FSE

Silver Nights - Chapter 4

Story by Fatchaos on SoFurry

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Silver Nights - Chapter 4

-=Storm Covenant=-

Gelorah slumbered slowly from his bed. He still had trouble getting used to sleep with his wings, it felt a little uncomfortable if he laid on his back. And his tail flailed randomly during sleep. He stretched himself, and let a silent roar. He walked to his closet, and grabbed a towel. All his clothes were tidy and folded nicely. He had to get new clothes after he had been completely awakened, since his old ones didn't really fit his size, his tail, or his wings. But he kept his old clothes stored in a small trunk under his bed, because Venzyriel had told him not to get rid of them. He wasn't sure why. He wrapped the towel around him, and walked out from his room. His room was rather modest, it had a large wooden bed with white blankets and a rather worn-out white mattress filled with feathers, and a few pillows. There were a couple of cupboards and closets, mostly for clothes. Couple of candles sat on the cupboards, a few completely burnt and a few new ones. The room had one window with a wooden hatch. It had a direct view to the courtyard. His sword, the double edged Queen's Tear, sat firmly on it's stand near his bed. His room was in the main building of the fortress, on the 3rd floor. Gelorah walked down the stairs to the bottom floor. The stone floor made a nice sound when his feet and talons collided on them. He opened the huge doors with a wave of his hand. He didn't admit it to Venzyriel, but he liked playing with magic, and with his powers in general. Though most of his powers were strictly lightning based, he still had magical affinity to use more than just lightning based spells. Gelorah looked up. The weather was rather nice. A few clouds passing by on the otherwise clear, blue sky. The sun shined nearly directly towards the doors in the morning. He could hear birds singing. He walked towards the well that was near the barracks. He threw the bucket in it that was naturally had a rope tied in it. With a splash, the bucket hit the water at the bottom of the well. Gelorah lifted the bucket back up. He put it on the ground, and soaked his index finger in the water. The water turned warm. No more cold showers for me, Gelorah thought. He threw his towel aside, and lifted the bucket, and soaked himself. It always felt so nice to wash up during the morning. Especially with warm water. It was perhaps the point where he actually woke up. He didn't sweat as much since his skin was semi-scaly, but taking care of personal hygiene seemed rather important nevertheless. And today was a little bit more special. Venzyriel would visit Ishimur with him this time, so Gelorah had a chance to see Mormick again. Hah, was he in for a big surprise. Last time he had seen him, Gelorah was 15, and looked so very human. Now, he was already 17, and looked more of a dragon-human hybrid. Maybe because he was. And it felt good. He brushed his azure blue hair with his hand, and slicked it back. He really didn't like using combs. Such luxuries were not mandatory. He grabbed the towel from the ground, and dried himself up. The sun made his skin, or, scales, shine. It was hard to notice he actually had scales instead of skin, since they were so small. But the silver color probably gave him out, and the dark gray that ran across from his neck down to his waist. Venzyriel was silently watching her discipline from the window. Though she always had more or less thought of him as her discipline rather than anything else, she couldn't help herself in admiring his looks, if just a little. After all, she was a silver dragon herself. Years of training had made his body seemingly perfect, and his yellow eyes looked as beautiful as they were intimidating. It would be interesting to see how he would develop in the next couple of years. Interesting times were upon him. So far, she had been more than satisfied with his progress. Not only was Gelorah already mature, well-trained and obedient, he also had no trouble accepting what he was. In fact, Venzyriel was quite sure he was enjoying it. She just hoped he wouldn't grow up to be too arrogant. Well, it was about time they started mowing towards Ishimur.

  • "Gelorah! Go get dressed up! We are leaving! "

Venzyriel's sudden shout nearly made Gelorah jump, he had no idea he had been watched. During washing up, nonetheless. He swiftly tied the towel around him, and shouted back.

  • "At once, Mi'Lady. "

He resisted the urge to comment on the fact she had looked at him washing up.

Gelorah went back to his room, and before he had the chance, Venzyriel was at his door.

  • "I'd suggest you grab that trunk from under your bed, instead. "

This time, Gelorah did jump a little.

  • "Mi'Lady, I really, really wish you wouldn't sneak up on me like that. "

  • "The fact that you didn't see, hear or smell me in the first place troubles me. Be on your guard at all times, even here. "

Actually, Gelorah had picked her scent, he just wasn't expecting her to actually come at the door. Her scent was... overwhelming. It made him feel safe when he knew she was around. Almost like she was his mother.

