FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 15

Upon his return to Fremra’s keep, Veledar sought the dragoness with much haste as his paws could offer. If anyone could get an audience with these buffoons that called themselves the ruby guardians, it would be her, not to mention quell the fire still crackling in his belly. He traversed the halls in an utter storm, not speaking a word to the numerous sapphire guardians that did look him over. No one questioned why the dragon’s tail was lashing, nor the way his nostrils flared, they’d seen far too many dragons in an angry mood to do so. He found the elder ness deep within her study, reared up before an ivory harp, plucking the delicate strings with her digits.

Not waiting for her to finish her music he approached with piss and vinegar, relaying to her all that had transpired in that eve. That Arcturus had been captured, unjustly, and that the ruby guardians were to blame. Even uttering the words had him fuming, ranting, blood burning, by the time he was finished the red dragon was panting, murderous intent flickering across his sapphire pools.

Still she continued with her music, as though the dragon’s plight was lost upon her.

“Have you heard a moment of what I’ve just said?”

“Yes I have.” She nodded, her voice as calm as the sea. “But I’m playing my harp right now, and you’ve not thought of that.”

He snapped his jaws and lashed his tail, letting her know he was not to be trifled with. “There are much more important things than playing your music! Arcturus has been captured!”

She smacked him with her frilled tail, not ceasing in her playing. “It can wait until after my music is-“

“Now is not the time for games, his life is in danger! Now are you to help me or must I hurl that harp across the room!”

Teal paws fell from the harp, followed by her gaze. It was steeled, any sense of amusement lost within. “This was a gift from my beloved. Toss it across my home at great peril to yourself.” It was her turn to snap her jaws at him, warding the red away. With that settled she settled onto all her limbs, bringing herself to her full height. “Now do you trust this Alonso?”

“Excuse me?”

“The one you left Arcturus with, the one whom you said convinced you to return here.”

“You were listening?”

“Of course, I was, what made you think I wasn’t?”

He growled and shook his head, in no mood to squabble with her at this time. “I believed the man for what that’s worth.”

“A great deal, considering what you’ve told me.” She started off towards the exit with a swish in her tail, gesturing for Veledar to follow on her hinds. “But one does question why you were there in the first place.”

Frills pinned as she gave him a knowing stare. He shifted, looking away. “I was having a conversation to get Arcturus freed, especially after I discovered his capture.”

“Naturally.” She rolled her eyes, “Of which I imagine wasn’t provoked from yourself?”

“His capture? Of Course not!” He fumed, keeping but a pace behind. “I was the perfect example of a dragon. It is the guardians that can’t see past their snouts. All they think about is politics and their blasted pride.”

“Annoying isn’t it.” Her brow bounced, meeting a narrowed gaze from the younger dragon.

“They refused to come get you, and despite my polite words, refused to hear me out.”

“So you took it upon yourself to have me speak with them, in hopes that we could get Arcturus free?”

“Not that I couldn’t do it by myself.” He huffed, “But that Arcturus would not approve of the how. I figured this was a compromise of sorts.”

She stopped dead in her tracks, searching over him from snout to tail. With the lantern light flickering across her, the concern in her eyes was ever apparent. For a moment she said nothing before lowering herself to nuzzle along the smaller dragon’s neck. “I’ll do my best, but I imagine what you’ve done is make things harder.”

“What I’ve done? I’ve been completely innocent!” He replied, nuzzling back.

“Either way, let me do the talking for now. I don’t believe more of your negotiations are going to help Arcturus further.”

*

On the heels of his thanks, Fremra brought them to the stale of William Threllfall, the lord of Struport. It was he that helped govern all that transpired within the great walls, with the advisement of various nobles and knightly houses. It was within this sturdy structure that stood a hundred years did this man reside, built within the rockface of a ravine, connected to the city proper by a single bridge that spanned the width of a single carriage. It’s sturdy walls stood the test of time, practically pristine, waited in silence for the arrival of the twin sound of leathery wings.

Sapphire guardians who protected this place greeted the dragons with a warm hail, even bowing their head to the towering teal ness before them. They inquired of course the need for their arrival, the stars above were after all, still shimmering bright.

“Besides, are you not supposed to be sleeping yourself?” Asked one of the guard’s, taking a drag of his pipe, “You know how cross you get without your sleep.”

“You needn’t remind me Francisco.” Fremra scoffed, “I watched you grow from a mere child. We’re here to have words with Lord Threllfall.”

“Could it not wait until morning?” Replied the bearded man, only for him to wince as Fremra replied with just a harsh snort that ruffled his almond hair. “Right, figure its important then.”

“Greatly.” Growled Veledar, his tail lashing.

As the guards went to wake the sleeping Lord, Fremra adopted her elven appearance to better fit within the estate’s walls. It had been built before she and Storm had come to the city, and was by it’s nature an ill fit for her true form. She waved her hands and wiggled her digits, crafting for herself thick furs and leathers to cover her frail, olive shaded body. Flicking her pointed ears she laughed as Veledar disappeared into a puff of lavender smoke, replaced with a fresh faced man in a simple set of green trousers and vest.

He was shivering nearly instantly, the cold nipping at him like a ravenous beast. Teeth chattered, skin grew bumps, he was cursing before Fremra was weaving for him another set of clothes. It would have been hell if not for her crafting him a set of clothes with another spell, cladding the dragon’s form in clothes that very much resembled hers. His thanks could not have been uttered fast enough through his chattering teeth.

“In the future you might imagine yourself with warmer clothes.” She mused.

