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Chapter 35: Ossai Arrives

Arcturus shivered in the morning air slicing through his charcoal gambeson, the fibers as if they were not there. His short brown hair was already dusted with the morning snow, the stone grey clouds continuing to layer on ever more. Eyes closed the knight tentatively moved across the keep’s courtyard, a wooden sword outstretched and waiting. Wrapped tight around his head was a navy blindfold, the world nothing more than a field of darkness to the trained warrior, who tried to focus on the four opponents around him, hear their tentative movements, sense their impending strikes.

Focus on the bond he whispered to himself, feeling the anticipation build within his veins. Let Veledar’s senses be your own.’ How was he supposed to do that exactly? He shifted his stance, his muscles aching from the dozen or so times he’d already failed. How many bruises did he need to acquire? The sapphire guardians he trained with playfully taunted the Lumarian, reminding of his previous failures.

He paid little heed as his senses drifted back towards the warm, gentle breeze of the island of Draconis. Struport had seemed so harsh and unforgiving in comparison, lobbed into a sea of turmoil. Part of himself yearned to return to those bright shores, be at peace and tranquility, tempted by a trio of wide eyed wrymlings, whining for him to stay. He’d almost listened this time, but instead offered a compromise. There would be no mage to steal his mind this time, he would return. The man smiled to himself, his heart warming at their phantom warbles, drifting along the air like a cherished song.

Thawck! A training sword clove through his memory, rewarding his distraction with throbbing pain and the laughter of his company.

“Got you!” An ebony skinned man remarked, flashing the blind knight an amused grin Arthur Sutton was his name, just one of the guardians that had taken a liking to the knight in his day’s routine. Unlike the higher ups in the Obsidian and Ruby guardians, he, like the others seemed to care little about Arcturus’ country of origin. If anything, it made it funnier when he got a chance to whack the man over the head. “So much for the training of a Lund huh? I’d ask for a refund mate.”

Arcturus swung in retribution for his pride, Arthur flung himself back, missing the man’s sword by mere inches.

“What’d I tell you about getting too cocky?” Remarked another of the knights, a woman with braided hair. Lynette Withers was she, built like a warhorse, blusterous and confident, with a resolve harder than stone. Some people said she was part dwarf on her mother’s side. She didn’t mind, insisting they were merely jealous she could out drink them. She followed Arthur around the courtyard, eyes filled with amusement as the knight struggled to stay outside Arcturus’ reach.

“You going to help?” Arthur blurted.

“No way. Think of this as your reward for the other day. How about you Arcturus, he hit you too hard?”

“I’ve had worse, trust me. Take a few thwacks from a dragon paw or a swordsman’s blade, that was nothing in comparison.” He slashed the air savagely, only getting a disappointing clack as Arthur finally stood his ground and met Arcturus’ sword. Like that the once dragon hunter was back on the defensive, wasn’t this supposed to get easier? “Focus on the bond.” He whispered, trying to focus Veledar’s emotions currently beating within his chest.

Curiousness, excitement, greed, happiness. What good where those going to do in the middle of a fight? With a groan Arcturus was pushed back, surrounded, and thwacked a half dozen times before he even knew what hit him. He eventually had to hold up his hands and bid them reset, as his focus had been all but shattered.

“And not a word about the training Arthur.” He smirked, “Or else we can see how you fair without sight.”

“I’m game for that!” Lynette chuckled in reply as the poor man blushed at the sudden attention.

So Arcturus took a deep breath of the morning, sea enchanted air, finding his center in all the chaos. He held his sword out of him and composed himself. In a breath the man became as ridged as his sword. When they came at him again, Arcturus could almost swear he heard a second heart beat within him. Darkness turned to vague outlines and he blocked each and everyone of the guardian’s attacks. For good measure he struck them back on their chests with resounding clangs of metal on wood.

“Well, he had to get it eventually.” Lynette chuckled, tapping the metal of her tarnished breastplate, decorated with a roaring lion. “I’m just glad we didn’t die of old age.”

“I think it’s just dumb luck.” Arthur scoffed in skepticism at Arcturus’ childlike grin. “Look at the man, he’s just as amazed as we are!”

