed like this for next half hour, following Arcturus'' flowing movements. When he realized he could entice himself back to sleep he pushed himself up to all fours.


    Veledar stretched out his haunches, his tail swishing over the field as he wiggled his digits. The cool grass poked at his pads like little thorns, causing him to trot his way onto the cobblestone. He sighed in relief, refolding his wings with a low rumble. He shook his head once, blinking away the last of the grogginess as he looked out to the horizon. The sun suddenly rose from the tall mountains, the warm glows of light that had began to eat at the darkened violet sky taking on a more intense form. The dragon hissed as the brilliant light struck his eyes, making him shield them with an outstretched wing.  He made sure to complain to the knight one last time. Reminding him that the sun''s attack was his doing as well. The man''s swift apology did bring a brief sensation of calmness to his mind. Wiping away the morning''s troubles in an instant. Veledar merely advanced on the man with a grumble, wrapping him up with his wings and licking his face several times to let him know he was not too angry with him, and that the knight could always make it up to him later. He had smirked lewdly as images of the man worshiping him with his soft hands sprung to his mind. Almost made him want to act on them that moment, but alas they did have to leave. So with a playful rumble he nipped the knight he loved on the butt. Hands found their way to his snout and applied their usual tender caress. Veledar stayed within his human''s grasp for quite some time, nuzzling and making more cute noises from his throat. With a quick kiss goodbye the dragon set off down the street, trotting along the cobblestone as the rest of the townsfolk had started packing themselves into the carts.


    His eyes fell to Krotos, who had taken a perch on one of the grey shingled buildings. The bird''s grey tipped tail hanging slightly off of the roof as he gazed out with his head risen high to the countryside awaiting them.


    ¡°So you decided to finally grace the land of the living.¡± Yawned the gryphon, silencing himself with a talon as some human''s started asking each other if they had grabbed everything of importance.


    ¡°To my utter disappointment I can assure you.¡± He grumbled, slinking over to be next to the tail tapping gryphon, the metal parts of his harness jingling for a moment. The dragon curled his head around as wolves were lead to the carts, bindings of leather attached to their muzzles and hooked to the carts. It looked like they were more suited for horses, but beggars could not be choosers he supposed. ¡°Looks as though they are ready to go. Be good to get some air beneath my wings.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you like anything being beneath you eh?¡± Krotos stretched, standing up and pushing his haunches into the air. ¡°I suppose that''s how it is for dragons anyway.¡± The kittybird pounced to the ground, powerful hinds cushioning his fall. ¡°Course what am I going on about.¡± Krotos chirped happily. ¡°I love the sky as well.¡±


    ¡°At least that''s something we can agree on.¡±


    ¡°And that human''s have soft butts.¡±


    ¡°That they...What?¡± He smirked, watching as the playful gryphon strided towards the people packing themselves into carts. If he didn''t know any better he was almost certain the lewd gryphon had flashed him his blue balls.


    ¡°You heard me dragon.¡± The bird chuckled, lewd grin forming on his face.


    ¡°Yes, but you forget.¡± Veledar caught the gryphon with a quick trot. ¡°Gryphon''s have even softer behinds. They have all that fur to tease while doing the riding.¡±


    ¡°Awk Awk awk.. This early and we are already talking about you pounding my behind something fierce. Don''t you have more dragony things to do? Like...Set fire to something? Kiss your paladin?¡±


    ¡°Don''t you have more gryphon things to do? Besides..I already kissed my paladin for your information. Figure''d I''d inspect how my minions are doing with the people we''re helping.¡±


    ¡°Minions?¡±


    ¡°Oh right. The villains have minions. I suppose you lot are all my.¡± He tapped his claw against his chin. ¡°My companions? I hate to admit it but most of you are at least more capable than the rest of your kin.¡±


    ¡°And me?¡±


    ¡°Well..¡± Veledar looked away, twitching his tail frill. ¡°You''re not dead yet anyway.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Krotos squawked, ruffling his feathers as the people stuffed themselves into any free spot that the cart''s would allow. ¡°I think you almost insulted me!¡±


    ¡°Only slightly little kittybird. When it comes to actual adventure outside the city you....are fairly inexperienced as things go.¡± He smirked to himself when he noticed several townsfolk''s faces brighten up as he walked by. Their worry and fear being cast away with one look to his crimson scales. If it wasn''t for the threat of orcs and undead this would be a wonderful place. He opened his wings wide, wiggling his haunches as he lowered himself. He rumbled his approval as people pointed to his wings and whispered in excited hushed voices. He gasped as he felt a sudden gloved hand press to his side, a quick glance revealed his mate standing proudly, adorned in his silver armor. He even had the draconic looking helm attached to his head as his red tabard flowed in the morning breeze.


    ¡°Come now my paladin.¡± He smiled, gesturing to the soft orange sky with a tilt of his snout. ¡°Shall you accompany me to the heavens? Where the both of us belong?¡±


    ¡°But of course.¡± His mate replied, pulling himself up into the saddle without another thought.


    ¡°Did you remember to fasten your gear? I don''t want anything of yours.Or mine to fall off when we really get into the headwinds.!¡±


    ¡°Intend to be flying fast today then?¡± Arcturus chuckled, patting over all his gear.


    ¡°I always intend to do the best flying that I can do.¡± He grinned, wiggling his tail behind him. His scales clinked softly together as he felt Arcturus stir, as if itching to be once more in the sky. ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°Ready!¡±


    The man patted his scales as Veledar did a quick look round to all the expectant faces. They watched almost in utter awe as the dragon flicked his tail. He was to be their guardian, a hero to be known, and it excited him to no end. With a loud trill he sprinted, pouncing into the sky with a mighty flap of his wings. Dirt and debris kicked up under his gust as he pounded the sky, and quickly left the land of mortals behind him. He heard Navarra give the word to head out almost after, her voice nearly lost to the whistling winds that battered his snout, and the happy cheers coming from his mortal.


    ¡°Never gets old!¡±


    ¡°And it never shall!¡± Veledar roared, the man''s shout bring warmth to his bones that cast away the morning chill of the air. How magnificent they must look right now to all the gazing faces. The great red dragon rising with the sun behind him, the golden rays bringing life to his scales and his riders armor. Like some sort of avatar of light and flame they must be. Once he had gained enough altitude he reminded himself to not get too far ahead. The people below were his wards after all. With his next breath he banked a wing to enter a glide around the caravan that looked to him like it was made from numerous wooden toys. It moved along the worn stone path before them, one that might have been used for trade now being used for the safety of it''s people instead. It wound out across the hills like a serpent, rising and falling with the earth. Multicolored trees lined it most of the way, almost as if the road could not exist without them. Blue of water could be spotted with quick fly over''s. The sun''s rays sparkling off the surface and making them look like  sapphires from above.


    ¡°Always lovely up here.¡± Arcturus sighed softly as they passed a large patch of red and golden trees, that almost looked to be aflame. ¡°Course the view pales to the dragon that brought me up here....But it''s acceptable.¡±


    ¡°Oh trying to butter me up are you?¡± He grinned, peaking back to the human he knew was smiling. He shivered with the next beat of his wings, knowing in his bones how right it felt to have that armored man upon his back.  ¡°Your kind words are welcome, but they don''t repay me for the indignity of waking me up so early.¡± He snorted with twitching frills as he focused on the caravan below. ¡°You can conduct your payment later when we''re alone.¡± He rumbled, dipping his wings to descend for a brief moment of excitement before spreading his membranes into a glide with a loud whoosh as the wind caught them.


    ¡°Of course you''d say that.¡± The man chuckled, tapping the dragon''s scales with his free hand. ¡°I wasn''t trying to get my way out of your debt! I was trying to give my dragon compliments!¡± The man sighed, the warmth from his heart being shared to the dragon through his bond. It made Veledar almost want to trill as it seemed a blanket had wrapped itself around him of the warmest material. ¡°That I enjoy flying with him in the sky. Even if he had a big head.¡±


    ¡°I certainly know you do.¡± Veledar swooped over the caravan, training his eyes to the lands ahead. ¡°That goes double for my big ¡°head.¡±¡±


    ¡°And here I thought we could have a pleasing chat without you becoming a lewd thing with wings.¡± Arcturus rubbed the scales with a sigh. ¡°Thank you mate..For letting me experience this freedom with you.¡±


    ¡°No thanks are needed brave knight of mine.¡± He purred, closing his eyest, enjoying the breeze that was wrapping it''s way pleasingly around his snout and tickling his scales. ¡°It was as I said..You belong up here with me...Lost within the cerulean domain...¡± Veledar tilted his wing to spin back towards the caravan with a  rumble escaping his throat as  Arcturus held on, and the joy spread to him once more. He fought the trill that threatened to escape his maw as he focused on the words. ¡°The...sky seems more empty without you  now...and...I have never felt that way in all my years of life.¡±


    ¡°You have not lived too long when compared to other dragons.¡±


    ¡°Even so.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you feel this way? And that it isn''t another one of your exaggerated expressions my sweet dragon?¡±


    ¡°Of course I feel this way.¡± He grumbled, casting a look to his chuckling human. ¡°You can feel it in my heart can you not?¡± He stared for a moment, before Arcturus blew him a kiss with his hands. Oh how it made him want to land, snatch the human up in his claws and hold him close against him. ¡°See?¡± He smiled, looking back down to his collection of wooden toys. ¡°You feel the same.¡±


    ¡°You make a fair point dragon. Your ever sweet words bring a warmth to my heart that cannot be measured by any means.¡± He felt Arcturus smile, no doubt one that was being done warmly. ¡°I will endeavor to make sure that your flights are never empty again.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Veledar dove down, almost grazing the treetops with his claws. He released a happy trill as children from the carts pointed up with joyous cries over his crimson armor. He spied Feku among them, no doubt telling stories of his deeds while playing a soft pleasing tune on her little violin. It almost made him want to land and listen with an eager ear. Though with a sigh he reminded himself he had a job to do.


    He beat his wings, leaving the caravan almost as quickly as he had entered it. He smiled as the loud swoosh noise brought the attention of the adults, joining their young ones in adoration for their dragon guardian. He smirked as Krotos rose up to join him in the sky, the jealously almost apparent on his yellow beak.. Who wouldn''t be?''


    ¡°You''re loving this aren''t you?¡± Arcturus chuckled, ¡°By the time this little venture is done your ego will have tripled in size!¡±


    ¡°So what if I am?¡± The dragon rumbled, passing over some trees that dotted the ground. His wake cast their leaves exploding outwards to float to the grass below.


    ¡°Nothing wrong just as you......aaaaaah!¡±


    Veledar climbed higher into the sky with his next breath, more swiftly then he knew his mate expected. He felt the man hold on, cheering his praises with each mighty flap against the air.


    ¡°Should have warned me!¡± Arcturus laughed.


    ¡°Learn to better predict my movements my treasure!¡± Veledar rumbled in draconic, yet another gift shared between their bond.


    ¡°How high are we going?¡± The man''s hands placed onto his scales as he felt Arcturus clench him tighter with his thighs.


    ¡°To the clouds my mate!¡± Veledar roared, beating his wings delightfully against the air, and climbing ever higher. He dove head first into the clouds with an eager breath, the tingling sensation of water droplets wrapped around him and made his frills shiver. He burst through the white cotton ball''s other side, the white forms yielding to the mighty dragon''s wake. He tilted his wings, did a quick turn before spreading them wide into a glide. Veledar closed his eyes , letting the sun''s warmth envelop him as the wind tickled his nose.


    ¡°Veledar.¡± Arcturus'' words came softly as he touched the dragon''s scales with tender care. The touch and feeling made the dragon give a pleased rumble as he felt amazement in the human''s heart. ¡°This...This is beautiful.¡±


    Veledar cracked open an eye to to peak to the clouds that glistened in the sun''s golden rays. They dotted every which way save for several spots where the greens and browns of the ground poked through.


    ¡°You say such things each time we fly.¡± Veledar rumbled, gliding close to one of the clouds and scattering it in his wake. ¡°And I shall never tire of hearing your words....I treasure them each time.¡±


    Words were not needed as Veledar brought them around the clouds for an untold time. The company of each other all that was needed.


    ¡°Can''t stay up here for too long though.¡± The paladin sighed after a series of twists and turns that brought more cheers of happiness shared between the pair. ¡°The others will be expecting us to watch. They really do need out eyes.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you''re right.¡± Veledar grumbled, already starting his descent. ¡°All they have is a lousy gryphon to watch for them. Pales in comparison to a dragon.¡±


    ¡°Be nice to Krotos, he can be rather sweet at times.¡±


    ¡°Oh I know.¡± Veledar glided through the clouds and quickly finding the caravan below on the road. His frills twitched as their descent brought with it the cooling bite of the wind. He wished they had more moments alone like that in the sky. Where they were unburdened by duty or orders. Perhaps when all this was said and done they could just relax somewhere alone. Just he and the human to keep him company.


    ¡°Don''t fret my wonderful dragon. We can always sneak off to have time to ourselves later.¡± Arcturus patted his scales, the words at least casting off the worried thoughts.


    ¡°It''s like you know what I''m thinking my clever human. You have just the right words to turn my mood right around.¡± He spiraled downwards towards his wards. No large moving herds of beasts or scores of bandits could be seen for miles below. Just a nice pleasing view of the path ahead. ¡°I will certainly take you on that offer as I have you wrapped in my claws for the evening.¡± He rumbled, closing the distance between he and the caravan rather quickly. With his scouting completed for the moment he eyed a space away from the group as he slowed his descent. He thought of just landing among them without a care, but he didn''t want to go startling their puppies. The last thing they needed was a spooked mount that wanted to run for the hills at the sudden appearance of the fierce red dragon. He extended his hinds as they passed over the mortal''s heads, feeling Arcturus brace himself against his scales as the ground came ever closer.


    With a flap of his wings he hovered for a moment, casting up loose dirt and leaves. His gust leaving ripples in the grass, before he settled down onto the grassy clearing with a soft bump.


    ¡°Pleasant landing as always. You''re getting  better at it.¡± Arcturus beamed as Veledar held his head high at the praise.


    ¡°Course I am.¡± He chuckled, refolding his wings against his back, peaking back to the amazed mortals with his tail grazing over the grass beneath his paws. He held up his head and practically started to strut towards them. His powerful strides swiftly carrying him and his armored knight to the collection of smiling humans and wolves.


    ¡°Did you just puff your chest out?¡± Arcturus mumbled, voice almost breaking into laughter.


    Veledar did not look down but he realized he had. ¡°Looks more regal. You should try it sometimes. Makes us both look good.¡±


    ¡°You can''t really see me puff out my chest beneath the breastplate dear dragon....Wait..did you just imply that I don''t look good at times?¡±


    ¡°Grah.¡± He pawed at the ground, letting out a brief hiss. ¡°You certainly know that was not what I intended.¡±


    ¡°I know that. You are a most wonderful and caring mate.¡± Arcturus tapped the dragon''s neck.


    Veledar rumbled his approval, swishing his happily tail behind him as he returned his head back to it''s lofty position. He followed one of the carriages that past him with murmuring chatter and points to his scales.


    ¡°Oh dats jus great. Dragon''s ego is going ta swell ta da size of an island turtle!¡± Came Merlia''s loud laughing shout of from above. She was settled onto her saddle atop Krotos, who was lazily gliding over the caravan with his wings spread wide.


    ¡°You''re too late Merlia! I can see why dwarves are not known for their witty retorts!¡± He gestured to Arcturus with his neck. ¡°My mate already made the joke!¡±


    ¡°Is dat so? Well give me a minute den ya scaled baby! I''ll come up wit somethin better den dat! You can count yer tail on it!¡±


    Veledar rolled his eyes as the gryphon dipped a wing, circling above them like a silent hawk on the prowl. If Merlia was going to add more to their little game he would have to wait, as her attention went from him out to the countryside before them. With another pat from his paladin he began to walk in tandem with the caravan, stretching his wings every so often. They stayed only for a brief time so that he could rest his wings before the mistress of the sky started to whisper seductively into his senses once more. He found himself unable to resist, nudging his human and lowering himself to be mounted. With a quick trill the man did not rebuff his offer, instead climbing back up in a flash. It was like the man had the same longing for the sky''s embrace that he had. He soon carried them above the caravan, joy ever present in his head. He didn''t even mind when Krotos took position beside him with a happy chirp.


    What an odd flight we make. He had chuckled as he glided beside the happy kittybird. They traveled for hours like that across the stone tipped hills. Gryphon, dragon, and eventually Shandalar with her purple magic carpet. Together they scanned for any troubles. Thankfully they spotted nothing that could have been considered any danger for their traveling convoy. No darkened cloud to ruin their day.


    They had to divert the caravan twice. The dragon spying the upturned earth of what he had learned was buellette territory. In truth he could fight such creatures with not problem, But he wasn''t as certain he could defend the townsfolk if there were too many of the shark like reptilian creatures. So he took the safe option and plotted a path around the area. The second time was because they saw a group of wolf riding orcs, that looked to belong to the same group that they had fought before. Veledar had wanted to fly over them, issue a roar of warning and see them flee into the hills with their mount''s tails tucked between their legs. However his mortal friends had decided to clump together for a time and use a spell by the ranger to blend into the surrounding trees and brush until their orc problem had wandered off.


    Veledar stopped for quick rests thereafter, water being handed out to all the wolves who had spent the day lugging all the people and materials around. The dragon would laze around as they circled the wagons, and the mortals brought out food to snack on. He longed to hunt during these times,the urge to spread his wings and track down some deer or elk almost irresistible. But he managed with a soft grumble, pushing his head into Arcturus'' chest. He knew it would not be for too long, and any hunt would have to be rushed, and rushing only ruined it. Instead he offered his complaints with his usual dragon charm, to have his human place his fingers to the bridge of his nose with a sigh.


    The dragon refused any dried nuts or fruit. Even rejecting an offering of jerked dire rat. Thankfully it was Shandalar that came to his growling stomach''s rescue. With a casual circle motion that ended with a flick of her wrist, a large section of oddly shaped meat had appeared on the grass with a wet plop. He had sniffed it. It didn''t have any beast''s scent that he knew of, but it did have a small hint of being deer. Quick poke with his talons had revealed it lacked any bones. He looked up to the elf who just shrugged.


    ¡°It''s raw meat. Not the tastiest for a dragon. It''s this or starve I suppose.¡± She looked passed to the townsfolk, almost as if in regret. ¡°We all have to make sacrifices.¡± She shot Arcturus daggers before turning back around and taking a position near some townsfolk on a smooth stone that jutted from the grass. She pulled out the manila parchments that she had taken from the laboratory in Entis, and quickly lost herself with wandering eyes.


    Veledar offered one last grumble before dipping his head and nosing the meat before him. ¡°Arcturus?¡± He turned to the human, who was watching, munching away on trail rations.


    ¡°Yes?¡± The man, rose his water skin to take a long swig, only stopping to gasp for air.


    ¡°When we are done being heroes...¡± He narrowed his eyes at the meat summoned for him. He could already taste the weirdness it was going to give him. ¡°I want a feast. The best food and drink that we can get. I''m tired of all the summoned food that I cannot hunt. If I can''t do that, I want it to at least make my mouth water in anticipation not...¡±He stuck his tongue out in disgust. ¡°Make my stomach squirm in resistance.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± The man patted his stomach. ¡°Tire of all these rations as well. Don''t you worry.¡± He rubbed Veledar''s neck with a soft sigh. ¡°We shall get you that feast.¡±


    ¡°You better.¡± He licked the man before resting his maw inches from the undesirable looking meat. ¡°Well...here I go I suppose.¡± He parted his maw and sank his teeth into the soft, warm meat. He ripped a chunk clean from it, the taste was rather bland. The texture was like that of a sponge as he chewed. He flicked his tail in irritation as he gobbled up the rest of the summoned meal. It wouldn''t be great, but it would fight off the hunger twisting in his belly. He finished it rather quickly, wishing to just get it over with. Just another bad memory that he could forget about over pleasing drinks and a roaring campfire.


    Throughout these rests he watched the people grow silent whenever his mate would walk close. Once or twice he could see, but the frequency in which they did it was alarming. Especially the glares that would be tossed by the elder folks. With narrowed eyes they stared daggers into the human as they gave Arcturus a wide birth. Eventually the hills turned into tors, the large towering rocks of blackened stone jutting up every so often like a  sickly growth on the tapestry of green. The caravan rounded one such rock, and unpacked for the night. When he settled down around Arcturus he finally spoke about the issue wiggling beneath his scales.


    ¡°You''d think they would be friendly and all grateful.¡± He grumbled, settling his head into his mortal''s lap with a thump of his tail against the grassy clearing they had made their camp. His eyes briefly gazed out to the  the sun that was starting to make it''s way towards the horizon. The golden rays had already started to change and twist to that of orange and reds. The beams of light shifting into indigos and twisting the sky into some grand painting to behold. He curled around Arcturus with a snort. ¡°Don''t they see that you are putting your life on the line to save their little town?¡±


    ¡°Give them time....Remember..¡± Arcturus stroked the dragon''s snout. ¡°My people are not well liked here. Let these folks stir for now. We can win them over in time.¡± The man chuckled softly, running his fingers around the dragon''s eyes. ¡°Least they seem to like you. That''s got to be a very big improvement for you at least!¡±


    Veledar snorted, wrapping a forelimb around the man and stroking his side tenderly. He flicked his tail over the grass, releasing a sigh. True it was nice to have things be going this way. Not like his time in Deet at all. His snout wrinkled before he pushed himself more into the human''s gentle touch. ¡°Though when they disrespect you like this Arcturus. It is a disrespect to me as well.¡± The words left his throat with a slight growl as he kneaded the soft each beneath his claws. ¡°For you''re my companion and mate. Such things effect me just the same.¡±


    ¡°My aren''t you the protective one.¡± Arcturus pressing his hand firmly against Veledar''s snout. The dragon closes his eyes as the little sparks of pleasure made him wiggle.


    ¡°You make it hard to stay annoyed with such wonderful touches such as this. Was this your game all along?¡±


    ¡°You caught me dragon.¡± Arcturus rubbed a tad faster. ¡°I plan to subdue you with tender care. All that love stuff? Part of the long con it was.¡±


    The dragon just rose up, casting free of Arcturus'' touch and licking him across the face. ¡°If it were anyone else I might believe them. But you?¡± He licked the giggling man again for good measure. ¡°I know every little twist of your heart.¡± He stared into the human''s eyes, finding himself getting lost within those emerald spheres. He felt his frills flutter delightfully before he gave the man a brief kiss on the lips.


    ¡°So what are ya two doin dat ya look so darn cute?¡± Merlia strolled over, plopping down next to Veledar and resting up next to a wooden stump. She held an apple in one hand, a bite clearly taken out of the white flesh with sweet smelling juices dripping down her fingers.


    ¡°Nothing but  resting with my sweet paladin. Although I wouldn''t be surprised if I dropped dead from the dreadful food I was forced to endure.¡± He held a claw to his chest, looking away from the dwarf with a snort. ¡°All because someone didn''t prepare a good berry spell for me to feast upon.¡±


    ¡°Oh sorry bout dat. Dun take scale babbies when I prepare me spells in da mornin.¡± She took a bite of her fruit, a loud crunch sounding through the air. ¡°Tell ya what. I''ll be sure ta prepare it tomorrow. Only ta spare da townsfolk the list o complaints ya got brewin in dat head o yours.¡±


    He wiggled his tail, lowering his head into Arcturus'' lap with a grumble. ¡°Oh that you can be certain.¡± He sighed as Arcturus almost instantly placed tender hands to his head. Damn this human and his delightful hands. Didn''t he see he wanted to grumble and be upset? ¡°You should just prepare it every morning to appease me.¡± He closed his eyes with a grin. ¡°I am a treasure to this group after all.¡±


    ¡°Oh don''t be pushin ya words Veledar. Do I look like dat paladin whose all sweet on ya?¡± She chuckled before taking another bite. Silence filled the air as she gazed out to the now setting sun, the stars starting to spring forth in the sky. ¡°Notice how we haven''t seen any lick of dese undead? Not even a wee bit of evidence dey even here!¡±


    ¡°I say that''s a good sign isn''t it?¡± Arcturus raised a brow, his hand''s shifting to Veledar''s cheek. ¡°It''s also possible they were not that close to the town. I mean..The orcs could have been lying for all we know.¡±


    ¡°Suppose yer right. Bit disappointed it ya ask me. Was intchin ta shoot a few rounds inta their soft skulls.¡±


    Veledar sighed as his friends continued their little chat about these undead monsters. It was almost as if they were sounding concerned about it. Did they not know they had him here to handle them? Sure it would cost them a few more coins in fee, but it would be worth it. ¡°Do you just enjoy killing everything?¡± Veledar groaned, tail twitching as Arcturus'' hands shifted to tease his sensitive frills. His eyelids fluttered as bliss wrapped itself around him, and cute whines came from his snout.


    ¡°Not really killin if dey already dead right?...Destroyed?¡± The dwarf shrugged. ¡°Doesn''t matter. I want ta smash a couple of dem inta fine powder. Also might find it funny ta see some of dere rotten heads be rolling by like a few of dem tumble weeds out west.¡± She took our her flask, gulping down the contents with a reddening face and pleased sigh. She let out a loud laugh, smacking her fur covered legs.


    ¡°I didn''t think the mental image of rolling undead heads was so humorous.¡±


    Merlia''s laughter died down into chuckling as she flicked away a tear with a finger. ¡°Guess it be  an acquired taste. Her good cheer suddenly melted away into a frown as Krotos bounded by with in a flash, a bottle of red liquid clutched in his beak. ¡°Damn''t Krotos!¡± The dwarf shot up quick as lighting, face already starting to brim red. ¡°Get back here ya featherbrained, crafty, booze drinkin catbird! If ya haf ta drink from me stash at least give me some!¡± Merlia bolted off, shaking her fist at the nearly smirking gryphon. If Veledar didn''t know any better he would suspect the bird was playing some sort of game. One that he figured would end in lewd times for he and the dwarf.


    ¡°I''ve never seen her run so fast.¡± He chuckled, nosing the human between his claws. ¡°Think we can always get rid of her like that? Simply wave a bottle of wine in front of her eyes and toss it?¡±


    ¡°I don''t think it will go as you imagine. I think she would fill you with arrows at that point.¡± Arcturus'' laughter made him roll his eyes.


    ¡°Not if I take her bow back from her. That will really put a damper in her plans won''t it?¡±


    ¡°Then you would lose your archer in your little group of adventurers.¡± The man tapped his nose, almost summonsing forth a draconic sneeze.


    ¡°Her loss I suppose. I don''t think she would get far with all the orcs around without a bow to protect her.¡±


    ¡°Grah.¡± Arcturus threw his head back with a smile. ¡°You''re impossible.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He licked the man playfully, chuckling in a growly sort of way. ¡°I''m a dragon.¡± His clever statement only brought out a groan from the man''s lips. Veledar licked his own, wishing to sample ale on his tongue. To feel the dulling sensation fuzz his mind and tingle his claws. ¡°Great.¡± He snorted, settling his head into the man''s lap. ¡°Now I want some of that booze the dwarf had.¡±


    ¡°That''s the last thing we need I imagine. A drunk dragon stumbling round the camp giving away our position with his loud voice.¡±


    ¡°I seriously doubt there is enough alcohol here to get me drunk.¡± He thumped his tail as Feku led a group of children to the fires their parents had started up.


    ¡°Can you hold out until we get to the next town then? Then you can drink to your hearts content. Smash a gods damned tavern in your drunken stumbling if you need to.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn''t go that far.¡± He licked his nose, ¡°But I suppose I can wait.¡±


    ¡°Good. Thought I was going to have to fight you on this.¡±


    ¡°And we both know I''d win. Though I can be very agreeable at times.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Arcturus playfully smacked his cheek. ¡°When things go heavily in your favor.¡±


    ¡°It''s called bargaining human. You perhaps should get good at it.¡± He rumbled, nosing the man''s chest with a refolding of his wings.


    ¡°I''ll leave that sort of bargaining to you then.¡±


    They stayed like that for several moments within each other''s touch until some townsfolk came by to chat with Arcturus about the road ahead, provisions, and the foes they might face. Veledar found the talk rather droll and decided to let them be. He gave his human a departing kiss, drawing several stares from the townsfolk. Almost as if they did not expect he, a grand dragon to be in love with a simple human knight.


    Though Arcturus is nothing but simple or plain.


    He patted off to the edge of the camp, where he found Shandalar holding her hands up. The elf was swishing them through the air, thin lights of turquoise following her gentle movements as her elven ears twitched slightly in the night''s gentle breeze.  She took several steps, almost like she was doing some sort of dance as magical runes sprung into existence at her feet. From the very ground rose a large darkened stone, spreading out from her feet and circling the entire caravan in a moments notice. Veledar looked up to see that the stone had extended to at least four times his height, the same size of the tor they were camping near.


    ¡°Nice illusion.¡± He snorted, striding passed the elf to stick a talon out towards the magical barrier. His claw passed right through the well formed picture. If he had not heard or seen her cast the spell he might have thought it looked real. With a quick sniff, the stone even smelled like it had been out in the rain.


    ¡°It''s a practiced thing dragon. You could do something like this if you studied and focused your mind on things instead of drinking, joking, and being lewd.¡±


    ¡°Yes but you forget elf.¡± He turned to her with a grin. ¡°I like being lewd and all those other things...And if I studied as you say. How would I then annoy you with my ineptitude.¡± He held a claw carefully to his chest, watching a slight hint of red find it''s way to her cheeks. He chuckled internally with a flick of his tail. ¡°Besides. I believe magic works differently for dragons. You can''t exactly do what I do simply by picking up a book.¡± He held his head high, swelling his chest with a series of soft clinks. ¡°For while you imitate. I have the real thing. For dragon''s are connected to the magical plane far greater than any mortal would ever manage to be.¡± He grinned as the illusion around him started to turn transparent. He snaked his nose down with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°You look utterly bamboozled dragon.¡± She sighed, seemingly ignoring his previous words. ¡°Surely you recognize that when you disprove an illusion it becomes transparent?¡±


    ¡°Of course I know that.¡± He snapped to her, ¡°What do I look like? Some human whelp who knows nothing of magic?¡±


    ¡°Sometimes I get that impression.¡±


    ¡°Hmmpf.¡± He snapped his maw shut, fluttering his frills as he returned his head to it''s rightful position over her. ¡°I was simply putting on an act for you.¡±


    ¡°Then your acting talent is one to be applauded.¡± Shandalar strode next to him as he turned around to head back to the carts and talking townsfolk. Their wolves had settled around all of them, snouts pressed into the grass with closed eyes and slightly thumping tails. Men and woman ate away, and despite their good cheer Veledar could see the worry lingering in their eyes. Almost like this was all an act to hide the fear that was clutching at their chests. His attention was not drawn to them however, but to Feku.


    The kolbold was standing several yards away with her arms wide before a small audience of villagers and children. They stuffed their faces with assorted bread or dried meat as the little green scaled lizard seemed to be telling an exciting tale, if the gasps from the crowd were any indication.


    ¡°You will have to forgive me Crimson. We will have to continue this talk about your practicing of magic another time.¡± She gestured to Arcturus with a wave of her hand. The mortal was sitting against a cart with his nose practically in the old leather tome that Veledar had given him.


    The dragon smiled as his gift from an old paladin was getting some use after all.


    ¡°Your mate over there has more sense than you. He wanted to train some spells contained with his book there.¡±


    ¡°Which one?'' Veledar tilted his head, curiosity springing forth into his voice.


    ¡°Some aura or another. I believe it was aura of devotion?¡±


    ¡°Sounds very knightly doesn''t it.¡± He chuckled, smiling as Arcturus rose his head, waving to him with a warm smile. ¡°Well...You get along with doing that.¡± He shifted his snout to the wide armed kobold. ¡°I will be entertained by our bard.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Shandalar strode off, seemingly in a huff as he padded his way to the crowd of mortals. There was a brief bit of surprise as he settled down around them, and placed his head carefully into his claws. He curled his tail around him, sighing as Feku used small magical lights to emphasize her story.


    ¡°So it looked to be the end for our brave and heroic pirates.¡± She grinned.


    ¡°Adventurers?¡± Someone called out, making the kobolds snout wrinkle up as flashes of red appeared moments later on her emerald scales.


    ¡°Of course...That''s what I was sayings. The bird came down, it''s flames lighting up the night like you''ds never believes. It like the sun had risen again!¡± She summoned forth a small red colored  phoenix from her claws. The bird taking flight with bands of light chasing it''s wake, and lazily gliding around the children''s heads. The humans and wolven pups tried to snatch the thing out of the air, but it darted through their fingers each time. ¡°Course what happened next. None would have thought possible in a thousand years. They were visited by  queen of fairies.¡± The kobold gestured to Asterion, who was dressed in little fairy wings that jutted from his back.


    Veledar snickered as he spied a crown of multicolored flowers around the cleric''s head. The bull didn''t even seemed to be troubled as he took a forceful step towards the crowd.


    ¡°I am a fairy. The mightiest of them all.¡± The bull said flatly, banging his chest several times with a few twists of his tail.


    ¡°The bestest fairy around!¡± Feku clacked her claws together as Asterion held up his muzzle. ¡°She protected them with her magic, thanking them for their kind deeds they had shown her. Our brave adven-turers then went on to other exciting adventures.¡±


    The crowd gave a series of happy sounds, making the kobold almost faint in her delight. When asked she began to tell other stories, one after another to the enthralled mortals. One involved a swift gryphon who none could match in his speed. It was about how his travel had stopped a war from breaking out between two nations Veledar had not heard about. There was another story about a princess who fell in love with a dragon who she thought was going to kidnap her for ransom. That story made him grumble at the thought of kidnapping the mortal, but pleased how it ended. Reminded him of his time with Arcturus. He fought back a growly chuckle as he remembered grabbing the man from his airship and diving out into the nightsky. The last story was an odd one, passed down from kobold to kobold from the ages. It seemed to be a brief mention of the creation about the world. How the initial spark had been from some ancient god whose name was lost to time, and whose sorrow had been so great. The love of his father ripping apart the very realms in his agony. The kobold claimed it was this spark that the gods used to craft their own plane to hide from the demons and angels that waged war in the other realms. Veledar just snorted, rolling his eyes at how preposterous that sounded.


    The dragon just yawned as the Feku gave a final bow to the sleepy audience, before taking Asterion''s hand and letting the cleric lead her back to the fire with a large smile. Veledar pushed himself to all fours, raising his haunches with a flick of his tail as he looked out to the mostly asleep camp. Some dwindling numbers were still awake staring into the flicking flames of the campfire that seemed to dance before them. He snapped his jaws several times, fighting back his tiredness as he searched for the mortal he loved the most. It didn''t seem right to slumber without his favorite cuddling accessory anyway. Thankfully he didn''t have to look long as he slunk his way passed cart after cart till he found Arcturus and Shandalar sitting behind a wagon, staring intently into each others eyes.


    ¡°Should I be worried that my human is falling for the elf with the non existent charms?¡± He chuckled as he slipped over, curling around the pair.


    ¡°Nothing of the sort dragon.¡± The elf waved her hand, not leaving Arcturus'' gaze for a moment. ¡°Now Arcturus...Try to resist me like it says.¡±


    ¡°I am trying.¡± The man replied with a red face. ¡°It''s far harder than you seem to give it credit for.¡±


    ¡°What''s harder?¡± Veledar lowered his snout, dividing his attention between the two.


    ¡°This...Aura...I''m working on.¡± Arcturus grunted, grabbing at his knees with his fingers like he was under some sort of strain. ¡°It''s...Used to shield the user from mental charms or controls. If...I master it...I can even use it to shield my allies as well.¡±


    ¡°Ooooo.¡± Veledar crooned, pulling his head back with fluttering frills. The thought of something like that just tickled his scales in the most delightful of ways. ¡°That would certainly be a most useful skill. Just another thing to add to the list of reasons people should be jealous to have you as a mate. I simply cannot wait for some spell thrower to try and ensnare you with their spells.¡± He chuckled at what their dumbstruck expression as their charms did nothing to snare his paladin.


    Little lights wove their way around the human''s head, spiraling down his neck and twisting round his body like some brilliant serpent. Runes sprouted from the human''s feet, glowing a faint blue light. Arcturus'' face started to shift a shade of red as a vein emerged from his forehead. It was almost like he was trying to pass something, or give birth. His hands clenched tightly into fists, as his arm trembled from the sheer effort.


    ¡°How dignified you look right now Arcturus. I will try to remember to not tell this part during the tales they spin of us.¡±


    ¡°Shush....Your...snout.¡± The man''s voice came out, taught. Like the word''s themselves were quite the task to summon forth.


    ¡°You have to focus. Don''t mind whatever the dragon is talking about.¡± Shandalar''s stern voice cut them off. ¡°Now...Touch your finger to your forehead if you''d please.¡±


    As if guided by some invisible hand the human did just that.


    ¡°Gods..damnt.¡± Arcturus groaned.


    ¡°What did I tell you?¡± The elf snapped her fingers, the human''s limb going limp before returning to his side. ¡°You have to focus!¡±


    ¡°But you''re good at those spells.¡± Arcturus slumped over with a sigh. ¡°You make it really hard.¡±


    ¡°Our foes will not make it any easier..You know this..¡± She rose a brow, ¡°Ready for another round?¡± She held up her left hand, wiggling her digits almost as if she were taunting the red faced man.


    ¡°Despite my better judgment.¡± Arcturus sighed, sitting straight up and taking a deep breath. ¡°I want to get this right. Cast away wizard.¡±


    The mage once more began to weave her hands round, thin strands of white light following in the wake of her finger tips as she swished them around.


    ¡°I''m really surprised at you elf.¡± Veledar flicked his tail casually across the grass as she started to weave her magic around Arcturus.


    ¡°How so dragon?¡±


    ¡°That you haven''t put up more of a fuss about helping the town.¡± He rose a scaly ridge as he watched the anger swirl around in her eyes before fading with a calm breath.


    ¡°I did voice my protests to the paladin here if you so remember, but I was not aware extortion could be counted among the knights repertoire of skills. He insisted that if we did not that the others would follow his lead instead.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°And according to my observation he was indeed correct.¡±


    ¡°We...have to help these people..¡± Arcturus struggled to say as the lights started to swirl around his head.


    ¡°Yes, yes I am aware of our argument captain, but the fact remains. Delays could cost us in the long run. Is it prudent to stop and help every soul we meet at the detriment to ourselves? Our delay could mean the deaths of thousands more.¡± Shandalar pressed a finger to the bridge of her nose. ¡°Put is this way captain. At what point do you cut the diseased leg to save the rest of the body?¡±


    Veledar watched the struggling man, try to form the words with a red face. Small little gasps all he could muster.


    ¡°Think on it captain. I am bound by your groups decision anyway.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Scoffed the dragon, cocking his head. He hated the way her words made a twisted amount of sense, but so did his mate''s reason for helping such people. Besides when they did it would only help spread the word of his own heroic deeds. It was like all the tales told to him by his mother, or read with his brother. How was he supposed to just leave the people to die?


    ¡°Despite your blatant disregard for logic at times. You''re a dragon, and act as a force multiplier that cannot simply be exchanged for another. Our mission has a greater chance of success with your aid than without. It was why I was more then willing to wait to find you when you flew off in your huff of rage back at the Lund estate.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Veledar looked away as the unpleasant memories of that action bubbled to the surface of his mind.  He growled softly in the back of his throat. He didn''t like to remember that dark day. It was the day he found out Arcturus'' family had killed his biological mother, and robed him of a chance to know her. It was also the same day he and his mate risked never seeing each other again. ¡°But because of that choice we are stronger because of it.¡± He lowered his head, licking the struggling human across his cheek.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Arcturus gasped, unable to push the dragon away.


    ¡°I agree with Arcturus. If we just keep abandoning people there will be eventually no one left to save.¡± He punctuating his point with a thrash of his tail. Let her soak that logic into her elven head.


    She  sighed, cupping her hand and extending it to Arcturus. ¡°Of course you would side with him.¡± The magical lines began circling around his human''s head at a blinding pace. The dragon tried to follow them, but they made his head dizzy so he looked away. Once more the ground beneath Arcturus lit up with runes, this time glowing slightly stronger. The dragon tilted his head as the runes seemed to spell out the word ¡°protection¡±.


    ¡°Now captain. Touch your hand to your head if you''d be so kind.¡± Shandalar gestured with a wave of her hand.


    Arcturus squirmed, his whole body trembling. As if tiny earthquakes were beneath the skin. ¡°Grrrraaaah.¡± The man gasped, lifting his twitching limb slowly from it''s resting spot.


    Come on Arcturus....You can do this.


    ¡°Ahhhhh..Gods....Damn''t!¡± The man''s hand finally shot up to rest firmly against his short hair. Thrice damn it all.¡±


    ¡°Once again...Failure.¡± Shandalar shrugged, resting her hands into her lap. ¡°This is the twentieth fail of the evening. Are you sure you''re even trying? You seem to have had little to no progress since the first time.¡±


    ¡°I''m trying my hardest! It doesn''t come easy!¡±


    ¡°More excuses human. We will try again each night until you get this spell down.¡± She turned to Veledar with a scowl. ¡°Perhaps if you did not distractions you would have been more successful in your en devours.¡±


    That just wiggled under his scales in just the wrong way. He let out a plume of smoke towards the knife eared woman. ¡°Or my presence could have allowed him to succeed. Although I think he liked me not leaving him alone with your charming demeanor.¡± He stared into her eyes. She thought she could get away with insulting his mate? She had another thing coming.


    ¡°I''d watch that tongue dragon.¡± She stood up, clasping her hands together. ¡°I will actually be leaving you a present for the evening.¡± She brushed her onyx hair behind her.


    ¡°Gift?¡± He tilted his head to the side, looking for something that be considered as such. ¡°I don''t see or smell any gift woman. I doubt your words.¡± He looking away. ¡°What could you possibly have?¡±


    ¡°You''d be most surprised Crimson Sky.¡± The elf shot Arcturus a glare, crossing her arms as she strode passed his unmoving form. ¡°Arcturus for the duration of this spell you will follow ever order that Crimson Sky gives to you as though it were my own. Do I make myself clear?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Came the man''s forced reply, his words like a hiss.


    Veledar pulled back his head in surprise. ¡°Anything?¡± He gasped, tapping his tail as excitement built up within his scaled chest.


    ¡°Yes dragon. Now go have your fun with your paladin. Need you fresh for the journey. Do try to keep it quiet and away from the others. The last thing we need is a draconic roar of bliss to draw other things in.¡± With a final nod, Shandalar strode away as gracefully as she always did with her head held high and back straight.


    ¡°So...¡± Veledar snaked his head back, licking his lips as his eyes fell to his human mate. He stared straight into the human''s emerald spheres, a hint of worry flashing within his darkened pools. ¡°She did say you would do anything I told you to do.¡± He licked his lips as lewd images flashed in his mind of Arcturus tending to the most intimate of areas.


    ¡°Jokes on you dragon. I would already do those without some blasted spell to force me to.¡±


    With a lusty growl Veledar pulled his human away from the prying eyes and ears of those they protected. He nibbled and nipped at the enchanted man until they were safely behind a large rock covered in thick layers of moss. With gasps of pleasure he made the man tend to him with his eager hands and mouth. Weak sounds of delight escaped the dragon''s maw as his mate dutifully worshiped him with lewd sounds filling the air. With a twitching and trembling tail the huffing red closed his eyes, feeling the end bubbling up with each kiss of his love''s lips. ¡°Arcturus.¡± He groaned, eyelids fluttering as he released with a delightful groan. Not to leave his human mate unattended, the red dragon snaked his head down to help the knight reach his own wonderful end with a tender stroking of his tongue.


    ¡°Mmmmmm.¡± He twitched in the afterglow, causing another pleased rumble to escape his throat. He took a step back, a thin strand of saliva connecting himself to his human''s lips.


    ¡°Gods.¡± Arcturus gasped, wiping his mouth with his arm. ¡°That was....great.¡±


    ¡°I could tell.¡± Veledar purred, ¡°You came at the mere touch of my tongue. Is it that arousing to please me with your mouth???¡± He licked the blushing man with a pleased rumble that resonated in the air. ¡°I shall remember how voraciously you suckled down my white gold.  He snorted, gazing into the emerald eyes of his lover, smiling at the warmth being reflected in them. ¡°You swallowed every drop that I offered.¡±


    ¡°Did you like it?¡±


    ¡°Of course I did! What dragon wouldn''t love their loyal human tending to them? Worshiping their length...¡± He lewdly grinned, swishing his tail before licking the man across his flush face. He leaned into the human''s hand as it found it''s way to the base of his jaw. ¡°You even tended to my tail hole you naughty paladin.¡±


    ¡°It was the spell of course you mischievous thing you.¡± The man scratched the scales every so tenderly.


    Veledar smirked with a swish of his tail. The human had not noticed. He pressed his snout into the man''s chest.


    ¡°Whats so funny? You look as though you know a joke that has flown right over my head.¡±


    ¡°Arcturus....¡±He pulled back with a lick to graze the man''s cheek. ¡°The spell would have lasted only for the first minute or so. You kissed and made out with my tail for much longer than that.¡±


    Realization struck the man, stopping his caress for a single moment. The act of what he had submitted to do sinking in. ¡°Oh...Guess I just love doing lewd things with you I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Indeed you do.¡± He nuzzled the human tenderly. ¡°I am most welcome for your affections. I will have to get you to pleasure me in such ways some more.¡± He growled playfully, closing his eyes when Arcturus hugged around his head and pulled him closer to the man''s chest. ¡°It was very arousing to see you on your knees worshiping. It felt like you were born to pleasure dragon cock.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn''t go that far Veledar...But it was rather fun.¡± A quick kiss graced the top of his snout. ¡°I seem to be getting better at it.¡± Arcturus laughed, as his traced the dragon''s smooth scales, his delightful touch filling Veledar''s heart with such warm feelings. ¡°Your maleness and I are getting very acquainted it seems.¡±


    ¡°As you two should. It will wish to have many more meetings with you.¡± He smiled, puling his head away from that sinfully good embrace. ¡°I''m glad you are mine Umraadi. You fill each day with such joy.¡± He closed his eyes as Arcturus'' leaned forward, pressing his lips flush with the dragon''s own and slipping his tongue inside. Veledar''s breaths came out in a snort as he pushed against his human, jousting with his much smaller tongue. They stayed like that for quite some time, with stroking hands and wet smacks of their kiss before finally they let each other go with pleased gasps.


    ¡°I love you Veledar, the most wonderful dragon I have ever met.¡±


    The dragon trilled, pulling his human against him as they started back towards the campfire the moment Arcturus put his clothes back on. ¡°Love you as well my mate.¡± With a sigh they settled down around the burning fire, Veledar wrapping his limbs around the pleased human and hugging him sightly against his chest as they gazed into the flickering flames together. With a l sigh they laid their heads almost down in unison, and with the dragon wrapping them with his wings both drifted off into sleep.

 Darkened Skies Chapter 3

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


    <u> </u>


    <u>Chapter 3: Pursuit</u>


    <u> </u>


    Nivra yawned as she stretched out against the sleeping form of her black furred gryphon companion. His soft fur and feathers tickling at her senses and making her let out a groan. She had been having a wonderful dream. One that was slipping from her grasp like many grains of sand. The blurry images and pleasing sounds alluded her groggy mind. With a quick sigh she tossed it from her mind , hoping  to remember it later perhaps. Maybe when she was enjoying an afternoon snack or some other  moment which would make her stop and shout ¡°Aha!¡± like she was remembering something important.


    She cracked open her icy blue eyes, the sun''s golden rays flowing through the grey window blinds and into hey cozy little room that she had spent the night. The brilliant rays instantly had her shade her eyes and clench them shut as she buried her face into her friends white furred chest. She took a breath, his lion like smell filling her senses making her head feel fuzzy. She let out a content sigh. How relaxing it was to be pressed up against the sleeping gryphon. The steady rise and fall of his strong chest, and dull thumps of his powerful heart always brought calm whenever her mind was troubled. Each steady beat from his chest made her want to stay like this for hours scooched up close against him, maybe even a forelimb draped around her and pulling her firmly against his chest. This was not to be however  as her mind reminded her. She was on an important mission. One that could not afford to be disrupted by her cute gryphon lover. For the quest she was on could mean the very survival of her nation of Lumara. She groaned softly, pulling herself off of the wonderful bed of gryphon fur and kneading it with her fingers as her mouth parted and another yawn snaked it''s way to the waking world.


    She gazed down to the gryphon beneath her fingers, watching his white chest slowly rise and fall. The decent accompanied with a slight ruffling of his silver lined wings that were hugged up close to his body. She pushed her raven colored hair from her face as Voidwing''s little lion ears twitched with the next intake of breath.


    ¡°Come on soft paws.¡± She said softly, gently pushing the sleeping gryphon. The pet name for him flowing off the tongue as her heart beat a tad faster. Despite her words the gryphon did not wake, he did not even stir. Instead he let out a snort of air from his blacked beak lined with silver. ¡°Typical.¡± She sighed with a half hearted smirk, pushing against the gryphon a tad harder than she had. Still he did not stir, his only response was a lazy smack of his tail against the off white sheets of the large over sized bed that was typical in the town of Trost. ¡°Fine...have it your way cutewing.¡± She shifted her posture so that she was sitting straight up. She pushed herself off the bed, feet touching the wooden floor and hands instantly going to her side to fight the morning chill. She glanced back to the gryphon, his soft and warm fur begging her to return. She shook her head with a grumble and padded over to the dresser within the room, where her traveling clothes had been laid out for the day.


    She ran a finger along the worn wood, admiring the scratches and dents that surely would have some interesting stories if she had the time to listen. Her eyes were drawn to the dark purple fabric of her wool shirt. Something she had picked up to replace her Lumarian mage robes. She had needed something, and purple was her favorite color. She slipped on her shirt with little effort, grabbing her grey breeches the moment she pocked her head out the neck. She shoved her legs in one at a time, liking how they did not bite at her or make her itch. She snatched her royal purple tabard with a gold trim stitched into it, tossing it over with a shake of her head before fastening her pouch laden leather belt around her waist. She grabbed her black traveling boots, sliding the leather pair onto her feet with a sigh. She wiggled her digits inside their new home, letting out a sigh at the pleasant, familiar feeling. She grabbed the last two things laying on the dresser, a leather headband of gold and her onyx colored cloak. She slid the headband on easily, resting it above her ears before tossing the cloak around her shoulders and fastening it with a clasp.


    ¡°There.¡± She smiled, doing a slight twirl as she inspected herself from shoulders to boots. Everything appeared to look in order. She strode back over to her sleeping bundle of fur and gave him another shove, firmly stirring the gryphon. He gave a few grumbling clacks of his beak, raising his head with blinking eyes.


    ¡°Finally. You''re up.¡± She chuckled softly, ¡°Thought you might have slipped off into an eternal sleep. Almost started kissing you to wake you up!¡±


    ¡°I...¡± The gryphon snapped his head to the window, his eyes widening in realization. ¡°Overslept?¡± He bowed his head instantly, beak touching the bed. ¡°You have my deepest apologies princess. I''m so sorry I...¡± His voice cracked as she shut him up by grabbing his beak with a cup of her hand.


    ¡°It''s okay Voidy.¡± She smiled, feeling his heart start to slow through her palm. ¡°It wasn''t too bad.¡± She leaned in, kissing him on his beak. She giggled when she heard him sigh and his tail flop back and forth.


    ¡°Still though.¡± He pulled away, ¡°I should have been up long before you. It''s....My duty to protect you.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to keep acting so serious Voidy...We''re not in the castle anymore.¡± She sighed, remembering the day she had murdered her father before heading out on this quest of hers to find the red scaled dragon that had visited her lands more then once. ¡°So we need to find a lead today. So we can track that red dragon friend of ours.¡±


    ¡°Friend is he?¡± Voidwing tilted his head to the side with a raised furred brow.


    ¡°You know what I meant.¡± She sighed, kneeling on the bed and quickly snatching a rune covered tome from her leather pack. ¡°Can''t believe the dragon is able to hide from being scyed upon.¡± She opened the soft covered book with a small plop, and eyes falling to the magical runes she had inscribed on each manila page. It was to tell her how to preform each spell of her repertoire. It even described in detail how to preform each hand movement or gesture of the body. ¡°I have only heard of a few things that can stop things like that. Each one being older magic than the rest.¡± She sighed deeply, resting a hand on Voidwing''s back and giving it a few scratches of affection. ¡°I guess he doesn''t like to be spied upon.¡±


    The gryphon leaped off the bed, hinds touching the floor softly as he gave a quick chirp. The pleased sound summoning warmth to her heart as he began to stretch. His limbs cracking as Nivra pictured herself casting the spell feather fall. She mentally went over each action, reciting the phrase spell to herself. For wizards prepared their spells ahead of time. Going through the casting of each except the final trigger. This was used to complete the spell later in the day whenever she chose.


    ¡°So...¡± The gryphon ruffled his feathers with a flick of his tail, his talons dragging softly against the wood. ¡°If you can''t scry on him, how are we going to...¡±Voidwing looked away from her but she knew his concern was growing. For they had been looking for the red dragon for a month now and had no sign of him. It was as she had said. He could not be located by magic, and had been staying away from towns. Not even the random villagers or a passing merchant to confirm where the dragon was heading.  Instead she was forced to go on the blind hope that she was going on the right path. The uncertainty brought a lingering worry of doubt that hung heavy on her shoulders.


    ¡°Don''t worry.¡± Voidwing brushed up against her. The tender touch of his wing bringing a moment of calm to her troubled mind. ¡°We''ll find the dragon..in no time. We always think of something.¡±


    ¡°Never doubted it....Just..¡± She flipped a page. ¡°A matter of time until I can locate him with my abilities. Didn''t do all that training over the years for nothing after all.¡± She smiled as Voidwing nestled up beside her, coiling around her and placed his head into his forelimbs. His presence was relaxing as she went from page to page, but she couldn''t help but feel a tad guilty. After the fifth minute of her reciting her spells and him quietly lying there she said something. ¡°You know softpaws...You don''t have to sit there. You can go have breakfast or something. I still got a length of time to get these spells ready.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He said with a thump of his tail. ¡°It''s my duty to protect you remember? I can manage an hour of quiet contemplation. I''m not that impatient. So I will be staying by your side the entire time during this trip of ours.¡± He fluffed up his feathers proudly as his crown feathers extended one by one.


    She chuckled to herself, running a hand over his soft fur. It was so sweet how much he liked protecting her, and being there to ease her mind. ¡°Very well my brave gryphon. But I did warn you.¡± She thumbed another page. ¡°Hope you''re not too hungry when I finish.¡±


    ¡°Knowing you''re safe with satiate my desires for the moment.¡± The gryphon nodded, as she sighed and went back to her preparations. It took the rest of the hour to get every spell ready and swirling around in her head. It was like a small tingling sensation in the lower left of her skull. One that she had learned to block out over the years of study. One that told her she had spells begging to bubble to the surface and be let loose upon the world. She closed the tome with a slam, Voidwing''s head snapping up in surprise. ¡°Calm down Voidy.¡± She stretched, standing up with a loud stifled yawn. ¡°Only a book. Not under attack or anything.¡± She ran a hand over the tense gryphon''s flank. She felt his muscles relax the moment her hand grazed his fur.


    ¡°Heh...right of course.¡± Voidwing chuckled softly, pouncing from the bed with a rumble of need echoing from his stomach.


    ¡°So you were hungry.¡± She sighed grabbing her pack and waving for her loyal gryphon to follow her out the door and into the hallway. She snatched up her wooden staff leaning next to the door, admiring the smooth surface. It was curled and twisted into a shape that looked to be more art then weapon.


    ¡°Never said I wasn''t.¡± Voidwing chirped, shutting the door behind them as they strode down the hallway barely large enough to fit the gryphon''s size.


    ¡°You could have left.¡± She held up her hand as the stairs to the lower level came into view. ¡°And don''t give me any of that it''s your duty speak again.¡±


    ¡°So you''re learning then.¡± The gryphon laughed as they descended the stairs and took a seat in the dining room filled with wooden tables and chairs all worn with years of use.Nivra was surpsied the things were even standing up and able to support her weight. Scrapes and scratches covered the floor, some parts of the wood even having chunks missing. Wooden rafters were overhead, dangling chandeliers with mana crystals hanging within metal grasps. Through the windows streamed in the morning light, highlighting the dust wafting through the air. She sighed as a morning breeze came wafting in through an open window, bringing the scent of horses mixed with gryphons to her senses The place was filled with the chatter of the morning patrons, several where seated by the bar, sipping cups of steam curling coffee. Others gobbled away at their wooden plates, laughing away with a series of gryphons beside them.  Her stomach rumbled as she caught the scent of rok eggs being cooked. The spicy aroma snaked it''s way into her nostrils and begged to be eaten. She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. ¡°Think I know what I''m having.¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°Hello there sunshine. Thought ya two would be sleepin in.¡± Came the rough voice of the innkeeper. Nivra cracked open her eyes as the balding man came over with an apron and a smile. ¡°So what can I do for ya two?¡±


    ¡°I would simply adore some rok eggs if you have them good sir.¡± She gave him a tooth filled smile that only made him chuckle.


    ¡°You some sort of noble or somethin? Don''t usually get yer type around here.¡±


    ¡°Of...sorts.¡± She lied, looking to Voidwing, trying to steer the conversation to his food. Last thing she wanted was everyone talking about how the princess came to this little inn. ¡°What''d you want Voidy?¡±


    ¡°Same as her actually.¡± The gryphon licked his beak with a  single swipe, settling onto his haunches next to the wooden table.


