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"The time after the Magic-flashback was chaotic to say the least, with all the towers of the Magi and even several important official buildings of the majority of the Five Kingdoms destroyed by the wild ignition of Mana. With the authorities in shambles and the Circle of Five of the time effectively wiped out, the populous was not prepared for what came next.

People started to ... change. They would go to sleep as normal, but wake up with characteristics of animals to such a degree that they could no longer be called human. And to complicate matters even more, these changes did not seem to follow any rhyme or reason. The husband became a Lupine [wolf] while the wife became a Tigrine [tiger] a few weeks later, two predatory species that could not stand one another. And if that was not difficult enough, the one child may became a Cervid [deer] that has a born-in fear of both the predator species while the other may never change at all.

At first the people tried to be supportive of the new beastvolk, but without any obvious reason for the changes nor any seeming end to it, fear soon overtook compassion. Within months of the Magic-flashback, the riots and fighting between the beastvolk and the remaining humans (now called the unblessed) started ..."

Part of an eyewitness account of The Shattering by an unknown survivor. Time of record, unknown.

***

The night was cold, dark and dreary. It was easy to imagine something lurking in the deep dark of the night and for probably the umpteenth time Merec wished he had a fire. He missed the welcome warmth, the light ...

A movement to his right made him jump. With a ragged sigh, he forced himself to relax the sudden, uncomfortable death grip he had on his short-sword. It was just Gahntuar's forepaw that twitched in his sleep. Even as he watched, both of Gahntuar's forepaws jerked mindlessly and even his snout scrunched up in an almost silent snarl. The dragon had finally fallen asleep, but given the fitful jerks and a soft whimper, Merec could guess that the dreams he was having were not happy ones. The thought of waking the dragon crossed the human's mind but he dismissed it, though a little uncomfortably so. The drake next to him needed all the sleep he could get. He had been sleeping poorly ever since their visit to Tharral and that fateful encounter with that red drake.

Again, Merec stared out blankly at the dark night. But luckily everything was still quiet. Yes, he was jumpy, worried about what they would do if Seghrien were to find them. He felt vulnerable here, in the dark, alone as it were. It was just the three of them after all. Felicity had to take the long way back to the peninsula, via a boat she had to buy passage on. Saying Lainah was not impressed when Felicity had asked for a ride back with them would be a great understatement. Even with the threat of a Mana molding dragon on their trail, she had been adamant about not degrading herself to beast-of-burden. That despite the apparent ease that Gahntuar had in allowing Merec to ride him, something that surprised the silver draine.

Thinking of their new companion, Merec couldn't help but smirk. She was a rather difficult character, not satisfied with this and critical about that. As it were, she was not very impressed with the idea that the human took a shift at watch duty as well and had grumbled something of sitting ducks when she finally relented. Yes, the draine was difficult, but Merec guessed that she was mourning the loss of her mate, who happened to be Gahntuar's brother, in her own way. Though, Merec was of the opinion that her way was rather unhealthy; not that he would dare to say that to her. Merec sighed and glanced up in her direction. She lay a little off distance from them, keeping to herself without losing contact with the odd pair. Even in the faint moonlight, he caught sight of her snapping an eye shut when she realized she had been caught watching him.

"Shouldn't you be trying to sleep?" Merec asked, hoping the amusement he felt didn't carry over in his voice.

"In night, humans blind!" she replied back without pause. Deciding not to pretend to be asleep any longer, she raised her head to look meaningfully at Merec. It had surprised the human how quickly she was picking up the common tongue. Even though she was still struggling with it, she could already make herself understood.

"True." Merec agreed, "but at least I will be able to give a pretty scream if ... Seghrien pounces."

Lainah snorted, clearly not amused.

"Look, you have a long day of hard flying behind you." Merec relented after a defeated sigh. "You need sleep as well."

"I sleeping already." Lainah muttered stubbornly.

"Then, if you're not going to sleep, you can always come and keep me company."

"Company?" Lainah asked with a snort, sounding a little disgusted with the idea.

"Yes, just sit a little closer and we can talk." Merec replied, oblivious to the draine's thoughts.

"Oh;" Lainah muttered, and after a little consideration stood up to step closer. Satisfied that she was close enough for a conversation, she lay down comfortably again, careful to avoid touching Gahntuar. As she was making herself comfortable again, it surprised Merec once again how obviously larger the draine was than his old friend.

"Talking we what?" she finally asked.

"I, don't really know." Merec admitted sheepishly. "What would you like to talk about?"

There was a short, uncomfortable silence before the question that had bothered Lainah burst from her.

"You, Gahntuar. Together why?"

"We kind of saved each other's life." Merec replied without pause. It was not the question he had expected, and feared a little. But he had often thought about giving it as an answer to the questions from townspeople back home. "We didn't want to go our separate ways afterwards and thus remained close."

"You mates?" It was more of a statement than a real question. Yet, the suddenness of the dreaded question caught Merec completely off guard. He coughed a but and was about to deny it out of sheer instinct, when his mind caught up with his thoughts. He knew she had caught them being very intimate with each other, and he had reasoned earlier that lying to her would be a mistake probably best avoided.

True, the two of them had not made a move on each other since they had met Lainah. But that didn't negate the fact that they were indeed mates. With the terrible news of Gahntuar's brother's death, the mood just wasn't there.

"Yes, we are." Merec finally admitted, much to the draine's delight. "Just, don't tell everyone. The other civil species will not understand."

Lainah just smirked at him. Merec realized it was the first time he had seen her smile, and she looked a lot less hostile when she did. In that moment, Merec realized that he might grow to like her as much as he did Gahntuar.

"You take him how?" she allowed her curiosity to get the better of her, oblivious to the human's thoughts. "It not hurting?"

"Oh, it does hurt." Merec admitted, his face suddenly a shade hotter. Yet, he found himself carried along by the sudden eagerness of the draine about the topic and the words just spilled from him. "But it is not painful as before. The worst part is when he ... you know ... well ... pushes in for the first time. But the pain goes away very quickly these days and I enjoy it. Anyway he is always gentle with me, and I ... I don't know how to say this ... I feel safe with him."

"Like Jenour." Lainah sighed, her smirk fading away.

"Tell me about Jenour." Merec said softly, almost afraid of breaking her sudden fragile demeanor.

"Why?" Lainah growled, her lip curling a little back in annoyance.

"Gahntuar barely talked about his past." Merec replied, fighting back a little nervousness. "It might help to talk about it." After a little hesitation, he added truthfully "And I'm curious."

"Not his telling?" Lainah asked, glancing over to where Gahntuar's restless sleep had finally fallen still.

"I guess most of it is his to tell, yes." Merec conceded "But you knew his brother and can talk about that at least. I would like to know what he was like."

"Jenour ..." Lainah started, but then she started to trip over her own tongue. "... kind ... brave ... lo-yal ..."

She fell silent again and as she released a ragged sigh, Merec could sense her mood dropping even lower.

"You miss him, I can tell." he said, trying to break the awkward silence that had fallen on their cold camp. "I can remember when my own dad ... um sire died when I was still young. The world seemed less solid, as if ... as if there suddenly was a hole in its foundation and everything will just come crashing down any moment."

Lainah remained silent, to such an extent that Merec wasn't even sure that she had even listened.

"It is okay to mourn them." he continued. "There is no shame in it, and it will even help..."

"Not till ... red drake dead!" she suddenly snarled, baring her teeth at the human who jumped at the display. The angry draine released a puff of smoke and kneed at the ground as if it was Seghrien's neck she was strangling.

"How long have you been searching for that drake?" Merec asked carefully.

"Week." she admitted. "I searching friend. For help. I seeing you, Gahntuar at stone-ship. I following."

"You used us as bait?" Merec asked, too shocked to remember to be nervous around the draine he did not know.

"I..." Lainah started, but words failed her. She stopped kneading at the ground and looked away, obviously ashamed. "I not knowing red drake attack." she finally muttered.

"Many human, dragon ... friendly, where you from?" she asked to change the topic and to break the heavy, awkward silence.

"No." Merec admitted with a heavy sigh. "Most humans don't get along well with the other species, especially dragons. It is only gryphons, who had played an important role in rescuing humans from extinction when the old kingdoms fell, that we really get along well with. The people I used to call friends have tried several times to get rid of Gahntuar."

"Humans so, why?" the draine asked. Merec wasn't sure if it was out of real curiosity or just to escape confronting her own actions.

"A bad history, I would guess." Merec admitted, allowing the change in topic. "I think it has a lot to do with The Shattering."

"What that?" Lainah prompted.

"Something that happened a long time ago; when the world was turned upside down." Merec replied. When Lainah seemed to settle down a little more comfortably, obviously interested in the bit of history, he continued. "Would you believe me if I told you that humans were the only sentient species some centuries ago?"

Lainah gave an unbelieving snorted, which caused Merec to laugh.

"It is true." he continued with a chuckle. "Okay, some of the other sentient creatures we know today, such as gryphons and phoenixes, were created with magic during a war long ago between the rulers of long lost kingdoms and the magi. It was known as The Second Witch War, but that is another story. During this time, known as the Five Kingdoms, there were only humans. Then most of it was destroyed during The Shattering. All of the Magic Towers were completely destroyed, along with the magi within and the knowledge they held. Even some of the normal buildings used by the rulers of the Kingdoms were destroyed.

