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Chapter 27:

The last few hours crawled by, the dragon's attack leaving a scar upon the city and the minds of all within. Guardians that had undergone the ritual celebration found themselves gritting their teeth, gripping their weapons tight, haunted by the mass of death and destruction that Dreadflame had wrought. They'd flinch at any movement within the blackened clouds above, swearing that they'd seen a claw or wing of the terrible beast. Even though they were proven wrong, the dragon had left a cloud of despair stronger than any magical fear.

Those afflicted by his dragonfear found themselves dazed, drained, covered in sweat, blood and debris. Many were left as hollowed shells, faced with the terrible reality of their actions. They gathered what broken belongings and loved ones they had and flocked to the ports, desperate to find an escape out of this nightmare. The guardians didn't even lift a finger to stop them, many of their order longing to be among those getting onto boats themselves.

Even with the rising of the sun, morale was low. It's rays that broke through the lead grey sky painted in perfect clarity of Dreadflame's fury. All could witness the spires now broken, roofs all but collapsed to the streets. Windows lay shattered, corpses adorned the cobblestone, not an inch of the once grand city lay unmolested by this attack. Whispers began to circulate of this foolish endeavor, that they should just give the dragon what they wanted. After all, he just wanted some orb and a shard, why risk their lives? Even some among the guardians asked such questions, only to be shouted down by the higher-ranking officials within the order.

Nivra stirred within the confines of a vast, dimly lit room, finding herself on a mattress of furs and a blanket most thick. Silent lanterns hung above human height, more suited for dragons, they were decorated with various seashells, some further away near the hall's edge giving off a faint turquoise glow. Her first few breaths were filled with the smell of salt, the sea, mixed with the distinct scent of dragon. She was safe, as she doubted Dreadflame would leave her in a spot so peaceful.

She collapsed back, groaning as pain lanced through her. Lifting up the blanket revealed a bandage wrapped belly, not a hint of blood leaking through. Flashes of the previous night came to her, dark and terrible. So close to death, trapped, forced to choose between her life and that of mind altered masses. Those faces, so determined to end her, they haunted her thoughts, quivered her hands. As she coiled in on herself, hands on her head, she could smell the iron like scent of the blood she'd spilled.

It was just in defense, she told herself, trying to soothe the flickers of pain holding fast her heart. Breaths went shallow as the drifted to the streets, every movement only bringing more death, more suffering, all on those that didn't deserve it. The princess whimpered as the reality hung over her. These were the people she was trying to help, the ones to prove that she was better than her father. It didn't matter that she needed to, nor that they gave her no option, the reality of it all still remained. Innocent souls had died, all thanks to her hands.

Would the gods forgive her? She bit her lip, keeping locked within the need to wail or scream. For minutes tears came, one right after the other, until she was a ruined mess upon the bed. When she tired, and no more tears would come, she was left sniffing, wiping away what remained with her forearm. Eyes widened as she saw the thick bandages wrapping it tight. Of course, she realized, she'd broken her arm. She flexed her digits to reveal a dull ache, enough to make her grimace, but not to grit her teeth or yell; her healer must have been great.

Looking around she concluded that she must have been in Fremra's chambers, dragged to safety from the broken streets. The princess sat up, searching around the hard cavern floor. It was adorned with a forest of books open to various pages, candles resting around them with rivers of dried wax frozen down their sides. Bowls of water joined them, half filled, but the perfect size for a dragoness like Fremra to dip her head and drink.

Though how did she get- Her eyes widened, she had not been alone in that street. “Voidwing!" She called out in desperation, a cold chill sweeping inside her. To her relief the sound of gryphon talons on stone caught her ear. What dismay lurked was swept aside with a breath, “Oh thank the gods, I thought you'd-“

But it wasn't Voidwing that strode in from the edge of the hall, but the gryphon commander himself Skywing.

“Apologies your majesty, but he has been…Relocated for now." Said the gryphon, approaching with a nod of his head, “Are you alright? The wounds you received were most severe. They took several dressings to fully heal."

At least he was safe. She could rest easy. With a sigh the princess flopped back to the bed, staring at the darkened ceiling. “Then you can share my thanks to the healers. Does Voidwing fair as such?"

“He emerged injured, but nothing magic couldn't fix. You were out for many hours-“

“How long?"

“For the rest of the night. After the attack the guardians prepared for the worst, even now they still hand out arms and armor."

“Then the others survived?"

“Indeed, tired they were, but drinking a bit of energy potion will correct that." The gryphon happily chirped, ruffling his feathers, “Eight hours of sleep in a bottle, though you have to be careful with that stuff. Drink too many in a row, and you'' find yourself dead."

“Then that just leaves me lazing about." She grimaced and sat upright, motioning for the gryphon to hand her things over. Out she pulled her book of spells. “If the others are getting ready than so must I."

His onyx ears splayed, “Is that so wise your highness? You've only recovered from your grievous wounds. Arcturus and the others are more than capable of working while you recov-“

“Skywing, if the next words to dribble out of your beak are to ban my participation, you might as well fly home this instant. You are not my father." Her eyes averted to the pages, mind abound with what spells to prepare.

