FSE

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Chapter 21

For the new queen, the days and nights became packed to the brim with a multitude of tasks. Lyndis would wake to the demands and requests of her servants, laying out the plans and suggestions for supposed rules of law. You could see the brow of hers twitch, weighted down by the responsibility levied against her. Yet with but a glance to her emerald dragon, find the courage to carry on.

Struport had not been forgotten, it was always on their minds. From sunrise to sunset, flickers of the terrible future guided their every thought. Though Elizabeth had done a fantastic job of scattering Drenedar's connections to the wind, the pair of dragon and half-elf took to task of reconnecting those severed threads. With letter by feathery wing, the surrounding lands were notified of the change of queens and made aware of what would be required in the coming weeks. The undead to the north would soon feel the tempered blade and piercing bullets of Drenedar united.

Further places within the kingdom were contacted by the local clergy of Fuereen and Statren. Their high priests used the sending spell to make their requests, although it came with a trick. For you see, only a few dozen words could be spoken, so their exact request had to be precise. Several times they made fools of themselves, blushing frill, and cheek. After that they planned out their messages, in the end taking over numerous days. The spell required much effort, and not many experienced priests resided within the city to expend their spell-slots.

By nightfall, the pair would retire, exhausted mentally to their well-guarded chambers. By tender firelight they cuddled and kissed, staring deeply into one another's eyes. Lost within the beating of their hearts, they made love on numerous occasions. It soon became a common sight for the guards outside their quarters to blush and try to shield the sound of grunts and moans coming muffled through the hard-wooden doors.

Loyalty was something that could be found within Drenedar's lands, for all those contacted soon sent word of their acknowledgement. They promised scores of soldiers, riders, archers, even some guilds of mages and clerics would lend their aid. Though of all the races that made up Drenedar's borders, it was only the siigonis that did not answer their summons. Lyndis pondered this from her castle walls, staring off to the westward mountains.

*

On the seventh day, all their welcomed guests had arrived to discuss terms and where to gather. Human, elf, and wolven had become a river of numerous colors that stretched from the castle gates to the city streets. Each of them clad in their house's colors, grim faces about them as they awaited their turn.

Atop her throne, Lyndis sat dressed in her royal best. Her belly had just been filled, an air of annoyance flickering across her brow. Cordenth was beside her, planted on his hinds as the grizzled human before them wished them luck in the coming endeavor. He would be lending at least four dozen heads, with his own retinue to the coming battle. Her amber eyes could hardly stay upon him as a yawn left her lips.

“How many has this been?" She groaned, shifting within her chair as the doors closed on a green tunic wearing man.

“Forty-seven if I recall…" Cordenth moved a bead along a calculator. “Actually, forty eight. They just seem to smush together don't they?"

“Indeed, like an all tiresome blur of chit chattery." She smiled, a hand brushing against his jaw. “If you were not here to fill the momentary reprieves….I think I'd go bloody mad."

“Suppose that means I shouldn't take a break?" He grinned. “Or should I to see the effects of such heart broken madness?"

“Don't you even think about it." A gentle smack went against his cheek. “Otherwise you'll find the guards chasing your tail to the ends of the bloody earth."

“Unlike you, they'd have to catch me." He rolled a paw to his chest. “Though I suppose it would give them something to do…"

She shot up, stretching each of her limbs with a satisfied crack of the bones and groan. Around the throne she went, catching the dragon's eye the entire time. “Think we could sneak out for a bit?"

“And leave our adoring citizens? You saw what happened last time, Is the guard that stopped the brawl still alright?"

She nodded, “Picture of health, except of course the bruised ego." She sighed and leaned against his scales.

“And black eye." He thumped his tail till a smile found her face.

“Fine! We do about twelve more. Then I think we need a break. There's only so much I can take before I'm going to scream."

“Sounds delightful." He nuzzled at her cheek, flicking his frills and humming in amusement.

“My aren't you the vocal one?"

“Just find the knife edge you walk amusing. If you do end up screaming, make sure it's of a strength to rival one of my roars." He gave a gentle cough, swelling his chest. “Really let them know it is you that are the queen."

“Is that how dragons solve things?" She smirked, back handing his scales. “Just keep roaring at each other till someone listens?"

“Its what my brother and I did." He shrugged, “Course now that you mention it…I don't think anything ever got solved."

“Exactly." She waved to the guards patiently waiting for the word to bring in the next guest. “You may bring in the next victim of course."

“Righto your majesty!"

Cordenth's coming chuckle was met with a snort of dismissal and roll of the eye from his queen. “Oh come now. Get used to it." He whispered, getting a sigh and gently smack against his nose.

“Never."