    ¡°Hmm..Makes it easy for me.¡± The man smiled, tapping his forehead. ¡°Though I chuckle each time a gryphon orders eggs.¡±


    ¡°We''re not birds. So why would that bother you?¡±


    ¡°Ah yes...Well...I always thought it was always funny.¡± The man cleared his throat with a cough as they eyed him. ¡°So what brings you two  travelers to the town of Trost?¡±


    Nivra eyed the man''s warm expression. She knew that it was most likely something harmless. Small talk it was called, but despite that she could not cast out the small voice at the base of her head It whispered to her that  this man couldn''t be trusted. ¡°We...were passing through town. Looking for some friends of ours.¡±


    ¡°Friends huh? Happen to have names? Maybe I seen them round these parts.¡±


    ¡°They...are a unique bunch. Ones a big red dragon with cerulean eyes. Some have said they sparkle like sapphires.¡± She held up her hand, cupping the fingers.


    ¡°Huh.¡± The man rubbed his chin, ¡°No dragons round here...Although..¡± The innkeeper turned his head to several large gash marks in the floor. ¡°We had one this one months back now. Came in with this armored fellow...Arcturus!¡± The man snapped his fingers as realization sparkled in his amber spheres. ¡°That''s it..ya..Arcturus Lund. Well that red scaled bastard bumbled in here like a drunk! Took no more then four steps and tripped. Took out my whole damned table. Dishes went everywhere. Shoulda seen the mess-¡±


    ¡°Months ago?¡± Her voice filled with concern as she glanced to her gryphon. No sign of the dragon?¡± She felt the weight of her choice settle heavily on her shoulders. Doubt worked it''s way into her heart like a knife as the man continued to describe how the dragon sang to his patrons. ¡°So...nothing recently then?¡±


    ¡°None since.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Probably for the best. Figure if he kept at it I''d have lost the whole building in an accidental fire.¡±


    ¡°Was there anywhere else they visited before they left?¡± She sighed, crossing her hands in her lap.


    ¡°I know they visited several shops..Fetched some things with that half-elf lass they picked up...You know..You''re kind of late to go finding your friends miss.¡±


    ¡°Darn the luck.¡± She snapped her fingers in feigned defeat. ¡°Thank you for the help innkeep. I was merely interested in knowing if it was recent and all.¡±


    ¡°Though you should have seen this pair that came in the other day.¡± The man laughed, holding his sides. ¡°This dwarf lass with hair like flames, most vibrant green eyes...And a temper to boot! She and this blue gryphon fella drank so much ale I thought it was going to kill them!¡± The man held up his hands, ¡°And that''s saying something for dwarves and gryphons. Usually you..¡±He gestured to Voidwing with his neck. ¡°And dwarves can handle quite the stuff..But these two...They go up and beyond what I thought possible.¡±


    Nivra sighed, eyeing the man''s infectious smile as he went on about the two mischievous pair. She was sure there was some mention of a gryphon getting kicked in the stones over some lewd comments they made. ¡°Why on paladine''s name would I want to know about the drunk antics of a dwarf and a gryphon?¡±


    ¡°Wasn''t one of our friends a blue gryphon with teal tipped feathers?¡± Voidwing cocked his head, ¡°I believe his name was....¡±The gryphon tapped his beak with a talon. ¡°Started with a K.¡±


    ¡°Karl?¡± Nivra rose a brow. ¡°Kenneth?¡±


    Voidwing shook his head.


    ¡°Krotos?¡± The barkeep snapped his fingers.


    ¡°That''s it!¡± Voidwing chirped in joy. ¡°The bird was named Krotos!¡±


    Nivra smiled, folding her hands against the table not believing the luck. Hopefully if they had any more luck the gryphon would still be around the dragon. ¡°Did you by chance catch where those two ruffians were heading?¡±


    ¡°Sadly..no.¡± The barkeep sighed, calling back to his cook that the two patrons wanted rok eggs. He thumbed towards a blue feather sticking out of a rounded hat resting on a coat rack behind the bar. ¡°Damn lewd bird slipped that to me before making a pass at me.¡± The man chuckled, gazing long fully at the sea foam tipped feather. ¡°Flattered I was...You get that a lot when ya work with drunk gryphons.¡±


    ¡°Did you...you know.¡± Nivra giggled slightly as a red tint came to the man''s face.


    ¡°No! Just kept the feather I did. T''was pretty. Figured it look good in me hat!¡±


    Nivra eyed the blue quill, a prickle in the back of her mind insisted she needed that feather. For if she could not track the dragon. Perhaps she could track one of his traveling companions instead. It might have been a long shot, but it still might be worth trying. ¡°Would...you be willing to part with such a wonderful bit of plumage my dear sir?¡± She shifted  in her seat, putting on the sweetest face she could muster. ¡°It would look positively radiant with my things.¡±


    ¡°You want the feather?¡± The man turned to her with a confused look.


    ¡°That..is what I just said.¡± She smiled through her teeth.


    ¡°Oh...I get it..¡± The innkeeper smirked, ¡°There''s something rare about it aint it? That color of feather...I knew it!¡±


    ¡°No..Nothing of the sort my good man.¡± She swished dismissively. ¡°Just a nice looking quill it is. You know woman and all...Collecting pretty things.¡± She flashed Voidwing a smile, brushing his fur tenderly with her hand. She sighed as he leaned into her touch, and let out a soft chirp.


    ¡°Two hundred.¡± The innkeeper snapped  her attention away from her gryphon.


    ¡°Two hundred what?¡±


    ¡°Gold coins o course! What else coulda I meant?¡±


    ¡°Gold coins for a simple quill?¡± She laughed, ¡°For a mere feather? That seems utterly preposterous.¡± She made sure to cover her mouth as she began to snicker. However, to her disappointment he didn''t seem to budge.


    ¡°Course..How rude of me milady. I meant to say.¡± The man pressed his palm to the table, glaring into her eyes with a smug smile. ¡°I meant to say. Two hundred platinum.¡±


    Now the man was just being ridiculous. ¡°Two thousand gold pieces? No one has that kind of money on them.¡± She laughed into her hand. ¡°What makes you think in your wildest dream that I would actually pay for that?''


    ¡°Cause yer a noble woman I figure.¡± The man cupped his chin, leaning back as stood back up. ¡°Tell ya got coin ta spend and ya want that feather something awful. I can see it in those eyes of yours. So it''s as I said. The feather is two hundred plat. Take it or leave it.¡±


    Nivra chuckled, moving her hand from Voidwing''s face to his head, scratching behind his ears as she watched the man''s confident grin. He thought he had won of course. That she was just a woman who would pay for such an extravagant thing. ¡°You''re right innkeep. I do need that feather to find these travelers, but the price you offer is absolute madness.¡±


    ¡°Still stands.¡± He crossed his arms with a quick bob of his head.


    She sighed, taking her hands off of voidwing. She had indeed brought some coin for the adventure ahead, but she could not just go spending it all here right now. ¡°Suppose you''re right...Nothing I can..¡± She flicked her wrist, drawing a small circle in the air. Brilliant purple light flowed from her fingertips, sparking around her skin. It hung for a moment as the man''s eyes widened, transfixed by the swirling light. With the command phrase the ring moved from the air to jolt into the man''s widened eyes. The light circled his pupils with a soft purple ring. The innkeeper''s grin faded away as his jaw fell open and his arms slacked.


    ¡°Nivra.¡± Voidwing said softly, poking the innkeeper with a talon like he was a delicate flower ¡°What did you do to him?¡±


    ¡°Charm spell.¡± She patted the gryphon calmly, a smile working it''s way to her own lips. ¡°now innkeeper.¡± She said in a confident tone. ¡°I''d like that feather please if you would. It would look ever so lovely in my hair. You want to help someone like me don''t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes Maem.¡± The man replied with a monotone voice.


    ¡°Good.¡± She turned to Voidwing with a grin, whose beak was slightly parted. His apricot eyes were shifting from corner to corner of the inn, looking for any prying eyes or ears. ¡°Now be a good man and fetch it for me. I''ll even be a good sport and pay you ten gold pieces for it. More then fair despite your rudeness to me.¡± She opened up her pouch and fished out the amount of coin and set it on the table with several clinks. ¡°Sound good?¡±


    ¡°Yea it does maem.¡± The man replied, stumbling over to the coat rack to pluck the blue feather from his hat. ¡°Here we are.¡± He came back with a smile. ¡°One feather for my best friend.¡±


    ¡°Why thank you!¡± She snatched the feather from his outstretched hand. It was a dark cerulean and was soft to the touch, just as soft as Voidwing''s. It certainly looked like one from that of a gryphon. It looked like the man was telling the truth after all.  She stashed it quickly into her pouches as her gryphon flashed her another worried look. She could tell by the way his tail was flicking, despite his ability to try and hide it behind him.


    ¡°Come on Sweetpaws.¡± She stood up, pushing in her chair with a scrape. ¡°Let''s get out of here before my new friend comes to and realizes what we''ve done.¡±


    ¡°We''ve? If I recall correctly it was you that cast the spell!¡± The bird chirped, voice heightened as she simple waved to him to follow.


    Quick glance around the inn revealed that no one had seen what had happened, or at least if they had no one cared. Not a single patron rose their head to offer them even a casual glance in their direction. Save one pockmarked man  nursing an off white mug.


    ¡°At least you gave the man some coin.¡± Voidwing snorted, opening and nearly slamming the door behind her. ¡°You cheated him!¡±


    ¡°He was being quite rude Voidy.¡± She quickened her pace in the large street missing the usual coblestone. It was made of worn dirt with the hoof prints of horses, and hinds of gryphons formed into it''s surface. They started to pass shop after shop, leaving the inn far behind them as gryphon''s flew overhead with a series of joyous chirps. She curled her head to peak back to the inn with a sign designating it the gallant gryphon. She didn''t want to be around when the spell ran out shortly. She chuckled to herself as she almost expected him to come running out, red faced with a shaking fist.


    ¡°Still no excuse to cheat the man and practically steal his feather!¡± The gryphon stopped, stamping his rear hind pad against the smooth dirt and smearing it''s brown onto his white limb.


    ¡°We needed it Voidwing.¡± She sighed, turning and cupping the gryphon''s beak. ¡°He was trying to scam us out of our coin! Did you not hear the ridiculous price he put on it? Each second we waste without a clue is another that the red brute we''re after is flying away. Maybe even to get this army of dragons as we speak!¡± She ducked into a space between buildings, motioning for her bodyguard to follow. She scanned around the wooden crates that littered the area, thankful that no one was near by. She smiled when the gryphon slunk over towards her, even if the fire in his eyes didn''t fade.


    ¡°Listen Voidy if it warms your feathers I could have simply pulled the princess card on him. Would that have been better?¡±


    ¡°I...Er..¡± Voidwing squirmed as she focused on him. She chuckled at how cute he always looked when flustered. ¡°It certainly would be.¡± He swelled up his chest. ¡°If you''re to be a good queen Nivra you can''t go abusing your power just cause you have it. This sounds something your father would have-¡±


    ¡°I''m not my father.¡± She snapped, touching the surprised gryphon''s beak with a jab of a finger. He clamped his beak instantly with  clack as she ran her finger down the smooth surface. ¡°I''m...better than that man will ever be.¡± She glanced over her shoulder, actually feeling guilty that she taken the feather from that man. Curse you Voidwing. She rested a hand on the gryphon''s furred shoulder, letting out a heavy sigh. ¡°When I get back and become queen I will make sure he is compensated for his troubles.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± The gryphon nosed her with his beak, refolding his wings. ¡°Knew you had the heart.¡±


    ¡°Now, Now.¡± She pulled out the feather as she scratched under her bodyguard''s chin. ¡°I hold in my hands the feather that could very well save our kingdom Voidy.¡± She watched his eyes focus on the item clutched in her hands.


    ¡°How is a simple feather from a gryphon going to do all that?¡±


    ¡°Scrying.¡± She cut him off, retracting her hand to a disappointing coo. ¡°Don''t worry Softpaws, I can scratch you later. After we look into the only clue we have gotten. She ran a finger along the feather''s surface, brushing aside the cerulean thing. She spoke the command phrase softly, thinking to the quill''s owner and his navy blue fur, yellow beak with an orange stripe, and his teal tips that lined every part of his wings. The feather rose from her hands as if suspended by an invisible wire, the thing trembling in the air fractions of an inch at a time. It then shook, entering a rapid spin. The quill turned into a blue and teal whirlwind as the wizard watched with excited breaths. True this was only a lead, and there was no guarantee that he was with the red dragon, but this was the best one they had.


    ¡°Whats it going to-¡±


    The feather stopped almost on cue to Voidwing''s question, pointing east towards the mountains and beyond that.  the kingdom of Drendar.


    ¡°See!¡± She snapped her fingers with a smile. ¡°There! What did I tell you!¡± She snatched the feather.


    ¡°Never doubted you.¡± The bird chuckled, spreading his wings as he bounded to the street with a  wagging of his tail. The black and white gryphon lowered himself, gesturing to her with his neck. ¡°I didn''t think you''d want to stick around.¡±


    ¡°You speak truth. I knew you had an excellent brain within that feathered head of yours.¡± She smiled warmly, tapping her wonderful gryphon on his head and gently running a hand through his crown feathers. ¡°I trust you to fly swiftly?¡± She slung one leg over Voidwing, nestling onto his back with a pleased sigh.


    ¡°Of course I will! Do I do anything for you that is less then excellent?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She hugged him around the neck. ¡°You''re my perfect and wonderful Sweetpaws.¡± She quickly checked all her gear, making sure it was properly secure before tapping her staff held within her hands once. She muttered the spell softly, the wooden staff instantly shrinking to be the size of a small stick hardly any bigger than her hand. ¡°Okay...Ready.¡± She patted Voidwing''s side, the gryphon releasing a pleased chirp before testing his wings with an excited flap.


    ¡°To Drenedar then?¡± He smirked, gazing up into the bright blue sky, filled with practically flocks of gryphons darting playfully overhead.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°That would appear to be the case.¡± She held out her hand, the feather just hovering close to her palm a mere inch above it. It instantly jolted to point to where it had been pointing before, just like the needle of a compass.


    ¡°Hang tight then!¡± Voidwing cried out, bounding into the air with a loud keening cry. ¡°What about breakfast?¡± He laughed as he climbed. Bringing them high above the town in a matter of moments. He spread his wings wide into a glide as they drifted along the currents.


    ¡°I suppose we can stop for you to hunt something.¡± She peaked back to the tavern. The innkeeper rushing out into the street and giving them a rather rude gesture. ¡°This good fortune is worth the delay.¡±


    ¡°I''m...thinking fish.¡± Voidwing beat his wings against the sky, the wind making the gryphon''s fur and her clothes flutter carefree. ¡°You can cook it with some magical fire.¡±


    She held a hand to her chest, laughing as the gryphon peaked back at her with an amused smirk. ¡°You expect the princess to cook for you? I warn you gryphon, that I have burned water before.¡±


    ¡°Burned water?¡± He chuckled, dipping his wing with a joyous sound that echoed in the air. ¡°I would pay to see that.¡±


    Nivra sighed, her eyes drifting from the feather to the hills around Trost that rose and fell like waves of a stormy sea. On the horizon she could see the grey tipped mountains, and the fluffy white clouds that hung just over their tips. ¡°There.¡± She pointed to the heights. ¡°That is where our quarry lies.¡±


    Voidwing nodded and carried them towards the mountains with a pleased chirp, as they happily enjoyed the sun''s rays that warmed and enveloped them like a warm blanket.


    *


    The next month passed rather quickly as they followed the blue gryphon who traveled with the dragon they sought. They had come across several places that had been used as camp sights for the group of adventurers. In these places with empty fire pits they found large paw prints and deep claw marks on the ground. With quick kisses to her gryphon she had cheered, that their little feather had paid off. It was not long until their careful flights brought them across the hills, the buildings of Bromwhich looking like little rocks in the distance among the sea of green.


    Nivra felt her heart beast faster with each pounding of Voidwing''s wings. They had been gaining that she was certain, for gryphon''s were faster then dragons. It had been recorded numerous times in Lumarian history, and Voidwing was as fast as they came. She smiled as she would bet on him to win a race with any of his kin. ¡°You ready?¡± She asked, rubbing the gryphon''s neck. They had not been to a town in a number of days. The red dragon and his group seemingly avoiding them on their way through here.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Voidwing replied in a calm tone, beak swaying slowly as the observate bird took in their surroundings. ¡°Do you think he really came here? I don''t see any flames cackling away.¡±


    See that father? More proof that he wasn''t the monster you made him to be. ¡°Excellent. That means there is people to question about him. Maybe we can learn a thing or two before we have to have an extended chat with the red drake. Can you imagine? Traveling all this way with nothing to say? I think I''d die of embarrassment.¡±


    Voidwing didn''t reply, dipping his wings and following the current above some sparse trees as the rocks of the village rose forth into tall buildings of sturdy wood. First thing she noticed as they drew closer was the place was empty. Not an exaggerated saying one might say to a friend out of jest. Literally no one was walking the streets leading to this place. And we haven''t seen any movements save some traders on wolves. And they were giving this place a wide berth. She wrinkled her brow as a pit grew in her stomach. ¡°Careful.¡± She tapped her staff, letting it grow into it''s full size in a flash. She could feel the knot in her stomach grow, almost making her sick as her eyes drifted to the buildings. ¡°Shouldn''t there be people?¡± She mumbled, thankful for the steadying beats of the gryphon to sooth her heart. ¡°Best we land on the outskirts then. Avoid throwing ourselves into that mess.¡±


    ¡°Or we circle from above princess. Get a better look of the area before we go risking my feathers and your skin.¡± His voice became stern as his job took over.


    ¡°Then let me help your watchful eyes.¡± She whispered a quick spell, running a hand along the gryphon''s cheek. Small light blue runes appeared around the tips of her fingers. There was a brief shimmer of light as the magic transferred to the gryphon. The runes that had been on her fingers were now in the irises of his eyes.


    ¡°What''d you do?¡± Voidwing chirped, starting to make his way around the deserted town. ¡°It''s like I can see twice as good!¡±


    ¡°Little enhancement spell.¡± She said calmly, patting the excited gryphon as his head darted back and forth. ¡°Decided that your eyes could use the boost.¡±


    ¡°Thank you dearly. Can''t see anything yet...but look at that.¡± Voidwing pointed towards a large pile of what looked like burned corpses in the center of the town. It was placed right next to a cracked and shattered statue. The stone was scattered around like puzzle pieces waiting to be put back together. ¡°Looks like the pile is made from orcs.. They...are stripped of everything...¡± Voidwing wrinkled his face, sticking out his tongue in disgust. ¡°Hard to see where one of them begins and the other ends.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful.¡± She groaned, casting her eyes from the pile of death to the arrows stuck in each building, and risen stone walls from the earth. Each stone section had craters and whole parts that been broken or blown away. A battle had taken place here, that she was certain. She could even spy the  marks of dragon fire that had painted the ground black, and turned any grass into ash.


    ¡°I don''t think there will be anyone left to question.¡± Voidwing beat his wings, placing more distance between the graveyard of a town and themselves. ¡°Voidwing carried them safely through the air. The only sound filling his ears was that of his quickened heart and breaths of his fair princess.¡± The gryphon''s mumbled, carried a worried tone.


    She sighed, running a hand through his fur and kneading at his muscles. She hated to admit it, but the unease swirled within her heart like a storm. Dead orcs with no villagers? Things looked very grim indeed. Did the dragon come to burn this village? Or did he defend it against these orcs? ¡°The lovely princess stroked her gryphon''s feathers, reminding him that he was the finest warrior to protect her, and she hoped her words would sooth the troubled bird''s heart.¡±


    Voidwing chuckled as he angled a wing through the air, drifting over a building that was burned away to resemble more of a corpse than anything built by man. ¡°Thanks my lovely princess I...Needed that.¡± He flapped his wings, swooping over a grey scaled roof. ¡°So..where too next? Things don''t look in our favor for our scaled friend.¡±


    ¡°True..But why leave everything standing? I shall need answers Voidy. That way we can accurately deduce his intentions.¡± She plucked Krotos'' feather from her pouch, holding the thing in her palms as Voidwing spread his wings out into glide, the air wafting through his tips. It was so smooth that if she were to close her eyes and ignored the light wind tickling her face she might forget they were flying in the first place.


    ¡°Give me a second of time Softpaws, and we shall be back on the trail of our gryphon friend who dashed away with his band of-¡± Her words were cut short as a twang sounded through the air. A large weighted net collided with Voidwing, wrapping around the gryphon and princess quick as a flash. Nivra screamed in surprise as the gryphon she loved plummeted like a brick towards the hard earth below.


    ¡°Nivra!¡± Voidwing shouted out, struggling against the course ropes that bound them tight as a serpent''s coils.


    ¡°Got..to..¡± Nivra struggled to pull a hand free as the ground came racing towards them faster than she would have liked. She just had to..She yanked her hand free and snapped her finger. ¡°Ufte mahad!¡± She shrieked at the top of her lungs, seconds before she and her gryphon were introduced to the ground. They landed with a dull thud, lacking the sound of bones cracking or wet smacks.


    ¡°Love..that spell.¡± Voidwing gasped, straining against his binds with a frustrated squawk.


    ¡°Yea...Featherfall. Watch closely...¡± She groaned, wiggling her fingers, ¡°You''ll like this one even better.¡± She grabbed the gryphon tightly, his fur brushing against her face as she drew a square with a free hand, a strand of sparkling green energy left in her wake. ¡°Bruheld bulde¡± She uttered, a cooling sensation wrapping itself around them. Like a breeze had swept over them on a hot day. Her body wavered, the lines marking it suddenly fading away. She looked to her hand to see that it now swirled as if made of little strands of smoke. The net that bound them so tightly glided right through her form, landing at their feet with a thump. ¡°Mistform.¡± She smirked as she and the gryphon''s bodies returned to their corporeal form. She let out a long sigh as the cold was replaced with warmth, and a small wisp of mist escaped her mouth like on a cold winter''s day.


    ¡°Yup, you were right. Loved that one too.¡± Voidwing chirped, his eyes instantly going from the mage to that of the battered and broken buildings that lay before them. Silence lingered for a moment or two as motes of dust wafted along in the beams of light streaming through the blackened, charred beams that had once made up a shop for armor. The sign still was attached to it''s hinges, singed with the picture of a blue heater shield on it.¡±Now.¡± The gryphon refolded his wings, holding his onyx beak high and sniffing along the air. ¡°We find where our attackers decided to hide.¡± His tail flicked only once before he lowered his neck to sniff at the ground, like he was some sort of bloodhound from the northeastern section of Lumara. ¡°Nivra..Did you hear that?¡± His ears swiveled and twitched as he pulled his head back, his fur standing on edge.


    ¡°No.¡± She eyed the wrecked buildings, dropping to a combat stance as a piece of the ruins broke away with a loud crack, scattering up dirt into the air. She did a quick swish of her hand, summoning forth a whips of blue white electricity that grew from her hand like little crackling serpent.


    ¡°Get down!¡± Voidwing roared, wrapping her tightly around the waist with his forelimb and dragging her with a single bound. They struck the ground with a thud, his bulk not diminishing the quick flash of pain. She saw another net go flying over where they had just been. She silently thanked whatever god was listening for the wonderful ears of gryphons.


    ¡°Get dem lads!¡± Came the loud booming voice of an armored orc that came bursting out of a ruined building''s door. The chipped tusked greenskin thrust a sharpened ax towards them with malicious intent, as dust settled onto his studded leather armor that adorned his muscular frame.


    Oh darn


    From buildings came other orcs adorned as he was. Like water they burst out of doors, half ruined walls, some even crashing over a cart and leaping over the twisted and broken remains. Each one had either an ax, spear, sword, or  any other instrument of pain they could carry. She even spied one such creature with a scythe a farmer would use from the fields. They bound towards the gryphon and mage in a disorderly fashion, boots tossing up any loose debris as they roared their battle cry through the deserted streets.


    Ten


    She took a calming breath, letting the electric whip coil and twist around her fingers as Voidwing let out a keening call of warning and flaring out his silver tipped wings to protect her. The thought to leave crossed her mind in the next second as the wave of orcs advanced, but she needed answers about the dragon. These could very well be the souls they needed to get information on their scaled friend. ¡°Can''t we talk about this?¡± She asked in a polite tone, taking a position between Voidwing and the mass of orcs.


    ¡°Get da witch!¡± One orc cried out, tossing a spear towards them with a violent throw. It sailed through the air towards her, eager to taste blood with it''s sharpened head. Voidwing swerved to avoid it, smacking the thing right out of the air with a quickened strike from a claw. The spear clattered uselessly to the cobblestone.


    Why do they always pick the hard way? She sighed, lashing out at the closest warrior. The electrical whip wrapped around him. The blue white energy that was cackling around it spread to the skin of the orc. It swirled around him in a quick beautiful fashion, then instantly made his body twitch and spasm. ¡°This could have been avoided you know!¡± She retracted the whip with a crack, bounding backwards as a javelin sailed by her and crashed into the ground with a clatter. ¡°I just wanted to talk!¡±


    ¡°No talk to witches lads!¡± One orc cried out, going to slice at Voidwing with his jagged blade. The gryphon. bless his feathers was quicker than this petty rabble. He avoided the strike and ripped out the orc''s throat with his beak. Crimson rivers spurted forth from the greenskin as he stumbled backwards in a shocked daze.


    ¡°Save at least one of them!¡± Nivra cried out, pointing her staff towards another attacker. Little sparks of light danced around her skin before it collected into her wooden staff and shoot forth a bolt of brilliant lightning that hissed through the air. It passed right between two orcs, the bolt spreading out to lick at their torsos and made them do a weird stumbling dance. They slumped to the ground smoking as Voidwing sliced another orc''s head clean from his shoulders with a loud squawk.


    ¡°Come on lads! Only a witch an her little birdy!¡± Another orc shouted, his companion him punching Voidwing clear in the face. The bird stumbled and squawked in pain, smacking back the orc that struck him. Throats rang out in a battle cry once more as the mage and gryphon found themselves surrounded rather quickly as they continued their deadly dance. Nivra was forced to dodge and weave her way through the numerous clumsy strikes being swung her way. She blinded one orc with a shower of red sparks right into his eyes, tossed acid into another one''s face, anything to keep the blades being swung at her from slicing anything important.


    ¡°Come on! She''s just a small thing!¡± A orcish blade passed right passed her neck, missing the fair flesh by mere centimeters.


    No more playing around then.


    She had studied under the wizard Shandalar after all. With a small focus to her spells she could weave holes into the effects of her more powerful ones. ¡°Yolgramta¡± She shouted, forming a ball with her hands of flickering flames. She pushed it down towards the ground right at her feet. The ball struck the cobblestone and exploded with the force of a hurricane.  It roared it''s fury as it expanded outwards and enveloped the street in it''s destructing wave. The two closest orcs to her were incinerated where they stood, their bodies being reduced to nothing but blackened ash. Those further from them were lifted off the ground and flung to the ground, tumbling to a stop. This all happened while she and Voidwing remained perfectly safe, as if the spell itself weaved around them. Though she could still a slight tingling sensation that brought warmth to her skin.


    ¡°That''s the way!¡± Voidwing cheered as the clattering of their weapons stopped, and a slight ringing sounded in her ears. The smoke cleared away, to reveal the gryphon standing proudly over three orcs, all sliced to ribbons, and the gryphon''s claws dripping with their blood. ¡°Although. You should warn me! Makes me shiver in my feathers something awful each time you do that!¡± Voidwing cried, ducking as another spear was loosed from a hiding orc''s grasp. Others seemingly coming to avenge the fallen warriors that were blackened and burned at their feet.


    ¡°Don''t these ruffians give up in the slightest? Did they not just see me incinerate some of their kin?¡± She counted at least ten more sprinting up the street towards them. Their weapons held at the ready, and issuing their own battlecrys. She briefly wondered how many other of their brethren waited within this ruined town. She had many spells of course to handle the ones before her, but she had a finite number. There was no possible way she could keep this up all day. She and her gryphon had to get away, regroup. She struck an orc in the chest with her wooden staff, the tip glowing a bright white before sending the startled warrior flying back ten feet. He tossed and turned with pained grunts, eventually crashing into a wall with a groan. With the closest threat managed she slunk passed another towering orc, blinded another with her acid until she stood nearly side to side with her agile gryphon defender. His fur was ruffled in several areas, and thin red gashes lined his fur. They seemed to be mere cuts, nothing too serious that a health potion would not cure. ¡°Push them back! Quick!¡± She shouted, her gryphon nodded and slamming the orc he had been fighting with his talons. The greenskin shouted out some curses as he was tossed back onto his ass, and Nivra started chanting.


    ¡°Iizt vunded¡± She said smoothly, touching the tip of her staff with a cupped hand. Blue energy collected within her palm that tickled her senses. It felt like she was holding a ball of ice, her fingers soon starting to feel as though they were on fire. She spun round and threw the collection of energy towards the ground. It touched the cobblestone, the ball of magic splitting and shining brilliantly on the ground that made several orcs rushing towards them cover their eyes to avoid being blinded. From the impact point rose a blue wall of thick ice. It quickly grew from a small thin slab to one that was ten feet fall and stretching wide enough to cover the entire street.


    ¡°Come on!¡± Voidwing shouted over the angry cries of the orcs, as the sound of thwacks against the hardened ice filled the air. ¡°By the time they get over that wall we will be long gone!¡± The gryphon took a step, spreading his wings wide. But something was off, his leg crumpled the moment his talon touched the ground. The black and white gryphon let loose a pained. ¡°Grah.¡± before stumbling to the ground with ragged breaths.


    ¡°Voidy!¡± She shouted, nerves turning to ice as she sprang to her gryphon''s side and throwing her staff to the ground with a clatter.


    The gryphon slowly raised his beak, breaths coming hard as he closed his eyes shut from the effort.


    ¡°Whats wrong?¡± She raised her hands over his form. She spied the thin cuts from before, they didn''t look too bad. What could have him acting in such a way?


    ¡°Can''t....Move.¡± He said weakly, his voice but a whisper. It drove a needle into her heart as she cupped one of his talons in her palms.


    Not one to sit by and watch. The mage inspected his body, every inch until she found the culprit. There were a few fat darts sticking out of his flank with purple feathers. She pulled one out, the metal tip dripping a viscous purple sludge onto the stone at her feet. ¡°Found the cause Softpaws.¡± She wrinkled her brow, quickly turning the metal thing over. It was rather plain besides the feathers lining near the end.  Since when did orcs start using poison? They always prefer straight fights. She stashed the dart in her pouch, pulling free the other ones and tossing them to the ground.  ¡°Looks like a crippling poison.¡± She stroked his feathers, trying to fight off the worry pounding it''s way into her skull like a drum. She closed her eyes and focused on her breaths. Being worried wasn''t going to get them out of this. Nor would it save her gryphon from being cut and gutted from those greenskinned brutes. Just another lesson that her elvish teacher had instructed in her. For moments like this she wished she had the same emotionless outlook that they had. Would make things plenty easier...Think Nivra..


    ¡°Go round boys! Stop hacken away at the witches spells!¡± Cheers of orcs soon following that lingered in the air and made Nivra''s skin prickle.


    If only they knew just how lucky they were.


    ¡°Just go...If you can''t lift me. No sense in both of us dying here.¡± Voidwing''s tail twitched, almost as if he had wanted to flick it. His words cut into her, but made her shake her head.


    ¡°Not going to die Voidy..¡± She tapped her chin, trying to push out the victorious cries of her orcish pursuers. ¡°Just...Need the right spell is all.¡± She lowered her hand to tap the gryphon three times with a finger, mind delving from spell to spell that she had prepared earlier in the day. It came to her as she hovered over the blackened fur. ¡°Got it!¡± She exclaimed, stifling her excitement with a hand. She took a breath, preforming sequences with her hands and finally smacking the air with the flat of her hand. ¡°Don''t worry Voidwing..I got you...Would never leave you behind.¡± She pictured Voidwing the size of a cat, easily picked up to be held. She knew the gryphon would hate to be smaller, but it couldn''t be helped. His pride could be hurt if it meant being able to survive the next few minutes.


    ¡°Feels..weird..¡± Voidwing''s tail tapped the ground softly as the gryphon started to shrink. Before her eyes he was the size of a human as his breaths started to pick up, and surprise making his iris'' swell.


    ¡°Whats going on? Why is everything growing?¡±


    ¡°Not growing.¡± She plucked the now cat sized gryphon into her hands. It was rather odd to be the bigger one for a change, but she pulled the little thing against her chest softly. ¡°You got smaller Cutewing. Now hold on tight. This time it''s me who has to get us out of here.¡± She bolted off with a deep breath, one that left her lungs all tingly. Her legs carried her swiftly down the street as she heard the hollering and whooping of the orcs follow her pounding steps. To her disappointment it sounded like the rowdy bunch of thugs had seen her, or at least heard her footsteps hitting the cobblestone. She cursed to herself, repeating darn over and over again in time with her steps. She scanned every scattered stone, each burned out corpse of a building, every turned over cart missing some wheels. Anything that she hoped she could use to get away from her pursuers. She ducked under a collapsed beam, nearly tripping as her boot caught an uneven stone. Just...need a moment...to hide. She rounded a corner, the calls of orcs closing fast on her heels. She might have considered herself quick on her feet, but this...She was no trained athlete, no fighter to keep this up. She knew in the bottom of her heart she needed to find somewhere fast. If...Only I''d remembered to prepare invisibility. She sighed, already scolding herself. Though...I would have only been able to shield one of us. She leaped over a stone in the middle of the street with a loud thump. ¡°Might have helped for the the after part.¡± She felt her legs start to burn, rebelling against her constant running. Always....prepare..that god darned spell.


    ¡°Over here!¡± A voice called out as she ran passed a boarded up smithy. The anvil wooden sign was broken and splintered before the door.


    Nivra came to a screeching halt despite her better judgment. She fought the voice in her head begging her to keep running, her legs thanking her moment of rest as soreness started to creep up her thighs. She scanned the ruined place for the concerned voice, not seeing anything among the broken and beaten wood that had been covered with arrows sticking out  here and there.


    ¡°Oi I said over ''ere!¡± A woman with braided raven hair poked her head out from a crack in one of the wooden beams. ¡°Dart in here lady! The orcs don''t tend to visit this place!¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Nivra raised a brow, ignoring the sound of orcs getting ever closer.  Seconds from now it wouldn''t even matter if she decided to go in or not. They would see her and follow with snarls of victory. ¡°Gah....okay.¡± She gritted her fighting back her distrust screaming into her brain not to listen.


    ¡°Just squeeze between the bleeden cracks.¡± The woman rose a slender hand to point to a small section of wood that had a narrow pass between the planks. ¡°Hurry now, before dey catch ya!¡±


    Nivra nodded, clutching the gryphon tightly within her grasp. ¡°Hold on Voidwing.¡± She said softly, bounding to the planks and taking a deep breath. She squeezed herself between the planks, thankful that she didn''t catch anything on a loose splinter or sharpened edge. The last thing she needed was to get stuck right now in her moment of victory. It was a tight fit, but she managed it. She passed through with a heavy exhale. She got a quick flash of the darkened room only lit by the thin strands of light that leaked in through the wooden beams. Splintered tables scattered the room, mixed with rocks and things she hoped were not bodies covered in soiled sheets. The woman from before stood before her, peaking out the window with her bright yellow eyes. She must have had some sort of inhuman blood in her, since they even glowed slightly within the shaded room. She wore a loose fitting grey shirt and black breeches, a dark brown belt around her waist fitted with several pouches of worn leather. Her hands and legs were covered in dirt and soot, and appeared to not be carrying any weapon of any kind. That at least was something to be thankful for. Nivra sighed, her inner voice reminding her they still might find her here.


    We need some sort of guarantee.


    She set Voidwing down on a darkened red rug, spinning around on her heels before heading back to the small gap.


    ¡°What are ya doing miss? Are ya focken crazy?¡±The woman lowered her voice with a hiss, shooting daggers with her eyes. ¡°Ya going ta get us killed you is.¡±


    ¡°I...got a plan.¡± She replied, squeezing herself into the small wedge. She quickly thought to all her spells in the back of her mind. The magical energies begging to be released to the world. Which one to use however. Which one would guarantee that they not be found? An illusion. Her mind whispered. Something for them to keep chasing until they are good and gone. She nearly smacked her head from having to wait that long to think of it. Of course that was the answer that she needed. She positioned herself so that she could see the worn streets before her, stretching down to the small broken gate of the place. She preformed a motion with her fingers, pushing them together and quickly pulling them apart. Lights of indigo followed her movements as she focused on the spell she needed. She pictured herself running down the street in a full sprint, clutching at the gryphon she loved at  her chest. Sure enough, the moment she snapped her fingers an almost perfect copy of her sprung into existence several feet from her. She watched for a moment as her illusion self looked back towards the street in worry, dread spreading to her fake face. The fake Nivra gave a loud scream, sprinting down the street with her cape fluttering behind her.


    The mage watched for a second, squeezing herself back between the boards as the rowdy sounds of orcs sounded near by.


    ¡°Don''t let dat witch git outta here ta spook da boyz!¡± One orc cheered, pumping his fist into the air as a mob of at least twenty of the greenskin warriors stampeded down the street kicking up dust and loose stones in their wake.


    Nivra curled her lips in disgust, the smell of sweat and grime wafting into her nose and almost making her wretch .She gave them a final look before slipping back into the small room. ¡°Aaaaand done.¡± She sighed, feeling the slight tugging of her mind fading away. She knew that these chasing orcs had just witnessed her illusion fade away into the nothing the moment she had let it go. Hopefully they assumed the ¡°Witch¡± teleported away in a poof of smoke. ¡°By Paladine''s grace...Let stupidity be their strong suit.¡± She gasped as she popped back into their temporary hiding spot.


    Voidwing had returned to his normal size, scattering parts of a table every way. This was no surprise to the mage, she had switched what spell she chose to maintain. The illusion being more important to their safety than keeping her gryphon the adorable size that he was. The woman from before was crouching near the gryphon''s beak, tapping it slowly as she rubbed between his ears and ruffled his fur. She hummed to herself with closed eyes, like she was remembering some lost time.


    ¡°What are you doing to him?¡± Nivra demanded, sounding a tad more forceful than she intended as she slipped over to her gryphon in an instant.


    ¡°I was trying to diagnose what was wrong with your friend here. While at the same time trying to soothe his heart. It must be rather frightful to be frozen inside your body and have some bleedin stranger here for comfort. Besides...Looks like he''s breathin, just no other movement.¡±


    ¡°Could you step away from him woman?¡± Nivra shood her away with a wave of her hands.


    ¡°But I was only helpin him, you''d think ya be bleedin grateful!¡±


    Nivra''s eyes fell to the onyx fur of her bodyguard, rising and falling slowly. It felt like a cold hand had grabbed at her sides each second she looked to him. She sighed, running a hand along the gryphon''s beak. She noticed his eyes were locked onto her. She could see his fear, and frustration shining through them. ¡°Don''t worry Voidy.¡± She smiled, moving her hand back to scratch his cute lion ear. ¡°We''re safe..I won''t let you get hurt anymore.¡±


    ¡°What are those eyes you been given him? The ones that make ya look like a love sick pup?¡± The woman froze, a smirk growing on her face before she let out a harsh laugh. ¡°Ya like dat gryphon don''t ya? He''s your boyfriend aint he?¡±


    ¡°Is that strange to you?¡± Nivra caressed under his chin, running her fingers through his soft fur. She rose a brow to the woman. Such things were common in Lumara, she had always assumed it was like that everywhere. ¡°I love him with all my heart.¡±


    ¡°Not going ta judge you miss. Jus strange is all. Didn''t get too many gryphons round there parts. Less so of gryphons shackin up wit ladies.¡± The woman started to rifle through some of her pouches, scrunching her brow together. ¡°You two from Lumara? The place to the north with all the flying ships?¡±


    ¡°You could tell?¡± Nivra quickly checked over her robes, finding them covered in dust and dirt from her encounter with the orcs. She was certain she had removed all trace of her lineage from her clothes. How did this woman know?


    ¡°From how ya speak girl. You got an accent about ya. Jus screams that yer from that blighted place.¡± She held up her hands, ¡°Course I don''t care where ya from. People are people wherever ya go.¡± She gestured to Voidwing with a swish of her hand, resting it on his stomach. ¡°I can help ya friend here. Got a anti poison potion I can use on him....Course there is a side off for using such a thing.¡± The woman plucked out a blackened potion with the symbol of a green caduceus painted on the surface with broad strokes of a brush.


    Nivra eyed the woman''s slightly trembling hands as she stroked the gryphon''s neck, more for herself more than anyone else. She could feel her heart pumping away frantically as she traced every inch of his paralyzed body. She didn''t like taking help from this woman, her mind screaming at her to not trust her. The poison coursing through his veins could wear off in a matter of no time. She sighed as her mind told her it could last for days. How she wished she had studied the art of medicine more. Or hired a cleric to remove such things...Or a driud. She sighed, petting Voidwing. She wondered what the gryphon would say to her if he had the chance. Something about learning to trust people, not to turn down help when presented. ¡°What''s the drawback?¡± Her attention snapped  passed the woman as the sound of orcs echoed from outside the building. By the sounds of their shouts they had been rather spooked by her ¡°disappearing act.¡±


    ¡°Now it''s true dat this potion will heal this bundle of feathers for ya. He''ll even be able to move...But..¡± The woman held up a bony finger. ¡°The potion will also drain him of his strength. It will be like he spent the entire day in hard work, never stopping to rest. I would be amazed if he could even be able to go faster than a walk.¡±


    Nivra groaned. That''s not too helpful. ¡°So no flying? How does that help us? We''d be stuck here waiting for the orcs outside to find us!¡±


    The woman shifted towards them, the sound of her leathers folding filling the air with a groan. ¡°So shall I give it to him miss? You two can rest from the potion in my hut not too far from here.¡±


    ¡°Your hut? How is that possibly any safer than staying here? If you haven''t looked outside madame. There are orcs running amok out there. This town seems to be destroyed. Your little hut will provide hardly any protection at all!¡± She had to clamp a hand over her mouth, as her voice had started to rise on its own. The last thing she needed was for their hiding spot to be discovered because she couldn''t stifle her wagging tongue.


    ¡°Well..That would be true miss, but my hut has something that I''m rather fond of.¡± The woman smiled sweetly. ¡°It has an enchantment placed upon it.¡± She tapped the air with her finger. ¡°If you don''t know where it''s there, ya will pass right on by. The average person''s mind will even tell them anything is there. Generally it''s something impassible so they avoid it. Like a rock, tree, or a huge bolder to block their path.¡±


    The woman''s words sounded promising, and she was here after all. Alive and well among the destroyed town full of orcs without so much as a scratch on her. ¡°Did you cast the spell?¡±


    ¡°Guilty as charged.¡± The smiling woman crossed her arms proudly. ¡°Simple hedge mage. Use to come round here to offer some spells for harvests and such. But....Since the orcs came and ruined everything...¡± She sighed, turning her head to look at the boarded window with a saddened look. Like she was watching something she loved be torn to pieces.


    ¡°What''d they do?¡±


    ¡°Story for another time my dear. We''ve stayed too long here as it is.¡± She stood up, stretching her arms towards the ceiling. ¡°We can have this little chat back at the safety of my hut. Then I can brew you some tea, works wonders to relax. Your boyfriend here can sleep off the anti poison, and I can fill you in about what has happened here in the past days.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Nivra gazed shifted from the happy woman and that of Voidwing''s paralyzed form. It was against every instinct she had...But this woman was being helpful...And Voidwing''s inner voice told her again and again until her resistance crumbled away like a city wall. ¡°Fine..Give the potion to my Sweet paws...But before you do..What''s your name? I can''t simply call you woman can I?¡±


    ¡°You may call me Hilda.¡± The woman bowed her head, holding up the potion. ¡°You can be the one to heal him. Figure it will be better for him from the hands of those he loves rather than my bony clammy things.¡±


    Nivra nodded, grasping the glass firmly with her fingers. She could feel a slight warmth spreading from the bottles contents, like a shirt that been resting in the sun all afternoon. ¡°Names..Nivra.¡± She said, moving towards Voidwing''s beak. She watched his eyes shift to the bottle. ¡°Just a traveling mage.¡±


    ¡°That''s more common then you''d think. Ever hear the story of Jandar the traveling mage?¡±


    Nivra shrugged as she wrapped a hand around the cork stopper. ¡°Rumors is all. Stories about Drenedar are rare around Entis. She popped out the cork, a wafting line of steam slowly curling from the glasses rim. She instantly plugged her nose as the smell of something truly vile wafted into her nostrils. It smelled as though someone had left  eggs out to spoil and mixed it with rotting fish then let it sit a week or two. ¡°Good gods.¡± She gagged. ¡°What is that?¡±


    Hilda just chuckled, egging her on with a wave of her hand. ¡°Never said healing tasted or smelled good. But it will work Nivra. Your gryphon will be healed.¡±


    ¡°Sorry Voidy.¡± She said softly, opening his beak slowly. ¡°Bottoms up. You''ll thank me later.¡± She dumped the vile smelly liquid down his pink tongue and into his throat. She massaged his neck, making sure he swallowed the entire disgusting bottle.


    ¡°Grah!¡± Voidwing gasped, hacking and coughing as his body recoiled in on itself.


    Nivra couldn''t help it, it felt as though that cold hand had suddenly pulled away. Her heart swelling close to bursting. ¡°Voidwing!¡± She cried out, wrapping her arms around the gryphon''s fur and pulling her head close.


    ¡°That...That was...Vile..¡± He groaned, his white leg twitching as he trembled and clacked his beak several times. He rose a forelimb to wrap around her back, pulling her close against him with a gentle chirp. ¡°Damned poison...Shoulda seen it coming.¡± The gryphon drooped his head, ¡°I failed you.¡±


    ¡°No you didn''t Softpaws.¡± She hugged him tighter, kissing him on his onyx beak. ¡°Thank you Hilda, thank you!¡± She turned to the woman, cheek pressed to the gryphon''s face.


    Hilda just chuckled, gesturing to the door with a thumb. ¡°Your welcome dearies. But we best be off. There are still orcs running about out there. Don''t worry though. The trip wont be too far..and then. We will be safe from their grubby hands.

 Darkened Skies Chapter 4

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


    <u> </u>


    <u>Chapter 4: Shadow''s Edge</u>


    <u> </u>


    The sun''s flickering rays shown through the golden leaves of a tree''s gnarled trunk. Lyndis shielded her eyes for a moment before grabbing the golden leaf clap round her neck and whispering the words of activation. Like an egg dropped on her head, a cold sensation leaked it''s way down her spine, her skin shivering as she hung to the coarse branches below her boots. She was hunched over, gazing down to the forest floor, littered with leaves of all different colors. The dull reds, golds, browns, they all dotted every root, every bush, and reminded her of days spent rolling in them during her youth. She reached out to grab at a twisted branch, clutching the rough bark with her gloved hands and slowly with a practiced pace, moving to a higher position.


    The chatting sound of the town''s voices made her ears twitch, the caravan camped nearby a lake they had found along the way. They had been traveling for several days now at a constant pace along the hills guided by Merlia and Navarra, while Krotos and Veledar kept to the sky and watched for any signs of marauding orcs that might be out to take advantage of them. It had worked well enough, and their trip thus far been rather dull. They kept busy during breaks such as this, training and preparing for any battle that might find them.


    She ducked a branch, shifting her weight so that she would not make a sound. Thankfully nothing had been found of the undead that kept being whispered about in hushed voices around the campfires. She hated to admit it filled her with dread that threatened to grasp around her heart. She could feel that sensation creep into her thoughts, pounding away at her will. She brushed aside some leaves, head darting back and forth as she scanned the quiet little section of untamed wilds. Several blue birds flew overhead, chirping their little hearts out against the cerulean sky.


    Veledar bless his egotistical heart had been a constant source of confidence, a beacon of light in the darkness that slithered and waited for them along the road. Either because of his foolishness or his arrogance the red dragon was strutting along, or puffing out his chest, the idea that there were ravenous hordes of undead seemed little to damage his mental armor. If anything he seemed eager to test his fire, prove that he was the best hero around. She gripped the bark tighter as she heard a loud crinkle of leaves echo through the air, a sign of her quarry yet again failing in the task she had set before him.


    Krotos crept slowly along the forest floor, his head turning softly as a breeze rustled his navy fur. She watched his crown feathers extend upwards towards the sky in excitement as his tail swished behind him, scattering leaves in it''s wake. Lyndis smirked when he quickly lowered himself, pouncing to a tree with a half open beaked smile. His talons ripped into the bark as he flared out his wings.


    ¡°Aha! I got you you clever little halfer!¡± He chirped, proudly ruffling his feathers.


    She had planned for that of course, that having been her previous hiding spot. She waggled her fingers, drawing a triangle around her throat and pictured her voice springing up from beside the smug gryphon who tilted his head up at the tree''s canopy.


    ¡°You can come out now Lyndis. I won this little test! Awk Awk Awk. No shame in admitting your defeat to my talons. We can celebrate the gryphon way if you are still sour. I even guarantee you won''t be sore after....Well¡± He smirked, pressing a talon to his grey fur. ¡°At least not from the hunt.¡±


    ¡°Ya didn''t quite win yet blue boy.¡± Her voice sprang forth from a red leaf resting at the gryphon''s hinds. He jumped several feet, letting out a loud shriek before trying to recompose himself with a few clacks of his beak. ¡°And as you mounting me might sound fun fluffbutt. I am not in that tree. You''ll have to try again.¡±


    ¡°Everything fine over dere?¡± Merlia''s voice came from the nearby camp, concern dripping in her words. ¡°Did Lyndis kick ya in da eggs again?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Krotos squawked, refolding his  wings against his side. ¡°I''m fine!¡± The blue gryphon took a tentative step, his beak scanning the trees above with narrowed eyes. ¡°How is this fair if you''re under your cloak of invisibility.¡± He crouched, tail swishing playfully behind him as a look of contemplation appeared on his face. ¡°I know you''re in the treetops. Easier time to move around so you don''t crunch the leaves beneath your thunderous bootfalls.¡±


    Thunderous? She chuckled as she watched him wait for her response. He was trying to get a reaction out of her, reveal her position. Clumsy fluufbutt. ¡°You know.¡± Her words came up from a twig, almost making the gryphon leap again from the sudden sound. ¡°You''re fairly smart for  city guard. The ones that I met always seemed to be drunkards without a lick of sense. How come you only managed to be one of those things?¡± She leaped from branch to branch, her boots touching the bark ever so slightly. She grinned to herself as with proper distribution of her weight the things hardly moved. ¡°This isn''t supposed to be fair anyway gryphon. Our foes hardly will play that way...And do I look like our resident paladin?¡± She leaned against a tree behind the gryphon whose head was still looking where she had been. ¡°I won''t play fair.¡±


    ¡°So you like to play dirty eh?¡± Krotos grinned, dashing to a tree across from her and scattering up a storm of leaves. ¡°Got you!'' He exclaimed, pouncing onto the trees, the claws of his hinds ripping up a slithering root below him.  He poked his beak behind the trunk, a confused chirp sounding as his ears flicked. ¡°Damn''t.¡±


    Lyndis held up a finger, a small orb of water springing into existence at her fingertip. It was perfect in shape, with the sun sparkling off it''s surface. It rippled and undulated before her eyes. With a mere thought she guided the thing with a tingling sensation at the base of her skull. It sailed through the air, smacking Krotos right in his haunches, the gryphon let out an angry squawk as he whirled around with his ears splayed.


    His next steps were harder as his eyes narrowed. ¡°Do you know how long it will take to get that water out?¡±


    ¡°Then pay attention. Just cause I''m invisible doesn''t mean I can''t be spotted featherhead. You have to watch for a slight blur. It gives away my position.¡± She watched as his anger seemed to melt away, his expression softening before her eyes.


    ¡°You really are trying to help me.¡± He sounded surprised, the statement making her chuckle.


    ¡°Of course Krotos.¡± She jumped to another tree. ¡°I don''t really relish the idea of a pretty blue thing like yourself ending up skewered by someone sword. So I best be teachin ya the hard way, sound good?¡± She watched his yellow beak swivel round to the trees, intently taking in each scene. She thought for a moment to let him have this one, boost his confidence, but she pushed it away and summoned her green spectral hand with her next breath.


    The floating hand flew out towards the gryphon without a sound, homing right onto his tail like a  little piranha eager for it''s meal. It grabbed hold of the gryphon''s tail and yanked it firmly.


    ¡°AHHHH!¡± The bird shouted, his wings flaring out as he pranced around in shock like a spooked horse. His beak flashed as he tried to snap away at the spell.


    That''s when Lyndis chose to strike, leaping from the trees like a hunter. She spun her left hand, a thin line of magical light tracing her movements as she fell towards the gryphon. Her spell rose up to wrap around his head, an illusion of sorts to dull his sense. She kicked him in his side, causing another surprised squawk to escape his beak. He stumbled over to his side, wings unfolding unceremoniously as she quickly followed through, landing on top of him with a grin.


    ¡°Got you now featherbrains!¡± She shouted out in victory, her form slowly appearing out of thin air before him. He thrashed beneath her, griping hold of her waist with his claws. Despite his size he somehow could not fling her off of him, no matter how he spasmed or wiggled beneath her.


    ¡°How...are you this heavy? Surely you haven''t put on several hundred pounds while I wasn''t looking.¡± He gasped, his talons easily being pushed to his chest by her hands.


    She laughed as his fur ruffled something awful, and the dirt he so hated was pressed into his fur with each violent thrash. She poked his beak with a hand, earning her a few snaps in rebuttal. ¡°Surrender to me and I shall enlighten you on the how. Otherwise...¡± She gave him a mischievous smirk. ¡°I shall play this game called beak taps that the dragon was telling me about. He said that you simply adore them after you two wrestle.¡±


    ¡°You...wouldn''t dare.¡± Krotos gasped, his squirming increasing at her threat. His tail loudly smacked the ground behind her with a  dull thwacks. ¡°Graaaah! This is embarrassing,  you''re so small! You shouldn''t have spells like this...I''ve watched you!¡±


    ¡°Isn''t that the question of the day.¡± She leaned against him, as she feigned interest. She pulled out a dagger, turning the slender blade in her hand until she pointed the ornate handle towards his beak. ¡°So...beak taps then?¡±


    She watched his eyes follow the hilt, nearly going cross eyed as his struggles ceased. If she didn''t know better it looked as if he feared this more than getting kicked in his balls.


    ¡°Um...Fine!¡± He threw his head back against the ground with a pitiful whine. ¡°I surrender! Please don''t tap away at my beak.¡±


    ¡°Smart move mate.¡± She sheathed her dagger before pushing herself up and letting Krotos'' limbs free. ¡°Used a charm on you by the way. Made you think I was heavier.¡± She tapped her temple softly as his beak parted in surprise. ¡°All you had to do was think hard about it, unwind yourself from what you were experiencing. Then you would have been able to see through the spell.¡±


    The gryphon weakly flicked his tail, letting out a heavy exhale that lingered in the air. ¡°Next time then...next time I get you.¡±


    ¡°You almost did have me.¡± She laid down beside him, resting her arms behind her head as she gazed up to the cloud filled sky. The white fluffy things lazily floated on by, almost making her want to snatch them with her fingers. She had half the mind to beg the kittybird to take her to the sky so she could do as she imagined. ¡°Saw your eyes linger for a moment or two.¡± She moved a hand to rub at his furred belly, the touch earning a wiggle from the  relaxing gryph. ¡°I figure a few more days of this and you would have been able to spot me.¡±


    ¡°Though I could always lose on purpose. I do rather like you pinning me.¡± Krotos tilted his head to her with a lewd grin. He swiped his beak with a single pass of his pink tongue. ¡°You looked rather good like that...riding a gryphon.¡± She felt him hump with his hips, so she smacked him across his beak.


    ¡°Careful there blueboy. Don''t go earning yourself a couple of hatched eggs. You can make your looks and your comments. But don''t you go touching or humpin me deal?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He replied, his ears flicking as she stared daggers into his eyes.


    ¡°Okay, that''s settled then.¡± She pushed herself off of him and rolled to all fours. ¡°Would hate to have you rolling around on the ground cause I kicked your sack into you.¡± She brushed off her clothes of loose gryphon fur and dirt. ¡°Need ya in good shape for the rest of the journey.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? You need me?¡± Krotos flipped over to his paws, winking at her with a grin. It seemed the threat of getting his balls kicked wasn''t enough. ¡°Didn''t think you cared princess. What would the commoners think?¡±


    ¡°Really gryphon?¡± She laughed, resting a hand around his shoulders as they padded their way through the underbrush and back into the clearing around the lake. ¡°I go from threats to kicking you in the bleeden balls, and you back to hitting on me?¡±


    ¡°Don''t flatter yourself.¡± Krotos laughed with a chirp. ¡°I''m not hitting on you. If I was doing that there would be even more lewd suggestions. You most certainly have seen my cock by this point as well. Maybe even found yourself on the receiving end of it. I have been told I am most pleasurable when it comes to the form of hen humping.¡±


    Lyndis rolled her eyes, not knowing what she had expected from the lewd gryphon. ¡°Just keep it to your bloody self or you''ll find my boots shoved up your arse something awful. Her eyes fell to the circle of wooden carts that rested in the afternoon sun. Some townsfolk were leaned up against them, eating away at bread, nuts, or fruit that they had brought with them for the road. Concerned flashed on some of the huddled groups, but not all of them. It almost seemed to be a normal day as they chatted away, as if the world was not filled with undead monsters waiting to eat them. Children ran by to the water''s edge, slipping into the shallows and splashing each other with loud cries. Some rested like she had done with the gryphon, laid down on the ground just soaking in the sun. Her friends were scattered around the camp doing various things to occupy their time.  Shandalar was nibbling a hunk of bread as she gazed through her scrolls that she had nabbed from Entis like she was attached to the bloody things. Feku was playing a soft tune with her violin, a pleasant melody that reminded the half-elf of days without care.


