FSE

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Chapter 17

The den of the wet bitch was a seedy establishment through and through, where dirty coin traded hand and paw, back alley deals best left to the shadow. Justice’s light didn’t shine upon this place, the guardians too distracted elsewhere to care about such things. As of late, this was the beating heart of a smuggling ring, of mercenaries and pirates preying upon the need and despair of the refugees. They’d hire out ships at exorbitant charges with promises of safety and jobs in distant lands.

The air around this place stunk of booze and tobacco, it was thick and pungent, practically stinging the nostrils. Though Veledar was perched across from it, atop one of the many blue-grey roofs, he could still hear the muffled sound of people chatting, mixed with the sweet tunes of a lute. A simple sign hung beside it’s only door, concealing this hive of scum and villainy, adding to the illusion that it was a simple tavern. Bright red letters were slathered upon it crudely, accompanied by the picture of a female wolven, giving the would-be passer by a sultry look.

Veledar’s growl radiated from his throat as he kneaded the tiles below his paws. Scales seemed to steam in the after-noon air, twisting and sprawling to the cast over sky above. Any other day he might have found himself among their fluffy caress, spinning and wheeling around with the greatest of delights. Instead he was staring daggers at this mortal hovel, wishing the thread to Arcturus lay within.

“You alright?” Krotos chirped the gryphon at his left, seeing the dragon grumble and steel his gaze. A black scale clad forepaw rolled his talon to his grey fluffy chest, embellishing against his new grown fur. “I’ve heard this place doubles as a brothel. Perhaps if we play our cards right, we can get the information and enlighten this establishment on the love making of dragons and gryphons!”

At the gryphon’s crude words, Voidwing shifted uncomfortably at Veledar’s right. His talons adjusting the pouch he had slung around his neck. The bounty he’d packed inside had not stirred, bringing a sigh of relief to the silver lined beak. “Is that really the way to get him back? By getting our sheaths swollen?” One ear flicked as he cocked his head, “Arcturus is counting on us!”

“Doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun. Call it a bonus. It’s what he would have wanted.”

Of course, that’s where his mind would drift, to the world between his hinds. Veledar snapped his jaws as he turned his head, his stare able to kill. “It’s good to know while your friend rests within their paws, you think of reliving your eggs. Should we have left you back with your queen?”

His ears pinned, feathers fluffing as he thrust a talon to the good dragon’s nose. “Now listen here big red and brooding. I care for Arcturus like the rest of you, don’t mistake my interests for anything else. Why would I be here otherwise?”

“To avoid more tests and get your cock wet.” Replied Voidwing with a nod of his head.

“Not helping soft paws.” He stuttered as Veledar wheeled around, nearly batting him aside with his scaled tail.

“Just don’t get in our way.” Grunted Veledar, eyeing how Voidwing stood at attention, a pristine example of gryphon training. “Anything to add? Besides making sure your muffins are secure?”

“I’m not seeing any guards and the like.” Replied the gryph, settling onto his hinds. “Course we shouldn’t rule out invisible ones, but then they’d already see us. Suppose they really wish to play up the whole, innocent tavern bit.”

“And the muffins?” He rolled his eyes as Voidwing happily tapped his pouch, “How could they have been useful? Why did you make us stop to get them?”

“Grandmother always said to bring these sorts of things to business transactions. Either you got fruit baskets, meat sticks, a goat, an offering to coax good intentions out of them.” He gave the dragon a beak opened smile, “And if it goes bottom up, a muffin shoved in the gullet stops them yelling!”

“Your grandmother seems strange.”

“Oh, that there is no doubt. Always tearing down parts of her home each month rebuilding them into new rooms entirely.” He shook his head. “This is why I don’t get followers of Bebeen.”

“Any particular kind?” He rolled his eyes, brushing close to the gryphon’s fur.

“I mean, all of them. The belief that destruction is needed for life? That can lead to some dark places.”

“Not that.” He snorted harshly, nearly making the gryphon leap off his claws, “I meant the muffins.”

Voidwing’s ears splayed, prompting him to look away. “Ah, of course you did. Does it matter about the kind?”

That’s what he got for at least trying to go along with the gryphon. He stood tall, there hadn’t been a single visitor to this place for over an hour. Faces had just wandered by, the occasional glance onto why two gryphons and a dragon were looming overhead.

“Alright, you might think I’m stalling. Truthfully, I’ve never been into something like this before.”

“What?” He couldn’t have heard that right, “Fighting trolls, evil liches and gods knows what else, and this has you nervous?”

“Hey, those are right before my beak. Close quarters with a bunch of rough customers?” The smaller gryphon’s lone white hind shifted, “Double so that the white wolf can’t be trusted? Yes.”

Honest, that surprised him. With a nod he gave the smaller male a reassuring fluff of his wings. “Do not worry kitty bird. Within is the information we seek, hidden behind booze, wood and shadow. Though they might be rough customers, I am ever rougher.” His eyes narrowed, “And any that seek to withhold information of my Umraadi, will find themselves broken beneath my paws.”

It was Krotos that chirped in, head held back and cocked. “I was made to believe barging on in is what led us to this spot? Would it not be best to take a more delicate approach?” He gestured with a wing, his voice taking on a seductive tone, “Slid on in with care, get what we want and leave.”

The dragon rolled his eyes as the blue-grey gryphon chuckled, “Is that how you engage in your mating?”

“When going in to hard and fast could lead to danger yes!”

He was right of course, but that didn’t mean Veledar had to tell him. He huffed and bit his tongue, letting the words linger upon the air. As Krotos went on about crafting disguises, the desire to head on down proved too great, besides, how could they disguise the gryphons? As they started to bicker he had enough, they’d come here to talk they might as well take it.

“Hey, where are you going?” Voidwing called out as Veledar leapt down to the street, “We don’t even have a plan!”

“At this rate, Fremra will notice my absence! I’d rather have what we seek before she does” He shot back, claws clicking upon the cobblestone. His wings tucked tightly against his frame; the street certainly not made for his kind.

“You blew her off? Are you nuts?”

Perhaps, but only for the knight in which was held beyond his paws. With a flicking tail he advanced upon the tavern’s door, confidence oozing from every scale. Speak and they’d listen, respect that a dragon had decided to pay their little hole a visit. He bat his paw against the door with such force that it rattled upon it’s hinges.

A solitary slot opened up where it hadn’t been before, it having perfectly blended in with the door. Twin yellow lupine eyes looked upon him from the muzzle of a black furred wolven. They gleamed with a fierceness the dragon respected, especially when facing down one such as he. “What do you want dragon?” The wolven growled, his breath smelling of rice and pineapple. He must have already enjoyed some sake.

Veledar announced himself with a brassy voice, adding gravitas to his title. When the wolven didn’t budge in his sternness he cleared his throat and lowered his paws. Perhaps he’d have to be far more lesser and polite to get what he wished. “We have business with a wolven within, a fierce pirate of a woman called the white wolf.” His tail swished as the man mulled this over.

“This place isn’t for you.” Replied the man, slamming the slot closed.

The audacity! His muzzle wrinkled, blood warming to practically steam the air. Was anything in this city going to be easy? All he wanted was to go inside and ask his employer some questions. He stewed and took several deep breaths, trying to quell the urge to roar at this man. Arcturus needed him, that’s all that mattered. But what of his pride, to made a fool of? The thought to turn human flickered across his brow, but that idea was squashed by the sound of ruffling feathers behind him.

“Take it didn’t work? Krotos chuckled, tucking his wings. “Typical, I know men like this. You can’t threaten them into letting us in. They deal with the law, the establishment trying to undo their business. You have to use a little…Finesse.” The gryphon brushed his talon on his grey feathery chest to make a point.

The gryphon thought he could do better? Justify that smug smirk? Veledar shifted to Voidwing’s side, making room for Krotos at the door. The dragon extended a wing.