“It was incredible.” He blurt, yanking off his blindfold. He stalled, forced to blink at the sudden burst of color all around him. Almost out of breath he relayed to them what he’d seen. Though they were polite and listened, he could see the doubt and skepticism in their eyes. So he pulled back, reset his stance and reapplied the blindfold. “Lets do this again, prove that it’s more than a simple fluke.”

Once more the air filled with furious clacks of wooden swords meeting one another, spaced between jests and taunts at the other’s skills. There were no frowns, but laughter and disbelief as Arcturus countered them as if he could rightfully see. All the commotion drew the icy blue eyes of Axton, shifting from the forearm thick book sitting in his lap.

Wrapped in his velvet soft, navy robes, the young boy was captivated with an unseen power. Though he cherished and loved the detailed theories and illustrations on magical theory and casting, he couldn’t pull himself to look away. Their antics made him picture himself as some brave knight, riding upon his noble steed, rescuing whatever damsels came his way. He smiled at the idea, it would certainly be a break from the minutia he’d been through.

He’d been stuck with Nivra for the past few days, seeing what the young magician could teach him. He could see the hesitation in her eyes, doubt whispering at her ears, see painted the face of one not ready to teach, though the choice was out of her claws. It was punishment he was told, by Storm himself. Something about earning his silence in regard to her incident in breaking into the prison to be regaled with the story of Athenais. Axton was just glad the gryphon had been saved, not to mention Soggu revived. He just wished another soul had been returned to him. His hand shifted to the black scale in his pockets, his cold hands rubbing over the weathered, dull thing.

Sighing to himself he couldn’t help but wish for anything to distract his mind. He was supposed to be making snowmen with his magic. Something about controlling water, but his teacher was currently indisposed across the courtyard, chatting with Crimson Sky for a solid ten minutes. (Who had taken refuge under an underhung to avoid the snow, or as he called it *sky litter*). So the boy leaned back, letting his cold thoughts be whisked away into the winds themselves. Either by his want or out of empathy, this was the perfect reason for the spirit Ulga to reveal herself, clad in her dragon form once more. The little black dragon spread her wings, hurling herself at Arcturus like an arrow.

She circled before Axton could even attempt to stop her, the snow whirling underneath her wing membranes. She might have been smaller than a housecat, but she was on the hunt! Her prey, the knights currently down below, not even paying her attention! With a hiss she whirled around Arcturus, avoiding his sword. With a victorious roar she collided into his head, scrambling to make him her perch. The man flailed and cried in alarm, even falling backwards into the snow! Ulga took flight out of instinct, hissing at his apparent rudeness.

Laughing, Arcturus rose, his vision spinning as he undid the blindfold. There he caught sight of the still circling spirit, that hadn’t ceased it’s annoyed grumbles. He extended an arm and let her land upon it, trying to not split his sides as she stared little daggers with her eyes. She crawled closer, not looking away, fierce and strong. There was nothing he could do to stave off this righteous anger, all except raising a finger and scratching along her diminutive neck. Instantly, Ulga collapsed upon him, dramatically spreading her wings and wiggling her tail. Rolling his eyes he looked to Arthur and Lynette, “It would seem a break is in order.”

“Of course.” Arthur laughed, sheathing his sword. “Suppose that means we can finally get chef’s oatmeal.” The man tapped his breastplate, gesturing over his shoulder. “Hope there is still those brightberries.” He licked his lips, “Those little red and blue berries can go in anything if I’m concerned.” The man then paused mid stride, looking to Veledar, who appeared locked in heated debate with the Lumarian princess. The man’s head tilted, “Sir Arcturus, would your dragon like hot cocoa?”

“Not again, you remember yesterday.” Linette beat Arcturus to the reply, clasping the man on his shoulder. “Turns the blighter into a total loon, nearly destroyed the den!”

“And besides.” Arcturus chuckled, the spirit still puddy in his hands. “Crimson Sky isn’t my dragon. He’s not some fancy horse to ride and brandish.”

“Course not!” Arthur stuttered, cheeks flushing. “Just ignore that sir, meant nothing by it.”