    Her stomach then voiced it''s concern to her ears. She grabbed at her side, as wolves ate at her insides. ¡°All this wrestling works up an appetite.¡± She regretted her words the moment they left her mouth, the gryphon giving her a laughing chirp and a lewd grin as her reward. Sometimes she hated how he did that. She punched him playfully as she set her eyes on a cart filled with boxes of fruit. ¡°For food! What did I just finish telling you?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Krotos put a claw to his chest, ¡°Don''t know whatever you''re talking about.¡±


    Lyndis patted his soft fur with a chuckle. She brushed away some of the dirt that he seemingly had forgotten about during their little walk and exchange of words. They passed Merlia, who was holding out her bow, her dull red vest practically glowing in the sun. She knocked an arrow, shooting it into a tree that she had marked with a makeshift target of wood. The projectile of course hit where she had marked, the dwarf turning to them with a wave and a smirk.


    ¡°Well..have fun getting your hunger taken care of.¡± The gryphon gave her a wink. ¡°I have a dwarf to visit.¡±


    She gave his rump a playful smack as the gryphon scampered away with a happy chirp. ¡°I felt that Lyndis!¡± He shouted back, tossing her another wink. ¡°I shall return the favor soon enough!¡± He snaked his beak into the dwarves hands, the ranger''s fingers scratching underneath his chin and causing the gryphon to flop onto his back. Lyndis fought a giggle at the playfulness, trying to remember that he was a fierce and noble gryphon and not a housedog. She leaned up against one of the worn carts. The wood was rough beneath her hands, with many scratches and dents lining the surface. She looked out to the waters before her, sparkling in the sun''s rays. Waves lapped at the sandy shore, filling the air with their soft soothing sound.


    She unsheathed her dagger, wedging her blade into a crack and prying open one of the wooden crates with hardly any effort. She reached her hand inside, feeling around for anything that would quell the beast stirring in her stomach. She spied some dried meat stacked together in a corner, the dull red strips making her mouth water. She snatched a handful up before returning the lid with a thump. It wouldn''t be the best food she knew, but it would do for now. She stuffed them into her mouth one by one, the slightly salty flavor finding it''s way to her tongue as she happily munched away. She glanced back to Merlia as she cracked open her waterskin, pressing the opening to her lips and gulping away at the water. She considered asking the dwarf to conjure up some goodberries for the road. Those sweet tasting things would fill you for the day. She only stopped her drinking for a gasp, then quickly capping the thing and wiping her mouth. She let out a sigh as the sounds of a happy town swirled around her. She followed the pair of same bird''s from before, rising and falling over the water in a little dance. Her mind shifted to green scales without her notice, remembering her dance with the dragon she cared for. Thankfully before her mind began to think to deeply about her blackunderscaled lover, her nose twitched as the delightful sweet smell of freshly cooked biscuits caught her nose and made her mouth water. She scanned the crowd to find that Feku was holding out a wooden tray stacked with the flaky brown biscuits. Children were grabbing at them with eager hands, practically shoveling them into their faces. The rogue could not help but slip over to the little green scaled kobold.


    ¡°Hi lady Lyndis!¡± Did you want a biscuit?¡± She smiled, gesturing to the dwindling pile of bread.


    ¡°Sure.¡± She grabbed one, the warmth delighting her finger tips. ¡°How''d you know....out here?¡±


    ¡°Asterion summoned them with a boom!¡±


    Delight spread to her tongue as she took a bite, the form of the biscuit yielding for her teeth. She sighed, scanning the crowds to see the bull was showing a group how to properly wield a weapon. ¡°Well wasn''t that nice of him.¡± She noticed something was amiss with her scans, a certain dragon and paladin missing from the gathered peoples. ¡°What about Crimson and Arcturus? Have you see them?¡± She strained her eyes, watching the water for any dark shape, just in case the dragon had decided to take a swim or something. ¡°Did they sneak off for another romp?¡±


    ¡°Do you think so?¡± The kobold''s scales started to dot with little scales of amethyst as she shivered.


    Lyndis chuckled as she knew what that meant to the little lizard.


    ¡°They were splashing and bathing I think.¡± She pointed to the water with a talon. ¡°Then Crimson mentioned something about practice flying.¡±


    ¡°That could be actually something they''re doing.¡± She took another bite, gazing up to the sky. The damned red bastard knows I''m on to him. She thanked the kolbold with a pat on the head and padded her way to Asterion, who had just let his warhammer impact the earth with a dull thud, scattering some dirt beneath it''s metal head.


    ¡°Any questions?¡± The bull''s tail swished as a silence hung about his ¡°recruits¡±. They seemed to nod in response, eagerness shining in their eyes. ¡°Very good then. I expect to see you all during our next rest.¡± He waved dismissively at them. ¡°You may enjoy the rest of this one.¡± With a quick bout of thank yous all the human, wolven, and elves dashed back to their families with the next swish of his tail.


    ¡°Well look at you being all teacher like.¡± She laughed as he hefted his silver weapon into his hands. ¡°Didn''t go too rough on them did ya? Not much use they going to be if theys bleedin from their heads.¡±


    ¡°Me? Rough?¡± The cleric rose a brow as he passed her towards the carts. ¡°I was the adequate amount of forceful...Besides..¡±He snorted, ¡°The battlefield won''t be kind to them, it won''t help to coddle them like a cow.¡± He turned to her, a small smirk coming to the edge of his muzzle. ¡°Course I don''t see how you are commenting on roughness. I heard what you did to Krotos and I approve.¡±


    ¡°How is that? Didn''t think I had any viewers of our practicing.¡±


    ¡°I heard his cry from here!¡± Asterion chuckled, ¡°He sounded like a surprised hen his voice was so loud!¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± Lyndis folded her arms, chuckling as she looked to the blue gryphon whom seemed to be trying to catch Merlia who was running from him with a large smile. ¡°He''s getting better than he used to be I can give him that. He can actually track me at times, almost thought the cloak wasn''t going to work.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Asterion nodded to Nivarra who was seated around a group of smiling townsfolk. ¡°He will be stronger for the battles ahead.¡± The bull made his way over to a large brown furred wolf. The creature regarded them with a glance of it''s blue lupine eyes before returning to happily lapping the water''s edge.


    ¡°So...¡± Lyndis felt unease work it''s way into her heart as her eyes drifted from person to person. ¡°How do you think they''ll fair when we encounter the undead?¡±


    ¡°Poorly.¡± The bull''s words came flatly as he rifled through the pouches on the wolves back. ¡°Course not everyone can stand up to foes such as those. In a way they are the perfect tools at times.¡±


    ¡°Perfect?¡± Lyndis scoffed, taking a bite of her biscuit.


    ¡°They never tire in the field of battle. Obey orders without question, and show no mercy or remorse.¡± He gently touched the wolf, running his fingers through the course fur. ¡°No fear to grip their hearts. It is something that should be respected by all others.¡±


    ¡°Have..you fought them before?¡± She rose a brow, watching as his arm suddenly froze. His gaze lingering on the fur before him like it was vastly important. ¡°You sound like you got bleedin experience in the matter.¡±


    ¡°Once or twice in my lifetime.¡± Asterion pulled his hand back softly, clenching it into a fist. ¡°Each time was a great harrowing battle. Those that survived were exhausted and close to collapsing. I remember smashing aside them like rag dolls, cracking skulls like brittle glass.¡± The bull closed his eyes, his body visibly trembling before her.


    ¡°Sounds bloody terrible if you ask me. An enemy you can''t trick your way out of? No thank you.¡±


    ¡°Just different type of tricks could be used.¡± The cleric tapped his temple slowly.


    She shifted her weight to her back leg, ¡°I suppose you could use misdirection with sounds, sight might not work on the bastards.¡± She tapped her chin as Shandalar started shouting to the others to pick up their things.


    ¡°We have tarred long enough! Pack your things and prepare to head out. Unless you wish to be caught by the orcs!¡± The elf shouted, the good cheer melting away like a wax candle set to flame.


    Lyndis gave her a withering glance, ¡°Think she owns the place the way she''s bossing everyone around.¡± She grabbed a crate, placing it back into one of the carts with a thud.


    ¡°Yes but she has been a good warrior thus far. Her spells have tipped battles in our favor or provided a chance where none existed.¡± The bull placed a sack beside her crate with a bump. ¡°She has not disappointed me thus far.¡±


    ¡°What does disappoint you cleric?¡± She chuckled, eyeing his coy expression. ¡°I''ve seen you praise most everyone on the field of battle in some fashion. To you it seems everyone is a focken warrior.¡±


    ¡°But it''s in a way true. You all have your own crafts. Each one working in tandem with the other. A poor army can''t adapt to situations. We on the other hand have enough variety to match all that has risen against us.¡±


    ¡°And a dragon.¡±


    ¡°That too.¡± Snorted the bull, pulling himself up onto the saddle of his wolf.


    As if on cue came the sound of a loud swoosh as Veledar glided overhead. Several people pointed up with smiles as the dragon''s crimson scales came into view. Arcturus was on his back with a cheer as Veledar circled around the caravan with a dipped wing. Lyndis rolled her eyes as the praise would not help the dragon''s smugness. The red drake landed softly, his limbs hardly making a sound as dirt scattered in all directions.


    ¡°What did we miss?¡± Veledar smiled, glancing to the packing mortals. His eyes brightened as his frills fluttered every so slightly back and forth.


    ¡°Everything it seems. It''s already time to go.¡± She laughed, flinging herself up onto a grey wolve''s back. The one she had been riding thus far. ¡°Guess you two had your fun?¡± She laughed when Arcturus'' eyes met hers and he blushed. ¡°Figure you smell like the dragon again?¡±


    ¡°Oh please.¡± The red dragon slunk around her, raising his head and swelling his chest. ¡°We went off for a flight around looking for this next village of yours. We got some practice  flying together. I have heard you need that sort of thing to be the best.¡±


    She met his eyes, a smirk growing on the edge of his snout. She knew his words could be true, but she had a gut feeling. Something she couldn''t shake that he was hiding something. ¡°That could be true dragon, but I bet you did something. Arcturus back there is turning as red as your scales.¡±


    ¡°Is that so wrong?¡± Veledar chuckled, curling his tail. ¡°I think we deserved a break. So what if I sheathed myself in my mate? I can tell you that he loves being tied to my knot.¡±


    ¡°Veledar...it''s probably not best to-¡± Arcturus stammered, face  bright as a cooked lobster at this point.


    ¡°What?¡± The dragon turned his head, cutting the man''s voice off with a lick. ¡°You''re very good at tending to me. I am left trembling as I orgasm into you!¡±


    Arcturus sighed, petting the dragon''s snout as Lyndis burst out laughing. She held her sides as tears almost sprouted forth from her eyes. ¡°Oh dragon.¡± She gasped. ¡°Your openness astonishes me sometimes.¡± She pulled herself up, wiping her eyes with her sleeve, and tossed Arcturus a wink. ¡°Almost makes me long for Cordenth myself.¡±


    ¡°Wait...¡± Veledar snapped his snout to her as the wolves dragging carts began to move out with a dull roar of chatter. ¡°You and the green one...¡± He paused, tail swishing behind him and almost hitting a wolf in the snout. ¡°Mated?¡±


    She pressed her thighs together, her wolf started to trot down the road they had been following. ¡°Yup! Even was turned into a bleedin dragon for it. Thank the emerald lady for that little gem.¡±


    The red followed her in silence, keeping pace with the wolf as Krotos bounded passed them, easily climbing his way back into the sky above them. The gryphon flashed her a wink and she gave him a wave before he took position high above them with spread wings.  ¡°Guess you should be getting back to the sky with your friend up there?¡±


    ¡°I suppose...But I just landed.¡± Veledar groaned, earning him a brushing of his scales by Arcturus'' touch.


    ¡°Ah but what about all the people that are counting on us o glorious dragon of mine. Thought you loved the sky?


    ¡°Yes....¡± Veledar purred, swishing his tail back and forth behind him.


    ¡°And think about them..How they count on your greatness to see us safely through these dangerous lands. Quite the heroic and brave thing to do is it not?¡±


    ¡°I suppose.¡± The dragon sighed, lowering himself with closed eyes. ¡°You''re just as seducing as the sky my mate.¡± The dragon stretched his tail, sprinting off, unfolding his wings and bounding into the sky. ¡°We will tend to that later!¡±


    Lyndis watched them ascend to the sky with great flaps of the dragon''s wings, and a chorus of chatter of people all too thrilled to watch their dragon fly. She caressed the green scale around her neck. She rubbed the smooth surface, a small ache stirring in her heart as she pictured the dragon''s scaled form curled up around her. Please be alright greenscales. She took a relaxing breath before willing her wolf to the front, taking a place right beside Asterion''s own as they lead the caravan out of the clearing and back to the uneven countryside before them.


    *A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    They followed along the winding path, a darkened stream before the rising and falling green earth. Towering trees dotted every hill that they passed, pillars of leaves and bark that reached three times Veledar''s height. Mountains could be seen in the distance, topped with white broken up by grey and brown stone and dirt. Clouds drifted carefree around them all, dark greys and whites mixed together into a blend of comfort. The wolves did not protest as their paws carried them and the caravan along at a steady pace. Krotos and Veledar soared overhead, like silent guardians of fur and scale. They would drift and dart along the sky, almost like they were dancing with the clouded expanse before them. She knew they were keeping watch during this time but it was not hard to imagine they were having fun with it as well. During the twilight hours they would head off to the side of the road, with illusions cast to shield them from prying eyes. Mornings would be filled with meditating for spells, during these moments of reflection she would pray to the gods to keep them safe, while her thoughts would go to the green scale clutched in her fingers. It was during these fleeting moments she could almost feel his presence lingering over her shoulder. His pine scent wafting to her nose, making her spine shiver, longing for his touch. She would finish up, eat breakfast, and listen to the bickering of their paladin and dragon. It usually was about waking up too early, or walking too much. There was even one morning he had plopped a dead bird at the paladin''s feet, getting some blood accidentally on the man''s parchment. She had laughed at that one, the red drake going on about how a caring mate he was, and how Arcturus should be proud he was able to provide him ¡°Real¡± food. As the days passed she found herself riding beside Asterion. The bull now wore a straw hat. Something else Feku had made for him during one rest. He looked kind of silly with the straw thing on his head, but he didn''t seem to mind. The kobold would smile and turn green every time he wore it proudly.


    Along the way she had inquired more to Nivarra about what had happened with their town. Why they had been left to fend against the orcs. Where were her mother and father after all? Where were all the armies that should have been able to defend from such things as this and undead? The mere thought of what could be going on made her worry something awful,  cold gripped at her each time she lingered on it for too long. The woman had little answers to give her unfortunately. Just that the army had pulled back quite some time ago. Saying the land now belonged to Lumara after all this time. The town had decided to stay of course, it was their home. So despite the threat of bandits or mercenaries they had stayed.


    The journey had taken at least a total of five days until the road wound round the edge of a mountain, the great rocky thing towering over them. She was at the head of the pack, smile on her face talking to Asterion about combat stances when Veledar came flying to land before her. His usual smug snout was filled with uncertainty. The dragon didn''t even seem to want to look her in the eye as he trotted to her, refolding his wings against his back.


    ¡°We...have a problem.¡± The dragon lowered his head, his voice filled with uncertainty.


    Lyndis rose a brow, looking to Arcturus for maybe a different attitude, but the man wore a face similar to his dragon. His eyes filled with concern. ¡°Well..what''s the problem?¡± She crossed her arms, caravan behind her coming to a mumbling stop.


    ¡°The town...Stathmore¡± Arcturus coughed, ¡°Is gone.¡±


    ¡°Gone. What the hell do you mean gone?¡± She spread out her arms. ¡°You can''t just make a town gone.¡±


    ¡°Dead...I should have said...Everyone in the town is dead.¡±


    The paladin''s words felt as though a weight had suddenly pressed down on her shoulders. Her fire within suddenly fading. ¡°Oh.¡± She said softly, her hands lowering to rest on the saddle of her wolf. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Looks as though...The undead got to them. Burned buildings, corpses everywhere. Saw some walking around. Nothing rests for us there but death.¡±


    ¡°I...wanted to fly around and torch some of the blighters, but Arcturus here insisted we come back to give you the information.¡± The dragon growled, dragging a claw in the dirt.


    She motioned for her wolf to get closer, raising her hands to caress and pat the red''s face.  His warm scales bringing a moment of clarity to her troubled mind as things seemed to be spiraling out of control. Questions bombarded her senses from every angle. What they were going to do, what about supplies, how was she going to keep them safe? Each one made her want to go run and hide, but the dragon''s scales prevented that. Despite the rising cold in her chest she needed to see it. She needed to bear witness to what these monsters were doing to her people. ¡°Veledar.¡± She said softly, looking to Arcturus. She could see the pity on his face, no doubt her inner emotions shining through her eyes. ¡°Arcturus.¡± She rested her forehead to Veledar''s scales, closing her eyes. ¡°I need to see what happened. Please....¡± She pulled back, gazing into the red''s cerulean eyes. ¡°Can you take me there?¡±


    Veledar nodded with a swish of his tail, ¡°I can do that princess.¡± He gave her a lick, as if to quell her rising concern. It helped but did not cast away the cold. ¡°Hold up here!¡± She shouted back to the crowd of increasingly worried people. Their faces were filled with doubt, fear, and worry that made her heart squeeze. ¡°We''re going to scout the town ahead. We think undead may have gotten to them!¡±


    Murmurs of concern rose through the people like wildfire, some cries of doom soon came after. It was a shout from Nivarra that silenced them. Telling them to wait and see what to do next. Cries and moaning was not going to do them any good. It seemed to work as Lyndis picked herself up Veledar''s scales and settled down behind Arcturus.


    ¡°Keep them from from doing anything stupid Nivarra!¡± She shouted as her red friend beat his wings and carried them into the sky. She gripped Arcturus tighter as she adjusted to Veledar''s wings. It had been quite some time since she had ridden with him, and she could feel the excitement rising in her chest. Course it was quickly dashed as they rounded the mountain with a tilt of the dragon''s wings. The blackened buildings of Stathmore appearing among the rising hills. Like a blemish on a painting the town still stood. Where once pristine wooden buildings stood from the earth, now were charred and burned. Each structure was almost reduced to ruin, beams hung on for dear life as ash littered the streets. Spikes of sharpened wood lined every street, alleyway, jutted into the ground with such force as to crack the cobblestone. Upon each pillar was a head or torso put on grisly display. Dried blood clung to the surface like clay. Hordes of flies descended upon the place like a buzzing storm. Crows flew from each rooftop to pick away at the mangled corpses that covered the ground, some of them moving.


    She felt her hands move to her mouth as she saw people walking the streets, but on closer look she felt horror grip at her heart. For they shambled and stumbled with dragging feet, heads at odd angles and limbs that were completely missing. She swerved her head, seeing skeletons marching along them, clenching weapons of different kinds within their bony claws. The center of town contained wooden tables smeared with dull red gore, where body parts were being collected into a large pile horrific death. Among these tables were a collection of robed figures cutting and stitching together different limbs to create  unholy abominations of mangled flesh.


    ¡°They''re....all.¡± the words caught in her throat as she hugged at her aching sides. The questions from before came back in full force, pounding against the inside of her skull. She pulled Arcturus closer as she thanked the gods she was so far away and didn''t have to smell the twisted scent of her dead people lingering on the air. How could her parents allow something like this to happen? It had never been this bad before in her years of life. She shivered against the armored man as silence wrapped around them, the only sound being Veledar''s wings as the dragon hovered in the air.


    ¡°Lyndis.¡± His words came softly, a light within the darkness. ¡°We...will have to find somewhere else to go..Nothing waits for us here.¡±


    She cracked open her eyes to the undead laden streets. There were so many that filled the place, part of her wanted to ride in there atop their dragon and burn the shambling things from their hiding places. Watch their twisted forms wither and burn away to ash in the face of the brilliant red-orange flames. Then she spied the archers, the launchers, the towering giant that dwarfed the ruined buildings as it walked. An attack would cost them, survival was the answer in the face of such destruction.


    ¡°You''re right.¡± She sighed heavily, wiping her misting eyes as a breeze wrapped around them. ¡°Can''t just sit around here waiting for the bleedin end to come right? Veledar?¡± She swallowed down the knot in her throat. ¡°Can you take us back to the others? We need to form a plan.¡±


    Even the red must have understood the seriousness of what was going on. For he offered no words of teasing to her, or challenge of her request. He simple nodded, angled his wings and turned around to head back to the caravan below. He extended his hinds as they neared the group, flapping his wings in a mighty back wing to slow his descent. He landed with a bumpy trot upon the path, and she leaped off of him the moment he slowed down. She saw the townsfolk follow Nivarra''s gaze, waiting for her answer to leave her lips. She hesitated in the face of such responsibility, but she took a deep breath and sighed.


    ¡°It''s gone..Stathhome is nothing more than an undead hovel now. We need to find a way around.¡±


    Navarra nodded in an eriee calm as another round of gasps and cries came from the people.


    ¡°What are we doing even following the bloody halfer? She''s lead us to our deaths!¡± Shouted a wrinkly old man from the crowd holding a cane.


    ¡°I think someone else should be in charge!¡± Yelled a pockfaced woman wearing an offwhite dress.


    ¡°Well then who smart pants?¡±


    ¡°How about yer ole gran? She was good at makin decisions!¡±


    She was going to shout her counter to the people, but Veledar got their first. The dragon let out a earsplitting roar that lasted for a minute, making sure that everyone clutched at their ears and silenced their squabbling.


    ¡°Yes your little town is gone and destroyed, but we are not dead yet.¡± The dragon snorted, flicking his tail behind him. ¡°We simply find another town to seek shelter.¡± He snaked his head to give Lyndis a peak with an eye. ¡°Right Lyndis?¡±


    She caressed his cheek with a smile, once more thankful for his presence. ¡°Of course.¡± She turned to the town, and shouted. ¡°The dragon of course speaks truth. That is our only course of action!¡±


    ¡°Why not just turn round and head back?¡± Shouted the woman from before, she ducked behind a cart away from the dragon whose eye burned with cerulean fire.


    ¡°And into the orcs? That seems like a good idea! Just like your thought to put your ole gran in charge!¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Lyndis shouted, silencing their babbling. ¡°It may not be the ideal situation but that''s what we are faced with. We have undead monsters in front of us, an orcish horde behind us.¡± She snapped to Merlia, gesturing her to come over. ¡°We need to see a map.¡±


    ¡°Aye lass, anyway to get dis bunch to stop belly aching.¡± The dwarf led her to a cart, spreading out a large parchment of the surrounding area. Lyndis spied the little symbols for river, triangles for mountains. She followed one of the roads passed Bromwhich with her finger, tracing the way to Stathome.


    ¡°You''ll be looking for Roselake.¡± Nivarra strode over, rubbing her hands along a brown cloth. ¡°That''s the next place I heard was makin a stand.¡±


    ¡°How do we know about that?¡± She sighed, following the thick line to a large dot with the town''s name. ¡°Could be swallowed up by the undead for all we know. We could be actually leading these people to their deaths.¡± Once more she felt the weight of her choices weigh heavily on her shoulders, and she was left asking why her people''s armies were not there. How could they leave them to the undead?


    ¡°I heard that''s where a large group of sapphire guardians were being held up.¡±


    ¡°Saphire whoosits?¡± Merlia chuckled. ¡°How are a bunch of miners going ta help us lass?¡±


    ¡°Not miners.¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°They were a group that formed to replace the army that left us dwarf. Were called out from Struport they were. Everyone that didn''t want to leave their homes.¡± The woman pointed to the forest that lined the thick line labeled. ¡°Beggers pass.¡± There''s the forest of Yarhurst along here that can be used apart from the main road. It used to be the main road, until this one was built.¡±


    ¡°What''s wrong with it? If they used the new one instead?¡± Lyndis looked up to her murmuring people.


    ¡°Giant spiders were said to roam the forest, attacked convoys with too few people. Folks didn''t tend to like that.¡±


    ¡°Spiders?¡± Merlia wrinkled her brow, shooting Lyndis a stare as sharp as her arrows. ¡°Oh lass..please don''t tell me...¡±


    She tapped the map, ¡°Giant spiders? I''ve seen the dragon rip dozens to shreds with his talons. We got enough swords, spells, and rifles to handle any of those things.¡± She gave the dwarf a smile, who seemed to be turning red faced as she spoke. ¡°Better than undead in my book.¡±


    ¡°Speak for yerself lass.¡±


    ¡°Just hide behind Crimson. I''m sure he would love to be the big hero for the dwarf scared of spiders.¡±


    ¡°Dun push yer luck lass.¡± Merlia grumbled, ¡°How about the thick trees? How will we scout out from above?¡±


    She met the dwarf''s steady gaze, a moment passing as she wracked her brain for the answer. She knew that was going to be the problem, but going off the main pass would surely help right? ¡°I think we can manage it correctly. Just cause its a thick foliage doesn''t mean we can''t have a scout above right? Just be a bit harder for them to come and go through the canopy.¡±


    ¡°I bet da gryphon will love ya somethin awful.¡± Merlia wandered off towards the blue feathered bird who had just landed among the crowd with a feather ruffling chirp.


    ¡°She going to be alright?¡± Nivarra tilted her head as Merlia cupped the gryphon''s chin. The bird''s ears pinned back against his head as she told him the new plan.


    ¡°She will come around. She hates spiders...But I don''t think that will really stop her. If I had to guess it will only make her want to kill them more.¡±


    Her eyes fell to the horizon out before her. She lost herself with the clouds for a moment, only Veledar and Arcturus'' steps breaking her out of her trance. ¡°So..how does the plan sound? Go along the trees?¡± She spun around, thankful that her friends didn''t wear the same worry of those around them. If anything they looked at peace despite the bad news of the hour and this sudden change in plans.


    ¡°It..has it''s flaws...But I think we are rather stressed for the moment.¡± The knight sighed. ¡°I will be glad when we actually reach safety. Each moment we are out here is a time that they can have their lives snatched away from them.¡±


    ¡°I just want to relax without the worry some undead thing will nibble at my tail.¡± The dragon stretched his serpentine neck, letting out a groan as he wiggled his tail.


    ¡°That? That''s what your worried about?¡± Lyndis patted his scales with a chuckle. ¡°We best be off...Plenty of ground to cover between now and the forest.¡± She went back to her wolf, the woosh of the dragon''s wings signaling his departure as she swung herself onto the furred beast. ¡°We ride for the forest of Yarhurst!


    *


    The gnarled trunks passed overhead, looking like thick arms reaching down for their heads. She shook her head as she watched them, almost seeing them move and twist before her eyes. It was a trick of the light she told herself with calming breaths, instead holding tight to the reins within her hands. Her eyes went from light breaking through the canopy to the darkened and moss covered path before them. The bushes and grass that encroached on all sides, dominating what once was lined with stone. It was like the forest was trying to reclaim what was made within it. Flowers of dark yellow dotted dense bushes. She avoided them though as Merlia had mentioned they were poisonous to the touch. Vines wrapped around the trunk of every tree like green serpents, and the air smelled of damp earth mixed with oak. The sounds of life had thankfully not parted from this place, the sound of birds reminding them that things did in fact live within the forest as dark as it looked. Bugs would occasionally buzz on by as their mounts made steady progress, sometimes even having to be swished away with a frantic hand lest be feasted upon by the blood sucking things.


    The road within was a tougher challenge for the carts than the well kept road of the path. The wheels would get stuck in uneven sections or broken stone. They would require some effort to wedge them free. Often this was done by the proud dragon, and copious amount of ropes to do the trick. The red scaled one would then boast and gleam through pointed teeth as praises and cheers were laid thick upon his ego. Other times the wagons were rescued by Shandalar or Merlia, both able to use different spells to shift dirt or rocks away from the wooden wheels so that they things could continue along unabated. The nights within the wood were more noisy than the hills. It was like a symphony of buzzing, owls hooting, and rustling leaves that would always draw her attention. In a way it was rather soothing to focus on those sounds. Even let her mind wander from avoiding the undead hordes and orcish invaders for moments at a time. She had snatched up an apple from one of the crates, walking away from Krotos who had started a chorus of singing with his drunken antics. She chuckled to herself, noting that Merlia would probably be without her spirits by the time this venture was over.


    She sighed, cutting off a piece of the red skin with one of her sharpened daggers. The fruit''s juices ran down her fingers to splatter against the torchlight floor.  She strode over without her armor, instead opting for a plain black shirt, breeches, and the green sash around her waist. She gazed into the thick twisted trees,watching for any sign of movement. Finding none she padded her way to Asterion who was standing sternly at the camps edge, just before the end of the illusion Shandalar had cast. Feku was by his side, sitting alert on a green brown moss covered rock with her tail swishing back and forth. Each back swing the torchlight would catch one of her tail rings and sparkle like a ray from the sun. The usual blue robes that she had were exchanged for close fitting leathers made out of various armors they had come across. She had a thin grey cloak wrapped around her scaled neck as she gazed out to the forest with her dull purple spheres. If she was worried she didn''t look it, not a single scale was a different color then her default stone grey scales with thin yellow stripes around her tail.  She was humming to herself under her breath, the tempo matching back and forth of her tail.


    ¡°You should asleep.¡± the bull snorted, casting the little lizard a concerned glance. ¡°It will do us no good if you are as tired as well.¡±


    ¡°But you not in bed either! You betters at fighting than I!¡± The kobold shot back, pointing a talon to his chest.


    ¡°But it is my job to watch for enemies. You have no such obligation. Your job is to lift morale, play music, and offer healing when I''m busy.¡±


    ¡°And tell minotaurs to go to bed!¡± She smiled with sharp teeth, like she had won some great contest of wits. ¡°You stay up watch, then I stay up watch.¡± She folded her arms cross her chest, smirking to Lyndis as she looked away with her snout risen. Lyndis wondered for a moment if she learned that head motion from the dragon, for in this moment she bore a striking resemblance.


    ¡°Hmmpf. You''re stubborn one I''ll give you that.¡± His face softened as he gave her a smile. ¡°Guess I''m stuck with you on my watch?¡±


    ¡°That''s right.¡± She snorted, an obviously mimic of the bull''s own. ¡°You not alone during your watch. I know plenty kobolds go mad on watch themselves. They built trap afta trap.¡± She held up her claws and clacked them together. ¡°Sometimes trap hurt other kobold! Big booms!¡±


    ¡°Room for one more?¡± Lyndis finally spoke, cutting off another piece of her fruit and holding it out for the kobold. Feku nodded and snatched at the apple piece, quickly stashing it into her mouth as her scales started to shift into green. ¡°mmmmmmm.¡± She closed her eyes, chomping away at the fruit until her scales were all bright viridian once more. ¡°Very yummy! Thankings you miss!¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± She cut off another piece, offering it to the stern warrior who slightly turned his head to offer her a look. He simply shook his head and she shrugged her shoulders. She plopped it into her mouth, savoring the sweet juice as she chomped down into the soft flesh.


    ¡°We should really stick to the shift schedule.¡±Asterion groaned, casting his vision to the trees. ¡°That way out energy is preserved for the battles ahead.¡±


    She slunk over, leaning up against the rock as she looked into the man''s back. ¡°You know me though. Rebel that I am, couldn''t resist coming over to pay you my wonderful attention.¡±


    ¡°I suppose I can''t win with either one of you.¡± The bull gestured to Veledar, who was sleeping happily away with Arcturus bound within his claws. ¡°Why can''t you be more like the dragon?¡±


    ¡°Sexy?¡± Feku blurted out, a purple speck appearing on her scales.


    ¡°The king of narcissists?¡± Lyndis nudged the giggling kobold with a chuckle of her own. The bull just shook his head and sighed.


    ¡°No....He''s actually sleeping right now. He has the right idea.¡±


    ¡°You might want to rethink this reason of thinking. Don''t think for a sodding moment the dragons sleeping was part of your plan. He''s was just being the red lazy goof he always is.¡±


    The bull shut his muzzle, silence lingering in the air as his tail swished behind him. He returned his gaze to the trees with a harsh snort escaping his nostrils. ¡°That might be...But he still had the right idea to get some rest.¡±


    Another bite of the apple filled the air with it''s crack. She eyed her friends eyes as she finished the last of her tasty morsel, finding them contained thin rivers of red dotting his diligent eyes. ¡°Why are you running yourself so ragged?¡± She tossed the apple into some leaves with a crinkle. ¡°Could always get someone else to focken do this...I bet...¡± She crossed her arms, confidently tapping her boot. ¡°That you''ve been out here for  two shifts.¡±


    ¡°Three actually.¡± Feku smirked, tucking her legs up against her body and wrapping her arms around them. ¡°He is a most diligent protector.¡±


    ¡°Three?¡± That would explain the bull''s eyes. She noticed that he hadn''t turned to her at her gasp. ¡°You prattle on about being tied to a sleep schedule but here you are spending three shifts out here?¡± She waved dismissively, tossing her head. ¡°Do we have to make up for the sleep you''re not focken getting?


    ¡°No.¡± His words came flatly.


    ¡°So why on the gods earth are you doing it?¡±


    ¡°You know why. I''ve told you and the group why.¡±


    She suddenly stopped, watching him grind his teeth as he settled his hammer into the dirt with a plop. She had known he had slain a village in his anger .¡±I heard the abridged version you told us in the green bitch''s lair. So that''s why you feel like you gotta work yerself half to death? Thinking it will bring some sort of redemption?¡±


    The cleric stared without a sound towards the thick trees, the words hanging in the air. The bull''s muzzle drooped slightly before he let out a heavy sigh. ¡°Not redemption...I''m not some fool who thinks some simple deeds shall make up for all those deaths.¡± He glanced back to the dwindling flames of the dying fires, his eyes filling with pain like she had not seen before. ¡°But it often feels like it helps. Those people out there, the ones we''re protecting?¡± He ground his hoof silently against the grass, shifting his weight away from her. ¡°Reminds me of all the faces of those I slew with my hands.¡± The bull looked down to his palms, and she wondered what he saw in those worn pads. Where they soaked in blood?


    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± She slipped closer to him as Feku wiggled to be closer beside him.


    ¡°I''d like to hear story too.¡± The lizard nodded, casting curious eyes to the cleric.


    ¡°We...were fighting your people...¡± Asterion shifted his gaze to the far road. ¡°Pressed for a victory we had achieved over them. I remember the battle leader singing the chants of my people. A glorious battle he said was to be had, even if we were going to be out numbered. Was supposed to be a glorious death, going out in such a battle is what every follower of korde prays for in their lifetime. I remember smashing skulls apart with my mace, lighting others aflame. It was a glorious battle. I was left broken, beaten, several gashes littering my fur. I am sure you would not recognize me with the amount of blood that was soaked into me. It was after the battle that it happened. I lay broken on a medical bed...The healers tending to my wounds, my world was all fuzzy and jumbled. When I awoke I thought we were still in the fighting, so I grabbed the closest thing I could grip and killed them all.¡± The bull hung his head, his tail shifting slightly. ¡°When I realized what had happened I sought a way to make it better. So I adventured for a time, searching for that scroll I found. Luck would have it I came across it in my travels. I finally had a way to repay the debt that I had taken from the world in my dishonor.¡± He stared up, looking to the stars. ¡°That''s when the Emerald Lady found me, and she did not forget my actions against her people.¡±


    There was silence in the air as Asterion finished his tail, Feku wrapped her little arms around the much larger bull. ¡°It''s okay...Youse a good pirate.¡±


    He offered her a quick pat on the back, snorting as he looked to be lost. As if his eyes were not even looking to the twinkling stars,or the gnarled trees. Lyndis'' ears perked as she suddenly heard the snapping of a twig.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± She held up her hand, cupping it out of instinct. She could feel a cold claw grasp at her heart as the next few breaths came more quickly. Silently she prayed it was just some animal strolling by, unaware of the camp that lay behind her.


    ¡°Why what dids..¡±


    ¡°Shhh.¡±She hushed Feku off, hand shooting to the hilt of her ornate rapier''s hilt as the sound came again but three hundred feet from her. She snapped her gaze to the uneven path as a shambling grey skinned human dragged himself out of the shrubs. Twigs and thorns covered his ripped pants that were blackened and splattered with dark sections of dried blood. His lifeless eyes glared out to the forest like glistening pools of oil as the rotted thing snapped it''s yellow teeth in rapid succession. It took another step, dragging it''s sword held within it''s grasp. The thing''s knuckles having been worn away to reveal sections of off white bone through the diseased flesh.


    ¡°Skeleton.¡± Feku whispered, fumbling to pull out her energy crossbow. Her scales shifting from their usual grey to a sickly looking pale grey. One that almost made her look like a spirit.


    ¡°It''s only one.¡± Lyndis found the words after the zombie took another shambling step with a blood chilling moan. ¡°We can totally handle one bloody thing ya?¡± She chuckled nervously, already picturing the weakspots to exploit. Could be quick about it, had to sever the limbs to make those bastards ineffective.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Asterion held up a hand, placing it on her chest as she went to move forward. She could feel the worry in his voice as he stared intently at the unholy creature. ¡°I have a bad feeling about this.¡±


    ¡°Sign from Korde?¡± Feku poked him gently, causing the minotaur to sigh.


    ¡°Not exactlly. Call it a hunch.¡±


    ¡°A guess?¡± Lyndis hissed, jutting a finger to the nearly still zombie. ¡°There''s only-¡±


    ¡°Lyndis.¡± He snapped, his voice low and stern. ¡°This doesn''t feel right...Only one? There''s never just one.¡± The bull snorted, his head drifting from side to side. ¡°I trust my instinct on this. I think it''s a trap.¡±


    ¡°Trap?¡± She turned to the zombie with a jerk. ¡°Are you sure?¡± She rose a brow tightening the grip on her rapier as the thing suddenly turned towards them and began to drag itself towards them.


    ¡°Uh...¡± She tightened her hand. ¡°Will the illusion work?¡± She felt her heart quicken as the slack jawed thing dragged it''s feet through the dirt.


    ¡°Positive actually.¡± Asterion heaved his war hammer from it''s resting position to cradle it in his palm.


    ¡°Then why the weapon if you''re so positive?¡±


    ¡°Precautions.¡±


    The zombie took a final step, wheeling it''s head around with a jerk as an orc was tossed through the trees and hit the ground hard with a dull smack.


    ¡°I don''ts know where they were! I followed them here!¡± The green skinned man shouted, his eyes full with fear as he crawled through dirt on his hands and knees.


    Lyndis held her weapon firm, eyeing how the orc clad in nothing but mere brown rags shivered and trembled. Despite his terror he did not run fleeing into the night, he quivered and shook as he eyed the trees. She could feel the cold inching on her mind, wondering what had him so terrified.


    She didn''t have to wait long for her answer. From the treeline glided a pale faced elven woman. Her bone white dress flowed around her as if caught in a breeze. She had ice blue eyes that gave off an eerie glow as she passed right through the orc like he wasn''t even there.


    ¡°I tolds ya! I followed dem!¡±


    The woman simply tilted her head, staring right at Lyndis like a statue, almost if she could see right through their protective illusion.


    Gods damn''t. She felt her knuckles turn white as she pulled the first inch of her blade from it''s sheath. If there was going to be a fight with this strange ghost woman she wasn''t going to be unarmed. With her other hand she cupped her palm, forming a sphere of orange flames within her grasp.


    The woman snapped her head back to the orc in a rigid fashion, throwing a hand up towards the groveling man. From the ground rose little blackened tendrils of dark light. Dirt and pebbles levitated as if placed on thin wires. The orc didn''t move, putting his head to the ground and trembled. His body suddenly jerked powerfully as his limbs straightened in an instant. Screams found him as his body was yanked off the ground like a mere puppet. The tendrils found his limbs, wrapping around them tightly, burning his skin and making his cries increase ten fold. He thrashed and pulled against the things, causing Lyndis to bite her lip, unable to look away from the horror before her. His screams suddenly faded from his throat, as if they had been snatched away by some unseen hand. Still his jaw was open, his face red as he silently screamed.


    She gripped her rapier tighter, as part of her felt glad that this orc was getting treated this way, better these raiders than her people after all, but with each thrash  she wasn''t so sure, her conviction fading away with each silent scream. The woman stood like stone, staring with a tilted head as if the orc''s cries were an oddity. She simply curled her slender hand, thin little strands of brilliant blue light started to float around the orc''s body. It moved through the air as little flames, twirling around until connecting with his outstretched hands. When they met the flames turned into thin strands, looking like numerous little blue ribbons.  The orc''s pulls tired, his spirit seemingly fading with each passing moment. Part of her wanted to loose her firebolt, burn the orc and end his misery, but that would only reveal them. So she was forced to watch and pray this creature wouldn''t see them.


    The tendrils ceased their hold on the orc, his body giving one last jerk before collapsing onto the ground in a heap. His eyes stared out to them, whatever life had been in them sucked completely dry. The woman closed her eyes, caressing her hair that had been swinging and wiggling like little serpents the entire time.


    That''s when Feku screamed.


    The kobold clutched her mouth as quickly as she could, the sight simply must have been too much. Lyndis and Asterion bolted to her, grasping at her leather clad shoulder as the elven woman snapped her eyes open and faced directly at them. She cocked her head, gliding to their position and stopping a mere two inches from their faces. Lyndis fought ever urge to stab the creature''s face, even holding her breath as her heart pounded like a drum. The thing turned it''s head to the other side, lifting a hand as if to caress some invisible thing. Maybe whatever illusion was cast would fool it. The rogue rose her hand slowly, the flames curling and twisting around her fingers as the thing shifted it''s view to Feku.


    The poor kobold was shivering in Lyndis grasp, bone white and clutching tightly around her leg. It looked like she was trying hardest to not let out a sound as she clenched her eyes together as tight as she could muster.


    Lyndis pulled her blade, steeling her nerves for what was to come, not entirely sure if her blade would even hurt the spirit like entity. She silently hoped whatever latent magic was in the rapier would see her through. She stopped as movement caught her eye, and pulled Feku even closer against her leg.


    From the darkened forest came three other of the same style elves. All had the same lifeless eyes and pale white skin. Around them shuffled and groaned at least three dozen zombies of all variety of races. The thing jerked attention to Asterion for an un-nerving amount of time with little but the nights gentle breeze to keep them company.


    Please...no one..make a sound.


    In the distance a twig snapped, drawing the attention of all spirits. Almost in an eerie unison they glided off down the forest path with their shambling followers right behind them. Moans and groans echoed in the night until their sounds were mere whispers on the wind. Lyndis didn''t even breath until they were finally from her sight, and not a sound could be heard.


    ¡°Focken terrible dat was.¡± She gasped, hugging Feku as the kobold''s grip seemed to solidified to adamantite.


    Asterion just snorted, his eyes not leaving the road. ¡°Feku..are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Hate this forest..¡± The lizard trembled, her eyes still clenched shut, her tail shivering behind her.


    ¡°Shhhhh..It''s okay.¡± Lyndis patted the quivering bard, almost as much to calm her own nerves. She was glad that Feku was the one holding her and shivering, as without it she figured that she would be the one doing it instead. ¡°Almost thought they could see through the illusion.¡± She feigned bravery as the wind rustled her cloak. ¡°Almost stabbed that bitch in the face...Whatever it was.¡±


    ¡°They almost could see through it.¡± The bull said flatly, ¡°Undead can detect the living as well as see them. Thankfully this illusion from the wizard managed to confuse those banshee and their flock of undead.


    ¡°Banshee? Focken great...Those the bastards whose screech makes ya catch yer death?¡±


    Asterion nodded, shifting his mace to his shoulder.


    ¡°And what you mean they could almost see through the illusion?¡±


    ¡°Undead hate life..They are the opposite side of a coin.¡± He pulled out a gold piece, turning the golden triangle over in the torchlight. ¡°If left to their own devices, all the undead seek out and kill the living. They try to distinguish life...Think of it like a black void...Our lives are like little beams of light that draw them in. Some of us shine more brightly than others.¡±


    ¡°Some of more tasty than others?¡± She chuckled, sighing as Feku finally let her go with a quick thank you. ¡°How does that work?¡±


    ¡°Clerics...Diving casters such as the paladin.¡± The cleric gestured to the sleeping human and dragon with a wave of his hand. ¡°We shine brighter to the forces of undeath. As we travel among them and in their areas it will become harder and harder to fool them with illusions.¡±


    She crossed her arms, eyes drifting back to the road where the undead had glided and shambled off. ¡°Then we better find a way through this bloody forest quickly then. Before more of those things come and decide to feast on us for a change.¡± She pulled the kobold back towards the fire, wondering where in the nine hells her parents were. She settled close to the fire, hugging the lizard close. The red orange flames did little to quell the cold gripping her heart.

 Darkened Skies Chapter 5

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


    <u>Chapter 5:</u>


    ¡°How much further could it possibly be?¡± Nivra groaned the question had been burning a hole within her for quite some time as they walked along the uneven ground of tall grass and patches of rocky soil. She had her hand on Voidwing, to support the tired gryphon. The black and white bird¡¯s strides were sluggish, he would tremble with each one as if weights had been tied to each. ¡°I think Voidy here could use the rest. He seems absolutely exhausted.¡± She gazed up to Hilda, who had led them from the deserted town to the tors close by. Thanks to the hedge mage the orcs had not found a single trace of them to follow. It appeared that she was as good at illusions as she said she was.


    Hilda placed a hand to a dark grey stone, hand caressing surface that looked as though someone had taken a pick ax to it. The woman turned her head, looking to the setting sun in the distance, the red orange rays glittering in her eyes. ¡°Not too long dearie. Don¡¯t worry yerself none.¡± The woman nodded, ¡°Just over this hill and you and yer boyfriend here can rest to yer heart¡¯s content.¡±


    ¡°Hear that Softpaws?¡± She lowered her head cupping her mouth, and whispering into Voidwing¡¯s ear. It flicked back at her words. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to share this part of the adventure with others. How brave and strong my handsome gryphon was during these moments.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Voidwing gasped, taking his next step. ¡°Not¡­gra¡­. Needed though.¡± His beak half opened into a smirk. ¡°Lying down though will be great.¡± The gryphon closed his eyes and let out a soft groan, as if he were already there. ¡°Something nice and soft to lay my head upon.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­If there isn¡¯t one, you can always rest your head on me my dearest gryphon.¡± She patted his fur, kicking a rock that had made the mistake of being in her way. It scattered into a larger one, ricocheting off with a crack.


    Not too much further


    The words cast away the lingering traces of worry within her mind, her eyes catching the gentle swishing back and forth of her lover¡¯s silver tipped lion like tail. Quick as a flash he stumbled, struggling to pull himself over the hill and protesting when she tried to help him. The gryphon¡¯s eyes filled with determination as he groaned and pushed himself up with quivering limbs. She gave him a quick kiss, her heart pounding in her chest as she stroked his fur. They made it to the top of the hill, gazing down to the other side towards a small hovel that Hilda had spoken of.


    The house was of a rather small design, looking like it was indeed made for a single person. She could make out three windows on the light cream-colored wood, a thick brown thatch roof topping the thing. The house was nestled against the treeline, rocks of all different sizes dotted the grassy area. Some of them the size of a small pebble,  others the size of humans. Words failed her as she rubbed her gryphon, wondering how such a small structure was supposed to contain all of them. She giggled at the thought of Voidwing pressed up against all her wooden furniture or knocking over bookshelves in his movements. She looked down to her lover, his eyes still containing that determined spark. At least this had not ruined his spirit. And as he took another trembling step she doubted he would be roaming around freely inside the cottage anyway.


    When they got closer to the small hovel Nivra noticed that from the roof hung strands of multicolored twine coated with small wooden beads of all various colors. The door that had a trim of dull gold, was a dark turquoise, looking almost like a nose to the cheerly looking building.


    ¡°I know it ain¡¯t much ta look at.¡± Hilda turned her head, giving them a tooth filled grin. ¡°Probably not what ya two are used to¡­but..its mine.¡± She waved to them to follow, gesturing to the place with a bob of her head. ¡°Now come on and stop your gawkin. Wait till you try some of me grey bottom tea. It has the right amount of kick to bring energy back into those bones!¡±


    ¡°Could use something like that.¡± Grumbled Voidwing, taking his next step accompanied with a groan that lingered in the air like a dark cloud.


    ¡°Sadly, my feathered friend, a simple cup o tea won¡¯t heal ails you. Only thing that you can do is rest, and a good night¡¯s sleep.


    ¡°Wonderful.¡± The gryphon narrowed his eyes at the house, tail swishing a tad angrily behind him.


    ¡°So..what really brought you two to Bromwhich?¡± Hilda brought them down the rocky path to her house, brushing aside loose-fitting rocks with a captured stick. She would gesture to ones with moss on them so that Voidwing wouldn¡¯t slip.


    Nivra almost answered truthfully, the woman¡¯s cheerful demeanor disarming her usual distrustfulness. ¡°To see some friends is all.¡± She lied, twirling a strand of her hair in her finger. ¡°Got a red dragon acquaintance we¡¯d like to catch up to.¡±


    ¡°Red dragon eh?¡± Hilda stopped, taking in a deep breath. A moment passed before she let out a throaty chuckle. ¡°Just your luck there was a red dragon that passed through here, and you says he¡¯s a friend?¡± The woman brought her hand to her chin, rubbing it with a grin. ¡°Most interestin¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes, it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m kind of jealous of ya dear. Ya usually don¡¯t see or meet dragons round these parts. They tend to keep to their own, avoid us at most costs.¡± Hilda stopped, sighing at the almost departed sun. ¡°Though who could really blame them?¡±


    Nivra didn¡¯t have an answer for her, as her own nation had hunted the beasts right out of their borders. ¡°What happened to the dragon thing then? Did he burn that village?¡±


    ¡°Burn it?¡± Hilda chuckled, tilting her head to the side. ¡°That dragon was the one defending it my dear. Flew in with his companions and spirited the town away from here in a single day. They packed up the town into carts and headed off along the road.¡± Hilda gazed passed her, as if to look through the hills beyond. ¡°Something about great heroics and statues.¡± The woman¡¯s gaze shifted back towards the mage, a smirk spreading to her lips. ¡°Though if ya ask me. I think the red one has an ego ten times too big for his head.¡±


    ¡°They took¡­the whole town?¡± Voidwing winced, a clatter of stones being left in his wake as he nearly slipped. He leaned against Nivra with some quick thanks as she offered him a hand. It appeared as though he had given up on resisting.


    ¡°Something about them heading to the next town over. They deemed there was too many of the green skins to contend with. They didn¡¯t seem like the folks that would just leave a town of innocent souls  to contend with the orc¡¯s raiding ways.


    Nivra raised a brow. This woman seemed to know an awful lot about what had happened. A tremor of doubt radiated in her mind, poking at her like a needle. Something didn¡¯t seem right with the woman¡¯s story. ¡°And why didn¡¯t you follow after them? For a person seemingly so connected to the village¡­It¡¯s rather strange you didn¡¯t go with them.¡±


    ¡°Cause this little house of mine is my home. The orcs don¡¯t bother me here so why leave? There will always be others. I always trust in good folks like yourselves to drive out the bloodthirsty orcs you know¡­eventually.¡±


    ¡°Do you know why they are even raiding the towns?¡±


    ¡°Probably have to ask them dear.¡± Hilda brought them before the field of stones before her house. ¡°They didn¡¯t want to talk to me. Suspicious of magic that lot. They yell witch and start hurling spears and arrows. So, I avoided them from then on.¡± She spun round right on her heels. ¡°Mind the stones dear. They don¡¯t like to be touched often. Some sort of fairy likes to keep them pristine as it were. Should have seen it the last time I touched one. I came back to find my house adorned in acorns. Stuck to the surface with wood.¡±


    ¡°Sounds more like a sprite.¡± Nivra laughed, nodding as they passed several of the human sized stones. The surfaces were almost perfectly smooth, as if they had been plucked from beneath a rapid running river. ¡°Come on Softpaws. Almost there, just picture it. Matter of moments we will be resting and enjoying some nice warm tea.¡± She scratched behind the gryphon¡¯s ear. She earned a pleased chirp and swish of his tail for her efforts.


    ¡°Sounds¡­. lovely.¡± He sighed, ¡°Could kiss you right now.¡±


    ¡°Save ya face makin for inside the hut!¡± Hilda led them along a small stone path through the sea of rocks. She would move to each pristine bolder, resting there for several moments while she eyed the slow moving gryphon and his princess. She didn¡¯t look annoyed, but rather concerned for his wellbeing. ¡°And don¡¯t get too many ideas of going much further than that. I don¡¯t run that kind of place ya know.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it.¡± She gave the woman a smile, turning her head to Voidwing with a laugh. ¡°We can certainly keep those urges in check, can¡¯t we?¡±


    The gryphon snorted in response, pulling himself up to the door. To their surprise the turquoise thing seemed to be oversized. That it could fit the gryphon without much squeezing on his part. Not even a shrinking spell would be needed. Nivra cocked her head, swearing that from afar it had looked too small. She supposed it had been just a trick of the dwindling light.


    The dusk offered a biting breeze, one that left the woman grasping at her cloak. Nivra turned her head back round to the rocks as a shiver lingered within her spine. For a moment she thought one of the rocks had moved. That was silly right? Rocks don¡¯t simply move on their own. She eyed it for a moment, trying to catch something to the oddity. It didn¡¯t move, making her feel rather foolish.


    ¡°Something wrong dearie?¡± Hilda leaned her head back, running her knuckles against the wooden door three times. Her words untangling Nivra¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°N..nothing.¡± Her eyes lingered on the rock for a moment longer before turning around. ¡°Just a trick of the light. Thought one of the rocks had moved!¡±


    ¡°Happens to the best of us. I almost think they come to life at night and change positions from time to time.¡±


    ¡°Why the knock?¡± She eyed the window, almost expecting someone to be looking on with a loaded crossbow. ¡°Got some company in there?


    ¡°Oh that?¡± Hilda ran a finger along the hardened surface, drawing a large rune. ¡°Nothing like that sort of thing. Just the knock deactivates the traps I have on the door. Illusions and charms to catch thieves and anyone seeking to do me wrong.¡± She tapped her temple with a single bony finger. ¡°Pays to be smart out here. The unprepared can get taken advantage of by the wolf they always say.¡±


    ¡°What a strange saying.¡± Voidwing slumped, his head drooping to touch the wooden floor. ¡°Wolves pose almost no threat to me.¡±


    ¡°Not a gryphon saying is it?¡± She laughed, finishing her touching with a clap of her hands.


    ¡°Course in your current state Voidy, I think even a mere kitten could be a threat to you.¡± She cupped his beak, scratching the underside with her fingers.


    He sighed, tail swishing as if in agreement. ¡°I think¡­. you might be right.¡± He weakly chuckled, eventually develoving into ragged coughs that drove a dagger into Nivra¡¯s heart each time. ¡°Can¡¯t wait¡­Soft nest.¡±


    ¡°Then wait no longer my new friends.¡± Hilda pushed open the door with a creak. Candles sprung to life around the room as if lit by an unseen hand. They brought a warm glow to the darkened room, making long shadows cling to every surface. The wizard was bombarded with a myriad of scents that assaulted her nose and made her mouth water as a small fuzzy feeling wound its way around the base of her skull and settled like a scarf.


    ¡°Woah.¡± She gasped, peering inside the hard-wooden doorway to the plethora of cupboards and shelves that lined every wall. On them were jars of all a manner of liquids and reagents. No doubt for spells and if by the scents that lingered, a key ingredient for cooking. There was a blackened stone fireplace made of even darker stone, a pile of soot held within. A single table was found in the room it¡¯s legs sprouting from the floor. Two  chairs of darkened wood sat on either side. They seemed to have been roughly made, possibly even by Hilda herself. They sat atop a dark crimson rug covered in sigils and runes stitched into the wool surface. On the far walls there rested two doors. Both had rugged looking handles and made of the same darkened wood of the chairs and table.


    ¡°That smells¡­divine.¡± Voidwing pulled himself through the door with a wince. ¡°If the bed you offer is as delightful as the scents then I¡¯m going to be one spoiled gryph!¡±


    ¡°That you will be brave gryphon.¡± Hilda laughed, clapping her hands together to create large cushions right out of thin air. While at the same time the wooden table sprouted cups and mugs made of a light cream-colored wood.


    Nivra¡¯s eyes widened as she gleamed at the summoned items. She knew only of a few mages that could do such things. Often moving the items from another room out of sight.


    ¡°You can summon them out of thin air?!¡± Voidwing gave a surprised squawk. He recovered in a matter of moments, raising his beak to sniff at the wood before gently prodding it with a talon.


    ¡°Is it that strange to be able to do that?¡± Hilda strode over towards the table, running a hand casually over the surface with a grin. ¡°You travel with a wizard gryphon, and still my summoning of things astonishes you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a delightful bit of magic you can do right here.¡± Nivra said softly, crossing her arms as that fuzzy feeling only grew in the base of her skull. She slunk over to one of the red cushioned chairs, sitting down. She tried to sit up straight, maintain the composure that was taught into her, but she failed. The weight and fatigue of the day got the better of her. She slumped back into the chair with a sigh.


    ¡°There we go.Stay awhile and listen¡± Hilda opened a cupboard as the door behind them closed itself. When they jumped she raised a hand, ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± She laughed, ¡°Does that on its own.¡±


    With a shrug, Nivra wiggled within her seat. She let out a sigh as the soft thing melted away her fatigue like ice. The cushion probably one of the best seats she had ever sat in, and that was saying something. Father would have probably had several of these made for his court if he were still alive.


    ¡°Finally!¡± Voidwing flopped chest first onto the cushions that had sprouted from the ground with a soft purr. His cute sound only ended with a trill as his tail gave a weak thwack of the wooden floorboards. ¡°So¡­Soft.¡± The gryphon muttered, his eyelids fluttering softly. The bird¡¯s feathers fluffed as he nuzzles the soft thing between his talons.


    ¡°Well doesn¡¯t he look just like the sweetest thing.¡± Hilda held her hands to her chin, smiling warmly away at the exhausted gryph. ¡°Looks like he can just enjoy the night there. Poor thing deserved it.¡± She flicked her finger at the fireplace,dancing flames instantly springing into the existence to further lighten the room in a warm and inviting glow. Hardened logs appeared at the fire¡¯s base, made of wood and crackling away. The warmth spread to every corner of the small cottage, casting away any chill that had been lurking in Nivra¡¯s bones since they had been outside.