The great doors burst wide open, Yarmic strolling in like he owned the place. His hair was combed back, his golden beads of is beard glinted in the light, from neck to boot his clothes were what a nobleman would have worn. Dark brown, laced and adorned in traces of gold. Hands on his hips the almond eyes of the stout man traced the hall, falling to every bit of furniture and art before settling on the queen and dragon.

“What a fine place ya got here….For a human o course. Places back home make ya redder with jealousy than a forge. Course even then…" He gave her a toothy smile, “Never thought I'd find meself in the house of a royal again."

“It's the least we can do." Lyndis side eyed Cordenth, “With helping our resident dragon practice."

“How was the contract opportunities?" Cordenth blurted with an innocent smile. Anything to take the focus off of how they'd gotten the throne. “Take it they were to your liking? I'd have thought you'd drop dead!"

Dwarven laugher shook his belly, “Almost did! Family spent that night celebratin till a fire nearly burned down the tavern!"

“No way." Lyndis gasped, trying to hold in her laughter.

“Aye, but lucky for us we had a helpin hand nearby." He gave the dragon a warmth filled eye, the sunlight gleaming in his eye like a treasured gem. “When ya think the next time ye be visiting? Clan was askin o course. Where the dragon be this, is he comin back that." He winked, “Think they took a liking to ya lad."

Cordenth's chest swelled as a warble left his throat. “Well of course they did dwarf." He placed a paw to his onyx scaled chest. “Clearly your family has great taste in the company they keep."

“Great, look what you've done." Lyndis rolled her eyes with a groan, “You've only fed his ego. Know what happens when ya do that to a dragon?"

“They rumble and tell you how wise you are for coming to that conclusion?" His snout rested inches from her nose.

She shoved him away with a playful twinkle in her eye. “They never let you forget it! Even now I think his scales are turning red!"

“Oh please dear." He looked away in a regal way, dismissing her concern with a practiced wave and flick of the tail. “The red you're thinking of couldn't hold a candle to me."

“See? Now he's going to be like that all day!"

Yarmic paid the dragon's radiating regal-ness little mind. “We can handle that o course. I came to talk about this army ye be seemin to be gatherin."

“If you're looking to sign up, we're accepting everyone." Lyndis smiled, “We'd cherish any support from the dwarven people."

“Speakin o which." Yarmic thumbed his beard, clicking his beads together. “When I saw we wanna help. I don't just mean the clan o course. Not sure if the dragon told you of me favor…"

“No he didn't." Another side eye that Cordenth paid little mind. “Got some more weapons? Magical spells? We got a whole vault down below with such things. Trust me Yarmic, I got a telepathic sword I've been dying to try out."

“Nah, nah." He dramatically waved his hands. “See I have a favor owned to me by the king Unith Mountainhelm of the hill dwarves. One word from me family and he'd come runnin. Throw in some promises by the human queen? That might lead to a more permanent agreement between you and the foggy mountain clans."

Lyndis plopped down to her seat, leaning back with a skeptical look about her brow. “Listen Yarmic. You're expecting me to believe that you know some of the most skilled dwarven fighters in all of Sethera? Double that you have the favor of some king that he'd come in the snap of the finger? Come now, I was an adventurer for a living, I know bullshite when I hear it."

Yarmic's arms crossed confidently across his chest. “Aye, I do. I'd never consider you'd be knowing a dragon personally before our meeting. Double that yee be humpin the scaled beastie like ya were in heat…But here we are."

Her cheeks blushed as Cordenth's chest swelled in pride. “Very well. And how was it you got king dwarf's favor?"

“Helped him I did. Should have been there Lyndis. Numerous goblins all around us, the sweat and blood drippin from our weapons. Ole Thor was watching over us that day. Hell even his brother Loki if yee can imagine. If not for our connections the royal army woulda died right then and there. So don't get your knickers in a twist. I ask him to come, he be comin."

“And the mention of favors?"

He laughed, “Course! That just quickens the feet! Dwarves always be lovin all the extra business opportunities, sometimes even more than the halflings!"

“Sounds like a good deal to me." Cordenth settled onto his belly. “Humans, Wolven, elves, dwarves all under one banner? Sounds like the making of some great fantasy story."

“Except the Siigonis." Lyndis' brow furrowed. “They've yet to send any word. You don't think they've sided against us do you?"

“Side with the shamblin crunchers?" Yarmic smacked his belly. “They may be cold blooded bastards, but they not be that crazy. They probably got their scales in a twist over something."

“I know." She sighed heavily, “Who knew they could hold grudges?"

“That would be dwarves thing." Cordenth grinned, “You don't suppose they're doing a great impression of us during such trying times?"

“Hardly. They don't exactly have a great sense of humor."