"Then came the Divergence of Species. The predominant human population just ... started changing at random into the many species we have today. They would just go to sleep one night and wake up the next morning to find they were no longer human."

"Why it happening?"

"The wild magic? I don't know." Merec admitted with a sigh. "You will have to ask Felicity about it, I think she knows more about it than I do."

"It not sounding bad." Lainah commented with a frown. Okay, maybe waking up one day without her wings would be a shock, but it would hardly be life-shattering.

"Initially it was not." Merec agreed. "But The Shattering involves more than just the destruction of the Circle of Five and the Divergence of Species. You see, as the changes continued to spread, people became frightened, especially without Magi Councils to soothe their fears. The real troubles began when fear eventually turned to violence and they started to fight each other. The anthropes, or rather those that remained human-like, claimed the new 'beastvolk' were a curse that needed to be contained and wiped out. The theranthropes on the other hand said that they alone were blessed by The Creator, and thus had a divine right to oppress those that remained human, the 'unblessed'.

"Things became even worse when it was discovered that each species had a predictable magical quality, and that animal products can impart said quality into a charm or enchantment. Many people were hunted down and killed to be harvested for ingredients."

For a moment he thought back to Felicity's explanation of the Mana Spectrum, and a few things suddenly became clear.

"Humans were especially sought after, because enchantments bolstered with human blood or leather or bone were particularly adept at holding and shaping Mana."

"Sounding bad time." Lainah agreed, nodding a little to herself. As a dragon, she could actually identify with the humans of The Shattering. How many dragons were killed for ingredients?

Merec nodded as well. "Of the five original kingdoms, only Thendor's very core survived in any recognizable form."

They were quiet for a while thereafter, just watching the eastern horizon start to light up with a silvery sky.

"Sun rising." Lainah declared, getting to her feet again. "We going."

"Let Gahntuar sleep a while longer." Merec started to argue. "He needs... "

"I'm awake." Gahntuar muttered, rolling over onto his paws. "Lainah is right, it is time for us to get going."

Merec opened his mouth to argue more, but then swallowed his words. Gahntuar is already awake and there was no telling how long he had been. And judging by how long it took him to fall asleep last night, it was not worth while to have him try to rest a little more. Therefore, he merely nodded and without complaint started to pack up what was left of his camp. They were ready in no time at all, and without wasting any time they took off into the still dark morning sky.

***

Sean Tanner was a rather bulky man, with very little hair on his forearms. One might thing that he grew up as a blacksmith, but Sean (as his surname implies) was in fact one of the numerous leather tanners one may find in Corrumwhell. With hunting one of the prime trades in town, there was no shortage of animal skins to go around, making leather the little town's greatest resource.

Right now, Sean was staring down the scrawny outsider that excelled at doing odd jobs that usually involved traveling abroad.

"Thank you!" Sean replied, but then his smile turn to a frown. "Though, how did you even manage it? The captain of the Swiftwing contacted me just before he departed for Tharral and he assured me that you never boarded the ship we ... I arranged for you."

"A friend of mine was traveling that way in any case, and I was confident that I could complete the journey quicker if I traveled with him." Merec replied quickly with a confident smirk, as if he had practiced that answer to himself a few times before returning to the tannery where Sean held shop. "Turns out I was correct;"

The young man had a point, returning little over a full day before he was expected to, much to the leather-tanner's surprise. What Sean of course could not know, was that Merec had hoped to be back even earlier. However, though the journey back was luckily uneventful, it was slow going due to Gahntuar's injuries and the constant feeling that the dangerous red drake was following them, just out of sight.

"Right" Sean replied obviously unsure of the statement, drawling the word out unnecessarily. Though, there was no arguing the fact that the young adventurer was standing before him this very moment. How had he...?

"I wish you hadn't though," Sean continued. "I had to forfeit the full payment for your cabin."

"Which you've already deducted from my commission;" Merec replied, his smirk fading as he was starting to be annoyed by this string of questions. Finally, he relented with a sigh. "I am sorry for the trouble; I believed I had an opportunity to accomplish your request more efficiently, and I took the initiative."

"It was important that you ... never mind." Sean growled, before calming himself with a sigh as well. As usual there was no proof that the young man had done anything ... dodgy and he had in fact accomplished the task more efficiently than expected, a quality he tried to install into his own apprentices without much success. "Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some skins in the lime that needs tending to."

"Of course," Merec agreed, glad to have the interrogation at an end. "I wish you a good day."

"Who was this friend of yours?" Sean suddenly asked as Merec turned to leave.

"Gahnt' " Merec replied without pause. "I don't think you'll know him; he's from the east of here."

"No, the name doesn't ring a bell." Sean agreed, his voice taking on a dark edge. "Is he a Varanid?"

"No," Merec replied, pondering the question a bit. "The lizard-folk live mainly in the very south of Selebore, and to my knowledge they rarely leave their home-range."

"My mistake," Sean conceded. "Though you have to admit the name does sound reptilian ..."

"I'll tell him you think so." Merec replied, his smirk back as he turned out through the door. He left without giving any other information. Let Sean ponder on that bit of information as he'd like.

Yet, despite his confidence in the face of an old acquaintance, Merec was worried. On his walk back to town, he pondered the leather tanner's words. He was supposed to take the ship? Why? What was there to gain from having him travel one route instead of another?

And why have him leave the peninsula altogether? He had considered it strange that Sean dealt with a strange leather-smith in Tharral directly, and had not gone through the usual suppliers in Perston. But he had dismissed it as Sean trying to expand his business outside the local leather market at the time. Now, he wasn't so sure.

Especially with the 'we' he let slip. Who was this 'we' that had arranged the transport for him. He doubted it was aimed directly against him, so could it be that the whole purpose of his trip was to get him out of town? Away from Gahntuar so that he couldn't interfere again?

Some how he suspected that the answer was yes. Then, why not banish him completely? And come to think about it, what would the town think about the dragon disappearing along with him for the exact few days? Not to mention the appearance of a second dragon. Would their cold indifference change finally to open hostility?

Sean had not mentioned anything about it, but still it was weighing on his mind. But then again, with Gahntuar's current mood he doubted the dragon would make a hassle of himself for a while. The dragon had only dropped Merec off at the little cottage he called home before wordlessly continuing on to one of the caves he regularly stayed in after abandoning the Thirstlands. Lainah followed him equally quiet. So the town would probably not make the connection that the dragon was gone along with the worrisome adventurer.

He was still lost in thought when a challenge interrupted his pondering.

"Who goes there?"

Merec looked up, surprised to see that he had already arrived at the southern gate to the town. The title 'Gate' was probably a bit of an overstatement: the stoneworks itself was still in relative good order, but the heavy cast-iron gate that had hung there during the dark age had long since gone, lending it the now appropriate name of the 'Broken Gate'.

A movement to his right drew Merec's attention and he turned to see Iago approach him. Merec knew the dark brown gryphon from childhood, when as a young lad he and a few friends would get into trouble for stealing old Gerald the Grouch's peaches. As the youngest recruit to the town guard, Iago had to come and intervene back then. Though Merec had always seem to get into some kind of harmless trouble, the old gryphon had always had a soft spot for him. That is, until he had caught Merec cutting the ropes that operated the one arm of a Ballista meant to kill the dragon that had recently taken up residence in the hills somewhere just north of town. Something seemed to have died in old Iago that day and he never treated Merec quite the same again.

"Iago!" Merec greeted his old friend, who only gave an indignant snort. "What are you doing down here at the gatehouse?"

It was a bit of a stupid question. Even though Iago was one of only a handful of gryphons living in a mainly human town, Iago had worked hard and diligently, eventually rising to the rank of Deputy Town Sheriff. It was a position he was very proud of and he took it very seriously, therefore he was most likely out on his rounds to inspect the town guards at their posts.

"Where have you come from?" Iago challenged, ignoring the greeting as if Merec was just a stranger passing through.

"I just came from Sean's place." Merec replied with a frown, pointing with a thumb over his shoulder. "He asked me to deliver ..."

"Yeah, I heard!" the old gryphon interrupted him. "But shouldn't you still be out at sea?"

"I got home early." Merec replied with a sudden frown of his own. Was the old gryphon part of that 'we' Sean had let slip? "I was just going to see my mother and get some supplies at The Trappers Rest, then I'll be heading out north again. I'm tired after the journey, you know."

Iago squinted suspiciously at the human. For a moment it seemed as if he wanted to ask something else, but he withheld himself.

"Fine," Iago grumbled. "But I don't want to catch you causing trouble again!"

"I'll be through town before you know it!" Merec muttered in kind and continued through the gate, ignoring the two guards on station. The human and another gryphon were both glaring silently at him, and Merec could guess that they were just itching for an excuse to deny him entry.