“It didn’t occur to me.” He already hated the reply, it was of course obvious. Grumbling he snapped his lips shut, accounting it for his mind wandering to Arcturus’ whereabouts. “As I said-“

“More important things at paw.” She finished, laying a hand on his shoulder.

When the guards returned, the dragons were led into the estate with hushed whispers. Arcturus’ capture had evidently spread through the leadership like a wildfire. With every hall that the dragons passed, a cloud of unease continued to grow, more of why the dragons were striding through the halls at this hour. Veledar found his steps slowing, the hairs on his neck standing tall. Were these assassins that were after Arcturus so bold as to attack them?

“Try not to think about it young one.” Fremra whispered as they began climbing the cold steps of one of the estate’s towers. “Everyone here I know, there will be no attack in my presence.”

“Who knows now.” He hissed, “The fear on all these humans is palpable, I believe I could taste it, even hindered in this form.” Catching sight of the next guardians, he was certain these navy tabard wearing humans would grab their weapons.

“Course their scared.” She shrugged, “Have you heard the reports of what marches upon this city? The fields of undeath, the hoards of mercenaries that wish to plunder and-“ She chuckled to herself, head shaking, “Course you have.”

“I didn’t mean that. Look at them now. Besides those two at the gates, even the Sapphire guardians are wary around us now. I thought they were supposed to be the most loyal to you and Storm.”

“That they are.” She sighed, “But that doesn’t mean their hearts can’t be swayed, or minds frightened by what they hear. From what you say, the undead are almost on their doorstep, and they’ve caught, who they might think is responsible.”

“And why are they scared of us?”

She exchanged a knowing look, arms crossed her chest. “Perhaps that’s because of your polite conversation you had earlier? They don’t usually see me walk these halls, in this form at least.”

“What other form do you take besides yourself and this elven one?”

“I do enjoy strolling about this place as a tabby cat. You’d be surprise the amount of ear scratches, belly rubs and saucers of milk that people toss your way.”

“Cat form, that was you?” His brow rose, remembering an interested cat when they first arrived within the city walls.

“Yes, but not important.” She replied, “What is important is that they’ve never seen me here. Questions no doubt flicker within their brains, fear bubbling in their hearts. They are fragile, their time on this earth a blip. They are frightful creatures, capable of great evil in this state. We must maintain an air of calm about ourselves, give them no reason to turn that fear against us.”

“You make it sound as it’s our fault for the bad choices that they make.”

She sighed, “Not in the slightest young one. Just a reminder that we too need to do our part.” Turning to him, her words turned to ice, “And not go barging about their affairs like a rampaging beast, threatening them with death should they not adhere to your demands. All you’ll do is make things harder for us all, validating the fear in which they hold for us.”

He kept his mouth shut at these words, letting them fester in his mind. When they came to Threllfall’s study, it was she that stopped his advance with a hand to his chest. Hands balled to fists, his brow furrowed, “Fremra, I’ve not come all this way to be left out.”

“That is exactly what you’ll do.” She replied firmly, meeting the sparks in his eyes with a sturdy lavender wall. “For I know William longer than you, and if we have any hope to convince him, your presence is not needed.” Before he could speak she continued, placing a finger to his lips, “And don’t continue to lie to me Veledar, we both know what you’ve done. Stay here and let me drag us both out of the mess.”

“Bu-“ Her steeled gaze silenced his tongue, leaving him with arms crossed and muttering to himself as she opened the doors and head inside.

*

Threllfall was still blinking his eyes awake, wrapped tight in a thick navy nightgown, complete with a white cap upon his head. He was sitting in the embrace of a crimson cushioned chair, stoking a fire to life. It’s radiance reached tendrils to the darkened corners of this place, bringing life to books, gleaming off glass, to painting the human’s tired face. To Fremra he turned, clutching a pot of tea, pouring himself a cup, as well as her.

“Not usual for you to wake me in the middle of the night.” He yawned, gesturing to another chair opposite him, “What could be the occasion, though I could guess.”

“Midnight stroll, couldn’t get to sleep.” She smiled, taking the cup, and thanking him for it. The steam curled around her face, smelling of green tea, just as she liked it. “And why must there be a motive, could I not go and visit an old friend?”

He sipped his tea, searching the dragoness from pointed ear to foot, “Friends yes, but you’ve never known to visit me before Fremra. You can drop the pretense that this is a friendly visit.”

“But where would the fun in that be? You’re not my enemy William.” She watched his guarded expression, taking a sip from her cup. “And I’ll remind you, dragons are resistant to most poisons.”

“If I were to poison you, it would be with dragonsbane.”

“Of course.” She smiled, “Tonight I heard you apprehended a pupil of mine, Arcturus you’d know him by.”

“Ah yes.”

“About two meters tall, brown hair, emerald eyes.” She rose a hand to gesture, much to the Lord’s scowl. “Think you might have seen him before, enamored with our red dragon friend-“

“I know who he is.” William gnashed his teeth, “I’ve heard he’s quite the dangerous individual. Plotting to undermine our city is quite a serious crime.”

She scoffed at the idea before taking another sip.

“Something amusing Fremra?”

“That you’d believe such a thing.” She set down her cup, fixing the lord with a heavy stare, “He’s done nothing but try to help you and this city since his arrival. He befriended Storm and myself, you think he’d go and throw that all away to do us in?”

“You two haven’t been the best judge of character.” Threllfall countered coldly, “I do believe Nivra could be counted as one of those mistakes.”