    Nivra stretched her arms to the ceiling, at the same time as her legs far as they could go. ¡°Most certainly.¡± She groaned, being rather undignified for once. ¡°That we can agree on. He can be rather sweet at times¡­Damn Voidwing..This chair and fire are almost as good as your fur and paws.¡±


    ¡°Say it isn¡¯t so.¡± He weakly mumbled, curling into a ball.


    She just giggled to herself, letting her teasing words linger for a moment before letting out a sigh. She always hated to make him worry, even if it was a simple joke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry your cute little head , nothing could compare to what you could offer anyway.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± He sighed, his tail swishing from his rear which was still in the air. Nivra would have cackled away at how undignified he looked if he hadn¡¯t been poisoned earlier. It wasn¡¯t long before his legs wobbled, and they collapsed under him with a groan.


    ¡°How do you like your tea you two? I bet the gryphon over there likes something fruity or alcohol to grace his tongue. Seems like that¡¯s what always like.¡±


    ¡°Both..sound¡­good.¡± Came the soft mumbles of the tired gryphon.


    ¡°I like grey earl tea the best. Although whatever you¡¯re offering is sure to be wonderful. Which you have our greatest gratitude for offering your home and helping heal my gryphon.¡± Nivra bowed her head in respect, leaving the woman with a tilted head.


    ¡°Are you some sort of royalty?¡±


    Nivra fought the urge to snap her head in surprise. ¡°Why? Do I sound like I¡¯m some sort of royalty?¡¯


    ¡°Just the manners you spoutin. Often it¡¯s them or nobles that talk in such a manner. Also, on account of yer purple dressin.¡±


    ¡°Purple?¡± Nivra plucked at the linen tabard, thin layers of dirt and dust sticking to the surface. She instantly remedied that with a flick of her hand and word used for prestigitation. Thin sparks of purple light danced across her clothes, scattering any dirt or grime that was lingering. ¡°I got it from a vendor in Rothdell.¡± She chuckled, ¡°Purple is a very common color out there.¡± She waved dismissively to the woman, rolling her eyes. ¡°And the speech? It¡¯s just something I picked up. People tend to try and help you when you sound the part.¡± She winked, hoping the woman would buy her lies. ¡°Convince them you¡¯re a noble and they bend over backwards to see to your wants and needs.¡±


    ¡°Suppose that could be a way of lookin at it. Course if ya do that, can make ya a bleedin target for those wanting to gut ya for some coin.¡± Hilda cut up some green herbs she had snatched from the cupboards, drawing a knife that glimmered in the firelight. Steady chops filled the air as she began to dice the plants.


    ¡°True. But that¡¯s why I got the handsome gryphon over there to protect me. When he¡¯s not recovering from poison he¡¯s quite the fighter. I can honestly rate him top of the pack.¡± She patted her furred lover¡¯s flank with a smile. ¡°He flashes them his talons or stares at them something fierce with his eyes. If that doesn¡¯t work, I hold up my hands and offer them a quick show of flames. Let them know I got a whole plethora of magical spells to toss around their way if they wish to cause us problems.¡± She thumbed her chest, offering the woman a confident grin. ¡°Trust me..We are not an easy mark for thieves or bandits.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right dear.¡± Hilda grabbed a pot with water swishing around inside. The woman attached it to a thin metal wire over the flames with a soft clink. ¡°And now we wait.¡± She turned on her heels, a chair growing seemingly from the floor with a wave of her hand. Hilda took a seat on the dark red cushion, closing her eyes and letting out a pleased sigh.


    Nivra watched the fire in silence as she enjoyed the cushion beneath her. The red orange flames danced and twisted in the air, lapping at the metal pot¡¯s bottom. That fuzzy feeling in the back of her mind got only stronger, now spreading down to her neck and starting to caress her shoulders. She reached back with her fingers, scratching her skin with a groan.


    ¡°Something wrong Nivra?¡± Hilda¡¯s concerned voice brought her out of her trance. ¡°You look like something is crawlin under ya skin.¡±


    ¡°Nothing really.¡± She groaned, rubbing the skin and shifting in her seat. ¡°Just a fuzzy feeling is all.¡± With the scratch itched she sighed, turning softly to Hilda. ¡°Been meaning to ask you. Why even go to the town anymore if there is nothing but orcs running around? Especially if the warriors attack you on sight? Seems like a rather foolish way to spend your time.¡±


    The woman contemplated her words for a moment, sighing as she shifted her gaze to the fire. Her shoulders rose and fell as she grabbed a poker and prodded the flames to keep them alive. Her eyes traced the thin little embers of light that sprung up like little fireflies hovering in the air. ¡°Just figured I would keep an eye on the place is all. Look for survivors or stragglers that were left within the town. It¡¯s my home you know as I said. No number of orcs is going to change that.¡± She turned her head with a slight tilt and smile. ¡°Though I think between the two of us, you  the more interesting. You¡¯re a wizard from Lumara right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± She nodded, nudging Voidwing softly with her foot. ¡°Voidy and I here travel, round don¡¯t we? Love meeting new people and going on adventures. If there is something to explore that is where we will be.¡± She chuckled, picturing the gryphon all healed, bounding around with happy chirps at his recovery.


    ¡°Why the red dragon? Why are you looking for that one when you¡¯re just exploring around?¡±


    Nivra sighed, ¡°That damned dragon lost to us in a game of cards one night. Owes us a great deal of coin that one does.¡± She gave the woman a fake smile, ¡°He might look strong, but nothing we haven¡¯t wrangled with before.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Hilda rose a brow, as the pot began to shriek. The woman grabbed a piece of cloth and collected the pot from its resting place. She placed it on the table and grabbing two onyx colored cups that were resting on a shelf. She rose the pot, slowly tipping and letting the water flow out. Steam curled and slithered from the water¡¯s surface.


    ¡°Well I like to think so anyway.¡± Nivra took a breath, the scent of mint filling her nose. ¡°Haven¡¯t met a gryphon or dragon that I couldn¡¯t outmatch with my spells.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing to have. Though why not heal the poison that afflicts your lover? Seems like that little hiccup will put quite the damper in your travels.¡±


    Nivra bowed her head in thanks when the woman pushed the blackened cup towards her. She sighed, closing her eyes and letting the steam caress her face like a tender lover. The warmth cast away any cold lingering in her head as a sigh wormed its way from her throat. ¡°Always wanted a touch of cleric, but I was destined for the arcane arts. Bend a flame, shoot lightning, charm some fool or throw illusions. Those things I can do with little difficulty. Stitching flesh or removing poisons? You would have to unfortunately look elsewhere.¡± Her eyes drifted to the sleeping form of her gryphon, his shallow breaths at least not making the concern for him grow. ¡°Poor Voidy, this is the worst I¡¯ve seen him.¡± She suddenly started to chuckle as a story Voidwing had told her came to mind.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Hilda sipped her cup, ¡°Seems like you¡¯d be more concerned.¡±


    ¡°No.No.No.¡± She held up her hand, fighting back a fit of giggles. ¡°Was just remembering this one time that Voidwing stumbled into a collection of cacti. Should have seen him groaning on the ground clutching at his stones. He had thorns buried in his sack, had to spend the next hour helping him pluck them out one by one.¡±


    ¡°You promised¡­to not tell that story.¡± Voidwing mumbled into his fluffy cushion, his only resistance being a flick of his tail upon the ground.


    ¡°It¡¯s a funny story you tired thing.¡± She rolled her eyes, taking a sip of the tea. The hot drink brought warmth to her throat, and shivers of delight down her spine. ¡°Besides. It was a time I got my hands on your balls. You should be proud of that.¡±


    ¡°Mmmmhmm.¡± Voidwing wiggled slightly, apparently unable to do much else.


    ¡°Got a good set of balls, does he?¡± Hilda laughed, taking another sip. ¡°Gryphons always seem to have those.¡±


    ¡°You like gryphon sacks now?¡± Nivra¡¯s chuckling evolved to outright laughter as her face started to shift red. ¡°Thought we were just going to discuss spells and traveling!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t help it.¡± Hilda gestured to the gryphon¡¯s tail that did nothing to hide his two black furred orbs. They were nicely sized. Nivra guessed she wouldn¡¯t be able to fit them all in one hand. She blushed as she stared at them, imagining they were quite full. She shifted her gaze to the tea. What was in this stuff? She never had had a staring contest with her gryphon¡¯s balls before. She giggled, placing a hand to her lips. Not even when she had her hands on them.


    ¡°Not when the bastards have them on full display. They know it too. Probably where all that gryphon smugness comes from.¡± Hilda¡¯s face had taken on a pinkish hue as she set her tea cup down with a soft thud. ¡°Makes the mind wander to quite some places does it not?¡±


    ¡°Thought you didn¡¯t have gryphons round these parts?¡± She stammered, trying to change the topic away from her lover¡¯s handsome sack and sheath. ¡°Least of all some to oogle their male bits.¡±


    ¡°Please.¡± The woman waved, shifting in her seat. ¡°I¡¯ve seen some gryphons come passing through dear. Each one having full round ones. Poor things must have been close to bursting.¡± She chuckled, gesturing to Voidwing with an outstretched finger. ¡°Have you two¡­you know¡­Been a mating?¡±


    ¡°Oh, heavens no!¡± Nivra bursted out, quickly composing herself as Hilda laughed at her display. ¡°Not¡­Not that I wouldn¡¯t want to¡­We..just haven¡¯t gotten there yet with our relationship.¡± Her eyes drifted down to her cup, ignoring the woman¡¯s sly smirk. She instead focused on the light brown liquid currently filling her face with steam. ¡°We plan to, just not ready I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Then he would have been the first gryphon that I have heard of having that problem. The other ones seem ready to mount anything with a drop of a hat. Had a few of the bastards even offer to mount me for the night.¡± She took another sip, her eyes filling with cheer as flames flickered in her blackened pools. ¡°I¡¯ve heard stories that all the others would engage in carnal acts at the mere suggestion that one would be open to the idea.¡±


    ¡°That is indeed the assumption. Gryphon¡¯s back home are quite open to that sort of thing. Breeding, mating, mounting. All of these are like bonding rituals to them. It helps build closeness between them.¡± She took another sip, letting the mint taste mixed with almond swish around her tongue. ¡°How did you even get mint out here? I didn¡¯t think it grew around Drenedar.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Oh, I have my ways.¡± Hilda rose the pot to pour herself another cup of the steaming concoction. ¡°Had a passing group of dwarves from up north stop by. Traded them a few potions and they offered me all the mint that I could have wanted. I think I might have robed them blind if you ask me.¡± The woman winked before taking another long slurping sip. ¡°Always seems to hit the spot. Think I ought to whip something up to eat as well. Can¡¯t go surviving on just tea, can we?¡± The woman rose, dusting off her clothes as Nivra poured herself another cup. ¡°I think I might have some salted pork around. Maybe something else I could cook up.¡±


    ¡°Where did you even get the boar?¡± She blew off the cup, steam hanging in the air and looking like she was a dragon for a moment. ¡°Another passing mercenary or trader?¡±


    ¡°That was actually from an orc party that had attacked a farm. Killed everyone that was there.¡± Hilda sighed, ¡°Couldn¡¯t do much for the family, but I saw they had animals. Best not let them go to waste I always say. Better me to eat them than let the orcs get nourishment from their savage ways.


    Nivra found herself nodding with each word that slithered its way from the woman¡¯s mouth. That fuzziness in the back of her mind slowly receding the longer she spoke.


    ¡°Any stories you¡¯d like to share? Any tales from Lumara to brighten the mood of the evening. Take our minds off of hurt friends and marauding orcs?¡± She gestured to Voidwing, whose tail thumped the ground weakly, letting out a loud snore. ¡°Though he doesn¡¯t look hurt, does he? Sleepin comfortably like a baby that one is.¡±


    ¡°You should have seen him round the castle only a few months ago. He would get so nervous when anyone would get around, just in case they found out about us too. He would naturally splay his ears and narrate to himself.¡± Nivra¡¯s eyes widened, almost dropping her cup in surprise. The words that had slipped from her hardly seemed real.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Hilda rose a brow, shifting her weight onto herback foot and folding her arms against her chest.


    Nivra tried to mask her surprise, settling her hands gently into her lap. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Not what I said dear what you said! You just mentioned something about the castle of Lumara?


    Did I really say that? ¡°Yes, I hunt around the place a lot actually. Being the princess and all.¡± Once more she stopped dead, hand shooting to cover her mouth.


    ¡°You¡¯re the bleedin princess?¡± The woman gasped, sitting back down with an amused face. ¡°Now isn¡¯t that just utterly surprising.¡± Hilda¡¯s words suddenly sounded like candy to Nivra¡¯s ears. The longer she stared into the woman¡¯s eyes she was certain she could tell her anything, even that she murdered her father. So that¡¯s what she did.


    ¡°You did what?¡¯ Hilda gasped, her voice raising hirer as Nivra nursed the cup of tea like a man dying of thirst. It was like a fire had been lit in her heart that she knew not that she needed. With each passing moment her suspicions and uneasiness were starting to fade away.


    Wait a moment. She peered down to her tea, her mind coming to a complete a halt. Like a line of stampeding horses had suddenly been brought down. There¡­must be something in this tea¡­There has to be right? Why else would I suddenly tell her stuff like that? Being the princess? Murdering my father? All to a complete stranger!


    She must have been staring at the brown liquid for too long as Hilda¡¯s voice sneaked its way to her ears.


    ¡°Everything okay Nivra? You¡¯ve been staring at the tea for ages girl. I¡¯m sure that whatever your reasons for doing what you did. They were justified in your own way.¡±


    ¡°Yea¡­Everything is fine. Just odd that I feel comfortable enough to tell you these things.¡± She rose her eyes to look to the cheery orbs of Hilda¡¯s locked right onto hers.


    ¡°Oh lovely! Well you can always count on me to keep your secret safe. ¡°She placed a finger to her chest. ¡°Swear on me skin that whatever ya spout in here will stay in here¡­Besides.¡± She gestured to the door with her thumb. ¡°Who am I going to tell anyway? Got no one comin round these parts!¡±


    ¡°I suppose your right.¡± Nivra mumbled into her cup, her words seemed true and sincere enough. Perhaps it had simply been the fatigue of the day that had led to the slip of the tongue. The day had been filled with dangers and perils after all.


    No Nivra. She¡¯s trying to fool you. You stumble across a lone kind woman in a deserted town? I¡¯m not buying it¡­Somethings up.¡± She shook her head softly, chuckling under her breath. ¡°Just being silly is all.¡±


    ¡°Well it that¡¯s all and settled. I think that will be the moment to get the other refreshments!¡± The woman bent back, filling the room with a series of cracks as she worked her hands around her spine. ¡°Care for some tarts? Made them this morning on the off chance that I¡¯d find someone worth talking to.¡±


    ¡°Sure¡­sure.¡± Nivra eyed the woman¡¯s smile, the warmth somehow gone from it. Only to be replaced with dread and worry lurking in her heart as Hilda strode over to the door and quickly slipped inside. The moment the wooden door thumped behind her Nivra felt her pulse as that fuzzy feeling had returned in full force. Her eyes widened, her pulse was racing like a drum. She gazed around the room, still clutching the cup of tea. Her eye narrowed as it slowly dawned on her.


    Did she drug me? She closed her eyes, trying to calm her beating heart and shove her worry back down, but it was no use.


    Focus


    She curled one of her hairs, mind filling with black fur and silver feathers. His alluring scent drifted to her nose, cutting the dread within her like a knife.


    Why drug us though?


    She peaked open an eye, staring to Voidwing with concern welling up in her chest. He was blissfully unaware, cutely hugging the cushion with his talons.


    If it is something nefarious Voidwing won¡¯t be any help.


    She sighed, letting her breaths come deeper. She placed the cup onto the table with a clink. She must have misjudged the distance because the cup tipped over, spilling its contents onto the table. She stared at the brown liquid flowing onto the table like a great flood. Her next breath brought with it a horrid scent that nearly made her gag.


    It clung to her sense like mud, and made her stomach lurch. It stung at her eyes, her hands shooting to cover her nose. Her whole body shivered in rebellion at what she had just experienced.


    By paladine¡¯s white dress¡­What on earth is that?


    Her eyes scanned the room like a woman possessed, eventually falling to the leaking tea that had begun to drip onto the floor in steady drops. Before her eyes what had once been a pleasing brown liquid was now a putrid, viscous, green concoction that looked as though it was scraped off the underside of an ogre¡¯s fat folds. Her stomach lurched, and she held her mouth.


    How.


    Her eyes widened, wanting nothing more then to scrape her tongue with her fingers until it bled.


    You drank¡­That?


    She sprung up from her seat like a loosed arrow, sliding over towards the tea pot that was resting on a dresser. She lifted the lid, and got treated to the same off green liquid, an eyeball rolling up to face her like an island within the green filth. Nivra spun around, making sure to not drop the lid in her shock. Her stomach gave one last heave, and her resistance to it crumbled. She fell to her hands and knees as everything within side of her ended up passing through her and back onto the floor. Whatever had been inside of her burned her throat and made her shiver as it was vomited onto the floor. She was reduced to a quivering mess, wiping her mouth and spitting several times to get the skin crawling taste from her senses.


    ¡°Gah.¡± She gasped, limbs quivering as she rose her head to look to her gryphon. ¡®Voidwing.¡± She spoke softly, The floor beneath her shifting from a nice clean wooden one to a rotted darkened wood. It was covered in a sickly looking brown moss; several purple mushrooms were sprouting from the floor like a little rug of fungus. Nivra bolted from her spot instantly, her heart sounding like a stampeding army with it¡¯s frantic beats. Ice wrapped its way around her, as the cozy cottage around her shattered like a brittle glass.


    The shelves that had been lined with bottles of ingredients now looked to be barely hanging on the wall with warped wood. The jars were filled with organs, gore, or red jars what could only be blood. Torture devices hung near by of dark metal, thin metal spines painted with dried crimson of their previous victims. The fireplace had multiple scratches in the blackened surface, looked to have been made by oversized claws. Insects scurried along every wall, and Voidwing was sleeping on a giant bed of pulsating brown mushrooms. Vines ran along the underside of every wall, wiggling ever so slightly like little worms in the firelight.


    Nivra gasped, taking in the scene and gulping as the ice consumed her. All the good cheer of the past hour had been drained out in an instant. Probably to fuel the twisted room around her¡¯s evil look. ¡°V-Voidwing.¡± The only word she could say, it at least fought back the cold permeating inside of her. She lept to the gryphon to feel his pulse, shoving him out of desperation as her world narrowed to him. ¡°Please¡­You got to get up..Please.¡± She pushed again onto his fur, but it was no use. He was simply out of it. Too tired to do anything but rest away. Whatever potion that Hilda had given him was working it¡¯s magic to be sure, she was just thankful he seemed to be alive.


    Although who knows for how long that will be?


    She gazed to the horror filled room, fighting the shiver of fear that lit up her senses. She pressed a hand to the gryphon¡¯s side, leaning up against him in the only thing that could bring comfort to this dreary place.


    ¡°Dear?¡± came Hilda¡¯s voice from the next room. Except now it sounded like it contained a high-pitched whine. Like someone had dragged their nails against a chalkboard. ¡°What kind of tart did you want? I got apple and blueberry!¡±


    ¡°A¡­..Apple.¡± She shouted back, trying to not picture whatever horrid thing was going to be brought out by that woman.


    Even if she was a woman. She could be anything if such a powerful glamor spell was up¡­Something to lure me in.


    She glanced to Voidwing¡¯s chest, running a hand through his fur and clenching her other hand into a fist.


    She may have lured us in here¡­But it certainly won¡¯t stay that way.


    She steeled her nerves with her next breath. Besides she was a trained wizard from Lumara. Had been practicing with Shandalar and Nigel, both very practiced mages in their own right. Time to show what all that training had been for all those years. She tapped a finger to her chin, knowing she had a few powerful spells left to torch this place. Possibly even enough to deal with whatever that thing was in the other room. At least she hoped she did. She shivered at the thought of whatever would await them if they failed, probably bound to a table and tortured to death. More souls to fuel this woman¡¯s insanity.


    ¡°One mistake..That¡¯s all it takes Nivra.¡± She told herself, pushing up to stand. ¡°Have to be better than it¡­Voidwing¡¯s counting on you.¡± She narrowed her eyes, already forming the words to her spell as she heard Hilda¡¯s footsteps start to announce her arrival. ¡°This time my sweet gryphon. I am the one protecting you.¡± She slipped back to her seat, hand cupping under the table. She might have wanted to blast whatever this thing was with a fireball, but first she wanted answers. That meant facing whatever thing resided here. She took a reserved breath, focusing on the first spell she was going to let loose. Always paid to be prepared anyway.


    ¡°You should have seen all the tarts back there dear. I may have gone a tad overboard!¡± Hilda laughed, pushing the door open with her rear end. However what emerged from the door was not the fair faced woman that had taken the pair in. It towered over her, dull green scales lining it¡¯s body that looked moist and dripping with droplets of what She suspected wasn¡¯t water. The tray she was holding was clutched by four fingered claws, all covered in purtrid growths of what looked to be moss and mold. Hilda¡¯s face was elongated with eyes and a mouth three times the size they were supposed to be. Instead of her normal clothes from before she was adorned in some sort of garment that looked to be made from human flesh stitched together. It wasn¡¯t even dyed to hide that face, dried and crusted blood was still clinging to the surface mixed with dirt and grime. ¡°Wasn¡¯t expecting such guests.¡± She stepped into the room, some of the metal devices jingling as the thing locked it¡¯s eyes onto her. They were dark and imposing, looking like murky blackened pools of ink. ¡°Something wrong dear?¡± The creature added, it¡¯s mouth widening to show off rows of gleaming shark like teeth.


    ¡°N¡­Nothing at all!¡± Nivra forced the words from her mouth, trying to maintain her sweet smile.  ¡°Just was admiring the gryphon was all. He is rather cute when he¡¯s resting like that. Brings warmth to my heart every time I do so.¡±


    ¡°That he is.¡± Hissed the creature with a grin, striding over to set the tray onto the table with a soft thud. ¡°Here we are. Nice apply tarts for your liking.¡±


    The things that the hag had decided to call tarts were more like soft dough dotted with bodyparts. Fingers, eyes, toenails, bugs. Other things looked to be pressed in as well, it took all her strength to not give away what she could actually see with her eyes. ¡°Looks..lovely¡­But..¡± She retracted her hands, a frown already forming on Hilda¡¯s twisted face.  ¡°I haven¡¯t got the appetite to eat. Nerves are too high from today.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes. No surprise dear. Not every day that you get faced with tons of orcs chasing after you.¡± The hag chuckled, pulling out the dark chair with a scrape and taking a seat before her. Her matted hair hung at her side as the creature gave her a twisted smile.


    ¡°Nice place you have here.¡± Nivra looked around, keeping her eyes on the creature whenever she turned her head. ¡°I¡¯m rather jealous as it were.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± The hag picked up one of the tarts, opening her widened mouth and chomping down on the culinary treat. A loud crunch filled the air, followed by a slurp and the sound of chewing. ¡°Hmmm.You sure you don¡¯t want one dear? They are ever so delightful to the senses.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Very sure.¡± She eyed the windows, mind trying to figure a way out away from this thing. She tried to remember what the books told of such creatures. What their weakness could be. Her mind drifted to the flames flickering away in the fireplace. She was certain they were weak against that element. Her eyes drifted to the drool leaking from the edge of the hag¡¯s mouth, watching it pool and plop against the wooden floor in wet splats. She would only get one chance to test her theory, the creature looks to have very sharp claws. She shivered at what those things could do to flesh.


    Probably not much different than those torture devices on the wall.


    ¡°See anything interesting you like?¡± The hag placed the tart down, a frown suddenly forming on it¡¯s face. It was almost as if..


    Damn¡¯t was I staring too long? Nivra felt her muscles tighten as the thing eyed her like a piece of meat. Silence hung in the air as her heart pounded in her ears.


    ¡°Cause it looks like you have rather saw a ghost. I can even smell the fear coming off you in thick waves¡­I think something happened..Dear.¡± The hag placed a sharpened claw on the table, instantly calling back instinct to Nivra¡¯s bones. With a cupped hand she flung a ball of fire right into the thing¡¯s gleaming eyes.


    ¡°AHHHH!¡± The hag screamed as her eyes boiled, bursting upon the impact of the small bolt of red. Her limb thrashed out, scattering the silverware to the floor with a clattering roar. Nivra had to back away as the second one nearly cut her in two. ¡°Vile little girl!¡± She lifted the table with her arms, tossing the thing against the back wall. Nivra ducked, the thing cracking in two. Nivra caught a shard to the head, a sharp pain coursing through her as she stumbled away. Her vision turned into a spiraling vortex of colors. She tried to keep her ground, but it was no use, she fell back hard onto the rotten wood.


    The hag stomped it¡¯s clawed feet, shaking the entire horrid cottage. The metal devices on the walls clanged together as she opened her mouth and gave an inhuman snarl. It¡¯s one remaining eye locked onto her, staring bright orange flames.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter girl? Don¡¯t like the tea?¡± The hag rushed at her, claws gleaming in the firelight before she slashed at her. Nivra tried to roll out of the way but her head was too clouded. Sharpened claws dragged against her legs, cutting a gash into her leg and lightning her body up in pain.


    The mage screamed, something she was rather ashamed to have done as she pulled and crawled away from the cackling monster. She did another hand movement, locking onto the blurry figure and knew she wouldn¡¯t hit her other eye if her life depended on it. With that option out she chose the less accurate one, but no less deadly. She combined her hands, forming a circle with and unleashing a fireball towards the towering monster. With her thoughts to herself and Voidwing and almost smiled as the flames smashed into the hag¡¯s head and consumed everything in their bright cerulean light.


    It was like a crack of thunder shook the place coinciding with the hag¡¯s high-pitched scream. Papers burned away into ash, pots scattered to slam against the wall. The windows shattered, the table burst apart even more, her flames consumed every dark thing in a moment. The hag¡¯s green scaled hide blackened and twisted as the intense heat ate away at her body. She was thrown back into a wall, the rickety shelf collapsing to break upon her twisted head with a crack.


    ¡°My other eye! You know how much that stings girl? When I get this sorted I will put you through so much pain you won¡¯t know what to do!¡± The thing lashed out blindly from its resting place as Nivra struggled to stand with ragged breaths. She glanced down to her blood covered leg, nothing to serious that couldn¡¯t¡¯ be solved by a healing potion in her pack. Distracted by her wound the hag sniffed, bounding up with a roar. The mage hardly had time to scamper away, her hand being swatted aside and claws slashing across her chest.


    She was sent spinning to the ground, rolling with a pained thud to Voidwing¡¯s side. She touched her chest, feeling a warm liquid now coated her fingers.


    Blood¡­.My blood. She groaned as pain prickled at her senses, drawing her attention from the hag¡¯s pounding steps.


    ¡°See? Even blind I can hurt you girl.¡±


    Nivra snarled and let fly her last fireball towards the cackling thing. She didn¡¯t even flinch as more flesh was burned away from what was once Hilda. The hag¡¯s right arm was burned away into ash, earning more screams of blood churning agony.


    Nivra pulled herself against Voidwing as the hag slammed against a wall, the creature heaving and rasping. She held her hand out as the hag slumped to the ground, looking more like a fluffy dwarf pillow too far exposed to flame. She wasn¡¯t even sure how the creature was alive.


    ¡°Won¡¯t matter¡­You are running out of spells dear. And it won¡¯t be long till I have me claws on you.¡± The hag hissed, a small blackened part of her limb breaking away to reveal a small nub of flesh growing. It appeared as though the hag could regenerate.


    Great


    The mage sifted through her mind, desperately trying to call up what spell to use next. With a quick breath she found her answer, turning Voidwing to the size of a cat and stashing him into her pack without a moment to spare. She avoided the hag¡¯s clumsy strike, her claws grazing passed her hair and making her nerves shoot up in worry.


    ¡°Get her my children!¡± The thing cried, stumbling onto a wall, knocking over a pair of blood covered pincers.


    Nivra bound towards the nearly broken front door, pieces of the thing missing from the fireball¡¯s explosion. She grabbed the cold handle and opening the thing. She had no idea what these ¡°children¡± of hers were, but she had no intention to stick around and find out. She sighed in relief, until she spun around and was greeted to a wall of shambling corpses It appeared as though all the rocks outside were missing, another illusion cast by the hag. All races seemed to be reflected in the rotted blackened eyes that locked onto her, slack jawed and dragging their limbs. Besides just those horrors, were skeletons of bone white, clutching weapons and shields in their bony grip. Empty sockets of their heads were turned directly at her. To her horror she spied several taller undead, stitched together monstrosities glaring at her with manevolant dead eyes. All the creatures took one moment before they were rushing towards her with a series of moans, groans, and creaking of bones.


    ¡°Guess that way is out.¡± She slammed the door just as a zombie reached out for her, impacting the wood with a guttural groan and a thump. She pressed up against the door as she felt weight suddenly stack against the wooden surface, a heavy imposing force she knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold off for long.


    What am I going to do? Face this hag or against her army of death outside?


    She frowned, realizing she had next to no powerful spells left to get out this way in one piece. The rest being simple electric whips or bolts of fire. Nothing to clear them away enough to make a path for her.


    ¡°That¡¯s right dear.¡± The hag took a step towards her, the blackened soot on her scales slowly crumbling away to reveal dark green shades. Her burned eyes were slowly starting to take on their previous appearance


    ¡°You¡¯re mine for the evening. Why not just sit back and relax? I did want you alive after all.¡±


    Lies, something like this would tell nothing but lies.


    She pressed herself against the wooden door, staff coming to her hand at full size. She held it outward towards the hag. ¡°I doubt that. I bet those torture devices are for show then? And the undead outside is just a coincidence?¡± She nearly jumped as the door beneath her started to crack, and the moans started to tease at her ears in full force.


    What spell to use?


    The thought dominated her thoughts as the had dragged herself painfully slow across the floor. ¡°Stay back!¡± She shouted, letting loose a small bolt of lightning to strike the limping fey. The thing ceased its movements as the white blue sparks danced across it¡¯s scales and made it twitch and squirm. Though that little spell had worked wonders, the hag rose a claw to slam it back down, eyes narrowing as they reformed. Nivra peaked to Voidwing, poking out her pack with closed eyes. He needed her, desperately so. How could she let down the one she loved?


    I know!


    With renewed purpose, and an inner flame springing up inside of her. She advanced on the hag. She shoved the tip of her staff right under the hag¡¯s chin, letting a collection of magic form at the tip and sear the thing¡¯s twisted form. ¡°Listen here you malevolent thing. I want out of here from your little¡­Children.¡± She shouted over the loud cracks as the door started to give way. ¡°And if you don¡¯t¡­¡± She held out a finger, word already set to be loosed from her mouth. ¡°I got one more fireball, and I don¡¯t think you have enough lift left in you to survive it¡­¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha.¡± The hag chuckled, gasping for air. ¡°But if you kill me then my children will devour you without me to guide them.


    ¡°True.¡± Nivra shrugged, giving the squirming fey a grin. ¡°But then you would be dead. And that¡¯s all I¡­Or you care about Hag. Once your minions approach me I will end you and most of them from this world.¡±


    ¡°You¡­.wouldn¡¯t¡­Dare.¡±


    ¡°Look into my eyes.¡± Nivra glared flames down to the hag. ¡°Do these look like the eyes of someone fooling around? My love is at stake. You think I won¡¯t do anything for him?¡±


    The hag¡¯s smile faded the moment that her eyes met Nivra¡¯s own.


    ¡°Hurry up now hag.¡± Nivra looked back to the door, it burst open with a thud. The undead horde outside pushed and squirmed over one another trying to force themselves through the frame. ¡°You don¡¯t have much time left to consider your options.¡±


    The hag gulped. Eyes darting from her minions to Nivra¡¯s hands.¡± Fine!...¡± The undead suddenly stopped around her, almost freezing in place. ¡®Fine! I said fine girl!¡±


    ¡°So, we have an accord then?¡± Nivra smirked as the moans and clatter of bones ceased. The only sound hanging in the air was the crackling flames that seemed hellbent on wiping the cottage from the earth and turning it into ash. ¡°How do I know that you won¡¯t send your undead on me the moment that I flee from here?¡±


    ¡°You have my word dearie.¡±


    ¡°Which frankly isn¡¯t worth a damned thing after you just got done trying to eat me like those children from the stories!¡±


    The hag squirmed beneath her, taking a ragged breath. ¡°Wasn¡¯t trying to eat ya¡­Only was interested in eating the gryphon¡­He looked¡­¡± The hag closed her eyes, giving off a pleased croon. ¡°So delicious.¡±


    Nivra pressed down further against the hag¡¯s throat. ¡°Cease your infernal twisting or I will burn you and your children to death!¡± She pushed even further into the hag¡¯s throat with her staff, the thing glaring at her with intense hatred flickering in her eyes. ¡°I ask again¡­Do we have an agreement?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The hag¡¯s lips curled into a snarl, ¡°Yes we do.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Nivra let her up, but kept her staff held right at the thing¡¯s throat. ¡°Now get moving, you¡¯re coming with us.¡± When she didn¡¯t move at first Nivra prodded her, ¡°I said move!¡± He followed the defeated hag outside the door, the undead parting before them like water. She eyed the patchwork horrors with a concerned glare, ready to blast this hag with her flames. With a relief they did not attack and the creature led her away from the wretched, burning cottage.


    *


    Why were you trying to eat Voidwing anyway?¡± Nivra shoved the hag ahead of her with her staff once more. The cottage having been left behind easily an hour ago. The hag had been true to her word, the undead not having followed them thus far. She stifled her concern with a breath of the crisp night air, her ears filling  with the sounds that echoed all around them. In the distance a lone owl sounded, the wind whispered a lonely whine, and crickets began to chip away.


    ¡°Really interested dear?¡± The hag¡¯s voice started to deepen, squirming its way into the mage¡¯s ears. ¡°And here I thought all humans were squeamish when it came to eating friends and companions.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it can¡¯t be that simple. Why not kill him in the streets with the orcs? Would have solved a number of problems that happened later.¡± Nivra gripped the staff firmly as Hilda had stumbled forward onto the grass with a groan.


    ¡°Why are you not leading the way? I can hardly see a thing with one bloody eye.¡± The woman coughed, claws scraping at her side.


    ¡°So, I can keep my eyes trained on you hag.¡± She snapped back, tongue as sharp as a blade. ¡°That way You don¡¯t get any ideas like trying to escape or attack me with my back turned.¡±


    ¡°Well thought out.¡± Hilda rose slowly, wheezing as she gave the mage an intense glare. One that brimmed with contempt. ¡°Looks like I was the prey this time, and you the wolf.¡±


    ¡°You can look at it that way I suppose.¡± Nivra pushed the tip of her staff against the shoulder blades of the hag with a snarl. ¡°Now get back to moving.¡±


    ¡°Fine..Fine!¡± The hag dragged her feet, shoulders slumping over. ¡°And about your question dear.¡± Hilda lost her footing again, hand falling to a man sized stone that caught her fall. ¡°I was planning to turn you into one of me.¡±


    ¡°One of you?¡± Nivra gaged in disgust as the hag gave her a sharp toothed grin. One that just dripped with malevolent intent.


    ¡°Oh yes darling. That¡¯s how hags are created. When one is well prepared, a woman eats the heart of her lover. She then slowly transforms into what you see before you.¡±


    ¡°Is that what the tea was for?¡± Nivra¡¯s arm shivered as her tongue remembered the vile smelling liquid. Her skin felt like it was undulating, with worms wriggling under the surface. She felt her stomach lurch at the mere memory. She stuffed the feeling down, no sense in wrenching right now in front of the monster.


    ¡°Now you understand girl.¡± Hilda resumed her walk with deep, ragged breaths. ¡°Imagine my surprise as you turned out to be a princess of all things! What luck!¡±


    ¡°Bad luck in your case if you remember.¡± She tapped Hilda when she snuck a glance at her. ¡°Eyes front. Don¡¯t want to sear the flesh from your face if I don¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°How considerate of you dearie. I almost thought you had a heart.¡±


    ¡°Not to things that try to kill me, or Voidwing I don¡¯t. I respond with an equal amount of force back. And looks like that plan worked wonders with you.¡±


    ¡°Are we not far enough away from my house little one?¡± Hilda hissed as another thump of the wizard¡¯s staff met her back. She dragged herself over the top of the hill. The rocky way that had seen better days was covered with moss and overgrown weeds that tried to snare at their feet. The only light they had was Nivra¡¯s staff, glowing brightly like a torch against the ground and bathing it in a warm glow. Shadows danced across the rocks and large bushes as they walked.


    ¡°You can cease your shivering. If I wanted to kill you I¡¯d have done it by now!¡±


    Was I shivering? Nivra retightened the grip on her staff. ¡°As I said. Eyes up hag..Hilda..Whatever your name actually is. And I wasn¡¯t shivering your creepiness. My arm was simply tired of having to point at your wretched back.¡±


    The hag pulled herself against another stone, her claws scraping the surface with a low guttural groan. ¡°Tell me whatever you like little girl. I know shivering when I see it.¡±


    I bet you have. She prodded the hag again, images of the woman¡¯s victims coming to mind. They were not pleasant and filled with hair curling screams, desperate begs, and copious amounts of blood. ¡°And such talk is why we keep marching at a steady pace. ¡°If you keep insisting to make such questionable remarks, we shall be forced to keep at this overnight!¡±


    They marched along the path littered with rocks, the dark things making Nivra almost jump several times. She hid her fear from the monster with a boast or jest. No sense in letting the hag know how scared she really was. She glanced back down the path they had taken, finding no trace of the cabin of horrors she had been resting in. No skeletons followed behind them, no zombies dragging broken limbs trying to catch them. It seemed like Hilda had indeed kept her word, even this far out.


    ¡°That¡¯s far enough.¡± She muttered as they reached the road below. She gazed down to the dirt, finding lines made by carts and the heavy pawprints of wolves that carried them. It looked like they were back on track after this little detour.


    ¡°Finally.¡± Sighed the hag, flopping onto the ground with a groan. She flipped over so that she could glare into the human¡¯s eyes with bright orange flames. ¡°What will you do now little Nivra? Keep your word and set me free? Just like I let you leave my house unhurt by my children?¡±


    Nivra retracted her staff, standing it beside her feet. Her eyes falling to a golden amulet that hung around the hag¡¯s throat in the shape of a dragon. How she had missed that she didn¡¯t know. Possibly the hag had summoned it somehow during the walk. ¡°What¡¯s with the amulet?¡± She found the words coming from her mouth, ignoring the hag¡¯s question.


    ¡°Oh, this thing?¡± Hilda cooed, pulling the thin golden strand up so she could get a better view of the jewelry. ¡°This was given to me by the queen of the eternal flame. A sign of my dedication to her.¡±


    ¡°The queen of the eternal flame?¡± Nivra scoffed, ¡°Sounds like a fancy made up title if you ask me.¡± She shifted her weight, a breeze ruffling her cloak behind her.


    ¡°That it might be little human, but they never gave me their real name. Names have power after all.¡±


    ¡°You never answered my question hag. What¡¯s the amulet do? I doubt it¡¯s just some fancy bit of jewelry.¡±


    ¡°And what if it was some fancy thing that I plucked from some poor soul that was oh so desperate to cling onto it?¡±


    Nivra just shrugged, holding her ground. She stared at the hag with intense eyes, and a heavy frown.  It was clear she wasn¡¯t going to get an answer out of her. She watched with interest as the hag slowly pushed herself up, going to walk away with a loud cackle. ¡°So, I¡¯m free to go then?¡±


    ¡°That would seem so.¡±


    ¡°Then you have my thanks kind human.¡± She bobbed her head with a smile before going to walk back along the path.


    She¡¯s just going to hurt more lives you know. ¡°Why did you give your dedication to this Queen of Eternal flame?¡±


    The hag stopped, sighing with a shrug. ¡°When one such she asked me to bend the knee I knew I was not foolish enough to deny her request. I pledged myself to avoid her wrath. If you ever meet her, I suggest you do the same.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Nivra held out a hand, listening to her inner voice and letting fly a final act of death. The flames exploded around the hag in a blazing inferno. The intense heat burning away her flesh finally to the bone. Hilda¡¯s shrieks filled the air and made the mage¡¯s blood churn. The hag collapsed to her knees, parts of her body falling away and breaking to ash upon the ground. Despite her agony the flames continued to dance and flicker around her, delighted to feast upon her flailing form. When her head finally touched the ground and scattered to dust Nivra¡¯s limbs quivered. The day¡¯s energy finally caught up with her as she collapsed onto the side of the road. To her tired mind everything felt ten times as heavy as it should have been. She undid her pack, setting it on the ground as her eyelids threatened to close and carry her to sleep. She released her gryphon from her spell. The bird returning to his full size before her in a matter of moments. She crawled against his underside, shivering in the night air before slipping under his limbs and pressing herself against his furred chest. She heard him grumble, his left forelimb wrapping around her as she pulled her head firmly against him. She felt her eyes mist, the days troubles crumbling away her walls. Tears came next as she buried her head into his fur, thankful she had found a way out of that horror. His steady breaths and sound of his heart helped fight off the misery and horribleness that they had undergone. With a final sniff she hugged him tightly and closed her eyes. It was not long before sleep took them into its embrace.

 Darkened Skies Chapter 6

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


    <u>Chapter 6: Threading the Needle</u>


    ¡°Already? I thought it would have been longer before we found the undead. How¡¯d they even get this bloody close? Nivarra¡¯s harsh words lingered in the air, punctuated by a jab of her slendor finger into Lyndis¡¯ leather armored chest. Isn¡¯t that what you¡¯re supposed to be doing?¡±  She fought the urge to smack it away and offer her a scowl. She instead backed away.


    ¡°Any of you lot could have spotted the shamblin blighters before they was on top of us!¡± Nivarra¡¯s face reddened as she thrust an accusing finger towards Shandalar, who was calmly reading her parchment. The elf¡¯s nose was practically pressed to the manila surface.


    ¡°I¡¯d watch that tone if I was you Niv. If it weren¡¯t for me and my bleedin friends, you¡¯d be six feet under by now.¡± Lyndis¡¯ voice came sternly and calm, the fire lingering in Nivarra¡¯s eyes suddenly vanished. The woman sighed, her face turning to a reflection of the worried masses around her. The color was drained from their faces and silence lingering where there should have been talking.


    ¡°Y¡­You¡¯re right.¡± The nervous woman sighed, her face falling with a slump of her shoulders. ¡°Sorry for the harsh words. Just been a rough time for us¡­Especially with the fact Stathmore was destroyed.¡± Nivarra¡¯s eyes lifted, drifting to Veledar who was busy getting his harness on with the help of his paladin. The red dragon seemed to be more interested in nuzzling the man than getting ready to set out though. ¡°Just it¡¯s all so real now.¡±


    How could she think this wasn¡¯t going to happen?


    Lyndis sighed, placing a hand to the woman¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry bout it. Everyone¡¯s nerves are on edge. Probably for the best anyway, when you¡¯re looking out for your life it¡¯s harder to catch you by surprise.¡±


    ¡°Speak fer yerself lass! I got an arrow or two with a spooky, shamblin, Not good for nothin undead¡¯s name on it!¡± Merlia shouted, sharpening the head of one of arrows with a wet stone.


    ¡°Some of us more than others I suppose.¡± She crossed her arms, chuckling at the dwarves enthusiasm.


    ¡°So, do we turn back?¡± One person asked, voice lingering with concern.


    ¡°What about the orcs?¡± An older woman with a creased face whispered with a harsh voice. ¡°Do you suppose we¡¯re surrounded?¡±


    ¡°Hey!Hey!¡± Lyndis¡¯ voice rose like the sea, instantly silencing the moans of worry. She turned to Shandalar and Arcturus, really wishing they were right here to help quell this worry. She buried the  concern, ¡°We have to keep going forward. The next town Roselake isn¡¯t that much further. Turning back with our tails between our legs will only waste more resources and we will be heading right back into the focken orcs.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t even know if the way forward is safe!¡± The old woman thrusted her wooden cane towards the treeline. ¡°We could be wondering into a trap!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s.¡± The half-elf¡¯s stomach gripped tightly as she remembered her choice with Azzik. How she had urged him on despite the danger presen, and fear swirling within his eyes. ¡°We¡­have to¡­It¡¯s the only one we have at the moment.¡± She waved to Veledar who had seen her movement and swollen his chest up in pride. ¡°We got the dragon with us. We can beat off a few undead that come our way.¡± She shot daggers from her eyes as Krotos walked by, beak smirking at her comment. ¡°Even some of the banshee things they had.¡± She gave the worried townsfolk a fake smile, while her heart remained uncertain. Her bluff seemed to work as the people nodded and accepted her words. They quickly gathered their things. Not a voice of worry to be found.


    ¡°Just keep it all together.¡± She whispered to herself as she loaded her rolled up sleeping bag onto her riding wolf. She finished tightening a leather strap before lifting herself up over the beasts back and settling into the worn leather saddle. She peered to Veledar as the red dragon strode by, who had opted to not fly because of the thick canopy overhead. You could see the lingering irritation in his eyes as the dragon glared flames at the tree¡¯s many branches. Though she giggled as that fire seemed to smoulder the moment Arcturus began stroking the dragon¡¯s scaled neck. ¡°We aren¡¯t out of this yet.¡± She grabbed the wolf¡¯s reins and willed him to head out. With a flick of its tail the canine scampered forward to pass the dragon with a marf.


    Lyndis had to shieled her eyes from the sun¡¯s intense glare. The furious flaming sphere¡¯s rays sneaking their way through the canopy to brighten the forest floor and give it a more tranquil look. She hugged her wolf for warmth as an icy wind caressed her cheek. It coiled around, her eyes narrowing as she watched Arcturus jealously as she clutched at her cloak. The man seemed undisturbed by the winds bite. She found herself wishing she had the dragon¡¯s warmth to chase away this biting cold.


    The next few hours passed incredibly slow as hushed whispers and worried voices seemed to rise above all the other noises of their passing. They spoke of monsters, evil magics that could strike the living to death without as much as a blink, and what devilish fates awaited them at the bony claws of the undead. Lyndis couldn¡¯t blame them of course as she bit her lip, remembering those cold dead eyes of the banshee as she had siphoned the life from that orc. She found herself shifted her head towrds any little noise, be it a snapping twig, groan of a tree, or the lone fluttering of a bird¡¯s wings. Each sound would echo all around and leave her icy and cold. Though she figured that might just be the wind. As the wolf she had named Swiftness avoided a hole in the road she considered if she had made the right choice. She watched motes of dirt of sand float within the tendrils of light and wondering how many would die because of her choice.


    How many will end up like that little kobold?


    She glanced back to the scared faces of her people, huddling together in their mobile wooden boxes and clinging to loved ones like this would be their last days alive. She sighed, shifting her view to the pillars of strength within her caravan, the individuals who the undead seemed to not trouble nor strike fear into their hearts. Veledar was the first to come to mind, striding along the others with his head raised in that regal sort of way he usually did. His cerulean eyes ever on the watch for any wicked monstrosity to leap out and rip the bloody thing to raggedy shreds. If she didn¡¯t know any better that little glimmer of silliness he had seemed to always have had melted away, leaving in its place a wise and powerful drake that would shield all others in his shadow.


    Arcturus was the next one, sitting atop his dragon with a reflection of the beast¡¯s posture and face. Calm and unafraid that the trees seemed to be reaching for them, uncaring that undead stalked their movements. She smiled whenever the man would try talking to her people, telling them to keep strength, not give into the dread wrapping around them, and that there always a light to cling to. Even in the most consuming darkness.


    Asterion was the last one, riding atop his wolf like he was master rider. His hands were like iron around the reins, his darkened pools unwavering as he stood erect. Even the harsh breeze did little to disrupt his stoic stance. Feku was clutching at his waist, her tail swishing back and forth with each steady stride of his powerful wolf. Lyndis sighed, wishing she had their courage and strength in this moment. Wondering how they maintained their composure while everyone was counting on them. She rose a hand to caress the green scale around her neck with the next patter of paws by swifty. She was almost lost away in her thoughts over her green dragon when they spotted the first of the undead during the day.


    From the thick trees and branches came a shambling line of six orcs, their armor tattered, and skin torn in several places. Organs hung to the ground from sliced bellies as the pale faced monsters dragged blood-soaked axes in the dirt. Arcturus held up a hand, the rest of her friends taking the vanguard with weapons drawn. They ordered the caravan to hold as the dragon let loose a growl and barreled into them with teeth barred. With sword, rapier, and the dragon, the lumbering sacks of rotted flesh didn¡¯t even know what hit them. They were sliced into mis matched pieces that thumped and plopped onto the ground in mis-shaped chunks.


    She was about to stow her weapon when she gazed  down to one such creature¡¯s still wriggling limb. Despite missing its head and part of it¡¯s left arm the zombie was still trying to stand. With a sigh she drew her weapon and stabbed down into the thing¡¯s torso, destroying whatever magic was keeping it together forever. With a quick wipe of her blade she returned it to its resting place within her holster.


    ¡°See now Krotos?¡± Veledar grinned, showing off his teeth and flicking away some blackened goo from his talons into the trees. ¡°Undead? Nothing to worry about.¡± The red turned his tail, wiggling his frills. ¡°Not a single scratch on me!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because my brightness, there wasn¡¯t a lot of them.¡± The gryphon grumbled, as Merlia hacked each one of the bodies into a pile of limbs and black smears. ¡°What the hell are you even doing?¡± The bird raised a brow as a dull smack answered him.¡±


    ¡°Makin sure da bastards stay down. Dey got dis habit of getting up when ya don¡¯t want it. Course normally I¡¯d like that in a man but dis lot? She kicked one¡¯s torso, sending the fleshy thing rolling a few yards away. ¡°Not in yer life.¡± She stowed her axes, a smirk spreading to her lips before she let out a laugh, smacking her white furred leather.¡± Course dey all look like deve been a dwarvin party.¡±


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s missing their heads?¡± The gryphon stepped over a pool of filth, making sure to keep his talons clean.


    ¡°No not dat gryphon. But all the bodies¡­Picture dat dey be unconscious.¡± She pointed to an elf¡¯s torso cut into three pieces. ¡°Now Imagine dere be a keg right dere.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really see the-¡°


    Lyndis had not stayed to listen to the witty words about dwarf parties, instead striding past the paladin and dragon. The man had just let out a sigh as Krotos had been evidently playing with the dwarf with his questions. It would most likely not be long till the dwarf was as red as the dragon¡¯s scales and chasing him with a loaded bow. She waved to the town to continue their slow movements, their eyes practically glued to the undead bodies littering the road. She could not tell it out of happiness for their destruction, or dread that they had found more undead within the trees. She sighed as she looked to the path before them, already spying more of the shambling humans in the distance. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re not going to get a reprieve.¡± She leaped up onto her wolf, and his reins. The canine let out a howl and picked up the pace as she pulled her rapier with a hiss. Her friends followed suit right behind her, with Asterion, Krotos, and Merlia right behind her.


    ¡°Good! I tire of all this travel. I relish the opportunity to do battle with the most hated foe of living kind!¡± Asterion shouted, only causing Merlis to slap her knee and let out a resounding laugh.


    ¡°You be wrong cleric! The most hated foe of mortal kind be spiders!¡± She thumbed her chest, swishing her braid behind her neck. ¡°I¡¯d take thousands of undead over one of them transporting spiders in the red dragon¡¯s lair!¡± When the bull gave her an inquisitive look with a tilted head she held up her hands. ¡°Nasty blue tings dey were! Almost made me heart leap from me chest!¡±


    They rode forward into the thin groups of horrors and cut them down without too much incident. Lyndis found them much too slow with their flailing arms trying to lash out with weapons locked within their grips. Quick plunges down their skulls all it took with her rapier to fell them. She had coated her blade with blackened ooze in no time at all.


    ¡°Got Seventeen!¡± Merlia cheered, cleaving heads from their shoulders with savage slashes from her twin axes. The dwarf hugged Krotos close as the bird sprinted passed with squawks and chirps of fear. She felt bad for him as she pulled her blade from her latest zombie victim with a schlick. The thing¡¯s torn up body slid back to the ground with a plop, it¡¯s pale rotted flesh unmoving. She took an extended breath taking that sound as a final compliment, one last thanks for returning the dead¡¯s rightful place to the soil.


    ¡°Krotos! Stop yer runnin around like a headless chicken! Dey are not dat scary! By Thor¡¯s beard ya got talons that can rip dem ta pieces lad!¡± She lashed out with her sharpened heads, cleaving two more as Krotos ran by. ¡°Eighteen! Nineteen!¡±


    The blue gryphon finally pounced, sinking his talons into a zombified half-elf and ripping one¡¯s head off with a powerful strike of his claws. The thing¡¯s neck sprayed a thin burst of blackened blood that coated the poor gryphon¡¯s feathers. Despite the look of horror on his feathers being sullied in such a way the bird did not cease his movements. He swerved and ducked, eventually spreading his wings and leaping into the air. ¡°You almost got me killed!¡± He cried, Merlia pointed to the ground.


    ¡°No I didn,t and look¡­ya got some dirt on ya!¡± The Dwarf pulled out her bow. ¡°So proud of ya!¡±


    ¡°Stop it woman! You¡¯re ruining my feathers! Do you know how long it will take.¡± His anger dissolved into angry squawks and chirps as Veledar crashed through several zombies that had taken to blocking the path ahead.


    ¡°Nineteen dwarf?¡± He pulled his maw back, incinerating a group with fire as they emerged from the trees. The shambling walking corpses fell to the ground engulfed in flames, soon being reduced to ash. ¡°I believe that I am up to sixty.¡±


    ¡°Yer a dragon! I¡¯m not even competen with ya! It¡¯s Asterion I be contestin!¡±


    Lyndis chuckled, as the red rolled his eyes with a huff, ripping apart several other corpses with little effort as Arcturus sliced any that his dragon missed with his flame halberd that he had gotten from his mate¡¯s lair. Each time the red blade entered an undead torso it would illuminate with a brilliant white light and explode, sending chunks of rotted flesh splattering against the red¡¯s hide. The poor dragon¡¯s scales were practically smeared with the aftermath of their undead foes. He would probably request his paladin to bath him when this was all through. She let out a cheer of victory, signaling to the caravan to continue their advance as the last of the zombies before them were felled. Despite she and her friends victories the town still was filled with faces of terror and dread as eyes drifted from corpse to corpse laid out to bare. She cleaned her blade with a rag, trying to block out words of fear. Her mind drifted, skin shivering as she remembered Stathhome. How could they fight something like that? When you slew several dozens and they had literal thousands to replace them? She stowed her blade and took place back at the front as Veledar, Asterion, and Merlia started bragging about how many things they had struck down. In the end it was the dragon that had crowned himself the victor despite the protests from her friends and insisting that they were saving their spells for the long road ahead.


    The hours passed by in a routine that could almost be predicted. Groups of zombies or skeletons would emerge from the surroundings, they would stop and dispatch them with sword, spell, and wave the wagons forward. By the time they finally stopped for a rest all of them were begging for a reprieve. Townsfolk militia had been stationed around the carts with rifles and spears as the weary adventurers took a moment to collect themselves and rest. Merlia had handed out good berries with a wave of her hand, the bright blue berries with purple spots working warmth into Lyndis¡¯ fingers as she munched away. It was like the sores in her hand had all but vanished. She knew they would comeback to taunt at her, but it would help for now. Especially if they wanted to push onward to the next town before nightfall.


    She spread out her blue blanket with gold stitching on the edges, the linen something she had stashed years ago in her haste to get on with her journey. She kneeled on it, closing her eyes and focusing on her spells as the sound of worried people threatened to distract her. The occasional sound of rifle fire thundered through the air, making her ears twitch and pull her from her relaxed mind to remind her about the encroaching undeath hordes surrounding them. She cracked open an amber eye to realize she had begun trembling at the mere thought.


    What if Roselake is just as overrun?


    She shook her head, not wanting think about it. Nor did she want to realize that they didn¡¯t have the strength to head back into this sea of death if they wanted to turn around. She glanced to Veledar with a heart pounding in her chest like a drum. The dragon had his head raised, and his limbs curled around his human like a stone wall. His frills would twitch ever so softly in the breeze as his eyes stared intense flames to the slow moving undead around them.


    You could always fly away.


    The thought did little to ease her mind as she thought to the carpet of Shandalar¡¯s, Veledar¡¯s wings, or Krotos¡¯ feathers. While they could escape unharmed by the undead and set course for Struport, that would leave all these people to die by undead hands and teeth. But it was as Shandalar had said days ago.


    At what point do you cut off the limb to save the body?


    She lowered her head as the grim thought wormed around her heart and pulled firmly at the strands. She could feel the ease it would be to slip and let such thoughts bury the bravery she knew lurked within her. Thankfully the near deafening sound of rifles firing away shattered her worried thoughts like brittle clay.


    ¡°I said hold yer shots till dey get closer!¡± Merlia shouted, stomping her way over to some wolven holding their rifles firmly against their chests. ¡°Ya going ta make um cry out laughin at your lack of aim! I seen better shots den a blind orc missin an arm!¡±


    ¡°Something troubling you princess?¡± Shandalar¡¯s stern, calm voice an island to cling to in the sea of troubles. It allowed her to focus on her instead of the lingering plight of her people or the now cursing dwarf. The elf had taken position beside her, legs crossed over one another. She  folded her hands in her lap, eyes filled with concern. There was a momentary pause before Lyndis held her head and sighed.


    ¡°Just everything that is placed on us¡­.Did we even make the right call to head further into my countries lands? I look around at all the shamblin death and can¡¯t help but wonder if we¡¯re leading them to an even more gruesome deaths than if we would have stayed.¡± Images of gnashing teeth ripping apart flesh filled her mind, complete with faint screams of the would-be victims.