“Well either way, we've got the grand army that we've wanted to be formed. Now we just have to find those riders that your mother banished and mine was gathering…And we'll have a fighting force of legendary prowess!"

Yarmic coughed into his fist, bowing till his nose touched the ground. “I'd also like to be thankin ya for me daughter's promotion. Never saw her so flustered with all the paperwork you be givin her." He pulled up, a smile dominating his face. “She might curse ya up and down, but she's happy."

“Think she deserved it." Cordenth beamed. “She was a pillar on which this bruised and weary dragon could rest his head."

“Momentarily." Lyndis replied, scratching his chin.

“I do hope that isn't jealousy I hear in your words. Know that my heart beats for only one mortal my queen. If it was not precisely clear, that is you." That got him a warm smile and pulled into a gentle kiss upon the cheeks. It fluttered the frills and rumbled the throat.

“Hate to interrupt such a beautiful example of interspecies relations..." Yarmic's fingers ran the length of his beard. “But should I be telling my king and his lordly friends to visit?"

Lyndis and Cordenth exchanged equal looks of concern and relief. These were what they wanted, but what if the dwarves asked for more than they were willing to give up? Slender fingers tapped her chin as the idea bounced between her pointed ears.

“What is there to think about my queen?"

“Dwarves." She said softly, “Like things to the positive letter. How do I know that wont lead to future grudges or disputes?"

“You don't I'm afraid." He chuckled, “Grudges of ours last quite awhile. Whole generations holding onto slights against the clan. Why you think the elves of galdenshire avoid the hills? Cause they know the tumble stone clan despises the dishonor that was paid against them."

“And if the galdenshire elves were coming to aid us?" Lyndis pressed forward with an inquisitive brow. “Would they assist, or give in to petty squabbles?"

“That be up to them wouldn't it. Though I recall, olé Unity is quite aggregable. Though if you want them to truly forget about the squabbles, an ample promise of gold wouldn't hurt."

“Great." She sighed as the tavern owner chortled. “Now you're starting to sound like the half-ling alliance of trade and stocks."

“H.A.T.S?" Yarmic scoffed, “We at least honor our agreements. Not sell out our mothers for a quick sack of coin."

“They're not that bad." Lyndis rolled her eyes. “I've known some great, reputable individuals in it. Like Erbin Humblebrook."

“Who?"

“Friend of mine, north on the continent of Ridios. We're getting off track. You're certain your friends will come to our aid?"

The dwarf nodded enthusiastically. “Though I think if you be wanting to bribe them, you'd be offering up the mine of gold and mine of mithril close to dwarven lands near the foggy mountains."

Cordenth snorted, eyeing the smirking dwarf with a suspicious gaze. For someone who merely knew his dwarven friend. He surely knew which profitable mines in which to offer over. If he'd been looking over the lands correctly, those two were well known for gold and mithril. “Sure this isn't for your pockets?"

“Of course not!" Up went his hands as Cordenth's snout dipped closer to him. “We're all friends here of course. Just want to make sure our diplomatic relations have the highest chance of success!"

“Mmhmm." His eyes narrowed as he curled his tail around the throne.

In short order the request was made and Yarmic was soon heading for the door. Tucked under his arm was the length message that Lyndis wished to send, filled with promises of land and prestige within her kingdom.

“Don't be keeping the family too long dragon." The dwarf winked before the door closed on him. “They be dying to see you again. Might want to build a few favors with them eh?"

“Well he was certain amused with you." Lyndis' chuckled, insisting to a servant that she wished to pour her own water into a silvered tankard.

“He was, wasn't he." Cordenth eyed the door with suspicion. “Though I suppose that's only natural. Folks wish to gaze upon the beauty of a dragon, I can't fault them for that."

“Natural?" Lyndis cocked her head. “Sure you didn't get tapped in the head? You're even starting to sound like the flipping red dragon now."

He curled around the throne, warding off her concern with a playful nudge of his snout. When she was snickering and giggling as she clutched his snout, he knew that the thought had been adequately chased away. “Worry not. I'm just getting into the sway of things around here." He swayed his tail, getting a loathsome stare at his obvious pun. “Oh, wrinkle your face all you want." He snorted in her face. “That was funny."

“Wait until you meet Krotos, you'll love each other."

“The gryphon?" He'd heard little about the guard from Lumara. “Is this because of the pun?"

“Swear to the gods, during the trip. Nothing but puns and jokes and lewd comments. I thought my ears might bleed from the effort. You'd be perfect for one another."

“If he can cherish the sight of a dragon properly, then of course." He held his head high, regally thumping his tail against the stone. “I would adore to meet this gryphon."