“One that worked out, if not for her, this orb would not have been found.”

“Without her, that orb would still be at the bottom of the ocean.”

“Free for these golden claws to retrieve and return to their masters.” She smiled, batting her eyelashes at him. “Will, Arcturus and his friends mean us no harm. Whatever these Ruby guardians have told you, it is nothing more than ghost stories.”

“You insist they lie? They’ve defended this city for generations, far longer than you and your mate did.”

“And that stops them from lying how?”

“I do believe it is one of their vows.”

“What sort of spell binds them to such a promise?” She caressed her chin. “That is a rather optimistic thought.”

“As much as your Arcturus clings to that vow, yes.” William growled, taking another sip from his tea. “I have no reason to doubt their words Fremra, especially when its only from you and that of an enemy.”

“Arcturus is not your enemy, that’s your mistake. I think he and Crimson Sky even helped you get weapons to your troops? Ones to defend this city? Might I add, at risk to their lives.”

“Did he not serve loyally for many years? Listen to the orders of his superiors? Your opinion of this man I could say is also a tad naïve. We know next to nothing about him, only about what he spins in yarns right now. Trust is something one wins with time Fremra, not to be bought or seduced in but a short time. He hasn’t earned that yet.”

“He hasn’t?”

“Do you remember Nigel?” He replied with a raised brow, his point made clear.

“Don’t you dare pin his actions on them.” She replied, eyes sharper than a sword, at his sudden recoil she had to compose herself. It would do no good if she frightened the man. “Storm knew what he was doing, he didn’t consult them. By the air that I breathe, Arcturus won’t be trouble. If you need to release him to my custody so be it. He will be like one of my fresh wrymlings, never straying from my watch.”

William stirred within his seat, the turmoil clear as day upon his face. He rose, facing the fire as he contemplated the dragoness’ request. There he paced and squeezed the bridge of his nose, “I can’t do that Fremra. His associates disregard our ways.”

“Is that reason to lock them up in the face of the undead?”

“Two of them were taken in for brawling, the third for stealing. Need I mention Nivra and her disregarding her confinement? At every turn Arcturus’ compatriots believe themselves above our ways, this is a declaration of no.”

“Will-“

“Besides.” He groaned, arms crossing his chest, “That dragon of his stormed one of our keeps, battered the guardians as though they were play toys. You think that kind of behavior is to be rewarded?”

She grit her teeth, “Is that why we’re keeping valuable assets behind bars now, because of lessons to be learned? Against the undead they will be powerful tools, yet you bind them behind bars.”

“Don’t twist my words dragon.” Growled the human, “We are who we are in the darkest of times. If we let such things hinder our justice, then what good are they? Our guardians found evidence to suggest a plot was a foot, they acted as their duty demanded it. Apologies that it was your learners that were caught within this, but this is how it works. The truth will come to light Fremra.”

She snorted in dismissal, “Truth it seems is subjective within these walls, fabricated by those pulling the strings. Crimson Sky may exaggerate to me, but outright lie?” Her brow narrowed, “I doubt it.”

“I’m glad you have such faith in your pupil.” He folded his hands across his lap, “But his actions made the release of Arcturus impossible. Perhaps if he’d been more patient something could have been arranged, but he’s roused all the suspicions within the order.”

“Suspicious of him?” Her voice grew taught, “By the account, it was their knights that drew weapons upon him first.”

“And who said that?”

“Crimson Sky.”

“Of which is biased, he’d say anything to clear the name of his beloved.”

She stood, adjusting her leathers as she exchanged a cold stare, “And what evidence have you found?”

“That is for the order to research.”

“Of which is convenient that a Lumarian brought them right where they needed to be, evidence that would reveal their ill intentions.”

“Call it what you will, but they suspect Arcturus agreed to hide the evidence. Did your pupil tell you of how the ship exploded?”

“To prevent it from falling into the hands of the undead, or have you forgotten they march upon us?”

Threllfall gave her a sweet smile, “Now isn’t it that convenient.”

Not a word was shared as Lord Threllfall poured himself another cup of tea, the tension between them hanging as a cloud around them. She knew that charming him was easy, or simply taking what she wanted, it teased at her senses, begging to be used. The older ness sighed, composing herself and sitting tall.

“I take it there will be a trial then?” she waved a hand, “To of course test the validity of this evidence you’ve discovered?”

He nodded, “We can’t let people like that freely roam the streets.”

“And what of his queen and the gryphons?” Her brow rose, “Last I was told, she was working on a cure for a magical weapon that this Dreadflame possessed. Are you proposing taking her away and preventing its creation?”

“If she steps out of line.” Growled the Lord, the fire crackling in his gaze, “She and that old man hunkered themselves down in the tower this evening. Several volleys were exchanged, the blasted coot turned their weapons into trout.”

Fremra smirked at that one, at least some of the Lumarians were not captured. “Sounds rather fishy is you ask me.”

“But if they wish to stay in that tower, so be it. Let them finish their work, but if they step foot within my city again, the guardians will apprehend them.”

“Unless he turns them too into fish.”

Threllfall growled as she asked about the soldiers, “The Lumarians have been moved, can’t have the red or his friends now seeking to set them free early, can we? And no, their location is not to be shared…” He eyed the door behind her, knowing that Veledar must have been pressed up, listening in. “The walls here have too many ears as it is.”

With a clearing of her throat, Fremra stood, it was clear that whatever path they were to make of this situation, it was not to be here. “If that’s all there is to say in the matter, I do believe that I have more wards and traps to create for the coming defense.”