Letting the two get off to their breakfast and refreshments, Arcturus made his way over to where the spirit’s current owner was supposed to busy studying. Though by the look of terror in the boy’s face, he must have been doing anything but. “I do believe she is yours?” He gestured to the now purring dragon.

“Yes…Course sir.” Axton nodded, his cheeks bright crimson as he held out his palms. “She just slipped away! Ruddy mind of her own she has. Thinking about getting her a leash!”

“It’s fine.” Arcturus chuckled, handing back the now wining spirit as she shifted shape into an orange furred cat, complete with a pink nose. “Though I’m not sure a leash would help, she could just shape change out of it. Which only lends me to ask…” His brow rose, “Has my friend Merlia been around to check in with her? She’s about this high, red hair, fiery temper. Dwarf.”

“I think.” Axton set Ulga down, to which the cat merely decided to take a nap on his unfolded book. The young mage sighed, wondering how he was going to get any work done. “She disappears every now and again.” He tried to poke the cat, but now she was purring, almost in defiance.

That was good to hear, he’d heard Merlia concerned deeply over Ulga’s reluctance to come to her before her departure. Arcturus simply nodded, catching sight of the boy’s book through the tangled limbs of the cat calling it her bed. It reminded him of the ones Geoffery used to enjoy studying. Though the boy liked to play with swords like his father, it was always mused he would become a member of the clergy or the arcane. “Do you like that tome?” He remarked, peering at Veledar and Nivra out of the corner of his eye. The dragon held fast a satchel in his paw, the other placed carefully to his chest as he held his head high. No doubt lecturing the princess about something related to dragons.

“It’s alright. Rather dry to be honest.” Axton remarked, failing to remove his intruder. “Arcturus was it? The dragon hunter?” He looked up, icy blue eyes filled with questions.

“Not in some time.” He dismissed his concerns, gesturing to the blusterous red. “Now I accompany and ride one. He’s strong, brave, thoughtful, learned in…Several areas…Though don’t let all that fool you, he’s not perfect, quite the klutz.” He and the boy chuckled together, “Just don’t tell him I told you.”

Axton smiled, miming a zipping of his lips before crossing his heart. “How is it? Traveling with a dragon?”

Arcturus looked fondly upon the beast he cared for, already the warm tendrils fighting back the chilly wind. How to put into words how he felt? He merely gave a smile, chuckling to himself. For he knew the perfect word. “Complicated to say the least. Enjoyable though.”

Like a tidal wave had been unleashed, Axton bombarded Arcturus with question after questions about dragon kind and their qualities. From their living areas, to tendencies, to magical abilities they might possess. He happily answered them all, bright faced, his eyes drifting back to earlier days, when each day brought an endless parade of these sort of questions. The paladin lost himself for fleeting moments, becoming a father if only for a time. It came to abrupt end when Nivra returned, Voidwing practically her shadow.

“Have you been looking over the work?” Nivra smiled, then frowned when she saw the cat, snoozing peacefully across the page. Sharpened eyes traveled instead to Arcturus. “Or has Arcturus and the cat here been distracting you?”

“Well…I wasn’t the original cause.” Arcturus chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck .He flicked his gaze to Veledar, who seemed to be staring intently at the ground beneath his paws, moving one back and forth, his tail swishing to either side. He was focused. “But how about yourself? Discuss anything of note?” He knew they’d made up somewhat. Veledar had insisted on telling the man, practically demanding to hear the words ‘good job’ get uttered, along with a fair bit more of praise.

“Just a satchel of gems we found in the temple. Believe it was rubies, I heard he had a fondness for anything red. I figured he deserved something.”

“Even though he has literal mountains of coins and treasure?”

Nivra froze, a look of bewilderment crossing her brow. The dragon hadn’t mentioned that. She whirled around, “You have a vast treasure trove?”

Veledar perked up his head, “Yes! But no taking back your gift now! Once a dragon gets his claws on a treasure, they never give it up! Right Arcturus?”

The man blushed as Voidwing tried to hide his amused chirps.