  • "Excuse me for not stalking over you, Venzyriel. But... Why the trunk? Those clothes don't fit me. Anymore. "

  • "Well, not on your true form, at least. But, since we are visiting Ishimur, I need you to- "

  • "To shapeshift again? I really hate being reduced to my human form again. "

Venzyriel giggled. It was funny to notice how fast Gelorah had started calling himself a (half)dragon, and everyone else "human".

  • "Believe me, I do not find this form of mine any more enjoyable as you find your "old" self. "

Gelorah briefly glanced at Venzyriel, who was standing firmly, yet somehow gracefully at the doorway.

  • "You look beautiful in whatever form you take, Mi'Lady. "

Venzyriel was used to be in her smaller, bipedal dragon form, or human form, but she really preferred her real self. Still, she was flattered. And she had used quite a lot of time designing her silky dress and jewelry. She giggled a little, turned around, and walked back to the hallway.

  • "Just dress up already, Gelorah. "

A little annoyed, Gelorah lifted the trunk from under his bed and placed it on the bed. He opened it, and there they were. His old set of clothes that used to fit him so well. They were of high-quality, for sure. A tunic of sorts, blue matte in color. But he guessed half-dragons would make quite a fuzz if people saw one, so he placed his hands together in front of him, and focused. And with a little effort, and a blinding light emitting from his body, he was human again. And he was just got used to having a tail & wings. Now he felt awkward without them. Flying was so much fun, at least once he learned how to land without falling over. He dressed up, grabbed the Queen's Tear, placed it on his belt in a decorated sheath and joined Venzyriel at the courtyard, who was in her human form as well.

  • "Shall we, Mi'Lady? "

Venzyriel and Gelorah walked on the nearly unused road in the forest, and joined the main road eventually, which would lead them directly to Ishimur. But, as always, walking was slow, and since they really didn't have the need of haste, Venzyriel figured it would be safer to walk rather than fly. Flying dragons tend to get a lot of attention, and since it was in the middle of they day in perfect weather, it wouldn't be too hard to spot a dragon in the sky. Gelorah decided this was a perfect time to actually ask Venzyriel about something. She wasn't always in the talkative mood, after all, especially when she was studying her countless books back at the fort. As close as they were, Gelorah felt a little distant to her at times.

  • "Mi'Lady... After all these years, there is very little I know about your past. "

  • "I suppose I have been a little vague on that part. But it is no secret. Is there something you wish to know? "

  • "Well, I just want to know my mistress a bit better. Where were you born? What made you start collecting knowledge so passionately? "

  • "Hmm, where to start? Ah, yes. I hatched in the Eastern Earthym, and my mother, Vanzara, raised me with my fellow sister and brother until we could take care of ourselves. "

  • "I thought silver dragons usually formed a pair when they mated... Who was your fa- "

  • "Vanzara was forcefully taken by a black dragon, not in Earthym, though. She never gave us the name of the dragon. But I could tell she hated him. And I could also tell she was relieved by the fact that all of us three hatch-lings were silver dragons. Raising a black dragon as a silver dragon could prove... problematic. "

  • "I'm sorry I brought it up, Venzyriel. I had no idea. "

  • "It's alright, my dear. And this happened so long ago. And it's not I who was forcefully taken. And my mother never dwell in the past. She loved us all. "

  • "Which brings me another question, if I may. How old are you? "

Venzyriel chuckled.

  • "It's not polite to ask for a lady's age, Gelorah. But... you deserve an answer. I haven't kept a correct track of days, but years, instead. I am... Four hundred and sixty eight years old. "

Gelorah wasn't exactly dumbstruck, he knew dragons could be very old. Still, he had no idea she was so old. Venzyriel noticed Gelorah looked a bit confused.

  • "Oh, I am young in dragon standards. In fact, many would say I'm at my prime. "

  • "That is not hard to believe. You are magnificent. "

Venzyriel chuckled at the flattering compliment. Though Gelorah didn't exactly keep any compliments to himself, he sowed them regularly, she always felt nice to hear them.