“Think this will work?” Voidwing whispered as Krotos cleared his throat and sauntered his way to the entrance, knocking upon the door. “We should just show them the muffins. Works every time.”

“Voidwing, this advice came from someone in a constant cycle of creating and destruction. I don’t think we should take her advice seriously.”

“Oi, who is this?” The slot opened again, the same eyes instead flicking to Krotos first. They narrowed and shifted to the others in turn. “I already told your friend pretty bird, place isn’t for ya.”

“Pretty bird?” The gryphon cooed, drawing a single talon upon the door, “I know my brutish dragon friend was rather rude. Perhaps is there anyway we could make it up to you? I make it up to you specifically?” He gave the wolf a sultry wink. “I have more dexterous digits than other gryphons, including a magic tongue.”

There was silence as the wolven mulled it over, wondering if it was worth the bribe. He answered with another slam of the slot. His voice coming muffled, “Place not made for ya gryph. Though if you want to come by later and suck my dick, by all means! I won’t stop you!”

“How rude.” Krotos ruffled his feathers, opening and closing his beak and indignant manner. “I suspect that offer wasn’t even genuine.”

“That wasn’t the point.” Veledar grumbled, shoving him away with a paw. An idea came to him, one that he typically would refuse under any circumstances, but when it came to Arcturus? The man was a weakness to his scaled hide.

“Oh, I know!” Voidwing trotted over, his beak parted in a smile. He sat and tapped his pouch, tail happily swishing behind him. “I bet, this rough customer is hunkering for a muffin.”

Veledar rolled his eyes at the same time as Krotos. “Voidwing, it’s not going to work. These people?” He gestured to the door, “Are not the type of people your dear old grandmother interacted with.”

The onyx gryphon’s lion like ears splayed, “Are you sure? We haven’t even tried it.”

He pet the gryphon between the ears in a comforting matter. “Leave the people watching and fighting to you, let us deal with talking down this wolven brute.” He gave a grin, “After all, dragon’s are known to have silver tongues.” With the gryphons at least subdued for now, the dragon returned his attentions to their obstacle, taking a heavy breath. “Here goes nothing, just know I don’t wish to do this.” He batted the door again with a paw.

“How many times do I have to tell you, place isn-“ The wolven snarled as the slot opened a third time.

“How about a bribe?”

“Is it going to be more sex? Cause the blue and grey one isn’t my type.”

“I’m everyone’s type!” Krotos squawked, getting his beak held tight by Veledar’s paw.

“Implying that one of us is?”

The wolven licked his lips, hungry eyes upon the runt of a gryphon. “That one looks right and proper. Sweet little thing to be gobbled up. Bet he likes lifting tails for all the salacious wolves, screeching to the gods as he’s stuffed and knotted. Hey, black boy, ya got a good rump. Do a twirl for me, show it off. Show me what goods you be offerin.”

“Voidwing don’t go turning.” Veledar groaned, rolling his eyes, “I meant coin you dirty dog.”

“Oh.” Replied the wolven, disappointed, “Why didn’t you say so? Course I’ll take a bribe.”

The dragon blinked, “Really, that easy?”

“Course, what’s this place look to you? Some sort of monastery?”

They worked out an agreement of a dozen or so gold coins, as much as Veledar was willing to part with. Several times he had to shush Krotos up, the gryphon flabbergasted that the wolven found Voidwing far more alluring than he. When the door opened it revealed the muscular wolven, a big bushy tail and well brushed fur. He wore a bunch of well-worn leathers, half a dozen knives and pistols on full display. Behind him was a hallway of diminutive size, perfect for humans perhaps, but hardly enough room for gryphons to walk with their wings pinned.

“Oh wow…when you said it wasn’t for us.”

“I was being literal.” The wolven chuckled, counting the offered gold. “Might be a tight fit, but they’ll have ya.” He licked his lips as Voidwing brushed against him, stealing a grope along the gryphon’s flank. “Come back and visit cute butt, we can arrange a price.”

You could see the utter ire in Voidwing’s eyes, but Veledar’s gaze put it to an end. They needed information, they’d have to put up with some slight discomforts for now. The dragon adjusted his size so that he might slip through the halls unhindered. He found himself slightly smaller than Krotos, wings disappearing into his scales. A snap of the jaws warded off the gryphon’s touch.

“You’re the perfect size now.” Replied the gryphon with a salacious purr, his thoughts obviously clouded “One could just-“

Jaws snapped at the gryphon’s yellow beak, flinging his head back. “Mount me and you’ll regret it kitty bird.”

“Hmmpf. I was just poking fun.”

“Fun is for later.” Growled the dragon gesturing them forward. “We’re here for information.”

They squeezed through the doorframe one at a time, the wood clinging to scales as easily as fur. They grunted and groaned, Veledar unwilling to make himself smaller, not in front of so many strangers. After a few short minutes of scratching claws and clenched eyes that no one would remember, the trio collapsed into the tavern, a mess of jumbled limbs. It was a marvel that they hadn’t knocked anything over.

What songs and music had once held the many raced patrons enthralled crashed to a halt. Ale glossy eyes fell upon the pile of scales, feathers and fur that had announced itself so spectacularly. There was a mix of curiosity, never had feral creatures such as these graced the halls. Most flicked their gaze to the dragon. There was a cough, bit lips, no one quite sure what to do next.

“Get off me kitty bird!” Veledar growled, tearing himself from the now squawking gryphons. Frills burned over such an entrance. Where his form should bring regality, instead it once more carried with it embarrassment. Clearing his throat he tried to salvage what he could of his image, putting on a brassy, confident tone for the gathered mortals. “We mean no harm, go back to your drinks and whatever passes for food. We’re just here same as you.”

There was a brief murmuring around the tavern, looks being exchanged over the many weathered tables. The dragon looked sincere enough, he wasn’t blowing fire, casting electricity or anything, could they trust him? Shrugs and waves of dismissal spread through the gathered, the allure of their drinks, conversations, and dealings too great for the arrival of three such as them. With a tap of the dragon’s claws, they were just another face in the crowd.

Though he got what he wished, there was still the sting that he wasn’t being paid attention to. With a grumble he padded across the ale stained floor, claws clicking on the wood. He made sure his tail didn’t act up with a mind of it’s own, tearing whomever he passed out of their chair. They found a small table near the back corner, other patrons shifting to allow them passage. The dragon rested against the back wall, curling around the diminutive table that smelled heavily of soap and sick.

“At least we’re still being watched by five…No, make that six of the white wolf’s associates.” Voidwing reported in a stoic manner, falling upon his hinds at Veledar’s side. With a gesture of his beak he pointed out to large individuals clad in various blades and leathers, trying to be inconspicuous on how they carried themselves.

“It’s almost as though they don’t trust us.” Chirped Krotos, resting a talon on the table, drumming his talons into the wood. He sighed, “This is why we don’t start the exchange with threats. It never ends well.”

Huffing in the gryphon’s face, Veledar flicked his tail, “If we came in your way, Voidwing would have been pressed up against the wall, being knotted by the guard.”

“And what help would I be then?” Stammered the ear splayed gryphon, undoing his pouch and placing a trio of smushed muffins upon the table. “None at all.”

“But it would have been easier, no?” Krotos replied with a confident smirk, his brown eyes flicking to a gaggle of men and woman reclining at tables and chairs divided from the main tavern itself. They were hardly dressed in anything but silk, pampered and clearly put on display for advertisement. Up went the teal tipped crowns as a lewd rumble went down his throat. “Should we ask the help to find this white wolf? I could start-“

Veledar held him back with a paw, “I’m sure that’s not the right sort of asking.” He gazed around the tavern, finding what he was looking for, a bar maiden.

In an orange corset with a mud brown, frilly skirt was a human woman with a disarming smile. She went about taking orders for the gathered patrons around her, catching a few whistles and smacks on the butt. If she minded, she didn’t seem to show it, merely chastising those who did it with a healthy dose of laughter. When she passed Veledar’s way he made his presence known to her, drawing her attention with a brassy tone.