    ¡°Hard to say. We can¡¯t really change the course of action we already chose. But regardless you must keep a strong upper chin as they always say.¡± The elf rose her hand to cup Lyndis¡¯ chin, steadily rising it so they were looking right into each other¡¯s eyes. Lyndis felt calm, her heartbeat slowing, her breaths coming easier as she glared into those blue spheres.


    ¡°Yes bu-¡°


    ¡°No buts.¡± Shandalar held up a finger placing the tip to Lyndis¡¯ lips. ¡°These people we have adopted are looking to you out of everyone for strength.¡±


    ¡°Pff.¡± She rolled her eyes, the thought absurd. Look to her for strength? When they had the dragon or paladin to look to? ¡°Who went and told you such hog water?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true if you simply pay attention.¡± Shandalar¡¯s brows stitched together as she glanced to the crowd.


    ¡°How you suppose that is then? I didn¡¯t go telling them I¡¯m the bleeding princess, did I?¡±


    ¡°Even so, you¡¯re the only Drenedarian here among our group. That in itself is reason enough to look to you. While they may distrust some like the paladin, or question others like myself or the dragon. You on the other hand are a little slice of normality that they have come to know. So, it is to you that they will look to, draw their strength when they feel as though it is being snatched away by the void.


    Pulling her head away with a dismissive snort she let her eyes linger to the huddled worried faces plastered on all her people. Cold lapped at her as she saw shivering children being held by concerned parents, stroking hair and letting them know things were going to be okay. ¡°Still doesn¡¯t seem right when you say it. Just a bloke with a sword and some friends to them. You¡¯d think they¡¯d find more comfort in the dragon. You know the ole saying. Find protection under his shadow and all that.¡± She waved to Veledar, who had only ceased his watchful glare to nuzzle his human every few minutes.


    ¡°True he may be one of the pillars of strength they find during this dark time, but it tiss not the only one.¡± She sighed. ¡°Now don¡¯t go uttering this to him, for I fear it shall increase his ego to levels that we dare not fathom. He is a good omen here, and without him I¡¯m not sure they would have listened to our plan so easily. You can see it in your people when they look to his strength even when things shamble and drag rotted limbs to come devour them. They look to his flames and scales and know things are going to be brighter for his assistance. ¡° As if to punctuate her point a thunderous volley screamed through the air, making her ears twitch and sting.


    ¡°So why when they have all the gloriousness of our red brightness do they look to me? He can fly, breathe fire, has scales tougher than anything I got. Why look to me? Just being from the land can¡¯t be everything¡­Can it?¡±


    Shandalar held out her hands, closing them together for a moment before spreading them around towards the masses. ¡°Having just the dragon isn¡¯t just enough Lyndis. You need to be just as strong looking. They see themselves in you, not the strength he possesses, but of something else. Symbols can be very important in times such as these. Why do you think I waited for the dragon at the estate?¡± She rose a brow. ¡°Despite his ability to spit in the face of logic and his infuriating game to spark anger in me¡­¡± She softly spun her eyes to the dragon, letting a sigh work it¡¯s way from her chest. ¡°I¡¯m rather glad he¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°Also, that someone tends ta listen to what ya got to say when ya got a dragon to back you up.¡±


    A small smirk tugged at the elves face. ¡°Perhaps a little of that as well.¡±


    They sat in silence watching the others, the sun streaming down through the canopy to embrace them in it¡¯s warm rays. Almost as if the very gods were blessing their path forward into this dreary forest filled with death. ¡°So, Strong upper lip huh?¡± She cast her gaze to Krotos, the blue bird was cuddled around Feku as the bard played some soft notes with a practiced hand on her violin. ¡°You make it sound so bloody simple when you speak of it.¡±


    Unwrapping a book from her pack Shandalar set it in her lap with a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s easy for elves where I come from to do such things. I often need to maintain this air of calm around my students back home during their studies and tests.¡± She tapped the opened page several times. ¡°Helps them cope with the stress¡­of things.¡± Her face darkened for a moment, her eyes going to the page. The moment passed in the blink of an eye before the calm worked its way back round her face.


    ¡°But-¡°


    ¡°It¡¯s not different. Even if you don¡¯t feel particularly confident.¡±


    ¡°Not very paladin like of you miss wizard.¡± She smirked, a mirrored expression coming to the elf¡¯s own.


    ¡°Do I look like the paladin that has fallen madly in love with our resident dragon? Last time I recalled I didn¡¯t clank when I walk or kissed red scales against my lips.¡±


    ¡°He does more then just love our dragon.¡± She giggled, Arcturus¡¯ face looking to them at the sound of his name. She didn¡¯t know if he had heard them, but his face had already started to turn a slight pinkish shade as Veledar tugged him tighter around his scaled chest.


    ¡°Oh, trust me.¡± The elf waved with a lingering chuckle. ¡°I know they do.¡± The wizard slowly rose to stand, back straightening as a breeze washed over her and made her brown robes flutter ever so softly against the ground. She casually glanced towards the militia with a stern gaze as Merlia started insulting the militia over their abysmal aim. Even threatening to take their rifles away when they could learn to not waste ammunition.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like she¡¯s being calm or helpful.¡± She wrinkled her face as Merlia shook an extended finger at an increasingly reddening human. The poor man seemed to shrink before the absolute storm of fury that was before him.


    ¡°I imagine its one way her people handle such things. Smacking things harder and cursing like a half-orcish sailor.¡± The elf sighed, holding her fingers against the bridge of her nose, as a laugh found its way to her. ¡°Though it could also be that the gryphon drank all her booze and she¡¯s letting it on the poor man.¡±


    With an echoing chuckle Lyndis pushed herself back to her feet, her limbs groaning and whispering in her ear to stay seated. She stretched out, blinking away her laziness. ¡°Guess we got to get the rest of the day on with then. Undead to focken slay, chin to keep ever so high. Though. Don¡¯t want to have it too high, will end up like our brightness over there.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯d you say about me?¡± The dragon snapped to her, his head pulled back into the shape of an S.


    ¡°Nothing your brightness, go back to protectively guarding your mate!¡±


    ¡°I can certainly do that, but afterword¡¯s we are having a chat about what you said about me.¡± The dragon snored, flexing his claws around the human that wiggled slightly in his grip. ¡°No Arcturus you can¡¯t leave, I¡¯m not done snuggling against you.¡± The dragon lowered his snout to nuzzle at brown hair, getting hand wrapped around his snout in return. ¡°See? You¡¯re not ready to leave either.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­try to be more dragon like I suppose. Bit and regal and all that proudness wrapped up with wings and claws.¡± She walked with Shandalar until the elf took position with the militia and the red faced Merlia. The dwarf looked to them, face brightening as a smile appeared.


    ¡°Bout time ya got yer fingers dirty! I thought ya were going to be playing wit yer books all day!¡± The mage paid her no mind, raising her hands and helping the group by felling some skeletons with bolts of cerulean flames.


    Lyndis left them, slinking over to Veledar who had ceased his affectionate nuzzling of his mate.


    ¡°Hello again princess.¡± The dragon grinned, flicking his tail across the dirt. ¡°Couldn¡¯t stay away I see. I rather understand the attraction.¡± He swelled up his chest, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me I have to worry about two mortals falling in love with me do I? I would have to tell you I¡¯m greatly flattered at the gesture, but I only have room in my heart for one little soft thing that makes my heart weak.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Arcturus protested, tapping the dragon¡¯s scaled forelimb.


    ¡°But you¡¯re a most delightful soft thing. Don¡¯t worry your hair on your head about it.¡± His eyes rose to hers after another quick nuzzle to his squirming mate. ¡°Whatever can I and my wonderful human do for you?¡±


    She scrunched up her lips, fighting the giggle in her chest. ¡°Thanks for¡­being you.¡± She punched his scales, already hating herself for sounding so corny. Even Veledar seemed to raise a brow at her statement before returning his sight to those around them with a chuckle.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m always me. Whatever should I be otherwise? Perhaps a fairy? Maybe one of those dog creatures? Oh, wait I know I could be a gryphon with the fluffiest of feathers!¡±


    ¡°Or perhaps you can be a horse.¡± Arcturus laughed, earning a glare from his dragon and bump of nose against his hair.


    ¡°You¡¯re done human. And stop your little teasing. I can tease right back.¡±


    ¡°No not..Ugh.¡± She sighed, leaning up against his scales. She felt the warmth radiate from them through her clothes. Like a dying fire that still provided it¡¯s heat to those in need. ¡°Not what I meant dragon.¡± She looked down to his grime covered scales, the red now dulled and smeared with layers of thick grime of sickly green and brown ¡°Next time we¡¯re in town, remind me to help clean your scales. Our protector shouldn¡¯t be so¡­filthy.


    ¡°Oh, you will have to wait in line I¡¯m afraid my dearest rogue. For you see my paladin here has already beaten you to the punch. He has already offered to bathe me with those little soap things and make my scales shine like the sun.¡± Veledar closed his eyes as his maw parted wide for a large smile. His frills twitched happily on either side of his face. ¡°Always welcome to stick around for what happens after¡± The dragon¡¯s smile shifted to a lewd smirk, his tongue licking his lips. ¡°Or during.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Arcturus pushed the red¡¯s nosing snout.


    ¡°What? She would have guessed anyway! I don¡¯t know if you have noticed this Arcturus, but our affections are hardly a secret to our friends. I was simply warning the girl.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t warning her you were inviting her!¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± The dragon licked the man¡¯s face, earning him a glare. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯d mind very much.¡±


    ¡°Pfff.¡± She elbowed the dragon, ¡°Ever so full of yourself, aren¡¯t you? Think I¡¯d want to stick around for that?¡±


    ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t want a chance to engage in carnal acts with one such as myself?¡±


    She rolled her eyes at the idea. While not entirely displeasing she didn¡¯t want him to know that. ¡°You¡¯re just as bad as the bleedin gryphon at times. Are you sure you don¡¯t have blue feathers and a lion like tail?¡±


    Veledar¡¯s tail thumped behind her as if to answer her reply. ¡°No. Clearly a dragon Lyndis. Perhaps you should eat better things to strengthen your eyes. Otherwise I might question why we need a near blind rogue in our little adventuring party of misfits.¡± He rose a scaly ridge, eyes casting her an inquisitive look. ¡°Though let¡¯s say I did have those things¡­I would be better than our other gryphon right?¡± The dragon¡¯s snout drifted to Krotos, who was busy preening his feathers to no end. Feku was helping him with a comb she had and was running through his fur.


    ¡°God¡¯s is that all your care about? She scolded herself for thinking he wouldn¡¯t think that. ¡°Of course, you¡¯d still be better.


    The dragon trilled, several happy tail smacks her reward, his eyes brimming with joy. ¡°See?¡± He offered his human a tender lick. ¡°You are all learning what to say around me. Becoming the perfect little minions.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push the luck red boy,¡± She scratched his chin when he dipped his snout to her. ¡°But you¡¯ve definitely warmed up to us. Can¡¯t think of this group without you, now can I?¡±


    ¡°I certainly hope not.¡± The dragon purred, ¡°I am rather irreplaceable.¡±


    ¡°I do know two other dragons that can fill the part. They also have resplendent scales we can call upon to help us.¡±


    His gaze hardened, before he pulled his head away with a snort. ¡°And you go and ruin the moment. Leave it up to you of course.¡± He rose his head, snorting as he returned his diligent watch over the group. ¡°Red is a much better color than green anyway.¡± He grumbled.


    With the rest of theirs done, they quickly packed up their things, and checked ammunition. They would have tended to the wounded as well. But despite the insults and claims that the militia had bad aim, none of them had been wounded in their defense. At most one man had a bloody nose from tripping and smashing face first into the dirt but that had been it. Lyndis had eyed Asteiron¡¯s smirk of pride as he scanned the worn faces of the rifle totting people.


    They pressed on through the forest, cutting down any lingering undead like wheat. They seemed to constantly arrive in small trickles, one or two always within view in the distance. The worried sounds of her people echoed the undead¡¯s numbers, but she remembered Shandalar¡¯s words and held her head high. The carts rolled over scattered limbs and soaked their wheels in blood. She couldn¡¯t resist her adventurer instincts, looting each body that they felled when they got a moment of breathing room. Which with their sparse numbers and the ferocious dragon was rather easy. There wasn¡¯t much to write about, but she did stash some square shaped gold coins to toss into her pack with an undamaged healing potion or two. She had felt bad for that one in particular as she cut the rope that had bound the glass bottle. For the man had died with a way to save his life if only he had been fast enough to gulp the red liquid swishing around inside. She eyed the man¡¯s half eaten face, eye hanging out sickly and caked with dirt and dried blood. She had offered him quick thanks, bowing her head before returning to her friends.


    The day continued with the same pace as before. Even when Arcturus gave the order to continue or hold the townsfolk listened. His dragon didn¡¯t even need to echo his command with a roar. The man¡¯s continued efforts to help them being all they needed to not cast glares or flames in his direction each time he walked by.


    The sun began to head towards the horizon as the hours started to grow thin, the golden rays taking on a more red-orange color and making their pace quicken. They made sure to slay each undead along the path, though some that would appear in the distance behind them Shandalar told them to ignore. If they wanted to make it to the Roselake by nightfall they could not afford to keep delaying themselves with stabbing swords. She bit her lip and held her head up as she sneaked glances to the vanishing sun and could feel the dread snatch at her as she remembered the banshee. She wondered briefly it that was all that awaited them during the dead of the night.


    Her fears were validated when they came to a hurdle that brought stop to their caravan. Along the winding path were strewn rows upon rows of fallen trees and splintered wood. They had trunks the size of Veledar¡¯s chest and appeared to have been hacked away by mortal hands. There were clean cuts going right through the wood. She had gripped the reins tightly as her wolf paced back and forth along the blockage. Whomever had done this had most likely done it to slow someone¡¯s advance. Though if it was for the undead, orcs, themselves, or some other foe they had not seen she wasn¡¯t certain. She closed her eyes and fought the unease rising in her chest. Words of doubt trying to shake her resolve more than once as her wolf¡¯s paws steadily brought her along the wood. She knocked the rough bark with her knuckles, a dull thud her reward. It felt sturdy, not rotten away at all. How they were going to accomplish moving such things when they were already pressed for time nagged at her thoughts. She rested her palm on the pale green lichen covered surface, eyes drifting to the sun that had already begun to dwindle across the land.  She sighed as Veledar reared up, placing his forelimbs on the bark and pushing with a snarl and thrash of his tail. His claws dug up dirt as he struggled to reposition and push harder. The dragon got a creek for his effort, but little else as he pushed himself off, falling to all fours with a snort.


    ¡°What are these things made from? Rocks?¡± His eyes narrowed as he glared at the trees with flicking frills.


    ¡°Wood I would hope.¡± She laughed nervously as Veledar rolled her eyes.


    ¡°I was being rhetorical Lyndis. I didn¡¯t actually think. -¡°


    ¡°Oh, I knew.¡± She patted his scales, his harsh snort making her chuckle as the breath swirled around her and prickled at her skin.


    ¡°I got a fix fer dat if yer havin problems preformin!¡± Merlia winked, calling over her shoulder, knocking an arrow onto her bow as Krotos padded over. ¡°Really puts a kick ta ya strength!¡±


    ¡°Or I could lift the section of trees with a reverse gravity spell.¡± Shandalar folded her arms, ¡°Although that would be using my strongest spell slot to accomplish such a task. It would be best to get around this with using the least strongest spells able.


    The town¡¯s worried voices crept along the air as her friends continued to offer suggestions on how to proceed. She thought she even heard mention of floating the carts over the trees. Trickery or guile wasn¡¯t going to get them out of this.


    ¡°I rather like the enhance strength idea.¡± Arcturus finally exclaimed as an idea came out of Veledar flying with some carts of the trees. ¡°It¡¯s a rather simple idea and seems to be the most practical.¡± He waved his hand with a dismissive chuckle. ¡°Especially after that idea.¡± He patted the grinning dragon¡¯s scales, rubbing the smooth armor in a circular fashion. ¡°We could always enlarge him as well, double our wager on his strength to see us through this endeavor. How does that sound?¡±


    There was a murmur of agreement from the others and a series of nods. Only Veledar seemed to not be fully on board with the idea. The dragon unleashed a strained sigh, placing a foreclaw on the bark and scratching deep lines with his talons. ¡°I suppose its my job for the menial labor for you.¡± He snorted, flicking his tail and staring daggers at the trees.


    ¡°Yea, but it¡¯s the most tactical option for us mate.¡± Arcturus patted the dragon¡¯s neck. Earning him a pleased rumble from his throat.


    ¡°Of course, lets you save the stronger spells for when we really need them?¡± He rose a scaly ridge, tilting his head to the side.


    ¡°You¡¯re rubbing off on him Arcturus, he almost sounds bloody tactical.¡± She laughed, her sounds making the dragon snap to her with an almost hurt expression in his cerulean eyes. It only lasted a minute before he curled a talon at Shandalar.


    ¡°Bigger swarm coming in!¡± A militiaman called from behind, his voice was cracking as the human¡¯s color drained from his face.


    ¡°Well pull the wagons close! Give us as much room between them and the dragon!¡± Arcturus shouted, dismounting and grabbing the others to help reinforce the worried townsfolk. They bounded towards the carts as they were quickly moved into position to shield them from the shambling horrors dragging their rotted limbs from the trees. Lyndis shivered as she turned away, never quite sure she would get used to looking at their darkened glossy eyes. Ones that looked to trap all light and beg to drain the life from everything else.


    Shandalar pressed a hand gently to the dragon¡¯s scales, a sigil in the shape of a yellow triangle appearing on his scales and flickering to life like a firefly on a dark night. Veledar shivered as the thin strands traveled all around him, dancing and swirling with little sparks all around his scales. There was a brief gust of wind as the dragon began to slowly grow, and Lyndis was forced to take a step back. When he was finished growing towards the treetops he was twice his usual height and length, a gleaming grin being cast down to her. She had to admit in this light and with his size, he did look rather regal. Perhaps a sneak preview to when he was older, and they were long gone. Veledar the wise and powerful red dragon.


    ¡°Can¡¯t help but admire my greatness?¡± He snaked his head downward, giving her a snort.


    ¡°Mind to task our brightness. We still got the sodding trees for you to move.¡± She connected two fingertips together and focused on the enhance spell. White magic started to flow from her flesh, dripping down as if a liquid and kissing her skin like a gentle breeze. She pulled them apart, the energy flowing with her to drip to the ground before she placed them on his scales. The dragon¡¯s eyelids fluttered as his muscles tensed up, his sharpened talons easily gliding through the dirt and ripping up whole sections like shovels. ¡°Now clear us a path you scaled bastard!¡± Excitement welled in her chest as he rose his head, fire in his eyes punctuated by a final lingering snort. He reared up onto his hinds, gripping the bark with his large claws, his talons ripping into the wood. He flicked his tail, letting out a snarl and flung the giant tree as if it were weightless. It let out a thunderous crash of rustling leaves as it came to a rest on the forest floor.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Hah!¡± She cheered as Veledar roared his victory, throwing tree after tree as the sounds of combat only got louder. Moans of zombies cut off by the sounds of rifle fire. Sword clanging against steel as defenders shouted their worry and concern.


    ¡°Come on mortals! Your dragon overlord has made you a path!¡± The dragon bellowed in triumph, quickly bounding to the zombies. As they started to pull away with speed he opened his maw and unleashed a giant gout of fiery death onto their undead attackers. The red-orange flames disintegrating mangled flesh and casting their ash to the wind. She had to shield her face as the intense heat even reached her on her mount. In that moment she was glad he was on their side of all things.


    ¡°Pull back!¡± Arcturus gave the order as undead faltered and crumbled around them. Slicing down those that had not been caught in the brilliant flames that lit up the dwindling light. He cut down several more with his white blade, Lyndis¡¯ mount bounding over to him, so she could stab at two that had emerged from the flames unscathed. She sliced one¡¯s head clean from it¡¯s shoulders, with a sliich and sickening plop. The other she flung flames from her fingertips, the orb of fire striking the rotted fleshy head of a diseased looking elf. The ball exploded on impact and melted away the black eyed creature¡¯s face. It groaned in discomfort as it stumbled, losing its weapons before flopping onto the ground in a motionless heap.


    With a few more shots and roar from the dragon, the wolves and carts were soon speeding along the path with dull thumps of wheels hitting the corpse that littered the ground. Lyndis could feel combat¡¯s rush slowly dying away with each steady beat of her wolf¡¯s paws upon the ground. She stole a glance over her shoulder of what they had left behind, spotting slow moving zombies left behind in their wake. She smiled as no casualties had been reported, a cheer going through the cart bound people as Veledar bound proudly to the front with his human riding on his back. It was with her next breath she spotted more rotted figure¡¯s further along the path, merely little dots in her vision. She sighed, pulling her rapier with a hiss. It looked as thought there would be no reprieve for them.


    ¡°Hey Asterion!¡± Merlia gleefully shouted, thrusting a finger to the oncoming dots. ¡°I¡¯m up to fourty seven!¡±


    The warrior snorted his reply, clutching at his hammer tight as they advanced on the encroaching undead.


    *


    ¡°Yes, I can bloody see them Krotos you can quit your incessant naggin!¡± Lyndis hissed, hugging the navy and grey gryphon tightly as he flapped his wings steadily to keep them aloft in the night sky. She held out her spyglass out to gaze down to the darkened greens of the field below, right where the forest ended. The path led to a bridge made of stone that passed over a rushing river that reflected the twinkling stars and crescent moon above. She shivered as a breeze ruffled her grey cloak and green sash, making her hug the gryphon between her legs for warmth. It looked simple enough to get to Roselake. Follow the winding road over the bridge and towards the walled town with towers. One that looked to be more of a fortress than anything else. Especially with the undead roaming around it was heart warming to see thin lights from the towers, and signs that humanoids were walking the walls. Although the reason she was up here on the gryphon was another matter of concern. For what prevented them from simply riding along without a care was the hundreds of tiny dots that littered the ground. Tiny blackened spots of undead of all sizes and shapes. She saw skeletons with all different weapons standing erect in the night wind, unmoving like offwhite statues. Zombies shambled about in disorder, moaning and groaning as they dragged weapons through the dirt. Towering over those were trolls with rotted dripping skin, sporting large elongated claws that could slice right through a man¡¯s flesh like nothing. If that wasn¡¯t enough there were zombified ogres, some twitching pointy eared ghasts hiding around for good measure. Lyndis shivered as she watched them scan their heads around looking for prey, knowing that they could freeze a man or woman with a mere touch of their grubby hands.


    She sighed, letting the wing beats of her friend calm the racing of her heart and trembling of her hands as she tried counting their numbers or predicting their movements. It looked like this horde had dined on all of the denizens of Drenedar¡¯s hills. Although she raised a brow as she noticed not a single siigonis head could be found among their number.


    ¡°There¡¯s so¡­many.¡± Krotos¡¯ voice came in but a whisper as she felt him tremble beneath her. She eyed the numerous tents scattered around with the dead. They surrounded campfires that lit up the area with their warm glowing beacons.


    ¡°Necromancers.¡± She hissed, picturing the usual flesh clad spellcasters. The wizards who had specialized in the dark craft of unholy magic such as this. Course they had to have those folks about. Otherwise this army of unholy death would wander aimlessly like the forest looking for targets to devour. When they had the spellcasters though? That¡¯s when the undead could get really dangerous, move in formations, use tactics, lay ambushes. ¡°There¡¯s only twenty tents.¡±


    ¡°What are you going on about tents for? Don¡¯t you see the literal army below us woman? Can we return before they send flying monsters out to munch on my feathers?¡±


    ¡°Bravery does you wonders gryphon.¡± She chuckled, rubbing his neck with her hand through the coarse fur. ¡°Perhaps next time I should have taken the dragon?¡± When she felt his feathers fluff and a groan escape his beak she knew that had him.


    ¡°And have you get spotted almost immediately? I am better at this than the dragon.¡±


    ¡°Then please keep your bravery for a moment or two longer. I must finish figuring out what to do. What to exploit¡­Besides. You don¡¯t find it odd that they have an army ten times the usual size?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the ins and outs of undead woman!¡±


    ¡°Well, typically there is only a certain number of undead that one caster can control. So, if they have so few down there that must mean their power isn¡¯t focused into their minions. I bet those skeletons and zombies crumble away to almost nothing. Something we could exploit.¡±


    ¡°What if they are really powerful and can simply control that many? Did you think of that?¡±


    She frowned, not rather liking the idea of several powerful spellcasters rivaling Shandalar. ¡°That¡­would be extremely problematic. Course we could always go ask them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not flying anywhere near that mess down there! Has the altitude done something to your mind? Are you mad?¡±


    ¡°Just a joke scared bird¡­. And why are you concerned anyway? Nothing up here to bother us.¡± She glanced up to the perfect sky. No cloud to cast down a shadow, nothing to hide the bright moon or sparkling stars.


    ¡°They have flying undead as well princess. Don¡¯t put it passed them to not have some.¡± Krotos tilted his beak round to cast her an intense stare. She could see the fear in his darkened pools, and it brought a wave of guilt into her heart. The gryphon did have a point after all. She placed a finger to her chin, folding up her spyglass and stowing it in her pack. She could already feel his relief radiating from his fur before she spoke.


    ¡°Can you take us back to the others? I think we got enough of their numbers and positions for a plan.¡±


    ¡°Positions? You don¡¯t even got any parchment to write on!¡±


    ¡°Up here featherhead.¡± She tapped her temple several times, ¡°You got to learn how to memorize those sorts of things. Really helps.¡±


    ¡°Some of us lack that particular ability.¡± Krotos flapped his wings, carrying them forwards before he turned around and set course for the gnarled trees below. He flicked his tail as the cold wind flowed around them and brushed their hair and fur. He banked slightly to the left, slowly starting his descent towards a larger tree that had knots up its trunk. Ones that made the thing look as though it had large eyes. Like some sort of terrifying creature with spiraling limbs in all directions. That horrible eyesore was where her friends were hiding, shielded by a spell cast by Merlia.


    Krotos carried them towards the tree, silently as he prepared for landing and extended his hinds. He flared his wings out and landed with a bumpy trot, one that left her things jingling as they finally came to a stop. She lept off of him the moment she spotted the outline of Veledar and the groups of townsfolk among him.


    ¡°How does it look?¡± Arcturus asked the moment she got close enough and everyone suddenly seemed to pop right out of thin air. She knew the spell had either run out or she had entered it.


    ¡°They got enough actually.¡± She sighed, gazing into his green eyes. Glad to see that they didn¡¯t waver with the bad news. ¡°Hundreds of them spread out in formations between us and Roselake. Skeletons, zombies, trolls, and a whole bunch of other focken things straight out of my nightmares.¡±


    ¡°Maybe your nightmares lass. Mine are filled with spiders with beady little eyes! Perhaps we can ride down dere, smash our way through den. Show em what we can do after all this time!¡± The ranger rubber her shoulder with a grin. ¡°Really cut loose.¡± The dwarf gave a tooth filled grin that gleamed in the moonlight. ¡°Undead be nothin anyway.¡±


    ¡°Love the enthusiasm, but perhaps we should have a better plan then ¡°Toss ourselves at the enemy in a suicidal charge.¡±


    ¡°You ruin everything! I bet ya want us ta skit da whole lot of them.¡±


    ¡°Actually.¡± Lyndis gestured to the left, a series of rocks growing from the ground like weeds in the distance. ¡°I spied a path that could lead us to the town, though to cross the river we might have to abandon the carts¡­And it¡¯s littered with rocks, trees, and areas you can hide quite the number of folks.¡±


    The human paced, rubbing his gloves hand against his chin. ¡°And if they got forces in there we might as well be walking into a trap.¡±


    ¡°Surely you¡¯re safe with me to watch over all of you. These undead are very flammable.¡± The dragon smiled, his limbs kneading the ground as he got more comfortable.


    ¡°Yes, my lovely dragon.¡± The human scratched the dragon¡¯s chin, getting a slight tremor of movement from the red¡¯s tail. ¡°But you can¡¯t be everywhere¡­And they could come at us from all sides.¡±


    Damn.. Lyndis scowled as she glared out to the dark horizon, letting her friends offer idea after idea on what to do. ¡°How about we sneak on by?¡±


    ¡°See I knew it!-¡° Merlia laughed.


    Lyndis waved to dismiss her, pointing to the tiny dots in the distance. ¡°We could use the dragon, our lewd gryphon, and Shandalar¡¯s carpet. We take trips with the cover of the night and use Merlia to camouflage us against the stars.¡± She smirked, folding her arms and spinning around to face her friends. ¡°Then we can be in Roselake in no time at all. Probably all tired out and enjoying a frothy pint to ease the mind.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± Shandalar blinked, a smile coming to her usually stern face. ¡°Is actually good idea, I rather like it.¡±


    ¡°And what happens to me and my people that arnt getting ferried to safety?¡± Navarra tilted her neck to the others. ¡°We just sit around and wait, hoping this undead army yours doesn¡¯t find out about us?¡±


    ¡°I could always stay with you on the ground. Shield the rest of you with my illusions. Just like we done each night previous. It will last plenty of time for my companions to get your people to safety.¡±


    The townswoman gazed back to all her people, the worry lingering in her eyes as she shifted from person to person. ¡°The carts are just carts¡­The people are what matters.¡± She mumbled, taking a deep breath. Iit sounds like a good idea.¡±


    ¡°Besides human. We can be there this very evening. I can be curled up round a fire, and finally get this grime from my scales. You on the other hand can go about getting a feast created in my-¡° The dragon¡¯s head snapped to Lyndis as she cleared her throat. ¡°Ah yes..Our honor.¡± He snorted, happily tapping his claw.


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­¡± The woman¡¯s words paused as she glanced to Veledar with a small smile. Lyndis could see the dwindling fire of hope still lingering in her eyes. ¡°See what we can do our brightness.¡±


    The plan was quickly spread to the gathered people as Lyndis and Asterion grabbed hold of the dull purple carpet that had flown them to the town of Bromwhich. They rolled it out with haste, setting it softly onto the long grass with a whoosh. The others were helping stow weapons and doing checks to make sure who would go first. It was agreed upon that the first trip should have most if not all the children. Best to get them out of harm¡¯s way first.


    Lyndis eyed the young humans and wolven as they stood nervously at the edge of the carpet, their legs trembling and shifting their weight at the prospect of a stressful journey done. Lyndis held out her hand with a warm smile, watching the children¡¯s faces light up as a young wolven girl with brown fur took her hand. Almost if on cue, a sudden scream pierced through the night like a knife. Lyndis¡¯ ears twitched as she zeroed in on the dreadful, blood freezing sound. She spun her head to see that a man had fallen over by his cart, his skin turning to the color of ash as he thrashed and bellowed his pain, his face scrunched up and clenched.


    She almost went to the man¡¯s side until she noticed that something had wrapped itself around his waist and legs. Black as midnight tendrils had risen from the ground and swallowed light as if it were water. ¡°What the bloody hell is that?¡± She shouted, the hairs on the back of her head standing on end as she pulled out her rapier and screams echoed the first as people scampered away in a panic.


    From the screaming man rose tall slender shadow, like a cloak it wrapped itself around the twitching man. She got a glimpse of two burning red eyes before it fully enveloped the man.


    She went to stab but froze as the black crumpled mass of man gave a muffled cry. Her muscles begged to plunge down and try to ward off this creature while her brain screamed to stop. If she struck now she would only hurt the man trapped within, but if she did nothing he would die. Through this moment a third option took precedence in her mind. She held up her left hand, pelting the thing with flashes of fire. Each one detonating with a red-orange flash that almost made her wince her eyes at the brightness.


    ¡°Dere¡¯s two of em!¡± Merlia¡¯s cry cemented the ice that was trickling down her spine.


    ¡°Torches! Torches! We need light to fend off these monsters!¡± Asterion bellowed, tossing a beam of white light from his fingers that struck the blackened thing. The creature if you could call it such, reared up from the man, exposing his lifeless body with blackened eyes. Like glossy marbles now rested in his sockets. His skin was sickly and pale, as though all color had been ripped from him by this unholy being of shadow. As his frame twisted and shook in the light she saw that sections of his limbs had been twisted to odd angles or curled in on itself, as red eyes sprouted from his skin.


    It felt like a hand squeezed her heart as she avoided a thrashing black tendril as an inhuman scream sounded through the night. The blackened sections of the dead man¡¯s skin started to rise off him like little mountains, carrying the red eyes with them. It just hadn¡¯t killed him, it was turning his corpse into more of those things.


    ¡°Another one!¡± Arcturus cried out, dragon fire following his words and setting underbrush and other leaves aflame. There was a flash of white light that burst through the air, the human¡¯s sword having joined his mate¡¯s attack.


    Lyndis stabbed into the shadow with her gleaming rapier, the magical blade striking into the black twisted thing that coiled around the dead man like a scorpion¡¯s tail. When she struck it, there was no weight to her strike. It was as if the thing was made of nothing but pure shadow. From the impact point came little white splinters that broke and segmented, spreading out onto the shadow like small rivers of light. The creature hissed, curling around her blade and heading to snare her wrist. She acted on instinct, Without another thought her other hand flew to her headband as intense cold grabbed at her arm like a snare. She resisted screaming at it felt like a winter¡¯s storm had swallowed her up inside, draining all the warmth from her heart.


    ¡°Not bloody today.¡± She grunted, spreading her fingers, thinking to the magical sun engraved item on her head. Four beams of red-orange light sprung from her fingertips like water. Shooting out like a geyser to bathe the shadow in flames. Where it had struck started to burn away, small embers flying up from the shadow¡¯s form like a parchment set before a flame. The creature retracted its tendril as flames burned away it¡¯s limb, swallowing the monster in flickering lights. She watched it collapse to the ground, turning to a pile of darkened grey ash as warmth spread back to her fingertips. ¡°Not today.¡± She gasped, swallowing down the dread as her heart felt like a stampeding herd of horses.


    The body!


    She spun around to see that Asterion had taken the responsibility in her inaction. With a flash of white golden light the cleric had brought his hammer down on the transforming man¡¯s wiggling torso. The impact let loose a dull thud before the growing creatures all screeched and hissed that made her clench at her ears. The black shadows stared to splinter away, bursting after a moment into thousands of tiny lights. ¡°Looks like ya had it handled.¡±


    ¡°Easy opponent.¡± The bull snorted, heaving his mace up onto his shoulder as they turned to the others.


    Arcturus and Shandalar had cut down one with flames and holy magic. Their spells filling the air with the hiss of fire and radiant light of his magical blade. Veledar stood triumphant over two as they burned away into nothing but ash before his gleaming teeth. Krotos was pressed up against the grinning red, all his feathers on end, his eyes widened in surprise and brimming with fear. Merlia was the last one to bring her axes home, cutting the last twisted shadow down before it could scurry on away.


    ¡°Come on ya bastards! Ya heard da furry bull! Get yer lights lit, before we got more of dem crawlin up our arses!¡± Merlia shouted, stowing her axes with a nod.


    Like a fire had been lit under them, the gathered people brought life to unlit torches, spreading a warm glow around the gathered people and ruining any chance of them staying hidden. Those that didn¡¯t have a torch fashioned them out of sticks, smallish logs, or even bottles with rags inside of them. Anything to ward off more of those wicked creatures.


    The others padded over, stowing weapons and eying the dancing torchlight.


    ¡°Good.¡± Asterion snorted, ¡°Those creatures thrive on darkness. If we can deny them it with light they will be unable to approach.


    ¡°Here dat?¡± The dwarf thumbed at the cleric. ¡°Keep dem torches lit and we be safe from those beadie eyed bastards!¡± Her words did little to quell the swarm of terrified voices being thrown back and forth by the townsfolk that looked moments from dropping everything and sprinting away in fright.


    ¡°Keep da torches out and shining bright! The bleedin things can¡¯t approach the light!¡± Scared eyes darted to her, then back to the calmness of her friends. She whirled around to Arcturus and the others as they gathered close. ¡°Well focken looks like our plan to sneak passed them isn¡¯t going to work.¡±


    ¡°We can at least get the children the elderly to safety.¡± Arcturus pointed to the carpet, his eyes gazing to the town. ¡°Feku can fly it high above the ground, we can give them a clear shot towards Roselake.


    ¡°What will that do? They will get swarmed with flying monsters straight outta the nine hells!¡± Nivarra shot a hand out to point at the undead camp. Torches had sprung to life there as well as the little dots started to move and reposition themselves. ¡°Looks like the bloody creatures know we¡¯re here now! Looks like they could see through these things eyes! See how they stir and wake? In seconds they will be upon us. We must flee!¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t work. They will hunt us down separately.¡± Shandalar folded her arms, cool eyes staring into the hive of hornets they had stirred. ¡°Whatever we should do. It should be together and run on the assumption they can still see us.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t thought of that. Lyndis turned her head, eyes darting to every darkened bush, or twisted tree that she could find. It wasn¡¯t a stretch to imagine one of those shadow creatures still lurking in the night, watching and waiting for someone to slip up and wrap a tendril around an unexpecting limb. The night breeze brought with it a chill that had never felt colder as she scanned for more of those burning red eyes. Part of her mind whispered to her that the creatures could even be hiding under carts, waiting for the right moment to pounce. ¡°So, what do we do now? Go charging into them like a battering ram?¡±


    ¡°I like dat plan! Punch a hole straight through their lines!¡± Merlia clasped her hands together. ¡°Lets me continue my lead on the bull!¡±


    ¡°I thought that plan was suicide?¡± Lyndis raised a brow, casting the dwarf a tired look before shifting her sight to the undead horde in the distance. She turned away for a moment as her friends squabbled on how to proceed with the next few minutes. How best to risk the lives of her people. She recalled what she had seen earlier, how they formed and moved in the night air. There was a hole they could exploit if enough pressure was applied. One that a team of carts pulled by wolves and backed up by a dragon could pull off. They wouldn¡¯t need to stay and fight, they would just need spells and fire to clear a path for the stampeding carts. Weapons to fend off any that got to the cart, and perhaps an arrow or two to stop any pesky necromancer¡¯s from baring the path. She sighed as Veledar crept next to her, his warmth casting away the night chill with a small clink of his scales. She set a hand to his shoulder, his smooth scales ignighting the flames within her heart and casting away the cold.


    ¡°I have an idea!¡± She tapped the dragon excitedly, causing his head to curl down at her with a raised scaly ridge. ¡°Arcturus!¡± She snapped her head around to her friends, whose conversation and squawking had suddenly ceased as all eyes trained on her. There was a momentary pause as her heart skipped a beat, and warmth found it¡¯s way to her cheeks.


    ¡°Well spit it out lass! Ya got me on the edge of me seat!¡±


    She took a calming breath, patting Veledar¡¯s snout. ¡°We got to punch a hole in their lines. I know it sounds like that plan we just laughed at but hear me out.¡± She pointed up towards the twinkling lights above. ¡°When I was up there with Krotos I saw their formations, and how they move. They leave an area down the middle less populated than the rest. I think if we take the team of carts and drive right for it in a straight line we can make our way through. We just have to use the spells at the front to clear the path, and Crimson¡¯s fire to burn any that doesn¡¯t clear.¡± She nodded to Arcturus, then gesturing to the children. ¡°We do as we said with the children and elderly. We will be the reason they don¡¯t send fliers after them. We will be the brightest torch for them to squash out.¡± She crossed her arms, heart pounding in her chest so loudly she thought anyone close would be able to hear it.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Arcturus smiled, giving her a nod. ¡°A good plan. Not exactly a complicated one, but one that might work. Certainly, a better one than what was presented.¡± The human cupped his chin, letting out a heavy sigh. ¡°Though if they have spell casters to contend with it only takes one to impede our progress. Then we would find ourselves surrounded and overrun.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we use Shandalar and Asterion at the front of the pack. Use our strongest spell casters to clear the path.¡± She snapped back.


    ¡°And I can watch out for any of dere fancy pajama wearin finger twiddlers!¡± Merlia rubbed her thumb against her leather armor. ¡°Give em a present or three from me quiver. Can even cast fae fire on any groups we want eliminated. Dat way our fancy dragon can burn em up faster than a fledgling gryphon during his first rut!¡±


    The other¡¯s sighed as Merlia crossed her arms, her face twisting as she glared at everyone with a red face. ¡°What? It¡¯s true!¡±


    ¡°Besides..the rutting gryphon image.¡± She chuckled, holding up her palm to silence any protests from the fidgeting dwarf. ¡°What do you guys think of the plan?¡± She glanced to all her companions in turn, not seeing much disagreement lingering in their eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not a tactician on the battlefield.¡± She gestured to the undead horde with her neck. ¡°But I can spot weakness when I see them. They might be able to weather an attack from a force wanting to stay and fight, but not one that is simply using their magic to get through. And I figure all that¡¯s down there is basic undead expect for some lone strong ones. You don¡¯t have that many bags of bones down there with so little necromancers without sacrificing something.¡± She shrugged, holding her palms out.


    ¡°If it works like any other concentration spell that is how it works.¡± Shandalar bobbed her head in agreement. ¡°I sadly know little about necromancy¡­It is a rather twisted way of spellcraft.¡±


    ¡°Everyone else?¡±


    Her heart fluttered in her chest as everyone nodded and accepted her plan as the one they would go with. She watched her people prepare the carts as the ranks of undead started to slowly advance over the field of green towards them. No complaints or whining could be heard, no chattering of doom and gloom as they worked to prepare makeshift barricades on the wooden carts. They appeared to truly be makeshift soldiers, with iron hearts and ready for whatever horrors the night would throw at them next. She even saw one man in uneven leathers thank Arcturus and off a crisp salute as they stacked boxes and wood to the edges of their carts. They were going to use those as protection against any stabs of weapons or loosed arrows in their direction. The children were escorted by Feku onto the magical carpet with a pleasing tune. The kolbold had protested when she was told to go with the children. She had stomped her claws, saying she was a pirate now and could help in plenty of ways. She had growled when Asterion patted her on the shoulder and bid her luck, saying he wished for her to live, and that this path was a most dangerous one. The fire in her eyes had faded with a quick sniff, hugging the bull before taking a spot front and center of all the scared children.


    Lyndis inspected the others as she padded around the well-lit area, watching clouds form above and wisp asway with the breeze. She shivered as she passed Arcturus telling the red dragon that he would be on a cart, his presence more important than being with his mate. The red dragon looked positively annoyed with a risen head and flicking tail as he eyed the mortal with daggers and apologies were streaming from the man¡¯s mouth. The dragon dipped his head, wrapping a claw around the human and pulled him close into an affectionate nuzzle, wishing him safety for the road ahead.


    She sighed, caressing the green scale round her neck, rubbing the small thing as she wondered what her dragon would say right now with her choice. She chuckled as he would probably walk by her, his scarf fluttering in the wind as he swore to watch over her despite the protests. He would curl his neck back to her, his bright golden eyes giving her pause before begging him to stay.


    Asterion strode passed her with a simple huff, pulling himself up onto the lead card and taking a position right beside Shandalar. The cleric lifted his makeshift shield from Feku, testing the weight in his hand as his hammer was gripped tight in the other. Merlia was behind them on the second cart, laughing away with townsfolk about some story no doubt containing gryphons and other lewd things that always seemed to burst out of her. The rogue rolled her eyes as she heard mention of the bet between the bull and the dwarf, something about him pulling ahead during the forest but she was looking to score the victory through the field. The half-elf set her eyes lastly to Krotos, who was fidgeting as his eyes looked to the magic carpet. He sat on his haunches, tail curled around his hinds as it twitched like he was lost in a sea of his thoughts.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind blue bird?¡± She said softly, slinking over and leaned up against a cart.


    ¡°You have me away from all of you¡­In this time of need¡­You have me watching a group of children in the sky.¡± His ears flicked, nearly pinning back against his head as his talons shook.


    She rose a brow, watching the irritation brewing under the surface of his navy fur. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I thought you wanted to avoid the undead at any cost? This position focken puts you as far from those blighters as possible!¡±


    Krotos ruffled his feathers with an angry chirp, flashing her an intense stare as his tail thrashed the grass. ¡°Just cause those monsters out there makes my feathers tremble doesn¡¯t mean I enjoy leaving my companions down there to face hell itself while I fly safely along high in the sky.¡± He looked away at the moon, his beak half parting and a heavy sigh finding its way out.


    ¡°Oh Krotos.¡± She pushed herself off the cart, wrapping an arm around the warm gryphon as she sat beside him. When he turned to her she brushed the side of his face with the other. ¡°You have the heart of a warrior sometimes.¡± She leaned forward, locking eyes with him as the wind played with her hair. ¡°But you will be helping us. We have you guarding the most precious of cargo. I don¡¯t want to risk them at all, and I¡¯d have you down with us if I were one hundred precent certain they would leave them be.¡± She placed a finger to his beak, then to the camp of undeath in the distance. ¡°It only takes one to swoop in and start cutting into them, and I¡¯m focken certain those things lack any morality to stay their claws when it comes to children¡­So yes..I have you up there to protect them.¡± She patted the gryphon¡¯s head as he leaned into her chest with a small trill that rumbled its way passed her fingers.


    ¡°You say the best things sometimes.¡± His voice, hardly a sound beneath the hooting in the distance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take what compliments I can get from you that aren¡¯t dripping with lewdness.¡± She smirked, his chuckle making her giggle. ¡°Now¡­Think you can protect the young ones for us gryphon? Or should I get someone else better suited¡­Perhaps the dragon? Or maybe Merlia if we gave her fake wings and painted her blue?¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± He chirped, pulling his head back with splayed ears. ¡°No one could replace my help. I¡¯m the only gryphon you got!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know.¡± She smiled, ¡°So what do you say?¡±


    ¡°I can do this for you Lyndis.¡± He closed his eyes and wrapped her up tight in his feathery wings. ¡°I just want the rest of you to be safe down there¡­I don¡¯t want to lose any more friends.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Her calming voice for his benefit as well as her own. ¡°We will be Krotos. You can count your fluffy tail on it.¡± She gazed back behind his furry head to spy a line of galloping skeletal wolves draped in dark clothes outlined with skulls. They were far in the distance, stampeding towards them with undead riders with weapons held tightly within unholy claws. She sighed, patting the nervous gryph and standing tall. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re out of focken time.¡±


    ¡°Load up!¡¯ Arcturus shouted in a brassy, commanding voice. ¡°Line up the carts, grab your weapons, and mind your companions. This will be a long hour, so let¡¯s see this through. And god¡¯s willing we shall see each other on the side.¡±


    ¡°Who needs the gods when you have me?¡± Veledar grinned, letting out a playful growl as cheers echoed in the night.


    Quick as a flash they formed a line of carts with two or three wolves on either side. Their riders had spears, swords, and rounded shields held within their grasp. Nervous hands gripped the leather reins as their grey furred canines bounded across the grass towards the unholy monsters barrowing towards them with empty sockets, and pale sickly bone that seemed to glow in the moon¡¯s light. Lyndis ran her hands along the barrel of a rifle that a villager had thrust into her hands. She was familiar with the weapon, even if it wasn¡¯t favorite thing to us. Too loud, and blustery for her purposes. Spells were more powerful, and her sword was more accurate than what ever fury this thing could belch, but it had range and that¡¯s what they needed in this moment. With the cold steel barrel held up close to her eye, she followed one skeletal rider clutching at his dead mount¡¯s reins in a vice like grip. Almost as if they were connected by a twisted tether.


    Probably are


    She growled, pulling the trigger as Merlia shouted out the command to fire. Thunder sounded from the carts as balls of metal hurled through the air towards their targets. Most went wide, missing completely or impacting the ground with a brief shower of dirt. Those that did strike the riders, shattered bones, splintered claws, some where even torn from their mounts and crashed to the ground and scattered to bits.


    ¡°Reload!¡± The order sounded through the night as nervous hands grabbed bullets, and arrows were knocked. Lyndis found herself more capable than most as the smoky scent of dragonfire powder lingered over her hands. The riders were hit next by Veledar. The dragon swooped down like a fiery angel, unleashing a stream of intense red-orange flames that consumed at least twenty of the bastards as he passed in one glorious motion that left the night ablaze. The skeletons and their mounts crumbled away as fire licked at their bones and destroyed whatever magic was keeping them together. Any humanoid rider might have been concerned that most of their number had been utterly wiped out, but not these creatures. They carried on with the next pounding of their mounts skeletal limbs against the ground.


    ¡°Let them have it!¡± Merlia screamed, shots sounding off like a stampeding herd as smoke rose above every raised rifle. Bullets and arrows crashed into skeletal heads, breaking apart the last of their number. ¡°Dats how ya do it ya boney bastards!¡± The dwarf cheered, echoed by joyous cries of the townsfolk. It almost brought the fact they had to charge at their gathered ranks from her mind.


    At least we held off their advance scouts.


    She quickly placed her rifle with the stock on the ground, loading the rifle with dragonfire powder and the next ball of lead. She pressed it down with a metal rod, priming the weapon for later use. She gazed out to the dark blocks of infantry looming out before them, this was after all just the beginning. She stared up to find the carpet soaring overhead, a dark shape almost hidden completely by the black of night. It looked like a tiny dot, with the dark shape of Krotos swooping around it like a watchful hawk. Silently she prayed nothing would make it up there, instead be too focused on them to care. Cheers sounded around her as with a swoosh, Veledar sailed right over the heads of the cart bound town. She could almost feel the grin that he would be giving at hearing such admiration for his talents. She couldn¡¯t help it, she let out a loud cheer as his tail swished overhead, not caring that it would swell his ego to thrice its usual size.


    They carried over moonlit fields with weapons clutched in their hands, and steady breaths that tried to steel the nerves as the undead came closer and faster than anyone would have liked. Shapes began to take form within the blackened blob of death, of ghostly looking skeletons with gleaming curved blades or holding tightly to gnarled bows with arrows already knocked. Dark fires were scattered among them, bathing them all in an orange glow. No doubt for their mortal masters to  find targets for their unholy dogs. They passed some broken fences, belonging to some farmer or another, now home for several zombies squeezing themselves through the wood with guttural moans. They reached out with grasping hands as the carts sped on passed.


    ¡°Get ready!¡± Asterion shouted out, holding up his mace as Veledar took the initiative. The red scales of the dragon shifted to a dull grey as he flew low, letting out a wave of rolling flames that began to crumble away the undead ranks and start to form a path for them to follow. She watched as the undead archers tried to loose their arrows up to try and strike revenge for their undead brethren. Arrows crashed into his hardened scales, breaking apart and splintering against his magicly reinforced hide.


    She clutched the rifle tightly as they neared the mass of undead, who rose spears and halberds to greet them, trying to close the gap that created wits draconic fury. Asterion was the first to deny them this chance, whirling his weapon around in a circle pattern as white brilliant light followed in his wake and cascaded out around the air. It shimmered for a moment, almost making her shield her eyes before the bull snorted once. Golden flames flung from his movements, flying out towards the undead ranks. Any who stood within the spell¡¯s radiance was burned away in a flash of light and smell of incinerated flesh. The rough path that the dragon had started was now a road of grey ash, which the wolves scattered past, kicking up the material in a lingering cloud.


    The undead struck, advancing to strike back despite the ashes of their fellows being kicked around by their boney feet. They stabbed with spears, striking crates for cover. Rifles fired almost in unison, lighting up the night as skeletal attackers were pushed back. Swords smacked away pointed spears, deflecting them to held shields with dull smacks. Any undead that were too close to the wheels were run over, getting crushed by the wood with a loud rattling of bones.


    When the lead wolf had started to approach the section not cleared by dragon fire or holy flames it was Shandalar¡¯s turn to act. The mage hung up her hands, like a dancer ready to start her movements to an unseen melody. She twiddled her fingers as flames danced around her fingertips and swirled around her palms. She flung out her arm, a ball of red flames sailing out towards the undead before them, exploding in a brilliant flash and scattering those caught within it like leaves before a windstorm. Once more before the undead could fill the hole left from the wizard¡¯s spell, Veledar swooped down with a mighty roar, arrows breaking against his scales as his flames incinerated more of the undead before them.


    Lyndis could feel the heat even from this far back, pulling her rapier out and meeting a wicked scimitar with a clang. She dropped her rifle with a thud, throwing back her attacker as they passed, and deflecting a spear to strike at a crate to her right. The wooden container cracked as the metal head splintered its frame before getting yanked away by the skeletons unrelenting persistence. She ducked as an arrow whizzed by her head, grazing her ear and striking some farmer in the back. She winced as the man stumbled forward to the others, never knowing what hit him as the arrow pierced his heart. She cursed under her breath, burying the guilt with a snarl. She stabbed down, shattering one skeleton with her blade, a grim satisfaction finding her heart as bone crumbled way before her.


    Back and forth it went. Shandalar¡¯s fireballs, Asterion¡¯s holy flamestrike, and Veledar¡¯s flame breath. Each one working in unison to clear them a path through the scores of skeletal warriors. She could even spy the break in their numbers. It would not be long before the first cart would pass through their lines, and they would have a clear stretch till the reached the bridge, and with it..Roselake. That¡¯s when the troll came stampeding from the mass of bones and weapons.


    The big hulking thing tossed aside it¡¯s lesser brethren like ragdolls. Twice her size it was covered in rotten green flesh that flicked away with each savage movement. Blackened ooze dripped down it¡¯s arms like little onyx rivers to splatter on the ground in sickening plops. Its blackened pools were glossed over, narrowed and squarely focused on the carts. It let out a blood curdling screech that no living thing had any business of making. Earth ripped up in large chunks as the creature¡¯s hulking feet carried it at an un-natural speed.


    ¡°Troll!¡± She yelled, wincing as a halberd knicked at her shoulder and drew blood. ¡°Focken troll!¡±


    ¡°I see it lass! Bigger then this growth on a well¡­¡± The dwarf loosed two arrows into the hulking troll that hit it dead in it¡¯s rotten chest. They glew a bright white before detonating in a fiery explosion, scattering flesh and muscle in every which way to expose it¡¯s gleaming bones beneath.


    But still it kept coming.


    Rifles trained on the monster, shots that should have gone to the zombies, or skeletons instead splattered against the large creature. It shrugged them all off as if they were mere rain droplets against a steel bulwark. Screams and grunts of pain sounded around Lyndis as skeletal spears dug homes within the bodies of her people. Ice gripped at her as she flung a firebolt, the impacting bolt doing nothing to halt the creatures indominable charge, not even a giant green vine from the ground could stop it. The magically created plant wrapped around the troll¡¯s leg, breaking away with its next stride.


    ¡°Damn¡¯t! Dat bastards tougher den a minotaur¡¯s arse!¡± Merlia cursed, knocking two more arrows as Lyndis pelted the creature with a fury of magical fire, but it was no use. It struck the cart right near the rear, tipping it over and sending the one behind it crashing off to its side as well.


    Screams sounded from the passengers as those that picked themselves up were instantly beset on all sides by the ranks of undeath Dread stabbed at her soul as she forced herself to look away as skeletons and zombies advanced on them, a seemingly unrelenting wall of rotten flesh that despite the cart¡¯s injured survivors, would not overcome. Spears stabbed, swords found homes in living flesh, and even zombies latched on to tear chunks from the screaming mortal¡¯s bones. She gripped her rapier tight, deflecting another sword with gritted teeth, survival allowing her to forget at least for the moment.


    The troll perked up it¡¯s head, ignoring the screaming mortals from the cart and letting out a snort. It¡¯ oozing flesh reknitted itself as holes the size of fists closed with a gush of blackened ooze. With a scream it ripped up the ground in a shower of dirt before chasing after the trailing cart.


    It never got the chance to strike or rip another soul in two. For Veledar glided down to engulph the large creature in brilliant flames of death. He grabbed the writhing creature with his claws, pounding his wings against the air and dragging the unholy abomination into the sky. It slashed and struck at his stone like scales, but the dragon seemed to not mind. She cheered her relief as the dragon ripped the troll in two with a massive roar escaping his maw and showering the undead army below in a rain of blackened blood.


    Despite their success her heart threatened to leap from her chest as she parried blow after blow. Striking wasn¡¯t important after all, but despite her skill she still had blades cut at her flesh. Small knicks to be sure, but reminders that her life was increasingly on the line with each passing second. She heard Merlia let out a laugh, taunting the undead as an arrow of hers struck a flesh covered necromancer in his surprised face. His head exploded like a ripe fruit.


    ¡°Guess ya can¡¯t take a load to the face!¡± The dwarf cheered, ducking from a clumsy halberd slash that missed her completely. She knocked another arrow without pause, pulling back the string of her white bow as the necromancer¡¯s companion ran for cover. The dark clothed man only made it around the tent until the loosed arrow followed him, no doubt finding it¡¯s target. ¡°Love dis ting!¡±


    ¡°Keep it together!¡± Lyndis cried, a bead of sweat dripping down her head as another spear missed her. She winced as the militia man to her right was decapitated with a wet thwack. The terror wrapped its way around her, trying to sink her below the cold waves, but she couldn¡¯t. Not while everyone else was still alive. With the sound of Veledar¡¯s wings flapping overhead she found her courage. She roared her fury, spreading her left hand wide, and letting loose a burning cone of blue flames. While not as strong as her wizard or cleric companions, it still provided her cart with a brief reprieve as they barrowed right passed.


    The dragon started to climb through the air, only to get bombarded with flying skeletal horses, and some weird twisted bat creatures with flaming eyes and bone white claws. Veledar roared as his grey scales faded away, and the creatures began to slice and cut into his scales. She heard Arcturus¡¯ concerned cry, like a spear to her heart as the dragon was forced to the ground, crashing aside skeletons and scattering bones in his fall. The remaining shambling horrors advanced on the snarling dragon with snapping teeth and slashing swords. They never got there however, as the dragon¡¯s loyal paladin let out his challenge.