He nodded, “Question before you go Fremra. Do you train all your pupils to barge in their snouts when they don’t get what they want?”

“You know of course that I don’t.” She replied, “You took his love, to what he believes unjustly.”

“Of which is his opinion.” Replied the Lord, “But do remind him that it is us that rule this city not him. That should he arrive at our forts unannounced again, they’ve been instructed to treat him as an enemy. The guardians pulled their punches the night before, assure him next time that it will be his blood that adorns the courtyard.”

* * * * * * * *

She emerged from the lord’s hall with a furrowed brow, her pace ever increased. Veledar had never seen her in such a state, certainly not in her elven form. He slipped to her side with much hesitation, not quite sure she could bite his head off in such a state, but give her a moment to change and it could become certain. There was little to say until they’d returned to her keep, empty handed Veledar couldn’t help but notice.

“Explain to me why we simply let them get away with kidnapping Arcturus?” Veledar growled as he landed in the courtyard of Fremra’s keep, dusting the guardians with another layer of snow. “I thought you and Storm practically ran this place?”

“We never did!” The teal dragoness snapped to him, wings flared, fire crackling in her lavender pools. “Did it occur to you that there is no other choice now?”

He shifted under her sharpened gaze, “I do believe that both of us have the strength to go get him, regardless of what was said.”

“And how would that make anything better?” Her snout wrinkled into a snarl, “I thought your time at the island of draconis made you smarter, yet here you are, still making the same mistakes.” Wheeling around she nearly struck him in the face with her frilled tail. The halls radiated with her growl when he followed, practically her shadow.

“What mistake was that? Going after my mate? Leaving them to get you? Fremra, we were wronged this night!”

“Not that!” She snapped her jaws at him, “Your arrogance!”

“Arrogance?” He scoffed, “I don’t see how that’s relevant. I was trying to keep my love safe from harm.”

She tapped the top of his snout with her paw, “And you couldn’t have come see me?”

His frills pinned, “Well, time was of essence. I launched into action the moment I learned of his capture.”

“What you’ve done is make things harder. Arcturus will now be moved deeper into their clutches, and your escapade made any release of him impossible.”

Had it? His heart skipped a beat as he tried to recover any sort of ground in this discussion. “They would have killed him surely; he was attacked you know by a pair of ruby knights.”

“I’m aware. But did you think why they captured him instead? That it would be against their plan to kill him in his cell?” She advanced upon him, growling and spitting, Veledar found himself retreating to a wall.

“Well, there was a nice knight that explained it after.”

“Of course. Which, in your haste and arrogance flew off to rescue him, batter the villainous guardians and rescue your love. That sound about right?”

He nodded.

“You could have gotten me.” She bopped him on the head with her paw, “I’m aware of their little shenanigans and organizational structures. Instead of acting as a cudgel you beast we could have been a cutting claw.” She heaved a great sigh and wheeled around, “You’ve quite the mess for you two.”

“So, what do we do now? You suggest that we give up?” He was right at her side.

She rolled her eyes, “When did I say that? You must understand young one, that there are times to be cracking the earth, others to be more critical. No matter how hard the wind blows, the mountains will not move for it.”

“Clearly the winds have not blown hard enough.” He growled, getting another bat across his snout.

“That isn’t the point. You need to think. Don’t be the rampaging monster they suspect you are.”

“I wasn-“

“You shattered a couple of my friend’s legs.” She hissed, flaring her frills.

“Did I?” His frills pinned, “And what sort of friend were they to capture Arcturus and stand in my way?”

“Ones doing their job when presented with a criminal!”

“But Arcturus isn’t one!”

“Yes, and that’s what they’re hoping to prove!”

“Then why, if he is innocent, why is he sill in there?”

“Because a certain dragon thundered on over to assault their keep! Threllfall would have helped us if not for that detail!”

“Ah.” He said flatly, “And what are they to do now?”

“A trial.” She shook her head, “If by my accounts gives you three days to figure out something or pray that whatever evidence they’d found is terrible. Though, if they are so bold as to try something like this, I doubt that it is.”

Silence gripped the red dragon as his heart sank into his paws. His head spun, how were they to get Arcturus out of this mess before they held whatever this trial was. “What will happen at this trial?”

She shrugged, “Could be plenty of things, depends on what the lords wants. Anything from freedom, coin, exile and death could be on their table.”

“Death?” His wings flared as he snarled, “See? I should march right on over there and-“

She leaped in front of him, wings flared. Eyes burned in warning as a wicked hiss escaped her jaws, “You are to stay in for the night. No more pounding your way in. Let yourself unwind, allow passions to trickle away until you can think.” As he drooped she moved in close, licking along his neck, “You will do Arcturus no more good this evening. If they wanted him dead, he would be so already.”

His brow rose as his head cocked, “You’re not going to help him escape?”

“You heard me.” She snorted, “I have busier things going on.”

“What have you got that’s more important that getting Arcturus free?”

“I don’t know.” She rolled a paw with a sarcastic smirk, “How about the protection of the entire city? Did you know the fleet of mercenaries from Nivra’s little adventure have been harder and harder to delay? I’d almost wager they’ve found a druid to better thwart my attempts.”

“You find that interesting?”

“Never happened before.”

“And that’s it? Playing with the weather means that Arcturus stays in chains?”

“While you keep practicing your flight drills and drahkras.” She nodded, tapping his nose with a claw, “No more barging into human forts and tossing them around like ragdolls.”