“Hello dear.” He grinned, accidently revealing his teeth and blowing his breath into the woman’s face. “Could you go about telling the white wolf she has some treasured guests?”

“And if you have some frost-elven wine, that would be divine.” Krotos added with a flourish of his talon.

Unsure if he was being helpful or lewd, Veledar snorted and sent the woman on her way with a snort. Honestly, she looked all too pleased to be outside his presence. “There the message is sent, now we can relax.”

So it was that they reclined and enjoyed the atmosphere. Songs were sung, conversations had, dancing starting out on a dare. People hung around them, asking for stories, some simply asking to touch them. Though Veledar refused, it was Krotos, and eventually Voidwing that relented, giving these people what they wanted in the form of head pets or ear scratches. In time Krotos’ drink had been brought, a slushy blue mix of ice and booze. The gryphon downed it without a second thought, thanking the maiden with a chirp and wink. Veledar was almost certain he saw her cheeks flush, eyes wandering to a bit of the gryphon’s unmentionables. He didn’t share that of course.

Time dragged however, lasting far longer than Veledar had anticipated. People came and went, his thoughts flickered between his horns, often lingering on Arcturus. Oh how the man must be suffered, chained and without his dragon to save him. Darker whispers told he was being tortured, that these corrupt guardians would do unspeakable things now that they had him. It flared the dragon’s nostrils and forced his deep, calming breaths, Fremra’s words helping sooth his burning flesh.

“It would appear as though we have time to kill.” Krotos finally spoke, a wiggle in his haunches as he stood. There was a salacious gleam in his eye as he drifted back towards the people in silk. “You can stay here and wait for word of the wolf. I’ll be pumping her staff for whatever information that I can.” Before Veledar could stop him he was gone, his crown feathers extended and an excited shift in his hinds. There was no doubt what he was going to get up to.

“Really, at a time like this?” Voidwing gasped, flicking his tail, nearly tripping the male waiter on his return to the bar. “Sorry!”

“It was only a matter of time. Libido like that? He’s practically a slave to his cock’s desires.” Veledar grumbled, his mood too soured to partake in gifting upon these humans’ dragon drinking songs. “At least he’s consistent.”

“At least it’s better than sitting on our tails, waiting for your plan of send a message to work.”

“Are you still sour about the muffins?”

“Yes.” Voidwing squawked, about to flare his wings but catching himself moments before the barmaiden returned. “You don’t have any faith in me.”

He groaned, “I have my mate on the line. Excuse me kitty bird if I’m not in a mood for wild plans.”

“This isn’t antics. It’s a good plan.” He huffed and rose to all fours. “I know it will work.”

“And where are you going?”

“To find the white wolf on my own, give her my muffins.”

“She certainly won’t see that coming.”

Voidwing nodded and slipped away, seeking out the bar. There he reared up to speak with a scared old minotaur with a broken horn. The beast scowled as the gryphon pointed out Veledar, then to the pouch around his neck. To the dragon’s astonishment, the bull gestured to him to come over.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Grumbled Veledar, making his way over.

“And this is the Crimson Sky, leader of the group.” Chirped Voidwing, gently tapping the dragon with a wing. “We heard that this place had some interesting people to talk to.”

“That so?” The bull rested a hand upon the ale stained bar, eyeing the dragon with a raised brow, “What would your type be looking to talk about anyway?”

He tossed his head and adopted a regal pose; he might as well get this over with. What mattered was that he now was taking command. Lowering his snout, he made sure to make eye contact with the minotaur’s own. “I am Crimson Sky, you might have heard of me?”

“A bit.” Replied the minotaur calmly.

“Then you know of my importance to this city and what might have befallen me.”

“You think you’re important enough for everyone to keep up with how you’re doing?”

“Alright, perhaps not everything, but fairly enough.” He hissed, frills flaring outwards. “I am here to speak with this white wolf I heard runs this establishment. I did tell one of your bar peasants, but the message doesn’t seem to have been relayed.” The dragon laid a paw upon the bar, his claws digging into the wood. Anyone else might have been intimidated, but the minotaur was like a wall.

“Is that so?” He shrugged and undid a rag around his waist. As if a dragon wasn’t giving him a glare, he began to polish the bar, “Lots of folks come through here wanting to speak with her, never seen a dragon before. Strangest we got was a group of halflings looking for franchising rights, course what’s that matter to you?” Nostrils flared as he soaked in Veledar’s snout, “Word around the street however is that you have an in with the guardians, wander around with an armored human as if connected to him by collar and leash.” He grinned as the dragon growled at that, “Settle down there best, I didn’t say what was on whom.”

“Say your peace bull, can you get us a meeting with this white wolf or not?”

“That’s the question isn’t it dragon. Your kind and this place? They don’t seem to be a good mix. My advice to you? Turn your tail and canter out of this place, before you and your gryphon friends stumble into things you’re not ready for.”

“You don’t know whom your talking to bull. I have faced down dire trolls, hoards of undead, metallic dragons and undead wizards that bend the world to their will.” Lashing his tail, he set the man with a fierce gaze, leaving no doubt of his convictions, “I am not to be trifled with, nor spoken to as though I’m a freshly hatched whelp.”

“I notice you don’t deny you connection to the knight.”

“You mean my lovely dragon hunter mate?” He growled, “How he speaks truth and protects those weaker than himself?”

“Sounds like any other human to me. Frail, uncommitted, a good two hooves.” Smirked the barkeep, setting down his tankard and helping mix another round of drinks for the bar maiden. “All you’ve done dragon is convince me that I am right, you and this Arcturus have no business within this place.”

“Arcturus perhaps, but I am not he. If your information on myself is so great, you will know that he is captured beyond my paws. The treacherous guardians that you distain are also my foe this day.” He rolled a paw, “I wish to broker an alliance with this white wolf, a beneficial arrangement for us both. If she is a woman of intelligence she shall heed the call of a dragon in her hall.”

For a moment the bull held his tongue, intrigue twisting between his horns. Brow rose, “Even if your human would not approve?”

Tail thumped against the bar, nearly tripping a few patrons whisking themselves by, “Arcturus holds no leash on my actions. If I wish for him to be freed, then he shall accept how I go about it. If he disagrees with it? He can feel free to return to their paws.”

The dragon’s tail thumped against the dirty floor, nearly catching a chair and toppling it and it’s occupant straight over. “He is not my master or holding my leash. If I wish for him to be freed my way, then so be it. He doesn’t have to like it.”

His words rested upon the air, disarming the stern nature held by the minotaur. A smirk crossed his lips as he searched the dragon’s scales from paws to tail. “If what you speak is truth dragon, the white wolf might take an audience with you.”

Oh wonderful, he could nearly trill. The urge battered in his throat, but Veledar held it down. No, that would be for later, away from prying eyes so that his pride remained intact. He merely snorted and gave the bull a stern not. He was in control. “Excellent minotaur. Ensure that your mistress hears these words.” Wheeling around great care was given so that his kite like tail didn’t knock over several tankards of drinks. Before he sauntered off back to their table he stopped, tilting his head and staring down the minotaur, “And know that my patience is not infinite. Time is of the greatest importance. Trifle with us and know why my kin are feared.”

Sparks of delight radiated through his rumble as the bartender’s eyes dilated at such a remark. It drove any thoughts of ill will straight on out. Unfortunately for the dragon’s show of force, Voidwing was quick to try and finish their little exchange with a lighter edge.

“Inform her that we brought muffins for her!” The gryphon chirped, fluffing his feathers with a flick of his tail.

Despite the undermining of the point of such an exchange, Veledar still wore a satisfied snout. There, without raising a paw or flipping a table he’d manage to accomplish what last eve had failed to. People listening to him. “See Voidwing?” As he sat upon his hinds, tail curling around the table’s legs, he rolled a paw to his scaled chest. “Kind words are not enough on their own. It takes a firm paw and fierce eye to remind these people that you are not to be underestimate, to be trifled with.