“Someone has to remind you of your own mortality." Hissed the gryphon with a lashed tail as he crawled around her bed, “Which, I've been meaning to tell you, that runt of yours have been exceptionally reckless. Running off to catch Arcturus on your own, fluttering to Drenedar and boarding ships of pirates?" She didn't look to him as he continued, eyes aflame. “You're the current heir to the throne. We can't just be wasting your life away on adventures of fancy!"

“Are you done?" She replied bluntly, peering up from the pages.

His feathers ruffled, “Of course I am not done. This midnight walk is just another list of arrogant behavior that will get you killed! I've already discussed this with Voidwing, that's why as of last night, I removed him from watching over you. Clearly, when it comes to the matter of his love, his judgement is sorely lacking."

Her brow narrowed as the gryphon fumed, panting before her like some controlling parent. “Am I not free to decide whom I spend my time with now? How I am to conduct my movements? Skywing, you forget yourself, you hold not a leash upon me, I am to be your queen."

“Of which you are not yet." He replied, clacking his beak. “And even if you were, I'd tell you what absentminded fools both of you had been. That hurling yourself into danger such as this jeopardizes the very people you wish to serve." Feathers fluffed, eyes steeled, “If I need to be the reminding voice in your ear, then so be it."

When one thought about it, the gryphon's words were genuine and true. She could see it in his stance, the look he gave her, it came from a place of kindness and concern. That's what stopped her from sending him away right then and there. She gave a soft nod and returned to her book. “Perhaps you are right wing commander. I agree that we should have been more thoughtful."

“You're what?" His head tilted, her words disarming what speech he'd no doubt prepared to continue.

“Does this surprise you?" She chortled, turning a page, “For many years I've studied and tested myself and my abilities. Each time they've been proven true, how could I not be arrogant? When we last met, that's where I was, foolishly believing that I could find Arcturus and the dragon on my own, succeed where my father had failed. In this time I've been forced to rely on others, paid for my actions-“ She thought to the adventure with the bloody mermaid, how it had cost the lives of so many. “Though I disagree with our walk, I do agree I should have informed you. Our people deserve someone better than my father to guide them into the future…Thank you."

“You're…welcome?" His ear twitched, eyes filled with disbelief.

“Is this not what you wanted commander? The understanding words of your princess?"

“I mean, that would have been the best case…of which seldom occurs. I fully expected more shouting, demands and threats to be honest." He chuckled softly with a scratch to his chin, “Arcturus suspected it might put my career in the bin."

“Sound like something my father might have chosen to do." She groaned, “Which I must point out to you commander, that I am not."

“Indeed."

“Skywing?" As an inquisitive chirp came, she sighed, “Always feel free to squawk at me if needed. Lend your guidance and experience to actions that I take. To dismiss you would be foolishness, honestly it's hard to see the wider landscape at times. I'd prefer to have vigilant eyes such as yours on my side."

“How rather…wise of you your highness."

“So Voidwing, how did he take it?" The question seemed to confuse the gryphon at first, but he filled her on what had transpired. How he'd made a fuss, forced to stand down, replaced. “And you will be my stand in for now?"

“Not for the entirety of the day. I do have more pressing matters to attend to." The gryphon fluffed his wings, stretching like a cat, “As the commander of the Lumarian forces, I do have a position at the table with the heads of the guardians."

“And I assume that you've already arranged my watch?"

He nodded, “Pair of gryphons, a minotaur, and a human. All of them equally capable of providing for you should you have need of it."

“And of Voidwing? When will he be by my side again?"

“After I have had a chat with him over how to hold firm in the face of your more…questionable choices. I have been in his paws before, where all that you see is the one you love, oblivious to all else."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help but feel someone amused to see her loving gryphon fluffing his feathers and making such demands as this commander. “See to it that it is corrected. For as lovely as this new company will be commander, his is much more approved."

“I understand your majesty, but times such as these, the tentative approach might be best."

His words put an end to her resistance, knowing that this would be true. “And what has happened since I've been out? I assume that we're not bested and on the ropes as you'd put it, else our chat would not be so mundane. Has anyone come to check on me for instance? “She pictured Voidwing's silver lined beak snaking it's way inside to catch a glimpse or two, keeping the commander none the wiser.

Without a comforting coating, the commander described what exactly had struck the city. From the raging fires to the dragon's swooping to attack. His words stretched as he spoke of the devastation, the destruction, the absolute obliteration of what Struport had once been. By all accounts it sounded like a ghostly shadow or a corpse trying to limp bravely onward. When he spoke of the guardians and their response it was temped but praising, insisting all that could be done was accomplished. But as he neared the end of his explanation it turned grim, how the ports were now filled to the brim, desperate people clawing at one another for the last few ships to depart.

“Utter chaos down there."