“Oh well.” Nivra sighed, whisking by Arcturus, shooing the lazy Ulga away, ignoring the impending hiss. “Then stop impeding my students learning!” She snapped, then turned to Axton with excited smile, “Now Axton, wanna build a snow man?”

Arcturus chuckled and made his way to his dragon, leaving the mages to their work. Though how one could consider making snowmen work was beyond him. The dragon was curled in on himself, a pile of coins spread out across the weathered, snow dusted cobblestone. There were two piles he was moving individual coins to, one clearly larger than the other. His tail was tapping with interest, he didn’t even acknowledge Arcturus’ approach.

“Three for me, one for Arcturus, three for me, one for Arcturus.” His frills fluttered, eyes flicking up as Arcturus approached. “Oh Arcturus!”

“What are you doing?” He gestured to the coins.

“Dividing our treasure. Which this is mine.” He gestured to the larger pile, then to the smaller one. “That one is yours.”

“Huh.” The man crossed his arms, “Don’t you think that’s a tad unfair?”

The dragon’s snout wrinkled, eyes darting from the paladin to the coins. He nodded, frills fluttering. “Of course my dearest Arcturus, let me rectify this.” He plucked up a pawful of coins, “Four for me, one for Arcturus, four for me, don’t give me that look! I deserve more! I mean, feel free to flap your arms Arcturus, but you’re not flying us anywhere!”

The man made the mistake of asking how the dragon now considered this increase of pay ‘fair’. He got a lengthy explanation of what the dragon insisted were ‘surcharges’ and ‘taxes’. He almost swore he was speaking to a cleric of Glenreich. Eventually Arcturus had to hold the bridge of his nose and shake his head, otherwise be lost in another rant about the fees that Veledar’s friends still owed him. “What of the others though?”

“They can get their own treasure!” His tail thumped in defiance.

“I meant of those less fortunate. The refugees and homeless we’ve seen flood the streets because of the undead? Things only have gotten worse you know.” He held the dragon in a captivated gaze, getting to see how his snout wrinkled, eyes narrowed.

Veledar snorted, knowing what this human was doing. That pleading, puppy dog look meant to break down the walls of his resistance. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

“But I’m not doing anything, merely voicing for those that can’t.” Arcturus replied innocently.

The dragon flicked away his eyes, snorted heavily, doing anything to rid himself of that look. No matter how he grumbled and averted his snout, he could see those emerald spheres burning through his soul. “Fine!” He finally blurted, regathering the coins with a growl. “Three for me, one for Arcturus…and one for the orphans.

“There we are. I knew you had it in you.” The man smiled, getting whisked away by the dragon’s wings before he had him giving ‘everything’ away. Arcturus would take this victory; a war could not be won overnight after all. Just as he was striding back to begin his practice anew, the tree at the courtyard’s center flashed a vibrant white light and outstepped an elf.

This was no ordinary elf to be sure, this was a daughter of a god hidden within an elven shell. Ossai was her true name, a closely guarded secret, others knew her by her moniker, The Emerald Lady. Snow fell upon her fair, pristine skin, the rest of her wrapped in a dress of pure greens and gold. To anyone she appeared to be some baroness or countess, something certainly to be revered. Her lengthy brown hair was secured neatly by a pair of golden prongs, as was tradition dating far back in Drenedar’s history. The most eye drawing feature were not these, but the faux horns protruding from her headband, giving the cold looking woman a most curious aura.

Her lavender eyes glimmered in the faint light, rapidly searching across the courtyard. She wasn’t here for any fun, news most alarming had reached her ear, all the way in the forest of despair. Movements of undead was no concern to her, a vast empire was at her claws. What had given her pause was the mention of another dragon orb. She had to come, just to ensure it was a fake.

With purpose and no emotion or weakness, she strode towards Arcturus, amused when the knight out of respect lightly bowed and offered his name. “Charmed.” She didn’t budge her ridged posture, “Though do you not recognize me?” She gestured to the horns, “I thought it might be a dead giveaway.”

The man looked dumbstruck as he tried to piece it together, she wasn’t surprised. The man had a terrible habit not remembering names. Nor had he seen this before. Ossai sighed condescendingly to herself as the man’s cheeks blushed a bright crimson. “Come now Arcturus, you’re embarrassing yourself.”