He got a quick nod in return, the gryphon joining the dragon at his side. “Though tell me…how was this different than your previous plan? You literally just asked another person to relay a message.”

“You’re merely failing to understand the nuance of the situation my dear friend.” He scoffed, “The bull in this case is the one in control of front of this bar. His word now will reach that of our wolven rogue and we will be one step closer to retrieving Arcturus from the treacherous guardians.”

“Huh, is that what happened there?” Voidwing’s head swiveled to perceive the edges of the room. Eyes that could pick out the tiniest of details from hundreds of feet away lingered upon the faces of the armed men around the bar. Ears pinned as his tail thumped at his hinds, “They’ve added three more to their ranks. Perhaps you lit the fires of worry in their hearts instead.”

“Worry?” He chuckled, “You heard the bull, they think of us as able to get an audience.”

Voidwing was less convinced, his eyes narrowing, “That is what they told us. But I don’t know what else it could be, two gryphons and a dragon suddenly walking in? Seems to be the obvious choice. I’d still keep our wits about us.”

“Suit yourself worry feathers.” The dragon shifted on the floor, left to his thoughts.

Time dragged as the dragon had worried, only validating Voidwing’s fears ever further. More armed individuals slipped into the bar, keeping to themselves but eyes glued to the dragon’s scales. He scoffed at their fierce looks and weapons they brought. He’d dispatch them if anything was tried, though part of him wished they would, just so that he could show them the errors of their ways. Though all they seemed content to do was lay back and watch, waiting for the word of someone greater to pounce.

Eyes flicked to Krotos in this time, the gryphon having lost himself among the flesh exposed, silk adorned men and woman. The gryphon was reclined, his feathers all fluffed, hands roaming across his form. To these people he was exotic, alluring, even a man feeding his beak with an assortment of berries and nuts. Each one brought a happy trill, clack of the beak, and a whisper that blushed the faces of those that tended to him. The dragon huffed, no doubt on what promises or deals that lewd kitty bird was attempting to make. It was as though Arcturus’ capture was no concern in his feathery head. How did Arcturus and Lyndis put up with such foolishness?

Minutes had turned to an hour, leaving the dragon fuming within his scales. They were trying to stall, that much was certain. He was being made the fool of. Every second that passed his thoughts, it would take all his deep breathing to quell the need to make a fuss. He eyed the bar peasant when she returned to them, apologizing for the delay.

“The white wolf has many clients and dealings.” She smiled sweetly, masking the air of fear leaking off her. “It won’t be much longer, they assure you. They offer this on the house.” In her hand was a wooden bowl of dark green peppers, each one more crooked and shriveled than a witch’s nose.

Plucking one off the table with his paws, Veledar observed the waxy texture of the diminutive thing. It was hardly larger than one of his talons. A brief sniff brought a strange aroma that stung at his nostrils.

“They’re green ghost peppers Crimson.” Voidwing plucked one up, popping into his beak and clamping down with a happy trill, “Freshly picked, you can tell by the flesh.” Eyes closed as he munched away, “Mmm, so good. You should try one. You know, if this place ever ditched the shady business dealings, it might be a hit!”

The dragon placed it back, snout wrinkling at the mere thought of gobbling down one of those things. “They waste our time with delays Voidwing. I’m starting to think their words were merely a way to stall us.” As the gryphon grabbed for another and began chomping down, he rose a brow, “Surprised you’re eating it. Could be poison.”

Voidwing stopped dead, eyes wide, ears pointing straight up. Without emptying his beak he began speaking, “It can’t be that, you said so yourself, they want to meet us! You’re just being impatient. Now hush that snout and try a pepper, you’ll love it.”

“Those?” He stuck out his tongue, giving the gryph a gagging sound, “Terrible.”

“Sounds like you’re chicken.” He grabbed another, sinking it slowly into his onyx beak. “Is the big red dragon scared of a little heat upon the tongue?”

“Yes.” He said in a harsh, growly whisper, snapping his head away. Frills flared as the gryphon pulled back, squawking in disbelief.

“That can’t be true.”

“Yes, it can.” His tail thumped, “The spices linger on my excellent tongue, causing a most unpleasant burn.”

“But you’re a FIRE breathing dragon!” Over the table Voidwing leaned, pressing one pepper against Veledar’s scales.

Eyes rolling, he pressed the runt of a gryphon away, lecturing him that these two were different kinds of heat. “So, no peppers. You try one forty years ago you never forget.” He visibly shivered, “Not to mention burning on the way out as well. Now that was a nightmare best not repeated.”

Grabbing the bowl, Voidwing cocked his head. It was as though he didn’t believe what he was hearing. When it was clear that the dragon wasn’t going to be fighting for the rest of the peppers, the gryphon gave a resounding, happy trill and finished each one right after the other. His tail thumped, feathers radiated with joy, it was as though the blazing heat that would be unleashed didn’t faze him at all. Perhaps it was a quirk that he enjoyed? Getting his tail destroyed by the pepper’s kiss.

The dragon huffed and diverted his gaze, how long were they going to wait before getting them before the wolf? Was this truly a clever ploy to keep them at wing’s length? Or was it as Voidwing said? His own lack of patience getting the better of him? The urge to growl and upturn the table was great, but a deep, calming breath kept the dragon’s rage intact. That would not help Arcturus, he had to charm this wolven pirate. No matter what befell him, the only thing on his mind was that fair face, nuzzling at his beard and whispering sweet nothing’s to the human’s ear. The he’d move onto the more intimate talks, chuckling as he turned his sweet Umraadi’s face flush with desire and embarrassment at loving such things. Gods he needed him out of the hands of these guardian fiends.

“So, how are you..Um…holding up?” Voidwing’s voice cut through the cacophony around them, the gryphon noticeably inching closer. He’d left the bowl of peppers overturned, licked clean by his talented tongue.

“Fine.” He snorted, looking away. “I’ll be better once we return Arcturus to us.”

“I think it’s sweet that you care so much about him. That you’re willing to sit right here, despite this going against everything in your bones. Reminds me of myself and Nivra, I’d be beside myself if it were her in his position.”

“Well, it wasn’t. Your queen had a magical man to help protect her, and yourself. I was back at the keep, getting fat and lounging about without a care. I should have been perched at his side, making sure these guardian goons could not as much as sniff at him without my say so.” His paws shifted, claws digging into the wood. Breaths came to sooth him, the more he thought about it, the more his fire glands ached. He paused as a caring talon was placed on his side.

“I won’t quit on you. Not like blue feathers over there. That goes double for stopping you from burning down the tavern.”

He nodded, “I appreciate the sentiment. The lessons to wait have been drilled into my skull, the constant focusing of my drahkras and magic. I should be able to patiently dwell like the apex hunter that I am, but when it comes to Arcturus.” He grew still, a growl trembling down his throat as he pictured the man injured or maimed. “There is nothing to contain it.”

“Which is why we’ll get him.” Nodded Voidwing with a pleased chirp, “We may be in the seediest bar I’ve ever seen and totally outside my area of expertise, but we’re going to get him. I know it.”

“And you just know that?” He scoffed, “Is that not a bit naive? And just so we’re clear, if I wanted to burn this tavern down, there is nothing you could do to stop me.”

The gryphon gave him a piercing look, “Perhaps that might be so, but my grandfather always told me that to have hope is better than no hope at all. True it might always come true, but what would believing you’ll already fail lead you?”

“Sounds as though it might wind up getting you killed. You believe such simple drivel?”

“Simple perhaps but that doesn’t make it wrong.” Apricot eyes gleamed with pride, flicking back to the scattered thugs around the room, “They’ve added four more.”

Veledar bit his tongue, watching the humans and wolven speak among themselves. They certainly were scared of them now, were they planning to get them out? Or perhaps were they scared that they would start something. He retained his calm, all the while his blood began to pump ever faster. Muscles that lay dormant prepared to be used, magics coiling like a spring with his next breath. To keep a sense of calm, he tilted his head, pretending to be interested in the gryphon’s muffins currently resting within his neck pouch.