    The human held his shield high, calling forth a prayer to Bahamut. For his inner light to cast away the undead monsters set before them. The red and silver shield began to glow in the light, shining as bright as the sun and bathing the undead in a holy light. From his shield sprung forth a great ghostly image of the great platinum dragon. With glowing blue eyes and spread wide wings it snapped its transparent teeth and let out a challenging roar. Undead who were caught within the paladin¡¯s gaze fled for terror, scrambling and shielding eyes and empty sockets alike. It was as if the image was hurtful to them, as if they took any step near it the dragon would cause them intense pain. It swirled and circled Veledar, the undead clinging to him looking up to unleash loud hisses. They scattered away like rats, letting the red spread his wings and bound into the sky unhindered. His attackers tried to pursue him but this time the dragon was ready. He arced his head and incinerated them with his mighty fire breath. Not a single bony claw made it to him through his intense flames.


    Her arms ached, nerves stood on end as she fought for her life. Breaths came quicker as her heart threatened to explode. After the troll, the tireless waves of the undead that had to be it right? Her ears twitched as the chilling shriek of a woman made her tense up. The creature from the previous nights swooped in with a fluttering white dress, her claw like hands extended as her elven mouth unhinged at an un-natural size. Screams like a tortured victim washed over a cart, thin bands of blood appearing on every man or woman that still took breath. They wavered for a moment before collapsing with the bump of their cart, even their wolf slumping to the ground dead as the beast brought their cart toppling over. The sounds of zombies feasting soon filled the air.


    This had to be it¡­The final obstacle to bar the way.


    ¡°Banshee!¡± She shrieked out, her voice cracking. She tossed a firebolt, crashing into the spectral creature¡¯s form. The pale faced elven female snapped her head towards her, dead eyes locking onto her as her hair writhed and twisted like many coiling snakes. With her next breath the banshee sailed towards her, arms outstretched and mouth already dislocating.


    So, this is how it ends?


    ¡°Banshee!¡± She cried again, but her worlds failed her. In fact the sounds of everything had faded away to leave an uneasy zone of silence. Before she could contemplate why this was, the banshee had swooped over to her, giving her a good look of her twisted face. She stared into the monster¡¯s unhinged, rotted mouth, stabbing into it with her gleaming blade.  The banshee recoiled in surprise, flailing away in pain as Lyndis retracted her blade and slashed quickly at an angle, slicing the woman¡¯s pale arm off in the process. The white limb faded away in a burst of ghostly pale blue light. The banshee lashed out with its remaining claw like hand, slashing horizontally through the air like lightning. Lyndis cried out as it maneuvered around her blade, sharpened claws finding her side and sending her crashing to the floor of the cart with a groan. Her entire body shook, spinning over as the ghostly woman loomed over her frighteningly close. The air between them seemed to sparkle and mist as sound started to return, small faint sounds as though everything was far in the distance. Lyndis lashed out with her rapier, one last desperate strike to the creature¡¯s head. Her blade found purchase, passing through the creature¡¯s misty head before sending brilliant cracks down the banshee¡¯s form. The spectral undead burst into thousands of little lights, scattering to the wind. She clenched her rapier in a vice like grip, as breaths came harder .She gasped, not believing she was still alive. Swords against shields clanged through the night air, the roar of combat dominating her ears.


    No stopping now.


    With a calming breath she shot up, letting fly another wave of fire as their cart broke free of the rank and file of undeath. Veledar¡¯s flames a departing gift as the dragon soared overhead, covering their retreat. She bit her lip as her ears twitched, a spear narrowly avoiding her cheek as she swerved to the left. She spied a black robed necromancer, his skin covered by sickly looking human flesh stitched together like a patchwork quilt. The man¡¯s eyes were already locked onto the line of carts, hands already in motion. Whatever spell he thought he could cast would no doubt be no good for them. It would only take a wall spell to put an end to their departure. The screams of the consumed came to mind as the cold lingering in her flesh was fought back with the thrust of her rapier.


    ¡°Merlia!¡± She shouted as Shandlar flicked her wrist. Whatever spell the man had been weaving fizzled and died within his hands. Blue sparks exploded around him, leaving the necromancer surprised and staring at his dirt covered hands.


    ¡°Don¡¯t got any arrows!¡± Merlia shouted, hacking apart a zombie as Lyndis¡¯ own cart followed her own out of the sea of undead. ¡°Seventy!¡±


    Veledar was the one to come to their aid, angling a wing and bathing the necromancer and any foolish enough to stand beside him with flames. The town cheered as the crackling flames danced and consumed the shambling horrors, the man¡¯s screams getting lost within the joyous shouts and whoops. She rose her rapier as the last of the carts emerged from the skeletons, arrows lining practically every surface and the crates used for cover gone. She spied several militia slumped over with dark crimson splotches on their clothes that had been ripped and sliced to near ribbons. Her heart throbbed at the cost, but they had survived. She sheathed her rapier as a fireball flew over her shoulder, exploding and denying any undead from leaping to the final cart.


    Slumping to the floor she held her still frantic beating heart, letting out a heavy sigh as the adrenaline began to wear itself off. Weight pulled down at her limbs, the cuts that knicked at her side sending tiny spikes of pain as she moved. Nothing that couldn¡¯t be solved by a healer¡¯s touch, but still made her wince. She peered back to the undead army still giving chase, their unrelenting determination to catch the mortals that had pierced their ranks. What was stopping them from following them all the way to Roselake? Wouldn¡¯t they just be bringing the army to the poor town¡¯s doorstep? She sighed, it couldn¡¯t be helped. She had made the choice and now had to live with it. She pushed the corpse of the farmer from before away, his blood smearing the wood beneath his form. She met his darkened pools, his eyes wide and still full of surprise. Guilt nagged at her, turning what should have been pride and joy that they had survived into regret and sadness.


    How many more are dead because of us? Because of me? The thought a cold whisper against her skin, a deep cold coiling around her heart and pulling tight.


    She peered back to the other carts, only finding nine left of the original twelve. She tried to not picture all the haunting faces of those gone, push the piercing screams from her mind. The night air caressed her hair and cheeks, making the cold that lingered beneath grow and spread to her fingers. She hung her head, the next thump of her cart signaling they had started along the bridge.


    ¡°Look they¡¯re stopping!¡± Arcturus shouted in relief, causing her to perk her head up.


    Sure, enough the undead came to a screeching halt before they took a step across the bridge. It was as if an invisible wall had been erected on the road before the bridge, the eyeless sockets watching them grow further away. If she didn¡¯t know any better, she would have thought they were annoyed. She stared at them with amber embers, wondering why courage seemed to fail them. Sneaking a peak back to Roselake behind them, she whispered a prayer of thanks to whatever god was listening.

 Darkened Skies Chapter 7

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


    <u>Chapter 7: Taste of Darkness</u>


    Athenais swooped low over the dimply lit waters. The stars reflecting in the calm surface of the moon lit sky. They shimmered and sparkled like a treasured gem before she dipped in a talon, the water spraying up and misting her feathers. She scanned out to the surrounding dark trees, the calmness of the night bringing a near smile to her beak. For they had heard the rumors of what was going on throughout Drenedar, how undead and roaming orcs marauded across the land. It was nice to hear the relaxing sounds of the night. From the steady hoots from owls, to the whispering noises of the many insects, and to the lone wolf offering its howl.


    She flapped her wings, scattering water in her wake as she climbed above the lake and passed above the tree-line. She extended her limbs wide into a glide, the night wind rustling her earthen feathers as she set her sight to the surrounding rocky hills. Compared to the beautiful waters they looked rather plain, covered in jagged stones every which way. Little sections of nothing but pebbles split up the mounds of sturdy earth and tall grass. They had found this out when they had landed. Axton had caught his foot on one such patch and was nearly swept away down the side of the rocky expanse. He had been caught and brought to safety, his heart pounding away in shock. Soggu had shaped them a more suitable place to rest for the evening, solidifying the so that it would not crumble away, and still looked as though nature had a little to do with its formation.


    The wind caressed her cheek like a lover as she soared higher through one of the many clouds and sending the dark fluffy things spiraling beneath her wings. Out of the corner of her eye she spied a small flash of brilliant light in the distance, and the rumbling cry of thunder not to far after. She dipped a wing with a sigh, searching the mound of darkened grey  among the fields of multiple shades of green. It looked as though nature herself was trying to put an end to her flight, make her land among her friends and prepare the camp for the coming rain. She didn¡¯t mind rain, it brought with it life and allowed the land to flourish and grow anew, but it did soak her feathers something awful. The thought of her shivering, soaked to the bone brought a low grumble to her throat, thankful for having tents and ways to shield herself.


    The hills passed below her at her next pounding of the cool night air, passing over twisted shrubs, rocks that jutted every which way, trees that stood like sign posts directing her flight to her friends, and animals that scattered at the mere sight of her approach. She soared passed a bat who had its little mouth open to snatch a fluttering moth from the air. She startled the mammal in her wake, a small cry calling to her as the creature dived away. It was then she spotted the tents atop the makeshift earthen area. They surrounded a lone crackling fire, the orange flames flickering and dancing to an unknown beat. It illuminated the area with it¡¯s warming light to reveal her friends sitting around it, holding their hands and claws out for its soothing embrace.


    Nigel had insisted they needed their sleep for the continued road ahead, even if the man didn¡¯t seem to need it himself. She found this rather odd at first during their early days, even made her question time after another if the man was even human. He seemed to be more of an elf if she recalled correctly, especially when he would sit cross-legged and meditate for several hours. It was much similar to how their people would enter a trance like state. When he was like this the restless man looked almost peaceful, like his usual cold and piercing eyes had faded. He would do this while beside the silver dragon, never getting closer to her friends or the fire, and never interacting with them besides normal pleasantries. He was truly an island among them.


    She angled her wing and entered a bank, lazily drifting down towards her companions. Her eyes found the wizard, already in his trance besides the metal behemoth of a dragon. It had been an oddity throughout the travels. She had thought with the magical crystal powering it that the construct need not be worried by fatigue or stress, but Nigel insisted that it did. When she had asked why he only said that the crystal was fighting him, and that the unit was damaged with it¡¯s battle with the adventurers it had in the city. He had gone on in a droning sort of way how it had its head cut off by a magical sword, and blasted wide open by a ship¡¯s mana cannons. The beast if you could call it that was now laid down on it¡¯s side. Its segmented metal plates had dulled from their usual rune glowing self, and its orange eyes had closed with it¡¯s head in it¡¯s metal claws. It almost looked like the being of metal and magic was sleeping. That would have been crazy though. She shook the thought from her head as she righted her beak to her friends. Constructs couldn¡¯t sleep.


    When she neared the camp the alluring smell of roasting meat on an open fire wafted into her nostrils. Like a temptress of the night it attracted her beak, made her gaze to the campfire where there were makeshift sticks for cooking. Spinning on the sticks were two birds her friends had found, and several of the fish she had caught for them an hour or two ago. The scales of her catch had been stripped away so that only the bright pink flesh remained. She almost considered it a waste as she usually liked her fish scales and all but had accepted it as Garroth and Axton didn¡¯t do well eating the hardened things. She passed over the dancing flames, letting out a keening cry as her friends waved to her in welcome.


    ¡°What a most delightful smell. You¡¯d think we had stumbled across a kitchen in all of this wilderness.¡± She chirped happily, landing with a scattering of little rocks that crashed into others with little clacks. ¡°You never told me what skills you had at cooking lizard. I think you might spoil us.¡± She chuckled, refolding her wings and striding over towards the blue scaled lizard with a smile.


    ¡°Oh, you know me little bird.¡± The siigonis grinned, showing off his rows of sharpened teeth that gleamed in the firelight. ¡°Picked a few thingsss from the humansss¡­Like ssspices.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your people find out about that. They might think you¡¯ve been turned into a pampered human which just happens to have the scales of their people. Might even think the scales have gone as soft as their skin too.¡±


    He offered her a snort as he snapped his snout shut, his stare smoldering as he took a fish off the pike and bit into it slowly.


    ¡°See?¡± She ruffled up her feathers as she settled down onto her haunches. ¡°Your silence, as always, speaks volumes.¡± She opened her beak, gliding it through her feathers as she started to preen herself, humming away a pleasing tune that her mother had always done. She was reminded about the female gryph¡¯s words, how it was important for her to clean herself in such a way to attract a mate. She shrugged, finding she just liked the sensation that wiggled under her fur each time she did it. She curled her tail around her until she finished her cleaning with a clack of her beak and a happy chirp.


    ¡°Here.¡± Soggu handed her the stick with her cooked fish. Apparently during her cleaning everyone else had gobbled away at the meal. She eyed the blackened thing for a moment, hoping that the lizard hadn¡¯t burned it out of his lack of taste buds. She even admitted he mightlike the meat seared to black. She bit into it, quickly gobbling up the offering in a blinding frenzy. It tasted like the lizard had tried using pepper, perhaps adding a pinch of salt and lemon juice. Each flavor was a bit different as she chewed away on the moist chunks. She swallowed them down, bowing her head in thanks. Her beak parted into a smile as she rubbed her stomach in content, gazing up to the star filled sky. She spotted blue streaks flash across the cloud dotted black expanse, coming into life only briefly before vanishing in the snap of a talon. She lowered herself against the ground, flicking her tail as she shifted and wiggled her hind end to a better, more comfortable position as she watched the clouds with the dancing lighting creep ever closer. Reminded of the storm she curled her head back to her friends, was going to tell them about the incoming rain and lightning but they had already beaten her to the punch. They had set up tarps to funnel the water away from the tents and allow it to run off the rock to the hills below. She grinned at their resourcefulness. Something that the city dwelling gryphons never seemed to have.


    Stretching out with a groan, her limbs begging her to fall asleep and rest them. She winced as a dull ache rose up through her wings and reminded her how much she had been using them. She flopped to her side with a heavy sigh, working the ache away with a few flaring and refolding of her wings.


    ¡°So how long till we get this dragon you figure?¡± She cast her eyes to Garroth, who was sitting on a rock with a stick held tightly in his grasp. The human was holding a knife and cutting away at the bark stripped wood, whittling with eyes locked to his work. ¡°Probably not long with us on his claws. I bet we have him by the end of the month.¡± She flicked her ears back and forth as the cacophony of night sounds wrapped around them. ¡°With the way the metal dragon flies at least.¡±


    ¡°Been meaning to talk about that.¡± The man cut a chunk of wood from the stick, it flew out to scatter to the ground. ¡°Didn¡¯t know the constructs could talk. If you ask me, the notion sort of sends shivers right down to my boots.¡±


    Athenais sighed, splaying her ears at the memory of how they had been constructed. How each one was made from a criminal. ¡°Especially if they are made from people.¡± She gave a snort as she settled her head onto her scaled limbs. ¡°You think they might still be alive in there?¡±


    ¡°Whatever do you mean?¡± Soggu tilted his head to the side, giving her an inquisitive look with his large eyes. He pulled out a long wooden pipe from his pack with tribal engravings on it¡¯s surface.


    ¡°Like if the mind can stay intact. If it could think.¡± She raised a single claw, dragging it through the dirt. ¡°If it could still plan. Would be hell I imagine.¡±


    ¡°I can see the appeal to do such things to our criminals.¡± Garroth turned over the wood in his hands, the beginning of a dragon¡¯s face carved into the material. ¡°But to have them suffer eternally over something? That might be pushing it a tad too far.¡±


    ¡°Says the man who would do almost anything for money?¡± She gave him a teasing look as the man glared back at her.


    ¡°That is just one line I¡¯d rather not like to cross.¡±


    ¡°So, what do you think lays in store for a person who has committed treason then? When we find and capture that friend of yours and his gryphon?¡± She rose her brow as she watched him shift in his seat, her words seemingly making him uncomfortable.


    There was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes before he glanced down to his work. ¡°I¡¯d rather not talk about that. Perhaps they will find some circumstances that pardon him. Either way¡­¡± Garroth¡¯s knife easily glided through the wood. ¡°Going to have to capture him if we want to save Lumara from the dragon army.¡±


    ¡°Not this again.¡± She snorted with laughed, smacking her talon gently on the stone. ¡°You believe that prophecy?¡±


    ¡°Never stopped.¡± He grunted, growing silent soon after as he focused intently on his work.


    She sighed, wiggling her tail as she basked in the flame¡¯s sinfully good warmth. It cast away any cold that might have been lingering in her bones and made her tongue want to lol out of her beak in delight. It felt like a mother¡¯s embrace after many long years as the seducing flames brought little sounds of pleasure from her throat. Soft coo¡¯s and near trills as she closed her eyes in bliss.


    ¡°You might want to be careful..Don¡¯t want to get too pleasssed by the fire. Might get too clossse and burssst into flamesss.¡± Soggu chuckled, ¡°Alwaysss enjoyed watching you be content thought. Remindsss me of thossse cat creaturesss.¡±


    She rolled her eyes under her lids as she rose her claws and gestured to her fur and feathers with a wave. ¡°Then get a good look lizard. Admire me. I will not smack away your eyes.¡± She extended a single digit, holding down the rest. ¡°Though be careful. I do claw lewd males. Especially the ones who try to get a good look under my tail.¡± She creaked open her eyes, giving theshaman a wink.


    ¡°Will keep that in mind gryphon. Never thought of it.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± She snorted, ¡°No male ever does.¡± She chuckled in the back of her throat as she thought she saw blood rush to the lizard¡¯s blue cheeks. The idea that he was blushing almost left her speechless. She nearly teased him as Garroth continued his cutting but decided to let him have his pride.


    ¡°When I get my hands on that dragon.¡± Garroth began to mumble, his eyes filling with flames. ¡°He¡¯ll get what¡¯s coming to him. For everything he¡¯s done, and all the people he¡¯s taken.¡± The way he mumbled and grumbled as he worked almost sounded like he had an unhealthy obsession with their red quarry. She pushed the words from her mind as her ears twitched, her tail thumped, and she set her eyes to the little human who had remained so silent thus far.


    Axton was hunched over around the fire and way from the others. He had his hands out and seemed to be clutching something in them. Whatever was held must have been very important cause his eyes were locked onto it. Seemingly transfixed on his little bauble.


    Curiosity got the better of her, she felt it rise within her chest and bounce between her twitching ears. She pushed herself to all fours as Garroth went into a grumbling rant about the red dragon¡¯s evil deeds. She creeped slowly towards the human child, watching how the boy¡¯s hands trembled and shook. He brought them to his fore-head, his eyes closing softly. She saw his body shiver and not from the cold wind that kissed his cheek, it didn¡¯t take an expert to know he was hurting somewhere within that head of his. So, she crawled all the way to the boy that looked as though he needed a hug.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind human?¡± She circled the boy and laid around him with a curled tail. Thankfully she found a section of ground with no jagged rocks. Nothing to jab into her underbelly.


    ¡°W-what?¡± His eyes bolted open, like he had been caught in some mischievous affair. The lad instantly stashed whatever had been in his hands beneath his robes, his face turning a slight shade of scarlet. ¡°Uh, w-what do you mean?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean what do you mean?¡± She gave him a cracked beak grin. ¡°You¡¯ve been utterly silent each night this far on our travels. While the others tell stories and cook away with laughter, you huddle close by but never talk. You hold whatever that is and stare at it.¡± She thrust a talon to his pouch, ignoring how his face only grew redder. ¡°I can see that whatever flames flicker inside your heart are dying as your hands tremble away.¡± She cocked her head to the side, lowering her beak slightly so that she could stare at him eye to eye. ¡°So yes, I think somethings on your mind.¡±


    There was a momentary pause as a look of thought passed over the boy¡¯s face. He ground his boot into the dirt as though her question brought great discomfort. ¡°Its just.¡± He sighed, his shoulders slumping as his head drooped. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Nothing?¡± She snorted, rolling her eyes. ¡°What else did I expect from a young one as yourself. Never wanting to talk about their feelings.¡± She poked the boy¡¯s chest firmly with a talon. ¡°Bogwosh boy. Nothing can¡¯t make you stare with pained eyes at your quivering hands. The look that the world is falling around you, like sand that you grasp only for it to slip through your talons. She picked up some earth, letting it fall from her talons to illustrate the point. ¡°So, don¡¯t insult me by telling me that it¡¯s nothing. You should never run from your problems or the past.¡± She nodded with a quick clack of her beak as the boy¡¯s eyes drifted from her. ¡°It¡¯s what my father always used to say, and it¡¯s never steered me wrong my entire life.¡±


    ¡°You..have a father? A mother?¡± Axton¡¯s voice came softly as his head shifted to the fire. She saw his skin visibly tremble before her. Like he was lost within a cold winters night. His voice cracked, as if he was struggling to summon forth a response.


    ¡°Of course, I have those boy. Who on this earth doesn¡¯t?¡± She smirked, but instantly regretted her actions with splayed ears as the boy¡¯s walls crumbled away. His wavering blue eyes sprung tears as they dripped down his cheeks with a low sob. One filled to the brim with despair and squeezed at the gryphon¡¯s heart like a vice. She scolded herself for such misplaced words. ¡°Hey.¡± She wiggled closer. ¡°Hey.¡± Her voice calm, like the eye of a storm as she wrapped a claw around the boy¡¯s back. Her eyes widened for a moment as he instantly wrapped his arms around her neck, pulling his face into her fur. She paused for a moment. Surprised but not hating the touch as he shivered and clutched at her. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you.¡± She curled her head around his back, sighing as she felt the weight bear down on her shoulders. ¡°I should have seen the signs little one. From the bottom of my heart and to the marrow of my being, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ruffling his hair with a talon and pulling him tighter against him. She closed her eyes, making soft cooing sounds that her mother would make when she was a little hen.


    ¡°Who did you lose?¡± She asked after a minute of his crying and trembling. Axton gave a final sniff, wiping away his rolling tears with his sleeve. Though his tears might have been gone, his mountain giant like grip maintained around her neck.


    ¡°My¡­Mothers.¡± He finally said, the words seemingly forced from his throat. She could feel the pain lacing them, it lingered in the air as the boy swallowed forcefully and pulled her tighter than before. ¡°My human one, and my adopted one.¡±


    ¡°Adopted one?¡± She asked with a gentle stroke of his back. ¡°That is dreadfully unlucky and cruel to a boy such as yourself. A fledgling should not have to lose both of their parents.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± He said flatly, pushing himself off the gryphon with another long sniff and wipe of his misting eyes. ¡°Thanks, I nee-¡°


    She shut his mouth with a talon and wagging it in front of his nose. ¡°No problem little fledgling, you should never apologize for needing a moment to cry. Accepting your feelings doesn¡¯t make you lesser in any other way.¡± She flicked her tail knowing that sounded rather corny, but it was the best she had. Something else her parents used to tell her when she was huddled close at night listening to the mountain sounds in her youth. It seemed to do the trick as Axton gave her a slow nod, his expression softening and his eyes losing the sheen of impending tears. She gave him a beak cracked smile, just glad to see his tears had ceased.


    ¡°Have you lost anyone before?¡± He leaned up against her, nuzzling close against her fur. She sighed, wrapping her limb around his chest. If he needed the attention in his moment of insecurity, then she was going to provide it. She stared into the fire with him, seeing all the memories of her past reflected in the flickering orange glow. She heard a faint scream in the distance, one she knew wasn¡¯t real. Just an echo from long ago lingering around in her mind.


    ¡°Once before.¡± She splayed her ears, her tail quivering at the words. ¡°When I was very little.¡± She watched as the flames became a gryphon with fur like that of a brown diamond, a yellow beak with a flash of blood oozing as the pained male took his final desperate gasps of air.


    ¡°What happened?¡± The boy¡¯s words scattered the image to the wind as she held him closer. The ice of that memory wrapping around her heart and tugging firm.


    She sighed heavily, the human had opened slightly up to her. Might as well give him some information to help his grief. ¡°My family decided to visit Entis when I was a little hen. See all the wonders that it held. That other gryphons had uttered with great glee to my mother and father. She extended a claw to the fire, sweeping it slowly as she pictured the twin rising fortresses that floated over Entis. ¡°The floating castles, gryphons that dotted every rooftop! The human boats that could float happily with the clouds.¡± She hated herself for this moment, as a small jolt of wonder radiated underneath her skin and captured the amazement she had experienced when she was small.


    ¡°Sound great.¡± Axton grumbled, folding his arms as she held him closer.


    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t meant for us I suppose. My family was mugged by some scrawny looking gryphons who had little to eat and were very young. They got scared and panicked.¡± Her ears quivered as her head drooped, she could feel the ache around her heart tighten. ¡°One accidently killed my brother in the scuffle. I had trembled and squirmed as it happened. Too little to do anything to help.¡± Her breath came hard as she remembered his raspy gasps of air, blood running from his beak to join the pool of red that formed below his feathers. ¡°I watched my brother die that night.¡± She clacked her beak, rising her head to follow the embers that would flicker and fly away from the fire like little bugs. ¡°I made a promise to be a survivor after that. Never be like that again. Unable to help the ones I care about, nor be desperate enough to strike out at an innocent family and take from them.¡± She felt the seldom remembered pain poke at her sides and drag her head to the skies above. She looked to the stars twinkling in between the growing swarm of clouds. ¡°Another thing my parents told me Axton. Is that if I continue to tell his story. He will truly never be gone. That goes for all our loved ones that are not with us.¡± She tapped Axton¡¯s chest with a gentle grace. ¡°They will keep living in your heart.¡±


    The boy¡¯s face fell, a storm of emotion swirling around in his eyes as he dug into his pouch and procured a blackened dragon scale, one that smelled like the night breeze. He held it out within his palm, the smooth thing as black as the midnight sky.


    ¡°A dragon scale!¡± She chirped in surprise, her feathers standing up as her head tilted to the side. ¡°Where did you get that?¡±


    ¡°From my mother.¡± He mumbled, rubbing his thumb across the surface.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see scales or wings, so I will assume that¡¯s your adopted mother then?¡± She nuzzled the human as she saw the flame within his heart start to waver the longer the scale held his vision. ¡°Tell me about her. I would love to hear about this dragoness that raised you.¡± She internally chuckled at the idea of something so strange.


    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± He mumbled, words soft as if he could tell she doubted him. ¡°She was brave, strong. Had scales like midnight.¡± His lips parted into a small smile, spreading his arms wide. ¡°Really big wings with the nightsky beneath her membranes.¡± He stood up, slipping from her grasp like an eel and flapping his outstretched arms. ¡°She could fly really fast, quick as lightning.¡± He placed a finger to his head to look like a horn. ¡°Had spines that lined her back, used them to ward off attackers.¡±


    She laughed at his cute display, covering her beak and gesturing him to continue as he suddenly grew silent.


    ¡°And..and.¡± The boy slumped as the brief reprieve from his grief came crashing down.¡±She died.¡± He hung his head and sat back down. He rested back against her form, her wing¡¯s coming to wrap them both tightly.


    Her ears flicked as the thunder in the distance sounded, couldn¡¯t be more than a few miles off now as it practically shook the rocks around them in it¡¯s fury. She parted her beak and started nipping at the thin fibers of his black hair. She got a sudden giggle to leave his mouth almost making her smile in pride.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± He asked, not moving or resisting in the slightest.


    She worked her way around his head, humming to herself as she tapped her tail. ¡°What¡¯s it look like I¡¯m doing? I¡¯m preening you human.¡±


    ¡°Oh! I thought you were eating my hair. Some sort of gryphon thing.¡±


    ¡°Clossse enough.¡± Soggu gave a raspy laugh, grinning before taking a long drag on his runed pipe. ¡°You ssseem to have confusssed the boy. Typical for a gryphon.¡±


    ¡°Oh yea?¡± She pulled back her beak, tossing the smirking lizard a furious glare. ¡°I don¡¯t eat hair! It¡¯s called preening you soft scaled shaman. It¡¯s used to clean feathers and fur. For mates, parents, and friends to do to one another. It¡¯s a sign of friendship and bonding.¡±


    ¡°Thatsss not all they do for bonding.¡± The lizard puffed out a long pume of white smoke, that lazily rose up from his features. He started to cackle away with little hisses, so she tossed a pebble at him. ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°Shush that snout of yours then.¡± She gave him a snort, going back to preening the human¡¯s hair. ¡°As I was saying Axton. It was meant to soothe you.¡±


    ¡°She used to lick me to do that.¡± Axton giggled as her attention must have caught a tickle spot near his neck.


    ¡°Lick you?¡± She chirped, chuckling as she pictured the slimy tongue of a dragon dancing all over the boy¡¯s face. ¡°Must have been pretty gross.¡±


    ¡°Not really. It always helped me.¡±


    ¡°If you ssstill need cheering up after the gryphon¡¯sss hair eating come here.¡±Soggu patted the moss covered rock next to him.


    Athenais raised a brow, releasing Axton when the boy pulled to go free. She watched him slide over to the blue scaled siigonis and took a quick seat. Questions bubbled to the surface of her mind as the lizard offered Axton an affectionate smile.


    ¡°I know how to sssoothe a trouble hatchling better than you. Jussst watch.¡± The shaman held up a claw to silence her open beaked retort. Soggu reached into his leather pack and rumbled around within. Athenais found herself leaning closer towards the pair, eyes begging for a good look.


    From the dark confines of his leather pack suddenly came light. All at once a soft white glow that radiated through the air. A small orb of brilliant light floated out, gliding effortlessly through the air towards them. She found the urge to pull away as the radiant sphere playfully darted around her and Axton¡¯s heads. She watched it float and glide easily above them, it was almost restless. Like if it were to stay in place it would cease to be. Axton reached out as it got closer, the little thing suddenly stopping at the motion. Athenais opened her beak to protest as it drew nearer. Her instinct to bat it away pounding in her skull.


    ¡°Soggu.¡±


    ¡°Jussst watch.¡± The siigonis snorted, eyes locked on the boy¡¯s out stretched fingers. ¡°I think it likesss him.¡±


    Axton;s mouth parted in astonishment as the orb grazed the tip of his finger. A giggle escaped his mouth as the light pulled slightly. It suddenly darted away to circle Athenais¡¯ beak instead.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Her eyes followed the swirling orb of light, swatting it out of instinct with her claw. ¡°And how do I get it to stop circling my beak?¡± She tried batting away at the thing as it circled her. The gryphon found herself flipping over onto her back with a startled squawk.¡±


    ¡°Ssshowing off gryphon agilenessss again?¡± The smug siigonis laughed as the orb glided around her hinds and torso, lighting up her brown fur.


    ¡°Never mind you about gryphon agileness.¡± She stuck out her tongue, warding off the mischievous orb with a kick of her hinds. ¡°I¡¯ve seen your tail do more damage in a lifetime.¡± She flipped over, raising to sit onto her haunches. She sighed at all her ruffled feathers. Preening was going to take forever to get rid of all these smudges of dirt. She glanced to the storm clouds in the distance, considering the rain to be the quicker of the options.


    ¡°What is that thing?¡± Axton chuckled, as the orb of light flowed around his shoulders. The boy rose his arms, so the thing had enough room to follow. Once it reached his fingertips it stopped moving, hovering for a moment before going back the way it came.¡±


    ¡°That my inquisssitive human isss a forest ssspirit.¡± Soggu nodded happily, raising his pipe to grace his lips once again with a tap of his tail upon the rocks.


    The gryphon cocked her beak. ¡°Forest spirit? Arn¡¯t those the things you bend to your will?¡±


    Soggu¡¯s eyes suddenly narrowed. He slowly shifted his snout to her, eyes staring daggers at her. ¡°That isss a grosss exaggeration of what my people do.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± She quickly muttered, her ears flicking as her tail curled. ¡°Then what do you do then?¡±


    ¡°We guide the ssspiritsss back to where they belong. They are naturally drawn to onesss sssuch as I.¡± The lizard smirked as the spirit whirled around Axton¡¯s head and descending to circle the boy¡¯s chest. ¡°Though it ssseemsss to be really attracted to you. Are you perhapsss a ssspirit ssshaman in disssguissse?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Axton laughed as the spirit grazed just underneath his chin. ¡°I¡¯d know if I was, wouldn¡¯t I?¡¯


    ¡°We are trained to be such ways. But spirits can already sense the gift.¡± Soggu rose up, lowering his eyes to stare into Axton¡¯s own.


    ¡°Uh..¡±The boy squirmed nervously, returning the stare. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Giving you a good look!¡± The siignois circled the boy, making hmms and soft snorts as his eyes traced every inch of Axton¡¯s form. ¡°Ssseeing if the flame flickersss inssside you sssomething bright!¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Axton cupped the spirit in his hands, it¡¯s light dimming softly before his eyes, then as if lit by a sun it exploded outward. Brilliant beams of light pierced the night. It was so intense that Athenais had to shield her eyes from the pain.


    She was left gasping, blinking away the sea of purple dots that had formed in her vision. ¡°What was that?¡± She groaned, rubbing her eyes with a talon as everything melted back into focus. When it did her beak hung open as a shiver worked its way down her back. For held within the boy¡¯s hands was no longer a glowing orb of light. Instead was a small red scaled dragon with purple membraned wings. The little onyx clawed thing leaped to his shoulders, rubbing up against the boy with a soft purr.


    ¡°It¡¯s a dragon!¡± He gasped, eyes widening to the size of dinner plates. ¡°How is it that?¡±


    ¡°I can sssee with my two eyesss yesss.¡± Soggu lowered his snout, only for the little dragon to raise its own and sniff at him with a swaying tail. ¡°I sssaw thisss one could take on variousss ssshapesss when I found it. When we firssst met it wasss in the ssshape of a panther. It appearsss as though it can read your heart and took on a form to sssoothe you.¡± The shaman pulled his head back with a quick nod.


    ¡°Where did you get it from then?¡± Axton asked, scratching the little dragon¡¯s chin.


    ¡°Yes. Do tell us the tale.¡± Athenais continued to stare at the little dragon that was now resting in Axton¡¯s combined palms. She shifted her sight to the pleased with himself siigonis. It wasn¡¯t usual for him to be this way. Something was stirring beneath his eyes she just knew it.


    ¡°Back in Entisss, when we were hired to protect the cassstle. We got a tip that they were making a move on the royal vault. Would have gotten them if not for a clever ssspell by their minotaur.¡± Soggu clenched his claw, releasing it with a sigh. ¡°But thisss little beauty I found being help captive by a dwarf. Where ssshe came from Idon¡¯t  know, but ssshe had thisss ssspirit in tow.¡± The lizard sighed, taking a seat beside them with a thump. He rose his head, eyes lingering on the small dragon that had now closed its eyes and appeared to be sleeping.


    ¡°So, this dwarf was kidnapping the spirit?¡± Axton asked softly, his voice almost a whisper. ¡°How do you even do that?¡±


    ¡°Plenty of waysss my child. But the fact wasss it was following the dwarf around..¡±


    ¡°If she stole it where did the spirit come from?¡± Athenais rumbled, starting to preen her feathers with long strokes of her beak.


    ¡°A foressst to the sssouth. I gleamed it while ssstudying it with my ssspellsss. The ssspirit ssshowed me imagesss, tastesss, sssoundsss. It was not hard to figure where it was from.¡± The lizard¡¯s head drooped, his face darkened. It was as if a blackened cloud had wrapped itself around him. His tail squirmed as his claws dug into the stone beneath him. Flames suddenly sprung forth in his eyes making her twitch her tail in surprise as a growl escaped his maw. ¡°The foressst thisss ssspirit remembersss isss vassstly different now.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Athenais crept closer to the lizard, who was now holding his arm to stop it¡¯s trembling.


    ¡°The ssspirit was a heart to that foressst..Without it, the green treesss and plantsss that had held the cradle of life now lay sssickly or withered away in a pale grey. Animalsss that usssed to roam in abundance now avoid the place that claimed many of their kin. The magic in the air runsss foul and leavesss me with ragged breath. Vile twisted thingsss like necromancy have taken root upon it¡¯sss departure. They feed on the void left behind.¡± Soggu sighed, letting his words linger in the air. ¡°I would have never thought I would be the one to find sssomething that had been missssing over one hundred years ago. Blesss the ssspiritsss that guided me to this moment.¡± The siigonis bowered his head with closed eyes, letting the crackling flames be the only sound to grace their ears. It wasn¡¯t until an owl swooped down nearby to latch onto it¡¯s evening meal did Axon make another sound.


    ¡°That¡¯s a fantastic story.¡± He slowly pushed his palms out with the spirit to Soggu. ¡°Here you can have it back.¡± But when the sigonis held out his claws the little resting dragon cracked open a lazy eye. It gave a maw parting, tongue curling yawn before nestling into Axton¡¯s palms. It gave a harsh snort, as if to make a point that it wasn¡¯t moving.


    ¡°Well, It appearsss though you get to hold onto it for a while longer.¡± The lizard crossed his arms, tail tapping the rocks behind him. ¡°Appearsss asss though the ssspirt isssn¡¯t ready to leave you quite yet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay, Its¡¯ not unpleasant.¡± The boy giggled, pulling back his offering. He cuddled the now purring dragon with his chest. The sound teased at Athenais¡¯ ears, making them swivel towards the sound, and her heart longed to hold that cute little bundle of scales tightly against her fur. ¡°Probably should name it though. I¡¯d rather not keep calling it spirit or it.¡±


    ¡°Spirits don¡¯t have names in the way that we do.¡± Soggu shifted on the stone.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Still though. I think I¡¯ll call it Celes. That¡¯s a cute name for a dragon. Course makes me wonder if it¡¯s a boy spirit or a girl spirit¡­¡±Axton tilted his head, eyes glaring at the sleeping red dragon.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go peaking. It¡¯s rude.¡± She nudged the boy with a laugh as his face started to take on a reddish hue. ¡°Though it looks like that dragon there took on the image of a female dragon. You can tell by the horn there.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯d you know that?¡±


    ¡°Just a guess.¡± She shrugged, staring at one of her claws that gleamed in the light. ¡°She looks similar but different to the male we are hunting. So, I just figured.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Axton shifted his eyes back to Celes, a smile tugging at his lips. ¡°She¡¯s still cute though.¡±


    ¡°That we can be in agreement on.¡± She found herself smiling as the boy¡¯s demeanor had all been shifted to one of wonder and delight. No longer did the cold seem to clutch at him and leave him shivering like a soaked cat. She rose her head, eyebrow raised as Soggu gave her a smug look on his snout. His eyes gleaming in delight, like a cat that had just caught the canary some humans would say. ¡°How on this earth did you get good at soothing the aching heart of children?¡±


    ¡°You find thisss odd?¡± The cheeky lizard looked away, almost as if the idea didn¡¯t interest him. Though the smirk he still bore on his snout said otherwise. He reached back for his pipe, taking a drag and summoning up smoke rings from his mouth with small puffs. The white smoke lingered around the fire, lazily twisting and climbing like a dragon into the sky.


    ¡°Damn right I find it odd.¡± I don¡¯t see any little ones running around for you.¡± She perked her ears up with a tail swishing laugh. ¡°Unless you got a mate back home with a clutch or something to call your own.¡±


    ¡°No mate, only tribe does the youngling raising. They do it in a community, as in everyone raises all the younglings.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± She cocked her head to the side, ears twitching as curiosity grabbed at her senses and held firm. ¡°You mean to tell me that you don¡¯t know who your sisters or brothers are?¡± She chuckled at the idea as Axton stuck out his tongue with a long whining ¡°Ewwww.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s.¡± The lizard gave a snort, punctuated by a thrash of his tail against the stone. ¡°Not exactly a problem for us as you warmbloods.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s a relief for you I suppose.¡± She nudged Axton with a beak parted grin. ¡°And here I thought it was because he chose a female¡¯s job.¡±


    Soggu dropped the pipe, the wooden thing clattered as his eyes widened into slits. ¡°That¡¯s..not-¡° He crossed his arms, snorting out smoke as she continued on with her cackling chirps.


    ¡°See?His people divide certain things by gender. The hunters, the warriors, the elementalists. Those are generally done by males of his tribe. Meanwhile the healers, druids, and mystics are generally all done by the females. She beamed at the siigonis as daggers seemed to be loosed from his eyes. ¡°See how he¡¯s just siting there with crossed arms and eyes that could kill? It¡¯s because he knows it¡¯s embarrassing. You can see it in how he shifts and how his tail twitches.¡±


    ¡°You never had a complaint about my choice of skills when I¡¯m stitching you back together. Especially when you¡¯re hurt.¡± The lizard¡¯s eyes filled with mischief as he tapped a claw to his chin. ¡°Infact..¡± He slid next to the pair, his tail wrapping around them both. ¡°The last time that she was so hurt I had to stitch her in the field. Had to shave off sections of her fur to put them in.


    ¡°Soggu!¡± She squawked, ruffling her feathers as the memory came into focus.


    ¡°And we called her patches for over a month. She was so cross at that!¡±


    Axton stifled a laugh as she smacked the hissing shaman over the head with a wing.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He cackled, half-heartily holding up his arms as the wing taps got more frequent.


    ¡°I hated that name you scaly brute!¡± She swatted him again as Axton¡¯s wall crumbled, and the human let out a loud burst of side splitting laughter.


    She rolled her eyes, letting out a long groan as the lizard fell back to his seat, but she glared at him with narrowed eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll remember that of course when I¡¯m watching your scaled tail. Maybe a rock or two will smack you upside the head.¡±


    ¡°You watch my tail now?¡± The siigonis snapped his mouth with a grin. ¡°Whatever is up your feathers gryphon. I didn¡¯t know you had a fascination for scales!¡± He shrugged with a teasing smile. So, she plucked a small pebble from the ground and tossed it at him before pouncing the man with a laugh.


    ¡°Oh yea?¡± She grabbed him with her talons, rolling the cackling lizard to his back and pinning him with his arms to the side. ¡°How do you like being pinned lizard boy?¡±


    ¡°Kind of like it actually.¡± His tail swished beneath her as he poked her fur with a claw.


    ¡°You¡¯re horrible, making this joke really hard to pull off.¡± She sighed, giving him an irritated chirp.


    ¡°That kind of tends to happen around here. Perhaps you shouldn¡¯t be pinning innocent shamans?¡±


    She rolled her eyes as he thought himself so clever. She pushed herself off his smirking form and slid back towards Axton and settled down onto her fours. Though as she turned around she made sure to smack the snickering lizard with her tail. She went back to her preening with several soft chirps, ignoring Soogu¡¯s chuckles and hissing laughter.


    ¡°Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?¡± Axton suddenly asked, breaking the silence.


    ¡°W-what?¡± She choked nearly at the same time as her lizard companion. ¡°What gave you that idea?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just friendsss is all.¡±


    ¡°Just that there was this couple in my village. They would go back and forth with their playful teasing and pleased glances.¡± The boy shrugged, shifting his eyes from the shocked gryphon and siignonis. The boy looked down at his boots as he wiggled them against the dirt. ¡°Just reminded me of them is all.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think ssshe actually hasss a thing for ssscalesss.¡± Soggu hissed, snickering then looking to her feathers. ¡°Alwaysss ssseems to rub her the wrong way. Never in the right way.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re one to talk.¡± She waved to him. ¡°You¡¯re the one glancing at my feathers whenever you get a chance. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if you have a secret diary in that sack of yours. Scribbles and scribbles of how your heart longs for me something awful.¡±


    ¡°That would be the day wouldn¡¯t it?¡± The lizard snorted.


    From there stories were shared. Each one a rousing tale brimming with adventure and excitement that brought smiles and life to the boy¡¯s face. Axton listened with wide eyes the entire time, the spirit held snugly against his chest like a dear pet. Athenais described how Soggu had sounded like a woman for several weeks because of a curse he had gotten from wrongly opening a door. The lizard had chuckled and counted with one where she had collapsed through the roof of a hut that lacked a reinforced celling. They cackled away with clacking claws, smacking of tails, and side clutching laughter. It was only Garroth that didn¡¯t join in with their good cheer, the human¡¯s eyes on his steel blade as he continued to sharpen it with a stone and sending sparks springing forth to coat the ground.


    It was when the flames began to die down, their orange dancing body slowly ebbing away into little flickers. Axton yawned, stoking the fire with a stick as Soggu picked out a log and tossed it into the pit with a grunt. She was going to make a joke about wood when she caught the slight glint of something metal from the rocks around them. Her eyes adjusted, and she got the sight of a dragonpowder rifle. ¡°Down!¡± She shouted out, pushing Axton and Soggu down as a thunderous explosion sounded off through the night. The flash of light that followed brought life to the dark rocks around them, seemingly like little bolts of lightning. She felt two balls of metal enter her hind legs as her ears hurt from the cacophony of rifle fire. She winced and gasped as her blood splattered against the stone, landing with Axton with a thump. She made sure to be below him, as to not crush him with her weight.


    ¡°Youse missed boys!¡± Came the loud shout of an orc. It¡¯s owner stepping out into the light with gleaming tusks. His scarred face was lit up with the shimmer of light from the fire, bathing his eyes in a red glow. ¡°How¡¯d ya miss! They wuz so close!¡±


    She pushed the pain from her mind, leaping up with a snarl. Quick as a cobra, Her talons sliced into the orc¡¯s chest, catching the man by surprise. She heard Garroth let out a warcry, one that resonated from him and brought a soothing warmth to her feathers. He must have sunk his sword into something because she heard the pained groan of an orc soon after.


    The orc she had struck backed away from her follow up horizontal slashing talons, pulling out an ax to swing at her with a harsh roar. Instinct took over as she leaped to the right, the head striking a rock where she had been. Her hinds pushed her off the ground and toppling over the warrior as she collided with his side. She heard a groan as they crashed into the stone, her weight cracking a few of his bones. She grabbed his now bloody head and smashed it against the ground as two others emerged from behind rocks with spears and knives held within their fists. She pounced back away from the leather armor clad warriors, avoiding the spear aimed for her neck. When he struck again she smacked it away, talons slicing right through the wood and leaping forward to rip out that orc¡¯s throat with a crimson spray. With an angry squawk she let that orc fall, spitting out the taste of coppery blood as she flared out her wings, knocking two other greenskins to their asses.


    She spun around, her hinds catching one more in the chest, sending the surprised orc stumbling backwards into the fire. He cried out into the night as flames licked at his clothes. She felt a blade knick at her side, making her body ache and spasm from the pain.


    It will pass. She muttered to herself, roaring out into the night her defiance. She eyed her attackers as she heard Soggu start to utter spells, the dark air being lit by a great spectral lizard with a large club. The ghost like being swung his club down in a near blinding speed, crushing two orc warriors as if they were bugs beneath a boot. With it¡¯s job completed, the spirit burst into thousands of little lights as the warriors opposite of her made their move.


    Another blade sliced a feather from her wing as she shoved his clumsy partner into another orc with a surprised grunt. Garroth appeared in the corner of her eye, cutting down any orc that was approaching him as though wheat before the scythe. Blood sprayed with each swing, painting the man¡¯s face with crimson ooze.


    But still they came.


    Like an unrelenting wave they climbed and clamored over rocks and dirt. More green skinned warriors to shout cries of battle to their fellows. She cursed herself as she was smacked to the ground, a rock stabbing into her side like a thorn. The wizard was supposed to be keeping watch, wasn¡¯t he? How did this gaggle of warriors get this close? Had they not seen the metal dragon that was laying nearby? She gasped as her muscles began to ache and scream in rebellion as she rolled away from an ax determined to taste her lifeblood. She tapped the band that Nigel had given her, a thin golden thing engraved with lightning bolts of blackened onyx. She felt the air around her spark and tingle with life as electricity crackled and swirled around her wings. She smirked as even the bolts found their way to her eyes, making her hide tingle. A mere thought was all it took for bolt after bolt of near blinding electrical light to loose towards the orcs surrounding her.


    Her attackers wore surprised faces as the arcs of death struck each one of them. Their bodies twisted and fell with pained cries. Weapons clattering against the ground as their owners were taken from his world. She was left gasping as at least ten of the attackers had fallen smoking to the ground, their skulls smacking against stone with sickening thuds. She pulled back to her friends, thankful that wave was at least over. Her watchful eyes scanned the un-moving bodies. The sounds of combat rang around her, Garroth¡¯s blade clanging off of orcish shields and sending the defenders sprawling backwards. Soggu was struggling to get a spell from his lips as four orcs with spears kept trying to jab him with the sharpened metal tips. The lizard dodged and weaved, the tips grazing off his scales at times, but she didn¡¯t know how long he could keep up such an agile dance.


    Up to me then.


    She growled forcing her body to obey as she leaped to Soggu¡¯s defence. She didn¡¯t even get to raise a claw before a confident orcish voice broke through the roars of combat.


    ¡°Okay you lot. Throw down ya weapons before we cut da boys head clean off!¡±


    Athenais froze, snapping her attention to a smirking orc who clutched Axton roughly by the shoulder, a metal dagger pressed tightly against his throat and glinting in the camp light. The spirit was hovering in the air, eyes narrowed at the orc¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Now I¡¯d best do what¡¯s I says. I mean business!¡± The orc pressed a fraction of an inch down, drawing forth a single drop of blood that dripped down the boy¡¯s neck. The action caused Axton to wince and cease his struggles. ¡°That¡¯s right. I know ya don¡¯ want ta hurt da little one.¡± The warrior grinned as he and Garroth locked eyes. The other orcs chuckled and laughed at their apparent victory, as if it was some great play they had made.


    Athenais glared at the orc with a fury of which she had not known for years. A flame within her chest swirling around and begging to be unleashed. She scanned the orcs all around her, looking for an angle she could exploit, something that would turn the tide in their favor. She glanced back  back to Axton and sighed. Without hurting the boy there was no victory.


    ¡°Dats right birdy. Take it all in. ya lost. Now look right here. We dun want ta hurt ya.¡± The orc pointed towards their packs resting by the fire. ¡°We jus want ya tings and probably some of dat food ya got as well.¡±


    ¡°Dun forget about da loot boss!¡± An orc shouted who was missing his left eye.


    ¡°Ah yes¡­The loot of course. See I didn¡¯t forget at all!¡± The blade holding orc laughed, the sound being echoed from his brethren.


    ¡°Let the boy go and we will comply with you.¡± Soggu hissed with narrowed eyes as orcs brandished spears towards his snout.


    ¡°Nah. I tink dis be the best strategy for me to employ. Dat way. We gets what we wants!¡±


    ¡°Dun forget about da loot boss!¡± Shouted the orc from before, saliva dripping from his jaw. The lead orc rolled his eyes as silence fell over the warrior band.


    ¡°Someone smack Gerald for me will ya?¡± He grinned as a smack resounded through the night and the orc named Gerald was thrown to the ground.


    ¡°What¡¯d I do? I just reminded him ta get da loot!¡±


    ¡°Movin on!¡± The orc holding Axton pressed the blade tighter against the boy¡¯s throat, whose eyes had widened in pure terror.


    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for this you know. Don¡¯t know if you know who your dealing with.¡± Garroth hissed not releasing his sword. ¡°The moment you cut that kid¡¯s throat we¡¯ll drop all of you. Each and everyone of you will die by our hands.¡±


    ¡°True, but I don¡¯t care if da boy dies, but she does.¡± The orc jerked his eyes to stare right into Athenais¡¯ own. His face filled with smugness. One that she wanted to claw so badly, make him match his buddy Gerald when she was done. ¡°So, as I was sayin before I was rudely interrupted by ya. Throw down ya weapons..Maybe we evens eat the bird on account of yer¡­disobedience.¡±


    ¡°I will make sure you meet your ancestors tonight if you try.¡± Soggu hissed his voice taught as his claws shook with an unspoken fury. The orcs didn¡¯t laugh as their leader held Axton firmly, and Soggu was prodded with spears.


    ¡°Not too much choice ya got lad. We got ya by the balls.¡±


    ¡°I think THAT is enough of your intellectual drivel for one day. ¡°Feyalenar gevilden jorst¡± Came Nigel¡¯s voice that sprung from every surface around them. Every rock and pebble that littered the area boomed his voice for all to hear. The orc¡¯s eyes filled with surprise and wonder as their heads spun in all directions looking for the source. The leader¡¯s head suddenly came to a jerking stop, almost as if he had frozen in place. Athenais watched as each orc seized up, limbs froze, and the surrounding area looked like a bunch of statues had taken root. She took a tentative step as a warm breeze swept through the camp, it sent shivers down her spine as her body finally started to pull heavy against her mind.


    Nigel emerged from behind one of the many larger rocks, his confident stride full of purpose as his hand caressed the stone like softly. His face was calm, almost like he was the center of a raging hurricane. The man bent towards a frozen orc, extending a single digit and running it under the green-skinned warrior¡¯s chin. ¡°And not a single douse of willpower among you.¡± He clicked his tongue, standing straight and cupping his own chin. ¡°I hate to admit it¡¯s rather¡­Unsurprising. I at least thought ONE of you would be able to resist my charm.¡± The wizard gave a heavy sigh and roll of his shoulders. ¡°Oh well I suppose.¡± He gestured to Soggu with a flick of his hands, then pointing to Athenais with hardly a glance. ¡°Lizard. I do believe that your gryphon companion needs your skills. She seems to have taken some bullets to her flank.¡±


    Soggu nodded, moving aside the spears frozen at his head. His snout went to each orc, eyes filled to the brim with suspicion, and a spark of surprise lingering in his darkened slits.


    ¡°Now..What¡­ever where YOU thinking my braindead warrior?¡± Nigel slunk over the stone to Axton, almost as if his feet did not touch the ground. He rose his hand, easily plucking the blade from the frozen orc¡¯s grip. Concern flashed in the wizard¡¯s eyes as they descended to the boy, a genuine look that made her tail twitch. ¡°Are you okay my boy?¡±


    Axton nodded without a word, clutching at his throat where a thin red line had been cut.


    ¡°Run to the lizard. He can patch you up with a quick spell. It may hurt now, but nothing a quick cure wounds spell can¡¯t take care of. ¡°He swept a hand around the boy¡¯s shoulder, gently pushing him towards the shaman. With the boy creeping towards Soggu with a color drained face, Nigel crossed his arms with an evil smirk. His piercing eyes glanced around to all the frozen warriors, as if taking each one and committing them to memory. He seemed almost positively joyful that all the previous smug warrriors now glanced to him with eyes filled with terror. She imagined they would be quivering in fear if they were able to be.


    She dragged a claw through the dirt, rocks catching against her talons as breaths pushed hard through her. Each one brought a lingering pain that prodded needles beneath her hide. Her ears pinned back against her head as Soggu hastily made his way to her, his claws finding her flesh as rocks slipped around his feet.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be alright.¡± His voice came softly, more caring than she usually heard him hiss. He licked his nose with his tongue, cracking open his leather pouches. He procured several glass bottles, each one containing a near translucent red liquid sloshing around within their confines. ¡°Healing potionsss and you¡¯ll be light as rain.¡± He uncorked them and brought the first one to her beak. She parted it with little effort, already wincing before the vile tasting concoction met her tongue.


    ¡°Grah.¡± She squirmed, swallowing down the drink that reminded her of spoiled milk. Her limbs quivered and shook as her stomach felt like it had just completed a loop. Her eyes clenched shut as she willed herself to swallow every drop of the magical liquid.


    ¡°That¡¯sss it¡­brewed thessse to be ssstronger than usual..Won¡¯t sssay much for the tassste.¡± He rubbed her throat gently, the tender touch of his scales at least bringing comfort as her hide went flush and warmth found her. It twisted round her limbs like a snake, pulling tight her chest as breaths came quicker and her heart suddenly felt as though a horse had bolted free of a gate. The heat grew and rose up, till it felt like fire had suddenly found her body. She thrashed her tail, curling in on herself as she felt the alien sensation of flesh suddenly growing to seal her open wounds, the soft clink of metal on stone as the bullets were expelled from her body like a poison. Her vision behind her eyes exploded into thousands of lights, each one near blinding in its intensity. It only lasted for a fraction of a second, but she was still left gasping for air. Her lungs thanking her for the cool, the fire slowly dying as sound began to make sense once more.


    ¡°Oh, how rude of me. I must have forgotten.¡± Nigel spun around, inspecting the orc that had grabbed Axton as though he was a piece of meat. One to be carefully checked out before a butcher started his work. ¡°Siignois.¡± He turned to Soggu with a mischievous grin, one that reminded the gryphon of devilish imps from the hells beyond. The wizard gestured to the frozen orcs with a crack of his neck just as the shaman had brushed over Axton¡¯s wounds with a glowing claw. ¡°Would you bind theses¡­.these..¡± He waved his hand, ¡°Barbarians, have them tied up or shacked, something to prevent them from moving. Would be dreadfully embarrassing to have our guests suddenly regain their motor functions again without our expressed permission.¡±


    ¡°But-¡° The Siigonis¡¯ words were laced with concern, shifting his sight to his gryphon and human patients.


    ¡°It looks like you¡¯ve tended to them nicely. I think they will last a tad bit longer now that the worst of it has been taken care of. I can certainly assure you they will get worse if our new-found friends break from my magical bindings however. Now don¡¯t give me that look. I can assure you I know what I¡¯m talking about when it comes to this.¡±


    Soggu¡¯s eyes narrowed without a sound as he crouched, drawing sigils on the rock with a talon before raising his head to turn to all the frozen greenskins. Rocks rose from the very earth, like little serpents made of stone. They wrapped and binded around legs, waists, catching any loose limb that had the misfortune of being too close to the ground. With a snort and final hiss of displeasure the siigonis turned back to her, his eyes hastily searching for any more wounds along her fur and feathers. He muttered words under his breath that sounded like simple hisses or snarls as he caressed her neck with a delicate touch. She moved her leg and got a jolt of fresh pain, as though someone had plunged a dagger into her flank and twisted.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t give me that hiss.¡± Nigel chuckled, crouching low to inspect the stone. He gave it a rap with his knuckles. ¡°Hmm..Certainly looks as though you did a fantastic job.¡± He righted himself, his face growing cold and stern once more. ¡°So.¡± His voice came like ice, cutting through Athenais¡¯ mind like a knife. ¡°You were the one that decided that in your esteemed wisdom that you would attack our camp.¡± The mage stuck a boney finger to the orc¡¯s nose. ¡°One that I might add had a child, and a giant metal dragon to defend it! I am wondering if you are simply blind or lack brain cells to rub together between those ragged things you call ears.¡±


    The orc struggled against his bindings, his face twisting at the effort. The only headway he made was a slight twitch of his arm before once more it was frozen stiff.