With the next command the doors parted to bring in their next guest. This time it was an elven diplomat. His red robes were long and flowing, dashed with whites and brass. Snow white hair ran the length of his back, braided, and adorned in numerous purple flowers. Pristine face smiled at them as he gently caressed the amulet of Fureen dangling from his neck.

The elf glided across the hall, bowing his head with a satisfied sigh. “Thank the sun goddess above. The rumors were true. Finally the throne is held by the wise temperament of the elven kind. Instead of the chaotic decisions of a grief stricken human."

Lyndis welcomed him with a forced nod, her eyes narrowing. “Its understandable given the circumstances…Though I imagine she just couldn't hold onto it like she used to…" She side eyed Cordenth. “Just her time I suppose."

“In that we are in agreement. Condolences of course for your father, pity his chosen woman wasn't as strong as we at the galdenshire clan were led to believe." He took a heavy sigh, shaking his head. “ Emotionally vulnerable humans can be quite the annoyance at times. Hard to figure out where they stand and what they will do. Lucky for us, we appear to take after your father."

How his words sparked a fire behind the half-elf's eyes. Cordenth was almost certain she was going to lash out at him with a weapon held aloft in her hand. To his surprise she commanded an aura of calm, yet struck back with a practiced tongue.

“How little you know of me Eril Freestar. Otherwise you'd not have made such a glaring blunder." She tilted her head, glancing him over with a stern eye reminiscent of her mother. “Keep such things to yourself unless you wish to be tossed on your ass out that door…Do I make myself clear?"

It was Eril's turn to bite his tongue. “Indeed you do my queen." He politely bowed, “And I must say how disappointed that I am. I'd have thought with the company of the Radiant Star, you'd have a wiser head upon your shoulders."

“She's wise enough to see fools when they present themselves." Cordenth couldn't help but growl. One look from Lyndis was enough to silence his tongue. This was her battlefield to be won. It still didn't stop him from loudly thrashing his tail behind the throne, and staring daggers through the struggling to maintain his attitude elf. Even know he could sense the fear building in his heart.

“Have you come to answer my summons or cast insults upon my feet?" Lyndis asked, drawing the elf's eye. “For my time is not infinite, and neither is my patience. I'd not spend this boorish task on men like you."

The elf maintained his practiced calm, arms folding across his perfect robes. “You wish my followers to join you on your crusade against the undead then? Elthian shared as much."

“And why wasn't he here? He at least I can share a laugh with, maybe even have a wild night."

Wild night? Cordenth shifted in his place, his flicker of questions killed with a loving look shared by his beloved.

“As you can imagine." Eril replied, “His encounter with your mother has left him rather…Skittish shall we say? I think the chains didn't agree with him."

“They seldom do." Cordenth grumbled, rubbing at where the leather stabs had been.

“And you've come to lend your soldiers to us?" Lyndis' brow rose. “Or is there something else you want?"

“The dwarf that came through here. What was his business with you? I'd not known we had them in the kingdom." Eril slightly turned, a look of disgust crossing across his face.

“Honestly, I'd accept help from anyone willing to lend it. Such bravery and kindness is not often found." She glanced him up and down. “Is that not something that can be found in your clan? I've known your arcane archers have skills rivaled by few."

“You'd be most correct. Though you do understand my predicament correct? Whom this pronounced leader of the undead is?"

“This queen of Eternal Flame?" Lyndis sighed in a dismissive way. “I might have heard of her. But the question arises why you're even concerned with attacking your vampire of a sister?"

Both the elf and Cordenth's eyes widened in surprise as the rogue held a satisfied grin.

“What? Surprised I knew about that little chestnut? She was the original leader of the armies when Swirling Storm flew with our banner…Don't tell me you're having a change of heart with her reemergence?"

“Just that she's left our lands alone during this…interesting time. You're asking me to risk war with her."

“And you're aware she'd just be leaving you for last right?" Lyndis shot up, sliding to Cordenth's side as he joined her.

“There's no evidence of that!"

“But that's like rule one of the rulebook." She rolled her eyes. “Separate the group, divide and conquer. Vampires are never like the ones you've come to know. That thing that lurks within their husk only uses it to put on a show. Fool and twist your emotions into weapons it can use."

Eril pulled back, his cheeks flushed and his composed demeanor slowly crumbling with every glance to Cordenth's steel-like gaze. “You need not remind me of that fact my queen. Forget not my people have walked these lands far longer than you, most likely wrote the books in which you studied. It still doesn't change the fact she's left out lands in peace."

“Then if you won't come with me…You can leave and await your doom. I'll not waste breath on a fool." She leaned on Cordenth's scales, gently tapping. “Lets hope you don't go siding with her. Would be a terrible shame if we had to pay you a visit."