“I do hope those are not chocolate.” He gestured to the gryphon’s neck.”

“And if they were?” Voidwing chirped, “What then?”

“Is chocolate not poisonous to dogs?” He whispered, “If so, you’re offering her poison.”

“Not to wolven it’s not.” Voidwing whispered back, talon over his beak. “In fact, there’s an entire market for it. Their culture finds it quite the aphrodisiac.”

His eyes rolled as he snorted, of course, “So instead of trying to kill her, you’re trying to get her aroused. This sounds like a Krotos plan.”

“Its not a Krotos plan! Chocolate muffins are good!”

“Alright, fine, it’s not a devious plot to seduce her. I’ll believe you. Though why them?”

“Has the idea of bringing a gift never occurred to you?”

The dragon rolled a paw, “I mean, I did come here after all.”

“Do you think of your presence as a gift?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

Voidwing was shaking his head, muttering things to himself. “Well, in Whitedell, gryphons there always go about bringing gifts when invited to new homes. It can be plants, fruit, freshly baked cookies-“

“Or muffins?”

“Precisely. You’d be amazed how a friendly bit of confections does to sooth the deal making in things such as this. Or, if it goes bad, how a muffin stuffed in your gob, prevents them from talking.”

“Didn’t you say you were out of your league?” He rumbled, watching the gryphon’s ears pin, caught in the lie.

“Well…Back home…There was…” He shut his beak tight as Veledar’s warble caught his ear. “Alright fine. I don’t know that it will work here.” The gryphon huffed and looked away, tail thumping against Veledar’s paw. “But were both out our depth and Arcturus is missing. I had to do something.”

“And that’s far nobler than your other kin.” He pressed forward, nuzzling at the gryphon’s feathery head. Perhaps he was being too hard on him. Scales rubbed on fur as he softly rumbled, forcing the smaller gryphon to press back and respond with a series of pleased chirps. “Alright, fine, perhaps this will work.” He eyed the building mass of thugs, spying that there were four more. This was definitely not going to end well. It would seem they had no intention of bringing them to the white wolf. “Ready for a plan then?”

“You, a plan?”

“Got a problem with that?” He grinned, “No Arcturus, Lyndis or Nivra here to hold our wings.”

Voidwing took a deep breath, watching Krotos saunter up the stairs, the men and woman at his sides. Lewd expressions adorned them all. “It would appear we don’t have Krotos to ask either.”

“Unless the answer is in those people’s clothing…No.” Veledar gestured subtly to a door behind the bar. It may have looked simple enough, practically invisible within this place, but he’d spotted at least three of the thugs emerging from that place. He would bet his wings that the white wolf was further inside.

“Are you doing something?” Voidwing tilted his head, not catching the dragon’s gesture.

Again, he tried to little success, “The door.” He growled in a whisper.

“Oh.” He winced.

“With our distraction creating gryphon off getting his spire polished. It falls upon you for the start of the plan.” He searched over the mass of people.

“And what sort of thing are you going to do while I’m doing a distraction?”

“Rest easy knowing Lyndis would approve.” He huffed, already shrinking himself to the size of a house cat. He landed on the table with an elegant fluff of his returned wings, Voidwing towering over him. There was a playful gleam in his eye, driven home by a flick of the ears and a trill. “Don’t get any ideas tail jumper.”

“I would never!” Voidwing looked away, feathers fluffed.

“Now, do whatever it is gryphons do for a distraction.” He lashed his tail, eyeing the door. “I’ll be infiltrating this lair and finding this white wolf.”

“Small problem. You don’t know what she looks like though.”

He rolled his eyes, “I imagine she’s the only white wolf. Think Voidy. Ready?”

The gryph took a reserved breath, steeling himself for the time ahead. He nodded, flaring his wings with an exaggerated squawk as Veledar vanished into thin air, invisible. “You stepped on my tail! You stepped on my tail!”

Voidwing hobbled backwards in a disorganized fashion, bringing numerous patrons with him to the floor. Hiding his smirk, he started to flail about, tossing over chairs and knocking tables to the floor with a thunderous crash. People shouted and screamed, retreating from the disorganized mess. Booze spread and leaked about, pools soaking into wood, fur and clothing alike. The air was soon filled with chaos, perfect for a hidden dragon to saunter away, opening an unguarded door and slipping inside.

Veledar dusted off his invisible claws within the next hallway, counting this as an outstanding success. Frills pinned as he heard ‘stop that gryphon’. Though he had to remind himself, this was the queen’s bodyguard, he would be fine against a few disorganized drunks. He just hoped this quest for the white wolf would not take long, his love was waiting for his dashing dragon after all.

** ** ** ** **

Unfortunately for the dragon, getting into their base of operations was just the beginning. There were plenty of wolven scents about, each one earth and close to that of a wet dog. He thought this might have been easy, but those thoughts were quickly dashed as he caught scent of multiple different females. He grumbled and traversed through the halls like a ghost.

There were many doors upon this floor, each one the dragon did check. The kitchen, extra storage, the larder. None of these contained any hints of dastardly deeds. His growl was soft as he knew they must have had their operations hidden, or Nivra had played them all for a fool. That couldn’t be it. For tens of minutes he tapped his claws against oddly looking planks of wood along the lantern lit walls, hoping the next one would reveal a hidden entrance that he might boast about finding. Sure enough there was one in a storage room, where the least amount of dust could be found. Dozens of wolven scents could be found here, including a deluge of numerous others. The air was thick of oil, steel and the heavy smell of wax. This must be where their operations were hidden.

Sniffing about the crate filled room, the dragon’s claws gently clacked upon the tattered floor. Every few moments he’d stop with a swaying tail, applying more delicate taps to check for signs of hidden doors. As his invisible spell was to fail from the length of time spent within it, the dragon trilled as he caught the thin crack of a door that almost matched the wood’s shade. If he were not a dragon with skilled sight, he might have missed it. The latch to open the door was the next step, leaving the dragon to clasp it with his paws and change to a larger size for strength. Growling and grunting the lever clunked into position, bringing to life hundreds of hidden, oil gleaming gears.

The section of floor shook and shifted, sliding out of the way before the dragon’s eyes. It revealed a set of stairs heading down, where all the scents seemed to slither towards. With a reapplication of his invisibility he started to descend the stairs. Here the walls of man and wolf became a distant dream, replaced with the carved out sections of earth. Crudely done over hundreds of years, this place lacked the clean summoning or craft of magic’s paws.

Eyes made to see in the dark swept the light void caverns, not spying hint or clue of the whereabouts of this wolven. All he had to go on were the scents of wolven and humans, mixed sweetly with the salty spray of the ocean. Moisture clung to his paws with every step, no doubt they were drawing closer to the shore. He wondered how Voidwing was doing, hoping that the black furred gryphon was alright. While he thought of how to reward the feathery friend for his loyalty and trust, a near silent click caught the dragon’s ear.

Before he could react, the floor fell beneath him, a trap door he’d failed to spot. The dragon tumbled onto an oil slick incline, his claws failing to find purchase on the smooth, pristine surface. Panic welled up within his chest for the briefest of moments as gravity had its lustful sway over his entire being. With what power he did have Veledar shifted and adjusted his frame, avoiding any bumps or obstacles that seemed to grow before him. Was he going to end up on a spiked trap? He was already forming a spell when he spied the end of the tunnel opening with a resounding click.

Below was not a field of metal spikes, gleaming with ill intent, but instead a cavern floor lit by some golden light. Veledar’s heart fluttered in his chest as the incline grew less steep, slowing his descent. At the last moment he focused upon his magic, calling upon the winds that battered his snout to cushion his fall. For anyone without magic, even this floor might have proven fatal. He was caught by the floor with a gentle touch, any harm or force blunted by his summoned spell.

