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Scales and Honor: City of Light

Chapter 11: Eye of the Observer

“Well it certainly doesn't look much does it?" Merlia chuckled, as she unslung her bow from around her back. Her eyes not straying for a moment from the smooth wooden surface of the simple wooden door across the empty street. She turned her head to spit a large lougie onto the cobblestone , only being lit now by the mana lanterns overhead. “Ya'd tink dey would spend some time in decroatin da place."

Arcturus was checking over his gear one last time, making sure he had the new armor on correctly, no need for something to get messed up because he did not take the time. Thankfully it was not that hard to figure out, and he had quickly donned the armor with no problem. He smirked as he remembered Veledar had watched him intently, with his claws on his snout with excitement.

*

“You look so intimidating right now." he had said, showing off a very tooth filled grin. “I mean not as intimidating as a dragon of course.....but" he suddenly caught himself....."Er..... You are most intimidating....I should have stopped there huh?" the dragon's frills had drooped.

“Hey I think you look as non threatening as a kitten as well." He laughed, playfully punching the dragon. “Don't think I can be wounded so easily Veledar, not after all the time together."

“Heh, yes of course." Veledar had hung his head up, his wings resettling on his back. “I am of course just being silly." He advanced his snout towards the paladin and quickly stole a kiss from him before Arcturus could react. “There are we even now for the almost insult?"

“Well I don't know." Arcturus had taken a forceful step towards the dragon and stole a kiss of his own from his scaled lips. He gave a soft sigh as the dragon did not recoil away. “There now we can be even." he had smiled, pulled away and caressed the dragon's right side.

*

“They did have a spell making it invisible to the naked eye dwarf. Did you not see me disable it?" Shandalar chimed in calmly, snapping Arcturus out of the memory. He saw her inspecting her belt, apparently she was doing the same check as Arcturus. Her eyes briefly scanning her pouches, and her hand gently on her sword hilt, making sure it was still in the frog.

“Well dats why I like dwarven craftsmanship better." Merlia replied, “Ya dun bother ta decorate sometin meant ta be invisible." She thumbed her chest proudly, “We cover da ting in runes. So everyone knows who made it."

“Sounds like a waste of valuable time."

“We can discuss dis later elf, maybe we focus on getting tru the door first."

Asterion gave a snort, as he had his head lowered. He was muttering words under his breath, as his tail flicked behind him. Arcturus figured he was preparing himself for the battle ahead. It probably won't end in a surrender. Would there even be time for it when things happen? He shook his head slightly as a strong breeze rattled his tabard, and made the fabric cling to his right leg like a child might. Saving Lyndis, that is all that matters right now.

“Well at least you can all fight and stuff. I am here being all useless." Veledar groaned, walking over and leaning on Arcturus' armor. “Why am I even here Arcturus?"

“Because you want to be here for your friend." he replied. “You also wanted to make sure we all knew how uncomfortable you were with being a human." he smiled, putting his left hand on the once dragon's shoulder. “Don't worry, we have not forgotten about your wining." he laughed in a whisper. “Just keep your head down, and stay out of the thick of the fighting."

“If I see a chance to transform I am taking it you know." Veledar turned to look at Arcturus, his face was all stern, his eyes showed no doubts.

“That is your choice to make then." he sighed. Your willing to risk everything? “Make it a last resort then...or if you definitely wont get caught.

“Oh I don't plan on getting caught." Veledar held his head up with a smile. “Just don't be surprised when you see my handsome rump fill your vision....or my tail pass by you.....or I flash you an irresistible eye wink."

“Eye wink?" he raised an eyebrow with a grin.

“Yes Merlia said its how human females seduce someone." The dragon blinked his eyes several times. “They bat their eyes at people."

“That is certainly something new to me." Arcturus laughed, “Perhaps she was having a laugh at you?"

He watched Veledar shoot a questioning look to the dwarf, who was holding out her thumb to the door, and lining it up to her eye. “No....she wouldn't......" he said softly. “Although....."

“Why are we sitting around her and waiting." Asterion finally spoke up, causing the others to jump slightly, except Shandalar who did not appear to be phased in the slightest. “Lyndis is trapped within...and battle is to be had." He thumped his chest once, letting out a harsh snort.

“I agree with the minotaur, we should get this done with haste." Shandalar strode out, crossing the moonlit street, and straight up to the door with out another word, with Asterion right behind her.

“Well perhaps we should go follow our elven friend before she gets herself into trouble." Arcturus picked up his shield with his left hand. Griping the handle tight with his gloved hand.

“Hireling Arcturus.....friend is such a strong word." Veledar muttered as they began walking towards the wizard. Who was now standing there with her hand cupping her chin.

“I agree wit da dragon on dis one." Merlia added with a whisper. “Yer lucky dey didn have any guards on da door. Or ya woulda ended up a pin cushion miss elf." she spoke up, as they joined her.

“It was not luck dwarf. I simple inspected the area and decided to act....Now the door there is most likely locked." She gestured to the shiny bronze handle. “It it were me of course it would be."

“Wait why were there no guards?" Arcturus cocked his head. “This just shouts suspicious to me."

“Not really lad..if ya tink about it for a moment. Da door was invisible....course I guess dey could always post a guard somewhere else..." Merlia whirled her head around to inspect the street around them. “Although I don't see nothin."

“So if the door is locked lets just pick it and get inside." Veledar crossed his arms. “That way we can just go get Lyndis and leave. Than we can get back to my book, and I will be one step closer to ditching this disguise."

“Oh but den we will be missin yer whinin." Merlia chuckled, padding over to the door and giving it a test turn. “Ok well it certainly is locked...Jus had ta try jus in case. Tink how funny dat woulda been."

Yea that would have been certainly embarrassing. “Ok so its locked. So just pick it Merlia and we can get inside." He unsheathed the new sword, as warmth spread to his fingertips. He swirled it with his wrist. It was most likely going to be fairly close quarters in there anyway, better off using the crossbow if they had something happen. Besides that's why you have Merlia. She is a better shot then me anyway.

“What makes ya tink I can pick a lock?"

No..."Wait...you can't pick a lock?"

“Why would I need ta pick a lock when I got da dwarven technique of openin stuff?"

“How about you Shandalar, surely you have a spell to unlock a door?" he turned to the stern faced elf. Who was still staring at the door.

“I unfortunately do not have such a spell....Although in hindsight perhaps I should have prepared one.."she replied flatly.

“Asterion? Surely you have a way to open the door?"

“No." the bull snorted.

“Crimson Sky?"

“Not unless you want me to break the door down. Although it sounds suspiciously like Merlia's plan." he chuckled. “Perhaps I should call it the dragon technique of opening stuff."

“Ya can't call it dat, ya jus be copyin us!" Merlia laughed deeply, as she seemed to enter a stance with bent knees. “Well if we got na better idea, I can always get to da technique."

Arcturus placed a hand on his helmet, shaking his head as he laughed to himself. We come this far, and we cannot find a crafty way to get past a locked door.

“I have a better idea." Shandalar held out her left hand, and spun it in a circular motion. “Yolgram!" she shouted, as a ball of flame spun around in her hand. She flicked her wrist, and the small orb of flame grew in size until is was the size of a coconut. It impacted the door, and exploded with a bright flash of light, causing Arcturus and the others to cover their eyes.

_ Damn the elf, she was a traitor!_ He thought, as he clenched his hands together, expecting the searing heat of a fireball. Although as the explosion roared around him he felt no flame, no pain, not even the wind from the thing.

“WHY DID YA FIRE DAT CLOSE!" Merlia shouted out, coughing and waving some smoke out of her face.

“You were in no danger. I can shield you from my spells with things called holes." Shandalar replied matter of factually.

“Holes ya say?" Merlia coughed, a grin forming on her face.

“Focus!"Arcturus snapped at the dwarf. He could see the door had been blasted away,with it's wooden frame reduced to splinters. Some parts of it remained in the frame, but were scorched, and still smoking from the spell. “Well come on!" he shouted, charging right through the destroyed door. His boots crushing the destroyed wood in their wake. He rose his shield, and he heard the others scurry behind him in a flurry of footsteps, as shouts sounded from ahead.

The room they had entered was large enough it seemed to fit three of Veledar's wingspans across. It was lit by mana lanterns, that bathed the worn stone room in a dim light. Men and woman sprung up from various chairs large chairs in the place, quickly grasping any weapon that was resting on a table, leaning on a wall,or sheathed around their waist. Tables were toppled as two of the gang members unslung normal crossbows knocked with bolts. Arcturus briefly counted fifteen people. “Now you all have a chance to su--."

A fireball flung over his head, impacting on one of the back walls. The flames exploded outwards, as several of the people were incinerated on impact, while furniture flung itself violently away from the impact site. Chair's hit the floor and exploded, as their legs scattered in different directions. The two who had been wielding crossbows were tossed over their table, to land on the floor with pained groans, as their weapons were torn from their grasp, clattering uselessly yards away.

“Get the mage!" a balding man shouted, his face wrinkled like a raisin. He rose his swords as he did this. “Or the boss will have ya for lunch!" The collected group took a quick glance at the man's snarl and charged straight towards Arcturus, their eyes full of murderous intent.

He would have offered a chance for surrender, but thanks to that fireball it seemed unlikely now. He imagined Shandalar saying it would do them little good to talk to them, considering they could warn the king about them. He met one man with his sword, easily cutting him down before he could even swing. He slashed out quickly from that man, the blade glowing white as it cut through the leather chest piece of another. Arcturus hardly felt any resistance as the sword kept going and cleaved the man in two.

Arrows flew around him, narrowing missing him as they impacted on several people aiming to strike at him. If it were anyone but Merlia shooting he might be worried. Several tried to take the others place, but the fights were over before they ever really began. They fell one by one to either arrow, hammer, sword, or a spell flung by Shandalar. Until it was just five of the men left, standing over the corpses of their fellow gang members. These ones were slightly different, their leather armor had large symbols of eyes on the torso. Each one of them had scars lining their faces, looking more like a symbol of status rather than a wound inflicted upon them. They each twirled twin swords, as they looked them with their ash covered faces.

“We got intruders here!" one of them shouted out, as the others charged forward. Arcturus readied himself to once again strike these men down, but he never got the chance to. He heard the stomp of Asterion's hooves, followed by the sight of golden flames springing up from the ground to envelop the rest of the soldiers. They let out a cry of pain, as the brief flash of magical fire washed over them. Arcturus could smell burning flesh as he bounded towards them as the fires vanished, leaving only three of the men standing, while the other two collapsed onto the floor. His sword cut through one stunned men with ease. Blood splatted onto the floor, as his friends finished off the final two with one arrow from Merlia, and Asterion who smashed the final man's head in.

“Those were easy." the bull snorted, “Hardly worth the effort."

“Well dey weren't trained soldiers I can tell ya dat." Merlia frowned, “Reminds me of da ones in da forest."

“I hope there are more worthy opponents further inside. Otherwise I will disappointed of Lyndis for being captured by such weaklings."

Arcturus took a deep breath and looked around at the corpse filled room they were standing in. From the look of the burn marks lining the floor, the broken furniture, and blood scattered, it looked like a battlefield. Cause that's what it is. His eyes found the three other doors lining the walls each one was a standard door like the one from the entrance. That probably annoys Merlia as well. He looked for any sign of reinforcements, as Merlia retrieved her arrows from the corpses scattered around the room. He spotted Veledar slinking into the room from the outside, closing the door softly behind him.

“Well you certainly are efficient.." he said, his eyes passing from corpse to corpse.

“Speaking of which." Arcturus turned to Shandalar, “You did not even give them a chance to surrender!"

“Please, the longer we waited, the longer they have to do things to this rogue of yours. I took the course of action that I knew was going to happen. It saved us time...time that could be better spent looking for your friend now." The elf strolled over the corpses like they were not even there.

“What if one of them would have showed us were she was?"

“No need." Shandalar held up a hand and pointed to right most door of the room. “I still have the locate person spell active...and she is going to be that way..Now do you wish to talk about how were going to waste time? Or are we going to save your friend?"

“Fine." Arcturus grumbled, as he reached out for the door. Only for it to open at the last second, and come face to face with six more leather clad many eyed gang members. He saw their faces light up in fear, the moment they laid eyes upon them. The door than was slammed shut, only for Arcturus to hold out and stop it with his armored wrist.

“Run, go tell the others!" he heard one of the woman shout.

Arcturus heard the sound of Merlia, uttering “Bozok Mul." followed by a cooling sensation spreading through his body. He took a deep breath to find it had an icy chill to it. He pushed open the door with hardly any effort, easily tossing back the two thugs holding it shut. She must have used bull's strength. He thought as two of the thugs stepped over to shield their knocked down companions.

“Stay awhile!" Merlia shouted, Arcturus saw an arrow shoot right over his shoulder to strike one of the thugs running down the long, hallway that was lined with mana lanterns. The arrow struck to the woman right in the shoulder, and caused her to stumble forward for a moment. However she caught her footing and continued to keep sprinting down the corridor.

“Feeling a tad under the weather?" Arcturus rose his shield, ducked his head and slammed shield first into the two thugs.

“Shut it, were not all perfect lad!"

The thugs swung uselessly at his magical shield. Their weapons just impacting with clangs against its surface, as he barreled right into them. He heard them grunt in pain as he pushed them backwards with a slam. Then there was a wave of magical fire that swept around him. The orange-red flames bathing everyone next to him, incinerating them. I have at least give it to her she is very handy to have around. He sprinted down the hall, passing door after numerous door, as his boot steps echoed off the stone walls. The last thug rounded a corner, with Arcturus right behind her.

“Wait up lad!" Merlia shouted from behind.

Around the corner was yet another door, that was still swinging on it's hinges as Arcturus passed through it's frame. He came to a startling stop, his armor rustling as he did so. He held his sword tight and his shield raised as he looked to the large stone room around him. This one appeared to be some sort of arena, as the furniture had been moved to be touching the painting, and lantern covered walls. The woman he had been following was in the center of the room, he hands in the air as she was talking to four other humanoids, clad in darkened clothes. Each one of them wore a black cloak, and a emotionless face as he looked them. The one that drew his attention was the most central man, who had multicolored gauntlets. He gave Arcturus a sneer with his worn and rugged face, crossing his arms. His cold blue eyes scanned the paladin up in down, sizing him up.

“So your one of the princesses friends?" the man said sternly, brushing the woman aside. “I suggest you take your other companions and just leave here before we have to splatter the room with your innards." He cracked his knuckles, as his three other cloaked friends chuckled to themselves.