Thankfully for this knight, he was saddled with someone that relied on more than just his sight. Veledar came stomping his way over, tail flicking back and forth with interest. Sapphire eyes filled with fire as his nostrils flared. “Emerald Lady.” He growled, muscles tensing, ready to strike.

“Right.” Arcturus said rather stoically, “I was going to say that.”

Emerald Lady clicked her tongue at the display, before flicking her attention back to the towering dragon, who’d seen fit to place himself between her and his beloved. How cute, she told herself. He thinks that I would be intimidated? “Nice to meet you again, truly. Much as I’d love to hear you bluster till Arcturus dies of natural causes, I have a pawful of more important things to do.”

“And what would those be?” Veledar slid around her, cutting off her retreat. Evidently foolishness had been festered in his heart. “Another conflict? Lives to ruin? Books to steal?” His eyes narrowed with that growl.

“I don’t have to explain my intent to you or your supposed…allies.” She peered over to Nivra, rapidly searching the future queen from boot to raven haired head.

“Isn’t that the summary of our every encounter.” Veledar snorted, kneading the snow beneath his paws. “But you’ve never had good intentions, you’re only here for ill.”

She ignored his bluster, slipped beneath his blocking paw and made her way to Nivra. When Voidwing tried to stand in her way the elf merely chuckled at his fluffed feathers and fury in his eyes. It reminded her of Croesus, her love in a way. “I mean your beloved no harm little gryphon.” She mentioned, before slipping around him to stand before Nivra. “Nivra Graysword, I do believe we have not yet before.” She gestured to her dress, apologizing for her dreadful attire. “I think the others would die of fright if I came in my true guise. Mortals here and certain dragons are ever so frightful.”

The princess merely offered a glare as Voidwing came to her side, not even deterred by this mysterious woman. She had only heard rumors and whispers, recollections from her father. She minded her tongue, keeping the elf in a cold furious look. This was the woman who’d corrupted her father, helped guide him on his misguided path. When the elf offered her hand in friendship, she received only silence and as much contempt as Nivra could convey.

“You poisoned my father’s thoughts.”

“Ah.” Ossai sighed, retracting her hand. “You’re going to be difficult as the rest of them. Veledar, you realty need to stop doing this to people.”

“Stop making it necessary.” The red countered, fluffing his wings in the cold.

“So, don’t think we shall be friends woman.” Nivra reasserted herself, her voice steeled and sharp. “When I take the throne, you’ll be lucky to even set foot in my kingdom. No matter what your true form is.”

“I’d take much thought into your future days child, your father went against my wishes and look what befell him. It would be a terrible shame if your reign were ever cut short.”

Fury welled within the queen like a tumultuous storm, crackling and whining, begging to be released. Composed and practiced, Nivra held it all in, revealing itself as a tremor along her arm. She offered a fake smile, “Don’t worry. I predict my rule will be long and far reaching.”

“Prepare to be disappointed.” Ossai hissed, turning and ridding herself of these fools. Like that, she’d let herself get bogged down with petty squabbles and emotions. She found herself cut off by Veledar again, his attitude none better than before.

“You still havn’t answered the question.” The dragon firmly stated, “You’re not leaving until you do.”

This again? Throwing around his weight? “Arcturus, you truly must teach this buffoon of a dragon some decency. He’s becoming no better than you’re dwarven minion you have lounging around.”

The man crossed his arms, giving Veledar a nod. “At the moment, I tend to agree with him. What are you doing here?”

“Pity.” She frowned, “I thought you the wiser of the two. Wrong of me to assume as such.” She held Veledar in her icy gaze, running a gloved hand through her hair. “Now, shall I make you move Crimson Sky, damaging what pitiful pride you have left?”

He didn’t budge, his wings unfurling like a promise. “I’m sick of you throwing your weight around, keeping us in the dark. I say today is the day you answer us.”

Part of her had to admire their tenacity, especially when faced with one such as herself. Foolishness or bravery, they hadn’t the care how powerful she was. She offered them a pained sigh, “Will it hurl you from by back? Give my mind peace?”