A bubble of silence seemed to follow him as he walked down the main road of the small town, and for a moment the tension in the air seemed to get to him. For that moment, he considered just going to the first inn he passed, The Catarrii's Pledge for all of his supplies, but thought better of it. Better not to let the opinions of others get to him.

Instead, he continued on his way, whistling an odd tune to himself to hide his own unease, though it made it only that more obvious. Eventually, he turned down a small, insignificant close just before he passed the building that served as the Town Hall and headed down to the river. He finally stopped by a nondescript wooden door, hesitating for a moment before knocking on it with a sharp rap of his knuckles.

"Coming!" an old, frail voice answered from the other side.

Merec did not have to wait long before the door opened to reveal a tiny, frail woman who looked much older than her true years. She was thin of body, her hair gant and a little dull, but her eyes still sparkled with a desire for life and happiness.

"Oh, Merec, my boy!" she beamed and her smile seemed to lift a few years from her.

"Hullo, mom!" Merec greeted as he gave her a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm good," the older woman smiled. "Come in, come in. I must apologize for the state of the place; I wasn't expecting you back until the day after tomorrow; You did say you'd be gone for at least twelve days, right?"

"I got home a little early." Merec returned the smile. He noticed two empty cups of tea on the little table in the small sitting room as he entered. "You had company?"

"Sir Harold came by to check up on me while you were away;" she mumbled shyly, quickly taking the cups from Merec as he picked them up.

"The old Royal Guard?" Merec asked surprised. Sir Harald had retired surprisingly early as Captain of the Royal Guard and rather than settle down in the city where he grew up, he had decided to live out the rest of his life here in the far north of the kingdom. When asked why he chose to settle here, he had claimed that the town had been a favorite hunting destination of his father and that he had always loved coming here for the autumn. Yet, Merec had heard rumors that he had once admitted that something had called him here, though for what he did not know. "I'm glad someone is also looking out for you. I was worried that the town would shun you like they shunned me..."

"Oh, Merec!" his mother tried to soothed him, but she was unable to hide the worry in her voice. "The town didn't shun you, they ... they just don't understand why you did what you did."

"They think I'm the dragon's pet!" Merec muttered dejectedly. The problem of course was that there was more truth to the statement than he would like to admit.

"Nonsense, they don't think that!" she declared, but then had to concede "Okay, maybe they do. But I know who you truly are: you are a kind and sensitive man who will do what is right, no matter what others may say. I believe there was a very good reason for you to have done what you have."

"Now," she decided with a strength of will that was reminiscent of her younger years. "Let us forget the worries and gossips of the rest of town and just enjoy a nice cup of tea together."

***

"... tell you, he is in league with the dragon. How else can you explain how easily that monster avoids ..."

The drunk at one end of the bar quieted down when his friend franticly hushed him. As usual, Merec had barely stepped into The Trapper's Rest when an uneasy hush fell over the common area of the inn. Still, he had heard enough of the comment to guess what the general conversation had been about.

Suppressing a groan, he stepped up to the bar. Better to get this over with before all the good mood he had built up when visiting his mother evaporated.

"Merec" the overweight man behind the counter greeted him. The green parakeet on his shoulder chirped excitedly, uncaring of the new arrival's infamy.

"Welcome to The Rest; Welcome to The Rest." the parakeet chirped suddenly, before resuming its usual tweets and twerps.

"Hi there, Kael" Merec returned the greeting. He unceremoniously dumped the backpack he was carrying on the ground, though he was careful not to rattle what he had already bought at the market square too much. Kael was an old childhood friend with whom Merec often got in trouble, and right now one of the few people in town still willing to talk to him directly.

"What'll it be?" Kael asked. The owner of The Trapper's Rest was a stout businessman and didn't let popular opinion get in the way of a good deal. Which was why he was one of few who didn't mind still trading with Merec. Luckily for the unpopular adventurer, he was also a fair man and didn't exploit his old friend. The only other people he could easily trade with were the traveling merchants who set up temporary shops in the market square, as they usually rotated quite regularly and never stayed long enough to hear about his run in with the Ballista.

"I still need a few supplies I couldn't find in the market." Merec replied with a tired sigh, listing a few things he'd need for the final preparations before winter. Despite its size, Corrumwhell was the largest town in the vicinity and with the Market Square it was an important business hub. Therefore, there were almost always a large selection of stalls in the market. That was, except for winter when the town was almost completely cut off from the rest of the peninsula.

"Just a moment, I'll get Celine to fetch those for you from the back." Kael replied, his usual businesslike self.

As Kael talked to his wife, Merec turned to quickly look over the crowd in the inn. There were a surprising number of beastvolk that were staying over, more than when he had last been in town. They were obviously adventurers, no doubt here to try their hand at slaying the local dragon and collecting the reward offered by Declan, the owner of the largest inn in town, a place called the Gryphon's Roost.

The thought made his stomach churn with worry. For a second, he thought of Felicity's invitation to travel to the Amber Tower. If he could not broker some kind of peace between Gahntuar and the town, it might be best to leave the peninsula for good. But did he really want to leave everything he knew behind?

And then there was the issue regarding his... what was it called again... evoceather. There was no way he could admit that his sudden magical ability came from sucking off a dragon. No matter how understanding anyone would be, he doubted they would remain supportive of the strange pair if that were to come out.

A strange group in one dim corner suddenly caught his attention. Consisting of three humans, a wolf and a fox, they appeared to be some form of mercenary group, all dressed in bright white tunics, with what appeared to be a stylized fire that consisted of five red and orange flames embroidered on their chest, just left of center. One, whom he assumed was their leader, had an equally bright white cape and his clothes were decorated with an impressive golden trimming. Yet, unlike the regular adventurers who eyed him with a wary curiosity or the townspeople who actively avoided him, this group stared with unmasked hostility at Merec with what he felt as an almost hateful intensity.

"I wouldn't make eye contact with them if I were you." Kael warned him.

"Who...?" Merec started to ask, turning back to the innkeeper. But it was already too late. Merec barely noticed that most of the patrons of the inn was starting to get up as quickly as possible without appearing to be in a hurry to leave.

"Have a nice day!" the parakeet called out to the fleeing patrons, its cheerful voice at complete odds with the sudden chill in the atmosphere.

"Hey you!" A gruff voice addressed Merec, and with a violent yank he was spun around to face the leader of the group in white. "I assume you are the dragon's thrall I have heard so much about."

"The... what?" Merec blinked, caught off guard for a moment.

"If you admit it, and seek our help, we can offer you aid against the Shadowspawn." the man continued. His clean shaven face appeared to be very young, much too young to hold any kind of real military rank. Yet, he held himself like a trained and well disciplined soldier with years of experience. "If not ..." he continued in the threatening tone of voice he had addressed Merec first.

Merec suddenly noticed that, though the man was gripping him by his collar, his other hand was gripping his sword tightly. Even as Merec caught sight of the man's sword-hand, the grip tightened in a wordless threat.

"Sorry, but ... but who are you?" a still confused Merec managed to get out. To Merec's surprise, the leader blinked in surprise.

"You ... don't know?"

"I've been out of town for a few days." Merec replied, eying that sword wearily. "Lot's to catch up, you know."

The news seemed to trouble the leader of the band in white immensely. Without letting Merec go, he turn to the innkeeper.

"Is he telling the truth?" he demanded.

"As far as I know." Kael replied quickly, his own voice betraying a hint of nerves.

"You can confirm with Sean Tanner!" Merec suddenly spoke up, a little confidence returning. "His tannery is a few minutes outside town. Just go through the southern gate and head straight. You can't miss it."

"We will be sure to visit him then." the leader in white sneered, letting Merec go with such force that he nearly toppled over had it not been for the counter of the bar itself. Without another word, the leader in white turned and with a simple wave of his hand, the entire band stood up to wordlessly follow him. They filed out of the inn as if the place was beneath them.

"Have a nice day!" the parakeet called cheerfully after them as they left. But before the one in charge exited the door, he turned around to point an accusing finger at Merec.

"Make no mistake, We will be keeping an eye on you."

And with that, they were gone.

"What was that about?" Merec asked, straightening his shirt out.

"That, was Sir John Adulsworth." Kael replied, a sigh of relief betraying his thoughts. "He is a captain of the new Alliance of Light."

Merec gave a rude snort at that.

"The Alliance was disbanded after the fall of Juinkarr." he stated. "Even I know that."

"Supposedly," Kael agreed "but for some reason, it is being reestablished. I am not completely sure, but it is something about the Black Fortress rising again before the planet Sarrum passes through the constellation of The Guard." At Merec's blank look, he quickly added "That is in the next ten years for us common folk."

"I highly doubt that." Merec muttered, but the memory of a Mana-wielding dragon suddenly tugged at his thoughts.

"I can fully imagine that is what they said before The Shattering..." Kael commented, oblivious to Merec's sudden doubts.

Merec only made some non-committal noise.

"Anyway," Kael continued "once news of our dragon reached Lendor, this new version of the Alliance of Light was very quick to connect the dots as some kind of premonition of the imminent rise of Juinkarr. So they have come to investigate and to stop this Shadowspawn in its tracks"

"And killing one dragon will stop the rising of Juinkarr?" Merec muttered dubiously.