He wrinkled his snout, batting her paw away, “Only if they stop stealing what is mine.”

“You’ll be delighted to hear they have all your friends but the princess and the gryphons.”

“WHAT?” His jaw fell open, all of them?

“Something about making sure she couldn’t cause any more trouble.” Fremra chuckled in her throat, “Florimel turned all their weapons to fish and scattered them with a threat he’d turn them all into newts. I’d imagine it’s better to keep him contained within the tower than try to push him to do anything.”

He stopped dead, furrowing his jaw. She just expected him to do nothing? Just let Arcturus rot in whatever cell that they deemed fit enough to plop him in? His tail flicked as he imagined that moist hell hole. Even the stereotypical dragon cave that humans loved to envision was better than that. “You expect me to sit on my paws and focus on what’s to come?”

Fremra paused for but a moment, slinking back to circle the younger male. She sighed as a mother would, brushing her scales against his own. When he grumbled she licked upon his neck, offering assurances in the form of faint rumbles. “The ruby guardians will keep him safe for now little one. Remember, whatever scheme they have now needs his survival. We have at least until their trial until his life is in jeopardy.”

She had him trapped as he tried to shift away, finding a teal dragoness no matter which way he faced. “And you’re so certain? You’d think they’d have done as you requested, how many years have you called this city home?”

To that she frowned, then staring off into the distance, through the walls to the sea beyond. She sighed, “Storm would have whipped them into shape, snarled or smacked them until they listened. I don’t have that sort of presence.”

“I’m sorry.” Veledar shifted uncomfortably.

“No, it’s alright. We must carry on. This is just a hurdle in which we must clear.” She held her head high, eyes starting to water, before she cleared her throat. “Now, you go get into your bed chambers.”

“Think I can rest like this?”

“Yes. I’m sure any new ideas or plans will seem much better on a night’s rest.”

“And you?”

“Playing my harp child.” She mused, sauntering off with a flicking tail.

He grumbled to himself and slunk back to his quarters; thoughts no clearer than pea soup. Into his bed plopped, bones and muscles already starting to ache. His empty paws he stared, catching sight of dried blood about his claws. The dragon shook his head, closing his eyes, reaching out of instinct for the human that was not there. He whined softly, praying that his Umraadi was safe.

*** ** ***

“The answer is no.” Nivra replied from her cushioned chair of the study. Eyes never leaving her copy of mysterious myths open in her lap. The morning light was coming through the study’s window, shimmering off the surface of her cup of tea.

“What do you mean?” Veledar’s frills flared as he padded around the calm woman, nearly knocking over a table of glass vials with his tail, only to be saved at the last moment by Axton’s quick reflexes.

“I mean exactly what I said…N…O.”

“But Arcturus is being held, our friend, my mate. They’ve stuck him a place most perplexing.” His snout wrinkled, “Its as though he’s everywhere at once.”

“Sounds like they don’t want you tracking him.” She replied calmly. “Smart.”

“Do try to not compliment our adversaries Nivra!” He growled, “Especially not when they’ve spirited Arcturus from my grasp!”

“It sounds as though he’s safe. Otherwise I imagine you’d be feeling nothing at all. I’m sorry, truly am, but we’re hard at work trying to uncover the mystery behind this amplified dragon fear.” She gestured to Florimel, who had a potion of green liquid sloshing around before his eyes. “So, unless you have suggestions for that. We’re booked.”

He couldn’t believe this, the dragon flared his nostrils, grabbing her by the collar and heading for the door despite her protests. “Come on Nivra, if I have to pull you to heroism, so be it.”

“Now you’re being ridiculous!”

“No, I’m being a good friend, not playing with my toys like you.”

“We’re not playing Veledar!” She snapped her finger, vanishing from his grip with a pop. She reappeared by Florimel’s side, dusting off her black robes with dragons stitched into the cloth. “I’m sorry, truly, but Arcturus is of little concern to this.”

“Not to me.” He growled, claws kneading the wood beneath them. “And I’ll not hear otherwise.”

“But what would you rather have, myself working on this spell…or…Hold on, look who I’m talking to.” She squeezed the bridge of her nose, “

“Then you’re leaving me to barge in, rescue Arcturus on my own, some friend you turned out to be.”

“You can’t just barge in there!”

“Yes, I certainly can.” His chest swelled, “I did so last night, quite spectacularly of which I might add. I just need to be a bit more methodical this time, stealthy.” He leaped around the room, stretching his wings as much as he could, even still, he threatened to knock down a dozen or so more vials of potions. “Fremra told me to be more critical thinking so I am.”

“I doubt she meant find a better way to barge in.” She groaned, “Does she even know you’re here?”

The red dragon paused, tapping his snout, “She has to, I mean, by this point if she doesn’t know what I’ll do, it’s really on her.”

“That sounds like a lovely relationship you have with her. Now, could you take this somewhere else! You know, somewhere that’s not a crowded study?”

“I wouldn’t have to if you were coming with me.” He huffed, rolling a paw to his scaled chest.

“I’m not helping you break him out! You’ll only make things worse!”

“Funny, that’s what Fremra said.”

“Then you should listen to her!”

His snout wrinkled, “But you broke into that place before with stealth and guile.”

“Yes.” She groaned, “But, unlike yourself, when it comes to stealth, I’m not a complete moron.”

“I do believe if we’re keeping track, I stashed myself away in your bag quite nicely. Not to mention led an assault on your very castle.” His tail lashed, “At this point, I’m a master of stealth.”

