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Chapter 18

Dragons usually never got drunk. The ales, wines, and various spirits that mortal kind could concoct proved too feeble to do so. Only dwarven and Minotaur brews could even pierce the might of a dragon's liver and truly curl their tail. Evidently that's what Cordenth had drunk last night.

The green dragon groaned and squirmed, holding his aching head. When had he had a hangover this bad before? It felt as though a giant were squeezing together his skull. Why hadn't he drank any water? Why had he let Keerla and the others convince him to continue matching them? He could already picture that confident smirk from that woman, bragging about her dwarven bourbon. He hissed and gently smacked aside a soft pillow.

Soft pillow? Since when did his prison cell have that? He froze, heart pounding as he gently kneaded the silk. This had to be a dream, you don't give your prisoner's silk pillows. Padded around with a paw, the pillow gave way to an entire bed made of the same material. He almost chortled at the idea they had a bed large enough for a dragon's bulk. This had to be a dream.

“Nice try brain." He groaned, thumping his tail on the softened floor. “I won't be fooled by such a ploy." He extended his claws and scratched a frill, something that always woke him up. Instead of waking up in his cramped cell, pain surged through his sensitive membrane.

The dragon's eyes shot open as cursed and flailed, lashing out at the air with his paws. His tail took vengeance upon various potted plants, resting on a hard-oak burrow. The blue and white clay hardly stood a chance and shattered their contents to the pristine wooden floor. Frills still throbbing at the questionable decision flared gently in and out as he took deep, calming breaths of the cinnamon scented room.

Somehow the dragon had found himself in a spacious room, most of the furniture cleaned out to make room for his sizable bed. The only things left were the burrow and a full-length mirror, gently winking as the morning sun slunk through the navy blinds resting along the only window. The bed he rested upon's sheets were now shredded to tatters, no match for his claws. Draconic instinct burned within him, cursing the amount of coin wasted.

“And this isn't a dream?" He hissed still in bewilderment. He rose to all fours, pinning in his wings as he slunk towards the mirror. Reflected was his usual self, not a single green or black scale out of place. He couldn't help but grin and search himself from every angle. He perked up, taking another sniff of the air as his tail curled around him. If this wasn't a dream, the pressing question remained.

“How on the earth did I get here?" He found the signs of his entry, places upon the floorboards where draconic claws had forced the wood to yield. He stared and wracked his throbbing brain for the answer. He recalled them having a fun night that was certain, something charades and cards. Singing of course was part of the evening, plus an evening flight. He winced as the shattering of a window occurred to him. “Of course I had to make a fool of myself." He shook his head, holding it with a paw. Hopefully not a soul would recall the last bit. Though who was he kidding, with his luck, it would be recounted for ages ahead.

Down went his paw as he spun, facing the lone door. Hadn't he been in a dungeon before? Why had the guards decided to stash him here? Had he won over their allegiance with his antics? Were his newfound companions stashing him away to avoid the royal guard? Clearly he wasn't a prisoner, there were no shackles or leather straps to speak of. He sat, pondering how on earth they had dragged him up to this place. Surely magic had to have been used. Just as he was blinking away the grogginess. In the end it didn't really matter, he'd have to see what could be done in rescuing Lyndis.

Touching his head and performing the required thoughts, the green dragon's size shrunk considerably. In a poof of purple smoke he was the size of a small pony. Easily able to fit through the door. Adding to his good fortune, it wasn't locked. Curiosity bubbled about him as he slipped his head out from the frame.

It was the rooms from before, the hallway across from where Lyndis and he had first been shown. Beside the dragon's door was an all too familiar face leaning against the wall. It was Jeriah, clad in his trusty scale mail, draped in a dark navy tabard. Brown trousers with onyx stitching traveled down his leg, ending in worn leather boots. His dull iron helm was tilted down, his eyes closed. If Cordenth wasn't mistaken, the guard appeared to be snoring!

“What are you doing here?" He whispered, searching around for signs of anyone else before grabbing the man's leg. When he didn't awake he had to be more persistent, nosing at his chest. He repeated his question with hint of a threatening growl. Surely that would wake him up.

“Just resting the eyes sir!" The guard stammered, giving off a yawn filled salute. “Dragon won't be sneaking past me no sir!"

“How you going to do that?" He snorted, swishing his tail. “Last time I checked I wasn't on your eyelids."

Jeriah chuckled, wiping the sweat that'd formed on his brow. “Sorry bout that Radiant Star, thought you were someone else."

“Clearly." He snorted. Clearly he wasn't a prisoner if Jeriah was so casual with his sleep. Unless he wasn't routinely getting checked on. Before he could utter another word of his questions, the jingling sound of scale and plate mail sounded from down the hall. Someone was coming to see him, all of them chatting about the dragon they were supposed to see.

What that was about, would have to wait. He turned tail right on a coin, grabbing Jeriah with his wing and dragging him inside. He slammed the door shut with his tail as the still groggy Jeriah stumbled onto the dragon's makeshift bed.

“I didn't expect all this to happen so soon!" Jeriah blushed, eyes wide as his hands flew up. “I'm not even into men!"

“Not that?" Cordenth turned with a hiss, searching the rest of the room for any signs of magical tampering. He couldn't imagine they'd leave him without any way to eavesdrop on him. As the guard continued to talk about his preferences in woman of the two legged variety, Cordenth had already woven a detection spell with his paws. To his fluttering frills nothing popped up, leaving a total blank on his snout. They'd trusted him enough to only leave Jeriah to slumber at his door.

“What was that about?" Jeriah stood, running a sleeve along his scale mail, “It had better not be a charm to make me unable to resist your advances." His hands found his waist. “Cause that would be rather rude."

“Not to mention against my standards." He growled, pacing around the room. “And stop that. If I'd wanted to mate you I'd have asked. I was looking for magical wards."

“Ah." The man weakly smiled, his cheeks red. “That makes definitely more sense."

“Now answer my questions." He sat on his haunches, ducking his head. “Last I recall we were drinking, enjoying a good dose of revelry. How did I end up here?"

“You don't remember?" The guard's brow rose. When the dragon eyed him harshly and snorted, he burst out laughing. “Well I'll be. Never thought I'd see a dragon drunk off his arse!"

Cordenth's eyes narrowed, “I wasn't drunk off my arse. I just can't remember."

“I don't know." The bearded man grinned, stroking his chin. “If I recall, you broke a few windows and saronaded a complete stranger."

“It was only one window." He rolled his eyes.

“So you do remember!" Jeriah crossed his arms in victory as Cordenth dramatically groaned and dipped his head.

“Just tell me what happened." He rolled his paw, “Spare me the embarrassment."

Composing himself with a cough, Jeriah's eyes beamed with amusement. “As of last night I've been promoted to sergeant in arms." He tapped the scalemail on his breast. “One whose in charge of watching a certain dragon." Up went his palms, “Not as a prisoner mind you, but as a guest!"

That didn't sound right. Keerla and the others broke him out of a prison cell. That was traitorous. Surely they didn't have a sense of madness strike them?

“You were promoted? What of Keerla?"

“Yea we were surprised by that one. Ryder's packing his desk at the moment, gave his job to Keerla.." The guard snapped his fingers with a sigh. “Think they'd make me a commander if you asked?"

“He gave up his job?" Cordenth pulled back his head, eyes blinking in shock. That forceful old man had suddenly dropped everything?

“Who would have known he had a soft spot for dragons?" He shrugged. “Best not look a gift wolf in the muzzle if ya ask me."

As charming as the thought was, Cordenth doubted a man's allegiance to his mother would sway so easily. Maybe a reduction of his straps, but a change of room and no surveillance? His mother wouldn't be so careless. He'd been silent for far too long, as Jeriah was now leaning on him, hand on the dragon's shoulder.

“Ya I know. You're taking it hard. I could always get the straps back if you really miss them."

Cordenth pushed the man to the bed for his troublesome remark.

“Still don't like men! Even dragons!"

“Not that!" His tail thumped to drive the point home. What was it going to take? To disrupt his line of thoughts, knocking sounded from the door.

“We've come to speak with the dragon on word of captain Ryder!" Sounded a man from behind the door. He sounded young, sure of himself, possibly looking out for a promotion.

They were already here? Cordenth's eyes widened as he and Jeriah shared a single, nervous look. The dragon didn't want to even have a single sentence with the captain until he figured out what exactly happened. “Can you stall them?" He whispered, “We need to figure out what happened."

To his credit, the guard had no questions. Just a wink and single nod. “That's going to have to wait lads." Jeriah grinned, “Dragon's a bit under the weather for a moment. I'd not come in, looks a mess."

“Whats he got?" The guard from behind the door yelled. “Captains gonna want to know!"

“Ever been shooting out at both ends?" Jeriah chuckled, his cheeks reddening as Cordenth pressed inward, revealing his teeth. “I wouldn't even come in here if I were you."

He was going to kill this man. Internally he screamed as the guards outside the door gagged and dramatically hacked on the air. He could almost watch in real time as his reputation burned to the ground.

“That's alright, we'll come back later. Tell the dragon to feel better. I don't envy ya Jeriah!"

The man chuckled nervously, his hands desperately trying to push back the insistently growling dragon. “You haven't the foggiest!" Like that and a shuftling of armor the guards were gone, though at what cost.

“THAT WAS THE BEST YOU COULD THINK OF?" He fumed, nearly pushing the man down with his paw.

“I panicked!" Jeriah winced, hands raised with his palms out. “Honest mistake, and on the plus side, they're gone!"

“But now they think I'm how did you put it?" The dragon gagged at the mental imagery. “Shooting out at both ends?"

The man weakly giggled, “Think of it this way. It's a talent."

“A TALENT?" He pressed forward with his snout as Jeriah kept just out of nosing range.

“Ok, maybe not a talent. But something not everyone can do! Hey I know I made a mistake, STOP!" His hands pressed against Cordenth's nostrils as they flared. He gulped, nervous eyes searching the dragon's snout. The man sighed, eyes drooping as he issued his apology. “At least we have the time now."