  • "I suppose you wish to ask more? Ask, and I shall answer. "

  • "Indeed, Mi'Lady. What happened to your sister and brother? And mother? "

  • "My sister flew south, over the sea. I haven't heard from her since. My brother set himself up in Eastern Earthym somewhere. But... I think he is dead now. "

  • "Dead? How? "

  • "Earthym Order does not look kindly to dragons. I believe the dragonslayers got him eventually. After all, the Earthym Capital, the city of Earthianum is in the Eastern Earthym. He was a bit arrogant, after all. We might be powerful creatures, Gelorah... but we are not invincible. "

  • "I'm sorry. I had no idea you had such painful memories. "

  • "We weren't very close, but I admit. I do miss him. As for my mother, she flew north after we left our nest. She figured an old dragon like herself didn't have a place here. With the Earthym Order around here, I am rather glad she did. "

  • "Do you miss her? "

  • "At times. But I am used in solitude. Like all dragons. And then again, I hate solitude at the same time. But... I have you now, my disciple. "

Gelorah couldn't help but feel happy about the fact his Mistress cared for him so. It made him feel very happy, indeed.

  • "I am always by your side, Venzyriel. Always. "

  • "I know that, Gelorah. "

Gelorah's expression turned serious again.

  • "You spoke of dragonslayers? "

  • "Yes. King Mederik doesn't look kindly to other sentient creatures. He thinks the human race is superior, and seeks to dominate the land of Earthym by force, if negotiations fail. And truth be told, most of the time it's he who refuses the negotiations. There are no elven settlements here, for example. They have all been driven away, their forests burned. A few, small groups remain, hidden in the woods. And a few lone wolfs, who roam the lands as mercenaries and bandits, mostly. It's sad. Their magnificent, intriguing culture, now reduced into this. "

  • "What about dwarfes? "

  • "I believe there was only one dwarven city ever built in Earthym, in the north, up the snowy mountains. But it is long abandoned. I'm not sure why. I never visited the city. It's a dangerous place to be. In fact, I heard there might be other dragons there. It is not entirely rare to see dwarven merchants, though. Some of them get their shipments overseas. "

  • "I see... so, Mederik seeks complete human domination? "

  • "More or less. He has recruited skillful individuals to his group of dragonslayers, since dragons are much more harder to deal with than rogue elves or other 'creatures'. "

  • "Have they been successful? I mean... we are talking about dragons. No man can defeat a dragon! "

Venzyriel sighed.

  • "As powerful as we are, we are still vulnerable. And the dragonslayers do not go toe-to-toe against us. They use tactics. Ballistae. Whatever means to kill us. And they know most of us are arrogant, so it is not that hard to lure dragons into ambushes and traps. They study us. Learn our weaknesses. "

  • "Ballistae? They have no honor! "

  • "I suppose not, but I can't blame them for being careful. A sword, arrows or a spear rarely is powerful enough to pierce trough dragon scales. And speaking of our scales, they are very valuable, so not only will they achieve their goal when they kill a dragon, but they also get the scales, bones and whatever else they find use for. Including the treasuries dragons tend to have. Like I do. "

  • "How many have they killed? "

  • "A few, by now. My brother included, most likely. They are constantly seeking for more, to get the land rid of them all. They most probably hope that killing enough will drive the remaining dragons off. But, Earthym is a large land. And they need new recruits very often. I am not sure how many other dragons dwell in Earthym at the moment. We like to keep to ourselves after all. And, I believe there are a few half-dragon and dragonkin here as well. Mostly in Western and Southern Earthym, since the control of Earthym Order is very loose there. Working as mercenaries, mostly. I know a few. "

Gelorah felt surprised. He thought he was genuine, so it made him a bit jealous, as childish at it seemed.

  • "Really? Other half-dragons. And... dragonkin? "

  • "Yes. Dragonkin. An offspring of a half-dragon - dragon relationship. Very rare, though. "

  • "So why did you pick me, exactly? I mean, isn't a dragonkin even more of a dragon than I am? "

Venzyriel stopped, and looked Gelorah in the eyes.

  • "Because you, my disciple, are unique. And you silver dragon blood in your veins. I wouldn't trade you for all the half-dragons and dragonkin in the whole Earthym. You mean a lot to me, Gelorah. You are my one and only disciple. "

Gelorah stared back at the yellow eyes looking deep into his soul. He felt happy and flattered by the words she just spoke.