He sighed and flopped to his side, scales tingling as though he’d been caught by a moisture thick cloud. Frills fluttered with his breaths, his heart starting to calm. How his membranes burned at having fallen for such a trick, he’d have to search for things such as that more thoroughly. Only Cordenth was supposed to fall prey to these!

Growling to himself he righted his limbs, shaking his head free it from the spinning that still gripped him. Eyes blinking, he regained his faculties, allowing the dragon to perceive where his antics had brought him this time. It could only be described as a dungeon, the uneven cavern floors rising and falling at a mad man’s whim, covered in patches of dried blood. Bones of victims new and old were scattered around, from skulls to discarded legs and arms. The walls were large enough for him in his true size, but not for his wings to be spread. They’d have to be tucked, as to not accidently catching upon the waving walls. Lanterns hung neat the dragon’s head, orbs of floating light. They painted everything in a honey hue, betraying the sights around him. Searching up saw the cavern stretch at least three times a dragon of Veledar’s size. He snorted, tail lashing as he spied the only way out that he could see.

On the other side of the cavern was a door, but more something the size of a gate. It’s wood was covered in runes, pristine, and something the dragon would have loved to snatch off it’s hinges and add to his hoard. It smelled of oil and magic, sending a shiver down his spine. At his touch it was cool, no sign of a way to open it.

The question upon his mind was not about his safety, for a dragon was never truly in danger. His nostrils flared as he took in the coppery smell of blood, hoping that the white wolf and her cohorts had not heard his little blunder.

“Dungeon with a dragon.” He chuckled to himself, wheeling around to spy the hole in which he’d come. Clearly whomever devised this trap, never accounted for their prey to have the ability to shift their size. With a confident stride and clicking claws he made his way back, this place was far too dreary for his liking, besides, he had a job to do. Just as he was going to shift his size the hatch slammed shut, a sudden crack that resounded off the walls. His heartbeat faster as he wheeled about with a savage growl. “Who keeps me here?”

“So, this is what has fallen into my trap.” Came a predatory, feminine voice from above. There was a hatch that had opened from above, a steel screen spread across it, far too small for Veledar to sneak through, even if he shrunk to his smallest size.

“And it is not wise to put a dragon into a trap, if you knew what was good for you!” He called back in a brassy voice, rolling a paw to his chest, “Those that have, often find themselves at the tender mercy of my flames. They did not survive.”

The woman chuckled, her voice echoing off the walls. “Even in such a predicament of this, you still have the gall to make threats!” A slow clap followed her statement, “I must commend your spirit dragon, you’re braver than most. Or foolish.”

“Or a dragon.” His tail lashed, “One whose mate has been taken from him. I presume I speak with the white wolf?”

“You do.” Came her reply, a white wolven leaning down towards the grate, her piercing blue eyes upon him. The smile she gave was toothy, filled with malevolent intent. “Now, you have my attention dragon. Why have you come to me?”

“As if you do not know.” He chuckled, “If you have the power to know what I seek, you no doubt know why I’m here.”

“But humor me.” She smirked, “I do like to hear what poor souls like you need of me.”

Was she serious? The dragon growled and fluffed his wings, he supposed his pride was not worth Arcturus’ health. So he did, telling her exactly what had befallen his knight. He added his urgency and need, insisting that he would do whatever she asked.

“You offer yourself dragon?” She cooed, “What an attractive offer you present. This knight of yours, Armatus?”

“Arcturus!” His snarl crackled through the walls, “THAT is his name.”

“Apologies.” She blew the dragon a kiss, “Lumarian names all sound the same to me. Would he by chance know of a Nivra? Raven haired lass?”

The way she gave a predatory growl, the dragon didn’t like where this was going to go. Had she not been the one to recommend this rogue? “And if I say he discarded his allegiance to his kingdom? To save my life?”

“That is not what I asked. Did…He…know the princess?”

Oh, this was certainly not going to go the way he intended. “I’m not clear how that would be relevant.”

“Speak if you ever want to see your precious Arcturus again.”

“FINE!” He roared, flaring his wings wide till they scraped the cavern walls. “But he is not part of whatever scheme the ruby guardians hav-“

“Ruby Guardians?” The white wolf laughed, deep in her throat, “You think I care about what the guardians think of them?”

His snout wrinkled, now where was this going? Unease started to bubble about his scales as he traversed the stone, he needed a way out. Sniffing about he found a hidden door, the bottom of the frame practically blending in with the wall. But from where he stood, he couldn’t find the mechanism in which would open it.

“That is the gate to enter this arena dragon.” White wolf rumbled from above, “Your queen Nivra, she cost me and my outfit dearly.”

“Did she now? Shame. I heard they have quite the amount of coin!” With no way out, there was one option considered, a spell that he’d seen Fremra do plenty of time at the isle of draconis. It would take concentration, but he’d be able to shift his form into a gaseous cloud, allowing him to fly up and through the tiniest of openings. Unfortunately it needed a clear mind and no distractions.

“Indeed. That little incident with storm and the guardians brought far too many eyes upon this outfit. Lost quite the bit of coin on paying the sort of pockets I’d rather leave empty.” Any jovial nature about her died in this moment, as Veledar closed his eyes to try and clear his mind. “So here’s my counter proposal dragon, you get to put on a show for all my guests!”

Guests? The dragon cocked his head, finding slots had slid free around the arena’s walls. Far beyond his grasp, but not outside the reach of his firebreath. The gathering of patrons looked to him with eager eyes, whooping and hollering. Was he to them some sort of entertainment? “You play yourself little wolf. Release me now before I roast all your patrons.”

She laughed, “You think I’d believe such a threat? You’re Arcturus’ Lund’s dragon! How could a noble, virtuous knight such as he-“

“You know nothing of me little wolf.” He grinned, all teeth on display. “You stand between him and I, threaten me. Release me or I will make good on my threat.”

There was a moment of silence as the patrons mulled his words over, unsure if their entertainment was going to progress, or they’d be forced to hide. The white wolf however crossed her arms, her gaze cold and cruel. “I do think you’ll be too busy worrying about your own safety, release the challenger!”

Challenger? The dragon scoffed as he took in a deep breath, if she was going to force his paw, then she was going to learn the hard way. Just as his tail lashed and his fire glands flared to life, the clicking sound of gears caught his powerful ears. With shivers heading down his spine he wheeled around, his attention on the pirates gone for just the moment. The gate had begun to shift and churn, tiny, loose rocks tumbling down the floor. It rose like the dawn, serenaded by metal creaks, demanding oil be loosed upon their gears.

His chest swelled, did they think there was a foe that he could not best? The dragon flared his wings and entered a combat stance. With whatever they were going to unleash, he doubted he’d get a moment to focus. Blood started to warm as a pair of gigantic boots were spied within the door’s crack. Giant boots? The dragon’s frills flared, they were like a man’s but practically the size of one. Ice trickled through his veins, perhaps what they had in store was going to be harder than he imagined.

“You think this will prove anything wolf?” He announced in a brassy, growly voice. “That I am some beast for your amusement?”

“I imagine you will give us something to look at dragon! Or you shall die more stubborn than most!”

Nostrils flared, so what if what lay within was a giant? Giants were just larger humans when you thought about it. Stronger and more durable yes, but their flesh burned like anyone else. If this was the only way that he could prove himself and get to Arcturus, so be it. The dragon’s tail coiled as he steeled himself, he would not fail his love. “Come on out giant! So that I might look upon the face of the one I might slay!”

“You think I will fall so easy dragon?” Came a thunderous, confident voice from beyond the gate. A blue skinned hand reached down to grasp it in a powerful grip. With a terrible screech the gears were forced to obey the demand of their owner. The cavern wall was slammed up with a tremendous crack, the rockface shaking at its power.