Arcturus could hear the sounds of his friends coming down the hallway, not a moment or two behind him. “I am afraid that may be out of the question really." He said confidently with a smile under his helmet. “You see, you and your friends here took from us our friend, and we really don't take to kindly to that."

“Aye dats right ya bald, cold eye'd, spooky cloak werin git!" Merlia shook her fist.

He heard Shandalar mutter something, followed by a thin strip of water flying from one of the cloaked figures hands to hers. It wrapped around the elves hands like a rope and tied them together. Shandalar was yanked forward as the figure pulled violently. Then an arrow was loosed at the one holding the water rope, only for a wall of stone to rise out of the floor, as another one of the cloaked figured stomped their feet on the ground.

Were these elemental warriors?

“Now we were having a chat here when this.....Wizard dear?" the man cocked his head, “Wanted to just burn us!" He shook his head as he paced, “We couldn't even have a pleasant conversation...." He laughed, stopped, and turned to them. All the joy in his face gone as he shot daggers with his eyes. “Now last time, leave here at once and never come back. Or else we will be kill you. Consider your princess in another castle as it were, this one is ours."

“Well sadly...no." Arcturus strode forward , slicing at the water rope, cutting it right in two. The water splattered to the ground as he heard Shandalar shout, and throw a firebolt at the figure that had her bound. The firebolt struck their clothing and set them aflame. The figure tossed it to the ground to reveal a lithe woman with brown shorts, and a blue tunic. She sprung towards the wizard, as her white hair just barely missed another firebolt. Arcturus had no time to focus as the gauntlet clad man charged right at him. Well this will be a no brainier, it doesn't look like he has any powers, and he just has his fist. He rose his shield, as the man swung back to punch him, obviously telegraphing his move.

This is going to hurt you buddy when you hit the... The fist hit the shield with a loud clang. Arcturus grit his teeth as he was suddenly lifted off the ground, and thrown ten feet backwards. He landed right on his arse with a pained groan.

He clenched and unclenched his shield hand, as he felt it light up with pain. He sighed in relief as it did not appear to be broken. But damn did that man hit hard. Arcturus looked up to see him following right after him, his eyes full of confidence. He swerved out of the way as Asterion smacked one of the cloaked figured with his hammer, ripping the cloak off to reveal a similarly dressed man as the woman, except his shirt was brown.

Uh-oh. The man did a flip in midair with his leg extended. If his foot carried the same strength as his punch, he might be crushed. Arcturus rolled out of the way in the direction of his shield arm, using it as a pushing off point.

The man hit the ground with a loud smack, causing the stone beneath his foot to splinter and crack, the thin lines looking almost like a spiderweb.

_ See? Gods damn._ Arcturus lashed out with his sword almost simultaneously as the man hit the ground. However he just readjusted his weight and with the reflexes of a lightning bolt he flipped backwards. Arcturus sword only managed to catch part of his cloak, easily slicing through the fibers. Hes fast.

The man pounced again the moment his feet touched the floor, Arcturus only managed to just side step out of the way.

_ That was close. I don't know how I am going to be able to...._

The man coiled himself in midair and Arcturus felt him grab hold of his armor as briefly passed by. In flowing motion the man used his momentum to spin Arcturus around, and fling him towards one of the walls.

Arcturus' back exploded with pain as he slammed against one of the walls with a dull thud, followed by his helmet crashing into it as well. Somehow he managed to not collapse as stars danced around in his eyes. He blinked them as his entire body felt all tingly, as if the air had gotten very cold all of a sudden. He could just make out the man rushing towards him once more, confidence in his eyes. Ok THINK, Hes faster, much more agile than myself, moves like Lyndis does, I need a way to slow him down....aha! Arcturus pressed his hand against the back of his shield, “ Koraavnu rith" he uttered,causing a bright brilliant, blinding light to spring forth from his shield. Like the rays of the sun they bathed the man in their brilliance. Arcturus grinned as the man released a shout, closing his eyes in pain from the intense light.

NOW! He side stepped the arrow that was the charging man, and with a quick upwards motion his sword tasted blood. He pictured Bahamut lashing out with one of her mighty platinum claws as he felt the blade find purchase in the man's skin. He felt his chest grow warm, as it radiated outwards to his fingertips in the blink of an eye. The white aura that usually accompanied his sword strikes exploded like his shield with light. However despite being blind, the man had contorted his body in such a way, that the strike meant to slice through his torso, was only reduced to slicing along his upper thigh.

The man stumbled and fell to the ground, clutching the wound in his hands as he let out a pained gasp. He tried to hold the large gash in his leg together, as his blood leaked profusely from it. He looked up and glared at Arcturus without a word, but he could see the fury in his eyes.

_ Good, now maybe we can talk about you giving up._ Arcturus stood triumphantly over the man as he extended his sword out. He could hear the sounds of battle around him as his companions battled the other humanoids. Dwarf curses, explosions, and the sounds of Asterion's shouts were the ambient sounds here. Everyone except Veledar of course was fighting. Arcturus glanced to find the once dragon in the door frame, his eyes locked on the paladin. He could feel the dragon's worrying pulsating in his own head. “Tell your men to back off and surrender." Arcturus spoke, moving his onyx blade to be a mere two inches from the man's throat.

“I think not." the man smirked, bounding up as if he unhurt.

Arcturus got a brief glance at his thigh, and spied the wound that had looked so grievous was now healed, with little evidence of it being there. Regeneration! He dodged the first two punches, and managed to redirect another with his shield. Luckily they were not at the same strength as the very first punch, but they still carried enough force for his hand to ache as he held onto the shields grip. He tried to attack back through the whirlwind of punches, but each time he lashed out with his sword, the man would find a way to dodge away from it, or the strike would only lick at his clothes. Finally though he managed to nick the man in the shoulder, drawing blood. Not good enough.

The man seemed unphased as he moved towards Arcturus' right side, flowing like water he dodged Arcturus' attempt to strike him again. With his arms moving at a blinding pace, he unleashed a quick four strikes into his breastplate, right where his ribs would be located.

The strikes sent Arcturus toppling over, as he felt several of his bones crack and the wind knocked from his lungs. He collided with the ground with a loud audible clang. His next breath was filled with pain, like needles pressed into his lungs. He grit his teeth as he tried to push the pain from his mind, and focus on the fight at hand. However the man gave him no reprieve, he was once again on top of him in a moment. Without a word he ripped the shield from Arcturus' grasp, despite him clinging to it like his life depended on it. With a sneer the man tossed the shield away violently, Arcturus heard the pained cry of Asterion sound after a dull smack. He tried to lift his sword and strike at the man, but found his wrist caught by the man's gauntlet.

_ Damn't, and I just placed their fighting style._ They were monks from one of the numerous monasteries scattered throughout Drenedar, although what they would be doing here and working for an observer was beyond him at the moment. He struggled to free his grip from the iron grip that was now crushing it. This only caused the man to laugh in his throat as he felt him tighten his grip, slowly crushing his wrist. Arcturus heard someone shout out his name, he was almost certain of it. Possibly Merlia? He felt a warmness radiate from his limbs, like being near a fire on a cold night. It made him give a pleased sigh, even as the man currently was crushing his bones. His next breath was not filled with pain, as he figured whatever had broken had reformed themselves. So Asterion survived the shield throw, thank the gods we have a cleric. He grinned inside his helmet as he gave a restrengthen tug to free himself, but the human held him firmly still.

“No escaping I am afraid." he smiled, holding up one of his fingers and wagging it right in front of Arcturus' helmet. He tightened his grip on Arcturus' wrist, causing him to cry out as he felt something pop. He than placed a boot on his armored chest. “How much pressure do you think it will take to pop you open like a grape?"the man asked with a slimy grin, “Well I guess you should hav...."

Veledar slammed into him with his shoulder lowered. “GET OFF MY PALADIN!" the once dragon shouted. Causing the man to stumble off of Arcturus, his eyes widened in surprise.

It was only for a moment however, as he recovered and swung his body around with his first ready to strike. It looked similar to the one he had opened with that had knocked Arcturus across the room. The human filled with dread at what it could do to his friend, who was unarmored and most likely did not have a way to lesson the impact. Could Veledar die while shapechanged? There would be no time to find out as he rose and sliced down with his sword. He could feel his heart pounding as his sword raced to find the man, before his fist could even touch Veledar. Did I swing too slow? He saw the man's eyes widen, and try to pull his hand away but it was too late. The black blade sliced right through the man's forearm like nothing, severing the hand and gauntlet along with it. The man shrieked as he stumbled forward. Arcturus swung back upwards, and in a single moment the sword sliced right through the man's neck. His body fell to the ground with a sickening plop, as his blood began to rush out of his stumps.

Veledar had leaned back, his face had been sprayed with blood from the gauntlet wielding man. He seemed to just be at shock for a moment, before his face widened with a sly grin, “Well I have to hand it to you Arcturus, you certainly know how to heroically save dragons."

“Did you just really make a joke like that? At a time like this?" He shouted in relief. He knew the joke was perhaps a bit uncalled for, but after nearly getting killed he was just laughing the same.

“Why are you going to lose your head about it?" The dragon grinned, wiping his brow with his shirt.

“IF YA TWO ARE DUN PLAYIN PATTYCAKE WITH STUMPY DERE I COULD USE YER HELP!" Merlia shouted out, as she was currently backing away from a purple haired elven woman. Who was moving it seemed almost as fast as the gauntlet man, but she could not seem to be able to land a blow. “An I tink da elf needs help as well!"

Arcturus looked out to Shandalar, who was currently wielding her sword against the blue shirted woman. Who would not give the elf a single inch, which was a good plan when Arcturus considered it. Magic needed a phrase,gestures, and sometimes components. If she could stop the elf from being able to do the movements required, she would be unable to cast her spells. With the speed of how the monk was moving her strikes, it seemed the wizard would not be able to cast for awhile. Merlia and Shandalar both need help....which would leave.... He turned his gaze to Asterion, who was squaring away with the brown shirted man. The bull currently was breathing heavily, as a floating field of swords hung in between him and the man, who besides a cut shirt looked fine and healthy. “Asterion need any help?" he shouted out.

The minotaur just waved back to him, as his tail flicked his thigh. “No, go help the others."he growled as he pounded his chest with a clenched fist. “I will handle this one."

“See dats why we love ya Asterion!" Merlia ducked from the latest strike from her opponent, trying to slice at her with one of her axes. However the woman easily move out of the way of the sharp blade, and with an open palm blew Merlia several feet away with a sudden gust of wind.

“Why are you not using your bow?" Veledar shouted, as Arcturus picked up his shield. He pulled out his crossbow and tossed it to Veledar, who promptly caught it. The dragon turned the thing over in his hands, and looked startled when he activated the thing with a hum.

“BECAUSE SHE KEEPS CATCHIN ME ARROWS!"

Catch arrows? Arcturus had heard of the monks being able to do that before, but he had never seen it in person. “Crimson Sky, help Merlia out over there before she turns into a beat from anger. He gestured to her as Merlia summoned a vine from the ground to try and snare the purple haired elf. The woman swirled around the thing like the very air itself, before coming around to punch Merlia right in her right cheek. The force of it knocked the stout dwarf to the ground.

“IS DAT DA BEST YA GOT?" Merlia spat out some blood from he mouth to the ground.

_ Looks like a change of plans then._ He instead held his sword out towards her, and focused on the eldritch spell. Three mana bolts shaped like dragons twisted around his arm before flying out to strike at the woman. She however twisted out of the way of each one without even looking, it was almost as if she knew they were coming. Gods damn't! She bounced with grace towards Merlia, her feet hardly staying on the ground for hardly a moment. He held his sword out ready to strike. If she did what she had just done he was not sure that he would be able to slice at her, but it would at least stall her long enough. Maybe for Merlia to get a good hit in.

However it seemed Merlia herself had a plan by the smirk she was giving the monk as she touched her foot on the stone next to her. Merlia said something under her breath as Arcturus noticed she had been holding her palm flat against the stone the entire time. Vines sprung up from all around the woman before she could react. They were not as large as the one that had been able to grab the gryphon the other night, but these ones wiggled like snakes as they wrapped around the graceful monk's legs. She tried to pull away but the things pulled tight and held her against the ground. The dwarf held her axes firm as she strode with a few steps through the vines, they seemed unable to latch onto her boots. They just slid off of her, and not slowing her advance. The dwarf attacked her with renewed effort, causing the monk to try deflect each strike. However the best she could do was redirect Merlia's strikes with bursts of wind from her hands.

“EVEN WHEN YER BOUND I CAN"T HIT YA!" Merlia shouted angrily as Arcturus took his place flanking the woman. Luckily Merlia had summoned the vines to perfectly only snare the woman, and not too far behind her. The perfect little open space for someone like himself to aid her.

Arcturus struck out at the woman, causing her to whirl around and block his attack by holding his wrist. She had been so fast he had not even seen her move to do so, but she lacked the strength of the previous man. Arcturus carried through with his attack, but his sword missed her and struck the floor instead with a scrape. The woman screamed in pain, as Merlia struck her right in the back with one of her axes. Good I was enough of a distraction.

“See dats how ya do it!" Merlia shouted with a grin. The woman spun around to lash out at the dwarf with a closed fist. Merlia ducked from the thrown punch, and struck again with her second ax right into the woman's gut. She let out a small meep, as blood poured from the wound. Her eyes widened in shock as her body trembled. Merlia removed her ax head with a slchurp, causing the woman to collapse and recoil on herself with a whimper. Her hands immediately went to hold the now gaping wound in her stomach. “Best be holdin your stomach there, while we deal wit yer friends dere."

Arcturus' attention was drawn to Shandalar, as she elf appeared to have gained some ground on the monk attacking her, However she still seemed to busy to cast her spells properly. Thankfully it seemed the monk was too occupied as well to summon any more of her water whips. Each time she went to do so, Shandalar made sure her sword was right there, and ready to punish the action. However as the fight was continuing Arcturus could make out the sweat on Shandalar's forehead. Despite how well she was handling the sword, he imagined it was not her specialty. He would not be surprised if she could not keep this defense up for much longer.

“She is really good wit dat sword!' Merlia gasped, as they bound towards her.

“Ugh." Asterion grunted as he hit the floor in front of them, his maul clattering on the stone. His muzzle hit with a smack, as a small spray of blood painted the grey stone with a dull crimson. He shuttered for a moment, before pushing himself back onto his hooves with a wince of his eyes. He snatched up his maul in one hand, while muttering under his breath he touched his chest with the other. The faint glow of a cure wounds spell enveloped the bullman, as Arcturus saw him give a snort of relief, as his tail twitched behind him.