  • "Thank you, Venzyriel. Those words mean a lot to me. "

  • "And I mean every word. But, shall we continue? There still is a fair bit to walk. "

Venzyriel started walking again, with Gelorah beside him.

Gelorah was still eager to learn more about Venzyriel's past.

  • "What made you choose the life of a collector? Of knowledge and artifacts, that is. "

  • "A very interesting question. I do not know. I find learning history and anything else intriguing. And since I figured I have a lot of time to do so, I thought why not. Some dragons collect gold, trophies and treasures. I collect gold, trophies and treasures, yes, but also knowledge. In my youth, I roamed Earthym, in my human form most of the time, of course. I studied a lot. Earthym has many fascinating libraries. I found many ancient, long-forgotten artifacts because I read a lot. Our fortress was one of those discoveries. I found it because I studied books of history. I also know many languages. The one we speak is common Earthia. Of course, I wasn't only interested in history and culture when I studied the books and writings. I have collected my share of wealth as well, and it has made my life easier in some of the cities. Men are... fond of gold. "

  • "Any highlights of your discoveries? "

  • "Oh, how many, Gelorah, how many! I find them all very precious to me. I couldn't possibly highlight one that was more intriguing than another. "

  • "If you traveled so much, you have ought to have met another dragon or two. "

  • "Quite true. First, somewhere in the Southern Earthym, I met a green dragon. She was rather... hostile. At first. But she never attacked me. I, as a roamer, violated her space, and she made it clear I wasn't welcome there. "

  • "So you left? "

Venzyriel laughed.

  • "No... You could say she let me study the ruins she lived in a bit more, and even gave me a tour after I provided her with some gold. Men are not the only greedy ones, after all! "

Gelorah smiled.

  • "Gold seems to make a lot of shortcuts, and life easier in general. "

  • "Quite so! I would go so far to say she actually started to like my company in the end. Living in solitude and being hostile all the time tends to make you lonely I suppose. And then... there was a blue dragon in the Western Earthym. "

Venzyriel's face turned a bit more serious. If not longing. She was looking at the distance.

  • "Everything alright, Mi'Lady? If you do not wish to speak of it, I will not ask any further. "

  • "No. I want you to know. The blue dragon was named Asgarh. I... grew fond of him, back then. "

Gelorah was genuinely surprised.

  • "He was your... mate? "

  • "It never evolved to that, I'm afraid. I admit, I wanted it to go that far at one point. He was caring, friendly, wise, and powerful. "

  • "What happened? "

  • "We didn't share the same ideals. He found the other creatures and animals as nothing but livestock and vermin. Food and pests. He killed for sports. "

  • "That was the reason you left him? "

  • "I could have forgiven a lot, but he sunk ships a lot. If he found a ship, or a boat, he sunk it. He drowned women, children, men, anyone aboard. I couldn't help but think: ' Is this the mate I want? I this the father I want for my offspring? ' . So... I discussed it with him. He did not understand why I felt sympathy for 'inferior' creatures. He tried to change, in the end, but ultimately, he couldn't. I think he had some sort of grudge against humans. Scarred in his mind, scars so deep he couldn't let go. So, I left. Even still, we set different ways as friends. Saying goodbye to him was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I did love him so. "

Venzyriel was looking at the ground when she said those words.

Gelorah felt bad about himself, poking around Venzyriel's personal affairs.

  • "But. It is in the past. I'm actually very glad I could share this with someone, at last. Thank you. It made me feel much better. "

  • "I'm always here for you, Venzyriel. " Gelorah paused for a moment, and continued.

  • "Were there any other dragons? "

  • "A few half-dragons and dragonkin, and a few dragons that I did my best to avoid. Savage beings. Brutal. Merciless. Evil. I think they still live somewhere in Earthym, most of them. But nothing worth of note, I suppose. Some of the half-dragons and dragonkin were very nice, though. Some of them respected me for being a pure dragon. "

  • "May I ask why you decided to settle in an old fortress, and why did you want a discipline? "

  • "After the War of Earthym was finally over, the land was unstable. And Earthym Order started hunting dragons. So, I decided to take a low profile for a while. Even lower than usual. Then, I realized that the Earthym Order was growing ever stronger by the month. By the week. By the day. Eventually, they would find me, and k- "

  • "I will NEVER let them lay their hands on you! "

Venzyriel looked with sincere affection at Gelorah. She made her feel so secure. To have someone who cared. And yet, she would have to send him against overwhelming odds one day. And that day would be soon.