Cordenth retreated, composing himself with a huff. Perhaps he'd been a tad too hasty, worn the draconic blood too easily on the scale. As his tail curled around his hinds he sighed, telling him it was alright. “I'm sure not everyone will know about it, and you did a good job."

“Good enough to learn your name?" The man beamed.

“Don't push your luck." He replied sternly, nosing at the man's chest. “Now return before we were interrupted. “How did I get to this room?"

“When we were surrounded you asked for another room." Jeriah shrugged. “Very confident like. Could barely know you were drunk!" He looked around at the sparse surroundings, “Not royal mind you, but that's probably in your future mate?"

That tickled his scales. Waited on hand and foot by humans and wolven? The old dragon instincts bubbled within his veins. He had to cast away the pleasing image of silvered trays and bowing mortals with a shake of his head. “And they dragged me up here?" He scratched his head with a wing talon. “Didn't know you made your staircases that wide."

“We don't." Jeriah chuckled, “Ole Verin the mage came in, did some of his finger wiggling and you were smaller. Though I think they might have hit your head on the way up."

He dashed to the mirror to double check his horns were still unharmed. Last thing he needed was his brother and him looking more like the same. He rubbed his skull as a phantom ache made it's presence known. He grumbled and fumed about their clumsy paws.

“Think he had blackmail on him?" Jeriah frowned, shaking his head. “Mother of yours order you free or something?"

“She'd…" He paused, would she do something like this? Butter him up to agree to her plan? Sadly it was one of her methods. Though usually not seen for anyone else beside her family. He turned to Jeriah with a huff. “Do it only to bribe my compliance."

“But she does lova ya right? What mother doesn't?"

“In her own twisted way." His tail flicked, tossing up a pillow. “Though given her record, it's probably safe to say her plans are more important then us."

“Oh." He gulped, “Lets be glad there hasn't been a choice between the two!"

Grim as that fact was, it left Cordenth silent all the same. Years of living within that forest under her watchful eye. While she watched Lyyreth and him play when they were small, could she be plotting their futures then? Where they really little more than methods for her greater plan? His lack of answer gave his heart pause.

“Best not dwell on her then." Jeriah rubbed his neck, “Better focus on the here and now. Think you're still within her claws?"

“Only one way to find out." He sighed, glancing to the unguarded door. Part of him expected her minions to return, maybe even stunning energy crossbows in hand. “Guess we just walk out the door."

“Not the grandest of escape attempts."

“But it's not an escape if you're now a guest." He turned to the man with a smirk.

“True." Jeriah grinned. “Though what's the plan next? Can't go knocking out every guard you come across."

He fluffed up his wings, snout wrinkling. “Who said I can't?" He lifted and turned over his paw. “Are you suggesting I wouldn't be able to?"

“Not that." Jeriah sighed, motioning him to drop the raised limb. “But how do you expect to get your allies when you're flying away with the princess?"

That was certainly a good question. They'd come here to gather reinforcements. Supposedly that could be gained from elsewhere, but he'd not even know where to begin with. If only he could master whatever happened tonight. His mere suggestions had sprung to life, freed him from his shackles. Perhaps even the queen could be swayed with such a display? He'd be a hero, the might of Drenedar turned northward to the approaching swarms of undeath. He turned to Jeriah, who'd be silent and patiently watching the dragon stare off through the window.

“Got a plan?" The man grinned.

“Part of one." He admitted, slinking to the window. “What did I do differently last night? I'm certain whatever came over Ryder was brought upon by me." He turned, searching Jeriah from boot to head as the man shrugged.

“Drink until you can hardly remember?" He flapped his arms, “Perhaps flap the ole wings, swish the tail. I'm not one hundred percent on how dragon magic works. I presume it's all about growling and swirling your paws?"

“In the most basic of ways." He groaned, trying to wrack his brain for the answer. Yet the more he tried to recapture that fuzzy event, the more his brain throbbed and pushed against his skull. Eventually he had to concede that he didn't know.

“But you know you might?" Jeriah snapped his fingers, beaming from ear to ear. “Keerla, and elves take forever to be drunk?"

Was that a thing? Cordenth stared at the man's upbeat face. He certainly believed it. “Could we go ask her? Or bring her here?" He grumbled and glanced away, not particularly fond of waiting.

“We could go see her." He shrugged, “Just do that shrinking thing you did the other night. Doubt anyone will come looking after our story."

The dragon's eyes turned sharper than a blade. “Let's not go reminding me shall we." He hissed.

“Righto." Jeriah saluted.

“How would you even bring me out? Unless you suggest we fly there?" He chuckled and paced around the room, drawing thin lines with his claws.

Jeriah slung a satchel off his back, letting the leather plop to the floor. “Sneak you in that I imagine. That way they don't get more suspicious than they are. You know, triple the guard and all."

“Is that what the guards were for?" He tentatively approached the leather satchel, sniffing at the hardened material. It was old, smelled of sweat and hard work. He nearly gagged.

“Way I figure it, we get it done before Lynalla gives them a reason. Don't know if you've heard, but last night she was shouts and flailing fists." Jeriah shook his head, hands on his waist. “Poor men watching her. All of them ended up punched in the dick. They just managed to secure her door with all manner of locks."

Cordenth smirked and chuckled at the mental image of his love's ferocity. They were lucky they'd caught them so surprised, he doubted they could have held her otherwise. “Guess that leave us to rescue her from her confinement." He grinned.

“Rescue? I thought we were talking about your power."

He waved his paw, “Both. You got to follow along. We just need to figure out what I did, secure the reinforcements and Lyndis' freedom. She'll be so proud of the both of us!"

“I suppose so. It's not like we could get her free anyway, that would be really suspicious."

“Exactly." He sighed. While he wanted more than anything to free and see her again, he knew it better to do so when they had things under control. The last thing they needed was a premature idea blowing up in their snouts.

“So what do we do about the empty room while we leave?" The guard paced around the room, gently kicking the bed. “Think they'll notice a lack of a dragon."

“Where is Keerla that we have to leave?"

It turned out her family owned a tavern nestled deep into the market part of town. Place called the leaky keg, and was well known for adventurers all around. Jeriah bragged about their cabbage stew. “Think she's there helping them today." The man rubbed his beard. “Thicker than thieves the family be."

“Then it's settled." He groaned, already starting to weave his paw around through the air. He had a plan but he knew he was already going to regret it. What he was about to do was slithering around his soul, threatening to devour whatever was left of his prestigue.

“What ya doin?"

The dragon levied the man with a sharpened look and flick of the tail. “Helping lend credit to the abomination of a diagnosis you gave me."

“You mean…" The man stuttered, face turning red.

Cordenth just sighed, his frills burning green. “Shooting out both ends."

To his utter irritation, Jeriah could hold it in any longer and burst out laughing, holding his belly for support. Cordenth knocked him over for his trouble as he finished the last motions of the spell. He couldn't even look as a perfect copy of himself appeared on the bed, groaning and holding it's scales. The sounds he made were abysmal and wince inducing as each sent ripples of embarrassment coiling down his spine. He'd never live this down as long as he lived.

“Oh my gods." Jeriah gasped, staring at the horrid scene. “You didn-“

“Lets just go." Cordenth hissed, dragging the man out of the room. “And not a word to anyone, long as you live."

“Lips are bloody sealed."

At least the man had enough sense to promise that.

*

Even as he stared at the half open sack that Jeriah brandished, the ever loudening farts of his doppelganger pierced his soul. Which was worse? To be stuffed in the sweat and grime smelling chasm of leather or knowing what remained of his image would be tarnished beyond comprehension? He performed the motions and shrunk ever smaller, enough to fit inside. He glared up at the now towering man, lashing his tail.

“We never speak of this again. Or I swear nothing will protect you."

“Speak of what?" The man chuckled, playing dumb. “And here I thought you were above stereotypes of dragon pride."

He groaned and dramatically shook his head. “There is a fine line between not letting your head get swollen and that!" He gestured to the image that coiled and let loose what sounded like a wet trumpet. The green dragon shivered as he winced, was it getting louder?

“Why did you make it so horrible? You could have just made it groaning. If anything I marvel at your ability to throw illusions. Wish I could do that." Man wiggled his fingers, “Not too good with the motions."

“Enough of this." He shook his head, leaping into the packed rutsack. Tiny paws dug their way through a collection of rancid smelling clothes. Had he sweat in these and left them for a month? The dragon gaged and hacked as he slithered and stuffed his way fully into the enclosure. Hardly able to breath his paws trembled, this human was going to be lucky he didn't shred these out of spite. He knew of other dragons that might give into such a notion.

“Mind the clothes." Jeriah slung the satchel onto his back, sighing as Cordenth squirmed and shouted his discomfort. “Didn't expect to be transporting a bloody dragon through town."

He curled in silence, fuming in his suffering. “Just get on with it." He snarled, kneading the fabric. “Before I start tearing your clothes to ribbons."

Jeriah to his credit sprung into action, practically slamming the door before racing down the hall. Descending down the stairs his boots thumped, shaking the dragon's new world with every step. With another round of apologies out of the way they left the confines of the warm halls, and entered the bitter cold of the courtyard. Unlucky for Cordenth the wind cared not for his meager lodgings and stung at his scales.

Snow crunched below the guard's boots as he waved and cheerily greeted everyone they came across. They smiled and returned the gesture. It seemed Jeriah was at least on a first name basis with everyone in town! From other guards to citizens in the streets, most folks were eager to stop and try to have words with the man. The entire time he made excuses and drove them away, almost able to feel Cordenth's piercing glare on his back.

“Next time then, when you havn't got a dragon on your back!" A woman shouted with a smile.

Jeriah stopped dead, his heart nearly skipping a beat. There was no way she could know. The man tilted his head as she just put her hands to her waist, giving him the oddest of looks.

“Expression."

“Of course!" He laughed with red cheeks, spinning right round to continue on his cobblestone laden path.