“Ok Asterion, ya need me help." Merlia unslung some arrows, as she held the oathbow taught. “So shut yer yap and take it."

Asterion shot her a glare, but nodded almost immediately after. “Watch out for his balls of earth he throws!" he shouted, as he sprung forth to charge at the brown clothed monk.

“Dun worry it wont be da only time someone tried to toss dem at me face!" Merlia laughed hysterically as she let fly several arrows in rapid succession.

Well that leaves the water monk to us than. He finished rushing over to the whirlwind of fists and sword slashes as he looked for a proper opening to join in. He saw both of the combatants eye him as they continued their deadly dance. Shandalar simply had nodded at him, while the other woman glared at him. That's when he saw his opening and took it with a slice of his sword. However the woman was too quick and swerved of the way. He tried to recover with a second swing, but she avoided that one as well. He cursed under his breath as each strike seemed to simply miss her as she moved like the very water she could control. To his amazement, he nor Shandalar was seemingly able to land a blow on this woman. Although each time the wizard stopped to try a spell, the monk was sure to interrupt it with a quick strike. Now if she had had these gauntlets that other fight would have been terrifying. He shuttered at the thought of someone this fast and agile with those powerful things in their possession. The woman with her next lash of attacks was able to summon some water, that drove them all apart, leaving them standing several feet from one another.

Arcturus gripped the hilt of his sword as his eyes stayed locked onto the agile woman breathing heavily in front of them. He could feel the sweat on his own brow, threatening to drip down his face as he breathed in and out. That's when he heard the familiar sound of an energy cross bow's snap echo across the room. He saw behind Shandalar the bright crimson glow, that must have been from energy bolt sailing threw the air. Shandalar clicked her fingers once as she twisted her left foot, “Bruhus steg."she uttered. Arcturus thought he saw a smug grin for a moment before her entire body turned into a fine white mist. The red energy bolt passed frightening fast towards the monk, faster than she could react this time. It collided with her chest, causing her to release a shrill scream of pain that bounced off of the walls. She was thrown backwards, crashing, and tumbling to the stone floor. She did not raise, as Arcturus saw smoke start to rise from her unmoving body.

“Nice shot Crimson Sky." suddenly came the voice of Shandalar right beside him. Arcturus nearly fell over in surprise. It was like she suddenly had popped out of thin air. “Even if you missed, I still used it to my advantage."

“How did you do that?" Teleporting does not work in Entis. Arcturus cocked his head, as he turned to look at her. She had a small smirk in the corner of her mouth. So you do have emotions besides angry!

“Misty Step. It allows me to assume the form of a mist so that I may escape my enemies." She said calmly, the smirk being absorbed by her usual stoic face. “Not as powerful as a teleport spell, but it gets the job done in times like this."

“TAKE DAT!" Merlia called out, as she ran by, loosing more arrows from her quiver. Her hands were moving in an almost blur at the speed at which she was loosing them. They would fly out towards the brown clothed monk as he was pressing the attack on Asterion. Easily dodging the bullman's hammer.

The man caught each and every arrow that was loosed his way, not even skipping a beat on avoiding Asterion. On the latest such attack he side stepped the forceful swing, and caught the bull's leg with his foot, and sweeping it out from under him. With his next smooth motion he whirled the same leg around,and brought his foot down upon Asterion's back and forcefully slammed him onto the floor.

“STOP CATCHIN ME ARROWS, AND STOP DANCIN AND FIGHT LIKE A DWARF!' Merlia roared, as she continued to fire arrow after arrow at the man. “YA CAN'T POSSIBLY CATCH EVERYONE ONE OF DEM!"

“Enough of this." Shandalar held out a hand towards the man, “Gevild Jor". With the final syllable Arcturus saw the man who had been full of grace at dodging his two friends suddenly freeze up. His entire body suddenly stopped as his eyes widened in shock. Three arrows finally found purchase in his chest, their tips easily piercing his flesh.

Asterion gave a final roar as rose up and he swung his hammer at the paralyzed man with all his might. With a sickening smack, the hammer struck the man's head. It bent his neck at a twisted angle, that there was no way he survived. The bull stepped back and thumped his chest three time, and stomped his hoof loudly in victory.

Arcturus saw Shandalar out of the corner of his eye form a fist with her outstretched hand, as the man's body slumped to the ground. His eyes scanned the once pristine looking room. To find it now littered with corpses, blood, and damaged furniture. He felt Veledar stand next to him, after striding over across the room. His eyes went to the three other doors to this place, looking exactly as the other ones before it. Who ever had made this place certainly wanted to have their doors all in order.

“Wasn't there one more?" the dragon asked.

_ There was four plus the one from before....His eyes went to each corpse, and the injured one still groaning on the floor. _One......two.......three.....four........wait...the one from before is missing! He did a double check around the room, just to make sure he had not missed anything. Perhaps her body was simply underneath one of the other ones, or she was hiding in a corner watching them. However this was not the case as he could not account for her whereabouts. “She must have slipped away during the fighting." he growled, “We should probably go find her before she can alert the rest of the who entire gang." His eyes found one of the doors was slightly cracked open. That's where she went.

Suddenly that door swung open, with a clatter on the wall. Lyndis was standing in the door frame looking exhausted. Her face was smudged with soot, and dried blood, along with the rest of her leather armor and torn clothes. She took several steps into the room without a word, each one seemed to be a strain for her. Within her arms she was carrying what looked like the body of a black scaled kobold in a blue robe. Although by the looks of his smashed up head, and the fact his chest was not rising he appeared to be dead.

“Lyndis!" Everyone cried in almost unison as everyone rushed the tired half-elf. They had bound over to her in a blink of an eye, with arms wide.

“How did ya get out lass?" Merlia exclaimed with a smile.

“Good to see you." snorted Asterion.

They all moved in for a hug but stopped themselves at the last moment. Arcturus' remembering the kobold she was holding within her arms.

“I got free thanks to these two."She said softly, gesturing to the one she was holding, “Azzik here."She looked slightly back and gestured to a blue scaled kobold standing silently behind her. “And Feku there." She trembled as she took her next few steps into the room.

“Is he...." Merlia asked, stepping in to inspect Azzik's wounds with her hands. She ran them over his smooth head, and wincing.

“Yes." Lyndis held her head, “Unless Asterion can do anything to cure death."

“How long has he been dead for?" came the bulls reply with a twitch of his tail. “

“Only for a few minutes!" Feku suddenly said, “Not even five minutes!" The blue scales near the edges started to shift to contain little green dots.

“Than...." Asterion sighed, as Arcturus saw him fidget slightly. “No.." he finally said with a snort. “There is nothing that I can do."

“Oh..." Feku said softly, her scales returning to the dark blue they had once been. Her frills drooped as she hung her head, and grabbed Lyndis around the leg.

“Not to be ruining the reunion here with the princess, but did you happen to see a woman than ran down that hallway? We are concerned she would be warning the rest of the gang here of our presence." Shandalar said flatly, holding up a finger towards the ceiling.

“You are?" Lyndis asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Shandalar, surely your friends told you of me before your capture?"

“Crimson Sky may have had some choice words.....As for the woman? She is dead, I killed her on my way through the hallway. She attacked me after seeing what I had done to her friends."

“Well that solves that problem then." Shandalar replied, “Carry on with the reunion then. I will watch the doors to ensure we have no other wanted guests." She turned and faced towards the doors, crossing her arms as she did so.

“Can we get outside of here now?" Feku said softly as she tugged at Lyndis' leg. “I don't want to be here anymore." She turned her snout to Arcturus, her purple eyes looked so defeated. He recognized those eyes from two years ago, “Can we please go Mr. Arcturus?"

“How did you know my name?" he stowed his sword in one swift motion.

“Miss Lyndis told me and......Azzik.....all about you and your friends..." she hung her head, 'She said we could come with you when we escaped."

“She did what now?" Veledar spoke up finally. Arcturus had been afraid the dearest dragon had gone mute. “I was not aware she had the authority to let people into my group without my permission."

“Shut up Crimson Sky." Lyndis muttered through her teeth.

“Lyndis!" Veledar gasped, holding a hand to his chest. “Do you forget with whom you are speaking with?"

“Please Crimson Sky....I am in no mood for your.....youness.....I lost a friend tonight..." She looked down to Azzik, her arms trembling once again.

Veledar gave a little snort, as he crossed his arms. He nodded at her once, “Very well Lyndis."

“So lets get out of here like Feku said." Arcturus said, “We have what we came for anyway."

“No." Lyndis replied with a stern voice.

“No?" Feku squeaked in surprise. “Why do you wish to stay?"

“Two reasons." Lyndis held up two fingers, “One, Crimson Sky's magical items were taken by the observer."

“It did what?" Veledar snarled, scrunching up his face as Lyndis continued to talk.

“Second reason, and the more important one of the two. That thing enslaved you two, and I want to pay him back for everything wrong ever done to you by him or his minions."

“But we can leave!" Feku tugged again at Lyndis. “Your friends might get hurt! Please let's just go lady Lyndis!" She gave one last tug as her eyes locked onto Azzik. “Before anyone else dies tonight....."

“No one else is going to die Feku.." Lyndis replied softly, as she looked up to the rest of them. “Is everyone else up for continuing further into this place and putting down a vile monster?"

Like she had to ask. “Of course Lyndis.." Arcturus replied, “I believe putting down vile monsters is my specialty."

“I of course would not be against doing some heroics today." Veledar curled his head as he flashed Lyndis a smirk.

“Oh ya jus want ta get ur tings in da right hands." Merlia chuckled as she turned and gave Lyndis a nod, “Ya can count on me lass."

Arcturus turned as he heard Asterion thump his chest three times in rapid succession. “I have not fought an observer before, hopefully it will put up a good fight."

“Well that's all of you...how about our new elven friend over there?" Lyndis pointed a finger to Shandalar who was now standing overt the injured woman. She was standing with her hand outstretched and her fingers extended, it almost looked like she was going to cast a spell.

Perhaps it was going to be a memory charm like Florimel had cast?

Suddenly a torrent of red-orange flames sprung from her hand, bathing the woman in their wicked inferno. She did not even let out a cry of pain as her entire body ignited in an instant, and was incinerated before their eyes.

“Shandalar!" Arcturus shouted out, as his eyes widened. “What do you think your doing?" He practically sprinted over towards the elven wizard, who just casually turned around to face him. Her face annoyingly showing no emotion of what she had just done. “We had her subdued! We could have just healed her and gotten information out of her!"

“She saw our faces, and your people could probably detect a mind altering spell if they put their minds to it....If I had one that is...My mission is too important to be blown over one person seeing your group and alerting the king of your presence....." She looked down to the pile of ash at her feet. “Now she cannot tell anyone we were here."

“We could still have gotten information out her." Arcturus growled.

“Not likely." Shandalar replied flatly, the moment she would have been healed she would have been obligated to try and kill you."

“You don't know that!" he shouted out, holding his hands up. He heard the sound of his friends arriving behind him, probably getting nearby to stop a fight if it broke out.

“Yes I did captain. They were an order of monks in the southern region of Drenedar. The Capatuula region, and I believe they were calling themselves the order of the wayward fist, If I remember correctly. They swear an oath to their employers....The kind you would rather die than end up breaking." She gestured to the still smoking pile of ash. “She chose to toss her lot in with this observer, and would have gladly died to have aided him. To not do so, would have been a great dishonor to her.....Now have I made myself better understood?" She cocked her head and stared at Arcturus with her piercing eyes.

“Yes." he replied with a sigh. He did not like the idea of it, but she made sense logically.

“And the people from before." Shandalar continued, “Each person in this place has done something to earn their place. There are no non-guilty parties within the many eyed. The quick death I gave some of those fools, was most likely too good for them."

“Well what about Feku, and Azzik?" Arcturus gestured to the kobolds with a quick arc of his neck.

“By the look of things, they were not really in the gang. They were simply slaves, so my statement still rings true."

“As great as it is to catch up with all of you, and see your smiling faces once again." Lyndis groaned. “I feel like death.....Asterion could I ask you for a heal?"

“I think we could all use one, especially if we are going to go hunting for the observer." Arcturus strode over to the bull.

“Yes we must continue this glorious battle...." Asterion held up a hand as he walked over, his maul slung over his shoulder. “However we must be healed in order to fight at out best." He held out a hand, and gestured to all of them gathered. “Siintul do hind." he uttered, as his body suddenly seemed to glow a faint orange light. “There that will make sure we get the most of the next spell." Asterion closed his eyes, and preformed a cross pattern with his free hand. “Feyal Vokras Ahraan." he uttered in a growl, he extended his hand and gestured to all of them once again. This time the faint white light from the cure spell radiated to all of them. Arcturus felt his chest grow warm once again, with the familiar feeling of healing magic spreading to his fingertips. It reminded him of cuddling with Veledar, although slightly less warm. He gave a deep breath as he felt all his energy return to him, as if the last few minutes of intense fighting did not happen at all.

Asterion then placed his hands together,"draan vahraan." he muttered and started chanting some more. From his hands sprung forth a small wave of light, that reached out and touched all of them. Arcturus figured this last one was to top them off, and make sure whatever the last spell did not heal this one would accomplish.

“Ya know, I never git tired o healin magic." Merlia chuckled, as she strode around plucking her arrows off the ground. She would stop occasionally to rifle through some of the monk's things. “Asterion ya know how ta make a girl feel all warm inside."

“Is now really the time Merlia?

“Aye I know dat lad." she thrust a thumb to Asterion. “But if we gotta stand here wit our thumbs up our backsides, I at least wanna git some lootin in." She gave a quick smirk, “Besides I tink the man you fought had some fancy lookin gauntlets." She started walking over towards the corpse of that particular man. “We probably want to go get dem before...."

“Treasure!" Veledar exclaimed, proudly raising the multicolored gauntlets in one hand, and a simple golden ring in the other. “I claim them for my own of course." the dragon pulled them against his chest with a coy smirk.

“Oh like hell ya are!" Merlia strode over in a huff, and thrust a finger square into Veledar's chest. “We be handin out da loot fair in square...Like ya should in a party of adventurers such as ourselves."

“But you forget dear Merlia, that I am the leader." Veledar held his head up, “And that I am a dragon."

“DAT DUN MEAN NOTHIN AT DIS TIME." Merlia jabbed his chest again, her face growing slightly red. “Besides what ya need a ring and gauntlets fer anyway? Ya gonna just put dem on a shelf er somethin?"

“It doesn't matter what I do with them. I simply want them."