Cordenth added a growl, towering over the diplomat with a fiery glare. Let him concoct whatever punishment awaited him, it only made his coming silence and gulp music to the dragon's ears.

“That won't be a problem." He composed himself with a cough. “This visit has strengthened my resolve in the affair. You can expect our compliment of archers on the day in question. I take it you will be there as well?"

“Most definitely." Lyndis dismissed him with a wave. “How else can we all go down in history as the ones who united Drenedar?"

“How indeed." Turning on his heel the elf left as he came. “We won't forget this my queen. Our memories and grudges rival those of the dwarves in which you keep." The coming door's slam couldn't have come sooner.

“Wasn't that a pleasant conversation." Lyndis grabbed at her head, tension weighing heavily on her shoulders. “How did mother put up with them? Should I have held a dagger to his throat? Smacked him across the cheek?"

“He did have a smackable face." Cordenth rumbled in amusement. “Though if you had to ask me, she probably handled it like yourself." Cordenth chuckled, closing the distance between them, and nuzzling at her side until she was gently stroking at his scales. “Though if I could offer some improvement."

“Hmm?"

“Perhaps it would have been better to threaten them with being turned to stone?" He chuckled when she half-heartily smacked him on the cheek. “Come now, its not that terrible of an idea!"

She sighed, downing her tankard in a single swig. “Though he was a colossal twat, he didn't deserve that."

“But you threatened him."

“If he turned against us. Its all in the fine print."

“Can I clasp him in irons?" Cordenth grinned, imagining the man passed the door. “Or maybe in straps. Better a treasonous elf instead of a dragon for a change."

“And here Keerla told me you enjoyed the leather straps." She playfully pouted, “Ruining a whole night of kinks you are."

“That lying woman." His frills burned as he looked away with a snort. “I'll see to it that she doesn't spread such slander again. I got her the job, I can take it away."

“That's my job actually."

“Well….Can I release her from service?" He fluttered his eyes, tilting his head. “Please?"

“Let me think…" She caressed his chin, a playful smirk on her lips. “That's going to be a no."

He gasped in surprise, but curled around the queen with a deep rumble. “You're supposed to be swayed by my charming words. Bask me with your attention and lay kisses upon my scales. I didn't know that woman held such a power over you."

She caught his snout, an aura of seriousness overtaking her. “You've caught on. See, that elf had plenty of blackmail that could sink the throne itself."

“I knew it!" He rumbled, “Say the word and I will do away with her my queen."

“No yet. We have to use her to catch bigger fish." She prodded his snout. “Then you can capture and throw her in straps too. See if she likes them."

They laughter swirled around them, warmed what stillness was about the air. They gently kissed amidst blushing cheeks and fluttering frills. When they parted, they were still captivated.

“I love you." He couldn't help but blurt, to which she responded in kind with a gentle kiss.

“And I you."

“Guess we have to call in the next one?"

“Whose side are you on?" She groaned as her eyes practically rolled from her head. “Call in the next one!"

*

The day progressed just as they had envisioned it. Deals, compromises, threats and playful jabs. Each of them bringing more allies into the fold. The hall was a battleground for tongue and thought, a new challenge to counter with every opening of the gates. The easiest to deal with had been the wolven, whose canine visage seemed to ring true. They asked no question of what they were to get, and simply laid out their warriors they were bringing. Of the bunch, Cordenth approved of them the best. The fact they greeted him with reverence that was to be expected was a pleasing touch.

Breaking for lunch they shared a wonderful time together, though fleeting to be sure. They ate in seclusion, far from the hall, yet not outside a pegasai's reach. Roast duck and potatoes had been what they shared, washed down with a tankard of ale. All to the delightful pleasing visage of the cold, blue sky. When they returned the line was bustling and packed, Lyndis' spirit flickered like a candle in the wind. Even Cordenth groaned, wanting to drag his claws through his skull.

“Looks like the dragon's about to go mad." Keerla chortled when they returned to the throne room.

He glared at her, letting her taste his crossness.

“What did I do?"

“You know what you did…" He slunk across the room, curling around her calm composed form.

“Could be plenty of things, don't leave me guessing or we be here all day."

“Leather…Straps…" He hissed, pressing to her chest with his snout. Her coming laugh did little to stop the burning of his frills.

“Oh that!" She rested upon his snout. “Should I go into you likin being in sacks as well?"

“Sacks hmm?" Lyndis slipped to her seat with an amused grin.

Oh, how his frills burned.

“Now be nice. You'll set him alight with your words."

“What can I say." Keerla shrugged, “I have a talent for it."