“That sounds awful." She replied softly, her spellbook forgotten as she stared off to the carven wall. In the distance she could hear the phantom screams, accompanied by Dreadflame's prideful roar. “Even with the hero's feast, he accomplished all this-“

“And would have done more grievous a wound without your aid my princess." Skywing said, offering a nod. “The city owes you a great debt, even if that fact is bittersweet. True they are hobbled and there will be much recovery, but to even have that chance is a gift."

“Pray tell what should stop him from doing such an attack again? There was only one time that I have seen magic of that magnitude…and even then we was not so callous, despite his heart literally not pumping."

“Talk through the men lingers upon the same thing. Though Threllfall is countering such thoughts with word that Jandar and Fremra are working on something to defeat the dragon's attack. That surprise was the only reason that it worked."

At least that was reassuring to hear. “And what of the others? What have they done while I've been useless?"

“Helping the wounded? Arcturus I believe is arming up with the guardians, Crimson Sky is doing the same. Asterion was placed in charge of some guardians, while Merlia is leading a group of archers and riflemen. The kobolds were assigned to the healing units in the back, of which they took to with such an enthusiasm that I'm jealous. Their ilbir though? Less so, you could hear his groaning through the halls."

“For one such as him I could see why." She chuckled, “Reserved to the backlines doesn't allow much room for glorious honor."

“For them perhaps, but there is importance to their job. Who else will get the wounded back into fighting shape?"

“And my apprentice?"

Skywing's ears perked, feathers ruffled. “You mean to say that this was correct?" When she gave the gryphon a questioning look he sighed, “Then it would look like I owe the young man an apology."

“Don't tell me you were harsh with him?"

“What would you have of me? A strange boy coming to insist upon me that the princess was his magical teacher? The idea that you were picking up strange was preposterous."

“But where you cross with him?"

Skywing rolled a talon, not looking her in the eye, “Nothing more than a firm parent might have been. Certainly an apology can mend whatever distain he now has for me."

“Make sure to bring some chocolate, but do make sure to keep it from the dragons."

“For what purpose?" One ear fell, his head cocked.

She smiled, recalling how Veledar had nearly destroyed part of Fremra's library in his antics. “Go ahead and bring some to Crimson Sky, then you can witness the effects yourself. Though in regard to the boy; I know that Storm had an interest in him, that talent followed him like a shadow." She crawled to her robes, fingers brushing the lavender fabric, feeling the magic within, “And honestly, after the hells he must have gone through with my former master…I thought he might deserve an honest chance."

The noble gryphon averted his gaze as she took to dressing herself. Tossing her robes over her shoulders, sliding on her boots. Her fingerless gloves felt stiff from the morning cold, but nothing rigorous stretching wouldn't solve. Around her neck she wrapped her onyx cloak, fastening it with a gem studded broach. The last addition was her sunflower colored headband, fitting neatly over her raven hair. She twirled with a deep breath, already starting to feel refreshed.

To his credit the commander said little as the princess opened her spellbook and began committing the spells to memory. With precision she went through the practiced motions, reciting the words of draconic power. Each completion sent shivers down her spine, ready for the last bit of the spell to be released. She prepared offensive spells, defensive ones, not quite certain what they'd need, so she took a bit of everything. By the hours end the hair on the back of her neck was quivering, power radiating from within. Her next deep breath was brimming with energy. When she grasped her staff with the amber sphere at it's top she was reborn.

“Looking good your highness." Skywing turned, just finishing his own stretches and fluffing of wings. Though when she approached with a smile, his good nature turned stern and hard. “But I do have some ill news for you."

“What now, has the city fallen in just an hours time?"

“Not quite. But it concerns the matter of your safety."

“We spoke of this just a bit ago. You speak as though I'm a fresh babe who can't make it to Dustfell."

“My lady. You know the time here is fraught with peril. That with each passing hour that danger ever increases. True the defenders here will stay to the end, but as your commander, that wont be the case for yourself." He levied her with a stern stare, “When I assess that it is too dangerous, my gryphons and I will be removing you from the city."

She nodded, understanding the notion. If Lumara wanted a brighter future, her survival was needed. “And what of the others?"

Skywing for a moment looked grim, giving her a heavy sigh. “I imagine most will go down fighting the good fight. Though perhaps they will hunger for life, ask Fremra to teleport them to this, Isle of Draconis, like she's done for so many others."

Inside her, anxiety festered and twisted. Here they stood, on the edge of it all, history about to be made. Friends were to be lost, lives spent in the defense of freedom, seldom did the living wish for such sacrifices to be made. She rested a hand on her commander as he led her through the halls. Perhaps if the gods were willing, they'd emerge scuffed by healthy.

** ** ** ** **

How easy it was to slip into the boots of his past, return to the rank of paladin that started his journey. Arcturus Lund strode across the packed walls, clad fully in his armor from head to toe. Crimson cloak wrapped around him, his steel shown in the dwindling light that crept through the lead grey clouds above. Helmet clasped in one hand he inspected the gathered men and woman around him, seeing the unease that festered within each of their eyes. There he could spy the storm of doubt, the fear, the memories of the previous evening still haunting them.