The city itself was alive and bustling. Crowds of individuals shouted or chatted at the distance of Cordenth's hearing, setting up this dull roar of human interactions. It helped the dragon focus and dwell on the previous night, and even ignore the rancid prison he found himself in.

He could almost picture the night from before, though it was hazy beyond reason. The guards had them surrounded, he was certain weapons had been drawn on them. The others had been terrified beyond belief and he'd strut his way to be dead center of them all. Up went his wings as he spun them his demands, easily flowing off the tongue like wine. Why had he even expected that to work? Didn't he have golden horns? He could have sworn he'd had them. Yet if he recalled, it was still the same blackened horns from before. Was any of it truth?

There had to be something else. He hadn't even remembered casting a spell. His words themselves carried the magic that somehow turned an unwinnable situation into something out of his dreams. He cursed himself, almost ripping through Jeriah's clothes as he missed Lyyreth's input. His brother would have been the better option to figure out something magical.

Or I could have asked mother. He shook his head, scattering that idea. He'd never even consider her help again. He was tapping his muzzle in puzzlement as the ideas flickered across his brain. His thoughts only shifted when Jeriah climbed a pair of steps, and the creaking of a wooden door nearly deafened him.

“Oh welcome to the leaky keg!" A dwarven voice bellowed, filled with the warmth of a sun. Though at the drop of a hat it shifted, winter sweeping it away to hardened ice. “Oh it be you. That human without the proper beard. What can we do for you Meriah?"

The guard only laughed, “Oh Yarmic, I always love these little jaunts of yours. While I would love to be here for a drink or two, I'm actually here for your daughter."

“You got feelings for her eh?" The dwarf chortled, “Not the first human of course. You free to try, just know you have better luck turning into a dragon."

Get on with the questions! Cordenth wanted to snarl, or rip open the satchel to make himself known. Though he doubted that would help. Having a dragon suddenly burst out was noteworthy enough. Word would certainly travel and reach the ears of those he didn't wish to hear. At least not yet anyway.

Forward the guard crept, the floorboards announcing every step with a creak. Laughter and conversation hovered about the air by only a handful of people. Least three of them were dwarves by the sound of their accents, all making light of what misfortune had befallen their cousin this day. The sack came to rest on what Cordenth assumed was the long bar, as the journey from back to stop wasn't far. He did hear the voice of a gentle woman, dwarf, issue her pleasantries and by the sound of Jeriah's squirms, hugged him far too tight.

“Nice grip as always Suri very much like the god Thor himself."

“Oh well aren't you a bag of focking compliments." The sound of a smack radiated off the man's scale mail. “Sweet as always lad. Don't let Yarmic get to ya."

The guard insisted that he wouldn't, proceeding to then fend off her accusations that he wasn't eating what he should. After all, she claimed that a man was always growing.

“Sometimes more in his belly though!" She laughed, getting a cheerful echo from the patrons.

“So fun as this is." Jeriah softly pat the bag, battering the poor dragon within.

Cordenth hissed and swatted in alarm, was he trying to squish him? He almost burst out right then and there to correct such a mistake.

“Is she here? I do have a matter of great importance."

“More important then getting a good meal to start the day?" Suri asked, “Sit right there and I'll fetch her. No way you be leaving without something to fill that belly of yours."

The guard groaned and did as he was told, getting a laugh and smack to the back by Yarmic.

“Please…Is she…here?"

“Fine lad. Since yee be wimperin. We'll get her." Yarmic barked with the voice of ten men. “Keerla! That wee human friend of yours is here. One with the beard lookin like the arse end of a mule!"

“That doesn't narrow it down pah, but I know who ya be speaking of!" Keerla's voice came after the creak of a door. “Been listening a wee bit on account of the ears." The guard slipped around the sack, leaning on the table. “So what brings the resident mayfly to me home? Is it perhaps a thing that has him looking so flustered?"

“He wanted ta ask ya out." Yarmic blurted, smacking down his palm.

“Dad!" Keerla rolled her eyes.

“What!" The dwarf crossed his arms as Jeriah protested with an ever reddening face. “He was going to say it, tell her lad."

“Keerla." Cordenth could hear Jeriah put his palm in his face as he groaned. “I swear it was anything but that."

“Oh I get ya." The Elf smirked, “Think of the elf people not worth havin a crush over. I understand completely."

“That wasn't it, I think you're very….Back on track." The guard groaned as the dwarves laughed. He patted the bag, this time away from Cordenth's body. “We have a mutual friend of ours to discuss. I was hoping away from prying eyes and ears."

That widened the elf's eyes. “Mighty interestin that be." She started to drum her fingers along the bar, “Makes the mind wander on who it could be. Though whatever you have to see to me it can be done in front of me clan. There be no secrets here."

“You tell him lass!" The chorus of dwarves replied.

That wasn't part of the plan! Cordenth wiggled and squirmed through the sack, trying to stay silent as he could. He knew Jeriah was of tougher stuff, thicker skin than a giant. He'd put his boot down, swell his chest and show them the courage rivaled by a knight.

Why am I tumbling?

Everything rose and turned as the dragon's world became a swirling mass of clothes. He was plopped gratuitously onto a long bar of the sturdiest oak. Where tankards and mugs all rested, held within the tight grip of their dwarven patrons. All of them gasped, at least five of them, most covering their bearded mouths as their eyes widened to the size of saucers. One brown braided female dressed in leather jerkin even fell off her stool with a resounding thud.

“That's a dragon!" Yarmic gasped, the golden beads in his thick dwarven beard jiggling. “Now that's a magic trick by thunder!"

“It's not a trick!" Cordenth gasped, grabbing what clothes still clung to him and flung them hard as he could. “Could you not have picked a more embarrassing way of doing that?"

Jeriah was red faced, groaning as he placed his face into his palms. Keerla was only giving the dragon a sly look, folding her arms across the black and white dress she wore. One that had various pegasai and flowers stitched into the cloth.

“Well morning Radiant Star, didn't think I'd be seeing you so soon!" She snapped to Jeriah with a tile of her head, “Didn't take ya for a dragon smuggler, what gives mayfly?"

The poor man with a groan explained the entire situation. All the way from their questions to their trip through the town. He didn't seem to want to leave out every minute detail, so it gave Cordenth plenty of time to clean himself of the human's vile smell and peer around at the dwarfs and the bar that they called their own.

Of all the taverns in the city of Tetragon, the leaky keg was one all could find on a map. It was hinted that many of adventurers young and old had their start within it's stocky walls. Carvings and signatures of dream filled mortals were left on the underside of chairs or hidden away in the thick beams above. It was a perfect example of the dwarves themselves, practical and resilient to no end. The chairs were thick and stocky, weathered beyond belief. The tables were long, stained with ale and wines from years past and decorated with dwarven runes.

Incense were lit on a fireplace that smelled earthy and dry, very much like the dwarf's homes. The fireplace itself was a marvelous work of dwarven craft, pristine and decorated with artwork of their kin. With a mere glance he could see halls of tiny dwarves enjoying meals, reveling with drink or song. When he had the time he would have to return and study it further, possibly divulge exactly where it had come from.

For the patrons there were not too many, just the five dwarfs and the friends he knew. The only other individual was pressed to the corner, a man with a proper black beard. He was flicking through a book in his hand, nursing a tankard of some frothy drink. Some had already managed to spill onto his wolf furred cloak, to which he grumbled and swept it away with a cloth.

“It's a lizard with wings!" A stocky dwarf with a beard of fiery hair that almost dragged upon the floor, dashing over to toss a dishrag over Cordenth's body. “Someone get a hammer before it burns everything down!"

“It's a dragon Torgam, stop bein a git!" Yarmic and Keerla shouted, instantly restraining the dwarf as Cordenth shredded the washcloth in a matter of seconds.

“Are we done?" Cordenth snarled, as he lashed his tail and glared daggers at the wolf fur clad man.

“That all depends!" Torgam countered with a snap of his finger and a serious eye. “But if ya be blowin fire, they'll be hell ta pay by Thor's thunder!"

“I don't even blow fire!" Cordenth stomped down his paw.

“Yet!" Torgam crossed his arms with a smirk, “Havn't been wrong before!"

“Just get a drink Torgam, we all get to be wrong sometime." Keerla scoffed, shoving the red-haired dwarf to a stool. “If he blows fire." She tapped his nose when he opened his mouth in protest. “Which he won't. You can have the bar."

Yormic's face turned beat red as Torgam stroked his thick beard, mulling the idea over. “There will be none of that!"

“It's my bar dad, I can do whatever I please." The guard rolled her eyes, turning to fill up twin tankards from a keg along the back wall. “Now shut yer gobs the both of ya. We got a wee bit of business to discuss." She eyed Jeriah and Cordenth, “Figure that's why I got ole Ryder's job?"

Cordenth swung his head around, “You own this place? I thought you were a guard?"

Keerla merely shrugged, “I can do other things ya know. I not be a guard all the time. I run this place and let it be a home for my family."

“Family?" The dragon pulled up his head, quickly looking to the interested eyes still glued to his scales. They were all dwarves with red faces. Not a single one had a hint of elven blood in them. Could dwarf and elf even conceive children? The dragon's tail coiled in interest as he mulled the idea over between his horns. “Surely you're adopted."

“Well no shite dragon. Figure that all in yer wee head?" Suri chuckled, turning out to be a blonde haired dwarf with a face of experience. “Raised her since she was a wee lass. Now look at her, a proper image of a dwarf!" She slipped behind the bar, her navy tunic nearly catching on the bar.

“Elf dwarf." A dwarven female with golden hair chortled, munching onto a piece of brown toast slathered in butter. She swished a pair of hair loopies adorned in golden beads from her hair, going back to jotting down notes onto a piece of raggedy parchment with a colorful feather quill. “What will we be doing next? Huggin trees? Wearin dresses?"

“A successful one Ledis." Yarmic set down his drink, gently shoving the woman on the shoulder. “Watch your tongue if ya don't want ta start a brawl. Suri packs quite a wallop at her age."