He settled down to his belly around the throne, still giving the guard an ire filled look. To his dismay she gently patted his snout, fear unknown to her eyes. “You're lucky I like you." He flicked his tail, “Stuck here with us?"

“Aye. Figured you got enough time without me watchful eye."

“Alas, the only comfort I can find is that you will share in our misery."

“Don't be counting on that sir dragon. I have a talent for dealing with folks who have a lofty opinion of themselves."

The next group came blundering in, a packed group of various followers of the gods. Their robes were like a bright rainbow, each stitched with the symbols of their gods. Who would have guessed that each of the main ten would find their cause just and worthy? As they prattled and droned on in their slumber inducing tones, Cordenth found himself slipping, eyes drooping closed. One moment he was with the others in the throne room, the next he was back within the recesses of his mind. Before him was the battlefield known to him better than the other side of his paw.

Instead of the scores of dead that lay before him, instead was a battle raging on in all directions. Steel clashed, spells were traded, the shouts of men and woman resounded like thunder across the hills. Lightning chased across the midnight like clouds above as billowing snow pelted the forces of undead and living alike. In the distance the horns of Struport could be heard, followed by a dragon's roar. Somehow, they were holding, the day had not been lost.

Cordenth stilled, observing the sea of colors that adorned the forces of the living. Flags of all the houses billowed in the wind, carried the courage of those that had fallen. Above them was the grand banner of Drenedar, bringing hope where it was challenged. Bones shattered, blood spilled, the gruesome shadows and rotted flesh was obliterated by the strength of the gathered. Men, dwarves, elves, wolven, gryphons, even a flash of scales could be found. It was truly a mighty hoard of those unwilling to let darkness grip their lands. They'd done it. He couldn't help but grin, chest swelling with pride. He didn't even notice the gentle aura of gold forming on the far mountains.

But what of his friends? The reason for this whole quest to be had? Gently he strolled through the fields of pitched battle, impervious to the magics and weapons passing through his ghostly form. He saw himself above in the sky, clashing with boney abominations of gryphon and dragon alike. Upon his back was Lyndis, dressed from head to toe in a blue and gold armor suited for a queen. Within her was the spirit of a dragon as they raced through the mass of enemies around them, a floating rapier following in her wake, skewering those foolish enough to get in her way. In the dragon's wake came a tide of feathers and hooves, pegasai flying in formation with gryphons by their side. All fell before them, never stood a chance.

That was until a pale dragon took flight, crossing the sky on malevolent feathery wings. Ghostly blue eyes found their target, guided sharpened claws to eviscerate pegasai and gryphon before her. The dragoness roared and scattered the weak before her like leaves before a wind. The image of Cordenth met her, tooth and claw finding purchase. He was half her size, but it allowed him to pester and dart out of reach. Thanks to he and Lyndis' spells, they evaded the dragoness long enough to deliver a harrowing blow. It however didn't go unanswered, for the dragoness' final death throe claimed them both. A final breath that struck them both from the sky, their frozen corpses shattering to the ground below. Drenedar's future had died with their victory.

He stilled; heart frozen at the sight he'd just seen. Though the battle raged, and corpses piled, Cordenth couldn't tear his eyes away from the chunks that had been them. Pain coursed through his heart, despite knowing it was just an illusion. As tears bubbled to his eyes he stomped away, casting them away with a savage shake of his head. “What of the others?"

Arcturus lay on his knees, mourning the death of Veledar at his feet. The dragon was bloodied and beaten, resting at the broken body of a larger red. Within that dragon's chest was Arcturus' sword, shining white with the man's final blow. The victory was nothing, as the man cradled his love's limp snout in his arms.

“One had survived." Cordenth pulled back as the scene spun around him. He stumbled back, balance wavering as every breath got harder to take. When he collapsed, he was on the edge of a town, a sign marked Deathbriar swinging ominously on its hinges.

“Why here?" He struggled to blurt, terrified of what he'd see next. His answer came as the streets raced passed him, carrying the dragon through steel and stone. Before him was a grand arena of blood soaked sand, a blue feathered gryphon pinned beneath the bulk of at least a dozen pale humans with predatory eyes.

Merlia was on her knees, bloodied and bound, dirt smudged across what skin she had. Fire flared behind those viridian eyes as her albino siigonis captor held her like a vice. The dwarf spat blood to the dirt, her final rebuttal before the siigonis chuckled and sunk her fangs deep into Merlia's throat.

“No!" The blue gryphon screamed in time with the black one, thrashing uselessly against their captors. He whimpered and cried as Merlia's face drained of color, the life soon going with it. Claws scraped the dirt, tears came like rivers down the gryphon's beak, his final pained screech marked Merlia's passing.