Whatever Kael was about to answer to that was interrupted by the arrival of Celine, who brought Merec's request.

"Here you go." she muttered. As with the rest of town, she was not really willing to be seen speaking to Merec, even though the common-room of the inn was now mostly deserted. Still, Merec had the feeling that she was trying to act professional for her husband's sake.

"Thank you, Celine." Merec replied, trying to be courteous but his own reply was a bit stiff. As Celine returned to the back, Merec counted out the coins he owed Kael.

"What did he mean by dragon's thrall?" Merec asked as he handed over his payment.

"The latest theory is that the dragon brainwashed you in some way to sabotage that Ballista." Kael admitted with a bit of an exaggerated sigh. "It was first suggested by Sir Adulsworth himself, but the small band of Alliance members were quite the advocates for the theory."

"That's new." Merec chuckled, but Kael only scowled at him.

"This is no laughing matter!" he reprimanded Merec. "Without a proper reason for your actions, people will jump to any conclusions. And best keep yourself scarce around those Alliance guys. They were actually talking of having you executed as a shadow-cohort."

Merec snorted in surprise at the news. "Why?"

"Why else would you endanger the whole town just to save a dragon?" Kael countered.

"But I told you; the dragon has not caused any harm." Merec replied, now suddenly really worried. "Okay, he likes to play a prank on the town from time to time, but no-one has ever been hurt or had any property damaged by the creature, has it? We are better off not provoking it."

"That doesn't matter to the Alliance." Kael grumbled. "'It is our duty to oppose all forms of evil.' Anyway, Declan won't agree with you that the dragon hasn't caused any trouble."

"He over-exaggerates." Merec snorted rudely as he started to pack his new supplies away. "What is it this time. Did the dragon scare his son-in-law's chickens?"

"Close enough." Kael replied with a smirk, despite himself. "The dragon was quiet for a few days, then it made off with a prize stallion of his just five days ago."

"I seriously doubt the dragon could carry off a prize stallion." Merec grumbled.

"You know he is the richest man in Corrumwhell?" Kael replied, having regained some of his composure. "You cannot just accuse him of lying about something like that."

'Sure I can!' Merec thought to himself. 'Five days ago, that dragon was fighting for his life outside Tharrall.' Yet, he didn't voice his thoughts even to Kael. Tensions were still very high and with this pretend Alliance of Light in town 'observing' him, he felt even less safe to openly challenge the town's view over his dragon friend.

"Anyway," Kael continued optimistic, oblivious to Merec's thoughts "that claim of his is the only thing that has saved you from the Alliance. And at least it kind of puts a damper on the running Dragon's Thrall Theory making the rounds, don't you think. How could you leave the dragon's side if it had that kind of control over you?"

"Right, lucky me." Merec muttered dejectedly. "I should be going, stop hindering your business, right?"

Kael just snorted at the comment.

"You take care now." he said. "I'd hate to see something happen to you out there."

"Thanks." Merec gave a genuine smile as he turned to leave. "You have a good day now."

"You two."

***

Felicity was relieved to be finally able to disembark at the ancient port of Perston. She may have grown up with a love of the sea, but she never got used to life on the open water itself. Most of the trip had been spend either in her cabin or leaning over the railing on the deck. She did not relish the return trip to the Arthulle Lowlands and hoped that she would be able to convince one of the dragons to carry her there.

For a moment she wondered: did one get motion sickness in the air like on the open ocean? With a snort to herself she dismissed the thought. She had more pressing matters to concentrate on. Like getting to the rest of the group before that red drake found them.

It was still early morning, yet the port was already surprisingly busy. Even more surprising was the substantial number of theranthopes milling about. She had always understood that the 'beastvolk' were not very welcome on the peninsula, yet what she was seeing contradicted everything she had heard. Then again, it was a port which was more in contact with the rest of Selebore. The interior of the peninsula might still be very xenophobic.

As she walked down the gangplank, her thoughts turned to the three strange companions that had traveled to the northern province of the peninsula on their own. She was a bit annoyed that she was not with them; okay very annoyed. But the dragons were just difficult: the black one didn't want to let Merec out of his sight, which the vixen could understand. But the white one was just inconsiderate. Still, she hoped they were still okay and that the red drake had not caught up to them.

Banishing her worries, she made her way over to one of the city guards.

"Excuse me, sir?" she asked "but could you please point me in the direction of Corrumwhell?"

Much to the vixen's surprise, the guard gave an annoyed sigh.

"You also here to slay the dragon everyone's talking about?" he asked with a bit of a rude scoff. "If you ask me, I think it is just a ploy to get more travelers to pass through that way. A dragon, seriously?"

"Yes, I'm here for the dragon," Felicity admitted, suddenly even more worried. A rumor of Gahntuar this far away was definitely worrisome, especially the mention of slaying him. "But I want to study it. I'm curious as to why a dragon could travel so far removed from any other of it's kin."

"Well, the Alliance of Light claims that it is a premonition of the third rising of Juinkarr;" the guard declared, laughing at what he considered a great joke. "I think you are wasting your time. There is no dragon up north, the gryphons that live in the upper spine will not allow such a dangerous beast to settle anywhere on the peninsula ... um that is the northern section of the Garban’s Back Ridge if you were unsure."

"Still, I'd like to have a look myself." Felicity insisted.

"Suit yourself." the guard sighed annoyed. Then a sudden air of professionalism seemed to drop over him. "Go down this road and turn right as soon as you leave the harbor. Then, follow the main street over the great bridge and turn right just after you pass the Great Royal Hotel. Follow the street out of town and take the first fork you find to the left. Corrumwhell is a good day's travel along that road, so you should be there just after nightfall."

"Thank you." Felicity greeted him, quickly rushing off with new worries occupying her thoughts.

***

It was a worried Merec that traveled into the deeper parts of the forest when Gahntuar didn't show up the next morning at the small cabin he called home. Luckily, the human found the dragon at only the second cave he usually frequented. However, Gahntuar was alone, curled up in a tight ball, obviously still deep in mourning.

"Hi Gahntuar." Merec said softly as he approached the dragon. "Are you okay?

Gahntuar only gave a weak grunt and flicked a slender ear at the human. Feeling a bit like he was trespassing, Merec nevertheless sat down next to where the head lay on a patch of moss. With a hesitant hand, he started to scratch the moaping dragon behind an ear. He smiled when he earned a soft rumble of appreciation from Gahntuar, and had to force down the sudden thought that the dragon could be just like a big pet at times.

"Have you eaten anything yet?" Merec finally asked, as much as to break the silence as out of true concern. Gahntuar just repeated his huff from earlier.

"Look, I'm just worried about you." Merec admitted with a defeated sigh. "I haven't seen you this depressed before."

"Don't be." Gahntuar finally spoke up, though it was still only a halfhearted mutter.

Merec opened his mouth to argue, but then thought better of it. They were silent for another few minutes, until Merec couldn't stand the silence anymore. Some say that silence is golden, but this silence was corrosive.

"Where is Lainah?" he asked, hoping to change topic into something that could carry a conversation.

"Off hunting, exploring, I don't know." Gahntuar replied, though he didn't sound like he even cared at all.

"I hope she doesn't take livestock on her hunt." Merec muttered absentmindedly.

"Is that all you care about?" Gahntuar suddenly snapped. He lifted his head to stare at Merec, his crest raised in obvious anger.

"I'm worried about what she might do, yes!" Merec snapped back. "The town already doesn't trust you and I'm worried that her actions might make them openly hostile! They are already... "

"Well I've heard enough about them!" Gahntuar growled. "It is always the townspeople this and the townspeople that! The river can flood and wash them all away for all I care!"

"You can't mean that!" Merec gasped, aghast at the venom in the dragon's voice.

"And why not?" Gahntuar demanded. "I keep my distance, minding my own business, but it is not enough. It is like I have to fly through a storm front just to keep them happy and I'm sick and tired of it. They want to be seen as great predators, but they act like frightened prey! And it irritate me to no end."

Merec tried to calm the angry dragon down, but found that he could not argue the points the dragon made.

"Why don't you just leave them?" Gahntuar continued, a little calmer but still on edge. "We can go wherever we want, do whatever we want."

"It's not as easy as that, and you know it." Merec sighed. "And anyway, you also know that we will still have to bide by any rules of the places we visit, wherever we go."

"Not if we keep to ourselves..." Gahntuar whispered a little overeager.

"You know that won't work either!" Merec grumbled. "We civil species need civil contact."

"I'd hardly call them civil." Gahntuar replied, the irritated growl returning to his voice.

"Just ... give them time." Merec sighed. "I'm sure they will come to accept you once they realize their fears are not coming true."

"And how long will that take?" Gahntuar hissed.

"I don't know." Merec admitted, a little disappointed himself. "Some time I suspect."

"And what have you done about it?" Gahntuar suddenly growled, leaning in closer to the human. "Have you ever stood up for me? Have you ever been honest to your precious town about us? Have you ever admitted to being friends with me?"

"I..." Merec replied, surprised by the sudden cross-examination. But then his demeanor fell and he had to admit the truth to the dragon. He owed that at least to him. "No."