Arcturus rolled his eyes, as he pressed his fingertips to the bridge of his nose. “Come on you two, We can divy out any items later." He looked up to see Veledar look at him, sigh, and give him a nod.

“Fine. I will concede to your decision."

“YER LISTENIN TO HIM?" Merlia raised an eyebrow, “Oh I see how it is."

Arcturus left them to bicker back and forth about who was going to get what magic item, and took a knee next to Feku. Who was currently sitting down next to Azzik, fidgeting with her claws. Lyndis was sitting close to her.

“Thanks for coming to get us." Lyndis suddenly said with a sigh, turning back slightly to look at him. “I never doubted for a moment that you guys would come eventually. Arcturus saw her gaze return to the body of the dead kobold. “If only I had waited a little bit longer...." He heard her mumble under her breath.

“Lyndis if you need to talk after this..." He said softly, “I have lost people under my command at times before....I'm here for you." He he patted her shoulder as a smile slowly came to her face.

“Thanks Arcturus, although I imagine driving my rapier..."

“Ahem..." Veledar leaned in, and gave Lyndis a stare.

“Crimson Sky's rapier." She rolled her eyes, “Through the giant floating thing considers it's body." She mimed a thrusting potion, as she held an invisible rapier.

“and how are you doing?" Arcturus asked Feku, as the little blue kobold's tail swished in place. Her gaze did not leave that of her dead friend.

“I just want to leave......." She said quietly, “It's what he wanted to do."

“The sooner I get this done Feku, the sooner we can all leave." Lyndis wrapped her arm around the kobold and pulled her close against her. “It's okay Feku, It's okay." she brushed the back of Feku's head with her hand as the kobold dug her snout into Lyndis' chest. He heard Feku give a small whimper, followed by a sniff.

“Do not worry little one. We will get rid of that nasty observer. You have my word as a dragon." Veledar announced, as he moved in and wrapped a hand around Arcturus' waist. The once dragon pulled his body right up against his armor, causing Lyndis to raise an eyebrow.

“So.." she pointed to Arcturus, than shifted her finer to Veledar, “This finally happened?"

“Yes." Arcturus replied, as he felt Veledar fidget slightly while holding him.

“Focken finally." she muttered, “Couldn't have picked a better time to share with me the good news huh?" She gave a weak smile, “I'm a sucker for romance things, and I have been dying for you two to eventually get together. I have like a thousand questions for the both of you, as soon as this is all said and done of course."

Feku gave another sniff, as she turned to Veledar, and wiped a tear from her eye. “Your a dragon?" she asked softly, her voice almost a whisper. “You don't look like one." she added, looking to Veledar with eyes filled with skepticism.

“See this is why I hate the disguise. No one knows I am a dragon and to be respectful!" Veledar held his head a tad higher, seemingly to try and appear more regal.

“Well that certainly is the point of a disguise my dearest dragon." He playfully shoved Veledar's chest.

“Don't remind me of the facts Arcturus.....Especially if they ruin the point that I was trying to make." Veledar grinned and crossed his arms.

“What point was that again?"

“That I am a glorious dragon, and you cannot see that with the disguise!"

“Oh gods have I missed you both." Lyndis laughed, as Veledar started to chuckle. “All of you of course. Not just the stuck up dragon, who apparently is now open that he likes the paladin."

“We missed ya too lass." Merlia replied, placing the last arrow back into her quiver. “We'll I dun know about da rest of ya, but I be ready to go. Who else wants ta go shoot dis ting until it looks like a cactus?"

“I have been ready." Arcturus laughed, “If Crimson Sky here would release me from his clutches.

“Well I suppose if I have to." Veledar groaned, and released him. “Well anyway as I was saying to my dearest kobold here before we got interrupted.

“You mean you got distracted." Lyndis laughed. “about disguises and such."

“Yes...well before we got distracted." He turned to Feku with a smile, “I assure you that I am indeed a dragon....A very handsome dragon.."

_ Well Veledar that is certainly putting it mildly._ “I can second that thought." Arcturus added, to the amused grin of his once dragon.

“I am just hiding in the form of a human at the moment."

Arcturus watched Feku's eyes briefly fill with wonder for a moment, as her blue scales began to dot with little green speckles on their edges. They seemed to be like tiny emeralds floating within a great sea of blue. Her frills than drooped as she turned her attention back to Azzik's corpse. “He would have loved to have met you." she said softly.

“Did he really save you both?" Arcturus rose an eyebrow.

“Without him I would have still been trapped within my cell. I am not joking when I say the little guy was a hero today...." Her gaze joined that of Feku's “Although apparently all I had to do was wait a few more minutes." She spat that last bit of that sentence out bitterly. “Not to say I am not grateful of course..."

“I know." Arcturus nodded, “Now where is this observer's lair?" He looked to the scattered corpses littering the room. “It's not like we could ask anyone else now." He said loudly, while glaring at Shandalar. She seemed to ignore him as her focus was solely on a door opposite of them. It was like she was expecting reinforcements at any moment now to come sprinting through the door to engage them.

“Doesn't it feel like there should have been more gang members around?" Arcturus finally spoke after a minute of silence.

“They are most likely resting, hiding, or out on missions right now." Feku said, “I would be hiding if I were them, and knew a bunch of skilled Adventurers came crashing in here." She arced her heard towards one of the doors. “Besides, no one knew where master resided anyway. He did not permit his minions that information. However......." Feku trailed off, “I happen to know where he is."

“How?" He asked, watching her maw open and close several times.

“He let me go in to give him his meals, I can take all of your there if you still wish to go." She looked up at the others, her snout slowly moving to all of them in turn. 'But you have to be careful, all of you." She than held up a claw and thrust it at Veledar, “Especially him."

“Me?" Veledar smiled. “Is it because I am a dragon my dear?"

“Yes." She tapped her tail quickly on the ground. “Than all of you will kill the observer?" Her scales started spot up with reds, slowly shifting the blues away. “That good for nothing.....m-monster?"

“Yes my dear."

“Good." Feku crossed her arms and gave them a quick nod. She rose and strode next to Arcturus, and took a spot at his side. In the light her face seemed to be on fire from all the red scales now adorning her snout. “Than lets go get the master then." She turned to look at him with her little purple eyes full of determination he did know she could possess. “You will protect the dragon right? Like he was your mate?'

_Ha, if she only knew how much I cared for him. _ “I will protect him with my dying breath Feku." he looked up to catch Veledar's gaze, he of course was grinning at him. He imagined there was a deep and passionate dragon “kiss" in his future. He shivered slightly at the thought, as he was already looking forward to it. “You have my word as a paladin he will be safe."

“Good." she swished her tail to the side as she strode quickly to the door, just as Asterion finished chanting with a snort. “If we can go through here, I can show you the way to his lair. She grabbed the knob with both of her claws as he followed, the sounds of the others footsteps behind him.

“Can't wait to see his focking face." Lyndis chuckled.

“How about...." Arcturus looked back, and gestured to the corpse of Azzik.

Her face grew stern for a moment as she looked back towards the kobold. She gave a long drawn our sigh, as her face seemed to grow tired. “He is not going anywhere Arcturus." she replied grimly, “But I will be taking him with us when we leave....He does not deserve to be left her with the other vermin in this place."

“Agreed lass." Merlia clasped her hand onto Lyndis shoulder, “First ting I be doin, is buildin him a pyre. Dats how we do it back home." She looked up with a small smile, “Ta celebrate da heros makin it ta Valhalla."

“Do you think he made it to.....V-V-Velhella?" Feku stumbled with the words, as she turned to Merlia, her face full of concern.

“If'n he went out tryin ta save ya, and he was brave." She gave Feku a warm smile, “Den hes kicken his feet back and enjoyin a pint wit all da utter dwarf heroes up dere."

“Then hes up there enjoying a pint then." Feku smiled, “Because he was the bravest kobold I ever known!" she smiled once again, as her scales started to brighten up with greens once again. She rose her claw and gently wrapped them around Arcturus' hand. She pulled him gently forward towards the corridor. “This way Arcturus, Lady Lyndis, and friends."

They traveled around a darkened grey stone corridor that seemed to wind like a serpent as they followed its path. Arcturus had to catch himself several times from falling, as the floor itself seemed to rise and fall. Like the person that had built the hallway seemed determined to make the most not level hallway in existence. He had to duck at several points as the whole hallway narrowed, than after several feat expanded again. Scratch that, its like whoever designed this place had no rhyme or reason to things they did...Or they just did not care.

Arcturus noted that the walls that had been barren except for mana lanterns, was now adorned with twin rows of paintings, one on either side of the hallway. They were spaced practically one against the other, and roughly four feet off the ground. Arcturus briefly scanned them with his eyes, finding they were not of any particular scene, building, or people. Each one seemed to be just a random painting of something. Horse there, dragon over that way, a house, and even a peaceful beach. There were many other simple paintings such as these but Arcturus paid them little mind as he followed the gentle persistent tugging of his hand.

“Well are we going to find it or what?" Merlia grumbled after around ten minutes of continuous walking of the serpent like hallway. “Dis place seems ta be goin on ferever." She looked up at the paintings and Arcturus saw her eyes shoot daggers at them.

“I agree." Veledar tapped his foot, “This has become tedious."

“Come on you two." Lyndis brushed passed them, looking to Arcturus with a grin. “Things can;t always be right were we need them to be. Right Feku?"

“Correct lady Lyndis, we are almost there." She spoke louder, pointing down the vast hallway. “Honest....I am not leading you on a wild fox hunt."

“Wild fox hunt?" Asterion asked from behind. “I think you mean a wild gryphon chase."

“yes....of course that." her snout wrinkled, “I do that from time to time.....Common is not my first speech."

“So what is your first speech?"

“Draconic." she said quickly, “That's usually the first language for all kobolds."

Arcturus turned towards Veledar, as the once dragon spoke something that sounded like a collection of hisses and growls. He could not understand it, except suddenly in the middle of his friends words he heard as clear as day the word funny.

Feku's scales suddenly changed to mossy green as she focused on Veledar. She returned his own strange speech with her own, as he tail swished behind her. He saw her gesture to him, and he heard her say “human."

“What about human?" he laughed awkwardly. It took him a moment to realize that Lyndis, Veledar, and Feku were staring right at him. He waited for a moment, looking into their eyes. “What?:

“You understood that?" Veledar asked, his voice soft.

“Well yea, how could I not? She gestured to me and said human in common."

“Uh Arcturus...she just kept talking in draconic." Lyndis pointed to Feku, “They did not speak common at all."

What? But I had heard her speak it! “Your pulling my leg." he chuckled, looking to Veledar. Whom was wearing a grin, “Right Crimson Sky?"

“No...she spoke draconic...clear as glass." Veledar put a hand to his chin, “Is it possible you are starting to understand draconic?"

“How could that even be possible?" Arcturus turned to the others, his eyes falling to Shandalar, “I mean I don't even practice it."

“Maybe it's some sort of magic connecting you two together?" Shandalar strode over, looking to Veledar, than right back to Arcturus.

“Human." Veledar said, than paused. “Did you understand it now....From my own maw?"

“Mouth...and yes I did. You just said human in common."

“Draconic again." Lyndis uttered.

Weird. “Well it sounds like common to my ears."

“Oh I wonder if I can teach you more after we get my book!" Veledar clapped his hands together, “Wouldn't it be just wonderful?" He smiled, almost literally jumping for joy.

“Well since ya been swappin spit, ya might as well start swappin tougues as well." Merlia chuckled in the back of her throat.

_ Swappin tongues?_ He peaked to Veledar, whose eyes had locked on him. He saw the once dragon slightly lick his lip. He apparently like the idea like he had. He imagined his large tongue invading his mouth, and swirling around with his own... He shook his head lightly. No time for that later. He grinned, definitely when we get out of here.

“Now wee kobold, lets keep ya focused. Where is dis lair ya spoke of?"

“Just a tiny bit further and behind a painting." Feku replied.

“Behind a paintin!?" Merlia shook her head, “Now aint dat cliched." She held her hands up towards the ceiling, and wiggled her fingers. “O lookit me I'm an observer with me floaten swollen head an me wee little tentacle eyes. I better be havin a lair behind a paintin, just like any o dem mustache twirlin, cat stroken, fancy dress wearin, bald villain ever ta grace da tales of long ago!"

“Well its still behind a painting." Feku fidgeted as her eyes looked to Merlia with a sense of unease about them.

“Don't worry, you get used to her." Arcturus laughed as he heard Merlia continue to rattle off about the observer' s choice in hiding spots to Asterion. Arcturus could tell by the look on his muzzle he was listening intently like he did to most things, but his eyes would dart to someone else, as if looking for them to help him get away from the ranting and raving dwarf.

“Which this talk reminds me." Lyndis said, starting to walk again, as Feku resumed tugging Arcturus down the hallway. “Were are Gus and Krotos? Are they on look out duty or something?"

Arcturus had remembered how Gus had not been thrilled when he had mentioned he would not be coming to come and get Lyndis.

“But she is my friend now too!" he had insisted, “And Gwen would not forgive me if I let did nothing!"

“I insist we both come!" Krotos had swung his wing around Gus and pulled him close. “No buts about it Arcturus, we are going to help get your princess back.

“They are helping by distracting the captain of the guard." Arcturus said to Lyndis, as they passed a painting full of gryphons of different colors. It looked more like a painting of the leaves changing with the amount of colors present on it's oil surface, rather than the flight of gryphons that was actually depicted on it. “They, Elizabeth, and Swiftwing are working together in that regard."

“And they of course are...." Lyndis swished her hand.

“I have mentioned them at least three times to you in stories." Arcturus laughed.

“Well I have forgotten who they are then. If you would be so kind as to remind me, since it now is relevant to that which we are doing now."

“Fine." he replied, “They are my friends here who worked for the city guard." He than let out a sigh, “Who apparently have been working for Rothdell the entire time right under my nose."

“Once again, more people in Lumara that have a conscious." Lyndis smiled.

“Well they were originally from Rothdell before my people....conquered them."

“You know Arcturus, your people sound awfully like the villainous dragons in the stories you tell." Veledar held up a hand and pretended to swoop it down. You fly from the air, land in villages, and force them to surrender to your country." He than paused for a moment, “Are you sure your all not just dragons in disguise then?"

“No we are not dragons." Arcturus rolled his eyes. “Although If we were, I imagine you would be even more attracted to me than you currently are."

“I did not say that." Veledar hung his head up higher slightly.

“So why is the elf here? Last time you spoke she had a mission for us if she helped us.." Lyndis raised an eyebrow as she thumbed back towards Shandalar. “I take it we are helping her on her so called mission now? Unless of course you already did it, than I have to say good job."