Only Arcturus had survived of his friends. This was the future that he'd discarded from his mother? This was what he had strived for? Panic seized the dragon's heart in it's vile grip, squeezing until it threatened to pop in his chest. He was wheezing as the world spun around him, his limbs were trembling. This had to be something he could prevent. Out of the corner of his eye the gold had grown, appearing as a sun slowing rising over the mountains. Within it's flickering flames was a single eye, clearly draconic and rested squarely on his scales. In a moment, the distance that had been leagues was but inches, and Cordenth met the twisted thing's overwhelming heat.

“Cordenth. My favored kin." It whispered in a whispery voice, laced with an overpowering charm that none could match.

He'd heard this voice before only once, trapped within the deep fae. He didn't even risk saying the name, terrified that once uttered he'd be swept away like a flood. Without a thought he pulled himself back, returning the distance as he flung himself around. He had to get back to his body, return to the living, otherwise it may not be him that returned.

“Why do you run? Are you not delighted to meet your family? How I've waited the eons for this moment, come now, you only embarrass yourself."

“Don't listen. Never listen. It's nothing but lies." Cordenth flung himself to the air, not daring to look back as he repeated with little success his way to escape.

“You've tried to twist the future to what you want, but it's failed. Perhaps with my touch, you could have your friends survive?"

He almost turned around. That thought chilled his soul to the bone. How could he escape? Was there something that could change what he'd seen? With every flap of his wings he could feel the overpowering weight of gravity tugging him down. It was if his very power of flight was being revoked.

“The forest!" He shouted to himself, focusing on it instead. It'd called out to him all those other times, perhaps it could help now. At his demand, the world shifted and turned, racing the heart pounding dragon towards his intended destination. The countryside was a blur as the wind battered against his snout, and in a wing flap he was curling high above the foggy forest below. Deep within it's mysterious came a cacophony of groans and creeks, like the forest itself were alive with purpose. Though the brightest relief of all was the lack of gold any which way around. As he spun in the air he nearly roared in joy, but kept inside fear that the spirit could find him.

“So, what makes you important?" He dipped lower; the moisture filled air collecting dew drops on his scales. With each breath he got pine, a bog, and the scattered scent of siigonis. From the mists came structures of tree and rope, effigies clearly constructed to resemble dragons. Around them strolled the siigonis, far as the eye could see. Around them strolled the unicorn and wolf from before, as the pheonix gently glided overhead.

“Reborn, come, rebirth." They droned together, bringing the dragon to land on the marsh ridden ground.

“But what does it mean?" He hissed, tearing himself away to gaze worryingly at the darkened clouds above. “And why must I come here? Is it to change what I've seen?"

His answer came as the village melted away, leaving nothing but a clearing of grass and tree. His paws found softy, spongy grass. His tail could not rest upon his tiny spot of land, resting within the tightly packed pools of water. Everything gurgled and bubbled around him as gentle flickers of light flashed across the fog drenched land. It pulled his snout, then his eyes, creating a path for him to follow. As he did something came into sight from the fog, neither man nor beast, not even a dragon. It was a machine of tremendous size, the largest airship that he'd ever seen.

Wooden planks lovingly flowed from aft to stern, splattered thick with mud and grime. Blood was sprinkled across its deck's railing, signs of the crew's final reluctance to leave. A gryphon figurehead was proudly at the bow, it's dull eyes wishfully staring out to the landscape beyond it's grasp. The hull lay silent, its darkened cannons lacking life, the mast bound and awaiting a crew to unfurl it's sails. As Cordenth stared in awe it seemed to call to him, try to pull his paws closer.

“A ship?" He whispered softly, eyes tracing the hull. It was only when he found the word “Uniter" painted on it's full did his frills flutter in surprise. “THAT SHIP?" He nearly fell into the mud, his wings expressing his shock. “That's the ship that can change everything?" He turned to shout to the fog, getting nothing but a frog's croak in response.

“And that's what I need to not die…." He shook his head, the revelation buzzing between his horns like a swarm of angry bees. But where was this place? Somewhere in Drenedar? He scanned the dense fog for any sign of landmarks to follow. From it he only found uncertainty, and the building sense he was being watched.

Scales shivered as a golden light pierced through the dense fog, scattering it away like a lit torch. In its radiance, Cordenth turned tail and fled, splashing and galloping his way through the mud. Around him the fuzzy images of the unicorn and pheonix did dance, never for long and always out of his reach.

“So, this is where you've gone." The voice of his nightmares did call, yet never shifting from the smoothness it contained. “Do not run child. I only bring wisdom and guidance. Has your relations with the mortals dulled your senses? Come, take shelter beneath my shadow. Everything I promise will be alright, you have nothing to fear from me." Even now, with Cordenth's heart threatening to burst from his chest, he wanted nothing more than to go to it.