Gahntuar growled deep in his throat. It was a threatening sound Merec had rarely heard from the large predator and now that it was directed at him, he suddenly felt very small. Even though this was his best friend ... wasn't he?

"And tell me," Gahntuar suddenly snapped. "How are they supposed to accept me if you don't stand up for me?"

"I have to be careful that the town doesn't over react to the news." Merec shot back. "And I do take your..."

"Or do you not tell them the truth because you don't want to be pushed away from them?" Gahntuar interrupted him. "You said yourself: 'Civil species need civil contact'" The last part was said with such a degrading sneer that Merec felt he had betrayed the dragon's friendship.

"I..." he hesitated. Was Gahntuar right? Did he avoid telling the truth to avoid the complete abandonment of those he had grown up with?

"I am not ashamed of being your friend." Gahntuar continued to push. "I have never tried to hide it. We dragons don't care what others think about us. We are who we are and we will not pretend to be something we are not. Unlike you 'civil' species, who will go through great lengths and live up to several lies just to be accepted by the majority of the crowd. Unlike you, I have never pretended to be something I'm not!"

"Oh really? Then tell me this;" Merec asked suddenly irritated at the dragon's condescending tone. When Gahntuar grunted an affirmative, Merec dared to ask. "What was the deal with that other drake calling you 'Shameblood'?"

"N-nothing." Gahntuar snapped all too quickly, pulling his head back defensively. He suddenly felt cold as his entire argument started to crumble before him.

"Nothing?" Merec replied, a slight growl to his own voice now. "Didn't seem like nothing then; and definitely doesn't seem like nothing now;"

A dead silence lingered for a good minute as the two just stared at each other. Then, with a disappointed sigh, Merec suddenly got up to leave. With cold realization, Gahntuar suddenly knew that his greatest secret will need to be told, or he may never look at Merec again without feeling guilty about accusing the human of what he himself was actually guilty of.

But did he trust Merec with this?

"He ... he called me Shameblood because ..." Gahntuar started to speak, his mouth absolutely dry all of a sudden as Merec turned back to face him. He cast a quick glance around to make sure they were still alone, before everything just tumbled from his maw without check. "my-sire-is-also-my-sire-two-generations-past!"

Gahntuar stared wide eyed at Merec, as if not believing he had actually had the courage to say it aloud.

"You ... what?" Merec frowned, trying to puzzle the dragon's confession out. "Your father is ... also your grandfather?"

"Ignehur, son of Lunintur was my sire and ... and ..." Gahntuar started to explain, but he found himself unable to speak the truth again. But then it clicked for Merec.

"Your father impregnated his own daughter;" Merec gasped, more than a little shocked. Even a little revolted. He suddenly felt a little woozy and had to take a step back or risk toppling over onto his buttocks.

"M-Merec?" Gahntuar whispered, all the anger and frustration at the town evaporated leaving only a cold dread behind.

All he received in reply was silence.

"We're ... still good right?" Gahntuar added, slowly getting to his forepaws.

"It's just a rather sudden ..." Merec admitted. But then, something else clicked in his mind and the human could actually feel his face heat up in anger.

"You're a real hypocrite, you know that?" he snapped, taking a threatening step towards the larger creature, who for his part flinched away. "You accuse me of being a poor friend, for not being honest to others for the sake of being accepted. All while you are going the exact same thing!"

"I... I'm... " Gahntuar stuttered, but Merec did not let him finish.

"You know what; I don't care anymore." the human sneered, waving a dismissive hand at the dragon as he turned around to leave. "Do whatever you want. I don't want to be keeping you from being yourself. Lie down and stay gloomy if you'd like."

"Merec wait..." Gahntuar called after him. For a moment, he considered tackling the human to the ground and forcing him to listen to his explanation, but what was there to say?

"I need some time alone." was Merec's only reply before he disappeared back down the slope towards the south. Towards town.

***

Merec had never been so glad to see that the common room of the inn was completely deserted when he entered The Trapper's Rest. Without another glance around, he walked straight to the bar and sat down on one of the tall chairs with a heavy plunk.

"Welcome to The Rest; Welcome to The Rest." the parakeet chirped suddenly, before resuming its usual nonstop series of excited tweets and twerps, as if to convince Merec that the world was not as bleak as he thought it was. The bird was not as usual on the innkeeper's shoulder, but sitting now in its own cage in a corner behind the counter. It was the first time Merec could remember seeing it in the cage.

"Everything okay?" Kael asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I just need a drink." Merec muttered, tossing a coin onto the counter with an air of indifference that didn't suit him.

"Don't you think it is a bit early... " Kael started to ask, but halted when Merec just glared at him.

"Does it look like I give a damn right now?" he muttered.

"Shut the fuck up and give me a drink!" the parakeet declared, much to Kael's horror. At least the comment gave Merec's mood a much needed lift and he grinned for the first time since leaving Gahntuar.

"Jihni!" Kael reprimanded his pet, before wordlessly going round back to retrieve the first keg of ale for the day.

"I thought he had stopped swearing." Merec commented still grinning as Kael uncorked the keg and fitted the tap.

"I don't think they ever stop once they learned something." Kael grumbled, as he poured the requested drink. He handed the foaming mug to Merec and slid the coin off the counter.

"You want to talk about it?" Kael asked as Merec started to drink.

"No" was Merec's only reply between gulps.

"Talking will help." the innkeeper insisted, but Merec only shook his head.

"Trust me, in this case it will make things worse." he replied cryptically, looking down at the suddenly much less filled mug as if surprised that he had already downed a third of it.

"Look, there will be other girls, you'll see." Kael offered his wisdom. "This isn't the end."

Merec choked on the ale he was swallowing at that moment.

"What makes you think this is about a girl?" Merec asked surprised.

"I've been working in the inn for most of my life, and I've learned to recognize the signs of a lover's quarrel." Kael grinned.

"I didn't have a lover's quarrel!" Merec declared vehemently, but he couldn't help but think of Gahntuar mounting him. A sudden blush betrayed his thoughts, making Kael laugh.

"Of course not." Kael chuckled.

"Oh, shut up." Merec grumbled and risked another swig of ale.

"Shut the fuck up!" Jihni repeated, earning a harmless swat with a cloth from Kael. The parakeet squawked indignant before resuming its happy, careless chirps.

"I'm always here for when you are ready to talk about it." Kael stated, before he turned back to preparing the inn's common room for the day.

"Can I ask you something?" Merec suddenly spoke up after drinking more of his ale in silence for a while. "Suppose this is a lover's quarrel, why do people that enjoy each others company argue at all? How can you stop it from happening?"

"That is a difficult thing to comment on." Kael said from across the room. "I don't think you can ever stop arguing. Just remember that we are all different; we will never see the world exactly like anyone else does.

"And that is a good thing:" Kael declared, turning to Merec with a smirk. "Imagine we were all the same, what a boring world it would be." Then he became serious again. "And more importantly, we would never be able to move forward in life, never appreciate anything new ... never realize when we are wrong and never have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes.

"To answer your question, I'd say don't try to stop arguing. Learn to view the world from another point of view without completely giving up your own individuality. Celebrate your differences as much as what you have in common. And don't try to force someone else to become a second you, unless you will be willing to do the same."

Kael returned to cleaning the table he was working on, leaving Merec alone to ponder his advice. Merec sat there, brooding over his half filled mug. Gahntuar was definitely in the wrong this time, but with Kael's words ringing in his ears, he couldn't stop feeling guilty himself. He couldn't deny that the dragon had a point as well. Then again, was he any better? How often had he not tried to press Gahntuar into a direction for nothing more than his own comfort.

Merec swirled the amber liquid around in his mug. Was it maybe not him who was in the wrong here? He should remember that Gahntuar was grieving; and how many times had he not lashed out at friends when his father had died? Should he not be there for the dragon, despite what the big lizard said to him?

"Oh yeah," Kael suddenly interrupted his thoughts. "There was a vixen here yesterday, looking for you. By name, nonetheless."

Merec raised an eyebrow. He had completely forgotten about Felicity that was meant to join up with them again.

"I didn't want to tell her where your father's old hunting cabin was," Kael continued, reading Merec's expression wrong "so I told her I'd let you know when I saw you again. I'm supposed to tell you that she is staying over at The Catarrii's Pledge."

"Thanks." Merec replied "I was actually expecting her to come by tomorrow, though."

"Who is she?" Kael asked curiously.

Merec took another swig of ale, hoping he appeared nonchalant about it. But in truth, he was rather worried. He had to be careful about what he said. There were already queries about him regarding the dragon, and he did not want to let his sudden skills with magic become known and complicate matters further.

"Just someone I met last week while away on Sean's delivery." Merec replied, not wanting to lie outright to his last remaining friend in town. "She has taken an interest in me for some reason, not sure just what. Maybe it has something to do with my trip to the Thirstlands last year?"

He suddenly felt a pang of guilt as he remember Gahntuar's accusations of earlier.

"Just be careful." Kael warned him. "There is something strange about her, I tell you."

Merec drained his mug and got up to leave.