“Didn’t you have help both those times?” Chirped Krotos as he landed from the rafters above. His feathers had been returned to him, each blue one perfectly in place. The gryphon flicked his teal tipped tail feathers, sauntering before the hissing dragon. “Doesn’t sound like credit belongs totally to you.”

“But I was the one who planned it.” Hissed the dragon, flaring his frills. “That’s what I’m getting at.”

“I thought that was Lyndis.” He countered, only to leap away at an angry snap of jaws.

“So, I can’t help you, go get another.” Nivra gestured a hand to his scaled shoulder, “If you need help locating Arcturus, I can’t imagine anyone better than Merlia. Lacking her, the best bet for you would be a small tavern called the Wet Bitch. Plenty of scoundrels and rogues I’d imagine in there, ones that would know all the secret things they aren’t supposed to.” She hastily recounted her adventure on the sea of tranquility. Where she found the orb of dragonkind, crossed spells with mind-controlled sea elves, found Tenzin and escaped the clutches of a copper dragon.

“I’ve heard it before.” He rolled his eyes with a snort, “And have you even seen Merlia lately? Its as though she’s avoiding us. See? It’s times like this I wish I had a bell on my companions, it would be harder to lose them.”

Nivra shrugged, “Go looking! Use that draconic snout of yours! Just do anything other than sulk or prance about while we’re doing delicate work!” She gestured to Krotos, “Take him with you while you’re at it, he’s been absolutely no help as it is.”

“I can leave when I want Nivra!” Replied the gryphon fluffing up his wings, “But all these guards arresting Lumarians? I’d rather much stay here where it’s safe thank you very much!”

Her brow rose, “So you’re staying to volunteer for more of the studies then? That’s quite a turnaround from your previous opinion.”

His voice died for a moment, eyes widened before he cleared his throat, ears pinned, “What I mean to say Veledar, is that it would be a delight to accompany you out of here.” He pounced down beside the red dragon, tapping him with a wing and beak parted smile, “Isn’t that right my best buddy?”

“A noisy gryphon, so much better to be quiet.” Hissed the dragon, wheeling around to head for the door. “Hope the spell is worth it Nivra. I apparently will be trying to recruit some uncouth rogues.”

She didn’t look up from her things, waving him away, “Will do, don’t forget, Merlia!”

“What about Voidwing?” Krotos cocked his head, gesturing to the black and white gryphon asleep by the fire, covered in pillows.

“He’s occupied.” Chirped Voidwing softly, tail thumping against the floor.

“So, you’re saying you don’t want to help Arcturus out?” Veledar said, knowing how stating it would weigh on the gryphon’s ears. “After all that time helping you, you’re just going to laze about like a cat? Perhaps Arcturus thought wrong of you.” He pretended to check his claws as an indignant squawk resounded through the study.

“Nivra, tonight I might be late.” Voidwing said, pushing himself to all fours and strolling to the princess with a yawn. He rubbed up against her, giving the girl the best beak smooch that he could offer. “I do appear as though I’m about to get caught up in another caper.”

“Absolutely not.” She caressed the beak of the ears splayed gryphon, “Don’t give me that sad beak look, it’s quite dangerous. Florimel won’t be there to turn the guardians into newts.”

The gryphon’s tail flicked, “Of course I know that. But Nivra, Arcturus helped us when we went to go take care of Nigel. How can we give up on him now? I can’t rest easy knowing that he resides within a dank, cold cell.”

Veledar nodded, “I knew he was my favorite.”

“Hey.” Krotos chirped in protest, feathers fluffed.

Nivra sighed, seeing there was no swaying the courageous nature of her apricot eyed love. “Fine but do be careful.” She kissed upon his beak, getting a loving nuzzle in return, “Pack light and do not linger for long. I imagine they won’t hesitate to clasp you in chains if they catch you.”

“They’d have to catch me first.” He chuckled, “I am the fastest flier of us all.”

“And be wary of the wolf.” She warned, “Though she helped me, I doubt she’s just going to help you out of the niceness of her heart.”

Veledar scoffed as Nivra hugged Voidwing tight, getting wings wrapped around her. How much trouble could one wolven be? The dragon growled and gestured for the exit, leading his feathery entourage onto their next quest. “Just try not to embarrass me you two. I and Arcturus have an image to maintain.”

“One that could always be improved by gryphons.” Krotos replied with a joyous chirp, stopping to let Voidwing walk in front of him. When the black gryphon tilted his head with an innocent question, he narrowed his gaze, “You know why tail jumper, eyes straight.”

*** ** ***

Arcturus found himself dragged from his cell, accompanied by a handful of guardians both sapphire and ruby. In their faces he found no welcoming, only the cold venom that he was expecting. Each would have ended his life right there and then, that much was certain. Thankfully whoever held their leash had better plans in store. The halls were equally as inviting, dark, moist, the smell of iron and death lingering around every corner. He spied several splotches of teal tinted moss, clinging to corners. Stone here was ancient and bore the marks chains, dragged across their surface by the dozens of prisoners before him. The knight sighed and tried to keep up his spirits.

“Take it no one has scheduled for my release?” He inquired at a junction, “I figured as much when you shouted at poor Tenzin. I understand your hesitation to get in close quarters with him, his strength is great.”

“You’re lucky we’re not beheading you right now.” Replied the ruby guardian with a growl, “What you did to those two?”

“Is the fate of traitorous dogs that tried to stab a comrade in arms in the back. The only pity I have for them is they couldn’t be swayed from their views. They died as cowards.”