  • "I know you will protect me. And so will many others. "

  • "Others? "

  • "It might come as a surprise... But, Ishimur, for one, is completely loyal to me. As is a few other cities and towns near our fortress. "

  • "What do you mean? Loyal? "

  • "During the war, and after it, the people lived in constant fear. War. Diseases. Raiders. Poverty. Famine. Crimes. Despair. I have served them as a guardian dragon for almost one hundred years now. I provided them with hope in desperate times, when no one else could. "

Gelorah was dumbstruck.

  • "Are you saying they know you are a dragon? "

  • "Yes. They are completely aware of my true self. And that has made them loyal. I offered protection, care, food and wealth. In return, they vowed loyalty to me. That loyalty is so strong, it has passed down two generations now. Earthym Order has such a loose control here and they don't even know it. "

  • "But isn't that awfully risky? Someone might betray you! Men are gre- "

  • "Men are not greedy! Men, above all, are beings that are capable of so much good. And evil. Men grow to be evil. No one is born truly evil. That is what I believe. And I have done my best to raise the people to be kind. Still... I have taken a risk. But it's a risk I have to take. "

  • "I think I understand. I'm sorry for questioning you. "

  • "No offense taken, my disciple. And while I am referred as a kind, 'motherlike' guardian... I have made it clear that betray me, and I shall show no sympathy. "

  • "If these people are loyal to you, then why these... disguises? "

  • "Because, not everyone knows our little secrets, my dear. Travelers. Merchants. People who have moved in. The people are slowly 'converted', as to speak, but still, it is good to be sure. "

  • "Your wisdom is as magnificent as always, Venzyriel. "

  • "Oh, you flatter me too much. "

  • "What about Mormick? Does he...? "

  • "He knows. "

Gelorah was happy to hear that. Maybe he had a chance to show HIS true form to him!

Venzyriel looked at Gelorah, and knew what he was thinking.

  • "You'll get a chance to show your... true self to him, yes. In fact, it is mandatory. For he has a gift for you. "

  • "A gift? "

  • "Yes. Ah. We are nearly there. "

They continued walking along the road, not talking much.

But before they could make it to Ishimur, they encountered a log in the road, blocking the road.

  • "Gelorah. "

  • "Understood. "

Gelorah unsheathed his sword, exposing all it's beauty. And at that moment, four bandits stood up from their hiding spots behind the log. They readied their bows, and one unsheathed his sword. They looked like elves. Slightly shorter than human, pointed ears, and a bit more fragile look in them. They seemed to have a paler skin as well. One of the bandits jumped over the log, his sword drawn out. It was a regular looking broadsword, but it certainly had seen battle. The bandit bowed.

  • "Evening. I am afraid I need to confiscate all your valuables. Or cut your throats. Choice is yours. I would hate to do that, but I've long forgotten honor. " The bandit looked at the beautiful sword that the rather fit human with strangely bright orange hair was holding. It looked very valuable indeed. And who stood beside him? A rather dashingly beautiful lady. Silk clothes. Lot's of jewelry. They had hit the jackpot. A noble, perhaps? With a henchman. And by the looks of it, they would have to kill the henchman, he was sporting for a fight. Fool.

Gelorah glared at the Bandit.

  • "I suggest you step aside and let us move along. Or may whatever gods you worship have mercy on you. "

The bandit glanced back at his fellow comrades. They all laughed a little.

  • "I'm afraid you do not understand the situation you are in. I have no intention of fighting you. You look like an able swordsman. I might die if try to fight you. So, instead... Boys! "

He waved his hand, and the three other bandits fired their arrows at Gelorah. Instead of a satisfying sound of impact on flesh, the man had disappeared with a flash of lightning and a roar of thunder. The bandit with the sword looked around hastily, confused, trying to figure out what had just happened, but it was too late. He didn't even feel anything. He just realized he was looking the world from the ground, and saw his body stagger, with his left hand waving around the neck where there used to be a head, with blood sprouting from the neck. The sight was pretty grotesque to witness. The three other bandits had merely seen a flash of lightning, and then, the mysterious man had appeared behind their leader, cutting his head off with one, clean slash. Their leader's decapitated body was staggering a bit, with his hand searching for his now lost head on the neck. A second later, his body collapsed on the ground. The man turned at the other three. He was grinning. Their faces turned pale.