    ¡°Up here.¡± Nigel touched the orc¡¯s face twisting in agony.


    ¡°Grah¡­¡± Grunted the orc as the green of his skin started to drain, sweat forming on his brow.


    ¡°I am the focus of your attention orc. As to my question, which one was it?¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t see da dragon ya ole git.¡± The orc spat, spraying spittle against Nigel¡¯s face.


    ¡°Quite.¡± The wizard wiped it away without another word, pulling his face away as his eyes turned to ice. ¡°I suppose stupid shall be the answer I record for my log books as it were.¡±


    ¡°If ya spooky git going ta get ta killin me and da boyz. Just git on wit it.¡± The orc chuckled, a flame of resistance in his blackened pools. ¡°Dun waste me time wit talk.¡±


    ¡°Quite the charmer you are. Though if I suppose I wanted to have a chat with you I would probably get next to nothing of valuable information. Something about fighting and looting I¡¯m sure.¡± The wizard sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. ¡°If I wasn¡¯t pressed for time orc I would have had you strapped to a table in my home. Perhaps some enjoying music being played by some bards. I¡¯d have had my knives and all the time to personally teach you each spot that can induce mind shattering pain.¡±


    Athenais shivered at the threat spoken with hardly an inflection of emotion. As if doing such a thing were simple business to the cold mage before her. She clenched her eyes as it felt like coals had been pressed to her, air escaping her beak in a hiss.


    ¡°Hold in there and it will pass.¡± Soggu stroked her head, his words calming and cool. ¡°You are healed.¡± With a final touch of his claw all the pain passed into nothingness. All the heat, dull ache, and sharp stabs gone. She plunged her head into his chest, nuzzling the siigonis as her tail thumped the ground giving proof to her happiness. ¡°Folks would kill for your bedside manners.¡±


    ¡°It getsss the job done.¡± The lizard hissed. ¡°Couldn¡¯t let them get away with hurting you.¡± The lizard glared to the orcs as Nigel went on and on about just what he would do the orc leader. Each description was blood curdling in its description, often involving organs being removed while the current orc was awake and alert of what was going to happen.


    ¡°Regardless!¡± Nigel strolled around the orc with a raised finger.  ¡°It was you who had the blade to my boy¡¯s throat. That places you in a special place in my books.¡± Nigel glided over to Axton, tapping the boy on the shoulder and guiding him closer to the frozen warrior. ¡°I would like you to apologize for your merry band of misactivities. I would also want you to grovel before my apprentice. Convince him why your boys should survive the night.¡±


    ¡°Ya want me ta beg?¡± The orc¡¯s brow stitched together as his eyes locked onto Axton, shooting flames that seemed to ignite the air.


    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want to call it then yes. I would like you to beg to my young mage here. YOU have the power as of this moment to save some lives.¡± Nigel¡¯s lips curled into a smile, one that left Athenais cold, shivering, and to her horror, curious.


    ¡°No I tink not spook boy! When da big boss learns of ya, yer fancy trick won¡¯t save ya. E¡¯s the biggest and the baddest orc around!¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡± Nigel frowned, raising up and letting Axton go. ¡°Very well. I suppose that decision was yours to make. Pity that it was a poor one.¡± The mage rose his hands through the air as though he was closing a cabinet. The orc¡¯s jaw suddenly snapped shut with a click and muffled groan. The defiance in the orc¡¯s eyes began to waver as he struggled with a renewed purpose against his bindings. With the orc subdued the wizard smiled down to the nervous looking Axton, placing a hand gently onto his shoulder. ¡°Look at this my apprentice. Test subjects! Look at all of them, we couldn¡¯t have asked for a better gathering of candidates to test your potential!¡±


    ¡°M¡­My potential?¡± The boy squirmed, voice cracking as he looked up at the gleaming mage.


    Athenais pushed herself to all fours as Garroth returned quickly inspecting her for wounds. With an insisting chirp she pushed him away and quickly snapped her attention back to the boy dripping with worry. The young mage had been whisked even closer to the orc that had him at blade point. The young human¡¯s hands clutching tight a book held within his hands as Celes leaped onto his shoulder.


    ¡°This will be the first one to test this advanced spell. The one that I have had you preparing each morning since this journey started.¡±


    ¡°That?¡± Axton gulped. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Of that I can be certain!¡± The wizard snatched up a loose stick, drawing sigils on the ground around the frozen warrior. ¡°You are quite the bright boy. Learning magic that it took others years to learn. I do say that given enough time you will be stronger than even me one day.¡± He gestured to the symbols that he was drawing through the dirt. ¡°This spell requires more preparations than simply preparing the spell ahead of time. It is an ancient art that was once taught by the dragons of long ago to fuel their vast empires.¡± The wizard circled the orc, finishing his last sigil with an evil grin. By the way the firelight shown off his teeth he looked to be some sort of joyous demon. One that was holding onto a secret that he so wished to tell. ¡°Now¡­¡± The wizard waved his hand in a circular fashion to the orc. ¡°What was your name again? It¡¯s not needed information, but it does help us identify who has brought this particular path tonight.¡± Nigel snapped his fingers.


    ¡°Grutak.¡± The orc spat, trying a final yank with his arm and achieving nothing but a groan.


    ¡°Very..enlightening.¡± Nigel leaned forward, mouth whispering something into Axton¡¯s ears that made the color from the boy¡¯s face vanish in an instant. The young man¡¯s eyes filled with dread as he looked around to all the orcs. ¡°You can do this my boy. I contribute this progress to your time spent at the tower. I shall remember how to improve such methods in the future.¡±


    Athenais¡¯ hide shivered as the air tingled with horror around her. By the way Axton gulped and quivered she doubted the spell in mind would be a simple thing. If it was anything like the arena she was going to be watching some twisted massacre play out before her.


    ¡°Now Axton. I want you to reach out with your hands and feel their life force.¡± Nigel extracted a blade from his leather belt, twirling the sharp, gleaming surface in his hand as he eyed the frozen greenskin. The knife sparkled like the sun as the fire struck its surface, moments before he plunged the blade into the orc¡¯s side. His victim groaned, his eyes clenching tight at as his blood seeped from the wound like a river. As he did this Axton rose his trembling arm, cupping his fingers.


    ¡°Can you feel it Axton? His soul twisting and turning within him? The flow of his energy as it radiates off him?¡± The wizard pulled the dagger free, letting the tide of blood gush from the wound.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The boy¡¯s words came slowly, as he began to swish his arms through the air. It was like he was trying to weave the very air around him with his movements, as a chill spread through the air. He preformed a wiggling of his fingers, his other hand drawing a circle in the air of a dark crimson. Even the light of the fire seemed to be rejected from it with black swirling lines. The boy¡¯s eyes turned black, glossing over like marbles. ¡°Gratavia.¡± Axton spoke, his voice low and terrible, making Athenais¡¯ ears pin against her back as the orc screamed.


    The warrior trembled and shook against his bindings as pain found voice within him. It echoed across the hills and seemed to shake the ground with it¡¯s terrible might. Rocks and pebbles rose from the ground around the orc as sweat started to drip from his brow profusely. Though Athenais gasped as dread wrapped around her heart. That wasn¡¯t sweat she was watching curl down his skin; the sweat was green. Her fur stood on end as her mind came to grasp with what was happening before her eyes.


    The orc is melting


    The warrior¡¯s cries began to die as his body drooped, flesh falling away in large chunks. It plopped onto the ground as though it was melting wax, eventually his emerging bones preforming the same ritual. Muffled cries sounded out among the orcs as they watched their brother slump to the ground, his eyes still darting every which way as his head caved inward on itself. But then everything stopped. The orc stopped melting, the pool of green stopped growing. Axton thrust his hand out, but nothing happened as the chill of the air faded away with the next night breeze.


    ¡°Ah.¡± Nigel sighed, looking to the still squirming pile of misformed flesh. ¡°You did very well¡­Although it looks as though you lost the spell at the last moment.¡± He left the boy to circle the orc, whose eyes still were consumed by pain, although he now lacked a mouth to voice that pain. ¡°It looks as though he is still alive.¡± The wizard chuckled, prodding the soft skinned orc with his stick. The once melting flesh clung to the wood like puddy before dripping back down to the ground with a sickening plop. ¡°I could not have asked for a better reward for you Grutak then to be stuck in this form, experiencing mind bending pain such as this.¡± Nigel retreated to Axton, grabbing the boy gently and ignoring his apologies.


    ¡°Nothing to apologize for boy. You almost had the spell, just a readjustment of your stance and hand movements and I think we have it. Although.¡± He shifted the boy¡¯s view to the others around them. ¡°We will wait before finishing on your would-be assassin. I think he has earned the reward of spending the rest of his life like that. Perhaps until a hungry predator comes by and decides that orc flesh shall fill their belly for the evening.¡±


    Athenais¡¯ body could take it no longer; her stomach voiced her opinion on the matter. Everything that had been sitting inside of it was loosed onto the world through her trembling beak. She gagged and coughed as the pile of flesh¡¯s scent wafted into her nostrils. It was revolting, almost as if someone had left rotten eggs to sit within a vat of vinegar. Her ears pinned back as Soggu stroked her neck, telling her things were going to be alright. She lurched again, getting nothing but a sharp pain as her body contracted and a vile slime oozed from her mouth. She knew that mana crystals had been made from people, but she never imagined that the spell was so messy. Somehow, she had pictured a flash of light, billowing smoke and that was it. Nothing like the horror she had just witnessed.


    ¡°Much to learn Axton, might as well try it again.¡± Nigel smiled, striding over towards the next closest orc who still had his spear clutched firmly overhead in frozen hands. The greenskins eyes widened in dread, unable to voice his terror. ¡°Very good luck that we have so many test subjects.¡±


    ¡°Is this really necessary?¡± Athenais blurted out, wiping away the last of her vomit with an extended rag from the shaman. ¡°To make him do that? Can¡¯t you see how the boy trembles and shakes at such things?¡± She snapped her beak round to glare at the frowning wizard. The man regarded her with an almost disappointed sigh as he folded his hands across his chest.


    ¡°How else would I be able to show him this spell? It¡¯s not everyday that you have a band of villainous orcs handed to you on a silver¡­well rocky platter as it were. Do you suggest we just leave them here to go about their business?¡± The old man raised a brow as he took a slow step forward. ¡°That they should wander across some other gathering of travelers and let them rob and or murder them?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Her ears splayed as she looked away, blood rushing to her face as the wizard made his factual point. ¡°But why must the lesson be so¡­Grusome. Is there not some other way to dispose of them?¡±


    ¡°The spell sadly is not a clean one my gryphon friend-¡°


    ¡°Acquaintance.¡±


    ¡°Acquaintance.¡± Nigel corrected himself, raising a finger to the air as he spun on his heel. ¡°I would love to have another way to demonstrate the spell, but there is simply no other way to go around it.¡± He strode around the frozen orc with a confident swagger, ¡°It¡¯s like..It¡¯s like.¡± He waved towards Soggu, ¡°For instance his people teach their young to gut and clean their kills.¡±The wizard pointed to all the orcs. ¡°Simply think of these maurading orcs as our kill for the evening.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯sss not that sssimple.¡± Soggu hissed, ¡°We don¡¯t teach our younglingsss to be executionersss.¡±


    ¡°Right you are.¡± He gave the shaman a smile. ¡°I never did say it was a perfect analogy, did I?¡± Nigel skirted the mound of writhing flesh, making sure his boots didn¡¯t sully themselves with the red crimson gore. ¡°Now, if there are not any more suggestions. We are going to go back to disposing some of these villainous orcs like any good hero of any story worth some salt. Unless you have an opinion, you¡¯d like to share Garroth?¡±


    The warrior looked up from his resting place, rag cleaning his blood smeared sword. Garroth looked to Axton with hardened eyes, ones that contained a hint of sympathy. ¡°We all have to grow up sometimes, some faster than others. The world isn¡¯t a nice place where you can¡¯t keep your hands clean. Kids got to learn that.¡± Garroth thumbed to a warrior directly behind him to his left. ¡°If the roles were reversed I don¡¯t imagine our greenskinned friends here would be having this conversation. Besides, death by spell or death by sword, it¡¯s all the same in my book.¡±


    ¡°Well said. I knew hiring you was the right course of action!¡± Nigel clapped his hands together. ¡°Such an enlightened head on your shoulders Garroth. Perhaps you missed your calling as a scholar in life? And how about you my concerned mother hen. What say you?¡± The mage snapped to her, eyes locking onto hers and sending a chill through the very air.


    Athenais couldn¡¯t believe it as she ground her talon against the ground, thrashing her tail with an irritated chirp. She glared into the man¡¯s cold piercing eyes, wanting to simply tell him off. To shout and fluff up her feathers, to thrust a talon at him and demand he go to the nine hells. She parted her beak, readying herself to do such when her inner fire suddenly flickered. There was a glint in the man¡¯s eyes, something filled with enough murderous intent to make her skin crawl. The world around her faded away except for his intense stare that made her feel for the lack of a better word, small. She could sense it, he wanted her to challenge him, and her mind whispered words of warning as cold lapped at her feathers. What consequences could this twisted mage come up with if she did? Would she end up like that pile of flesh that had been an orc? She splayed her ears as her fire snuffed out and she looked away with a hiss. She wasn¡¯t ready to push him, not yet, her mind too fearful of what consequence he would dream up. ¡°None.¡± She hung her head, ¡°You may continue with your lesson.¡±


    ¡°Very well!¡± Nigel spun around, warmth finding his voice as he wrapped an arm around Axton¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Now focus again on the spell my son. Let¡¯s truly get it right this time!¡±


    Athenais limped away in shame as the boy trembled and nodded, holding an arm up towards the second orc. She ignored the flickers of pain that coursed through her side as Soggu followed her with a hiss.


    ¡°Stop your moving!¡± He scolded, almost slipping on a rock.


    She winced as the gurgled half scream of the orc warrior, it was blood-curtling, like offal being strained through a sewer grate. She only guessed the wizard let them talk to fuel his need to make them suffer. She tried to bring her mind to a happy place, one with bright skies, warm breezes, and shining sun. Surely that would wipe away the spine tingling horror of an orc melting before her eyes. She slunk around a horse sized rock, covering her ears as a chorus of screams soon followed the first. It was as if Nigel had suddenly done that dark magic on all of them at once. She heard their pleas echo through the night, their begs, their groveling that the wizard had asked from the first. Though clearly by the cacophony of pain he had ignored them.


    ¡°Mossst vile magic that isss.¡± Soggy plopped down beside her, his tail brushing her hinds. His eyes filled with concern as he placed a claw onto her fur. ¡°How are you holding up? How¡¯sss the woundsss?¡±


    ¡°Healed for the most part.¡± She sighed, looking to the reknitted flesh. ¡°Still stings when I move, but otherwise it feels fine.¡± She scooched closer towards him, almost demanding the closeness after what she had just seen. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve gone soft? I can stand ripping out a man¡¯s throat, cutting his arms clean off, but this? This un-nerves me to my core.¡±


    ¡°Ssslaughter isss what it isss.¡± The lizard nodded, scratching her fur. ¡°And with sssuch glee he enjoysss it.¡± Soggu glanced back towards the camp. ¡°Dark magic. You could sssee it in the boysss eyesss as he cassst the ssspell. Makesss my ssscalesss itch sssomething awful.¡±


    ¡°Makes me wonder what will happen when we find the dragon¡­. Might want to cut ties with the man soon after¡­Just thank your spirits that he¡¯s on our side of all things.¡± She hung her head, thrusting it firmly into the lizard¡¯s embrace. Her ears fluttered as she focused on his steady beating heart and his careful breaths, their comforting sounds casting away the blood curdling screams from behind them.


    ¡°My aren¡¯t you all cuddly tonight.¡± The shaman¡¯s words came softly as he only appeared shocked for a moment before wrapping her tightly with his scaled arms. His claws found their way to her ears and chin. It was rather awkward at first as if he was caressing some valued treasure he was afraid of breaking. The emotion was there however, reminding her they were friends, and that was all she needed for the moment. ¡°You haven¡¯t gone soft. Though your feathersss and fur cccertainly are. Onccce we are done we can take our fortunesss and ditch that wizard. Possibly even travel to thisss foressst to reunite the ssspirit with its home.¡±


    ¡°That would be nice¡±, She sighed, her world focusing on his damp smelling scales. She felt his limbs tremble as another shriek of agony echoed through the night.


    ¡°Hopefully there won¡¯t be more nightsss of thisss butchery.¡±


    She nodded almost instantly, praying that the incoming storm from above would cast away the blood that littered their camp with its heavy rain.


    Like a sign from the gods a bolt of forked lightning lit across the sky, the air cracking in it¡¯s wake as an earsplitting roar shook the very ground and scattered any creature that heard it. The dark clouds opened, the first droplet hitting her beak and making her laugh. More came after the first, a slow trickle at but soon picking up in its shear intensity. It was not long before they were sitting in a torrential downpour, like the skies were mirroring her soul.


    They sat there for quite some time, the heavy pattering of rain against stone ceasing all other sounds. She shivered, content to let the waters of nature wash away the grime and blood that coated her fur. Despite her claws begging her to leave the rain and get dry she reminded herself it was better to remain here than spend one more second within that terror show back with the mage. She wrapped a wing around the siigonis shaman as the wind picked up, ruffling her fur and biting her to the bone. Soggu said nothing as scales pushed up against fur, her touch simply being enough to calm both her and his concerned hearts. It brought stability to this night, and somehow made the prospect of so many gleaming coins as her reward seem less worth it. Her ears flicked back as a clattering of rocks pierced the air and made her snap her beak round.


    Axton came around the rocks, stumbling and leaning against the grey stone for support as water ran down and coated his fingers. He held a glowing mana crystal in his left hand, the warm light spreading from his fingertips. She could see his face was pale, a speck of dried blood on his cheek, his eyes still wide in shock. The poor boy looked to be as petrified as they were. His hair was ruffled as though the human had been running his fingers through it and pulling taught. Though with the rain pelting his black strands it wouldn¡¯t be long till that detail was washed away with everything else. The lad was mumbling to himself as his hand shot out, catching himself as his foot slipped on a wet rock.


    She released a small chirp, one that might be considered concern for her people. She had expected perhaps a look of smugness, possibly a hint of that wizard master lurking behind those icy blues, but all she could see within them was horror, terror, and horrible realization of what he¡¯d been forced to do. As he stumbled again he looked up to her, eyes misting and full of pain. How could she resist such a face in their shared grief? She extended a wing and gestured to him to join them.


    ¡°He¡­made me.¡± Axton collapsed against her wet fur, his whole form shaking and quivering. ¡°Said..I was a natural.¡± His words came slowly, like they were even a surprise to be leaving his mouth at all. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to¡­I never¡­¡±


    ¡°Nonsense.¡± She shook her head, pulling him closer against him into a wet, soggy hug. He didn¡¯t resist as his quivering face was smushed against her, a choking sob being released into her chest. ¡°You don¡¯t have the eyes of a sadistic killer, no matter what he says.¡± The boy didn¡¯t offer any other reply then salty tears running down his cheek, getting lost within the storm. She offered soft coo¡¯s as both siigonis and human hugged her tight, even Celes joining in with their close embrace. She rose her head as the sound of rocks shifting once more caught her ear. In the distance and through the falling rain she could see two burning orange eyes among the dark, the metallic dragon staring at them intently, almost as if contemplating what to do. Athenais hugged the two within her grasp tighter, ignoring the malfunctioning creation.


    Constructs don¡¯t think.She reminded herself as the metal being cocked it¡¯s head. Its eyes were locked onto Axton¡¯s shivering form, and for a moment she wasn¡¯t so sure.

 Darkened Skies Chapter 8

    <u>Scales and Honor: Darkened Skies</u>


    <u>Chapter 8: Roselake</u>


    The entering of Roselake was a rather simple affair if you disregard the utter looks of surprise that lingered on each guard¡¯s face in the torchlight. Hushed whispers were exchanged as vigiliant eyes drifted from each weary and worn person among the caravan. For what seemed like eternity they stood there, not a word being shared to the beaten and bloodied survivors below. In the end they had looked to Veledar, his great eyes shining with cerulean fire, and a low growl that hung in the night. Arcturus had watched their bravery they wore evaporate, and the gates were opened with hardly a fuss.


    The weary town had shuffled in as humans on direwolf back had greeted them. The soldiers had led them through the near pristine looking streets, the sounds of wooden wheels clacking on stone filling the air. Arcturus had worn the same expression as the survivors, the toll of what their plan had cost them weighing heavily on his shoulders. He rubbed the dragon below him¡¯s scales as he tried to not think about the screams and death they had just escaped from. They had been dropped off at a section of a field of well cut grass before a lengthy building with symbols of the sun carved into the wooden beams that lined it. The guards had instructed them they could stay here, before the church of Deipneus the gryphon aspect of life. No one was in a condition to argue, the wagons had been circled, blankets snatched firmly from packs, and soon everyone had found sleep despite the loses they had suffered. Arcturus had settled down with his dragon, caressing and offering sweet words that fought against the encroaching cold. It was not till in the morning after words had been said about the lost did they get a moment alone with one another.


    *


    ¡°Will you watch what you¡¯re doing? You¡¯re not tending to some stink horse you know. You¡¯re being given the chance to touch my glorious scales human!¡± Veledar¡¯s voice radiated it¡¯s usual smugness as he smirked with pleased eyes, smacking his tail against the pond contained within the town. The splash startled some brown birds that had been floating along minding their business. The sun was shining overhead, sparkling off the dragon¡¯s wet scales and making them look like dazzling rubies. Arcturus had a dark blue cloth soaked with water and absolutely covered pink soapy suds and had it pressed up against dragon who was splayed out on his back. He had been rubbing away the grim and muck that had practically coated every inch of his radiate mate. He himself was only in his charcoal pants, and linen black shirt. Everything else had been left ashore with his friends or with the caravan and guarded by Shandalar while she studied her books.


    ¡°Oh, excuse me my brightness. Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d complain so much about getting rid of the mold beneath your glorious scales.¡± He pressed down against the area where his mate¡¯s left forelimb met his scaled torso. ¡°Thought you¡¯d be happy it was getting done at all!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re doing it, believe me human. But you should be instructed on how to please me. You¡¯re a reflection of me now. Can¡¯t have anyone saying you¡¯re less than perfect at things. So,mind your touch, and make sure to get each lovely inch of me with your hands.¡± The red parted his maw into a smile, his frills fluttery softly. His quick smile soon faded as a chuckle worked its way up his throat and he laid his head back into the shallow waters with thwack and a splash. The cool liquid sprayed Arcturus before the dragon wiggled his tail, stirring the water back and forth with each movement.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Arcturus giggled, moving to be on the dragon¡¯s firm chest like it was a horse to be ridden. His cloth followed every one of the dragon¡¯s segmented armored chest, scrubbing his way to the other forelimb. ¡°Do you want to be clean or play around in the water?¡±


    Veledar rose his head, smirking as he cocked his head to the side. ¡°Can¡¯t it be both? I kind of enjoy watching you squirm with me.¡± The smirk turned lewd as a flicker of mischief came to life in his cerulean eyes.


    ¡°Oh, shush that snout of yours you lewd thing. Can¡¯t have that lewd activity happening out here.¡± The human blushed, making sure to circle the limb now being held in his hands. ¡°We can always do that sort of thing later.¡± He gestured with his neck to the carts nearby and the curious townsfolk that had gathered to get a good look at the red dragon that had saved the incoming town. Each human, wolven, or elf wore a look of utter surprise as they stood, transfixed to the dragon getting bathed by the human on top of him. ¡°I don¡¯t think they can believe their eyes. It¡¯s like you¡¯ve grown three heads or something ridiculous like that.¡±


    ¡°Well how can they not? I am the great scaled hero that swooped down to deliver a town from the unholy claws of an enemy most foul.I do say they¡¯re probably creating lines in a song just for me. Maybe even a sonnet.¡±


    ¡°Probably a whole damn play if you got your way.¡±


    ¡°Oh, there would be several plays my dearest paladin, not simply one to contain my magnificence.¡± The dragon waved his claw with a sigh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry though, you¡¯d be in all of them, right by my side. Where of course you belong.¡± The dragon purred, making sure to caress the human¡¯s side with a tender claw reserved for lovers.


    He grabbed hold of the dragon¡¯s digits, running the scaled appendage carefully through the cloth and making sure to get each one. ¡°How sweet of you to think of me during your egotistical escapades. It truly warms my heart and makes it throb for no one else but you.¡± Arcturus gave a heavy sigh as he continued his work, ¡°Course that crowd could also be gawking about the absurdity of a human giving you a bath.¡± He chuckled as he wiped away at his dragon¡¯s talons. He smirked as the sensation of tending to his dragon¡¯s claws could not seem anything but intimate, perhaps that¡¯s why the dragon had asked for this. Arcturus dunked the cloth into the water, reapplying some moisture to wipe away the thick, sweet smelling frothy bubbles that now dotted the dragon¡¯s scales. Like pink bushes that had sprouted over a red countryside. It smelled of lilacs, something Veledar had insisted he wanted to try as they had passed a cart with an overly sized vendor with a shirt one size to small. The human pulled his back straight, looking at the vast expanse of dragon he still had to wash. He looked down to his cloth held within his hands and realized how long this was going to take. ¡°Why in Bahamut¡¯s grace didn¡¯t you shrink to make this easier for me?¡± He laughed, sliding his hand along the dragon¡¯s armored neck.


    ¡°And deny you the proper path?¡± The dragon rumbled, closing his eyes as a purr radiated between Arcturus¡¯ thighs. ¡°You have said that you should hardly take the easy path my dear paladin.¡± The red¡¯s tail wiggled, and he released a pleased groan loudly as the human dabbed away at the underside of his jaw. His paws twitched and batted at the air as breaths came quicker.


    ¡°I bet they are also fascinated how this proud and noble beast could be reduced to a purring, rumbling heap by a simple bath. Perhaps this is a way to best you all the time?¡± His cloth lapped at the dragon¡¯s chin. Earning him another rumble and splash of a tail behind him. He didn¡¯t move as Veledar¡¯s other claw rose from the water to stroke and knead his waist and back.


    ¡°I would¡­imagine so¡­Not like I mind the attention.¡± The dragon snapped his jaws at the air at a phantom prey, a heavy sigh escaping his maw.


    ¡°Course you wouldn¡¯t.¡± He left the dragon¡¯s neck to the dragon¡¯s groaning disapproval, a promise he would return later to please his mate when they were finished. He pushed the claw away that tried to keep him in place. ¡°You can hold me after Veledar. You wanted your bath, so you¡¯re getting your damned bath!¡± He turned around, resting against the dragon¡¯s belly as he scrubbed his lover¡¯s lower sections with a bit of elbow grease. He tried to not laugh as Veledar¡¯s hinds twitched and trembled with each stroke of his scales, or how little soft trills escaped his mate¡¯s maw every few moments.


    ¡°You know¡­If you wanted to.¡± The dragon¡¯s tail swished through the water, stirring up the liquid something fierce as a lewd spike crossed through the human¡¯s mind. It was enough to make him stop his dedicated care.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cut you off right there mate. Not in front of an audience, and you best not be sprouting your tower during the bath.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be able to help it if I did. I have a handsome human who is tending to me in a most delightful and intimate of ways. One who makes my heart beat strongly against my chest. How could I not raise when he nears an area that I know he loves to worship?¡±


    ¡°Damn¡¯t.¡± Arcturus laughed, rubbing at the dragon¡¯s stomach. ¡°Why do you have to be so sweet at times. Fine. Don¡¯t blame me though if the ladies and men go gawking and pointing at your spear if it decides to sprout outside of your control.¡±


    ¡°Then they will get something to look fondly about. Even have moments of intense jealously build within their chests at how you get that all to yourself.¡±


    ¡°Oh, look at that. Your smugness is kicking in.¡± He hands worked their way towards Veledar¡¯s outstretched hindleg. He made it to the pads, laughing as the dragon tried to pull away.


    ¡°Stop trying to tickle me!¡± The dragon hissed, his tail thumping the water.


    Arcturus held up a hand, shielding his face from the spray of liquid. ¡°Not trying to!¡± He held firm, not relenting his grip like steel on his lover¡¯s hind leg as if he was an unruly stallion that needed to be broken in. ¡°Got to clean¡­Your¡­Damn¡­hinds!¡±


    ¡°Fiiiiiine.¡± Veledar froze, his tail swishing playfully beneath him. ¡°But make it quick. I can¡¯t guarantee that I won¡¯t squirm.¡±


    ¡°Look at that. My dragon squirming because of me.¡± He spun his head around to see that the dragon had his teeth clenched. He was sucking in air as if to fight off a fit of laughter that was building in his chest.


    ¡°It happens a lot, so shut your little mouth¡­Now hurry if you¡¯d please.¡± The dragon¡¯s frills twitched as his whole body tensed.


    ¡°Unbelievable.¡± Arcturus parted the paw with the water, shifting his cleaning to the other one and ignoring the slight pink that was cresting from his mate¡¯s tan scales. He eyed the tapered head with a chuckle, casting a grin back to the dragon. Veledar seemed to know what was up, his tongue licking his scales with a mischievous look in his eyes.


    ¡°See something you like human?¡±


    ¡°We both know I like it, just remember what I said about you sprouting for all to see.¡± He scrubbed away the grime close to his lover¡¯s slit, ignoring the snickering hissy laughter coming from behind him. He wished the morning could have been easily wiped away like the grime. The sorrow filled cries coming to mind of children who would never lay eyes on their parent lost within the nights harrowing last charge. That part was always the hardest to do he imagine. He remembered how during his time in the army the long nights he would spent writing letters to spouses, unsure of what he could possibly say about their lost loved ones. It had always left a void within his heart that ached at him for days, at least he had Veledar here now to fight off the cold.


    From the pelvis he moved to the other leg, getting another round of dragon laughter as he bathed each toe.  By the time he had scrubbed his way down to the dragon¡¯s tail his mate was nearly out of breath, his scales almost shivering as he tried to contain his composure.


    ¡°Going for another round of pleasing my tail, are you? I thought you said we had an audience to think of!¡±


    ¡°Can you cease your lewd thoughts? I¡¯m starting to think this wasn¡¯t bout the bath at all! You just wanted me to ride you, so you could hope something lewd would happen because of it!¡±


    ¡°Not entirely.¡± The dragon looked away with a snort. ¡°I did have to get the grime off, and you were the one who promised me you¡¯d do it. We both know how much a man of your word you are. Although.¡± The dragon grinned, his cerulean spheres filling with lust. ¡°If there wasn¡¯t an audience, I would have gripped you round the waist right now and sawed you up and down on my cock until you were gasping and knotted firmly against my scales. Possibly even weakly moaning my name as I filled you with my white treasure you crave.¡±


    Blood rushed to his cheeks as he stared into those cerulean spheres, the dragon¡¯s promise being made with a long swipe of his tongue against his lips. Arcturus¡¯ body shivered as he longed for such a moment. Perhaps later when they were alone they could enact his lover¡¯s wishes. ¡° I know you would dragon. Makes my heart flutter something awful. Though you best be careful, people will think you started sprouting blue feathers you keep speaking with such a twisted tongue.¡±


    ¡°Pffff.¡± The dragon snorted, wiggling his tail and nearly smacking a green scaled fish that happened to swim too close. ¡°I¡¯m much better than that kittybird anyway.¡± He rose his neck, growling in the back of his throat until he was scant inches away from Arcturus¡¯ lips. The pleasing scent of a summer¡¯s fire wafted into the human¡¯s nose and practically forced him to caress and scratch at the dragon¡¯s chin. ¡°Thank you for washing me Arcturus. It will really show off my radiance for all to see. That you my human are a diligent knight for his Lord and master.¡± The dragon grinned at the last part, his frills twitching with a cheeky lick across the human¡¯s less then amused face.


    Arcturus knew the dragon was kidding, the way the sun glinted in his cerulean eyes giving it away But that didn¡¯t stop the man from playing along or teasing him. ¡°You know, my lord.¡± He chuckled, scooping up a rather large collection of pink bubbles as he caressed the dragon¡¯s snout.


    ¡°What is it my delightful knight?¡± Veledar closed his eyes softly, giving him another passionate lick. ¡°You may tell your lord anything.¡±


    ¡°For one claiming to be my overlord, you sure are acting like my pet right now!¡± He plopped the fluffy bubbles onto Veledar¡¯s snout, laughing as the dragon wrinkled his snout and pulled it back in surprise. The dragon nearly went cross eyed as he tried to glare at the pink growth on his nose. Veledar tried blowing it off with some air, glaring at the poofy thing before pawing it off with his dripping claws.


    ¡°You tricked me!¡± He stuck out his pink tongue as Arcturus continued his cackling. The dragon now had soap dripping from his snout, pink rivers added to the beautiful red scales.


    ¡°I suppose I did! You were quite easy to get as well!¡±


    ¡°With your sweet kisses.¡± The dragon¡¯s eyes narrowed playfully, a tail slap being Arcturus¡¯ only warning. He let out a yelp as Veledar grabbed him around his chest with claws made of iron. The dragon¡¯s snout advanced on him like an army, and teeth found his skin. He gasped and squirmed as the dragon nipped at him and held him firm.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He tried to smack away the dragon¡¯s snout, but it wasn¡¯t enough. He only got a stronger grip in response and another nip for his troubles. He was left grasping at Veledar¡¯s head, groaning as his mate nipped at him relentlessly. Each tease of his teeth sending shivers and weak sounds moaning from the human¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Apologize human.¡± Veledar nipped again, earning a giggle from the strong warrior. ¡°Or I shall keep making you like this before our crowd. Imagine their view of the paladin reduced to a snickering child as his dragon nips at him. Most unbecoming wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± He rose his head only to show off his many rows of sparkling teeth, one that might have frightened any other man, but Arcturus returned his dragon¡¯s stare.


    ¡°Oh, you horrible dragon.¡± He dramatically held a hand to his head. ¡°Whatever shall I do?¡± He squirmed in his dragon¡¯s tight grip, but the smirking thing held him firm.


    ¡°Give in of course? Another contest won by yours truly, just as it always shall be.¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a mere human?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mix my words Arcturus. Mighty and above the rest your kin you may be, but you¡¯re not a dragon. The sting of his words was only lessoned by an affectionate tongue that lapped at his face. Though what I must say. What a specimen you are.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± He sighed, his hand cupping and catching Veledar¡¯s chin. ¡°I¡¯m sorry my dragon for tricking you, and making you look rather foolish. Especially in front of all your adoring fans.¡± He gestured to the people gawking at the dragon and paladin dead center of a mass of large bubbles. ¡°For tarnishing your fierce and strong presence.¡±


    Veledar purred, giving a parting lick before offering his neck. ¡°Now back to your cleaning male. Then I can return the favor.¡± He sunk his head back into the water with a pleased rumble as Arcturus learned forward and pressed his hands to those warm scales. He worked his way back down to the tail, enjoying the rumbles of delight radiating from his mate¡¯s chest. They warmed his heat and let him know how much a good job he was doing. If the sound wasn¡¯t enough he could always look to his mate¡¯s trembling paws or the warmth in his heart that he could identify was bliss. His hands grabbed firm his lovers large tail and worked the cloth in circular motions as his thoughts once more drifted from his mate to the undead outside. How odd that such a large contingent of shambling horrors could not sweep aside this town. If not for the fact they had been moving things would have gone much worse for them. Though with Veledar¡¯s help he might not have been too certain they would have gone down quietly.


    He admired the thin knicks and scars left by arrows and swords, little evidences of the dragon¡¯s battles made in their name. He remembered telling the guards of the undead presence, that they should be more prepared with more guards, numerous weapons. The man had only laughed and pointed to several cannons that lined the walls Their onyx barrels pointed out from the gate with balls of steel resting in a pyramid shape beside them. The guards had assured him that with their weapons on watch, and the rifles they had, that the undead posed no threat whatsoever. Arcturus had bit his lip and nodded before departing for the pond with his dragon. It wasn¡¯t his place to take over for the town after all.


    ¡°I know you are in love with my scales, and especially with the dragon who bears them. Maybe even lust after me more than a knight should, but can you not get transfixed with their beauty? ¡° Veledar¡¯s growly chuckle drew his attention from his thoughts to his hands. He had been massaging the same armored part of his tail. ¡°I do have things to do other than delight in your loving affections and touches.¡±


    Arcturus turned around to the smug dragon who was giving him a cheery smile, his paws held up and bent cutely as his frills fluttered back and forth as if they had a mind of their own. ¡°Oh, sorry my oh so beautiful dragon who clearly has better things to do. I was simply captivated by such beauty that it near brought tears to my eyes.¡±


    The red dragon snorted, his head tilting to the side as he grinned. ¡°I know you¡¯re playing along.¡± He rose his head, settling it closer to Arcturus with a rumble. ¡°But I still love that you do.¡± The dragon snuck in a kiss, one that nearly made the human topple off backwards off the affectionate dragon¡¯s tail.


    ¡°Watch it!¡± He smacked him with a hearty laugh, struggling to hold himself as Veledar nosed at his chest again. ¡°


    ¡°Perhaps I would like you to be polishing my scales all day. Then when you¡¯re finished with that task, you may polish another part of me.¡± The dragon grinned lewdly, making Arcturus¡¯ cheeks flush as blood rushed to his skin.


    He scrubbed the dragon down, it was hard to not meet his radiant pools, be captivated and nod in his agreement. He resisted with a quick kiss and slid off the dragon to a rumbling groan and splashing of water as the dragon righted himself to all fours. Water ran from him in copious amounts, like little rivers flowing down a mighty red mountain into the pond below.


    ¡°Suppose I have to wait for that later I hmmm?¡± He rose his scaled head, refolding his wings against his back as he worked a kink out of his serpentine neck.


    ¡°That you would be most correct my dragon.¡± Arcturus smiled, sloshing through the pond water with his left hand on his dragon¡¯s armored shoulder. His clothes were dripping wet at this point and hugging his body tightly. He reminded himself to ask one of his friends for a quick spell to dry his clothes with a snap of their claws or fingers. That way he didn¡¯t have to spend the rest of the day like this. He eyed the gathering of people that seemed to have increased in number since last he checked. When he had peered over when they started the bath there had only been a small group of people, maybe a dozen at max. However, what was there now was a proper crowd of several dozen. They were not looking to the dragon like he thought they would have been, something he imagined Veledar would be somewhat sour about, but instead they were pushing and nearly stampeding their way towards the town square. They carried banners, flags, lights, and even great large flowers of the brightest red Arcturus had ever seen. Each wolven or human bore a smile, laughing and joking in uncontained glee that filled the air with a roar of delight. The wolves the rode whined to the other as carts clacked against the cobblestone. The smell of pumpkin mixed with cinnamon filled the air, wrapping its way into his nostrils and pulling the man almost as if by an invisible wire.


    ¡°Do you think we missed something good?¡± He gestured to the large cart of brown scaled kobolds all covered in a multitude of clothing that seemed to be every color imaginable. They carried drums of animal skins pulled tight over surfaces, bags full to the brim with knick knacks of all sorts. They were pulled by two reptilian creatures on two legs with strong swaying tails and rows of sharpened teeth and dark grey scales of their own. These creatures were bound by straps from their teeth laden jaws to a couple kobolds sitting on the cart¡¯s front, smiling and seemingly humming a pleasing tune to one another.


    ¡°Possibly.¡± The dragon¡¯s voice trailed off as his snout followed the crowd like a hunter on the prowl. ¡°It certainly pulls at the interest beneath my scales. Have you ever been to Drenedar? It seems that they are celebrating something.¡± The dragon¡¯s eye ridges seemed to stitch together as his eyes found the strips of banners held within little claws and hands. Flickers of flames seemed to ignite in those sapphire-like eyes, a harsh snort soon following. ¡°Hopefully they erect those at a suitable height this time.¡± The dragon rose a claw to caress his horns, wincing in a phantom pain.


    ¡°Worry not my drake. For I shall of course give those that hang them too low a thorough tongue lashing. Course you could watch your horns as well.¡± The human snickered as he recalled the dragon getting his head stuck in Deet. The encounter ending poorly for the shredded banner that wrapped its way round the dragon¡¯s head. ¡°Hey!¡± He shouted in surprise as the dragon¡¯s teeth nipped at him again. ¡°I was being honest!¡±


    ¡°Yes and mind your tongue my wonderful human. Your tongue may be as sharp as that fancy metal stick you carry, but my teeth are just if not sharper.¡± Veledar growled playfully, his tail thrashing aside a wave of water with a great splash. Several children that had decided to wade into the pond shrieked in laughter at having been utterly soaked.


    ¡°Hey Crimson!¡± Came a voice brimming with laughter. With a quick glance it revealed to be from Krotos, who was glancing over from his resting place on a large sand colored rock. He was lazily spread out and enjoying the sun¡¯s rays that would occasionally peak out from the many soft clouds that dotted the sky. ¡°With that soap bubble on you, you certainly completed the image of the paladin¡¯s pet! Perhaps we should get you a collar!¡±


    Arcturus couldn¡¯t help it, he felt a snicker rise from his insides, radiate through his throat. He tried to stifle it with a snort, but he failed. He covered his mouth as he blushed, laughter tickling his sides. The idea of Veledar being a cute little pet was too funny of an image, especially since they had just-


    The dragon eyed him, pulling away from his touch with wounded eyes.


    ¡°Ah..I¡¯m sorry my mate.¡±


    A coy smile crossed Veledar¡¯s snout, seconds before he splashed a claw down into the water, dousing Arcturus with a wave of cold water. ¡°Oh, look at that human. You were simply on fire and I had to put you out.¡±


    Arcturus chuckled, spitting out some of the liquid that managed to sneak its way into his mouth. He supposed he had earned that one.


    ¡°Oh, look at that human. You were simply on fire and I had to put you out.¡± Veledar stopped his strides, casting an intense glare to Krotos, who seemed to be out of breath, collapsed on his side with his wings draped out.


    ¡°Awk, Awk awk!¡± Krotos¡¯ tail smacked the grass as Arcturus wiped the water from his eyes. He was glad he did because he got a front row view of Veledar splashing his frilled tail with such force to send a torrent of water to soak the laughing kitty bird. Krotos laughter instantly ceased, an angry squawk sounding out in surprise as his feathers flared up. The navy gryphon glared at the dragon, doing his best to flash him a rather rude gesture with his claws.


    ¡°There gryphon! Now you can get to cleaning instead of your taunting of me and my mate!¡± Veledar grinned as the bird had started his preening with a series of angry mumbles.


    ¡°Where was I? Oh yes.¡± The red dragon smirked, happily trotting to the shore and leaving Arcturus to clamber after him.


    ¡°Can I at least get a presdigitation spell to dry myself! So, I¡¯m not chilled to the bone?¡± He shouted over the loud splashes.


    The dragon stopped, flicking water from his scales with a violent shake. His eyes filled with a glint of mischief as Arcturus waded over to him. His tail swished, playfully so as if he was up to no good. ¡° I see how it is now.¡± He looked away with a risen head with a grin. ¡°You ask things of me after you wound me with that sword like tongue of yours? After you laughed and wounded my pride?¡± Veledar slunk over to the grass, chest swelling with each step. ¡®Why should I grant your request? Should your reward for such deeds be to remain wet?¡± His frills fluttered as his statement hung in the air, begging to be challenged. So, Arcturus was ready to push at the dragon¡¯s defenses.


    ¡°Because you love me.¡± He grinned, raising a hand to caress the red¡¯s jaw. He chuckled as the dragon nuzzled into his touch a sigh of delight passing through his maw.


    ¡°You think that will¡­¡± The dragon paused, his pompous voice stalling with the next teasing of the human¡¯s careful fingers. Veledar grumbled, kneading the dirt with his claws as Arcturus watched the battle fighting in that scaled head. ¡°Get you out of-¡±


    ¡°Yes. I think in this particular situation it will.¡±


    ¡°Think again!¡± Veledar retracted his head, snapping it down like lightning to nip at Arcturus¡¯ rear.


    ¡°Hey!¡± He nearly jumped, going to smack the cheeky red but it was too late.


    ¡°Consider that my revenge Arcturus!¡± Veledar cackled, spinning around and his tail almost catching the human¡¯s leg and pulling him to the ground. ¡°The staying wet bit is just a parting gift!¡± The dragon scampered off to the crowds with a swaying tail.


    ¡°I hope you get your horn stuck on something!¡± He shouted as he saw the dragon peak back at him with a head curl.


    ¡°What was that? Too busy going to enjoy myself!¡± The dragon strode into the crowd, which parted for him like water as he followed the rowdy people. If a dragon was among them they seemed to not care, none of their cheer was lost.


    Arcturus shivered, a cold breeze biting his skin as if he were back on the mountains overlooking the forest of despair. He held his arms against him, chuckling as Krotos ceased his preening if only to get up and shake the water free from his feathers and fur like some great oversized dog. The gryphon fixed on him an intense stare with fluffed up feathers.


    ¡°Poke fun at the dragon again?¡± Lyndis strode over in her casual grey linen shirt and charcoal colored pants. Her green sash flapped along her thighs as she rose a hand, clasping Arcturus on the shoulder with a warm smile. ¡°And look it here.¡± She clicked her tongue as her eyes went down to the human¡¯s boots and back to his eyes. ¡°You know Arc it¡¯s only the girls that are supposed to get wet. Not the boys.¡± She traced a glyph in the air, purple sparks flying off to wrap around the human in a small whirlwind of light. It prickled and danced over his skin, providing a soothing sensation of warmth. It was like he was bathing on a beach to a temperate sea. He sighed as his clothes dried before his very eyes, the water evaporating with a snap of a finger.


    ¡°Very funny.¡± He gestured to the dragon who grew smaller by the minute. ¡°Had myself a chuckle and earned a splash of water as my reward. Part of me almost wishes that he will actually get one of those horns of his intertwined with a banner.¡±


    ¡°Well if you ask me. I think you very well earned your little watery revenge. You both know better then to go poking at our glorious and resplendent overlord while he is within water distance. You¡¯re just asking for bleedin trouble.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you start on that too.¡± He watched a smirk tug at her lips.


    ¡°He covered me with water as well!¡± Krotos squawked angrily, running a few feathers through his beak.


    ¡°Right, cause you¡¯re a bleeding saint all the time who doesn¡¯t deserve a little push back?¡± The half-elf strode over to the gryph, tapping his beak with a grin. ¡°If I had to guess, you of anyone else deserved this little splash of water.¡±


    ¡°Little?¡± He pulled back his head with a clack of his beak and thrashing his tail. ¡°Did you not see the gigantic wave of water he sent my way? If you had, you would know it certainly was anything but little! Besides.¡± The gryphon clicked his beak as he snapped it towards Arcturus. ¡°Go ahead and tell her Arc, how your unruly dragon decided to douse me as though I was a wild flame!¡±


    Arcturus made a motion to keep his mouth shut, earning him a series of loud irritated chirps as the navy gryphon<u> </u>ruffled up his feathers and tossed daggers with his eyes.


    ¡°I shall remember this human the next time your eyes wonder to my balls and you ask to fondle them. I shall deny your request with an angry squawk and tail smack!¡± The bird¡¯s voice came, a playful fury lingering in his words.


    ¡°The horror!¡± Arcturus feigned surprise, holding a palm to his mouth. ¡°Whatever shall I do being denied the right to fondle our gryphon¡¯s sack? What shall I do?¡±


    ¡°I think you might die. ¡± Lyndis turned to him, copying his action. ¡°That isn¡¯t a way to live.¡± She lowered her head shaking it from side to side. ¡°I call your share of the loot!¡± She shot up, thrusting a finger to the surprised gryphon.


    ¡°See at least you both ge-¡° Krotos¡¯ ears pinned back against his head as his eyes narrowed. ¡°Your messing with me. That¡¯s the heavy tone of sarcasm lacing your pleasing words.¡± He stuck out his tongue.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s onto us.¡± Lyndis nudged the human with a laugh. ¡°The scribes will tell of this day for years to come. Probably write a few hundred tomes on the subject.¡± She paused, staring into Krotos¡¯ eyes. There was a lingering pause between them as Arcturus counted the moments in his head. ¡°Yes, gryphon we¡¯re playing with you. Meet you in the festivities ya? Should be good if you focken remember to stay dry.¡±


    Krotos gave her a chirp, flicking a droplet of water at her with a smack of his claw. Lyndis pulled Arcturus out of the way, guiding him towards the busy streets with an infectious laugh.


    Arcturus had to take a step back as a series of dark grey scaled lizard riding kobolds came running by, their claws clacking on the stone to their rapid pace.


    ¡°Come on Talos, we need to set up shop!¡± Came the high tone of a bronze scaled female in dark brown leathers. She gestured to a dark grey scaled one right behind her on a cart.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Vishta! We will be alright. The warmbloods are not so quick that they lose interest in minitishs like you.¡±


    The one called Vishta put two of her claws together, thrusting them back at the grinning grey kobold. ¡°At least I¡¯m not a vorta!¡± She huffed up her snout, bidding her lizard to ride off into the crowd, leaving the cart born Kobold shaking his snout.


    ¡°So what kind of festival is this?¡± He took a spot among the slow walking townsfolk, watching as some on ladders affixed their banners to low hanging roofs. Strung up vines covered in bright crimson flowers. ¡°Veledar was interested in it as well, though he seems to have scampered off to be lost within the thick of it now.¡±


    ¡°Or tripping over a wagon and sticking ya arse with the focken bill.¡±


    ¡°Or that.¡± Arcturus picked his head up, trying to catch a glimpse of his dragon. Though he tried his hardest, it seemed the dragon had managed to slip out of sight quite easily.


    ¡°People round here call this festival of lotah ahvost. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and changing of seasons. It¡¯s to honor the elven god Creteres and carry his blessing to all the food to come. Though¡­¡± She laughed as a series of kobolds unfolded a cart and pulled drawers lined with potions from the wooden surface. ¡°The kobolds are a new addition I must admit.¡±


    The body of the cart sprung open with doors, appearing like a cabinet filled to the brim with crystalline bottles of all colors. There was a Kobold dressed in dark golden robes that strode to the front with a cane longer than his dark green scaled body. He thrust the cane up towards sign that read ¡°Reztiks potions.¡± The writing looked to have been done by a claw and was at an odd angle, possibly even done by the kobold himself. ¡°Come get potions warmbloods! Can cure diseases, fight poisons, some even make you better in trousers! Come get potions for good price!¡± The kobold yelled, drawing several people from the crowd with eager faces and intrigued eyes.


    ¡°Who knew that there could be so many round these parts.¡± Lyndis muttered, her head scanning every inch of the street.


    Now that she mentioned it, the buggers were everywhere. On every porch, near every wagon, on the corners of each street. Everywhere you looked you caught a dark color of scales. Each snout bore bright eyes and smiles to the happy townsfolk. It was almost as if an enchantment had been cast on everyone with the amount of good cheer that was getting tossed around. ¡°Perhaps there¡¯s a nest or den around here?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps. Though that wouldn¡¯t explain how happy they are, considering the undead army they had right to their south.¡± Lyndis¡¯ voice lingered as they passed a wolven offering magic to the crowd in the form of presdigitations. Sparks to dazzle, little illusions to make kids pull at parent¡¯s legs and point. ¡°Don¡¯t any of these people know that there is any army so close to them? That all this could be burned away or ripped from them by snapping teeth? How can they be so damn happy?¡±


    ¡°Well.¡± Arcturus wrapped his arm around the increasingly trouble faced rogue. ¡°I don¡¯t know about this, but lot. But perhaps it is something to hold onto that fights away the fear? We had this one in group in the army for the king that always brought a deck of cards during the down time. They would laugh and smile away every time they played no matter what had just happened.¡± He grinned as a wolf passed by, the smell of musky fur lingering in the air as his wolven rider placed a rather large straw hat on his brown furred head.


    ¡°I guess.¡± Lyndia shrugged. ¡°But what happened to that bunch of happy fools you just went on about?¡±


    ¡°Well.¡± Arcturus winced, side stepping some horse droppings on the street. ¡°They¡¯re dead now. Magic swept them away with some water. The bastards cracked and crumbled against a stone wall.¡±


    ¡°Lords above, you didn¡¯t need to go into bleeding detail about their deaths! A simple ¡°They died¡± would have been enough to get the point across! Now I can¡¯t stop thinking bout that nasty crack ya focken clanky bastard!¡±


    ¡°Sorry bout that. Got carried away I suppose.¡± His voice trailed away as he scanned the crowd that had started to part and move around a red-faced man wearing simple brown clothing complete with a belt and boots. He was picking up cabbages that had fallen out of his overturned worn, dark wooden cart. He was spouting something awful about a clumsy red dragon knocking over the damned thing. Arcturus turned away, whistling innocently as people had already stopped to help the poor man.


    ¡°Looks like our brightness struck again.¡± Lyndis pointed out the cabbage man as they strode passed. ¡°Surprised the town is still standing with how long he¡¯s been on the loose upon the populace.¡±


    His eyes drifted from that man to a gold shirt wearing human on the other side of the street selling different wares of armors. Chainmail, leather, to full on plate mail. ¡°He¡¯s getting better I suppose.¡± He came to a stop as he noticed a cart that contained books of all sizes and shapes on makeshift shelves. Everything else lost its splendor as he began to stride over, his hands brushing gently over his pouch laden with coins. He was greeted by a kobold with stone grey scales and a simple green linen shirt. The little lizard rolled up his sleeves, one being a tad longer than the other as he peered up with his dull yellow eyes.


    ¡°You want to buy a book hu-man?¡± The merchant¡¯s scratchy voice filled the air.


    ¡°Depends.¡± He rubbed his scruffy beard, noticing that there were no identification marks on the spines. ¡°What are you selling?¡±


    ¡°Blank books!¡± The kobold shouted gleefully, nearly jumping in delight as his claws traced the multicolored spines. ¡°Can write and fill them to your hearts content!¡±


    ¡°You know.¡± Lyndis chuckled, sliding over and crossing her arms. ¡°People like to read the bleeding books rather than write them. Seems like a point is lost if you¡¯re buying a bank one.¡±


    ¡°Why not? They sell parchment to write on!¡± The kobold thrust a claw up. ¡°Blank book make it easier for you!¡±


    Arcturus stepped forward, the smell of the pages wafting to his nose. It always tickled his senses cracking open a good book. His fingers found a dull red spine with golden stripes stitched into the hardcover. He plucked it carefully, mind already going to the grin of his dragon that brought with it a wave of soul warming heat. True the bastard had been a bit cheeky, but he always was looking for ways to make sure he knew he cared. ¡°How much?¡± He snapped his head, the merchant and Lyndis dropping their conversation of proper salesmanship.


    ¡°What?¡± The lizard cocked his head to the side, his eyes gazing up into Arcturus¡¯ own before going to the book held within his hands. ¡°You want to buy that book?¡± His demeanor instantly brightened as the paladin gave him a quick nod. Lyndis seemed to vanish from the lizard¡¯s thoughts as he left her, clasping his claws together with a smile. ¡°Excellent choice hu-man! That will be just ten silver pieces and it can be yours!¡±


    He dove a have into his pouch, tossing the kobold a gold coin and told him to keep the rest. He smiled as the lizard squeaked in surprise, his snout almost touching the ground as he bowed.


    ¡°Why thank you hu-man. Would you perhaps like wrapping?¡± He held up his claws, a second kobold popping out from the cart with mossy yellow scales and a smile. In her claws she held a thick brown looking material pulled tight between her two claws.


    ¡°Thanks. I appreciate the gesture, but I will have to respectfully decline. He might just rip the damn book in the process if I hide it like that.¡± He laughed, stashing the book into his pack before waving to the man and striding off into the crowd.


    ¡°It was a gift wasn¡¯t it?¡± Lyndis poked his shoulder as they passed carts full of gathered plants, tomatoes, pumpkins, peppers, squash, even one with applies tickled as his nose with their pleasing aroma. He spotted Feku with a wicker basket, rifling through a cart of multicolored fruit with a wagging tail.


    ¡°So, what if it is?¡± His stomach growled, almost making him double over as his thoughts went to his warm meals.


    ¡°I can only guess who it¡¯s for I suppose, o-charmer of dragons. Not surprising really. You two seem so sweet on each other.¡± She pointed out a large mirror hanging just inside a door of a shop with a large windchime hanging outside. ¡°I¡¯d have gotten our red brightness a mirror or some scale polish. Really drive that resplendence home.¡±


    ¡°We already talked about the mirror. The dragon doesn¡¯t want to stand in front of something all day. Insisted that I should paint him instead.¡± He side stepped a group of running children, shouting and cheering as they held up little blue flags with the symbol of a gryphon stitched into the fabric. He made a mental note to tell Krotos. Would certainly tickle the bird¡¯s feathers at gryphon adoring fans.


    ¡°Did he say what he wanted you to paint?¡± She rose a brow, a lewd smirk creasing her face. ¡°Certain regions that he wanted no doubt?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He groaned, holding the bridge of his nose as he recalled that conversation in the cave. He waved off her loud cackles. ¡°He did say something about that alright?¡±


    ¡°Oh certainly of course he did!¡± She grabbed at her side. ¡°The one thing I can say about the dragon is his predictability that I can count on him to maintain that level of smugness in the face of anything.¡±


    ¡°Yea, but he¡¯s got a good heart.¡± He shrugged.


    ¡°Oh, no doubt about that.¡± She punched his shoulder playfully, ¡°Otherwise we wouldn¡¯t keep him around eh? Though¡­¡± She placed her hand to her chin. ¡°He might be too handsome for you to let go methinks?¡± She ribbed him with her elbow, his cheeks starting to redden as he looked away, searching around for anything to draw his mind from his friends prodding. To his relief came the sound of music to drown out his cackling rogue¡¯s jaunts. The dull roar of the crowd getting drowned by the pleasing notes of a nearby kobold band of minstrels.