"I'll do that. " he smiled. "And thank you for the advice, I really needed to hear that."

"About the vixen or your lady friend... or both?" Kael asked with a smirk.

"Both, I guess." Merec said as he started for the door. Then suddenly he stopped and with an indignant tone, added "And no, she is not the lover I had a quarrel with! I barely know her!"

"So, you admit that there was a lover." Kael smirked.

"It wasn't a lover's quarrel!" Merec insisted again. Kael only laughed heartily at him.

"You take care, now." he called after Merec as the young adventurer exited the inn.

"Will do." Merec returned the greeting. "You have a good day as well."

And then he was gone.

***

Gahntuar was still curled up in a tight ball, feeling incredibly sorry for himself when Lainah returned. She landed without a care in the world, confident in the knowledge that she was the top predator for miles around. The nearby town of humans didn't really concern her, she just needed to avoid them and they wouldn't bother her.

Lainah stepped closer to the sulking drake.

"This is actually a very nice territory you have here. " she commented in the harsh growls of draconian speech. "I wouldn't have expected something like this in the Catarrum Mountains. Whenever I think of the Catarrums, I think of the Thirstlands... "

A sudden scent caught in her nostrils, and for a moment she looked around worriedly. But then she recognized the smell of human as being the one she had met with Gahntuar and she relaxed a bit.

"Was Merec here?" she asked surprised. "He knows where your lair is?"

Gahntuar only mumbled an affirmative.

"Where is he now?"

"Gone." Gahntuar almost wailed, on the verge of crying again.

"Gone?" Lainah asked, not comprehending what the drake meant. "What do you mean 'gone'?"

"I ... I think I chased him away." Gahntuar sniffled. "I pushed him too much, accused him of being ashamed of me, while I was also hiding things from him as well."

"I assume you are referring to your incestuous ancestorage?" Lainah stated bluntly. Gahntuar looked up to stare at her surprised.

"I don't care either way." Lainah declared, much to Gahntuar's surprise. He was about to ask her how she knew when she offered the explanation herself. "Jenour told me before he even considered taking me as mate. He felt that I had the right to know about it, that I needed to know about it before we started a family together."

This revelation made Gahntuar feel even worse.

"I... I never told my mates the truth." he admitted, deeply ashamed.

"Most draines will have held it against you, so I guess it's probably for the best you did." Lainah commented nonchalantly. "Your human on the other hand, I think won't."

"You think so?" Gahntuar asked hopefully. "Like you accepted my brother?"

Lainah snorted an affirmative. "I accepted Jenour as he is ... was. I wouldn't have wanted to change him into something else, no matter what his flaws were."

Gahntuar couldn't help but think of Merec at that statement. He also loved the human for who he was. What had come over him to try and change that? Could it be that he didn't really love the human as he thought he did? No, that wasn't it; he knew he would die to protect Merec. Yet, instead of the usual warmth, the realization only made him feel even more alone.

Lainah, seemingly oblivious to the drake's thoughts, shifted to take flight again.

"I found a small cave more to the. north of here, further away from the human town." she announced. "I just came to let you know that I'll be moving in there for the time being."

"Would you accept me, like ... like you did Jenour?" Gahntuar suddenly blurted out as he got to his feet. He was not even sure himself where the question came from. He only knew that he was suddenly desperate for companionship, and seeing the draine prepare to take her leave sent him into a slight panic.

Lainah did not appreciate the question. She rounded on Gahntuar angrily and growled in obvious threat at him.

"No," she hissed. "I am not interested in a mounting from my dead mate's brother."

"I didn't mean it like that!" Gahntuar declared quickly. He had meant it as an innocent question, yet now he was not sure how true it was himself. "I ... I just want to be friends."

"I'm only sticking around because I know Seghrien will one day seek you out again." Lainah hissed, giving a threatening step towards Gahntuar. "And when he does, I'll be waiting for him."

Without another word, Lainah took flight, leaving a stunned Gahntuar behind.

"Lucky me!" he muttered, his haunches collapsing to the ground again. He risked a glance towards town, thinking about Merec and his recent actions towards him. Now, he deeply regretted getting angry with the human, what he said and how he said it. It was unfair of him to ask Merec to abandon society completely, the Great Creator had never intended the civil species to be alone. Not even dragons remained alone long.

And how dare he demand Merec to change for his benefit while he was unwilling to change for the human's benefits as well. He sighed and allowed his head to hang limply in defeat. Merec was right, he was a real hypocrite.

He sniffed back a sob and collapsed completely. The last time he had felt this alone was when he had discovered the burnt ruins of Eydelvise Palace. But unlike then, this time it was fully his fault.

For a moment he considered leaving the Garbanan behind, like he did the Ealyndore forest. But where would he go? Return back to the solitude of the Thirstlands? The wastes along the Sand River where he could remain alone?

But he didn't want to be that alone again. He already missed his human.He needed to talk to Merec again. He needed to make things right.

But could he face the human?

***

It didn't take long for Merec to walk to the other side of town. The Catarrii's Pledge was probably the best known inn in town, second maybe only to the Gryphon's Roost itself. It was an old, but well maintained building and it was easy to believe the rumors that it dated from the time of the ancient Barthon Empire.

He entered the building and ignored the now expected sneer from the surprisingly young owner.

"Good morning," he returned the hostile greeting with an irritatingly jovial one. "I heard that one of your patrons was looking for me? Her name is... "

"Merec!" Felicity called from the hallway to the rooms, apparently on her way out.

"Never mind, thanks." he smirked at the innkeeper, and quickly turned to greet the vixen properly.

"How are you?" she asked as they shared a rather awkward hug.

"I'm well enough, thank you." he lied, smiling to hide the worry he felt. "And you? How was the trip here."

"I'm glad it is finally done." she admitted. "And the accommodation here is good, before you ask." She suddenly motioned to the outside. "Care to take a walk with me?"

"Of course." Merec agreed quickly, realizing that Felicity most likely wanted to talk about magic where no-one could hear. A fact that he could appreciate.

"Who are the Catarrii?" she asked as they left the inn. "And what pledge did they make?"

"The Catarrii were an ancient clan of humans who fled away from the Barthon Empire in the first century of the First Age." Merec explained. "They famously found a route through the Catarrum Mountains, hence the name. The common myth has it that they had gathered here, before their near mythical trek over the mountains to pledge their undying devotion to Nixoruma if she granted them safe passage off the peninsula."

They were silent as they walked towards the Market Square at the center of town, where activity was already picking up enough for them to talk without worrying about being overheard.

"What is this about a bounty on Gahntuar's head." Felicity suddenly hissed when she was sure the wrong ears wouldn't hear. "And every time I mention your name, the temperature seems to drop a bit."

"The town is scared of a dragon suddenly appearing." Merec growled irritated. "And I was caught a few months ago tampering with one of the Ballistas meant to kill him."

"Why don't you change their minds?" Felicity asked, the similarities with Gahntuar's accusations giving Merec a slight shiver.

"Didn't you just say that the temperature drops whenever my name is mentioned?" Merec asked with a frown. Eventually he sighed. "It is easier said than done, I'm afraid. The peninsula is rather isolated from the rest of the world, and opinions here won't change quickly just because one guy says so."

"I guess you're right." Felicity conceded. "How is that big lizard anyway?"

"Still mourning." Merec muttered, his mood suddenly darkening. Felicity was quick to pick it up.

"What happened?" she demanded worriedly.

"What do you mean?" Merec asked, hoping to downplay it.

"I can tell something is wrong." Felicity snapped, not in the mood for games. "Now, out with it."

"We had an argument." Merec admitted with a sigh. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "We just need some time to cool off."

After his chat with Kael, Merec already felt guilty about how he had abandoned Gahntuar, instead of supporting the dragon who had obviously needed him. And how could he be upset with Gahntuar for what his parents did. How could he even be upset at the two dragons he didn't even know, come to think about it? Wasn't he himself sexually involved with Gahntuar, another species and another male onto of that. He accused Gahntuar of being a hypocrite while he was no better.

Gahntuar was a good friend and he already missed the dragon's sense of humor and his general positive demeanor. Merec suddenly regretted pushing him so hard to conform to society... to his view of things.

He was a fool, and couldn't help but wonder if Gahntuar would forgive him for his rash behavior. It was, however, that worry that kept him in town.

"You haven't told anyone that I'm a magus?" Felicity suddenly pulled him from his musings.

"No." he admitted. "The people here already mistrust me because I dared to help Gahntuar. Who knows what will happen if I throw magic into the mix."

"People here don't know you are friends with Gahntuar?" Felicity asked.

"No," Merec admitted again, feeling a bit awkward about it. "I don't want to kick the hornet's nest. They are aware that there is something going on, but it is only speculation."

"Then have you considered my offer to return with me to the Amber Tower?" she risked the question again.

"It is a bit too complicated to just leave here." Merec replied with a shake of his head. Then suddenly he frowned. "But aren't new novices supposed to start their training at the Ivory Tower?"

"Most do," Felicity agreed "but it is not a requirement. Most only starts there because the Ivory Tower is the oldest of the six towers and usually the one associated with magic. I myself started there, but quickly moved to the Amber Tower, when I realized that it was not the right tower for me."