  • "Kill him! Sorcery! "

As skilled bowmen, they fired their second shots rapidly at the man. Yet again, they heard a roar of thunder. And witnessed their arrows being blocked by a shield that seemed to have been made of pure energy, if not lightning. They fired their bows again, and again, but they couldn't pierce it. The arrows burned to ashes as they made contact with the shield, and their arrowheads were firmly stuck on the shield, now glowing red from the heat as the lightning heated them up. Then, suddenly, the arrowheads were gone. The two bandits witnessed as their fellow comrade fell again, his body pierced by a hail of glowing arrowheads. They had not just hit him. They had pierced right trough him. He fell on the ground with a scream, and started coughing blood. At this point, one of the bandits made a run for it, while the other drew his shortsword. Too late he realized the man was charging him with his lightning shield.

Gelorah slammed the shield on the bandit who had drawn his sword, disintegrating him to the bone in a near-instant. The smell of burning flesh filled the air. Gelorah saw the last bandit escaping in the woods. He was about to take pursuit, when Venzyriel stepped in. She raised her hand, and the bandit was pulled from the woods back at them, screaming, slamming to the ground beneath their feet. Gelorah looked at Venzyriel. Her eyes were different this time. No compassion was in them. They looked cold. Venzyriel lifted the bandit by merely pointing at him.

  • "Tell me. Are there more bandits around here? "

The bandit whimpered.

  • "P-please, oh mighty one! Spare me! "

  • "Answer my question, and you may go. "

  • "Y-y-yes. There is a camp just east of Ishimur! In a cave! Near the lake! Please! Don't hurt me! "

  • "Thank you. Now. I suggest you leave. And if I ever see you again, I will disintegrate you where you stand. To the bone. And. One last thing. "

  • "Y-yes? "

Venzyriel lifted her left hand, and pointed her index finger at the bandits forehead. The forehead started smoking, and the bandit screamed. She carved a neat little scar on it. Venzyriel lowered both of her arms, and the bandit fell on the ground, holding his forehead and screaming, almost crying.

  • "Now we know if we ever meet again. Go. Before my patience runs out. "

The bandit staggered back, and ran towards the woods. Gelorah vanished his shield and looked at Venzyriel.

  • "Why let him go? "

  • "While I do want to see justice done swift and without mercy, how can we demand mercy ourselves if we never show it ourselves first? Killing is not always mandatory, my discipline. Value life when possible. People can change. I believe he will. Offer kindness when able. "

  • "Your words are wise, Mi'Lady. "

Still, Gelorah felt it was wrong to spare him. Deep in his mind, he actually enjoyed this little conflict. He tore a piece of cloth from the slain bandit, and cleaned his sword. Venzyriel lifted the log out of the road, and piled the bodies near it. All with a few waves of her hands.

  • "The patrols will take care of the bodies once they come here. Now. Let us make haste, Gelorah. We wasted time here. "

Finally, after the long walk, the walls of Ishimur finally revealed themselves. Venzyriel was greeted by the militia stationed at the gates. Gelorah noticed that the militia showed deep respect to Venzyriel. They nearly bowed to her, and their eyes spoke of deep respect. They really did know. They walked through the market, and reached Mormick's house eventually. He was outside, sitting on a bench. He hadn't changed one single bit since Gelorah last saw him. Mormick was reading a book, and he peeked up. As he saw Gelorah, he put the book on the bench, and stood up.

  • "Gelorah! Looking more handsome every time you visit poor old me! "

And there was his trademark laughter.

Gelorah walked to him, and shook his hand firmly.

  • "It's good to see you again, Mormick. "

  • "So good you need to crush my hand? "

Gelorah released his hand immediately.

  • "I'm so- "

Mormick burst laughing.

  • "Just pulling your leg! "

Gelorah joined his laughter, if not in a more restrained way. Though Mormick admitted to himself that the handshake had actually hurt.

  • "How have you been, Mormick? "

  • "All good, all good! These old bones of mine aren't giving up just yet! Come inside! I have some ribs ready. I know you like them. But! Where are my manners? "

Mormick walked to Venzyriel, and bowed.