“That be true!" The old dwarf chuckled from behind the bar, “Now where did we put the oatmeal? Those two need to get more food in them. Just look at the dragon. Such a scrawny little thing."

“If we could just talk about the magic." Jeriah groaned, “Then we could go."

Cordenth nodded in agreement, this was already going on far too long.

“Nonsense!" The woman gathered a glimmering pot of iron, filling it with water. “How could I let the pair of you malnourished wee lads out of me sight? Won't stand for it, won't do it. You'd have to kill me."

“I'm over one hundred years old!" Cordenth snorted, again stomping his paw at this foolishness. Only getting met with another sly chuckle as the woman insisted that he still be fed some oatmeal and strips of pork. Just to defy him, his stomach grumbled and killed his resistance further. Perhaps food wasn't out of the question while they figured things out.

As the water bubbled and the strips of pork she pulled from the pantry began cooking, Cordenth began to lay down his recount of the previous evenings events. He tried to paint his antics with the most pleasing of brush as possible, but even then the dwarf company could not help but chuckle and belt out their laughter till his tail flicked. Though his two companions were intently listening, Keerla's hand already holding her chin as she hummed in thought.

“So did you see anything else that I did?" Cordenth flopped to his belly, thumping his tail. “I havn't the foggiest."

“Perhaps." She levied him with a stern look. “What are you hoping to do with this power if we figure it out?" She snapped to Jeriah, whose hands flung up in innocence.

“It was his idea!"

Under her sharpened gaze, Cordenth fell. The dragon sighed and met it head on. He explained the reinforcements and how he planned to use that trick on the queen. In the end it was for the good of Drenedar, what did it matter on how he got the forces they needed? Keerla was none too pleased as she scowled at both of them, tapping her booted foot.

“So you two want to be brainwashing the queen?" Her arms wove across her chest, “Ya know I could be guttin ya both for treason."

“I don't even come from here!" Cordenth snapped as Jeriah's face turned pale. “And besides. Don't think of it as brainwashing. Just moving along the process of getting those reinforcements. Trust me." He sighed, “I've seen Struport and their thousands of refugees. The sick and dying in the streets. If I have to cast my charms or whatever that power is on a stubborn human then so be it. I'll not let her stand in the way of helping her people."

“And the uniter?" Keerla leaned back, unwavering in her conviction. “That could still be blastin us all away to nothin."

He waved a paw. One problem at a time. “We'll work on that, after we secure her help." He pressed his paw to his chest, grinning. “I do know one of the greatest rogues in the land. If anyone could figure out where those dastardly Lumarians hid their precious weapon, she would."

Keerla sighed, her resistance eroding with every passing moment.

“Question!" Torgam coughed, sweeping the frothy beer from his firey beard. He thrust a finger to the human in wolf furs in the corner. “What we doin about Gideon over there?"

The man in the corner perked up, slicking back his short brown hair. He smiled, face warm and inviting despite the scar across his face. “I want no part of this." He held up a hand.

“Then ya didn't hear a word ya hear?" Keerla belted.

Gideon wiggled his tankard with a grin. “Though I always am open to bribes."

The collection of dwarves laughed, “See that's why we always liked ya Gideon!" Yarmic chortled, “Almost has the tongue of a dwarf!"

“Just don't go telling my employers of that." He chuckled, tapping his adventuring pack beside his table,“Very bad for business."

With the human bribed and sipping on his drink, the dwarves went about shutting the place down tight. They barred the doors, hung a closed sign, and closed the blinds to every window. The tables were pressed to the corners of the floor, chairs tucked in and any utensils retrieved.

It was Keerla's turn to recount what she'd seen of what he'd done. Though it easily was described as puffing his chest and strutting along like he owned the place. “You barked your commands like a general on the prowl. Never saw a thing like it. Thought it wasn't going to work ya know." She poured herself a drink, leaning back against the bar with a grin. “Who would have thought all the mayflys be putting down their guns." She rose a tankard to him. “Ya did alright dragon. Though you did pass out after words."

“Dragon couldn't hold his booze!" Ledis cackled, throwing back her head as all the others joined in to make Cordenth's frills burn green.

He was left to ponder at his paws as the others blathered on about his antics. All he had done was act confident? There had been more to it. He squeezed shut his eyes, almost recalling the sensations swirling through his mind in the moment. There had been something beyond description that he could feel in each of the armed men. Was it emotion? He curled in his tail as the dwarves tossed out suggestions on how he could duplicate the event.

“Maybe we could get him piss ass drunk?" Torgam shrugged, “That seems to be the answer."

“You always suggest that." Keerla rolled her eyes.

“Cause it solves everything!"

“I think you make break everythin." Yarmic grumbled, “Always breakin me lucky stuff."

“Do we need to go get Lynnalla?" Jeriah shrugged, “Maybe if we were thinking of her it would work?"

“He was thinking of her during all of that?" Suri came wandering over, shoving plates of steaming food before them. “How sweet of a thing ya are." Her smile brought warmth to his scales.

Cordenth shook his head, rising to pace around the bar. His claws clacked against the wood as he swished his tail about in thought. “I could feel their fear somehow. All the emotion radiating off of them like an aura." He stopped, sniffing at the earthy air. The only time he'd ever heard of anything like this was with Veledar and Arcturus. Was he developing some sort of bond? “Does it work like that?"

“Work like what?" Jeriah asked, having to cover his mouth.

He insisted they never to mind as Torgam suggesting drinking again.

“What!" The dwarf shouted, slamming down his fist. “You said you were all plastered. That seems a logical thought to be havin!"

“We're not going to be getting the dragon piss drunk." Keerla cut off the idea. “I don't have the money to repair his damages, nor the patience to play baby sitter for him once he is." She leaned down, catching his eye. “So how do you think we go about testing this again? Maybe with how you normally cast magic?"

The idea had merit. Experimentation with magical ways certainly was a thing. Though generally it had much risk. Explosions and unknowns that could flay those involved if you were not careful. It was always warranted to go slow, never trying to stress yourself too much. “And what, you want me to try doing what I did last night on the rest of you?" he turned around, gesturing with his wings.

“I'll do it." Yarmic chuckled, thumbing at his chest. “Always wanted to outwit a dragon."

“The idea would be to have you not do that." Cordenth grumbled as the dwarves all cheered and volunteered to match mental strength with the dragon.

“Though we be wanting a few things from the queen if we do." Suri settled into a seat, folding her arms. “Be wettin our focken beaks."

“Ma!" Keerla burst, sliding beside her mother to stare her in the eye. “What did I say about mis-using this?"

Suri rolled her eyes as the other dwarves groaned. Clearly they didn't agree. “The dragon wants to get something, why can't we be wanting something too?"

“He has altruistic reasons. You just want to get yer mits on some coin."

“Untrue!" The old woman smirked.

“I actually wanted some coin." Torgam grumbled softly into his drink.

“We want a business deal with the royal palace itself. Think that might be worth more than a wee bit o coin. Ledis there can be making the arms and weapons for the guard as well. Trash material if you be asking me. Anyway, if the dragon wants to be inflicting himself on the queen…We want in."

“Inflict?" His frills pinned, “That's horrible how you make it sound, I've already explained.-“

“Yes dragon we heard." Suri replied, gesturing to the others. “You don't want us snitchin to the queen, you get us what we want lad."

“I'd like something too!" Gideon cheerfully smiled, lifting up a weathered and worn whip of dark leather. “Bribe went up in price. I need a new one of these."

“Then get in line to have the dragon charm ya!" Yarmic grinned as the other dwarves rubbed their hands together, eyes practically gleaming at the thought of exclusive deals and coins. Keerla herself seemed to be mimicking Jeriah with how red her cheeks were.

“I guess it's all to save Struport eh?" Keerla sighed as Jeriah patted her on the back.

Cordenth was just happy as they gathered together opposite him, their squabbles and demands done. The dragon nodded, their demands were but a small price to pay for his practice. Eying the space they cleared he leaped to the floor, insisting that they needed to be pressed further.

“What for?" They asked of him, but Cordenth waved them off with his wings.

“For consistency." He planted his haunches on the floor. “I was my proper size then, so my test will be as such."

The others agreed as his suggestion and went to work pushing what remained of the tables further against the walls. It was just enough space along the wood for the dragon to rest curled up along the floor. He tip tapped a brown and golden rug, catching the scent of at least ten different ales. He bid them to get back as he calmly performed the motions and uttered the command phrase. In a poof of purple smoke he'd grown back to his full size.

Wood pressed in on his sides to a minor irritation as the dragon ducked his head. Horns threatened to catch on the beams overhead, but he'd learned already from the misfortune of his crimson friend. He chuckled at his success as the dwarves that had once been astounded at his scales were now gasping and held in shock at his grown size.

“I didn't know he'd grow that fast." Suri muttered, “I shouldn't have fed him that much."

He sighed and stretched what he could, resulting in the creaking of stressed chairs and tables. He calmly levied her with a delightful smile while he informed them all of the power that all dragons possessed. The ability to change their size at will, some even mastered the ability to change into animals. “I even knew a group of dragons that liked to frolic around as animals." He laughed to avoid talking about the cutest rabbit that he'd ever seen. Unfortunately, he'd forgotten about the ceiling, slamming his horns into the beams.

Everyone laughed as the green dragon coiled on himself wincing. He cursed and smacked the floor, insisting they should have built the place taller. At least large enough for gryphons like Lumara.

“What's next, giants?" Yarmic laughed, leaning back in his chair. “Beasties don't come here often enough."

“With that kind of attitude, it's no wonder." He rubbed his poor skull, at least their laughter was shifting to concern. He waved Keerla and Jeriah off, insisting that he was fine. He didn't need to be tended to like some wrymling. Though he did tell the dwarves to go get lost in a kobold den. See how they like banging their heads on small ceilings. As if to spite him they took it on the chin, all of them laughing and nudging at the dragon who at least had some teeth. He sighed and insisted they get to testing his powers, at least so he could get back to freeing his betrothed.