“No we did not complete it before we got here. We insisted on getting you first, there was no way we were busting into the castle without our rogue on the team anyway." he gave her a smirk.

“So enough about all that. I want to hear about her mission!" Lyndis punched Arcturus playfully on the shoulder, causing Feku to squeak when she took peak back at them.

“It's okay, she was just playing around." Arcturus quickly raised his hand, and tried to the kobold who was looking at them with confusion. Her little snout cocked, and her frills twitching. She turned back after a moment, as she breathed a sigh. Arcturus figured his little explanation was good enough as he turned back towards Lyndis to continue their discussion. He told her about how Lumara had this device called the uniter, that they claimed could end the war fairly quickly. He explained how Shandalar had offered to help them on the condition they help her, which luckily ended up being sneaking into the castle to retrieve whatever this device was, or failing that get the plans or notes for it.

“So it sounds like a win, win,win." Lyndis looked back to the wizard for a moment. “We use her to get into the castle. We help her get those plans of hers, then we swing by and pick Crimson Sky's book back, and on the way get some sick loot."

“Sick loot?" Arcturus rose an eyebrow. Did she mean to steal from the treasury?

“Yes, there was a chest the observer her originally wanted. It was supposed to contain rings and necklaces of varying magical power." She waved her hand, “I figure if we could use whatever is in them to help fight the evils of this place." He saw her sigh, “Cause I shutter to think about whatever this uniter is. What could be so powerful they were certain it could end a war in almost no time at all?"

_ Its not exactly theft._ He told himself, “I can almost guarantee after seeing that fort, that the name probably does not detail what it can do."

“Agreed."

“Here we are!" Feku suddenly came to a stop, holding out her claws to a rather large lewd painting of a black and white feathered gryphon, sprawled out invitingly on a mustard yellow pillow, sporting a rather large red, spined, erection, with a small knot forming at the base. The painting was framed with a bronze frame, that seemed to glow in the lantern light, and upon closer look had small symbols carved into it's surface. The oddest thing about it was that it was closer to the floor then the other paintings, being at three feet off of the ground. “Just behind this paining!" she smiled.

“Well if that an interesting choice in paintins." Merlia laughed.

“Calm down Merlia, we do not need you getting your mind going to mush while you think about Krotos." Veledar teased, poking her in the shoulder.

“I can do wut I want dragon! Besides, I know what yer going ta be tinking bout the entire time!"

“How to get away with the loot without you noticing?" Veledar cocked his head, and stepped back from a swat from the dwarf. “You will have to faster than that if you wish to hit me Merlia."

“Well den stand still so I cannot miss ya!" She raised up one of her boots. “Ya got da perfect way to make ya pay for yer snarky ness now!"

“Hah, Arcturus made the same threat, and you can see he did not carryout his little threat."

“Dats because he wants ta git his hands on them dragon! I on the other hand have no quams about kicken ya dere to teach ya a lesson."

“Jokes on you then Merlia, Arcturus would gladly stand in the way and protect my hoard from your rather large boots. Isn't that right Arcturus?" The once dragon turned to him.

_ Hes calling them his hoard now?_ “Your naming them now?" Arcturus laughed, “I thought you did not wish to remain in mortal form."

“I don't...but this walk has given me time to think....and I decided to call them my hoard." Veledar crossed his arms. “Now tell the dwarf here how you would lay your life down to protect my rubies.

“I will do not such thing if you deserve it." he laughed, as the dragon opened his mouth to gasp.

“Looks like ya hoard stands without a protector!" Merlia chuckled.

“You wound me Arcturus! I would have most certainly protected your horde." Veledar snorted, causing Merlia to let loose a roar of laughter.

“Well don't go asking for her to do it then! I will certainly protect your horde if you don't deserve it."

“But Arcturus, I never would deserve that."

“Really?" He raised an eyebrow, staring at the dragon, who would not quite meet his gaze.

“I will never admit to deserving it." he snorted.

_ I never thought you would my dearest dragon._ “Than I leave you to the gentle care of Merlia here." he gestured to her with his palm, as he turned back to Feku. Who was standing their silent, fidgeting and fiddling with her claws. He heard Merlia and Veledar go on again about the topic of kicking his horde, as a snort of laughter sounded from Asterion.

“Is there some sort of trick to get in?" Shandalar asked. Arcturus had to do a double take, apparently she had strode over to inspect the painting while he had been talking to Merlia. She was currently running a hand along the left of the bronze frame. Her eyes locking to the carvings. “These look like dwarven in origin...Maybe it's a clue on what kind of spell to cast? Or possibly we have to say some phrase in dwarven? She cleared her throat, and said something in what Arcturus assumed was dwarven. She stood there for a moment, as if waiting for something to happen. She tapped her foot on the ground as nothing happened. He saw her brow scrunch up slightly in irritation.

So you do have emotions at times. Good to know. “What did you end up saying?"

“I said friend in dwarven."

“Why did you choose that phrase out of all the others you could have? I would have said gryphon....dwarven...or something else."

“I read it in a book once." She rolled her eyes, “Although they spoke in elven and it was to open a door to a dwarven mine." She started running her hand against the frame once again.

“I know how to get it!" Feku exclaimed.

“You mean in?" Shandalar sighed.

“Yes..." Feku stomped her foot once, “You don't have to remind me wizard lady. I am aware when I use the wrong word."

“Well perhaps you will learn with our constant reminders. Now why did you not say so when we came over that you knew the way in?"

“I figured I'd give you a chance to figure it out..." She raised her right claw to the right side of the painting. “You just have to know....the...right....spot!" She backed away as a soft click sounded from the painting. There was a small hiss, as the painting suddenly slowly folded inward, revealing a dark entrance of stone, that looked more like a cave had formed instead of being constructed. Arcturus was reminded of caves he had been in, by the sign of uneven rock. “I always hated this part." Feku groaned, as she reached up and pulled herself up onto the ledge. “Master did not care that his entrance was off the ground."

_ Well that makes sense. Why would a being that could float care if it was annoying to get into his lair if his visitors possessed legs?_ Arcturus poked his head into the dark void, finding that there were no lanterns further ahead to light the way. Great that means he could most likely see in the dark as well. He frowned to himself. Observers were one of the small number of things that he was not taught about by his father. He knew the general basics, that they could float and shoot mana beams out of their eyes. Beyond that he knew next to nothing else. He breathed in to be greeted with the stale smell of wet stone. He could already feel his forehead warming up, as he noticed it the temperature was higher in here than the hallway, with a groan he recognized it was humid as well. “ugh it feels like one of those rain forests in Rothdell after the heavy rain." Arcturus spat out, as he pulled the rest of his body into the passage. He could not stand all the way up, and had to remain hunched over as he turned to his friends.

“Well I tink it reminds me o dis one time I saw two gryphons, who were quite handsome .uuggghhhh" Merlia lifted herself up onto the ledge. “And of course it left me just like the air here." She laughed.

Arcturus rolled his eyes as some of his friends chuckled behind him at the dwarves lewd joke. He turned his attention to the dark, vast, cave that was before him. He narrowed his eyes as he desperately looked for any sign of the way before them. He frowned, as darkness was the only thing that greeted him. He let out a soft sigh. It was in moments like these he hated having his own eyes. Especially when everyone else in the group could very well see in the dark.

“Damn't I forgot I have stupid human eyes." Veledar grumbled as he hunched himself over to Arcturus. “Honestly Arcturus how do you function?" he laughed, giving the human a grin.

Oh Veledar, your trying to bait me like Merlia. However I will of course counter attack. “I have not heard you complain about my eyes yet." He replied, looking right into the once dragons pupils. “In fact I think you rather like my eyes." He moved in closer to the dragon.

“Especially when they are looking at me." Veledar moved his hand to brush against the side of his breastplate. Arcturus could not feel it of course, but the gesture was understood.

“Enough of this." Shandalar strode over and grabbed hold of Arcturus' shield. She held out her hand and ran a single finger along the smooth surface. “Kun." she uttered through her teeth, and shoving the shield back towards him. She strode past him with an irritated look on her face.

Arcturus looked down to see the shield was glowing slightly, much like a torch would. The soft orange-red light spread forth roughly forty feet down the path, letting Arcturus see that this cave just like the corridor spiraled. Well finally someone has the spell light. “Thanks for the spell, I was tired of fumbling in the dark." he said after her. She did not turn, as if she did not even hear him. Well I suppose it's a normal spell if you associate with people who cannot see in the dark.

“Oh I do like it when she gets annoyed." Veledar followed her with his gaze. “It is a most satisfying feeling to make the “emotionless" elf feel annoyance." He turned back towards Arcturus with a grin, “Shall we continue this chat later about eyes, and who likes whose eyes?"

Most definitely. “Of course my dearest dragon. Although perhaps we can have it when your looking more......regal." he raised an eyebrow, causing the dragon to chuckle.

“I suppose being in my true form would be fitting for a moment such as that."

“That it would be." he gestured for Veledar to follow behind him with the wave of his hand. “Come on, lets get to the front before our elven friend shows you just how angry she can get. Unless of course you want there to be TWO Merlia like woman wanting to inflict pain upon your horde.

“No."Veledar hissed, crossing his arms. “Well lead the way Arcturus, you of course have the light."

“Try to keep your eyes on the path and nothing else." He pointed a finger to Veledar's chest.

“Oh Arcturus, would you expect me to be looking somewhere else instead?"Arcturus saw the dragon's eyes drift down, and than back up. “Because honestly, don't you trust me?"

“Come on !" Feku called out, causing Arcturus and Veledar to bound over towards her, and fall into her footsteps. The human stayed in tandem with the others for several minutes, as they walked along the dark stone.

“So how did you get the observer his meals, if you had to climb like that?"

“Well I always had....Azzik to hold the plates or something." Her frills drooped, as she hung her head. Her scales turning back their shade of blue from before.

“UGH why is dis path so winding!?" Merlia groaned out, her voice echoing along the path. “It's like some drunk idiot just chizzled away at the rock going up and down because he felt like it! I have seen halflings have better sense of makin tunnels den dis!" Merlia threw up her hands.

“The observer probably ordered it made this way." Shandalar said with a flat voice. “You see because they are quite chaotic creatures, observers. It probably found this to be interesting or something. They also float above the ground....Why would it be concerned with how awkward it's tunnel was?"

“Well ya have a fair point elf." Merlia groaned. “ITS STILL THE MOST STUPID DESIGN I HAVE EVER SEEN!"

Arcturus strode past the two as Merlia continued to rant and rave about the path before them. How much longer could it actually be of this path. It must be rather annoying for the observer to make this trip everyday.....Perhaps he did not make it every day.....maybe there is another way....a quicker way for him to get into the base. _ Arcturus traced the dark shadows with his eyes, almost expecting some monster to spring out from their embrace. Perhaps it was a game to it...to make Feku walk this large distance...just to bring him food....On that note...what could a observer's lair even look like?_

He put cocked his head slightly to the right as he tried to picture the thing's lair. He imagined floating rocks maybe, hovering above the stone floor silently. He felt his breath quicken. He had not read about them in his fathers books, and he imagined no unprepared mortal had ever returned from an observer's lair anyway. He glanced back at the collection of his friends, as they walked carefully after him. He could see their eyes were doing the same scanning motions as his were. Veledar of course would stray from his scans to take a quick look at Arcturus, and give him a predatory look with his eyes. Their gaze met several times, once every time Arcturus would peak back. I bet he can sense when I am going to look back. He chuckled to himself and made a motion as if to blow a kiss at the dragon.

Veledar pretended to be hit by the imaginary kiss, stumbled backwards and nearly fell back into Merlia.

“Watch were ya goin ya big, clumsy red baby!" she shoved him back to his feet with a laugh. “Or does Arcturus here have ya so weak in da knees ya can't walk?" She raised an eyebrow. “I did not know yer ting had advanced so quickly. Or have we been walkin along dis path so long ya two are now married? She groaned.

“Feku, are we close to the lair?" Arcturus thumbed backwards to Merlia and Veledar. “I am afraid Merlia and Crimson Sky might have their legs give out on them from exhaustion.

“I never said such a thing!" Hissed Veledar.

“I know that, but I can sense your continual irritation with the place dear dragon." he replied, smirking as Veledar looked away and held his head up.

“Ya sayin I can't handle a wee walk?" Merlia added, putting her hands on her hips.

“Well no..you see it...."

“Cause I'll let ya know Arcturus, I was walkin before ya were a glint in ye mothers eyes."

“Were almost there." Feku said quickly.

“Finally. I tought I was goin ta haf ta start knockin Arcturus around."

“Once we get to a fork in the path it should not be longer."

“What does he keep in his lair?" Veledar ducked lower as the hallway shrank some more.

“Tinkin of treasure again?" Merlia laughed.

“It keeps treasure, maps, potions..." Feku counted them off on her claws. “He also has his pets in there."

“What kind of pets?" Arcturus asked_._ The very idea seemed odd that a creature like the observer would keep pets. What would he even consider as a pet? A gryphon? An enchanted creature? Possibly an owlbear? Well whatever the creature was he pictured it being large and horrific. Possibly with sharp fangs, large claws, and beady eyes.

“I never saw them." she replied, swishing her tail. “But it surely ate loud whatever they are."

“They? Does he have multiple different pets or multiples of a single one?"

“I never saw them!" she repeated, he scales lining slightly with crimson scales. “Although the one thing the observer did was threaten to feed me to them. But he would say no, since he claimed I would hardly be a snack for them." she wrinkled her muzzle.

_ Was that really the only reason that Feku was not currently in the belly of whatever these beats were? Because the observer considered her not worth feeding to it's pets?_ “Shandalar? Is there any knowledge on a preferred type of pet favored by observers?

“None that I can think of. Although they hardly follow logic at times, so it could literally be anything."

_ Great so that did not help at all._

“Well whatever is down there I hope it puts up a fight like those monks." Asterion snorted. “If we have to fight of course......Which I hope we do." Arcturus heard him thump his chest loudly three times.

“Well I'd rather just deal with the many eyed monsta instead of his pets...but ya feel free ta jump in when ever ya like."

Arcturus came to a halt with everyone else as they came a splitting path in the tunnel. He looked to one and then to the other. Both of them looked just as uninviting. They were dark, had rocks that looked the teeth of some great beast, making the tunnel look more like a large mouth than anything else. He wished he could wipe his brow right now as he could feel the heat radiating from both of them, as a bead of sweat dripped down his forehead.

“Here follow me." Feku carefully padded over to the left path, and waved dismissively towards the right path. “We better not go down right path....It has ropers.." she shivered slightly.