  • "Welcome back, Mi'Lady. If you wish, you can also have some ribs. "

  • "Thank you, Mormick. Maybe I will... I'm hungry, after all, and I appreciate your hospitality, as always. "

  • "Then, please, make yourselves at home. "

They all three sat on the table in the 1st floor, and while Mormick was eating with his hands, Gelorah and Venzyriel used forks and knives. While Venzyriel certainly wouldn't get full from such a meal, she always appreciated well cooked food. And Mormick surely knew how to make ribs. Gelorah wanted to devour the ribs in an instant, and the bones in them, but he restrained himself. After the eating was done spiced with a little small-talk by Gelorah and Mormick, Venzyriel stood up.

  • "Mormick, were you able to get it? "

  • "Mi'Lady, yes indeed. It looks fantastic. I bet he's eager to try it on! "

  • "I haven't told him yet. About my plans for the future, either. "

  • "Oh. I assumed... It doesn't matter. We can tell him now. "

Gelorah looked puzzled. Venzyriel looked at him.

  • "We live in a dark era, my disciple. Like I told you on your way here, I have the loyalty of the people around our fortress. Mormick is one of the most loyal, reliable men I have ever met. "

Morkick blushed a little.

  • "But such loyalty is not enough anymore, I fear. I fear for our mutual safety, my disciple. That is why I have decided to take action. "

Gelorah was even more confused.

  • "What kind of plans, Mi'Lady? "

  • "Risky, dangerous plans, Gelorah. And I need you more than ever. "

  • "I am yours, Venzyriel. You know that. "

  • "I do not wish to force you against your will. So I am very glad to hear you feel that way. The fact is, that Earthym Order is becoming a serious threat. "

Mormick interfered.

  • "Can I explain? "

  • "Yes, Mormick. You, after all, have the most knowledge about Earthym Order. "

Mormick cleared his throat, and started speaking.

  • "Gelorah. After the War or Earthym, there was supposed to be an era of peace. That era never came. Earthym Order mainly has only the Eastern Earthym under control. Other places are more or less restless. Southern Earthym is corrupted, and unstable. Civil wars. Crimes. Corruption. Western Earthym is not under any kind of control by Earthym at the moment. Mercenaries and bandit lords rule the lands there. The Northern Earthym is vast with mountains, and it's very hard to make the locals to accept their new king. That gives us the advantage. While Earthym Order pushes itself forcefully to gain control, we... we offer the people a different choice. Venzyriel kept us safe during the war and after, so the people are loyal to her. Hell, I admit. She saved my life once when the city was under attack once. "

  • "By loyal, do you actually mean that the people are willing to fight for her? Do die for her? "

  • "Not just for her. For themselves. We are not asking them to fight for a cause that is not their own. Earthym Order is very strict. Rogue mages are hunted mercilessly, even if they only practice herbalism or harmless magic. Only the noble mage's and specially trained, or brainwashed, acolytes are allowed to practice sorcery. Elves are being hunted for the mere reason they are elves, not men. Religion plays a great role, and King Mederik has no tolerance for 'infidels'. Non-believers are brutally executed as an example. I have seen with my own eyes where some of the profit goes from the war and from the labor of fair peasants who work so hard for their bread. To the nobles. King Mederik is keeping the nobles happy, and thus has the support of most of the cities. And some of the nobles are very powerful mages. And the army is driven mostly by gold, and that, he has. And he hunts other sentient creatures, enhancing his dream about an era of domination by 'The pure species', men. Frankly, many people are willing to go against him and the whole Earthym Order. "

-"Are you suggesting we raise an army of ourselves? "

Mormick smiled. Then burst out laughing again.

  • "We already have. It's just not deployed yet. More men than you can guess. But we need more. And Venzyriel, while you may have been unaware, has constantly looked up for new, powerful, skilled individuals. We even have rogue mages. "

  • "So, we are going at war? Against the Earthym Order itself? "

Venzyriel walked towards the fireplace, and stared at the fire in it.

  • "Yes. My disciple. We need to fight, or eventually, we will be found, and dealt with. And, I need your help in winning this oncoming war. The first phases will be crucial. We need more troops. And you will play a major role there. "

  • "Me? I am but one- "

  • "You are my disciple. I know your powers. You are so powerful, it will spread terror in our enemies, and bring us victory. You, my discipline. You will be a force in the battlefield that no soldier would ever want to face. But we must be patient. Now, Mormick, I guess he should try it. "

  • "Yes, he should. Come with me, Gelorah. "

Mormick walked upstairs, and Gelorah followed him. After a while, Mormick walked back down.