He received a left hook across the face for that, full of strength and rage that the man possessed. Pain lanced through him as he slammed into the wall, the taste of blood already on his tongue. So much for a sense of honor about them, “Yea, just like that. I wasn’t aware such underhanded tactics were co-“ He wheezed as the knight followed through with a swift pair of strikes to Arcturus’ gut. He doubled over with a groan as the other guardians pulled back the ruby. “Common.”

“Captain wants to speak with him Gerald. Can’t be beating him up.” Said one sapphire guardian, an elder man with a grizzled look. “How’s he gonna do that with a swollen tongue?”

“He killed them both, roasted one of them. I knew those two, fought with them. The fact this filth still draws breath is an affront to all we stand for. Why headmasters put up with this is beyond me.”

“That certainly is the question isn’t it.” Groaned Arcturus, pulling himself to stand tall. “Perhaps not everything is as you believe. Makes you wonder if they can be trusted, if they are due your respect.”

“No one asked you prisoner.” Snapped the ruby guardian, “If the gods be willing, whatever is to be wrung out of you will be swift. Then justice can be obtained for those you’ve slain.” He thrust a finger to Arcturus’ chest, “Hopefully by a thin rope and a sudden stop.”

There was no sense in trying to convince this group of his innocence. All he had were words without facts to back up his claim. Arcturus followed in silence, wincing as the pain still flickered from the ruby guardian’s honor less attack. He was led through a maze of a building, no doubt to conceal it from himself of it’s layout. With every step he could sense flickers a firestorm of rage and anger brewing within him, almost maddening to the flesh. He grimaced, realizing it was Veledar. Though touched by his Umraadi’s care for him, he hoped the beast had enough sense to not become reckless and jeopardize what little control they had. Although, with the predicament he found himself, he couldn’t imagine it getting any worse.

Through a steel door he was pushed through, it’s surface dark and pristine despite the meager surroundings. Inside was a cloud of warmth, a fireplace lit and crackling away. There were shelves of numerous books and parchment, trophies of old glory days long since past. The walls were adorned with tapestries and weapons, each a myriad of colors and designs from across the globe. A man sat at a desk in a royal blue vest, gold stitching traveling about it like a series of rivers. His eyebrows were bushy and fierce, creating the image they might leap off and attack the paladin.

“Why is Arcturus’ mouth dripping with blood?” The elder man’s piercing gaze fell upon the guardians, his brow practically stitching together. None of the knights immediately answered him, prompting the screech of his chair as he sprung up. “Which among you lacked the restraint to carry out my orders? I requested that Arcturus brought to me unharmed. He is our guest, a fellow knight. You treat him with disrespect, and thus, yourselves.”

“But sir Steven, he killed members of the order.” The ruby knight who’d struck Arcturus responded, “He doesn’t even show a hint of remorse.”

“And for that you let him break your own code?” The captain sauntered over to the knight, hobbling on a cane. “I’m most disappointed in you brother Quintus. The rest of you who bided your tongues, you’ll join him in his repentance.” There was a brief flicker of resistance before Steven’s harsh gaze silenced them all. “Good, now wait outside while I speak with Arcturus.” He gestured to a crimson cushioned chair, “And remove his shackles.”

Arcturus’ brow rose as the men argued over if it was wise to have a man such as he unshackled. What was this old man playing at?

“Did I stutter?”

“No sir.” Brother Quintus bowed his head, instructing the sapphire guardians to do as Steven requested. With a stare of venom they all departed, leaving Arcturus alone. A moment of silence settled between the two, only broken by the soft crackling of his fireplace.

“Go on, take a seat Arcturus. There will be no biting here.” Chuckled the man warmly, before taking a seat at his desk. “Apologies for your treatment, but not everyone can be virtuous all the time.”

“They were right to be warry of me.” He massaged his wrists where the shackles were, the skin still red. “Why leave me alone with you? Especially if you suspect me of murder.”

“Of those two knights on the mission?” Steven replied, “I heard what they did, your account of the matters.” The old knight shook his head, leaning upon his cane. “Far as I can see it lad, you did the best that you could. It would seem as though they ambushed you, believing their own righteousness. I hold this not against you.”

Finally, someone that was seeing sense. “Interesting, no one has believed that story since I arrived.” Arcturus took a seat, finding the cushion quite comfortable. “Why do you?”

Steven shrugged, “Call it a hunch, or see it in your gaze. I’ve spent my life shifting through the lies and truths of people, seeing their tiny quirks, lives on display. You however carry yourself as I used to, you’re the spitting image of the Steven from those days. Trust me Arcturus, this all has been a misunderstanding I mean to set it right.”

“Only to me? What about the others, you captured? Are they to be freed?”

“Care for a tart?” Steven opened a wooden box on his desk, turning it around to reveal the golden confections, blueberries sticking out of the batter. “Freshly made this morning, I’d offer coffee with them, but best we have is tea.”

“You didn’t answer about my friends.” Arcturus repeated with a forceful tone, “Why capture them as well?”

“Did you not question them? They were in a brawl!” Steven laughed, “And for the kobold, she was caught with stolen goods. We can’t have that sort of thing walking the streets!”

He hated to say it, but the ruby guardian was making sense. Perhaps this all had been a misunderstanding. With a nod he plucked one of the flaky tarts from the box, relishing in the delight of apple across his tongue. He groaned at the rich, fruity flavor. Oh, he would have to get the recipe for this. Perhaps the dragon would try his paw at cooking? How he chuckled at the image of him working away, complete with an apron around his neck.