“Roper?" Veledar asked, “Did you just name something wrong again? That certainly sounded wrong."

“No, Crimson Sky....it really is called a roper!"

Arcturus heard the dragon pause for a moment, as if considering her words. “Arcturus is she telling the truth?" he finally asked.

“Yes." Arcturus thought to the creatures that would disguise themselves as rocks on cavern floors or ceilings. He eyed the rocks as they moved passed them. “They like to blend in with rocks, and they grow multiple tentacles when you are not looking." He held up his right hand and made a gesture as if to grip something tightly. “Than they wrap around the unsuspecting prey, and then drag them back into their tooth lined mouth and......crunch!" he made a noise resembling something biting down. They also may look exactly like large rocks....even when you are looking closely.

“Those sound horrible." Veledar wrinkled his face, as he too stared at the rocks they passed. “I take it dragons are thankfully not on their list of prey? Also do they move?"

That he did not know, he could not imagine how. The creatures lacked any legs. Although he supposed maybe they had tiny little nubs on their underside so they could slowly re-position themselves in search of prey. “They probably move slowly, and no since you are bigger then them I doubt they would try to eat a dragon." Course he did not know how intelligent the ropers were. It was still possible he imagined that one might still try to eat his red dragon. Although he pictured Veledar ripping the thing to pieces, and letting his fire incinerate its monstrous form.

“Well good." Veledar breathed a sigh a relief. He than held his head high. “Just another thing that knows it's place when in regard to a dragon. Do not worry Arcturus, stick close to me and I will make sure no harm befalls you from these.....ropers."

_ Well how sweet of you._ “Thank you Crimson sky, although I think I should be the one saying that to you. Your the one who is the helpless human after all."

“Right..." Veledar sprung forward to wrap his arms around him. “Than your leader orders you to protect him!"

Like you need to order me. “As you wish than Crimson Sky. You will not leave my side....or sight."

“Sounds fun." Veledar replied with a playful growl. “Although you should probably keep your eyes focused on any fights we get into. Rather than admiring me." He swung his head around, swishing his hair. “We do not need your mind drifting to other things while you protect me. You know." he gestured to Merlia. “Like our dearest dwarf over there."

“Hey!" She laughed, “Do we need ta have another go Crimson Sky?"

“No of course not." Veledar rolled his eyes.

“Tis a shame! I was hopin ta wear me boots out, so I might get another pair!"

Arcturus heard the others give out small chuckles of laughter as the winding tunnel started to change shape once more. The hard uneven, jagged stone, soon started to become smooth, and more organized. They eventually came to a wall that was perfectly smooth and clearly made by mortals. Feku held her hand along the stone, and traced one of the long cracks on it's surface. Arcturus heard a loud thunk, as the wall began to shake. It slowly creeped towards the right, disappearing into the rock face, to reveal a small room lit by a mana lantern.

Well isn't this strange? Arcturus gazed over the desk just placed squarely in the room, covered in numerous papers and maps. The walls were covered with maps of the city, with thin strings of red wire connecting several points on across it's surface. Almost as if the thing were tracking plots.

“Well its through here." Feku gestured to a plain door on the other side of the room, as she strolled passed the table and all the papers. “Once we get through it should be somewhere inside." She gulped loudly.

“So why does it need this room right here?" Lyndis stopped, and gestured to the table. “It doesn't even have any arms...so what gives?"

“Maybe he had people to keep track of his thoughts?" Shandalar rifled through some of the papers, and held them up to her eyes. Arcturus saw her eyes widen as she scanned the paper. “Well this is certainly interesting..." She held out the paper for him to look.

It was a smaller map of the city, but it was clearly a spot on the surface. It was a small section close to the castle walls, and it was circled red. Next to the bright red circle were the letters SD, and the word “why?" “Well it looks like they might have found a secret door...." Arcturus mumbled.

“Yes, and right near the castle to boot." She pointed to the circle. “You mentioned they had a way into the castle for you to use. Could it be possible that this is the so called way they had in mind?"

“I suppose it could be...There would be no harm in checking it out..."

“Precisely, that way we would not have to rely on the plan of simply force our way in and hope for the best."

“Are you two ready?" Lyndis twirled a dagger in one of her hands. “We can come look at this room later." she gestured to the door with one of her blades. “He on the other hand cannot wait."

Arcturus gave her a nod. She after all had a point. He strode over to her, as his hand drifted to the golden cross guard of his sword. He took a deep breath as Feku clutched the doorknob with both of her claws.

“Just remember to hide when the fighting starts." Lyndis spoke softly to her, “We don't need you getting hurt as well." Feku gave her a quick nod as her frills drooped, and her scales faded to blue. With a push the door opened with a crack to a large cavern.

Arcturus gasped for a moment at the large rock arena before them. It was almost completely dark, with only four mana lanterns on a far wall. However they looked like tiny fireflies in the distance. He took a careful step onto the floor, as he raised his shield. The soft light it was producing revealed what looked numerous large pillars of rock closely side by side, that seemed to resemble a giant honeycomb. The holes that were present between pillars seemed be roughly all the same sized circle, but were scattered around at different heights. Most likely so he can float from one to one. He took a deep breath, to find the air smelled damp, and a thick musky smell mixed with a sharp smell of plants. It reminded him of a marsh he had traveled through in his youth. He took another step, the sound of his boot echoing around the vast cavern. He kept quiet, as he could hear the steady drip, drip of what was no doubt water.

“Keep your eyes peeled." Arcturus whispered, drawing his sword, and readying his shield. He gripped them both tight, as he scanned for any sign of movement at the shield light's edge. His next step he felt the floor give way, as he tried to catch himself. “Ahhhh!' he tumbled forward, hitting a rock surface, and starting a quick slide down. He heard his sword clatter as he lost his grip on it, trying frantically to latch onto something to hold onto. He could heard the shouts of the others as he continued to tumble, slide, and fall. He finally came to a stop as he crashed into a small puddle with a splash. “Uggggh." he groaned as his bones rattle within his body. Unfortunately the water was not even deep enough to break his fall. He felt around looking for his sword, and curling his hand around the grip. He pushed himself up from the inch deep water, shaking his head slightly. Ugh I hate getting wet. He stood up slowly, he felt something brush his boot as he he did so. He looked down to see that it was a human skeleton, scattered in several places in the dark still water. He kicked it away as he held his sword aloft, the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. He glanced behind him to see the hole he had fallen from. It was large enough to fit him of course, and was a good seven feet off the stone floor. So I will have to look for another way up...Unless the others lower a rope for me.

His next breath was filled with the same mucky, marsh air that he had smelled from above, but with a greater intensity. Like he was inches from it, he coughed slightly. He could not see the far walls from the torchlight, but he did happen to see a small patch of raised stone that was not submerged in the water.

“wooooah!' he heard Veledar and Feku shout in unison as the once pair emerged from the opening above, tangled together with Feku being held by the once dragon.

He held out his hands to catch him, and braced his legs for the weight. With a great strain his friend fell into his arms, as his legs threatened to buckle from under him. He however held firm, and with a sigh was holding his friend safely in his grasp.

“Well it looks I will need to thank my rescuer tonight." Veledar smiled, as Arcturus let him down into the water.

“And I must thank you Crimson Sky! You saved me from the fall!" Feku exclaimed, giving Veledar a great big hug as her scales darkened, and changed to green. She held her snout up and looked around, shivering. “We have to get out of here....." she muttered.

Arcturus spun around, almost counting on a giant monster to be there staring at him, but found the room mysteriously quiet. The only sounds in the air were their breaths. He gripped his sword tighter, for some reason the quiet made him more at ease.

“Well, it seems I have snared three little mortals in my trap." Came a loud voice from above. “Feku, I am disappointed you have lead the princess and her friends here to my home. Although what could be expected...You were never great full that I let you live.....I will have to regretfully tell Azzik of your death......."

Arcturus heard Feku give a little whimper as she did not speak.

“Although....." the voice paused. “Hes dead isn't he....that's why he is not here with your little group of pathetic......adventurers." the voice continued, and Arcturus could tell he had a smile on his horrid face. It made him tighten his grip on his sword. If the observer were right in front of him he would have struck out at him.

“So princess, if you surrender to me I will let your little friends here live....Unfortunately the ones that fell through that hole will be of course food for my pets.....consolation prize as it were."

Arcturus felt Veledar and Feku press themselves against him, as he suddenly heard the sound of water swishing around from the darkness. Something was coming towards them, he could tell. You will find me ready monsters. He held his shield firmly, as he focused on Bahamut and her platinum scales. He imagined her filling him with her spirit, as his chest grew warm. The warmth spread to his fingertips, as magic sprung to his blade held in his hand. The white glow that usually accompanied his strikes changed to a shade of blue, and intensified to that of three times of a torch. The light pushed further into the darkness, to reveal the towering reptilian form of a great beast.

It stood on four legs, easily standing at ten feet, as its long neck twisted around to show its large, yellow teeth. Arcturus was reminded of a dragon, but something was wrong about it. It's scales did not seem to be as thick. When he saw four other heads emerge he understood why. “Hydra." He mumbled, as the thing's heads swerved among one another like a whole mass of withering serpents. All together they let out a loud hiss that echoed through the cavern. He thought he heard words echo from above, but in truth he paid them little mind as he focused on the movement of the five heads.

“There's more!' Feku screamed, clutching Arcturus' leg tightly in her claws.

Arcturus jerked his head to see two more of the large creatures slowly advancing towards them. This is not good. It would be hard enough for himself to beat a hydra. They may not be as smart, or as dangerous as a dragon, but they had the ability to regenerate their bodies. This allowed them to recover from blows that would slay lesser creatures, and they could even grow two heads when one was severed...Unless they used fire on the thing's stump. He twirled his blade as he stepped back, keeping his friends close to him. “Stay close to me you two. This is going to be.....tough." He gritted his teeth as the things continued to advance slowly. They did not have to move fast after all, there was no were to run, and they knew it. Like they had done this before. Most likely they had done this before.

“Arcturus, I will not let you fight these things on your own." Veledar snarled.

“Than are you ready to fight my dearest dragon?" He took another step back, as they followed him with all fifteen heads. They bumped back into the wall, there would be no going back further.

“Oh I am always ready to defend you Arcturus." He felt Veledar press a hand to his head. “Get ready to be in awe Feku, for you will stand before a dragon this day!" There was a sudden poof of smoke, as Veledar's true from erupted from the human body. Veledar stomped his right forepaw, letting his scales clink, as Arcturus felt him spread his wings wide. His friends neck and head emerged over his shoulder as the dragon bared his sharp teeth, his eyes full of fury.

The hydra's stopped for a moment as they eyed the red dragon standing before them. Arcturus grinned as they seemed confused. This only lasted a moment before all three soon were advancing again. I guess since they think they are bigger they can take Veledar and me.

“Remember to use fire!" Arcturus shouted, as the hydras bolted towards them in a flurry of hisses and teeth. “Or else the heads will regrow!" He held his shield aloft, striking two of the heads. Their teeth finding nothing but his shield. He grunted from the force and backed away, as two other heads tried to snake their way around to sink their teeth into his flesh. He warded them away with a few swipes from his magical enhanced sword. Drawing some blood from their snouts, but he watched those cuts almost heal instantly the moment his blade left their flesh. He heard Veledar collide with one of the creatures, and pushing it along until it collided with another one. Collapsing the three beasts in a pile of twisting heads.

They tried to snap and sink their teeth into the dragons hide, but found most of their attacks against his hardened scales. Veledar let out a roar as his claws dug into their necks, and he opened his mouth. Letting a large torrent of orange-red flames wash over the two reptiles piled with him. The flames burned away at their fleshy hides as the hydra's let out pained hisses. However despite this success he saw several heads manage to sink into the dragon, causing him to thrash backwards.

Arcturus dodged another head, and battered his shield against another one. It was hard to keep track of them all, and he found himself turning and coming face to face with one. He lashed out, but it was too quick. The think sunk it's teeth into right arm, luckily the metal plates stopped the thing from being able to latch on too tightly. “AHHHRRRGG" he shouted, smashing his shield against the thing's snout. It released him, allowing him to fall backwards into the water. He landed with a pained gasp, and immediately had to roll with his shield as the heads followed him, ready for their second taste of human. He rolled up and sliced upwards, his blade driving right into the head of once of the things, right through the jaw and into the upper jaw.

They hydra thrashed that head, as Arcturus held firmly onto the hilt. His eyes found the other heads already moving in on him, to take advantage of their brothers capture.

The paladin pulled the sword back, ducking as he narrowly avoided another of the heads sharp teeth. There was another pained roar from Veledar that pulled his attention for just a moment, but that was all that was needed. One of the heads had swept low to trip him up, while another one moved in to distract him. He avoided the one up high, but the one down low succeeded, and he felt his body pulled from under him. He fell back into the water as all five heads descended on him ready for the kill. He blocked one, warded away another one, but it was not enough. Two of the heads bit into his legs, one of each side, with the last one looking to Feku, than licking it's lips.

Arcturus felt their teeth sink into the underside of his legs, like sharp daggers piercing his flesh. He thanked the gods once again for his armor, as their teeth were not sharp enough to pierce through the armor covering the top of his appendage. He still felt them pull though, one in each direction. They are going to tear me apart. He sliced down with his sword, right into one of their snouts. Once again however they regenerated the moment his blade left blood in it's wake. GODS DAMNT! He screamed to himself as they started to rise him up, suspending him by his captured legs. He saw the other three heads, coil under him. Waiting for his armor to be peeled open, and they would get their meal. Fire, that's what you need! He thought back to the elemental weapon spell he had read about with Veledar. He focused on the key words, and the movements he had done previously in the day. “Pyra Zun!' He shouted out, as he rose each digit one at a time from his sword.

Red flames sprung forth from the black blade, licking around his hands, but not burning him in the slightest. He watched the Hydra pay it no mind as he swung the sword back, than slice up into one of the thing's head. His flame blade sliced right through it like butter, and when he made it through the thing's snout fell with a plop, and a splash to the water below. He dropped, pulling the other head with him as he lashed out again with his sword. He sliced through that one's neck, as his sword exploded with white flames. That neck came clean off from the magical blade, and joined the snout of the other one. With those holding him gone, Arcturus splashed into the water below as the hydra backed away from him. He pushed himself up to his knees, and than to his feet as the creature glared at him, as if rethinking this situation. That's right you animal. I can actually hurt you.