  • "I decided to give him privacy when he tries it on. "

Venzyriel and Mormick waited. And there was the thunder's roar. After a few more minutes, Gelorah walked down with heavy steps, and with the sound of metal clanging. He was in his dragonic form again. Mormick was amazed by how he looked while Venzyriel smiled in approval.

  • "My, Gelorah! You truly have grown into something magnificent, haven't you? "

Gelorah smiled. He now was wearing a plate-armor. Made of steel, trimmed with fine golden trims. He had wide, heavy shoulderguards, a thick breastplate that connected with scalemail on his torso. He had fine plates strapped on his hands, and a sturdy, heavy belt, with his sword hanging in it's sheath on it. Below the belt, on both sides, hung yet another set of fine plate armor, and his rear and front was protected by hanging scalemail. His leg's had platemail strapped in tight, and his tail had numerous plates of armor strapped in them as well. And he had a mask-like head protector, that went from his forehead all the way to the end of his snout, and it also went from both sides out from his snout, protecting the sides.

  • "Is it too heavy? " Mormick asked in curiosity.

  • "It feels rather light, to be honest. "

Mormick chuckled.

  • "I think most men would find it impossible to use. Or, at least rather troublesome. It required a few... adjustments compared to regular plate armors. Like holes for your wings, the sheer size, and then there was the tail. You should have seen the blacksmiths face when I ordered this! So, tell me, do you like it? "

  • "It's perfect. "

Gelorah flexed his muscles. It was rather easy to move with this. It didn't hinder much of his movements. He couldn't help but grin faintly. Venzyriel smiled.

  • "You look as handsome as you are intimidating. Tell me, my disciple. Are you ready for the hardships ahead? The change of this era will soon be set in motion. "

Gelorah kneel before Venzyriel.

  • "I am ready, Mi'Lady. "

Mormick silently watched. Gelorah truly did love Venzyriel, no doubt. He was young, and he was eager and loyal. Mormick only hoped he would not do anything stupid.

  • "Then rise, my disciple. For our first move, I think you should pay a little visit to that bandit encampment we learned about earlier today. "

  • "Your word is my command. "

Gelorah stood up. He wasn't sure what he was feeling at the moment. Anxious, perhaps. He glanced at Mormick.

  • "Mormick... Just one question. You served the Earthym Order as a soldier. Why would you wish to stand against it? "

Mormick smiled, and looked at the fireplace. The flames were dancing.

  • "Perhaps. Perhaps I grew fed up on serving a faction that, in the end, didn't offer me anything in return, but a small house here at Ishimur. Old soldiers like me... Once we have served the order, we are given a small house, some gold, and then we are mostly forgotten about. No one remembers us. Or those who fell next to me. Graveyards filled with nameless graves. No one bothered to find out who died, we just buried the dead. I don't even know where my son's remains really are. Then we are expected to just be happy about what we finally get. Live the rest of our lives silently, while the noble and the king himself get the spoils of what we fought so hard for. It feels like they are feeding on my sons death. On my hardships. Besides, I feel like these old bones could surely be of some use still! "

Mormick laughed. He sounded as healthy as ever, but a tear could be seen in his glassed eye. Venzyriel stared at the dancing flames in the fireplace, and then looked at Mormick.

  • "Then, perhaps I could offer you a place at my fortress. As a quartermaster. I am planning on arming some of my soldiers now, and moving them to the fort. I could use an experienced veteran on my side. "

It was like a long-forgotten fire that combusted itself alight again inside Mormick. He stood up.

  • "My'Lady. I would be honored! "

Venzyriel smiled in approval.

  • "Gelorah. Looks like you are going to have some more friends at the fort from now on. "

Gelorah smiled faintly, and looked at his armored arm. Interesting times were before him. He turned to Venzyriel.

  • "What will our faction, our army, be called as, Mi'Lady? "

Venzyriel looked puzzled. She hadn't given that any thought. Mormick looked thoughtful for a brief time, before clarity reached his mind.

  • "Since you are both silver dragons... What about: Storm Covenant? "

What a fine name, indeed, thought Venzyriel, and smiled in approval as she watched the last fires dance, and finally die in the fireplace, with only a few glowing embers left in it, slowly dying.

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