The man winced as he spied youth among the many wolven, humans and elves, teens that had barely tasted what life could offer. Now they were expected to fight for their lives, for their loved ones, give the ultimate sacrifice in the face of such evil. It did little to ease his heart that it needed to be so, all it accomplished was to fuel his distain for the dragon that had done this.

He was before the great gate, where the massive doors stood locked and barred. Word said these walls had never been breached since their construction, a pride of which the people took to heart. How he wished that by the siege's end, this fact would remain true. This was to be the guardian's forward base of operation, where the commanders were gathering to coordinate their forces. At their word pegasai riders, gryphons, clerics and mages would be brought to counter whatever would be sent against them.

Overhead, in the domain of gryphon and dragon, the pegasai riders did dwell. Tight formations of multicolored feathers fluttered above the rooftops, their riders holding fast their explosive tipped lances. Armor of chain, wrapped in tabards of bright blue, they were a shining example of Drenedar's courage and strength. Their passing brought hope, courage, smiles to a sea of frowns.

Gryphons, not wishing to be left out from this, found themselves intermixed about the walls and rooftops. Clad in their armor, they were a sea of polished steel, feathers and fur. The pouches that adorned them were filled with explosives and magical weapons of their craft, their riders waited with them, energy crossbows begging to be used.

Arcturus stilled as he caught sight of Fremra and Jandar among the city behind him, catching the sound of their wings over the muttering of the soldiers. The dragons were going from roof top to roof top, flicking their tails and performing a spell by the looks of their paw movements. He just hoped that whatever plan they had would be complete by the time Dreadflame made his demands of them. As of now the dragon had kept his word, not unleashing his next attack. Though that did little to ease the man's heart as he turned his gaze to the snow-covered countryside beyond the walls.

Once there might have been a sight that charmed the fancy of any who beheld it. Now instead it was marred with the unsightly mass of shapes beyond the range of their cannons. Hoards of unwashed undead and mercenaries, ravenous and eager to see those within stripped of what they held dear. At this distance he could make little sense of their exact numbers, all of them blending into a vile sea of rotted flesh and steel. Although from this came massive shapes, giants if that could be believed. How Dreadflame won their alliance, he hadn't an idea, but there they stood regardless, clad in armor that winked in the morning sun. They dragged siege engines to better tame Struport's walls, from towers, trebuchets, and salvaged cannons of their own.

His brow tightened as he caught sight of what looked to be a flock of flies fluttering about this army. His gut twisted, knowing that these were mangled, malformed mockeries of life itself. Gryphons or pegasai that had been slain, stitched back together and given un-natural life. They'd rip and tear, reduced to nothing but a solitary need to feed and wreck destruction. He'd already heard from some of the gryphon scouts how they snapped and shrieked, sending shivers down the spine of those who'd heard it.

“Enjoying the sight of it Arcturus?" Asterion's voice cut through the paladin's focus, “Relishing in the gathered foe before us, chittering and eager to test themselves against us?" The warrior's breath came with a sigh of satisfaction, “Is it not glorious?"

“That's not how I'd describe it." Arcturus replied.

The cleric was fitted with pads and adorned in metal plates. On his horned head he wore a helm, a communication rune engraved onto the surface. His belts were fitted with pouches full of regents, weapons, and a few potions held in bindings. He patted a heavy book at his side as his heavy cloak fluttered in the morning breeze. On one arm was fitted his shield made from Feku as if it were a treasured relic.

“I do believe this is the first time I've seen you in armor. Some might be concerned to see you taking this so serious."

“I always take battle serious." Snorted the minotaur, “Though I relish to feel the wind and savor when the blood of my enemy mats my fur, our defensive nature demands it."

“And how do the guardians under you feel about taking orders? Must be strange considering some of them tried to kill you."

“None have expressed any protests but worry not. At the first sign of deception I will kill them where they stand."

Arcturus chuckled as the minotaur crossed his arms, giving the guardians a stern stare. “I do hope that was in jest."

“We shall see." He replied with a flare of his nostrils.

“Ah, my favorite boys, chatting away like a bunch of girls." Merlia strolled over with a smile on her face, looking unphased for someone who'd survived the tragedy of the previous eve. At her side of course was Krotos, the bird decked out in the same armor that the other gryphons were wearing.

“We were not chatting as woman, we are chatting like warriors, relishing the battle ahead." Asterion responded, “Where we will see our enemy driven before us, ground beneath our hooves, taste their blood, hear the snapping of their bo-"

“As I said, like girls." She chuckled as the minotaur gave her a narrowed eyed grunt.

Chuckling at their banter, Arcturus gave the gryphon a nod of approval, “Armor looks good on you Krotos."

“You think?" The gryphon turned to the side, lifting a wing to better show off how it clung to him. The plates covered mainly his upper torso, his lower extremities less so. “Sure they don't clash with my feathers? I spent so long preening them this morning, ash is terrible to get out."

Merlia rolled her eyes, “All he cares about is how he dressed. Surprised he got out of bed at all. I think it was to get out of the morning patrols."