"Why is that?" Merec asked interested. "What is the difference?"

"Well, each tower specializes in a different aspect of magic." Felicity started to explain.

"The magi at the Ivory Tower are called the white magi. They are mostly scholars and diplomats, and are sticklers for the letter of the law. They have been known to debate for weeks on end about whether an action is lawful or not, and by the end of it all they are anyway too late to do anything once they actually make a decision. Unless you're happy being a bookworm, I'd not suggest joining them as they can be specially boring.

"The black magi at the Jet Tower are the blacksmiths and charm-makers. They focus mostly on Morphosis, that is manipulating non-organic materials, and Runery, which is the storing of a Manashape in a symbol for later use. If you are a skilled artisan, the Jet Tower is definitely a must.

"Then there is the Nacre Tower. The green magi there focus mostly on the Natural Magics, that is Manashapes that influence organic matter such as creating potions, healing and shape-shifting."

"Shape-shifting?" Merec suddenly asked, immediately cursing the obvious interest in his voice. Especially when Felicity gave him a knowing smirk.

"Fancy shape-shifting?" she asked, suddenly thinking back to Adulf's theory of the strange pair. If the wolf was correct, then she had a good idea what the human was thinking right now. Still, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself. "I'm good friends with a green magus who I know will like to speak to you. Maybe he can give you more information on shape-shifting.

"Anyway," she continued as if she wasn't interrupted. "The red magi is from the Coral Tower and are mostly focused on the Elemental Magic, the flashy stuff like fireballs and ice-shards. But they can be a little too self-important and tend to look down on all the other magi as lesser. They also often go out of their way to right what they perceive as the wrongs of the world in their own way, which is why they are sometimes also called the Battle Magi.

"Then, there is my own tower, the Amber Tower. We are known as the yellow magi, and are not really focused on one particular direction of magic. We learn a little bit of this and a little bit of that. We mostly are the adventurers of the magi. I know you'll be welcome with us."

"You mentioned six towers?" Merec prompted.

"Oh, the sixth is the Aether Temple." Felicity smiled. "It is not really a tower of magic, nor is it a temple. It is just a place for the councils of all the towers, the Circle of Five, to meet. However, it is located on the biggest Mana-Fountain ever discovered, so ordinary magi are not allowed to go there."

"Right. " Merec replied. His musings was suddenly interrupted when he noticed Sir Harold across the square, and a more pressing thought occurred to him.

"Will you please excuse me." he suddenly asked, much to Felicity's bewilderment. "I've got someone to talk to."

"You will at least think about it this time?" she called after him.

"Sure!" he called back as he disappeared between the maze of stalls.

***

Lainah was clearing out the last of the mess of rotten plant material that had gathered in the small cave she had discovered that morning. Though it needed some serious preparation, she liked it. It was close enough to keep an eye on Gahntuar but far enough from the nearby town that she felt confident that she could avoid most of the humans. she had never seen so many of the creatures together and though she wouldn't admit it to anyone, the little town fascinated her. But she was also a bit weary of them. She was not in the mood for trouble and thinking about what she had heard about humans, she guessed that it would not take much to rouse the little town against her.

She yawned and stretched out her limbs. It felt good to be active, and the sense of accomplishment now that the cave was ready to be occupied lifted her mood. She hadn't once thought of Jenour or Seghrien... the realization caused her lightheartedness to evaporate.

Suddenly, the cave she was so proud of seemed small and cold.

Unbidden, her thoughts turn to Gahntuar. How he managed to live so close to the humans surprised her. It didn't seem as if he was friends with more than that one human, yet he was comfortable here, completely removed from any other dragon.

She turn back to her new home, empty and cold. Did he also have times when his lair felt cold and empty? How did he deal with it for however long he had been away from the Curndor Mountains?

She suddenly felt very lonely. So much so that it hurts. She missed Jenour's happy smiles and tender caresses, his weight on her back, the hatchlings that she would never meet. Tears threatened to burst from her, and for a moment she considered fleeing back to Gahntuar, to a friendly embrace of one who shared her pain, her loss. She desperately needed to be loved by someone. Physically or mentally, she didn't care.

But stubbornly, she blinked the tears away. She had vowed not to cry, not to love, not to care! Not before the murderer of her mate and her eggs was dead. All of her energy, all her emotions would be bent towards destroying her enemy and nothing would get in her way.

Again, she remember Gahntuar and how depressed he was when she had left him. Suddenly she felt very guilty about how she was treating him. He didn't deserve her animosity, and he could be a good ally against Seghrien. Maybe she should go back and apologize? But she steeled herself against the thought.

She had to be strong. She will not love until Seghrien was no more.

Grumbling to herself, she entered her cave, all thoughts turned against the red drake that had destroyed her life.

***

Merec caught up with Sir Harald close to the old man's home.

"Sir Harald, a moment of your time, please." he called just as the older man was about to enter his house.

Sir Harald turned around, surprised at the voice calling him. When he recognized the young man who was approaching him, his demeanor grew cold.

"Merec?" he acknowledged the man. "If this is about your mother, then you can be assured that I only have the best intentions in mind. And let me remind you that I don't need ... "

"It is not about that, sir, I assure you." Merec assured him. "In fact, I am grateful that you visit her, despite my... my recent actions. What I want to talk to you about, is concerns me personally, I promise."

Harald looked for a moment hard at Merec, before he nodded to the younger man to follow him inside.

"Now, what can I help you with?" Sir Harald asked, once the door had been closed and they were sitting comfortably in the small sitting room.

Merec took a small sigh to gather his courage before he spoke. "I understand that you were part of the Royal Guard?"

"Correct," sir Harald admitted "but retired for several years now. As to why, it is none of your business?"

"Have you ever thought of teaching your skills to others?" Merec quickly asked.

"You ... want to learn how to use a sword?" sir Harald asked, caught off guard by the request. He knew the young lad conducted himself as something of an adventurer, but not a very good one. Could it be that he wanted to improve his skills? "Tell me why."

"I ... might need to use it one day." Merec admitted rather vaguely. Sir Harald only raised an eyebrow at the statement as a prompt to explain further. Merec sighed again and threw the dice. "I might need to kill a dragon."

Sir Harald stared thoughtfully at Merec. For several seconds, time seemed to have come to an awkward stop. Then suddenly, sir Harald stood abruptly up.

"If you're not going to be honest with me, I will not help you." he growled, lifting Merec up by the collar. "Now leave ..."

"I am being honest!" Merec cried out, desperate to be heard.

"You want to kill the dragon," sir Harald sneered "after going to such great lengths to protect it?"

"It's not ..." Merec started to argue, but sir Harald interrupted him with a shove to the door.

"Then, tell me this:" the older man demanded. "Why did you cut the ropes that operates the Ballista's one firing arm in the first place? Why, if not to let the dragon get away? You have until we reach the front door to change my mind."

Merec hesitated to answer, and sir Harald gave him another shove towards the door. A sudden memory of what Gahntuar had accused him of, echoed suddenly in his memories.

"I know you claimed that you didn't want to provoke the beast." sir Harald continued "but I don't buy that explanation!"

"I didn't want him to get hurt!" Merec confessed, just as sir Harald was about to shove him again the final distance. Surprised at the confession everyone thought they knew but could not prove, sir Harald faltered for a moment, giving Merec the chance to explain. "I destroyed the Ballista, because I didn't want the dragon slayers to kill him. Okay I'll admit it: I'm close friends with the dragon."

"Friends?" sir Harald repeated, squinting disbelievingly at Merec as if he had lost his mind. It even surpassed the wildest rumors he had heard. "With ... with the beast?"

"He's not a mere beast!" Merec sighed, standing up straight to face the older man eye to eye. The real dice was now cast and there was no way of taking it back. "He is highly intelligent and actually very sensitive. And loyal!"

Harald stumbled back to the sitting room to sit down heavily in his chair. Merec followed him wordlessly, returning to his own chair.

"How can you possibly say that about a dragon?" sir Harald whispered, still trying to puzzle out if he had heard something wrong.

"Have you ever spent time with a dragon?" Merec replied.

"I prefer to stay alive thank you very much." sir Harald countered with a slight edge to his voice.

"He won't harm me, or anyone from town if he can help it." Merec added. "That is why I've been sabotaging the dragon-slayers' equipment for months now, so that there will be no fighting."

"How can you possibly know that?" sir Harald demanded, suddenly feeling like Merec is trying to make a fool of him. "Most mornings, he flies over town and scares the hell out of everyone!"

At that, Merec just started to laugh, much to sir Harald's surprise. However, sir Harald quickly realized that it was a hollow laugh. "We argue regularly about that habit of his, but he assured me that he only teases the town. I believe that he would do his best not to cause any real trouble."

"The two of you argue ... he assured you?" sir Harald repeated after Merec again. "You mean to tell me he talks?"

"Yes." Merec replied surprised, as if it was supposed to have been common knowledge. "Not just his native language of growls, but he is fluent in elvish and common as well."

Harald stared at Merec as if he had grown a second head.