Standing before the dragon was a man at least fifteen feet tall, his skin a light shade of blue. He emerged from the shadows that clung to him, an axe equal to his stature shouldered and adorned with dried blood. His eyes were like yellow fire, narrowed and staring to the dragon with ill intent. They told of experience and confidence, even as he followed Veledar’s body from snout to tail. He was clad in leathers with gaps for his muscular frame, and not just any leather, but that of dragon flesh. It was a combination of various different shades, practically every dragon color represented in a mockery of their life.

His beard was thick and a light grey, lighting up in jest, “Is this the dragon they send against me? He’s hardly bigger than a gryphon! This whelp is a poor test of my skill!”

“And that will be you’re undoing.” Snarled Veledar, head lowering to give the giant a threatening hiss.

“Oh, his hiss is even cute!” The giant smacked his belly, looking to the ceiling above to see if the wolf was serious. When she didn’t budge, he sighed, tapping the head of his axe. “Very well white wolf, if this will repay our debt and earn my freedom, then so be it. I shall slay this whelp for you, but I get to keep his head and his hide.”

“Do whatever you will giant!” White wolf hollered from above.

Oh, he’d heard the stories of such creatures of these. Frost giants they were called, but typically they kept to the northern mountains of Lumara or Azmeth. There they ruled over the lesser giants, sporting strength of no equal. Though he wished to not admit it, they had the strength to rival that of full-grown dragons.

“You’ll find this whelp has teeth giant. And though you may boast and be clad in the skin of my people, you’ve never faced one like me.”

“Is that so? You look like those I’ve slain.”

He smirked, the giant, in his arrogance, had forgotten about what his kind could do. With a breath and lash of his tail, he was going to show him. He let loose a grand plume of orange and red, wicked flames blossoming upon the air. They reached out with their hungry tendrils, licking up stone and bringing untold heat to the air. Straight towards the giant’s face it swelled, it’s intensity unmatched. They swallowed the blue skinned brute. The big fool hadn’t even tried to get out of the way, this was far too easy.

The towering foe emerged through the flames, not a hint of fear about him. His flesh was unharmed, his clothes and hair not even singed. To him a summer’s breeze might have been more troublesome. He chuckled at the dragon’s pitiful effort, “You face not a normal giant little dragon, but of VORTAG, the greatest dragon hunter of them all!” He charged Veledar with his axe raised, bringing it down with such strength and speed that it was all the dragon could do to fling himself away and slam against the wall to avoid it.

To his horror the stone shattered under the giant’s strength, splintering and scattering rocks in all directions. Again, this Vortag came at him, Veledar shifted his size and slipped right between his sizable, tree trunk like legs.

“What’s the matter beast, too afraid to face one such as me? Not used to those not cowering in terror?” He reached back with his powerful hand, latching onto Veledar’s tail. “I suppose you’re used to kicking those weaker than you are around.” He wheeled around and planted a kick right to between Veledar’s hinds, sending the dragon flying back into the wall.

Oh that hurt, even without balls his scales ached in pain. Stars burst in front of his eyes. He hacked up some blood, groaning at having given this large brute the satisfaction of wounding him. Alright, he was fast, faster than one of his size might suggest. He’d have to be smarter. As the giant took this moment to gloat to the crowd over all the dragon’s he’d bested, Veledar slunk to an opened vision slot, finding a familiar blue gryphon.

“Krotos, get me out of here!” He half shouted and whispered. “Pick a lock or something!”

The blue and grey gryphon had a lady and man at his arm, both giggling as he prodded them with his tender talons. His crown feathers extended as they caressed his head, “And ruin the entertainment for my new friends? You’re doing great!”

“Doing great? I’m trapped and being made to look the fool!” He snarled, “While you sit and laugh. I thought we were friends?”

“Hurts does it not?” The gryphon replied with a stern gaze, “Guess this will teach you for sullying my feathers something good.”

“What?” His frills flared, blood boiling. Was now really the time to be doing this? “Krotos I could die!”

“Duck.”

“Duck?” He realized at the last moment what he’d meant, avoiding the giants axe as it smattered the rock where he’d been. Claws ripped into the giant’s flesh, drawing thick rivers of blood. Across the arena he stood triumphant, staring the giant down. “Now you bleed.”

The giant turned, lifting his legs, belting out a laugh at such an attack. “A scratch! Look upon the beast, satisfied with but a scratch! He’s like a house wolf!”

Oh, how his frills burned. Any human that would have been a devastating cut, even those with heavy armor might have found themselves wounded. He hated to admit it, but he might just be out of his depth. He’d have to be smarter than his foe if he wanted to survive, power was not going to serve him. First things first, he had to rid his opponent of his axe. When the giant came at him again, with a confident smirk, Veledar had a surprise for him.

He leaped up with powerful legs, a spell already on his lips. Power surged within his drahkras, running through his entire being. Reaching out with a paw he clasped the head of the axe, avoiding it’s deadly blade. Open maw, heart pounding, he unleashed an ear-splitting roar. It’s tremendous strength stung ears around the hall and shook stone and steel. But more importantly the axe being so close, was shattered from head to base in an instant. He landed with a clack of his claws, a confident smirk upon his snout. His foe was busy holding his ears, no doubt ringing.

“There!” Veledar shouted in triumph, almost warbling, “Now you stand unarmed giant!”

The giant shook his head as the crowd did the same. His knuckles cracked as blood ran down his nostrils, it seemed the bravado had all but gone.

“Where did you get this guy wolf?” Veledar laughed, using spells to slow and delay his attacker. Fire, ice, electricity it mattered not what he tossed his way in the form of cantrips. The giant’s leather shielded him from any assault the dragon might have offered. True he was stalling, but it was better than being strangled to death by a crazed giant larger than him.

So, what did he have if his strength was out? His spells seemed to do no better than his breath. Any element the giant deflected, thanks to his gruesome armor, and any attempt to bind his arms or legs was met with his powerful strength. The smaller dragon danced just out of reach as a troublesome fly, drawing curses from the lips of his larger foe.

The crowd booed as Vortag swatted and tried to seize him, the dragon sliding right through his massive fingers. “Come now dragon, you run from me? After taking from me my axe? How pitiful and weak that you are. Your allies must weep for your cowardice. If killing you didn’t grant me freedom, it would be a waste.”

These words twisted a knife at Veledar’s pride. Perhaps long ago he might have stayed, forced the giant to try and eat those words. But that’s what this brute wanted wasn’t it? Most dragons would fling themselves right back at him for daring to injure their pride. Rocks smashed, air buffeted his wings as he avoided blow after blow.

“I bet your dick is small as your courage. Whomever calls you mate must weep, wondering if it has been thrust in.” The giant gave a cruel smirk, “Or is it you the one who lifts his tail and spreads his legs?”

Don’t focus on his words. Veledar searched the cavern for his way out. Salvation came in the metallic gleam gate from which the giant emerged, it had spikes at it’s bottom to secure it to the floor. Perhaps his claws would not be sharp enough, but perhaps those? He’d have to get the giant back onto the spot, but how? He pounded his wings and climbed through the air, avoiding another smacking of hands.

Of course! He chuckled to himself, just out of reach. He used his enemies desire against him, maneuvering him through the hall until he was in the perfect spot. Twirling through the air like a dancing gryphon, Veledar spun and plotted a course straight for the giant.

“Yes, come to me, the game is over!” The giant cooed, not catching the dragon’s intent.

“Oh, here it comes big guy, hope I’m not too big for you!” He changed his size back to his true one at the last moment, using his momentum to slam into the giant with a snarl. Claws dug into flesh, muscles buckled, the man’s eyes widened in surprise. Powerful muscles pushed off Vortag’s form, sending the giant sprawling backwards into the entrance tunnel. He fell square onto his back with a tremendous crash.

“Clever trick dragon, but not enough.” Groaned the giant, shaking his head. Still alive. He began to shift and push himself up, but Veledar had other ideas, another spell was on his lips.