He snapped his beak at her, missing the dwarf's braided hair by inches as she laughed, “It certainly wasn't!"

“So, boys where we stand?" The dwarf clambered up to the wall's edge, staring down the mass of death growing larger, “The bunch of pansies shivering in their boots or what?"

“Waiting for their master's command." Arcturus replied, arms crossed. “I imagine once Dreadflame realizes we're not exposing our bellies so easily, they will be coming right for us, eager to taste our flesh."

“And then they shall find us a most distasteful meal." Asterion huffed.

“Of that we can bet!" She nudged at their sides, “Give them a whole mess of indigestion, make them choke on it."

“Merlia we're trying to fight them, not seduce them." Krotos squawked, taking his place beside them with a swish of the tail. “Though with how they're dressed, I don't know why you'd even bother."

All eyes turned to the gryphon, his ears splayed.

“What? Have you seen them? Most are stitched together, eyesores all around. Half of them are unwashed, sweaty, malformed abominations. The other half are undead! Putrid skin, gaping wounds, plus all of their fashion sense is totally lost!"

“Bah, figures you'd only care about how they dressed!" Merlia cackled, “I'll be sure to send them a letter!"

“I'm certain everyone else is thinking it." Replied the gryphon with an indignant squawk, “Just no one else was brave enough to say it."

“I can safely say that it was the furthest thing on my mind." Arcturus said with a laugh, earning a snapping of the gryphon's beak in his direction, “Don't take it out on me!"

Asterion growled with a lashed tail, “Is that all that rests in your mind gryphon? That we stand on the precipice of the greatest battle of the age and-" His snout wrinkled in disgust, “You concern yourself with matters of…vanity?"

“Look horns for brains, some of us don't share the sexual kink for murder that you do." Replied Krotos, tapping Asterion's breast plate with a wing tip, “Just be glad I'm here to tear them apart as well."

This seemed to satisfy the cleric, as he gave the gryphon a knowing nod.

Trumpets radiated through the air, a signal that the cannons were ready and waiting. At a glance their barrels shimmered, waiting most patiently for enemies to be laid low. Their crews stood resolute, sections of the wall made to act as cover. They'd be hard pressed to be removed, except for exceptional effort. Over them came a flock of gryphons, proud and strong, one among them standing out from the rest, Skywing.

The commander circled the group, letting his flock spread themselves among the ranks of the walls. Were scorn had once followed the Lumarian's wake, instead was now met with genuine fondness. Settling onto his foretalons, Skywing made his way to the group's side with a hearty chirp.

“There's my favorite adventuring party. Ready for what is to come?"

Arcturus nodded as Merlia and Asterion resumed their bickering, this time over whom would win the day, korde or Thor. “We're to act in a supporting role I was informed. Staying back behind the lines to act as a deterrent for flanks along the wall. They feel as though it is too risky to launch an attack with a dragon."

“And they'd be wise to." Skywing nodded, “True our dragons are strong, but foolish to expose and lose them."

“Lets just hope Veledar agrees."

“Think he'd let pride and personal ambition stand in the way of solid plans?"

He laughed deep in his throat, accompanied by Krotos, “You clearly don't know this dragon very well."

Skywing shifted his hinds and fluffed his wings, “Then it will be your job to convince him, dragon-rider." He gave the last bit with a playful smirk.

“And what is your job commander?" Arcturus nudged the gryphon's neck, jingling the metal that held the straps of his armor, “Standing back and directing the men? Looking pretty from your position of safety?"

“You wound me my friend. Such things are reserved for the nobility and that of our queen." He gestured to a further section along the wall, the most heavily defended of the onyx guardian keep. “She waits there with her love of course, and a team of gryphons at the ready. You should have seen her face, how cross it was."

“Rivalling that of my dragon?"

“Close." He gave an amused trill, “I thought I was to be turned into a newt."

“So, if not sitting back and looking pretty, what are you to be doing?" Krotos rolled his eyes, “Getting down and dirty like the rest of us?"

“Where else would you have me?" He smirked, tossing a wing around both Arcturus and the gryphon, “I would be remiss if I asked my friend and his companions into danger that I would be unwilling to undertake myself. You are right Krotos, I'll be right on your wings."

“I imagine the gryphons do as they typically do?" Arcturus gestured to the pouches of Skywing's armor. The gryphon gave a beak parted smile, revealing twin silver orbs that fit in his talon. “Typically we had makeshift devices to shatter on impact to the ground, but we had these made before our travel." He caressed the smooth surface, tapping his talon against it, “Press it in the right spot and it activates, then when it's struck hard enough, say from falling, it will explode with the force of a fireball."

“Is that what these things were?" Krotos sqwuaked, digging into his pouches to find at least a dozen of the devices. “I thought they were for show!"

“You mean to tell me you were not listening during the instruction?" Skywing snapped to the now ear splayed gryphon, “What else could you have been doing?"

“Would you believe preening my feathers?"