The knight and dragon shared a swift look, ending in a nod and a gesture.

“The Stonebridge council was to meet today, an old tradition within these city’s halls. I was to be their guest of honor.” Curiosity flicked through her skull as their brows raised in surprise. Nivra and Veledar looked the most hurt by this revelation. “My word, had you not known? Though I suppose unsurprising, they’re only gathering to discuss recent, boring events, and a tiny rumor about a certain orb of dragonkind.”

“So, you know of it as well.” Nivra muttered to herself, caressing her chin. “I believe it mentioned you, the spirit within, a teal dragon.”

For a moment, Ossai paused, hiding the chill down her spine with a dismissing hand wave and click of her tongue. “Perhaps the delusion of the mind or an enchantment. I’ll be deciding today if that orb is a hoax.” She composed herself, hands behind her dress. “Which I’m certain it is…I know where all of them are.” Looking to the others she gave a confident nod, though wondering why her heart had beat a tad faster. Before anyone else could ask any more questions, her escort had arrived.

From the entrance came practically a whole company of knights, clad in their finest, polished armor, decorated with glorious flowers upon the steel. They carried weapons of various sorts, a show of strength that Ossai respected. How righteous and glorious they looked, carrying their heads with practice and pride. Each of them saluted, greeting the Emerald Lady like the queen she deserved to be. From their packed ranks came a lone, solitary figure, decorated with numerous seals of his honor.

Alonso was his name, high captain of the Ruby Guardians, the ruling class of the Guardians, a rank that all who joined the knightly order wished to ascend. His name was revered, when he spoke all listened, it carried weight. Courageous and kind, he was a benevolent sort, that was until he caught sight of Arcturus and his companions. What life was held in his chiseled face died, swept away with a look that could kill. He was none too shy of his thoughts of Lumarians, they were here to do one thing after all, corrupt and weaken Struport from within. He wouldn’t stand idly by let that happen. He returned his attention to their elven visitor, bringing back his charm.

“Emerald Lady I presume? I’d be delighted to escort you to the council.” He offered his leather bound hand, to which the Emerald Lady took with a polite nod.

“See Arcturus? Crimson Sky?” She gestured to the knights and their charming leader. “This is how you should greet me. Alonso, if you could offer them some training, that would be delightful.”

“I’d try my lady, but you know Lumarian dogs such as he. Nothing but liars and cheats, any light about him is false.”

“Listen here you little-“ Veledar growled, only silenced by Arcturus’ hand and the knight’s tight grip upon their weapons. He searched them in bitter silence, lashing his tail against the snow.

“Alsonso.” Emerald Lady tutted, “That is no tone to take before a queen. Even if she is your enemy. Apologize forthwith so we can depart.”

Bewildered, the man stuttered, meeting the lady’s gaze to ensure she was serious. There was no hesitation about her, softness to be found. The knight gulped and issued forth his apology, much to the shock of Nivra and the others.

“And before we depart. I’d like for them to be my guests of honor themselves. Ignorant fools they may be, but that doesn’t have to remain that way.” Ossai shifted, this generosity within her, revolting to endure. When everyone looked to her in amazement and shock, she sighed and averted her gaze, only offering them her hand. “Don’t give me those looks. I’m sure it will be boring to your little ears, most enlightening when you realize this has been a hoax…And you Crimson Sky, revert to your human form. The halls we walk will be far too small.”

Veledar’s head tilted, his wings pinned. “You…Want me to come?” He pointed to his chest.

“Have you something in your ear? Now save your foolishness and hurry on, or stay here in your ignorance, it matters little to me.” She turned on her heel and followed the guardians as they departed. Though she wouldn’t admit it to these simpletons, her mind was scattered and other matters. She kept telling herself this was a hoax, the alternative was too startling to believe.

The adventurers shared a questioning look, wondering what scheme the dragoness had concocted. As they briefly chatted, they agreed that staying in the dark would do them little good, knowledge was power after all. Just as the keep door threatened to close on the last knight they sprinted after, Axton right behind.

* * * * * * * *

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