“WHATEVER YOU DID I APPROVE!" Veledar roared, as he saw the dragon slice clean through several heads of one hydra with his claws. The hide of the creature seemed to offer no resistance to the dragon's attacks. There was something different about his dragon, as he fiercly tore into the hydra with ease. Arcturus made out tin a red flash that Veledar's claws were now wrapped in the same magical flames that were now on his blade. “FIRE CLAWS!" Veledar roared out, carving open a hole in one hydra, opening his maw and letting out another torrent of dragonfire. The hydra blackened and twitched, as Veledar roasted the thing from the inside out. When it twitched, and no longer drew breath he grabbed it with both of his forepaws, and slammed it into the other hydra he had been fighting. “Maybe we can try other spells!" the dragon shouted, thrashing his tail into the water. “Gesaak!" Veledar roared out, as the dragon seemed to double in size. His head resting just below the ceiling of the cavern, easily towering over the hydra. It let out a hiss as Veledar bound towards it with a renewed fury, his claws easily slicing the thing to ribbons before the paladin's eyes.

Arcturus however was drawn to something else that had happened, while he was briefly admiring his dragon. The room around him seemed to be smaller than he remembered, and the Hydra that was now glaring at him, was level with his head. Wait a minute. He glanced back to Feku, and saw she was so tiny now. Tinier than he remembered. He turned back to the Hydra, that let out a angered hiss, as it's tail swished back and forth. Veledar's enlarge spell copied to me! He grinned as he charged the thing with his flaming blade, that seemed to have grown with him. With a thunderous crack of his newfound strength his shield smashed into one of the three remaining heads, as his sword cleaved the other two clean off their necks in one quick strong slash after the other. With the hydra's final act it lunged at him in it's death throes, as if trying to inflict one last wound on him. “Not today I am afraid." He slashed downward with his sword, the hide offering no push back to the flames around his sword. With a final plop and splash, the thing's body slummed to the ground dead. Leaving Arcturus breath in deep, just as Veledar threw the corpse of the other one against the wall.

The dragon spread his wings, and took a deep breath that let his scales expand with a small clink. He opened his maw wide and let loose a gout of red-orange flames that licked the top of the ceiling. He thrashed his tail as the flames began to subside, and Veledar let out a loud ear splitting roar of Victory. “We did it!" the dragon cheered, bounding over to him, his paws hardly touching the water as he began to shrink back to his normal size. Arcturus found he himself was also shrinking at the same time. He sheathed his sword, after cleaning on the hydra's hide.

“You did it!" Feku cried out, cheering as she ran over to join them. Her scales were practically a glowing green at this point. “Crimson Sky, Arcturus! You were amazing!' She jumped up and down as Veledar slowed down and grabbed Arcturus in his claws.

“And your safe." Veledar was now within reaching distance, as Arcturus took off his helmet and placed it casually on the dry part of the floor. He wrinkled his brow as he felt the rest of his clothes were soaked. Damn't in all the excitement I had forgotten. He reached up to grab Veledar softly by his snout.

“Hey you did wonderful over there with the other two." He chuckled. “Just like a legendary dragon should be."

“Legendary you say?" Veledar's frills twitched, as he folded his wings against his back. “I dare say as a human you handled that other hydra just as well." He gestured to it with his neck. “I would say that you were a dragon over there in how fast you dispatched it."

“Well I had help from a red dragon of course." He stroked the underside of Veledar's snout softly, causing the dragon to let out a soft pleased groan. Their eyes met for a moment, before they leaned in for a kiss. Once again locked with his dragon, Arcturus felt at ease as his entire body felt tingly. Nothing else mattered in that moment, even if they were trapped in a dark, damn cavern for the moment. With the warm dragon's snout pressed against him, and his just as warm tongue trying to invade his mouth, its all he needed. They pulled away when they heard the sound of an explosion from above. Arcturus looked briefly to Feku, who while she had a scared look as she looked at the hole her scales were now a royal purple. Whatever that color meant of course. I will have to ask her later...perhaps it means fear?

“The others must have their hands full with the observer." Veledar said softly, his snout staring at the small hole." Come on you two, lets try and find away back to were they are."

Arcturus kept pace with the dragon as he spun around and began walking away from the hole. There has to be another way in here. Arcturus placed a hand to his chest, and thought to healing himself. Letting the magical energy flow into him, and seal the cuts, gashes, and bruises left from the Hydra's assault. He looked back towards the hole one last time, as he placed a hand on Veledar's scales. Hang on you guys, we will be back there in no time.

*

“Stay out of the central eyes vision!" Lyndis heard Shandalar shout, as the observer cast its central large monstrous eye at her. She could see the very cone of anti magical energy flowing from it, as she ducked behind one of the rocks on the cavern floor. She peaked a glance as the thing floated towards her hiding spot, its many eyed tentacles flailing around it's form. The damn thing did not want to talk besides taunting Feku, it had attacked the moment after. She heard the rock behind her start to chip as she heard one of the beams strike against the rocks surface.

“UGH!" she saw Asterion go flying away from the observer as his bracers disintegrated from his arms. They fell to the ground a pile of green ash.

“Watch for the disintegration beam!" Shandalar shouted again, as Lyndis heard the sound of a fireball explode around the observer, followed by it's grunt of pain.

Lyndis bolted from her hiding spot, and dashed towards the floating monster. She saw an orange ray suddenly fly out from one of it's eye balls right at her. Whatever it is it cannot be good. She lowered herself and slid forward, just avoiding the beam of magical energy.

“And the slow ray!" Shandalar shouted, as the observer turned it's anti magical field towards her. 'Someone get it's attention! I cannot cast spells while it is looking to me!"

Lyndis recovered quickly, pushing herself up. Bounding close to the observer while it was focused on disabling Shandalar. She slide behind the large purple, leathery skinned observer and dug her daggers into anything that looked vulnerable. She went with the base of the stalks. Its a giant head...everything by logic should be a vulnerable area. The thing snarled out with a cry as her blades cut into its flesh, as purple blood dripped out, and splatted to the floor.

“ARGGAGGA.....ENOUGH!" The observer shouted, spinning around with it's teeth flashing. Lyndis just managed to pull her arm away, as the large white teeth snapped at empty air.

Lyndis flipped away from the monster as it began to rise from the ground, easily beyond her reach.

“OH YA TINK YA CAN RUN YA BIG BEAST!?" Merlia shouted, emerging from behind a rock to loose three arrows in rapid succession to the observer, one of them sparking with white electricity. The observer looked down towards the arrows, it's main eye extinguishing that arrow before they struck its underside. “GODS BLAST IT!" Merlia snarled, as she rolled to avoid a black energy beam from the things eyes. “YA MISSED ME WITH YER DEATH BEAM YA PRICK!" her eyes widened as a second beam struck her right in the chest, that shown with a bright pink light. Merlia stumbled forward and turned to Lyndis, her eyes glowing the same color pink as she rose her bow towards her.

_ Oh shite she is charmed._ Lyndis groaned to herself, as she had to almost do a split to avoid the next arrow that was loosed from her once friend. She had to dodge, leap, and flip to avoid the next volley of them as Merlia did not give her a chance to even rest her boots on the ground. “Snap out of it!" She shouted, as she landed on the ground. Only for a large gust of wind to suddenly knock her off her feet and send her flying ten feet backwards. She tried to reposition herself, but she still tumbled to the ground painfully."NNRRGG." she said through gritted teeth as she pushed herself off the cavern floor. Cant stay put...not with Merlia.

“She said snap our of it!" Asterion shouted, crashing into Merlia with his shoulder, knocking the dwarf to the ground. Her glowing pink eyes fading and returning to normal. “Are you bacaaaaaa?" Asterion went to shout, for another green beam to strike the minotaur. She saw him collapse to the ground,clutching his chest as his hair seemed to be falling off him in large chunks. “Not good enough to kill me monster!" He shouted back, standing up with a golden light flowing on his hands.

Got to love that bastards healing magic. She raised her hand and fired a firebolt right at the observer, the flame striking it, just as Shandalar spread her arms wide, and a bolt of lightning arced from her hands, dancing around the observer's body.

“ADHDHHAHHA.. FOUL ELF!" the observer shouted, as several more beams of different colors shot off in multiple directions. Lyndis tried to dodge the ebony beam going for her. She willed her limbs to run faster, trying to dodge the beam like the orange one, however it followed her movements until it impacted her torso.

“Gah!" She gasped, as her chest lit up with pain. She hunched over and hugged the spot where the beam had hit. Her entire body felt sick as she stumbled forward, catching herself before she stumbled over.

“Don't worry I have you Lyndis!" Asterion shouted, a white steam of magical energy flowing from his hands and into her, making the ache and sickness vanish. To be replaced with a warm pleasant feeling as she ran to find cover from the beams still flying in every direction for the rampaging observer.

“OH YA TAUGHT TA MAKE ME YA SERVANT?" Merlia loosed three more arrows into the observer, the last one impacting with a small click. The arrow than exploded with the force of a fireball, searing the thing's leathery hide in its inferno. “HOW'D YA LIKE ME BALL?" Merlia chuckled, ducking behind a rock as beams traced her location.

“Lyndis would you like to get higher and strike at him?" Shandalar shouted, as Merlia emerged again to loose a few more arrows.

“DATS RIGHT YA MANY EYED MONSTER! YA COULDNT EVEN HIT A WEE DWARF!?"

“Don't forget about the Minotaur he could not kill either!" Asterion shouted, raising his hands up, as a golden funnel of flames swept around the observer, incinerating three of his little eyes.

The creature turned, firing off several more beams at the dwarf and minotaur. There was a grey beam that struck Merlia in he shoulder, despite her attempt at trying to avoid the thing.

“GAH!" Merlia shouted out, as the impact point started to turn grey, spreading out to her hands. “OH I SEE YA TRYIN TA MAKE ME HARD!" Merlia gasped, loosing another arrow with concentrated effort. When then arrow flew from the bow, the dwarf had been turned completely to stone before Lyndis' eyes.

“Merlia!" Lyndis shouted, as he heart nearly crushed within her chest. She narrowed her eyes as she started to sprint at the observer. What ever the wizard had in plan it was sure to help. “Go for it Wizard!" She bounded boot after boot, until she felt herself start to rise up towards the observer. I am floating! She looked down to calm herself as she continued to rise up, towards the menacing creature.

“Just focus on how you want to move, and it will be just as easy as walking!" Shandalar shouted, tossing a beam of ice out of her fingers, striking the observer and making it snarl out in pain.

That's easier said than done elf! She screamed internally as the beams started moving in her direction. With a swift thought of were she wanted to move she found herself just flying there. There was no need for her to move her limbs or anything. She shook it from her mind as she narrowed in on the observer, who was trying to sneak away through one of the holes in the rock face. No you don't. She flicked her wrist to summon the green disembodied hand. With a mere thought it flew out towards the observer and started yanking on it's remaining eye-stalks.

“AAAHAHHH" the thing roared out, not just at the hand, but the volley of additional arrows. One in particular struck the thing right in it's main eye, causing it to bump into a stone wall as it clenched the eyelid around the arrow.

“YA TAKE THAT, PERHAPS NOW YA CAN SAY....OOOOO MERLIA BLINDED ME WIT HER DWARVEN BEAUTY!"

Lyndis laughed as she swooped in with her daggers, looking for another good spot to strike with her blades. She had to swerve in mid air as the observer fumbled in the air. She passed right below another black beam, the thing almost striking her shoulder. However at the last moment she flipped over, the beam passing harmlessly by her. She rose out her daggers, as she flew right to the top of the thing's head, and aimed for what looked like a soft spot right above the central eye. Here goes nothing. She grit her teeth and swung her daggers downward, finding purchase.

“AHHANNNNNN" The observer screamed, as she plunged the daggers in deep, purple blood oozing down it's central eye. She felt it shutter, but she held firmly onto her dagger as she began to twist it. Causing it let loose another pained scream.

“THATS THE WAY LASS!" she heard Merlia cry out, no doubt loosing more arrows into the things underside.

“FOUL LITTLE---"

Lyndis stabbed again, this time deeper into a spot closer to the eye. “THATS FOR AZZIK YOU FOCKEN ARSE!"She screamed at top of her lungs. To see the blood that poured out from that wound felt so satisfying as she thought to her friend, now lying dead on the stone floor. You die this day. She was going to carve out its focking eye if that is what it took. With each stab she caused the thing to let another pained scream, as it crashed into more of the cavern wall. She noticed that the eye beams that had been going at a constant pace, were now hardly coming at all. When they did fire, it would a flickering light, hardly brighter than a small candle. Not long now I imagine. She held onto the thing like it was a bucking bronco, as she tried to not look down at the ground that was so below her now. I hope the spell is still working when I go to fall....or otherwise this is going to hurt....or kill me......hope its the first one. She stabbed again into the leather hide. The observer began to fall, as what ever magical force could keep it aloft vanished with its apparent death. Lyndis closed her eyes for a moment, and let go of the tumbling monster. She felt herself stop in mid air, floating high above the cavern floor. She tried feel relief now that the creature of her recent hatred was dead. She pictured Azzik, laying dead on the floor. Was he now not avenged? The one who had set him on this path was now slain. She wrinkled her brow, as this seemed to offer her no joy. Its because it does not change anything...the observer lives....the observer dies....Azzik is still dead. She stowed her daggers, as she hung her head and willed herself to fall slow.

“Great job lass!" Merlia cheered, wrapping her arms around her the moment her boots touched the ground. “I have not seen ridin like that since well....Since me days back home.. when we used ta.....never mind...great job!"

Lyndis lightly hugged the dwarf back, her head still sulking. The feeling from before had not faded away. "Your back to normal!" she gasped.

"Aye, Asterion fixed me up right with a spell." Merlia chuckled.

“Good job in using the fly spell cast upon you. I daresay he underestimated you." Shandalar nodded to her.

“Yes Lyndis, you fought like a true warrior." Asterion snorted, placing a hand on her shoulder. “May Kord heal your wounds, and always be watching you in battle." he said soflty, his hands glowing a soft red. She felt the same warm sensation that usually accompanied the other healing spells. She just figured it was something that had to deal with his domain rather than just a normal spell. That would account for the red, over the white for instance. She was not one to look a gift heal, so she just shrugged and sighed. “Thank you Asterion....for everything...all of you." She looked to the others, her eyes widened as she realized the three missing. “Where are Crimson Sky, Arcturus, and Feku?" He eyes darted to the hole that they had fallen down while they were walking. She tried to not imagine that the fall had killed them all. She had thought she had heard the sound of battle shortly before the observer had attacked them, but she was not sure.