“Unbelievable." The tiger gryphon seethed, averting his gaze, “As for your dragon Arcturus, I was told to expect him within our flock."

“Oh?" Arcturus rose a brow, figuring the dragon would love this.

“We're to protect him of course, as he's the heaviest hitter of the bunch. With his spells and fire breath we could undo the greatest of shield walls."

“And of the giants?"

“We saw them, gryphon squad has a plan for that. You should have heard Mug cackling, the bastard almost looked thrilled."

“How about their dragons?" The man gazed out, not spying one among the ranks of the dead. “Are they hiding?"

“You just can't see them now, mark my beak they're there." Skywing turned to share the view, “Waiting, deviously, the scouts this morning spied them. Course they didn't chase after us, they knew better, didn't stop their flying bastards though."

“Flying bastards?" Krotos asked.

“Yes, think Arcturus might have heard of them? Undead gryphons and pegasai, few of our own are eager to put those bastards down. Double for the necromancers that did such a thing to our kin."

“Merlia, sounds like you'll have a wonderful time of target practice." Arcturus remarked, earning the dwarf's scoff.

“And join you in the sky? What ya take me for, a daft fool?"

“You're not coming with us Merlia?" Krotos tilted his head, leaning in to caress her jaw with a talon, “Here I thought you enjoyed riding me?" He then gestured to his armor's saddle.

“And end up falling to me death like last time?" She grunted, “Nah, I'd rather take my chances with these blubberin babies and directing where they be shootin."

“I too share the sentiment." Asterion said, “Battle was made for the honesty of the ground, not the air."

“Just leaves more for us I suppose." Replied Arcturus with a nod, as the gryphons offered their amused trills.

“And I expect to see you and your dragon up there." He then gestured to Krotos, “You'll be going with Gryphon squad as well."

Krotos' feathers fluffed in surprise, “M-me? What did I do?"

“You have fought by Arcturus side, and word spread last eve of your aid to come save us." He smirked, “Of which your idea was most interesting. I believe the gryphon squad could use that interesting quality." He tapped his helmet and belted off a few orders before readying himself to fly, wings flared wide.

“Skywing?" Arcturus stroked a hand up the underside of the gryphon's neck, drawing his kind, eyes, “Do try and stay safe. Veledar can't be everywhere to watch that behind."

“Oh, you don't have to worry about me. It's your behind I'll be watching." With a parting nuzzle the gryphon took flight, leaving all the others with a ruffle from his wind.

“You and he mated last night didn't you." Krotos ruined the moment with an amused chuckle, “Got your hands on the commander and made his journey to see you worth his while."

Arcturus rolled his eyes as the gryphon continued his lewd laughing, “Of which you will be left to ponder my good gryphon."

Shouts soon came throughout the gathered ranks, excited remarks that carried through the air. Fingers came to point, hands tapped at their neighbor's shoulders, drawing attention to a sight flying through the air. Heads turned, brimming with excitement, for a blur of red and gold crested over the roof tops.

Crimson scales gleamed in the sunlight as the dragon circled the shafts of light billowing down through the clouds. Red-orange membrane wings carried him swiftly across the rooftops, rising and falling to move with the currents. To those below he was a symbol of courage and hope, many whispering of he and Arcturus deeds that previous night. This dragon was the defeater of fear, savior of the people, whose shadow you could find comfort in. He was clad in the golden armor once sworn to storm, dominating most his scales from head to tail.

“Oh, look who decided to finally join us!" Merlia gestured to the dragon as he circled the wall, majestically drawing attention. “Ooooo, fancy boy, wonder if he be afraid to be chipping a talon!"

“And what a sight that he is." Arcturus whistled as the dragon drew closer, the pride and thrill that beat within the dragon's chest spreading to him as well. “I do think I've never seen anything so beautiful."

With a final circle the dragon landed before them, soldiers making room so that the dragon would fit. Many called to him with praises to tickle his scales, but as the dragon's wings tucked, his attention was only for Arcturus and his friends. To them he trotted, tail swishing.

“Good, now our forces are gathered." Asterion grunted, “The stage is set. The time of Korde's glory is at hand."

“You mean Thor's glory my furry friend." Merlia snarked, before offering the dragon a hearty laugh, “Why aren't you all sparkly and shiny, trying to blind the enemy?"

The dragon hissed at such a comment, but rose his head tall and proud. He brushed a paw over the golden plates, tracing along the lightning bolts that still adorned them. “They used to belong to someone dear to me Merlia. To these people they carry hope. Go ahead and mock, but I know it comes from a place of envy." He ended the statement with a nod and lash of the tail.

“Ah yes, envy. Just glad you're here."

“Besides, it would appear some of us had to dress for the importance of the situation." His attention flicked to the hoards of death beyond the way, “Have you seen how raggedy they are? Devoid of any gravitas of the situation? When we talk of this later, lets not bring up how abysmal they look."

Krotos' ears perked as Merlia groaned, “I was just saying that! See Merlia? Someone else who cares!"