“Don't listen." The unicorn's voice called to him in a fractured whisper of Arcturus' voice. “Flesh and steel only carve the path, the end will be will and mind."

“Only carves the…..What must I do? Speak plainly!" Cordenth panted, the moisture-soaked plans splattering against his scales. He snuck a peak back at the light, it had nearly got him. Inches remained between it and his tail. Though his limbs ached and whined for him to stop, he couldn't. One look in the pheonix eye told him so.

“Come, find, rebirth." It replied in the calm, stern words of his mother. “It's the only way."

“But what does that mean?" He blurted in a half-formed growl. Would these things stop being so vague? Especially when his soul might be at stake? “How can the uniter win the day if its mind that it needs?"

With a resounding shriek the creature sailed around him, becoming a crimson blur within but a breath. The air warmed with an intense heat, leaving the scent of burning wood drifting in the air. Like a shield it met the golden rays, insisting not even one met emerald scales. Sound became impossible as the wind picked up it's tireless pace, taking the dragon away from this place. As Cordenth's vision was filled with black, he was left with the departing roar of frustration of a dragon denied its prize.

*

Scales ached, breath came short, eyes blinked away the nightmare that had pursued him. Cordenth ungraciously sprawled upon the floor. His wings were spread out, the curtains were shredded, and the afternoon snack was scattered upon his scales. By his side was Keerla and Lyndis, twin looks of concern painted clearly across their faces.

“Are you alright?" Lyndis' hands trembled as she stroked his cheek with a sniff. “That didn't look very pleasant."

“And it wasn't." He said softly, still trying to piece together what he saw. Dire warnings of what could happen, and a godsend that would be needed to get what he wanted. As he lingered upon the vision, a stray beam of light caught his eye. Gold and one might call beauty, but it only quickened his heart and made him flinch. He'd been that close from falling prey. He composed himself, voice growing stern. “I can't use those powers again…It's become too…dangerous."

Of course, hey asked him why, how could they possibly understand? Their eyes widened into hungry voids, awaiting anything he would divulge. “A matter I discussed with mother; of the power I wield." He waved off their concern with a paw. “Unfortunately without her guidance….I don't think its safe."

“But did you get enough?"

He nodded softly. “I think our hope lies in finding the uniter."

“What? How can ya think of using it?" Keerla pulled back, her brow wrinkling. “After what it did to everythin?"

“You want to use it against the undead." Lyndis replied far softer, understanding swirling in her eyes. When he nodded, she pulled him in till their foreheads met and released a heavy sigh. “I pray that your bloody right…Did ya get a location?"

“I believe in the siigonis lands." He whispered, quickly describing the landmarks that he saw.

“What a coincidence." Came a guttural voice, lurking behind the familiar faces. When he peered, he found himself a green scaled Siigonis clad in thick leathers and furs. Feathers adorned their head of vibrant reds, lavenders, and gold. Amber eyes were locked to him, slitted and ever thinking.

Beside him was a kobold standing up to his waist. A golden sea of scales covered her from head to toe, with various brown islands scattered among the way. Wrapped in darkened leathers she stood sternly, claws brushing lightly along the rune inscribed surfaces. She carried a thick satchel filled with scrolls and parchment, bound with a tight clasp so that they appeared to be bursting out of it. Hazel eyes were locked to him, hard as stone and as dedicated as an elf.

“Leave it to dumb luck that the information about the uniter and siigonis be ruined in a single stroke." She sighed, “Honestly, they're times I wonder why even bothering getting into the information business."

Cordenth flicked to his beloved, mind trying to wrap around these new individuals. “Excuse me love….I may have been out of it but exactly…Who are they?"

“Vishta with the K.I.N for short." The kobold replied. When he gave her a blank look, a heavy sigh left her lips. “Kobold information network, best not hurt your brain over it."

Up his head shot, a growl building within his throat. What was with this creature's disrespect? Before it could go further, Lyndis' tender hands proved able to squash this building fire.

Not going un-noticed, Vishta took a step back, proceeding to pace as she recounted the little journey of an airship that Lyndis had snuck into. It was one of adventure, daring, and a close encounter with a vampire. At the story's end she folded her arms, a heavy sigh escaping as she rolled her eyes. “Now that we're caught up to speed, can we go back to nipping this problem in the bud?"

* * * * * * *

Thanks for following along with this tale. Sorry for the gap between the two. Took a break all last week to plan out the story idea I had for november. Anyway, if you liked the story dont forget to leave a comment and favorite it. Both of those things really keeps up my spirits to continue writing this tail out for you all online.

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