She bounded to the hole,and held a hand around her ear, trying to hear anything that might alert her to the sound of her friends. She frowned as the only thing that greeted her was the silence.

“You know as much as we do lass." Merlia strode over, gesturing to the hole. “Da lot of them fell down the hole. Dats all we know."

Her mind jumped to conclusions she knew she should not be thinking. How could she not however? Her friends could all be hurt at the bottom of that pit, or crushed to death, or bleeding on the ground. She almost leaped in that moment to go find them, but she held herself back. If they did plummet to their deaths, you would not serve them any good by leaping down after them. She shook herself and swallowed her fears into her chest. No they would not die like that, there was probably a floor down there for the observer's pets. “There is probably a floor down there for his pets." she spoke up, raising her head. She could feel her strength already returning, from the dark thoughts containing Azzik. “So I say we heal up, and head down there to get them back on their feet. If they are still down there." She grinned, turning back to the others. “Actually I bet they are trying to get back to use right now. That's why it is so silent down there."

“So what did we end up missing?" came the voice of Arcturus, holding his glowing shield aloft. With Veledar walking right beside him in his true form, with Feku right along side them. Her scales a bright green. Lyndis felt her heart swell, as she sprinted to them with her arms wide. “You had me so worried!" She exclaimed, hugging each one of them in turn.

“We were not gone for that long Lyndis." Veledar grinned, or are you starting to miss my presence like our dear Radiant Star?" he curled his head back into an S as his frills twitched.

“Crimson Sky was glorious!" Feku squealed, holding her arms wide. “He beat those nasty hydras!"

“HYDRAS?" Merlia gasped, “Da tings with the many heads?"

“I always wanted to fight hydras." Asterion grumbled.

“Yes, we ended up fighting hydras. You should have seen it Lyndis." Arcturus laughed, “They were all big and intimidating, then Crimson Sky here made me grow."

“I bet he did lad." Merlia elbowed him in the side with a grin.

“Oh not like that!" Arcturus chuckled, holding up his hand as he turned a slight shade of red.

“Not yet anyway." Veledar grinned, wrapping a wing around the blushing human. “Don't be so bashful Arcturus. You should announce it proudly to everyone you meet." the dragon cleared his throat. “I am Arcturus Lund, and I like a dragon enough to kiss him." He smacked his tail against the floor with a dull thwack. “Ok now you try it." he pulled Arcturus closer to him.

Lyndis wanted stay and watch this little scene unfold, she did have questions for them after all. Who made the first move, why they like each other, if they had sex yet. She held a hand to her chin, Although I doubt the last one, unless that is the reason Arcturus is so bashful....If they did have sex she had other questions...who was on top....who did what... She giggled as she strode to Feku, and pulling her back towards the others.

“You should have been there miss Lyndis!" She smiled, than her snout turned to the observer's broken corpse on the ground. She wrinkled her face as she stared at his crumbled form, and the purple blood pooling below his body. “Good riddance." Her scales flared red, as she strode over with stomps and swiftly kicked the leathery body. “GOOD RIDDENCE!" she cried out, as tears started to form in her eyes. “GOOD RIDDENNN>>" her next kick was weaker as the tears dripped down her pebbly cheek. She drooped her frills, and covered her eyes. “Azzik." she sobbed, her scales shifting once more to a dark blue. She punched the corpse with a claw. “Curse you..."

Lyndis strode over, crouched down and softly placed a hand around the crying kobold. She could feel the same want to cry lurking within her chest. She pulled Feku close, as she just stared at the observer's corpse. The last look of pain frozen on his face. 'It's okay Feku." she said softly in a soothing voice. “We are here for you." She stroked the back of her smooth head, as Feku continued to sob into her claws.

“I can take you to go see treasure now." Feku dropped her claws with a final sniff. “than we can get out of this place."

Lyndis nodded, as she looked up to see the other walking over.

“You two ok?" Arcturus asked, followed by the others soon asking the same question.

“No...but we will be fine." Lyndis held up her hand. “Lets just get the loot, spit once more on this here observer, and retrieve Azzik's body. Then we can get back to Gus' house.

“No we will be spending it at my hideout." Shandalar spoke up calmly. “It will be the safer option to do instead of dragging Arcturus' friend further into this mess."

Lyndis thought about it for a moment before giving her a quick nod. It makes sense...besides...I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of us....because of me. “What say you Arcturus? Crimson Sky?'

“Fine with me. I think Mary would like to have the place to themselves anyway." Arcturus replied quickly.

“How about you Crimson Sky?'

“A place to rest is a place to rest." Veledar resettled his wings, “as long as I have enough cover to sleep, and I can grasp Arcturus in my claws I don't care where I slumber." The dragon turned his head to give Arcturus another loving look into his eyes.

_ Oh that was adorable._ She smiled, mentally reminding herself to contact Cordenth when she got the chance. The medallion would bridge their dreams together, and allow them to converse that way. When she had asked him about making one like his mother's he had brushed it off.

“I am not like her Lyndis." he had replied, brushing the side of her face with a paw. “Besides I also do not know how to do that spell." he laughed, his frills had bounced in time with his laughs.

Feku led them through the cavern until they cam across a small bounty of treasure. It was a few crates with gold coins, with several items among them. The rest was of paintings, or sculptures littering on the floor.

“Not a very big treasure trove." Veledar was the first to say, tapping his paw on the ground. “Hardly even worth calling it a trove...its more like..."

“Collection?" Arcturus raised an eyebrow.

“Yea although I was thinking something smaller." laughed Veledar,

Lyndis picked through the gold coins, as the others seem to grasp at them, and push them quickly in their pouches like they need them to live. She brushed a few aside to pick out some of the few items there. She pulled them out one by one. The first one being a pristine looking iron mace, that felt cool to the touch. She ran a finger over it's surface, finding that it was finely made. “Asterion!' She tossed the mace to him when the bull looked in her direction.

He caught it with a surprised expression. “Whats it even do?"

“Who knows!" she laughed, “it could be magical!"

“It also could be cursed." Asterion grumbled, turning the mace over in his hands.

“You worry to much. If it were cursed, it would have done something to me!" She briefly looked down at her hands in realization. No burns, no marks, no sudden shots of pain, and I am still a woman. Everything seems to be in order. 'So relax Asterion and relax!"

“Thanks for the spoil of battle then." Asterion thumped his chest. “I will no doubt find out what this does later..perhaps on my enemies."

_ Probably want to do that BEFORE we engage enemies._ She shrugged, brushing aside more coins. She quickly found her cloak that Veledar had loaned her, and clasped the golden broach around her neck. She did a small twirl with a smile. I did miss this cloak. She reached down and pulled up the rapiers they had taken from her as well. The familiar grips filling her palms with warmth. She sighed as she quickly stashed them.

“Good you found my items! Veledar chuckled, “Don't worry Lyndis, you can still hold onto them."

Good, cause I was not giving them back. She laughed to herself, Have to find a way to convince him to let me keep them. She moved her hands back to into the coins, and shifting them around, looking for more items. She was able to pick out a few in her passes of the coins, and when she was done she had a silver ring with little blue shields carved into the metal, a golden headband with the picture of a small sun on it, and lastly a pair of bright blue bracers, that had golden moons dotting their surface. She had wanted the headband at first, but the group started bickering on who got what.

“Lets all just take it back to my hideout." Shandalar spoke up, silencing everyone with her flat voice. “Besides, we cannot use these items anyway. You need to be attuned to most items before they function for you anyway."

“Attuned?" Veledar cocked his head.

“Yes Attuned." Shandalar sighed, “You have to spend at least an hour meditating with some items to link them to yourself. Otherwise they will not work for you.

“It did not work that way for our weapons, or my cloak!" Lyndis replied, pulling up her cloak.

“Yes, well weapons do not need to be attuned....neither do cloaks."

“How convenient." Lyndis grabbed a handful of coins, and stashed them into her coin purse. She did not look at exactly what she had grabbed, but she was certain she saw some platinum coins in there. Plenty to go buy whatever she wanted in town, probably buy drinks for taverns all across the damned city if she wanted to.

“Well I am okay with just packing it all up and sorting it later." Arcturus picked up the items, and began stashing them in Asterion's backpack. “Any objections?" He looked back to Veledar, as if the dragon was going to say something.

“No Arcturus, and everyone else." Veledar groaned, “I do not have any objections to this." He gave a little snort, as he thumped his tail once more against the cavern floor.

“There I got a treasure too!" Feku cried out, holding aloft in her claws a small pirates hat black in color. “Now I can be a pirate like the rest of you." She placed it on her head softly, “Avast yee mattes."

Lyndis was the first to burst out laughing, as Feku stood up proudly with her frills twitching. “I think you mean Adventurer."

“Yes, but I like hat....I am keeping it." She crossed her arms as everyone continued to chuckle. “And there is nothing you can do about it."

“I rather like the hat." Veledar smiled, than arced his neck to look at the paladin. “Can I get you one of those hats? I like it." He pointed to Feku with his claw.

With another round of laughter they began the way out of the beholders lair. They stopped only briefly in the paper room for Shandalar to make sure she had everything that she wanted to grab with it. The trip back went rather quick compared to when they had arrived. Perhaps with the knowledge they had succeeded it feels this way. They soon found themselves in the room with Azzik, and her heart once again began to ache. Without a word she lowered her head, and picked up his small body. She lifted her head only so that she did not have to look at his bruised and worn corpse. The observer is dead Azzik, the being that enslaved you is gone. She looked to Feku, who had taken a stride right beside her, was turning blue once again with each step forward. We saved Feku, and we can get her out of here...She will be safe with us Azzik.... Her next step carried her out the door, through the base, and back outside to the city street. With a great big sigh she looked up into the vast night sky. I do hope you made it to that Valhalla place Azzik....you were a hero to us.....The bravest kobold I ever knew.

*

Arcturus looked up into the night sky, finding his eyes darting to each of the thousands of twinkling lights above. He watched a few Bahamut's tears streak across the sky, seeming to race each other before they vanished without a trace. He wore only his tunic and pants, as his hand brushed the dragon's forepaw that hugged him close to his scales chest. He sighed, as he rose and fell with each breath that Veledar took. His warmth such a comfort to the cool night air. He could not believe that he was here right now with a dragon stargazing. Now true he had done it before with Veledar, but not how they were doing it right now. Not pulled this close against him, not the ever present feeling deep in his gut that they liked each other.

“Do you ever think about what would happen if I die?" the words rolled of the tongue before he could stop himself. It was hard to not think about with the death of the kobold Azzik, and the funeral they had only a time ago. They had summoned some wood and burned his body as everyone had said some words.

“I have not thought about it actually.." Veledar said softly, “I have not thought about any of you dying." the dragon wiggled his tail slightly. “I suppose I should, considering we get into dangerous situations...and I almost died."

“You technically did die." Arcturus replied, raising his left arm and running it along the dragon's neck tenderly. He felt Veledar press against his touch.

“hmmmpf.."

He felt Veledar pull him tighter against his body, as the dragon let out snort.

“I have you right now. I do not wish to think about a time I do not have you. Let me enjoy you while we have each other right here...Lets not spoil it with talk of when you will not be."

Arcturus raised his head to look into the dragon's blue eyes, and nodded. He flipped over in the dragon's grip. Trading the night sky for the image of his dragon's snout. He reached out and stroked the underside of Veledar's jaw, as he moved his face closer. He felt the dragon reposition his claws gently, and rest them right at his waist. He smiled as his eyes met Veledar's own and they froze. He gazed deeply into the blue sapphires that were twinkling back at him, getting lost within those beautiful eyes. He chuckled as he moved his hand along his jaw. Who would have thought I would be right here....Like this... He looked briefly around, finding no sign of Selina as he once again locked onto Veledar's eyes. He could feel his heart begin to beat faster, as he maintained his fond gazing. Oh Veledar. He moved in closer, as the dragon rose to meet him. Fireballs seemed to explode in his head as they locked mouth and maw once again. He would have chuckled, but the dragon snuck a small bit of tongue into his mouth, stopping that option. He moaned as he sucked on Veledar's thick tongue invading his mouth. For a brief moment his mind pictured it was something else, but he pushed that down as Veledar gave a pleased snort.

He felt the dragon raise his left claw, and gently stroke the back of his hair. Arcturus paid it no mind as he pressed himself tighter against the dragon, letting out another moan as he did so. How it felt so right, to be held so carefully in this dragons grasp. Why it felt so good to be moaning into his mouth while he caressed the back of his head. He smiled internally at how crazy this must be. His family, one of the most well known at hunting dragons, trapping them, and killing them. Was currently being held by what was supposed to be his mortal enemy, making out like lovers to a star filled sky, and he was loving every second of it. He felt like he was melting into Veledar with each passing moment, this did not even stop when he felt the dragon give a soft thrust upward with his body.

He did not look back as he continued to mash his face against the dragon, instead just continuing to caress his jaw with his hands. He felt Veledar give another dry hump up at him, as he felt no shame in that moment. He did not even question it, and just let the dragon continue as they made out. They finally broke the kiss after what seemed like an eternity. He backed away, gasping for breath as he stared into the dragon's eyes once more.

“I think you rather enjoyed yourself there." Arcturus laughed in deep breaths, “You were gods damned humping me!"

“I did not hear you complaining about me, humping you." Veledar grinned, his claw gripping his waist a tad tighter. “I am glad your here with me Arcturus."

“I am glad your here to Veledar." he replied softly, “You have made everyday a good day to have...I have not had that I awhile."

“So you still plan to have good days right?" Veledar cocked his head, “After we get my book, your still coming with me?"

“Veledar and Arcturus, flying across the world." Arcturus chuckled, he still liked the ring to it. “I remember."

“Arcturus and Veledar I think." The dragon traced Arcturus' side with his other paw. “It is alphabetical after all. I also think our journey together might turn into something else now that....certain feelings have come to light."

_ That's big of you to put me first....It also might be a gesture.._."I still have not changed my mind you know. I plan to go with you when this is over." He caressed his dragon's cheek once more. “You kidding? I cannot picture myself traveling anywhere without you now."

“Than don't Arcturus. We will be inseparable." Veledar rose his snout once more, moving in for yet another kiss. “Who knows, maybe by then our relationship will have advanced to something more physical." Veledar chuckled.

Arcturus met his snout once more with his mouth, once more starting the deep kiss from before. He let out a soft moan as he felt Veledar hump him once again. Your going to keep pushing me dragon...Until you have what you want....Which in this case is me... He sighed, kissing the dragon back. They would continue on like this for the rest of the night. Which they would feel with eye gazing, kissing, and soft humps as they made out in each others limbs.