The dwarf dismissed his smug squawk with a wave, “Bah, leave it to the gryphon and dragon to care about that. Such vanity, ya might think you two are related."

“Him and I related?" Veledar wrinkled his snout, “Take that back."

“Or what ya scaled lizard? Ya going to burn me?"

His eyes narrowed, no doubt planning some form of revenge. “When we survive this dwarf, I'll be taking a page out of your people's book."

“Ooooo, stealing from me people's culture are we?" She offered a mischievous smile, almost proud of his coming hiss, “Well bring it on ya red baby! Merlia is ready to tangle with whatever ya got between your horns. Now what of you Krotos? You as concerned as our thin scaled friend?"

The gryphon shrugged, unconcerned.

To Veledar Arcturus did stride, resting a tender hand upon his armored chest. When the neck came down he moved there, tapping along to test the metal. It was firm and well made, clearly magical, as he could almost feel how it radiated through the air. “How does it feel to wear?" He asked, stroking the dragon's jaw.

“Strange of course." Veledar replied with a growly rumble, “For so many years I'd read about Storm and his exploits. It still feels like his in this moment, that I'm playing another game of pretend with my brother. I almost expect to wake up, see that this was all a dream."

“I could see how bizarre that must be. Though I feel it fits on you in a way. It gives you a sense of legitimacy. Just know Umraadi, you look positively beautiful in that armor."

“You're only biased because you like armor." He rumbled, the base of his frills growing red.

“Should I start insisting that you are wearing a metal dress?" He smirked, earning a playful snap of the jaws and a hiss.

“You do and your name will go down in my book of grudges."

“Then I best not. I'd not want to get on my Umraadi's bad side, or perhaps I do. One wonders what would be inflicted on me."

“I could think of a few things." The dragon rumbled, before licking across the man's face. “Though we would have to cast away these locusts." His head rose to its regal position, the playful dragon changing back to one of seriousness. “I can't wait to burn them with my fire."

“Yes, the dragon understands." Asterion smiled, “It will be a grand day, where glory is to be had for us all. Now come, let me share something with you all."

“Oh lord he wants to give us his dick." Krotos chirped in alarm, ears splayed.

Asterion glared daggers at the now chuckling gryphon, “Not my dick you empty headed chimera."

Krotos shrugged as everyone looked to him, “Hey he set me up, I took the bait, it's really his fault."

“Can we just go back to what he was going to do?" Veledar rolled his eyes.

“Indeed." Asterion huffed, “Now let me just whip this out."

Krotos' brow furrowed with an indignant squawk, “Ah come on."

Ignoring the gryphon and intrigued by the cleric, Arcturus allowed the cleric to arrange them in a circle, thrusting one of their limbs to press against one another. One by one the minotaur chanted, rubbing a thin layer of ink on them in the shape of an axe. With this he stared to them, stern and focused, but a sense of great respect contained within. Even to Krotos he gave a nod, ending with a bow of his horned head.

“And what was that all about?" Veledar pulled back his paw, inspecting the ink with a sniff.

“It is a mark of kinship. That in this battle we are battle brothers and sisters." Asterion grunted, “I have no clan left of my own, so you are the closest thing." He turned to Arcturus, “We might have different ideas of combat, and some might not relish the glory that I feel, or experience the honor." He paused to close his eyes with a deep breath, “But know that in this battle I wish for you all glorious deaths, ones that will be remembered in song."

The paladin was taken back by the caring nature in his stern tone, or how he'd just wished death upon them. He laughed as Krotos squawked in alarm and Merlia could only offer a scoff of dismissal.

“No offense ya walking carpet, but I rather be keeping me organs on the inside, alive and healthy." Merlia said.

“He wishes on us death!" Krotos' ears pinned, “That's what you call encouraging?"

The bull only chuckled to himself at the reactions, as if expecting them. “I don't expect you to understand, but I wish you all to be remembered in song. Even you foolish gryphon."

Veledar nodded, gifting the minotaur with a chuff, “I'll make sure they have an entire opera to remember our songs."

Arcturus was swept away by the fondness, drifting back to just two years ago. Where his life was filled with darkness and despair, fraught with the heavy burden of loneliness. In his wildest dreams he'd not think he'd be here, side to side with such a crew different from himself, facing down the end of the world. To the minotaur he met his gaze, offering a smirk before he put on his helm. “The question just becomes who will put down the most foes this day."

Asterion's brow rose, arms crossing in amusement, “YOU are going to join in our usual contest?"

“Of which I always win." Veledar rumbled, rolling a paw to his chest, “Unless Arcturus and I are adding our numbers together."

“No fair." Krotos squawked, thrusting a talon to the dragon, “You have firebreath!"

“How can I help it if I have superior natural tools at my disposal."

The paladin offered a nod and a boast, “Just survive so that we can share numbers is all."

“Of course!" The bull clapped him on the shoulder, thrusting a finger to the paladin's breast, “You may start in the lead because of your position in the sky, but know that Korde will bless my hands and spells to beat you."

“Then let the better one of us all win."