    Woodwind instruments cleared the air as Arcturus made it a point to quickly shuffle closer towards them. He chuckled at Lyndis¡¯ brief glare of irritation, before it turned into one of realization. Townsfolk were dancing to the upbeat tune. Everyone soon had a partner and began to swish and sway, some even spinning the other as they tapped their feet and boots to the notes. He found himself transfixed with a clapping hand to the sounds, as the rhythm worked its way through his ears and into his heart.


    ¡°Come on clanky. Let¡¯s see if you can actually dance!¡± Lyndis suddenly laughed, grabbing his hands and dragging him to the mass of dancing mortals. She was much more agile than him, swaying her body to the cacophony of pleasing notes as she guided his hands to her waist. Instinct long forgotten came back to his mind as he glided around with her, all the happy people forgotten as he focused on their movements.


    ¡°And here I was, thinking you could only whoo dragons now.¡± She snarled, thrusting a finger to his chest as they whirled around the ground.


    ¡°Oh, you know me. Man of many talents.¡± He grinned, spinning her around on her toes, heart beating faster as if to mimic the drum pounding away. He found himself cheering and hollering with the crowd, the weariness and dreary of the previous day being drummed right out of his head. They let the sights and sounds wrap around him as they danced for an extended amount of time. They only stopped when the kobold¡¯s notes started to tire and the band took a break for their lunch, much to the crowds disappointing groans.


    ¡®You did good!¡± Lyndis laughed, wrapping an arm around his back as they strode away with large smiles. ¡°Better than a clanky git shoulda¡¯ been.¡± She suddenly pulled her head back, brow raised. Her eyes drifted from his boots and back again. ¡°Did the dragon put a hop in your step when I wasn¡¯t looking?¡±


    Arcturus looked away, thoughts drifting to the pleasing scales, his growly laughter. The smell of a summer¡¯s fire pressed up close as he was held within those strong and caring paws. Ones that made him feel safe, wanted, and loved above all else. ¡°He certainly knows how to do that.¡± He sighed in delight, part of him wishing the red scaled brightness was right here so he could hug him. He glanced over to the band, that had taken seats on chairs, gobbling up bread and cheeses, the sharp scents poking at his nose. ¡°Was always into dancing though. If you remember I did dance with the red dragon in the forest.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the early days.¡± Lyndis sighed, looking off into the sky as if the memories could be contained there within the clouds. ¡°When we could tell you two were teasing that delightful line of being together or not.¡± She lipped an around him, pointing to a collection of larger booths that had stuffed animals hanging by their backs. ¡°Look!¡± She gasped, voice brimming with excitement. ¡°They have games here as well, I didn¡¯t know that!¡± The princess¡¯ voice had taken on a child like wonder that made the paladin giggle in the back of his throat. They admired the cloth animals of all different varieties. He saw horses, wolves, cats, foxes, and an occasional crab. But what most stood out where the hand made dragons sitting comfortably above the rest, keeping watch over their stuffed brethren with button eyes. ¡°Want to try it out? I bet I¡¯m hats at it. Would be good to get the mind off on. You know.¡± She gave him a wink, tilting her neck towards the booth.¡±


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    He returned the gesture, letting out a sigh. ¡°Well I did say to try and keep busy.¡± He shrugged, watching as Asterion strode happily by through the sea of people, his arms filled with knitting supplies and ropes of cloth to work with. The warrior seemed to be lost in his thoughts, not even looking over as people moved out of his way.


    So, with a steady stride they passed a wolven family purchasing a blueberry pie, the alluring scent almost making him stop and buying one of the steaming concoctions for Lyndis and he to share. The cart they were after was a rather large thing, made from sturdy, maroon colored wood. Vibrant yellow banners hung from the sides decorated with animals of all sorts. It was a dwarf that greeted them, thumbing to the wooden cut outs of grey skinned zombie heads that were painted with a red dot between their eyes. The man¡¯s eyes filled with joy as he strummed his waist length beard braided with beads.


    ¡°Did ya come ta test yer mettle and skill with a blade?¡± The man chuckled, pulling out three daggers with bright red handles. ¡°All it takes is a few pieces of copper an good aim!¡± A smile creased the brown bearded dwarf as he wiped his fingers on his well-kept green shirt and brown slacks. ¡°An if ya get a bullseyes ya win a price. One of the stuffed animals ya see here! Made em meself!¡±


    ¡°Oi! What about me!¡± Came a loud cry from behind the booth, making the dwarf smile and face flush red.  ¡°Are ya taken credit for all me work husband?¡±


    ¡°Well a wee bit from me. Me ole sweet love helped with most of de work. Especially the dragons!¡±


    Arcturus shrugged, he had tried this sort of game as a child and even briefly before joining the army. He counted out some coin and plinked them right into the dwarf¡¯s rough palms. He grabbed the three daggers, feeling the smooth surface in his hand. It was hard to not feel a tremor of excitement as he eyed the grey wood before him. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m ready.¡± He beamed as the targets started to move back and forth. This was going to be easy, after all he had just got done going through waves and waves of the real thing outside the town. How hard would it be to hit simple wooden targets with a tossed blade? He weighed the blade, spinning it through his fingers and sighing at the cold steel. His eyes widened as a black bar drifted out over the targets. It appeared to be made from wood and suspended by a thin wire he hadn¡¯t noticed before.


    ¡°What was that?¡¯ He laughed, thumbing the handle as he prepared to toss the weapon.


    ¡°Just a way to make it a wee bit interestin. Especially with you adventurer folks running around.¡± The dwarf chuckled, counting the coin in his palm with a grin.


    ¡°Problem Arcturus?¡± Lyndis nudged him. ¡°I don¡¯t think a paladin of Bahamut would have much problem with a challenge?¡± Her competitive spirit seemingly eating away at him as he stared intently at the targets. He felt his own begin to stir to life, an extinguished fire started to spark and grow warm.


    With a yell he let the black bar go by again, timing his throw. He took a breath, throwing the dagger with reasonable force.


    Easy.


    At the last moment a second bar of wood slid out from behind the first one and moving more quickly. It blocked the blade with a dull smack as the steel sunk into the wood. ¡°No way.¡± He groaned, remembering why he hated these things as a boy. Nights of plenty of wasted coin came to mind.


    ¡°First toss is a dud! Thought a mighty knight such as yerself would throw better than me old mum! Course she¡¯s¡¯ back home with mummies rot, bless her strong heart.¡±


    Arcturus breathed a heavy exhale and cleared his mind with the dwarves taunting tone. He stretched out his arm, eying the target with renewed purpose. ¡°That¡¯s fine, just a warm-up throw tis all. And I do offer my condolences to the gran. Mummy rot tends to turn those afflicted with it to ash.¡±


    Lyndis snickers as the dwarf shut his mouth, face flushing as he pointed to the targets.


    ¡°Jus get back to it den. Show us what yer made of human.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I most certainly intend to.¡± He wound back his arm as he pictured his target, minding the quick back and forth of the black sections of wood that would scurry on by like a spooked animal. He bit his lips as he saw an opening and capitalized on it. The dagger sailed back passed the first block, sped passed the second, and completely missed the target. Instead the knight¡¯s blade sunk deep into the wood behind the target.


    Damnt


    His ears reddened as he twirled his final dagger, holding his hand to silence Lyndis¡¯ snicker filled words. ¡°I got it¡­Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t look like ya do lad. I bet da girl is going ta trounce ya something awful. Make ya beg for ya mum.¡± The dwarf held his stomach, letting out a belly jiggling laugh.


    ¡°Unlikely dwarf.¡± He grumbled, ¡°But I suppose you need something to play the fool.¡± Arcturus loosed the final dagger, this time swerving passed the two wooden beams and hitting the red dot on the zombie¡¯s head. The wooden cutout cracked away and clanked to the ground in a loud ear twitching crack. ¡°That would not be me however.¡±


    ¡°What in bonnie blazes ya do that for? ¡° The dwarf threw up his hands, bounding to inspect the broken wood and splinters. ¡°Ya suppose to lob it ya sword swinging tart! Not hurl it wit all ya strength!¡±


    ¡°Suppose I forgot.¡± Arcturus smirked, ¡°With all the taunting being tossed around. Surprised that I could manage even that.¡± He pointed to a red stuffed dragon with blue buttons for eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll take the red one if you¡¯d please.¡±


    With flames in his darkened pools the dwarf grabbed the red dragon with a grumble and practically shoved it into Arcturus¡¯ hands. ¡°Yer not be allowed here  anymore. Ya wreck somethings awful.¡±


    ¡°Like dat cabbage cart over dere. That was da red dragon dat came wit cha!¡± The female voice shouted as Lyndis offered her payment to try.


    Arcturus stashed the dragon in his pack, wondering if Veledar would trill from the cute thing that bore his likeness.


    ¡°Feast your eyes on this Arc.¡± Lyndis spun around to flash him her gleaming teeth as she fanned out the blades. Sunlight caught the metal with a brief flash. ¡°No brute force required. You just need¡­some¡­finesse.¡± She turned only once towards the targets, flinging each dagger with blinding speed that to Arcturus was as a blur. Each knife sailed through the air, seeking out its target without impedance from the black wooden bars. They struck three different zombie targets, each sharpened tip hitting dead center against the red dot. The half-elf smirked, crossing her arms and gesturing to her deed.


    ¡°Well I¡¯ll be.¡± The dwarf rubbed his eyes. His face only got redder as his brow soon scrunched up. ¡°You¡¯re not playing either. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s dumb luck or ya cheated, but I can¡¯t handle ya winning each time!¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t open your cart if you can¡¯t stand my skill dwarf.¡± She giggled, picking out a green, blue, and black dragon from the rows of animals. She received the same grumbles and forceful shove from the stewing dwarf. She just smiled, laughing as they walked away clutching their prizes like it was the most well valued treasure.


    ¡°Why did you even take all of them.¡± He laughed, pointing to the rogue who was struggling to contain her winning within her arms. ¡°You don¡¯t even need all those.¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t the bloody point.¡± She laughed, struggling to contain all three within her arms. Lyndis repositioned the dragons in her arms to better hold them ¡°It was more of a matter of proving I was good at it.¡± She smirked, handing off the blue dragon to a running human child. The little boy clutched at it with bright green eyes widening in surprise. He uttered a quick thank you miss!¡± Before scampering off in disbelief. Seeing this display several more children scampered over, eyes following Lyndis with rapt attention.


    The paladin¡¯s heart warmed at the display as a little girl no older than ten locked eyes with the black dragon held within the half-elves grasp. The rogue spied this too, quickly slipping through the crowd to hand it to the smiling human child. The girl¡¯s amber eyes lit up in delight as her hands clasped together, nearly bouncing in joy as Lyndis held out the stuffed animal. The girl rose her hand slowly, pulling it close against her chest the moment she had it within her fingers. She mashed the stuffed creature up against her face, nuzzling her cheek against its fluffy snout.


    ¡°Thank you kind miss!¡± The girl cried, clutching the dragon as if it were the most important thing in the entire world. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of him every day, and make sure he¡¯s nice and pretty. Call him my little Valyrym I will!¡± The girl¡¯s face lit up in joy as Lyndis patted her head softly. ¡°I¡¯ll love him too!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m certain he¡¯ll love you back.¡± The rogue smiled as the girl¡¯s apparent mother called from the crowd, hands to her lips.


    ¡°Amaleen!¡± The woman¡¯s voice broke through the crowd¡¯s sounds easily. Like a sword going through an unprotected chest.


    ¡°Coming mother!¡¯ The girl called back, giving Lyndis a quit courteous curtsy before bounding away, her braided black hair thrashing against her soft blue dress.


    ¡°Valyrym?¡± Arcturus crossed his arms, watching the child reunite with her mother, holding up the black dragon for the woman to see and pointing to Lyndis with a gigantic smile. One that seemed to dominate her face and spread to the mother¡¯s lips. ¡°That¡¯s a rather strange name for a dragon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d let her call it whatever she wants dearest Arc. Who are you to judge the name of mighty dragons? Are you not friends with one named Veledar? I take it some would find that name equally as silly at times.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a silly name. It is quite respectable.¡± He looked away from the rogue¡¯s teasing eyes, her hand on her hip. ¡°Besides, you were rather good with children it seems. Almost like you would want one of your own running around one day.¡±


    ¡°Oh please.¡± She smacked the playing knight with an open palm on his shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t want any of those things bloody crawling along till I¡¯m good and ready. So much to see before that happens anyway.¡±


    ¡°Still though.¡± He cast his eyes away from the departing pair, drifting to the amused looking rogue. ¡°Good to see children happy. Even in times such as this. Almost puts my mind at ease with the undead lurking outside the walls.¡±


    Lyndis¡¯ flashed a scowl towards the towering walls, a sneer forming on her lips. ¡°Not that my parents are focken doing anything bout it. It¡¯s like they are content to sit there while our people are devoured and taken advantage of!¡±


    Arcturus guided her away from the crowds with a gentle touch as her face grew red, and her fist raised and shook against the air. Within her eyes was a flame he had not seen often glinting behind those amber spheres, one that brimmed with a fury she usually reserved for his people¡¯s own actions.


    ¡°Where are the Pegasus knights? Where is the army? And what the ever loving fock is going on?¡± She cast him a stare, blackened pools begging to be filled with an answer. He wished he had the answers for her. Something to put her troubled mind at peace.


    He only had a calm voice, and a pat to help her along. ¡°We shall find these things out in time. I can¡¯t say when and I can¡¯t say how, but we must keep looking. That¡¯s the best I can offer you. We¡¯re safe for the moment, not something lots of others can say right now. I already chatted with the guards about the subject. They seem to think with their weapons they can hold the undead at bay, and by the way the boney bastards are not approaching they seem to have the same idea.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯d the guards say exactly?¡± Her flames fluttering for a moment.


    ¡°Nothing much really. Only what I just mentioned.¡± He sighed, watching her sudden hope of getting something fade away.


    She brushed his hand away, her eyes looking passed him as if staring off into oblivion. ¡°How long till that little safety of theirs leaves though? Those skeletons? Those zombies? They are very patient, and don¡¯t need food or sleep to keep them going, they can outwait you if they want.¡± She bit her lip, starting up her walk down the street once more with Arcturus right in tow. ¡°They won¡¯t stay out there forever though¡­And when they get in. People are going to be screaming and running in terror¡­Just look at Stathmore.¡±


    She did have a point, as much as he hated to accept that grim outlook of the events. He needed to keep her spirits up though, something to keep the darkness at bay for a tad longer. So, when she dipped her head and looked right into the cobblestone he picked up the pace and wrapped a hand around her shoulders. Like a protective wall he pulled her close. ¡°We have to keep the spirits up princess. We reach Struport with our mission, get our task completed and set our sights on this problem. Even stop by the palace of your folks if need be.¡± He held out his hands gesturing to some phantom towering castle on the horizon. One with many towers and offshoots that Veledar could leap to at his leisure. ¡°Though your parents might be a tad upset about the red dragon walking the halls.¡±


    ¡°He will be hard pressed to fit.¡± She laughed, a smile coming to her face. ¡°We don¡¯t make everything oversized to accommodate gryphons here.¡± She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as if to calm the fluttering of her heart. ¡°Right..focus..No sense in losing my bloody head now. Not after we¡¯ve come so far.¡± She opened her eyes, giving him a slight nod. ¡°Thanks for the pep talk as it were..Been needed them something awful nowadays.¡±


    ¡°Tis nothing, that¡¯s what we¡¯re here for is it not? Not just to pull each other¡¯s asses out of the fire now and again.¡±


    ¡°Or to be humped by a lewd red dragon.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes that too.¡± They laughed together, drawing some looks from parents that quickly pulled their children away. As if the two cackling mortals were some sort of hooligans that were out for no good reasons. They traversed the crowd of cheering people, snagging some roasted meat on a stick from a nearby vendor. Lyndis had explained it was roasted thicket shifters, apparently a close cousin to displacer beasts that hid within tall grass and awaited their prey. He had shrugged and sampled the steaming meat on a stick that glistened in the sun as steam lazily coiled up from its seared crimson surface. It was tender and juicy and with tad of punch as he bit down and savored the taste that greeted his taste buds. It wasn¡¯t like what he was used to, but it didn¡¯t matter. He found himself munching away as she laughed at how fast he devoured it.


    After their bellies were full and drink had quenched their thirst they enjoyed a telling of a story through puppets put on for the crowds by a group of colorfully dressed wolven with tribal symbols stitched into earth brown clothing. The tale they spun was of a pup and his family and their journey across the deserts to the far west of Rothdell. How they fought tooth and claw from oasis to life sustaining oasis, surviving on what little food and water they had. They had been beset by spirits, terrible monsters, and even the occasional dragon to the gasps of the crowd. Not of an aggressive one, but one that had lent her claws to the struggling family with a kind wing. The story ended like those typically do, with the family returning home. They were scared and beaten but they were alive and grown much through the journey. Arcturus had tipped the storytellers, placing a few silver coins in a basket close to the makeshift wooden stage that looked to be able to fold and be packed away at a moments notice. He wished such stories had been around his country when he was a lad, to brighten and cheer his mind of all the villainous dragon stories that permeated his lands.


    The wolven thanked him with a series of loud howls and wagging fluffy tails. One of them even telling the pair when they would be next putting on a show for them to enjoy. Arcturus was even certain that one of the females had made a pass at him with a lewd glint in her pale blue eyes. He had laughed it off and accompanied Lyndis further down the near pristine streets of her people. He admired the woodwork as they passed a potion shop. The wooden beams looked to have been shaped out of wood with magic rather then cut into planks and nailed. The darkened surface was twisted and curved in areas some even spiraling out to make a makeshift tower. On its surface were elven runes, scratched into it as if done by a sharpened set of claws.


    He held out a hand, placing it on the smooth wood. It was a little cool to the touch and sent little sparks up his fingers, and for a fraction of a second he thought he felt a heartbeat from the wood, as if the structure beneath his palm was alive. He looked up to the knots buried within it, almost feeling as though the structure was looking at him, staring into his soul. Shivers rippled across his skin as the air seemed to thicken with his next breath.


    ¡°First time looking at elven architecture?¡± Lyndis chuckled, voice pulling him from his trance as he lowered his arm and was led away by a gentle tug of her hands around his own. ¡°Strange. It almost felt like the thing was¡­Alive.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve actually heard that story many more times than you can possibly count. Believe it or not there is the idea that the druids talk to the spirits within the wood and get permission to move them. They then weave and bend the wood to their liking, making sure to not dispose of the spirit in the process.


    ¡°is that true?¡± The idea tickled his brain, almost making him feel guilty for when they cut down trees without care for houses. He peaked a glance back to the now disappearing building, almost lost among the others that dwarfed it in size.


    ¡°Have to ask a druid that one.¡± Lyndis shrugged, ¡°Just a simple arcane trickster here at your service.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes.¡± He smirked. ¡°Just a simple rogue who happens to be a princess in disguise.¡±


    ¡°Oh, but don¡¯t go blabbing that around or we¡¯ll start a fucken riot as they try to please me.¡± She placed a hand to her chest, back straightening.  Her voice took on an elegant high-pitched tone. ¡°OH, lady Lyndis what do you require? Come shop from me princess finest in the land! Will you kiss my baby princess? Perhaps bless me son and his lover¡¯s union?¡± She rose a brow and gestured to his lingering expression. ¡°Arc you best not. Better not let that dragon of yours corrupt you with his influence.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± He waved off her concern with a laugh. ¡°I¡¯d rather hate to start one of those.¡±


    She relaxed, swishing her cloak behind her. ¡°Thought for a moment that part of him might have transferred into you. We both know with how much he humps ya. Was worried that part of him might have been orgasmed into ya. I almost considered checking you for scales!¡± She let out a hearty laugh that shook her shoulders and made her appear to be an almost exact imitation of their dwarven ranger. ¡°Or¡­¡± She wheezed, wiping a tear from her eyes with a flick of her finger. ¡°That you would be growing his egg inside of ya.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think that¡¯s how it works.¡± He grumbled, his hand shot up to caress the back of his neck as his cheeks flushed something awful. Pleasing nights came to mind filled with carnal acts of delight with his dragonic mate. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m in him sometime as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh yea? Like when? All I hear is how you moan like a dragoness in heat when he¡¯s mounting you. Might even adore that knot of his buried in ya. Kinda of hard to miss when he¡¯s snarling in bliss as he cums.¡± She tossed him a smirk, folding her arms with knowing eyes.


    ¡°What?¡± He shrugged his voice lowered, ¡°I like being humped by him.¡±


    ¡°I can tell!¡±


    ¡°I mean it¡¯s not that hard to figure out.¡± Arcturus mumbled, the dragon¡¯s half parting smile coming to mind. ¡°not with him talking about it all the damn time.¡±


    ¡°Yea, proud of that isn¡¯t he?¡± She nudged him playfully as his red cheeks only burned hotter. ¡°Just another sign that he loves ya. I see it in those eyes of his. The way he acts around you. He¡¯s almost a different bleedin dragon under those crimson scales.¡± She gave a final resounding laugh, placing her hands on the back of her head and intertwining her fingers. ¡°You two make an awfully cute couple.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­Thanks for that. Good to know that we. Provide a level of cuteness for you that you like.¡± He coughed as silence found its way between them, the rogue¡¯s eyes drifting to the sky and lingered among the clouds that lazily drifted by on a breeze. He had seen her do this often during their journey, especially when she thought she was alone. She would brush he hair from her face or roll that green scale around her neck between her fingers as if it fought back what troubled behind her eyes.


    ¡°Mind going to him again?¡± His eyes lowering to her hands and back to the cloud filled sky.


    ¡°Yea.¡± She exhaled heavily, not even trying to hide the discomfort with a joke or playful dismissive wave.


    ¡°Well, how¡¯d the dreams go last night? Did you happen to finally make contact after all this time?¡±


    ¡°Sort of¡­In a way. I saw him through a fog, all hazy and his scales dulled.¡± She held up a hand, spreading her fingers wide and slowly rocking it back and forth as she brought it towards her chest at a snail¡¯s pace. ¡°There he bleedin was, right outside my reach and unable to hear me. No matter what I yelled it didn¡¯t get his attention¡­But I could feel him, his desperation, his fear.¡± She sucked in her breath, knuckles tightening to look like fresh snow. ¡°He was tumbling next through a void, then there was this flash of golden light with this deep voice all around us. Hurt my ears something awful. ¡±


    ¡°Deep voice?¡± Arcturus rose a brow, as curiosity peaked its head. They shifted from one side of the street to another to avoid the busy crowds.


    ¡°Yes, was the strangest thing. It whispered away at my ears, making them tingle. Though at the same time it was deep and echoed all around me. Couldn¡¯t make it out, sounded like hisses ever so often punctuated with a growl or snarl. It then was deep and booming and sent shivers down my spine. I felt terror fill his and my heart as they raced. Threatened to burst from our chests.¡± Lyndis¡¯ breath quickened as her skin visible trembled, and fingers clutched at her chest, wincing at a phantom pain. ¡°I hope whatever this was is just a dream. As if he is actually going through that¡­I¡¯d be beside myself with worry.¡± She shifted her weight, stopping to lean up against a wooden building with a groan.


    He leaned up besidet her, letting a sigh pass his lips as he struggled for an answer. He stroked his chin softly, ¡°Perhaps something is tampering with the amulet you two share. That this spell does weird things and separates you two,.¡± He gave her a warm smile, clasping a hand gently on her shivering shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s alright, just like you are. You must keep holding in there. Perhaps we can even have Shandalar investigate the amulet? She always seems to work wonders with any magic you toss her pointed ears.¡±


    ¡°You think?¡± She held up the green scale, dangling the piece of jewelry before her eye. The sun hit the slow rotating surface, making it look vibrant and alive. Almost as if she had just plucked the scale right from the viridian dragon. She let it dangle a few moments more, her eyes seemingly transfixed by its simple motion.


    He nodded, ¡°Never let me down so far, why would she start now?¡±


    ¡°Think I might take the elf on that offer. Would certainly put an end to the anxiety lingering in my focken heart.¡± She let the scale fall to thump against her chest, a sigh passing her lips before a smile tugged at her, then grew to dominate her face. ¡°After I enjoy a pitcher or two with our resident dwarf and gryphon. I¡¯ve been meaning to drink them both under the table the moment we got my country.¡± She placed a finger to her chin, gazing to the rooftops as if in deep thought. ¡°You ever try dragon¡¯s milk Arcturus?¡±


    ¡°Dragon¡¯s what?¡¯ He cocked his head at the odd name. ¡°Last I remember dragons don¡¯t produce milk, and the only white liquid they actually produce is¡­well¡­I¡¯ve certainly tasted my share.¡±


    ¡°Not that you lewd bastard!¡± She punched him with a grin. ¡°We really need to get ya out of thinking bout those ridges that adorn your dragon¡¯s cock yer so sweet on! I meant the bleeding drink ya clanky son of a wyvern! It¡¯s called Dragon¡¯s milk, dark brown, froths in your cup something fierce.¡± She held up two fingers and held them just apart by scant inches. Hint of almond and vanilla dashed in there to warm your tongue. Lights up the taste buds something wonderful. Feels like pure bliss just went down your throat.¡± She crossed her arms, holding her head up high as she swelled her chest in pride. ¡°Can even knock a grown gryphon right on their arse!¡±


    He didn¡¯t know many drinks that could boast to do that. Not even in the seediest taverns in Entis. He gave her a polite nod, ¡°Must be quite the drink if it can do that.¡± He pictured Skywing and his tiger striped flanks wobbling through the tavern, claiming the drink had not affected him. The white fur and black feathers gryphon would topple over chairs, crack tables, and collapse to the floor with a limp thump of his tiger tail. He chuckled as he realized that this was Veledar¡¯s level of destruction, and it made his coin purse hurt. Course that happened when the beast was sober. He shivered, not wanting to imagine what damage he could wreck while intoxicated on that level. ¡°Better not tell Veledar about it, have trouble enough as it is keeping him out of trouble when he¡¯s not on the sauce.¡±


    ¡°Oh, if we gave it to him we¡¯d be sure to get all the innocent bystanders out of the focken way. Probably to the next town over, to avoid the destruction and potential lewdness that would follow.¡±


    ¡°Or the fourth town over.¡± He nudged her, both breaking into shrieking laughter once more. They had hardly noticed that they nearly bumped into Krotos and Merlia, both who had suddenly stopped with confused expressions on their faces.


    ¡°Miss something good did we?¡± Merlia chuckled as Krotos¡¯ head tilted to the side, a small chirp leaving his beak. ¡°Must have been ta leave ya two cackling away like a bunch of Rothdellian shriekers.¡±


    ¡°Nothing too bad I can rightly assure you, just imagining the dragon here drunk on his ass stumbling through the town is all. His tail all swishing away, scaring all manner of things away.¡± Lyndis thumbed to Arcturus¡¯ chest, a smirk on her lips. ¡°How bout you two? Havn¡¯t seen you for the most of the day. Anything good? Where are you off to that has you looking so pleased with one another?¡± She gestured to the lingering smirk present on Krotos¡¯ half parted beak as the gryphon¡¯s crown feathers extended one by one.


    ¡°Well¡­We might not be cackling away like a couple of mad men, but we been havin our fun havn¡¯t we?¡± She snickered, running her hands down Krotos¡¯ neck and earning herself a brief chirp of happiness that left his left ear twitching as he leaned into the touch. ¡°We¡¯re off to vistt the brothel actually. Figure we sample a good drink and hump da night away, ain¡¯t that right handsome blue balled gryphon boy?¡±


    Krotos nodded, a pleased look glimmering in his eyes as his tail swayed playfully behind him. ¡°You will certainly get a good look of them.¡± He splayed his ears, his beak widening further. ¡°But they have gryphons here! Saw some of the hens ruffling feathers as we strolled by earlier.¡±


    ¡°And I wanted to try and see what it¡¯s like ta sample a few gryphons at the same time.¡± The dwarf grinned lewdly, cracking her knuckles. ¡°Put the ole stamina to good use after dese hard fought days.¡± She nudged Krotos with a hearty laugh. ¡°Try not ta have yer sheath plump up before we git dere boyo, we got lots of gryphs ta play with!¡±


    ¡°I can contain myself woman, don¡¯t you worry. There will be plenty of gryphon to go around.¡± Krotos nipped at her bum, the dwarf letting out a giggle as her cheeks flushed red.


    ¡°Yes yes.¡± Arcturus laughed, waving his friends to go carry on their activities elsewhere. ¡°Go and have your fun, hump the day away.


    ¡°What? Ya got a wee bit of a problem Arc? We didn¡¯t exactly have the time that you and da dragon got on the road. So, excuse meh if we want to get rid of some of our built-up tension. You know release our poor gryphon of his weighty burdens between his leg.¡±


    ¡°I can second that statement.¡± Krotos stamped his claw against the ground, a lewd glint in his eye. ¡°Course I would never turn the opportunity to spill my-¡°


    ¡°We know.¡± Lyndis cut him with a laugh, the gryphon devolving into a series of awks. They said little else except Krotos nipping at Merlia once more as they scampered off, vowing to hump her till she could not walk in the morning.


    ¡°Well that just happened.¡± Lyndis rose a brow, watching the gryphon¡¯s tail sway. She rolled her eyes as he tilted his head back, giving them both a wink as he flashed them his fuzzy blue balls. Arcturus sighed as he stared at the taught package that almost seemed to be a swollen purse. Each orb bounced in time with the gryphon¡¯s step and was rather hypnotizing to gander at.


    ¡°He really does want us to look doesn¡¯t he.¡± Arcturus shook his head with a chuckle, a certain pair of white orbs coming to mind.


    ¡°Gryphons. They make Veledar look like a literal saint in comparison. Anyway.¡± She wrapped her arm around Arcturus¡¯ shoulders, leading him down a crowded street, a plan lurking behind her eyes. ¡°Care for a drink paladin? Something to wash away the mental image of our red-haired dwarf screaming as she writhes in bliss under a firmly thrusting gryphon?¡±


    ¡°Why give the gryphon all the trouble, when Veledar does the same thing?¡±


    ¡°Cause the sodding gryphon is in everyone¡¯s face about it. Meanwhile your red dragon only seems to have the hots for you as far as I can tell.¡±


    ¡°Actually, if you recall.¡± He laughed, pointing at her nose. ¡°The bath incident from earlier. If I was not mistaken. On the road he offered for you to join the festivities.¡±


    ¡°True, but that was just him being smug, Ya didn¡¯t see him flashing me his rod with a bleeding smile did ya? Or gesturing to his slit with his eyes like he wants you to pay special attention to it? That is reserved for you, you lucky bastard.¡±


    ¡°It can be quite the nice sight.¡± He mumbled, blushing as she gave him knowing eyes.


    ¡°Course now that¡¯s settled, get your mind off the humpin paladin, or that cock of your lovers. Focus on the drink, the drink with a very lewd name! Which may not possibly help¡± She held out her arm, gesturing the buildings with a wave.


    ¡°Yea, cause that¡¯s so much better isn¡¯t it?¡± He replied, his voice brimming with sarcasm. He looked to the streets, were kobolds sprouted like little weeds. Everywhere he looked there were the little scaled beings running around like whirlwinds, filling the air with their joyous growls, shouts, or cheers.


    ¡°It is actually. I know gryphon culture can be too much in your face for my tastes, but that¡¯s how it tis I suppose.¡± She moved out of the way, several of the scaled humanoids running down the street with gleaming eyes. ¡°I would have probably seen more gryphons humping out in the open if we stayed in Entis longer wouldn¡¯t I?¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°Been under a gryphon if we stayed for even longer.¡±


    ¡°Not at all actually. Krotos is just the extreme, most other gryphons I know have been rather reserved in the whole issue. While sex is very casual practice among them, they have been known to be respectful of others. Though they will probably not turn down any downright attention. They even use sex as a bonding ritual though among friends and allies. Skywing was never like how our resident gryphon was, even at his most raunchy!¡±


    ¡°The strong and powerful Skywing? Your old flame before your wife?.¡± Lyndis sighed, ¡°The tiger gryphon from the forest with the obsidian feathers? The one who let you go after your mate after some kind words and paw massage?¡±


    ¡°I was cleaning his pads, he rather hated them dirty for your information. Nothing lewd happened, no matter what Krotos told you.¡±


    ¡°She rose a brow was he looked away, his face reddening. ¡°You shared company with this gryphon didn¡¯t you? Partook in a few shares of bonding rituals with him?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± He growled, thinking back to the lonely nights kept warm by that loyal gryphon. ¡°Always a good time. One of my closest friends.¡±


    ¡°Besides the one that was trying to kill us if I recall. The bloke with the black armor and twisted sword? The one calling himself the greatest adventure in all of Lumara?¡± Lyndis thumbed at her chest with a grin. ¡°I Think our little operation in Entis proved that smug bastard a thing or two who the best is at their job, and you can bet they won¡¯t be remembering Garroth, the man who can swing a sword slightly better than your next bloke.¡± She held up her hand, ¡°No offense of course to you. You do fine with your protective magic¡­And much better sword swinging.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to not take it too personally.¡±


    ¡°Now off of focken pricks, and back to these sexy times with this said gryphon.¡± Lyndis leaned in against him offering a raised brow. ¡°Did you take him for your own? Or did you find yourself pressed to his nest and mounted like a hen?¡±


    ¡°I thought you said our chat was going to try and get my mind off of rods while we walked?¡± He tilted his head, making the rogue roll her eyes. ¡°Not go right back into talking about them!¡±


    ¡°You caught me!¡± She held up her hands, ¡°Changed my damned mind! Now tell me about the gryphon on human action you bastard!¡±


    ¡°Gentlemen never tells.¡± He chuckled, holding up a finger to his lips and miming as if to lock a chest. ¡°Especially with what goes on in such nest, and who was mounting who.¡±


    ¡°Course you answer that way. Mark my words I will find this secret out!¡± They started to around the corner when she let out a loud shout, jabbing her finger into his chest. ¡°AHA! I can see it in your cheeks Arc, you played that mighty gryphon¡¯s hen!¡± She punched his shoulder, several kobolds snapping their snouts in shock at the rough display of friendship.


    Arcturus coughed, gesturing to the street as his cheeks only got hotter as Lyndis devolved into cackles. His eyes fell to each small scaly head that they passed. He could not help but notice one race was missing from the plethora that they had seen. ¡°Where are all the Siigonis?¡± He scanned around, finding not a single scaled humanoid that stood over three feet tall. I see plenty of kobold, but none of the scaly gits that make up a third of your country!¡±


    ¡°just because we have them you expect them to be in every bleedin village across the land?¡± She waved dismissively as they passed some water troughs filled to the brim with sparkling water, dire wolves lapping away at the water with wagging tails.


    ¡°No.¡± He rubbed the back of his neck as thick musk of wolf wafted to his nose. It wasn¡¯t bad, something he could get used to if exposed for long. It hung in the air something heavy and reminded him of the way horses smelled. ¡°Just figured to see at least some of them. We got plenty of the little lizards, thought just some balance was in order.¡±


    ¡°Well can¡¯t blame ya for thinking that.¡± She smiled, glancing from little head to little head. ¡°Maybe this village is too far for them, or perhaps they are intimidated by the little lizards running between our legs!¡±


    As if on cue, two kobolds went running by, chasing after a giggle human boy. They were smaller than the adults and appeared to be smiling in their pursuit. ¡°My candle!¡± One kobold shouted out in glee, making Arcturus step out of the way to avoid putting an end to their little game.


    It was not until they rounded the next corner till Lyndis pointed to their destination with an excited tone. One that left her rapidly thrusting her finger and tugging at his arm. The inn stood before them with a dark wooden roof covered in signs of wear. Windows of all shapes lined each wall, colored glass instead of the usual clear kind. The doors were closed shut, but the muffled roar of happy patrons and rousing music could be heard from within. A sign hung proudly out from the entrance, the picture of a gleaming green scaled kobold painted on the surface. Above the picture was the name ¡°Mischievous Kobold.¡± Spelled in dark crimson paint Pleasing aromas of malt twisted with a small hint of earthiness teased at his senses. Working around his nostrils and bringing a trickle of delight across his skin. His tongue started to writhe inside his mouth, as if whispering sweet words to his mind for something to grace it. If this was just a muted version of what waited for him inside his mouth was going to be in heaven.


    ¡°Just one drink.¡± He held up a finger to the giggling rogue, ¡°Don¡¯t want to be stumbling my way out of there like some sort of drunkard.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t have another one of those in our group, can we?¡± She mused, waving her hand. ¡°The dwarf and gryphon are simply too many as is. But tell me oh sir knight of dragon most red. How will we ever get the mental image of our fine friends lost within the pleasured filled screeches of gryphon prostitutes?¡± She feigned horror, placing a hand to her chest and letting out a quivering whine that lingered in the air. ¡°Think of the children!¡±


    ¡°What children are you-¡°


    ¡°Shut yer trap, yer overthinking it!¡± Lyndis tugged at his arm, quickly scampering up the front steps and pushing open the doors with a groan of the wood.


    The sounds from before suddenly burst forth like a broken dam, filling their ears with a cacophony of pleased mortals enjoying one too many drinks. Wolven marfs came mixed with kobold¡¯s chittering laugher placed between the clinking of mugs clacking together. The musky scent of many people wafted out from the tavern mixed with that same damp earthen smell that wrapped around the flower and vine covered beams that crisscrossed the ceiling. Every curved wooden chair was full, all the circular tables covered in plates topped with steaming food, mugs filled with frothy drinks, and joyous customers laughing back and forth.


    Lyndis grabbed his hand, leading him through the packed tavern floor and towards the long wooden bar table that dominated the back of the place. There were at least four seats left empty as an olive skinned human poured drinks into dull grey mugs, laughing away with his rowdy customers. The man¡¯s brown eyes looked to them, a perfect reflection of the drinks he served.


    ¡®What be yer poison?¡± The man smiled his eyes glinting in the tavern light, running a finger across his dark grey smock. He had to practically yell over the near deafening sound of rowdy patrons. They hooped and hollered with howls and hisses for a group of mismatched clothing clad kobolds. One of their number wore a blue cotton sweater, holding a violin as his fellow lizards pulled out various other instruments. Music soon filled the air, the inn¡¯s patrons getting quieter to make space for the pleasing sounds. Arcturus¡¯ thoughts soon drifted to more pleasing days long behind him.


    ¡°Ya going ta stand there dumbstruck or order sir clanky?¡± Lyndis laughed, nudging him in the side before she flung herself into an open chair. She set her elbows on the table, resting her arms against the bar.


    ¡°Dragon¡¯s milk for me.¡± He chuckled, staring into the patient bartender¡¯s face. The man looked to them for a moment, his face twisting into deep thought as he tapped his chin.


    ¡°Ever seen you twos around dese parts? You look very familiar.¡±


    ¡°Not really. New to these parts anyway.¡± Lyndis thumbed to Arcturus. ¡°Came in with the dragon we did. Thought it was the talk of the town.¡±


    ¡°Well people did mention some bleedin folks came in with a horned dragon. Just didn¡¯t know the specifics is all.¡± The man grabbed a tankard, bending over to a barrel keg as Arcturus took a seat onto the wooden stool. The man pulled back a metal lever, letting out a creak and spilling a dark almond drink into the cup that frothed white foam to the surface. ¡°Here ya go.¡± The bartender smiled, placing the tankard onto the wood with a thud. ¡°That¡¯ll be ten pieces of copper.¡±


    He tossed the man the coins, grabbing the handle and bringing the drink to his nose. He took a deep whiff of the concoction, a sweet almost seducing smell tugged at his nostrils. He would have to remind himself to possibly grab a few bottles of this if he were able to.


    ¡°Not everyday that someone comes with a dragon to here. They happen to be sort of a rarity wherever you go.¡± The man shifted to Lyndis, the word elven frost wine blurting from her mouth. The half-elf already shoving the coin into the man¡¯s rough palms.


    She practically melted in her seat as the chilly concoction was placed into her waiting hands.


    Arcturus held up his tankard with a grin, good cheer swirling around his thoughts. She met his eyes, a smile on her lips, clinking her own tankard with sloshing blue liquid against his.


    ¡°It was a hard trip getting here, probably harder one ahead of us. But I¡¯d not rather do it without you or the rest of our friends.¡± She slapped her knee, her shoulders bouncing as she laughed. ¡°Even that smug dragon that you call a mate. He is the focken best.¡±


    He just nodded, pressing the mug to his lips and getting his first taste of the appetizing drink. His tongue bristled with almond. Vanilla came next, like a warm tide, whispering encouraging words and offering a promise of more. He was left gasping in delight when he pulled the tankard away, licking the froth clinging to his lips. ¡°Wow.¡± He exclaimed, mind tingling as he met the rogue¡¯s knowing amber spheres.


    ¡°I Know right?¡± She mused, slurping her own drink. ¡°Better than that slop you had up in Entis ain¡¯t it?¡±


    He found himself nodding as he returned for another taste.


    ¡°Course ya had some things up there that were better. Like that gryphon¡¯s delight drink, you got. The roasted direboar and that saut¨¦ed roc breast. The rest though?¡± The woman waved her hand with a look of disgust crossing her brow. ¡°You can spread to the bleedin wind.¡±


    ¡°What about Veledar¡¯s lair?¡± He leaned back, nursing at his drink.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t count that was summoned up by dragon¡¯s magic.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough I suppose, but what about Mary¡¯s cooking? You said it was fantastic!¡±


    ¡°Exception to the rule.¡± The rogue looked away to the kobolds, the sweater wearing one having taken to dancing on one of the many tables.


    ¡°What about the humming bird tavern?¡± He pressed further, sensing her growing weakness.


    She turned to him with a sigh, her tankard getting placed on the bar. He was met with a withering glance as her eyes narrowed. ¡°Any place that¡¯s open that focken late and near by tastes great. Now stop your trying to prove me wrong before you actually do!¡±


    ¡°Oh, so I am winning!¡± He laughed, slurping down practically half of the mind effecting drink with his next round of gulping. He could feel it already starting to work its effect on him, like a small tug on the base of his skull as everything become bubblier. He sighed at the slight buzz, watching the kobold band as several; patrons couldn¡¯t contain themselves and started dancing along to the tune with a series of tempo inducing taps from the others. This was the life, this is what they needed. Especially after the narrowing past few weeks filled with death and fighting. To just sit here relaxing away with no foe to fight no trouble to tease at the mind. Just a pleasing time. The only thing that would make this perfect might be the lack of the crowd. Maybe a cold wind to nip at the skin and have him push up against his warm dragon that would cast it away. Roaring fire before them as Veledar curled his body around him like a fortress. This however did the job.


    They enjoyed the infectious music, the cheerful patrons, and simply relaxed while talking about dragon qualities. Lyndis had gone on about how greens and what he thought a proper gift was for one. He just suggested a statue or something. Perhaps a valuable bauble from the heart.


    ¡°What was the book about?¡± She had asked, ¡°It is neither of those things.¡± Punching his shoulder as she teased him. ¡°Why get your red overlord that?¡±


    He offered her a knowing chuckle, one that conveyed a secret he wished to withhold. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± He smirked, finishing off his drink with a smacking of his lips. ¡°You will see in time.¡± He held up a finger.¡± After I tell the dragon, so you can stop your asking and just stew on the possibilities within your head.¡±


    ¡°Oh, great. Now your taking after him now. That¡¯s just bloody wonderful. Can¡¯t wait to have two smug, pompous, and clumsy oafs wondering around with us. Will you be making a set of armor for him as well?¡±


    Like a sign from the gods there was a loud shout outside that pierced the walls and made the band suddenly cease their playing. By the sounds of the muffled words, it sounded like the owner of a cart had his things tipped over and onto the street.


    ¡°My cabbages!¡± Came the voice again, no longer muffled but a loud shriek.


    ¡°Well. That¡¯s all the time we got.¡± Arcturus sighed, setting down his tankard. His spine tingled as he heard the next voice to follow, just like he knew it was going to be there. How could it not after all?


    ¡°Well that¡¯s what you get for putting the cart in my path human. What¡¯d you expect to happen?¡± Came Veledar¡¯s loud voice, the inn suddenly whispering back and forth of what was going on. Someone creeped over without a word, cracking open the door to peer outside. ¡°My mate will pay for any damages to your frightful looking cart. Are you sure it wasn¡¯t missing a wheel before you flung it at my forepaws like some maniac? I mean that¡¯s where your fruit belong right?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re vegetables you red scaled beast. Cabbages are not fruit!¡±


    Arcturus sighed as Lyndis cackled like a mad-woman, setting her drink down and striding next to him clutching at her sides and out of breath. They moved through the crowd that had started to gather from the inn¡¯s doorway, everyone trying to get a good look of what was unfolding just outside. When the last pair parted for the human he was faced with the turned over cart from the cabbage salesman from before. His wooden cart was broken and twisted with splinters covering the ground. His cabbage once saved was now strewn across the street in large green chunks, like someone was trying to plant more to grow. Veledar was staring down at the red-faced man, sitting on his haunches with his tail curled around them both, tapping away at the stone.


    ¡°And don¡¯t give me this my mate business!¡± The bravest merchant that Arcturus ever saw thrust a finger towards the red dragon¡¯s nose. ¡°You got wings dat ya can use to bloody fly off whenever ya damn well please!¡±


    The dragon snorted, rolling his eyes to make it painfully obvious as people gathering around them as if this was the most exciting thing that they had seen all day. They nearly made a ring of steel that Arcturus had to wedge his way through.


    ¡°Well, how much for this dreadful looking cart. The one that looks like you were just about to lose it anyway.¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes widened as if he didn¡¯t expect the dragon to ask. He rose his fingers, counting off them slowly with a series of mumbles. ¡°Fifty gold pieces for the whole lot!¡± He shouted, thrusting his palms outward to Veledar¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Fifty?¡± The dragon pulled his head back with widened eyes. ¡°That can¡¯t possibly be the price, you¡¯re pulling my tail human!¡±


    ¡°Fine ten gold pieces it is!¡±


    Veledar looked away, holding up his foreclaw to seemingly inspect his claws. ¡°I¡¯m beginning to think that you shoved your cart on purpose!¡±


    ¡°I certainly did not! You tripped over the damn thing as it was just sitting there!¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not paying over five gold pieces for your rotten looking vegetables and horrible cart. And trust me my red faced human, I¡¯m annoyed at having to pay that ludicrous price. He returned his foreclaw to the cobblestone with a snort and tap of his tail.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here you two?¡± Arcturus finally managed to shout in a brassy voice, parting the last two mortals and striding over to the squabbling pair.


    ¡°Arcturus!¡± Veledar¡¯s face instantly brightened, the daggers he had been staring at the merchant fading away into nothing. The dragon shifted on his haunches, gesturing to the merchant with a wave of his claws. ¡°This cabbage vendor pushed his cart in front of me to trip. Then he claims that you should be the one to pay for it.¡±


    ¡°I said you dragon!¡± The man shook his fist, earning another roll of Veledar¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Anyway, I then tripped, falling onto my chest in a most undignified fashion. One that makes me want to charge him instead. One of the greatest injustices that I have ever suffered.¡± The dragon placed a claw to his chest.


    He eyed Veledar¡¯s expression with a sense of skepticism. He glanced to the merchant who was now glaring at him instead. ¡°Ten gold you said?¡± The man nodded, and Arcturus shoved that amount into his greedy out-stretched palms. ¡°Sorry about the mess.¡±


    ¡°Just keep that thing of yours on a leash. Lest it go destroying everything in sight.¡± The man spat, giving Veledar a stare brimmed with hatred.


    Arcturus frowned as Veledar¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could see the flames already swirling around In those darkened slits. ¡°Ah.¡± He stepped between the two, swallowing down his distaste for such a comment. ¡°This beast of mine felled hundred of undead with his breath and claws and saved an entire town from being devoured. I¡¯m sorry that your wretched cart was knocked over and destroyed but that is no reason for going about insulting him. Besides.¡± He rested his hand on Veledar¡¯s snout, which had slunk to his shoulder. ¡°He has very sharp teeth and flames that can burn a man to cinders, perhaps if you don¡¯t know him you should mind your sharp tongue. You know what they say about sleeping dragons no? He turned to Veledar with a softened voice. ¡°What was he said my mate. That you were like my pet? To be on a leash and ordered around?¡±


    Veledar nodded, a slight growl radiating from his throat as his tail thrashed onto the ground with an audible smack.


    The man¡¯s color drained from his face faster than a rock tossed from a cliff. His hand¡¯s trembled beneath the dragon¡¯s intense glare. He audibly gulped and rubbed the back of his neck, looking down at his boots. ¡°Perhaps I misspoke about the whole thing. Accidents happen o¡¯ course and ya did pay for the damage.¡± The cherry faced man shifted his weight side to side, ¡°Sorry bout the fuss¡­and the words.¡±


    ¡°Thank you human.¡± Veledar growled, ¡°Next time don¡¯t go pushing carts in front of dragons who are minding their business being brave and resplendent.¡±


    The man shut his mouth, crouching low to start picking up his scattered cargo as the crowd dispersed with a series of groans. It was almost as if they had wanted a fight to break out.


    ¡°I had that handled you know.¡± Veledar guided him away with his tail, his snout nuzzling into his chest. ¡°Didn¡¯t need you to swoop in and save me.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Lyndis laughed, patting the dragon¡¯s side. ¡°Looked like you didn¡¯t need any help at all with that.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you should even watch where you were going. Then maybe you wouldn-Hey!¡± Arcturus flinched as the dragon nipped at his bottom. He went to smack him, but the dragon had already pulled his head away with a chuckle. ¡°You know.¡± He tapped the dragon¡¯s chest with a laugh. ¡°You¡¯re going to make me destitute with the number of things you destroy.


    ¡°That is the part that amuses me human. It¡¯s not your coin I¡¯m promising away. It technically is mine.¡± The dragon rose his head, swelling his chest as his placed his foreclaw carefully on the ground. ¡°For your gold is mine, as mine is yours.¡±


    ¡°So how does the ¡°My mate will pay for damages.¡± Thing supposed to work?¡± He scratched the dragon¡¯s chin, earning a pleased warble.


    ¡°Oh, spare me that smug¡­smile of yours. We both know it makes the humans more agreeable if I offer a fellow human to pay for the damages.¡±


    ¡°Course it would make them more agreeable your brightness if ya didn¡¯t go focken crashin into their carts every few minutes.¡± Lyndis chuckled, glancing back to the inn.¡± Might start to think it¡¯s a hobby of yours.¡±


    ¡°Well, it certainly is not.¡± Veledar snorted, his frills fluttering on either side of his head.


    ¡°Then what where you doing today my silly dragon? I¡¯ve had quite the day with Lyndis here while you scurry about and knocking over that man¡¯s cart on two separate occasions.¡± Arcturus cast Veledar a warm smile, happily guiding the dragon¡¯s snout with a hand to stare into his eyes.


    ¡°You know me clever little human. I was off¡­Gathering things, information.¡± The dragon held up a claw, turning to inspect the talons with a smirk tugging at his snout. ¡°This and that. Getting gifts for the less fortunate, kissing babies. You know, all the heroic stuff in the stories.¡±


    ¡°Stuff and things?¡± Arcturus rose a brow, watching the dragon¡¯s eyes shimmer with a hint of mischief. ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re up to something.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± The red dragon looked away with a playful swish of his tail and shifting of his weight. ¡°You will have to accompany me to find out, won¡¯t you?¡±


    He crossed his arms, watching the dragon¡¯s snout for any sign of what he was really up to. He didn¡¯t see any deception or plotting that could be lingering within those happy looking blue slits. Not even a tremor was shared through their bond that could tip him off to some prank.


    ¡°He wants to take you on a date!¡± Lyndis gasped, snapping her hands to her mouth. ¡°That¡¯s so focken Cut-¡°


    ¡°Enough out of you.¡± Veledar growled cutting her off with an extended wing. The rouge just burst out into giggling laughter, smacking the soft membrane with the palm of her hands.


    ¡°Confirmed it! Dragon¡¯s embarrassed!¡±


    ¡°Silence you harpy.¡± Veledar slunk his head over his wing, ¡°Before I make you unable to eat again.¡±


    ¡°THAT WAS WHAT YOU WERE DOING?¡± She gasped, smacking his wing again. I practically starved that day you red scaled buffoon!¡±


    Arcturus was left surprised as the red argued back and forth in a hissing fit of laughter. ¡°A date?¡± He chuckled at the idea of the red taking him on one. Not that it wasn¡¯t unwanted or unheard of, but simply because he had never heard of dragons doing such a thing. He stood in shock that it was Veledar of all people asking for this. His hands fell to his side as cerulean eyes locked onto his, and a moment of pure content passed between the two without a sound. He extended a hand, brushing the dragon¡¯s cheek tenderly when it was offered. ¡°What did you have in that scaled head of yours?¡± He smiled, warmth spreading to his heart as Veledar nuzzled affectionately into his palm.


    ¡°Place I heard about today.¡± The dragon pulled back with a grin, face brimming with energy. He was practically bouncing on his paws with growly purrs. ¡°Has a bunch of stones that when the sun hits it makes the hills sing.¡±


    That was an expression, a dwarven one at that. Arcturus sighed, clenching his nose ridge with his fingers as he shook his head. ¡°I think that might be just an expression my brightness.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Slippery tongue met human face, causing Arcturus to half-heartily push away from the pinkish organ. ¡°So how about it Arcturus?¡± The dragon cocked his head to the side, his frills twitching softly.


    He couldn¡¯t resist the dragon¡¯s good cheer. He could feel it rippling against him getting stronger with each moment they stayed looking into each other¡¯s eyes. He peered over to Lyndis who was already rolling her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you go you daft fool. Go on yer date with the dragon. Have fun, kiss, fly around.¡± She tapped Veledar on the snout with a quick laugh. ¡°Just don¡¯t ride him too hard Veledar. We want our knight to be able to walk tomorrow.:


    ¡°No promises of that.¡± Veledar growled lustily in the back of his throat. ¡°He does bring out something fierce in me. The urge to feel him squirm and knotted to me is almost irresistible.¡± He cast his eyes to Arcturus, a lewd flicker coming to them that made the human¡¯s cheek blush something fierce. He imagined if someone where to touch them they would be set aflame.


    ¡°Lead a horse to water they say.¡± Lyndis sighed, thrusting a thumb back towards the mischievous kobold. ¡°I¡¯m going to enjoy myself. Maybe look around why things are so quiet around here.¡± Her eyes followed a rowdy gang of humans and wolven roaring with laughter. ¡°Figuratively speaking of course.¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t take it too hard. We¡¯re supposed to relax princess. Or have you forgotten with that drink you swallowed down earlier?¡± Veledar scoffed, flicking his tail. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be leaping at ghosts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not wet behind the ears dragon! So don¡¯t worry your paws none.¡±


    ¡°Come then.¡± Veledar nosed at the human¡¯s chest, nearly knocking him over.


    ¡°Hey!¡± His hands latched onto the dragon¡¯s scales, catching his fall. ¡°What has you so impatient? You¡¯re acting like a child!¡±


    ¡°Or a dragon who knows to go where we want we need to leave now.¡± The dragon¡¯s eyes shifted to the sun, an exhale tickling Arcturus¡¯ chest. The human held firm, fighting the tingle that threatened to summon a spasm of giggles. Veledar only smirked, clearly loving the twisting of Arcturus¡¯ face and the trembling of his hands. ¡°Now come my paladin. Hop onto my back, we can go get my harness and let us be off to the sky.¡±


    ¡°Any ideas what he wants to show me?¡± He turned to Lyndis, who only shrugged.


    ¡°Could be anything round here. Never quite sure with him. If you want my guess, It¡¯s either a full-length mirror, a statue of him, or his bloody dripping cock.¡±


    ¡°No Lyndis.¡± Veledar groaned, ¡°While those things are nice. Especially the last one. That is not what I have in mind to show my mate here. It is a secret that shall remain hidden beneath my armored scales.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Keep your dragon secrets.¡± Arcturus rubbed the red¡¯s snout and pushed him away to climb up onto the dragon¡¯s back. He clutched hard around Veledar¡¯s neck, wishing he had the harness. ¡°You said we were going to grab your harness before we head out to wherever it is your bringing me?¡±


    ¡°Most certainly I did human.¡± The dragon, cooed. ¡°You have to check on Shandalar anyway, see how she¡¯s doing guarding our things.¡±


    ¡°Is it something I would like?¡± He settled his weight as Veledar rose, unfolding his wings wide.


    ¡°Arcturus.¡± Veledar arced his neck, peaking back with a lone sapphire eye. His maw was parted into a smile. ¡°I heard humans love this place. And I¡¯m sure that one that appreciates beauty like me will simply adore it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing lewd is it?¡± He leaned back, crossing his arms. He gave the dragon a long stare that ended up with a snapping of jaws and a rumbling chuckle.


    ¡°No, my mate. Do I look like the gryphon? It¡¯s not always lewd thoughts that cross my mind¡­Although..:


    ¡°Hey!


    ¡°Calm yourself human.¡± Veledar sighed, ¡°It¡¯s not particularly known for its lewdness. Now can you cease your questions until we get there? Can you find the mental fortitude to wait?¡± The dragon¡¯s eye ridge rose, a test flap making Arcturus cling to his mate.


    ¡°I can.¡± He sighed, taking in the scent of his scales. ¡°Show me this surprise that has you acting so cute.¡±


    ¡°Certainly!¡± The dragon trilled, thrashing his tail and tensing his muscles. ¡°Lyndis!¡± He snapped his snout down to the chuckling half-elf.


    ¡°Just go you blood oaf and leave me!¡± She shouted.


    ¡°Very well!¡± Veledar pounded his wings, bounding into the sky with a mighty flap. The wind battered against them as they rose in a spiral above Roselake. Arcturus let out a cheer as the joy of flight radiated from their hearts for all to hear. The dragon banked his wing, setting his sights for the clearing where the caravan had rested for the evening. ¡°Arcturus?¡± Veledar¡¯ arched his head back with inquisitive eyes.


    ¡°Yes?¡± His fingers held tighter, as despite the dragon¡¯s care it was a tad bumpy.


    The dragon turned his head, flashing him a lewd grin. ¡°Do you still happen to have that rope in your pack?¡±