“Betrothed?" The dwarves all gasped, the air falling silent, several even dropped their tankards.

“The princess?" Yarmic thundered, smacking Keerla on the back with a laugh. “Why didn't ya mention he was kissing the princess? We could be having an in to the monarchy for years ahead. Frost-Axe clan be having friends in high places. Who woulda thought two kings would owe us favors."

“No, that's not-“ He tried to voice his opinion, that he wouldn't be giving them special treatment, but they were cheering and laughing as Jeriah tried to make the dragon's case for him. It devolved into an argument about what it meant to be a dwarf, Ledis making the case that the dragon wasn't being truthful in his motives.

“Dragon motivated by nothin but love and concern?" Ledis sneered, “That be the day goats fly."

“Enough bickering." Cordenth's patience had finally spread too thin. He flew down his paw with a growl. The whole tavern seemed to shake as it went deathly silent. All except Suri who was sipping her drink. “I don't care what you think my motives are. I already shared with you my reasons. Help me if you want, but don't waste my time with foolishness." He smacked down his paw again, “So should I look elsewhere?" He was answered by a wooden tankard falling to the floor and breaking into at least one hundred pieces.

“My lucky cup!" Yarmic fell to his knees, sobbing as he plucked up the shards. “Why did ya half to be doin that?"

“Well?" Cordenth growled, glancing to all the others. To his relief they nodded along and pressed together to wait whatever this test of his was going to be. They did comfort Yarmic down so the elderly dwarf wasn't crying over his spilled ale.

“Family am I right?" Keerla was by his side, nudging at his scales. “Should have seen the family reunions. Wasn't a get together if at least three fights broke out."

Snorting he flared his frills. He was to get them to come at him one at a time, sit before him as he spoke to them. He'd try to capture what he'd done the previous night, yet he flicked off with a paw the notion of getting himself piss ass drunk. He also grumbled at a suggestion for him to serenade the whole bar.

“We could try arresting you." Jeriah shrugged, “Maybe this power works that way? Out of desperation?"

“But it would have to be real." Keerla scoffed, “And you don't exactly look like Ryder now do ya?"

The coming ideas and dwarven bickering was silenced by his threatening growl. His plan was enacted with a wave of a paw, Suri was the first one to slide over a stool and sit before the dragon. Her hands folded politely over her skirt, a smile wide across her face. She was a perfect example of a caring grandmother.

“Go ahead dear. Give me all you have." She turned to silence the laughter of her kin. “Don't mind them. I'm sure they're too scared." As she smirked the dwarves all furrowed their brows and insisted they were not scared of whatever the dragon had waiting behind his words. “So what do you think you'll have me do?"

There were ideas shouted out from the others. From plans to make her dance, to punching him in the snout. Keerla even made a jest to have her curse out the other dwarves. All good suggestions, he had to admit. With a reserved breath he focused inward as he usually did with his magic, letting the warming sensation trickle down his spine and into his paws. He reached out as he swished his limb around, trying to draw in that aura of emotion he'd been able to find. There were flickers, like feathers tickling his membranes. “Ledis has stolen your favorite dress." He said in a deep voice, the air around his horns crackling with blue magic.

Suri's eyes went wide as her nose wiggled back and forth. She took a deep breath, raised her head. Anticipation built like a storm, only for it to be dashed as she violently sneezed across the dragon's snout.

“Sorry dear." The woman sniffed, grabbing a rag to clean across his pebbly scales. The frost-axe clan laughed in delight at Cordenth's failure.

He merely snorted, flicking his tail as the woman gently rubbed off every stray particle. “Did you feel anything?"

“Was I supposed to?"

Not the answer he was looking for. Cordenth sighed and bid her to sit again. Though he made sure she had at least a few rags resting beside her before they continued. He didn't want to end up slathered in her mucus. Though why had it not worked? Did he truly need to be filled with booze? He shook his head and tried to focus again, this time not on his magic, but instead the smiling dwarf in front of him.

“It's okay if you be failing lad." Suri pressed a hand to his snout. “Practice makes perfect."

He could feel her spirit, the flowery kindness residing in her soul. The dragon closed his eyes, picturing it clearly, a lone beacon in a darkened void. He coiled himself around it, connecting himself to the flickering light with strands of golden light. All at once his insides filled with a comforting warmth, as if this woman's radiance was spreading into his own. It pressed his spirits higher, twirled around his limbs and seeped into his bones. With a breath he could hear her every heartbeat in his ears. Was this how Veledar felt? Able to read Arcturus' emotions? The green dragon smiled.

“My gods…his horns." Yarmic whispered, “They be gold."

Cordenth's eyes opened, the yellow within replaced with a shimmer of gold. Though he hadn't shifted sizes, he felt as if he were a giant to these little gnats. This dwarven fool in front of him was smiling and patiently waiting for his command. He grinned, confidence filling his every breath. “Dwarf, curse out the ones you call family. They don't deserve your respect for their words." He pressed her with her snout and chuckled as she turned and did as he requested.

Curses and insults flowed from this elderly dwarf's lips like wine. Her finger thrust to each breast, belittling and cutting down egos left right and center. When she was done she was out of breath, face redder than Veledar's scales. Everyone had burst out laughing as she returned to normal, spinning around and apologizing for what she'd just said.

“Who would have known she had that many insults in her?" Keerla was wiping her tears as the others were fighting over who could go next.

The dragon sat in silence, rumbling as they started to bicker on who had the right to go next. Wasn't that fitting though? Fighting for his attention like they were supposed to? It felt right, a fact that was destined to happen. Each bone in his body whispered this was to be true, and he couldn't think of anything to dispute that. The air was filled with their emotions, he could almost taste them with every breath. He rose his paw, almost able to separate them all with a mere glance. Threads he could tug and twist however he saw fit. The only one he couldn't feel was Keerla, no matter how hard he tried to focus. Perhaps elves were harder to connect with?

“I'll be next dragon!" Yarmic thrust himself dead center before Cordenth, hands on his waist. The dwarf already had a tankard to his lips. “Funniest damned thing I ever saw. But I bet ya can't be charming me. I got the blood of my forefathers in me."

Doubt flickered in the back of his skull for a fraction of a second. It had no place, there was no denying that he could twist this dwarf around his paws. The king to be rose his head, taking a long rumbly drag on the air. Again he pictured the dwarf fawning over him, his eyes wide and held in awe. When Cordenth spoke it was deep and terrible, carrying the weight of all dragon kind.

“Spill your drink dwarf on yourself. You grow fat on too much ale and wine. It dulls your senses and makes you easy prey for those of higher blood."

Without a hint of resistance, Yarmic's eyes widened his jaw went slack. Up went his tankard as the dwarf poured the darkened contents all over his vest and trousers. While everyone gasped and snickered, Cordenth merely watched on with a look of utter delight. There would be no denying him.

“Look what ya did!" Yarmic cried when he regained his senses, sobbing as his glorious ale dribbled across the floor. “Ruined me clothes and wasted the drink. Should be a crime!"

The dragon shrugged his wings with a mischief filled smile. The dwarf had dared him after all. “That will teach you the lesson of challenging a dragon won't it." He rubbed his chest with a paw. “Be glad the drink was the embarrassing thing I did. If I'd wanted, you could be dancing naked in front of your family right about now."

Red faced, Yarmic wrinkled his nose as his family burst out laughing. They thought it was the funniest thing they'd ever seen. Smacking the poor dwarf on the back and insisting he better go get some new garments.

“Should he though?" Keerla chuckled, “Radiant Star will just mess them up again!"

Another round of laughter as Yarmic refilled his tankard, drowning his embarrassment with more booze.

You'd think the dwarves would have their spirits dashed after watching one of their kin waste a treasured resource upon themselves. If anything, it only fueled their resolve to test their mettle against this dragonic trick. Even Gideon was front and center to match wits with the dragon with the sunflower eyes. All of them failed one after the other to maintain their zeal once he issued commands from his emerald lips.

Cordenth warbled in delight as he watched them dance, sing, wrestle with one another. The dragon could have them eating out of his paw if he so wished. The hours passed as he mastered this trick, even able to convince the whole lot of them to do as he wished instead of one at a time. Though no matter how hard he tried, or how much he focused, Keerla remained the only one to be immune to his charms. Jeriah had chosen to slip off during this time to ensure that no one suspected him of going missing. He winked and ensured that he'd try to keep people from witnessing the illusion they'd left in Cordenth's room.

“What illusion would that be?" The dwarves had asked him, but Cordenth had silenced them with another rousing round of them dancing like fools upon their tables.

“While you're there might as well set up an audience with the queen." Cordenth offhandedly chuckled to the man. Who would have thought this talent would come easily to the dragon? They'd have plenty of time to spare. Perhaps they could fly off to any other allies that needed convincing.

The mild-mannered guard nodded, waving his good byes as the dwarves broke out into song on the dragon's command.

“Quick, make them a bunch of elves." Keerla gently tapped his scales, bouncing with excitement. She was so filled with delight that the dragon couldn't help but indulge her.

“Couple of elves coming right up!" Cordenth thumped his tail happily, “Try to not laugh your ears off."

One right after the other the collection of stout two leggers turned into their gross simplification of elves. Some were prancing, pretending to hug trees, others were insisting that their favorite meal was roasted bark. Keerla just watched on in amusement, shaking her head and trying to fight off her fit of laughter.

“Now make her a dwarf right and proper!" Ledis was quick to shout as the dragon's words faded. The others chimed in with agreements, citing she needed to share their embarrassment.

So Cordenth turned to Keerla, mischief brewing in his eyes. It was the perfect opportunity to stress test his abilities. She the only one he couldn't affect.

“Oh no you don't. Try and ya git a bump so hard on that noggin yer going to be nursing it like a babe."

Hesitation flickered across his brow. Yet another repetition of do it from her family coaxed his command.

“Keerla." He announced with pride dripping from his snout. “You look like the sturdiest of dwarves. Show these of your kin how dwarf like you are." Yet nothing happened. Not a slight change of her hardened look, no sudden doing of the command. She did however grab a chair and smash it right over his snout and shatter the poor thing into a thousand different pieces.