“However, I am afraid that me bringing you here was not all good news.” Sighed Steven, reaching for another wooden box and sliding it over. “We found some rather shocking information within the airship in which you lead us to. The others in our leadership suspected you were in on it as well, but I fought tooth and nail to convince them otherwise. After all, why would you lead us to it if you were in on it?”

“In on what?” A sneaking cold clutched the paladin’s gut. What scheme were they playing?

“Plots Arcturus, plans from your queen to destabilize our leadership here and pave the way for Lumarian rulership.” He spun around the box and plucked out a handful of parchment, laying it down upon the table.

“This can’t be true.” Arcturus said softly as he peered through every page, eyes darting quickly through the words. There were charts, maps, letters written in Nivra’s hand. Troop deployments, undead areas, even an order for deployment of the metal dragon. Each of these was signed by Nivra herself, even commands to Skywing to arrive and be heralded as the savior of Struport, doing as the knight had said, give way for more favorable relations of Lumara. There was even a passage about making sure certain areas of Struport’s defenses had been subverted, one of them mainly being the removal of their guardian Storm. Had Nivra been deceiving them? She’d already done so before, was it impossible to believe she might do so again?

“I’m afraid that it is. Plain as day in the hands of Fureen. Not too surprising really, we’d had reports they were working with the undead initially with our annexation. Then with this plan, we would be more of their vassal, willingly giving ourselves over for their protection.”

“I don’t believe it.” He replied sternly, “Nivra perhaps, I don’t know her all too well, but this.” He gestured to a command to Skywing, the wing commander. “I’ve served with this gryphon for many years, fought alongside him. There is no plane that I would believe he wouldn’t tell me this.”

Steven sighed, shaking his head, “Oh to have the naive look of the world of youth.” He grabbed his bottle of tea, pouring out a cup for Arcturus. “It’s always hard to see the day where your friends betray you. When the lures of power and prestige prove too great. Gryphons live for many years Arcturus, have known multiple royals in their time. You think that one of your queen’s greatest wing commanders would not obey a lawful order by her? That your opinion matters when he can raise in power for the rest of his days?”

He gave the knight a cruel smirk, evidently, they hadn’t known everything. Like him letting Arcturus go when he had orders to capture him. Throwing away his entire career should anyone found this out, “It would seem you don’t know the history between us Steven. That gryphon you accuse of doing such things is as close to me as family. When I say he would never do such a thing without telling me, I’m certain.” Pushing the parchment back, his narrowed gaze sharper than any gryphon’s claws, “Whatever scheme or trick you hope to pull with these falsehoods die here. I won’t be a cog within this machine to discredit Lumara, especially when it’s not deserved.”

“Deserved? You think that those in power of your kingdom don’t deserve some justice? You believe they should get away with what they did to Rothdell and Drenedar? That it exists now as a blight upon this earth, insisting that its way is better and needs to be shared?”

“And that can be settled with truths and actions.” He replied sternly, “Not with whatever scheme you’ve concocted here.”

Steven huffed, organizing the parchment, and smacking them against the table. “There is no scheme paladin. I present to you the evidence that was found. I’m beseeching you as a man of honor to help make sure the innocent are protected!”

“No, what you and the others are doing is political. I can see the fear within the lot of you, that I might take some sort of power away from you should we succeed. That the people will be cheering the names of my friends, my dragon and myself. That whatever bit of prestige you’ve been holding onto within these walls with clatter away.” The silence in how those words struck Steven was damning. “So let me get this through your skulls. All you guardians listen up! I won’t be staying here after the dead are defeated. Crimson Sky and I will fly away from your small home, off into the sun set for what adventures fancy our spirits. You can linger here on your pile of stone.”

Heavy was the cloud that settled onto the room, Steven, though being countered was not yet beaten. The old man sighed, “Now Arcturus, I respect your theories-“

“Your knights tried to kill me. Rather not theories are they?”

“A fragment of our knights. Certainly ones that don’t share the majority of our opinion. The guardians are not a monolith sir.”

“It would appear the opposite is true.” He growled, “Time and again it seems to be from this body that our troubles are centered. It would appear sir, that you have a cancer festering in the heart of this place. One that most of you are willingly blind to. One that would see myself and my friends perish than to relinquish even a moniker of power.”

Furrow did the man’s brow, “I cannot believe a man of virtue would side with that of the blood of Cornelius the snake. You and your dragon are to be needed in the fight ahead, yet you seem determined to not assist us, willing to sit this out. There are countless people in our districts, terrified of what might come. How can you deny them?”

“Only because it would seem the catch is that I must confirm these falsehoods. That I should go against that of which I stand for.” He replied, not one to be swayed by the sympathetic eyes being given him. “Are we finished? You appear to chasing a gryphon’s tail in such matters.”

“Take him away.” Waved Steven with a growl, as guardians filed into the quarters, “I thought I might be able to convince him, but he’s a stubborn one.”

They seized the paladins arms with vice like grips, cruelly dragging him from his seat. He tugged and resisted, insisting that he could stand. “You may think yourself all safe, sitting here on your corrupted seats of power. Mark my words, when this plot is exposed, and my dragon learns of it. There will be hell to pay.”

“Your dragon won’t find you Arcturus.” Replied Steven bluntly, “Within these halls is a field to scatter your presence to the winds. We’ve had to deal with these bonds before, don’t think yourself special. Take him way.” He shook his head in disappointment, “I did try Arcturus, remember that!”

** ** ** **