Claw raised he focused upon the door, gathering magic to manipulate it’s movement. Eyes crackling he thrust his paw down, bringing with it everything else. Metal creaked, gears snapped, the secret door came crashing down upon the giant. Spikes skewered flesh with a sickening thump, accompanied by his pained groan from within.

Breathing deep, Veledar stood triumphant, his foe hardly moving. He’d done it, of course he had. His smirk came as pride swelled within his red-orange scaled chest. As the audience sat stunned at the outcome, Veledar threw back his head to give an ear splitting roar. “That’s what you get for insulting my pride giant! Know that it was Crimson Sky that was victorious this day! All that bore witness know, this dragon hunter was a fraud, the best one belongs to me. He is my mate, Arcturus Lund!”

Stunned silence turned to praise, the patrons starting to cheer the dragon’s title. They pumped fists, whistled, some even tossed coins through their slots to patter against the dragon’s paws. It was an air of triumph, victory, putting a growl to the white wolf’s muzzle. She by the gleam in her eye, was not one to be a sour loser. At her order, the slots went closed, a hissing sound coming from every corner of the room.

Oh, he was not going to wait around to find out whatever trap she’d intended to use on him. Eyes closing, he cast away the hissing, letting his magic within spread through his flesh. One drahkra opened after the other, a tidal wave of cool touching every inch of his scales. One breath and he was within the chamber the next he was a cloud of mist. Guided by his thoughts it shot up, easily slipping through the white wolf’s screen, reforming the dragon before her.

Wide eyed, she had hardly any time to reach for a weapon before Veledar was reformed, surged forward and pinned her white furred form to the floor. Claws dug into her flesh, drawing tiny bits of blood, leaving the red beast to rest his snout inches from her nose, teeth on full display.

“You tried to kill me.” His growl trembled the air, drool cascading down to wet her fur. “I should rip you apart right now.”

“True.” She grunted in pain as Veledar pressed more firmly against her leather clad chest, claws poking through the dark red surface. “But then how would you find your Arcturus?”

“That is why you yet still live.” His tail lashed, bumping into something furry behind him.

“Crimson Sky, might I request you taking it easy on my friend?” Came Voidwing’s voice.

What? Not relinquishing his captive, the dragon turned his head, finding that indeed it was no trick. The black and white gryphon was alert and ready, just having slipped off a rather comfortable looking blue pillow large enough for him. “How…How are you in here?”

Around him he finally got a good look, finding himself within the center of some room of excess. There were chairs stitched with fine silver thread, looked to have been imported from Lumara, by the size of them. There were boxes of fine cigars, their smell all too alluring to dragon’s nose. Wine bottles adorned what desks where in here, ones that were not dominated with bags of gold, charts and maps. There was a golden aura from the lanterns above, polished bronze.

“I…happened to be friends with her.” Voidwing’s ears pinned, before gesturing over to a solitary table, where his tray of muffins was. There were two missing. “The muffins got me into see her.”

He shook his head at the absurdity of it, “And this entire time you were simply with her, dining and chatting while I fought for my life?”

Voidwing squirmed, feathers fluffing. “I was trying to talk her down the entire time! You just happened to best the giant far sooner.”

“Hmmpf, glad it worked out then.” He gestured to the squirming wolf, “Settle down dear, my grip won’t wane.”

“Yes, the muffins worked dragon! Unlike him, he had the decency to wait and offer a gift! Instead of sneaking about like a thief!”

“Thief?” Veledar gasped, then snapping his jaws at her nose, “You have the gall to call myself a thief after I’ve defeated your champion and have your life in my claws? White wolf, you have no means of trade left to you but your information on Arcturus.”

“I’d be impressed if your claws weren’t currently on my chest.” Groaned the white wolven, gritting her teeth as Veledar pressed down more weight. “You…trying to crush me?”

“Thinking of it.”

“Stop!” Voidwing leaped at his scales, dragging his claws along Veledar’s flank, not enough to wound but warn. As the dragon hissed and glared at him, the gryphon stood firm, eyes a fire. “Now, both of you have tried to kill one another. Lets get that out of the way. Crimson Sky, she has the information we need, don’t go hurting her.”

“Thank-“ The white wolf began.

“And you Dust, you could not antagonize him! Whatever contest you hoped to have against him, you lost fair and square. Right up until you tried to gas him with dragon’s bane.”

“Dragon’s bane!” His nostrils flared, smoke coming from his nose to caress the wolven so, promising her a fiery end. That was until a gryphon’s claws were smacked across his snout.

“I was not kidding.” Voidwing snapped his beak, once at each of them. Tail lashing, it seemed as though he’d grown two sizes. “Now, both of you need to settle down. Calm your collective tits and work out a solution.”

“But-“ Both Dust and Veledar tried to say together, but Voidwing cut them off with an indignant squawk.

“No buts! Just talking!”

“Hmmpf.” Growled the dragon, almost countering the gryphon out of spite. Yet he humored him, reminded what Fremra had said, trusting the smaller companion. He retracted his paw, expecting some sort of attack, but to his surprise she did nothing of the sort.

“You’re actually quite skilled.” Mused Dust, righting herself and brushing off her dark red leathers. “I hadn’t thought of someone turning to mist. Tickly me impressed dragon.” Her snout curled into a smirk. “Would you like a job fighting any other challenger that come my way? I could make it worth your while-“

“No prize of yours can deter me.” He growled, shaking his head, “All I need to know is where Arcturus is kept.”

The white wolf sighed, retreating from the dragon’s gaze to find herself a bottle of wine. She grabbed a blackened one with a discarded label, offering some to the dragon before taking a swig. “I don’t have any idea on where he is.”

“WHAT?” He snarled, his blood boiling, “You mean to say I went through all of that to have you simply tell me you know NOTHING?” The space between them was shattered as he surged forward, claws clacking against the stone.

“I know some things.” She countered calmly, staying an arm’s length away from his jaws, “Like for instance the whereabouts of the rest of the Lumarians.”

“But Arcturus is the only one that matters to me.”

She grinned, “But I do know that his safety is still being taken care of. It’s the best that I have dragon, the question is if it’s worth trading a few favors for.”

“Favors?” Growled Veledar, imagining these would be none too savory. “If you think to belittle my pride with whatever-“

She held up a paw, “Oh, not in any regard.” A coin she snatched to flip through her fingers, easily back and forth. “But what you displayed was a rather delicate talent. I believe in the future we could use something like that. It’s not often someone with wings comes our way after all.”

“And I to be attached if by a chain?” He sauntered around the room, bumping aside whatever stray bits of furniture fell in his path, “I will have none of it.” Chest swelled as he assumed as much height as he could, horns touching the ceiling. Even there he towered over her, “One trade for another.”

The tension lasted for but a moment before she was chuckling to herself, “Stubborn one you are, I’ll give you that. Fine, you can have one trade for another. How about this.” Leaning back, a smirk crossed her lips, “You keep the guardians out of our business and the dragons they call friends.”

“That’s all?” Scoffed Veledar, catching the wolf off guard. “I have no love for the guardians, and what dragons remain I doubt care at the present for whatever scheme you have.”

“Please.” Voidwing trotted forward, his ears splayed and eyes large. The gryphon even shivered his feathers to play up the act, “They came for Nivra as well Dust, we need to find out who is behind this plot.”

“Oh, curse those eyes.” Grumbled the wolf, her demeanor shifting to one of vulnerability, a hand fell upon Voidwing’s face, tender and that of a friend, “You can have what you seek, free of charge. Just promise to me that you’ll be safe.” Voidwing’s happy trill guided her along his cheek, “Dragon, just make sure this one stay safe. His queen should not be devoid a lover for your ineptitude.”

“I had you by the throa-“

“Swear it.”

Tail lashed against the wall, “Worry not your furry bottom wolf, your little gryphon will remain safe within my shadow.”

“Excellent.” Dust strolled to a cask of rolled up parchment, clearing off a table and spreading out a map. “Then lets get you out of my fur. I do believe we’ve had far too much excitement for one eve.”