“What did I just go and say?" She crossed her arms, glaring daggers at him.

Nursing the dull ache he pulled back, more his pride hurt than anything else. Perhaps elves were immune to it after all. The others it was mere wrymling play at this point to have them dance around. Yet she was still a fortress he could not assail.

Though their chair lay shattered before their feet, Yarmic and Suri were beaming. It was their daughter that bested the dragon. Their daughter that had a willpower far greater than everyone else. The two dwarves held out their hands, insisting that everyone pay up. To which with a series of grumbles and snide remarks they did. Even Gideon, who mentioned they'd somehow cheated.

*

They practiced again till the sun had started to depart behind the wallowdale mountains. They'd already stopped to enjoy lunch, then dinner as the dwarves broke into stories about their kin back home in the foggy mountains. Evidently they'd only moved out to Tetragon on word of their daughter, and saw it as a business opportunity. The frost-axe clan even had favors from king of the hill dwarves. Evidently their clan had helped the other rise to power.

“Been sitting on that for many o year." Yarmic had grinned, digging into the seared lamb Suri had provided. “Just say the word and we could get anything."

When he was asked why he'd hold onto such a gift, the dwarf merely shrugged. “Been saving it for something important."

With their bellies filled and practice completed, Keerla had slid over and presented her satchel. Unlike Jeriah's it was neat and orderly. It had a few books, bags, and rolled up scrolls. It was a paradise in comparison. Cordenth shrunk his size and eagerly hopped in without protest. He waved and promised the dwarves that he would return to share stories and words with them again. It was quite refreshing to meet others that didn't want to capture him for some political reason.

As the door creaked behind them Cordenth nestled himself between a soft handkerchief of blue he found, filled with rose pedals scattered around. He purred and closed his eyes, letting the gentle stride of Keerla almost carry him off to a well deserved slumber. He imagined the others would be proud at his progress. Certainly better than anything else that Veledar had managed back home in the forest of despair.

“How you doing back there wee one?" Keerla eventually asked mid way through their journey, just as a chariot passed by as it's wheels clicked on the snow speckled cobblestone.

“Honestly the best sack I've ever ridden in." He rumbled, kneading the soft cloth.

The elf smirked, “Been bound and shoved into many sacks have we? I don't be judging."

Frills burned as he realized what he'd said. “Oh stop that grinning! Dragons don't go running around being tied up into sacks! That would be ridiculous."

“And yet only a wee bit of rope away from that exact plot. Should we talk about the pleased warbles and rumbles you be makin back there? I didn't know dragons could be makin such cute noises!"

“They're not cute!" He protested as she continued her trip. “They are adequate expressions of pleasure!"

“That are cute!"

Curse this woman. He snapped shut his snout. Clearly there was no use and trying to convince her, not as he was anyway. Her laughter he was forced to endure as she gingerly strolled about the sparse streets.

“At least you be better than the other dragon we used to know. Way back, hundred years at least. Friend of mine, human if ya be askin. We fought along side this great blue dragon. Stern and stoic he was. Never breakin bread with the soldiers we fought with." She sighed, casting her head to the side as a strong gust of wind battered across her face with snow. “Shame the red hand did him in."

She was speaking of storm. Inside him the truth squirmed, begging to be let free. He kept his mouth tight as a vice, repeating internally that is was supposed to be a secret that he lived. “That it is." He coughed, “I think todays practice went well. Though I couldn't seem to affect you."

“That it didn't." She tapped her skull. “Perhaps it be account of me bein an elf?" Her ears twitched as they passed out of the market and into the winding street to the castle. You could see it magnificently from his sack, the stain glass shimmering with brief rainbows in the dwindling light. “Figure we return next few days, hammer out dis power of yours. Last thing we need is to not be workin when it should be."

He nodded at the assessment. Her logic was sound. He stared up, watching a team of pegasai riders drift overhead. “Hopefully, it doesn't fail on the queen. Otherwise we'd be back to square one."

“With how you preformed today?" Keerla laughed. “You got something special in ya. So we just return, keep testin and you'll be a master in no time."

Her kind words made the dragon blush as a smile wound its way to his snout. Thankfully he was hidden in her sack so she couldn't tease him for how his frills burned.

“Remind me of ole Lynalla back in the day. Cute wee eyes of amber, hangin off me leg." Keerla sighed, “Time always seems ta fly with the mayflies, even the half ones." Her tone filled with nostalgia, longing for those days since passed. “Shoulda seen the antics the wee one got up to, sneakin pies from the kitchen, escaping almost everynight to galivant in the city." She chuckled to herself. “Even caught her drunk as ever, smiling proudly over a group of red faced humans she'd tricked out of their coin. Unfortunately for them, I'd taught her how to play cards."

“Why even get the coin? She was from royalty!"

“For the thrill of it I imagine. When ya got everything on a silver platter, everything else is new and reshreshin. She always liked to make her own path, never follow even the slightest hint of those elder than her. Even meself when I told her to stay." The elf shrugged her shoulders, a coldness sweeping about her words. “But that be the past now. Just look at her, on grand adventures with knights and dragons. Right and out of the stories proper." She nudged her pack with a grin. “Even got a dragon to kiss out of the whole ordeal. I say that's not too bad for her own path eh?"

He nodded, snickering into the sack. The idea of Lyndis being a smart mouthed little one was all too amusing. He could almost picture her defiant face as she scampered away from parents and teachers, all too patient for the rebellious child to fall into line. Yet it was that same spirit that led her to him, freed himself from the iron claw of his mother and set him on his path. He curled in his tail as sweetened thoughts turned to her, trapped and lonely in her room. He had to see her, even if just for a moment. He was about to ask his elven means of travel when she cut him off with an amused chortle.

“I'd not be snickering wee one. Bet yer were just as inquisitive stricken your nose when it don't belong. Like ole samson the dwarf. Never did find his body."

“That got quite dark."

“Dwarf tales often are." Keerla covered her laugh. “Fire and brimstone, darkness and demons. Thor this, fightin that. Its no wonder dey nurse on ale ever chance they get. Not when their look to acquire more coin o course. How do dragon tales den go if yer bein so judgy? They about flying? Lookin down on all the wee ones? Or perhaps about your singing talents that could break glass?"

“That was the rock. That shattered that." He wrinkled his snout, “Not the sound of my singing. I'll have you know its delightful. I've been practicing for years in the common tongue. If your ears can't appreciate the draconic that's not my fault."

“Ears he says." She rolled her eyes, flicking at her long ones. “I'd say if we were lookin on experts on these, yea come to the wrong place."

“Or the right one." He stuck out his tongue.

“Oi, we dragon. Keep that up and I be dumpin ya on the street. See how that plan of yours goes after that!"

Her threat was of little consequence. He had an ace in the hole. “And spread tales of the elf maiden that helped me escape?" He was grinning, catching her sharper eye.

“Oh ya think yer smart now. I'll have you know I was enchanted by the dragon's silver tongue." She started to whine and please her case to an imaginary boss. “So take dat blackmailing and stick it up yer tail."

“I don't stick anything up there I'll have you know." His little wings flared as the elf laughed and laughed till his scales burned. They bickered and traded insults over and over until her boots met the cobblestone, yet never stirred any loathsome blood. If anything, he was spurred on, creatively spinning new insults off the tongue. Eventually the topic changed to his charming of her family, and how his horns had turned a slight gold. The revelation stilled the air, sent a coil of cold twirling down his soul. He'd heard the dwarf before but it hadn't clicked until this moment.

He looked at his paws, constantly turning them to find any trace. “There couldn't have been. Is there now?" He slithered out his head, horns almost catching on the bindings. He flicked around his head so that Keerla could search him over with a raised brow.

“Not any more." She gently stroked him along the snout, the dragon pressed into her palm. “It glew for only a wee second. Like the sun cresting over the mountains at dawn. Like a solitary radiant star. Hey!" She smiled wide, “Just like yer title, is that why you call yerself that?"

He shook his head absentmindedly as he slunk back to her sack. When she asked if something was the matter he admitted he wasn't sure. It had to be a sign of something he was sure, but what it exactly entailed he hadn't a clue. Was it part of the gold light that appeared to him during the visions? The one his mother insisted that he avoid? Yet this power could prove to be their salvation, a blessing to right all the wrongs that she was dead-set on keeping. He rubbed his segmented scaled chest. There hadn't been any fear, anger, or anything else affecting his mood. Perhaps he was just being silly, over cautious about this gift horse.

“Well I thought they were rather pretty. Really drew the eye. If it doesn't work out as a dragon, you could always be a mascot for the local tavern. Or hey, maybe an act the circus?" She snickered and chuckled until Cordenth was hissing at her. “Keep on with the hissin you wee thing, yer only makin yerself cuter!"

“I'm not cute!" He stamped his paw uselessly against her sack. There was no putting an end to her laughter that slithered and crawled around his scales. “Yer the one who be crazy!"

She burst out laughing twice as hard, “When did ya start doin the accent?"

Burning frills pinned to either side of his snout as he grumbled and coiled within the sack. Silence was going to be her reward for making him out to be a fool. Even her coming apology didn't coax another word of his snout. Round streets and alleys they strolled, weaving in and out of wolf drawn carriages. The sun had almost departed the earth by the time they returned to the castle gates. Thin strands of orange had strewn about the purple sky, billowing and wavering their final messages before night would scatter them away.

Keerla suddenly stilled, her good cheer and whistle suddenly dying. The dragon felt her body tense, a sense of seriousness suddenly grow thick in the air. When he asked what was the matter her tone was tight and quick. “Shush ya wee thing. We got trouble." The elf rested a hand on her belt.

“So what be the meanin of dis?" She scoffed at a company of guards with rifles that emerged from the gates. Their eyes were searching her up and down. None of them hid the knowledge contained within. They knew the dragon lay concealed in her pack. “Don't ya know I'm yer new boss?" She rolled her hand, dismissing their stares. “Look, I have the schedules in me pack. Just be following me to the office and we can discuss where yer supposed to be."