“Of which it will be me ya babies." Merlia rolled her eyes, “Come now, that's not even hard! And before ya start dragon, you be cheating every time!"

“I do not!" Veledar went to growl in protest, only being silenced as a piercing thunderclap cleaved the sky in twain.

Far above their heads, the grey of the clouds began to churn with a foul wind. Darkness crawled across their expanse, and with it, the silence. Snow began to lightly fall, as hearts beat in the ears of all who beheld the turn. Lightning came, terrible and angry, splitting crimson seams across the sky. From it, thousands of motes flared and died to an unearthly rhythm, forming the blood red snout of Dreadflame to a chorus of shouts.

“Ah, the enlightened peoples of Struport, the delightful masses of mortals that have known their place in this world." Draconic eyes like that of a forge took in all the assembled host below, twisted delight brimming within. “Some might have questioned your logic to lay bare your weapons before me, to renounce the old world and embrace that of the new; the proper one that has been forgotten." As he spoke his voice took on a honied hue, sweet and devilishly handsome, “But we all know that you are the betters of your peers, seeing how things should be. That just as the twin moons rise over this world, you and your kind belong to dragon-kind."

As the dragon continued on with his arrogant prattle, Arcturus had instinctively went for Veledar, his own heart pounding in his chest. Give him an army, face him against a dragon, he'd do that without blinking, have him sit below a crazed sorcerer with the ability to rain devastation on a city, that gave him pause.

“It's alright." Veledar whispered, his voice all too comforting as he gave the human a smirk, “Fremra has something special to shove into the maw of that prat."

“And so forth my gathered minions have had a long and arduous journey to your lands. Those that can eat are famished, their bellies roaring like dragons. Now if you would be so kind as to open your gates for my forces, so we can be shown your hospitality. I will make good on my vow, any of them harm you shall be punished most severely, and if the crime is exceptionally arduous…They shall be eaten alive, as a warning for those who wish to disobey their master."

The words rested in deathly silence, not a soul sure of what would transpire. No one moved, the gates didn't budge, the dragon's demand went unanswered. What he did get was a trio of cannons to offer their response, firing a volley of cannons right into his maw.

Realization dawned on his terrible snout, wrinkling its features. There would be no surrender, no easy path; his eyes flared to the intensity of the sun. Frills fluttered like a threat, his voice calm and collected. It dripped with violence, “So you have chosen poorly. Not surprising considering, I'd thought perhaps you'd be different. Know that you all will be swept aside, ground into the very dirt. Don't weep, whine or beg for mercy, you had your chance for mercy."

His face retreated into the darkened mass as a cascade of orange and red lightning rippled across the surface. With every passing moment it built, one small stone gathering until a landslide would come crashing down. Soon, the land shook with a terrible thunder, the air radiating with power. Again the clouds opened, to reveal the rocky doom that awaited them all. Meteors shot towards the defenders with grim purpose, streaking white hot tails behind them. Eyes shut, people winced, certain this would be their end. It was not to be.

Fremra reared up upon her hinds from one of the roofs, her children at her side. Each of them had been chanting in the draconic tongue, their hisses building to an undeniable chorus. Paws twisted like snakes as magic surged to them, ghostly lights of turquoise and blue that crawled towards them. At their gesture the threads loosed themselves to the coming invaders, wrapping them tight with unescapable light. Explosions flared into existence far above the dragons heads, tearing apart the meteors as though they were soft clay and scattering their remains across the air as nothing more than a captivating, harmless lightshow.

Cheers exploded from the city below, born out of relief. Fists were pumped, some cried, wings were fluffed in defiance. Joy as bright as the sun surged and built, pressing back whatever point dreadflame was to make.

“That's right, take that ya daft cunt!" Merlia gave her middle finger to the now reforming dragon's face, the rest of her stitched to Krotos' feathery side.

The gryphon was busy raising his hind end to flash his tail feathers.

“Guess he has to do it the hard way now." Arcturus laughed, joining Veledar and others in mocking the bewildered dragon of legend.

“I could have done that." Veledar remarked with a huff, envy dripping from his words. “If I was given the chance of course."

“And you'd have done it most splendidly." Replied Arcturus, earning a delighted nod.

“That goes without saying Umraadi."

Above, the red dragon sneered, realizing that this would not be as easy as he imagined. With a parting growl he retreated, “You've only made this harder on yourselves." With a clap of thunder he vanished, the swaths of grey taking back what darkness had taken.

“Of which we will relish the challenge." Asterion snorted, unphased by what had transpired, Arcturus didn't even remember him flinching during the attack.

Merlia gave the others a hearty laugh, her courage one to match, “Funny way the baby says he lost! You ninnies ready to get crackin?"

Arcturus could only be a mirror of Veledar himself, giving the dwarf a stern nod as he clambered up onto the dragon's back. Clasping himself in he took an invigorating breath, feeling all the power and anticipation right below him, waiting to be unleashed. He grinned, bracing himself as Veledar's wings unfurled, muscles braced, pouncing and taking them both to his domain.

** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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