“We know the dragon is in there mum." One guard said, not a hint of play in his voice.

“And that he wishes to speak to the queen." Growled a female wolven, gripping tight the barrel of her rifle. It wasn't drawn, but her muscles were practically ready to bring it to bear. “Clever trick that he left in the tower."

If it wasn't for the seriousness of what was happening, Cordenth's frills might have set fire to the sack. Instead he was forced to bite his tongue and knead the hankerchief below, hoping Keerla would navigate this problem."

“Oh that one? I told him not ta do it, but that's dragons fer ya." Keerla rolled her eyes, “Ya caught me. We just were goin for a discreet stroll. Figured it be better for his morale."

“So he doesn't want an audience with the queen?" The first guard tilted his head, “Jeriah already spread word of your arrival."

What? Cordenth almost snarled. The human had sold him out? After all the days they'd spent talking and getting to know one another. Just when he thought he could trust this man, he had to up and go stab him in the back again! Spells that could help them escape were already bouncing between his skull."

“So ye came to me like this? All weapons raring and ready to go?" Keerla almost doubled over, the gleaming weapons not even weighing on her mind. She pretended to wipe a tear. “And here I am not even dressed for the occasion. Okay, listen up the lot of ya. That be true the dragon wishes to speak with the queen. But he want's to go through the proper channels. There be no tricks or foolery up his sleeves. Well scales, but ya get what I mean."

“Come now you can drop the bit." Jeriah emerged from the guards, “And the rest of you. Why do you even have weapons? They just wanted to talk to the queen, not threaten her!"

“We're not threatening her." The first guard rolled his eyes. “A dragon wants to hold audience in the queen's court. I believe a simple amount of precaution is necessary. Especially when the guest could do away with the queen."

“Now that's just being rude. I thought the dragon was supposed to be our favored guest!"

When did he make the request to speak with the queen? Cordenth pondered the thought as the guards and Jeriah bickered back and forth about what constituted as rude. It then occurred to him about midway through when he'd sent Jeriah back to the castle. Had the man been caught up by a slip of the tongue? Had the power accidently twisted the dragon's words to a command? He had to set this straight, there were not fully ready to meet the queen now. He burst from the sack, clambering over Keerla's shoulder. When elven reflexes guided hands around his midsection, he twisted and squeezed his way to plop upon the cobblestone. Instantly he hissed at the cold around him.

“I didn't expect for you to take it seriously!" Cordenth loudly announced, smacking his tiny paw down infront of the wall of flesh and steel.

“Oh look at that." The black furred wolven laughed, “He looks so cute!"

The all had a good chuckle as the dragon grumbled and flicked his tail. In all the excitement he'd simply forgotten. With a touch to his snout that error was soon fixed and Jeriah was under his most ire filled eye. Thanks to that slip-up the entire plan might be in jeopardy. “How much did you tell her on why we needed to talk?"

Keerla sighed as the guards pulled back, hands tightening around their weapons. “Ya couldn't jus stay small and cute ya idiot." She grumbled.

Perhaps he should have. He pressed on, narrowing his eyes as Jeriah smiled nervously back at him.

“Just that you wanted to speak with her." He rubbed his neck as Cordenth's snout rested inches from his nose. “Oh don't give me that look." He gently swatted the dragon's nose, to try and dissuade the guard's concern around him. “Twas an honest mistake anyone could have made." He chuckled and leaned on the dragon's snout. “No harm in that is there?"

He laughed it all off as one big joke, at least to sway the other's nervous hands. The last thing they needed was someone accidently starting an incident. “No one is going to get killed today!" he waved a paw nervously, “I just wished to have a talk with the queen. Perhaps some of you may not have known this…" He swelled his chest with a grin, gently flicking his tail. “But she very well might be my next mother in law…I do understand she's a terribly busy woman. I just needed the proper time to figure out my words! It's not wise to waste the time of a queen after all!"

Jeriah said nothing, nervously looking to the other guard's reactions as Keerla just facepalmed and swore under her breath. No doubt insisting that the pair of them were idiots of the highest order.

The guards all shrugged, not even one cross. “You heard the dragon!" The lead one chuckled and shouted, letting all the gathered tension drain away. “Besides, the queen wanted to have words with you as well. Trust me, quite the shock that illusion of yours left. Several others behind him clearly were trying to stifle their laughter. “Won't forget it in all my life."

“Fascinating." Cordenth groaned, internally screaming with every flick of his tail. Just like that, any chance of him salvaging his pride was gone.

“So come on in and get to a proper size. As we said…" The guards gestured to the castle, “Queen wants a word with you. She'd come on out, but weathers a tad too nippy for her."

No doubt the queen's ploy was only to not expose herself to a vulnerable position. It was what he would do after all if he suspected one party of foul play. He glanced to his companions, not relishing their concerned faces. His frills fluttered in alarm, but the guards around him were set on their demand. It was not the ideal time to try out his trick, but he doubted he would get another chance.

“You're going aren't you?" Keerla asked, crossing her arms. “Even without knowin what yer going to say?" She rose a brow.

Leaning on the dragon's scales, Jeriah just nudged at him with a smile. “Course he'll figure out what to say to his mother in law. Isn't that right big buddy?"

Cordenth sighed, gently plucking the man away. “Fate it seems would have us meet before we'd have wanted. I'll figure out the words along the way." His coming grin did little to dash Keerla's frown, but what else where they to do? He'd simply have to try his best and hope things would work out. Lyndis might even be proud at the winging it aspect. He turned to the guards, who'd to their credit watched on in reserved silence. “Very well. Lets go have a chat with the queen. I'd love to run a few ideas by her."

*

Through the halls Cordenth was led, the air enchanted with the scent of lavender and tension. It was all he could do to keep his paws from shaking with every step he took. Lanterns had been left to light the way, sconces that lay baren had decided to ignite themselves at his mere glance. The walls seemed to press inward at him as he focused on his breathing, and all of the practice he'd done during the day.

She was just a queen, a simple human like all the others. He'd just have to keep his calm and do what he'd done, all the while without raising any suspicion of his plan. His eyes traveled along the halls, from the pictures and suits of armor to the soldiers that lined it. They were armed to the teeth, fitting with the sharpest and hardest armor that could be provided. Their helms hid their intention, but the way their grips held their weapons spoke volumes. They were ready for something to happen.

Surely he wasn't being led to be murdered? He had to quell his heart with the next few paces. Jeriah and Keerla were by his side, and their hands resting on his sides was most welcome. He didn't even try to shrug them away as they gently stroked when they stopped for doors to open. When this was over he'd have to thank them, sincerely and from the heart. They'd risked their lives to get him this far, and he'd never forget it.

The royal hall was open and waiting, the niceties from the day before tucked or hidden away. The men here had armor with glowing runes, their weapons held in easy accessible holsters. Men with rifles lay behind them, their hardened eyes on his scales. Already he could feel their penetrative glances searching over his body, looking for any weak spot to exploit.

Elizabeth was seated on the throne, her crown on prominent display. She was wrapped tight in layers of chain and leather, all oiled and shimmering with magic. Fire burned in her elderly eyes as she stood, a glimmer of her previous days. Her weapons lay resting in her holster as she stood her ground before the dragon. She waved off the trio of robed individuals at her side, all bearded and frail looking men and woman. Clearly the court wizards, to counter any magical trick the dragon had up his scales. Her eyes met Cordenth's, unafraid and filled with the spirit he found so appealing in her daughter. Though as she seemed to stare through his souls, he wondered where this queen was when Struport needed it.

Tentatively his pawsteps slowed, a silence filled the hall. Muscles and frills tensed, waiting for something to break. It was a tail flick that broke the silence as Elizabeth made her resounding demand.

“So I've heard you wished to have an audience with me." She gestured to the practical army packed within her halls. “You'll excuse me if I've brought a few witnesses. Can never be too careful with one of your lineage after all."

Keep calm.

He returned none of that fire she was casting off, pretending to not mind the scores of eyes upon him. The mission was paramount, and she was just the final bit resting in his way. Here was the moment of truth as he cleared his throat and began with a confidence filled swish of the tail. “Why would I mind who you wish to bring into your court my liege. You make the rules after all. Besides, who am I to judge what company you keep? You could do far worse after all." He gave a slow bow, his eyes torn between the woman and those mages at her side. With mere gestures they could bombard him with magical attacks, he'd have to be careful. He calmed his breath, hoping that his plot wasn't able to be detected. Otherwise he'd end up skewered like old dragon stories of old.

Elizabeth merely chuckled, amusement swirling in her stormy eyes. “Such manners you still have, even after spending weeks within our dungeons. You'll understand my wariness." She glared daggers, “After you somehow managed to convince my previous captain to give you a better room, and promote your warden to his replacement." She flicked her fingers, almost waiting for him to spring in attack. “Would you share what trick accomplished such a feat? And why he shouldn't be drawn and quartered for his treasonous actions?"

The dragon's words were the eye of a raging storm. The calm spreading across the hall. “I simply shared some words with your dear captain. Perhaps the facts and actions of those around him could not stop his heroic deeds. I believe he only wished your kingdom's future to be a bright one. I'd hold off on any rash decisions to one that has been loyal for so much of his life."

She leaned back, crossing her arms like her daughter. “Is that so?" She waved off a whispering a mage that whispered in her ear. “The court and I believe foul play was at work. Clearly you've managed to enchant him with a villainous spell." She tapped her crown with a confident smirk. “I can assure you that such a scheme won't help you here."

Could she stop it? Cordenth's heart was bucking like a wild stallion. All of the weeks and plans could be of no use in the coming minutes. His friends, his love, the very land would be in jeopardy. He took deep breaths, letting a wave of cool sweep away the heat.

“No trickery at all your majesty. “Regardless. I thank the man. Cushions and sheets beat the cold floor of stone any day. I won't even hold a grudge against you."

“That so?" she wasn't convinced. Seemingly trying to peer into his mind. “Not the work of a charm person or dominate spell? Both which my advisors tell me a dragon of your age could perform."

He composed himself with a cough, gently flicking his tail and trying to avoid bumping his head on the ceiling. “None at all. You must forgive me though. I hadn't expected to speak with you today. Words ever have to be chosen carefully when we rest at such a delicate cross roads."

“So you have your talk dragon and expect me to believe you came all this way and can't think of a thing to say?" She chuckled at the absurdity. “That would be ludicrous."

“But not incorrect queen." He chuckled, “I've had thoughts the last few days to collect my ideas. Plan words, It seems my friends brashness has found me ill prepared and without talking points to bring up." His tail coiled behind him. He sighed, the weapons all beginning to drop. This was it, the moment he'd been preparing all day for. Cordenth calmed his heart, stilled his breathing and reached outwards with his senses. He left himself go, soaking in the adrenaline and fear coursing throughout the room.

He could almost taste it as it built and swirled. In a strange way it was almost comforting, a resounding truth of what was supposed to be. He apologized for his lack of words, gently taking a step. He could almost smirk as he could feel all the eyes on him, and not even one made motion for a weapon. They were enthralled with his beauty and majesty. This was the moment that legends were made of. He planted his hinds, placed a paw to his chest and began his charming of their minds. More importantly he found Elizabeth's mind among the rest, calm and cool as steel.

“I come to you in a most desperate plight. I will say with recent events I'd sooner leave this place, yet I offer one last chance for a solution. I promised your daughter that I'd at least try to sway your stubborn mind."

“This again?" She impatiently tapped a foot. “I thought I'd been crystal clear. With the threat of the uniter, Struport won't receive aid. Neither will we be searching it out. It's too well hidden, and a mistake would prove disastrous for our kingdom."

“But your majesty." Up went his head, letting that aura of confidence reach out and swirl around the hardened queen. He didn't approach, but it hardly mattered. She was right trained in his sight. He was a mighty storm and she but a tiny boat to be lost within his gale like winds. “I've seen the packed streets of Struport. Heard the desperate please of your battered and bruised people. Even with magical aid their food supply is running low. The undead ravage and slaughter those still left in the countryside." He gestured to all the guards, his wing's meaning the city itself. “You and your people sit within your walls, knowing not the pain and suffering of such things."

Still no one questioned or raised an objection. Their eyes followed along with every movement, mesmerized in awe as if before a god. Which only made the dragon smirk, it was fitting after all. He continued, surged on by his success.

“Your mate I heard was a heroic and good natured induvial, I sympathize with his passing and understand your hesitation. Though I wonder what he'd think about what you've done to this kingdom. What he'd say about your inaction and cowardice?" His heart could sing as he saw Elizabeth's fire flicker, a cold wrap around her heart. “Would he approve? Or recoil at how your paranoia has chained and executed innocent lives?" He shook his head, casting a gentle eye to the others. “I bid you to dig deep into your heart. The one he and my beloved know you to be. Send your aid to Struport and show them evil will not be allowed to flourish! Lyndis and I will find this uniter you're so frightened of and put it to an end. No longer will a blade be set to your kingdom's throat. Let everyone know that Drenedar is still a country that lives up to its ideals and morals." He snapped back to the queen, her eyes misty and staring straight into his. “One your husband would have been proud to have seen. Please your majesty." He bowed his head, “Do what's best for your kingdom in this time of darkness."

He let the coming silence linger about the room, choosing to still his tongue about Gideon and the dwarf's request. There was always a time and place for after this succeeded.

What once had been a stalwart fortress of calm and fire had crumbled and drooped before his eyes. Elizabeth's lip trembled as she looked away, staring at a painting of her long lost love. She turned back, tears in her eyes, gazing upon Cordenth as if he were a hero of legend. She strode to him tentatively, her hand raised high. He let her touch him, her tender hands scratching at his scales. “Radiant Star. Your words are beautiful. Hard to hear but needed. They have moved me in a way I thought not possible. I'm sorry for what I've done to you." She leaned her head against his, and Cordenth merely returned with a gentle whine.

She turned to the bewildered audience, “When he and my daughter came to us, I saw nothing but chaos and upheaval. I was sure they would bring an end to our people. If only my husband were here today, to see the kindness that this dragon has showed me…Even after we…" She swallowed her words, unable to finish. “Im truly sorry for your accommodations."

He meekly smiled, “They were rather uncomfortable."

She gave him a smile, brushing his cheek to raise. “You may go to my daughter and relieve the guards. Issue my apologies to her. She may not be as ready to speak to me as you were." The queen returned to her aides with a mournful sniff. “There is much work to be done if we hope to save Struport."

Well that went better than he could have ever thought! He perked up, almost hitting his horns on the rafters with how he warbled. Even the smack of Jeriah and Keerla on his back could upset him as they called him a dolt and insisted that he'd better be careful. Without skipping a beat he bolted out of the throne room, shifting to a smaller size. Unfortunately his claws dug up sections of the carpet in his wake.

“Slow down you blasted idiot!" Keerla ran after him, eyes wide. “You'll damage everything!"

Her concerns were lost as his tail whipped around every turn, narrowly avoiding bringing down whatever vaze or suit of armor rested there. The dragon had crossed the courtyard in a blur, waving and calling to the guards with a blissful warble. Even their questionable looks were all too pleasing to him now. With a dragon strength shove, the doors had broken in and Cordenth was eagerly bounding three or four steps up the staircase at a time. Wait until she heard the good news!

Shouts came from above as he rounded the final steps, only to come pouncing in to find Lyndis standing over her once previous guards with a metal tray.

In a blue and gold dress the princess he adored stood, panting with red all about her face. In her hands was a metal serving tray, primed and ready to smack any that came at her. The six guards that were left to guard her were strewn about the floor in a disorganized mess. Most were unconscious but the two that were still awake were groaning and clutching tightly at their crotches.

“Well there you are." Lyndis smiled weakly, kicking gently the guard groaning at her feet. “Here I thought I was going to have to have a chinwag with this lot to find you."

He nervously laughed as frills pinned to his body. Thankfully the guards were still alive. “What are you doing?" He casually asked.

“What's it look like I'm doing?" She smacked a guard unconscious. “Making bloody tea? I'm escaping!" Up went her brow as she noticed his lack of chains, more importantly his grin and freedom. “Speaking of which, what are you doing here?"

“About to tell you." He sighed, curling in his tail. Unfortunately, timing had not been on these men's side. “I convinced your mother to help us." He nosed the guards, ensuring they were still breathing. “Clearly for the sake of these men's balls I should have been faster."

Lyndis dropped the tray with a clang. Her voice dripped with skepticism. “You're takin the piss with me. No focken way she agreed." She slid to him, hand on his cheek. Weeks of their parting was weighing on her misty eyes. “Not after locking us up for weeks." She rubbed at his scales, “I bloody missed you."

“As did I." He wrapped a paw around her waist and dragged her close to his chest. Emotions exploded out of him as his scales shook. He felt tears splatter his scales as he shushed away her concern, yet knew it was only to hold off his. “I thought of you everyday. I knew we would be reunited."

“I know." She squeezed him tighter than a vice around his neck. “I can still miss you though."

Silence soon found them, as words were unable to express the relief they shared. For minutes they swayed, holding one another as gentle hands and paws stroked the other lovingly. Eventually they were forced to part with nervous laughs, and Lyndis was back to her questions.

“No way my mother helped you. She cast a spell or something." She crouched low to the guards, swiping off a short sword and a pair of keys. “We better hide this lot. Won't be long before a patrol finds out they're missing."

He flexed his wings, trying to make the case. She was just as paranoid as her mother. “But she did!" He protested, cutting her off with a paw when she went to drag a man to her room. “After I shared some words, she was so moved her mind was changed." He waved a paw, leaving out the fine details_._ “There's a bit more to the story but short version, she said she'd help."

Disbelief hung in Lyndis' face, for a moment she paced with a hand on her chin. “It has to be a trick, a ruse. Something to lull us into a state of complacency. Unexpected move from her." She rolled her eyes with a sarcastic laugh. “Good one mother, keeping me on my toes."

“It's not any of those things." He swished his tail happily as he nosed at her to stop. “I really did convince her."

His eyes broke through her paranoia enough for her to sigh and hold him close. “But why?"

The truth of the matter ate at his scales, but the semi-conscious guards snapped his snout shut. “I can explain, after we get all these men on their feet ya?"

Keerla came panting up the stairs, having sprinted the entire time here. Observant eyes instantly traveled to the guards. “Oh by the gods Lyndis." Keerla sighed with a grin, “Could ya have picked a worse time to escape?"

Lyndis crossed her arms, “Its not like I was privy to the plans here! So sodd off with yer laugh."

The woman shook her head as she strolled in, observing the handiwork. “How many per one?"

“About one or two." She kicked the metal tray, “Might have had to use this."

The elf nodded, clearly amused. “Might have to dock you on accuracy ya know." She tapped Lyndis on the chest. “Shoulda downed them with but one kick."

“I'll remember that for next time." Lyndis grinned, “Though I don't think they would appreciate it."

Cordenth silently was glad that he was a dragon, and lacked that particular weakness of the mammals. He gave the princess another warm nuzzle, glad to have her at his side. The only thing to ruin the moment was when Keerla pressed her hands to her waist and started to share about the perfection of his illusion. The dragon's tail and paw had never flung out so swiftly to silence a wagging tongue.

* * * * * * * * *

Thank everyone that continues to read this story during these troubling times. Double thank you to the people that leave comments and share their thoughts on it, it helps me alot and fuels me to continue to write. Don't be shy for those that havn't left one yet! I won't bite. (Not to hard anyway.) :3

The second book is going to be released anyday now if you'd rather like a physical copy. I also have a way for you to support me on my patreon and see some rougher drafts than these! (If you're curious on how much work goes into these things.) https://www.patreon.com/user?u=371744&fan\_landing=true