"I can't speak his language..." Merec quickly added but sir Harald interrupted him.

"Okay, assuming the dragon can talk, you obviously cannot trust him." the older man declared. "Why only the other day he carried off a prized breeding stallion ..."

"Declan is lying." Merec snarled vehemently, enough for sir Harald to be taken aback by it.

"How can you ... " he started to ask, but Merec had been expecting the question.

"Because the dragon was with me at Tharral when he supposedly stole the horse." he snapped. "And I doubt he would be able to carry off a stallion with that much ease. He is a lot smaller than one would expect, though don't tell him I said that."

"He ... followed you to Tharral?" sir Harald asked, stumped yet again by the story that seems to only get weirder and weirder.

"He ... carried me." Merec admitted a little awkwardly, having an inkling of what sir Harald might be thinking. "He doesn't do so often, but this time there was sufficient reason to convince him to do so."

"He ..." sir Harald squinted at Merec again, trying to discern if he was telling the truth. It really seemed to be the case, or the young man was completely delusional. "You do know how preposterous this sounds, right?"

"Why do you think I don't tell everyone?" Merec muttered dejectedly.

"How did you even come to know each other?" sir Harald finally asked, deciding to just go with it for the time being.

"We first met in the Thirstlands last year." Merec started, finally glad to be able to tell someone of it. "We kind of saved each other's life there and then just stayed together ever since. That is why the dragon is here, because I live here."

"Has it been that long?" sir Harald muttered dumbfounded. Then, more to the point again, he asked "And you trust him?"

"With my life!" Merec declared without hesitation. "The other one I don't know that well yet."

"Other one?" sir Harald asked worriedly. "There are two?"

"We ... encountered a draine last week;" Merec admitted shyly "and she kind of followed us back here. I suspect you might be hearing about her soon enough."

"And it is this female that you think you might have to kill one day?" sir Harald questioned, pieces suddenly falling into place.

"No ..." Merec hesitated. "Not her either ..."

"Damn it, Merec!" sir Harald swore, the first time Merec had even heard of him doing so. "How many dragons do you know?"

"Three." Merec admitted a little awkwardly again. "Gahntuar is the black drake we all know; Lainah is the new white draine I mentioned."

"They have names?" sir Harald muttered, too overwhelmed right now to be surprised anymore.

"The one I'm worried about is called Seghrien," Merec continued, ignoring the statement from the older man. "He is a really dangerous red drake that is trying to kill my friend. When he caught us last week, we were just lucky to barely escape. But next time I need to be ready."

Sir Harald looked long at Merec again. Minutes went by this time, and Merec's nerves nearly reached breaking point under the intense stare.

"One last question:" sir Harald demanded suddenly. "Will you use what I can teach you to defend this ... Gahntuar?"

"That is the whole reason why I need to learn ..." Merec started, but sir Harald cut him off.

"I mean against other civil species." he clarified. "For instance ... me."

The question shocked Merec, and he remained quiet to ponder the question. He would do whatever it took to keep his friend safe. Even if it meant standing by his side if dragon-slayers were to corner them with no way out.

There was a sudden coldness of realization as he thought about it: He would die for his dragon. And with that realization, it suddenly became easier to confront the dragon again, to beg his forgiveness.

He looked up at sir Harald, and for a moment he considered lying to the older man, but then decided against it. The old soldier could probably have seen the answer in his gaze already.

"Yes, I will." he whispered.

Sir Harald was quiet again, but this time the silence didn't seem oppressive at all. Instead, sir Harald seemed ... pleased with the answer?

"In that case, I need to meet this Gahntuar myself, before I will make my final decision." he suddenly decided. "You must understand that I will not help you help him wreck havoc. I will not be responsible for any destruction he may cause."

"Y-es sir," Merec replied, drawling the conformation out a little worriedly. "But ..." he continued "I can not just bring him to town, for obvious reasons. And he is not a pet, I may not know where to find him."

Sir Harald listened to Merec thoughtfully, nodding at the points he raised. "I'll wait for you tomorrow evening by the swimming hole north of town, the one just inside the forest; you should know it. If this dragon is truly as trustworthy as you claim, he will come."

Still, Merec was not completely sure he should trust the older man, but had little choice. Though this was what he had hoped for, he had not expected that he had to bring their man and dragon together. And that worried him. But at least he should allow Gahntuar to make that decision for himself.

"Thank you, sir." Merec replied, much more confident now that he had made a decision. "I will see what I can do."

***

It turned out that Gahntuar wasn't at the cave where Merec had left him anymore. Well, at least not inside the cave. Instead he had moved off a little to one side. He was a little restless, pacing back and forth as he was practicing how to apologize to Merec. He had already decided to wait by the human's cabin well before the sun started to set and not to allow the human to go inside until he had heard him out. He was stumbling once more over words in a whispered hiss. Yet his attempt at an apology just seemed to grow more clumsy as he continued to tweak on his speech when he was interrupted by a soft rustle behind him.

It was a good distance away, from the cave he reckoned. He suppressed a groan; he was not in mood for a condescending Lainah. He had considered what she had said and the thought that she might ...

"Gahntuar?" Merec called from the cave, catching the dragon completely by surprise. Gahntuar felt his heart skip a beat at the voice. He whirled around, nearly tripping over himself to see if the human really was at the cave looking for him.

He recognized Merec instantly, and with a joyous roar, pounced the human from where he was hidden by the foliage. Merec had just given up hope that the dragon was close by, shoulders slumped in defeat when the roar gave him a nasty shock. He stiffened in surprise just as Gahntuar tackled him to the ground. They rolled over once until Gahntuar settled himself in a crouching position over Merec, pinning the smaller human down with his weight.

"You, you came back!" Gahntuar chirped through the many licks he lavished Merec's face and neck with. "I ... I thought you were going to be gone for good."

"Gahnt' wait ... wait a bit." Merec protested, but Gahntuar did not relent.

"I'm so, so sorry." he continued to ramble, still not stopping his licking and nuzzles. "I'm sorry for everything. please forg..."

The dragon stopped abruptly in surprise when Merec slapped him on the snout. Hard. He stared in wide-eyed astonishment at the incredulous human.

"I am sorry for leaving you." Merec finally managed to say. "I shouldn't have said what I said, and definitely shouldn't have left you like that." He rubbed affectionately at the scaled snout where he had hit the dragon.

"But you were right," Gahntuar rumbled, a purr of delight breaking through his tone as he leaned into the affectionate caresses. "I am a hypocrite."

"As was I, so you're in good company." Merec responded.

"How were you a hypocrite?" Gahntuar questioned, not fully following what Merec was trying to say.

"I was shocked that you were conceived through incest, yes." Merec admitted, but smirked when Gahntuar's ears fell in shame. "But I myself is nowhere near pure when it comes to sex, as you should well know."

As Gahntuar realized what Merec was saying, he couldn't help but grin mischievously himself. Then suddenly, Merec grabbed Gahntuar by his horns and pulled his long snout in for a much-needed, affectionate hug.

"I don't care where you came from." he declared. "I know who you are: My best friend and nothing will every change that."

Gahntuar pulled from Merec's embrace to look at him with a loving gaze. However, Merec caught a playful gleam in his eyes as he spoke again.

"And what would you say if I were to tell you that, growing up, I mated my sister? Several times in fact!" he asked with a grin. Merec only stared at him, not sure if Gahntuar was serious about this or just being his usual teasing self. But then he smirked at the dragon; did it really matter anymore?

"I'd say you're holding up the family tradition." he joked, much to Gahntuar's appreciation. So much so that Gahntuar darted in to press his lips firmly against Merec's own, his tongue pressing forward to force its way into the human's mouth. Merec was at first too stunned by the dragon's speed, but once he realized what was happening, he eagerly accepted the kiss.

Gahntuar's kiss was passionate, but also almost desperate as he tasted and explored the human's mouth. Merec tried to push back playfully, but Gahntuar was not allowing it. Eventually, Gahntuar pulled back.

"You have no idea what this means to me!" he breathed hoarsely.

"I think I have an idea;" Merec muttered as he rubbed his friend's flanks, himself rather out of breath.

"Great Guillivarth, Merec." Gahntuar swore as he nuzzled his human's neck, all the while making small thrusting movements with his hips. "I ... I need you. I need you so bad right now."

"Then let me up so I can get undressed." Merec proposed, himself suddenly extremely horny.

Gahntuar chirped excitedly and quickly got off the human, allowing Merec to scramble out from under his chest. As Gahntuar rose onto his forelegs, Merec noticed that what he had felt against his hips were in fact true: the drake was already painfully hard ... and that his trousers was already soaked in pre. How had he missed that?

Merec grinned and reached for the drake's penis, but pulled back in surprise when Gahntuar gave him a threatening growl.

"You promised you'll strip!" he hissed, fighting not to bare his teeth.

"But, don't you want some foreplay?" Merec asked.

"I won't survive foreplay!" Gahntuar growled, but then his voice turned into a pain filled whine. "I ... I need you now!"

"Sure!" Merec agreed, a little upset that he had caused his dragon distress. Without another argument, he quickly got to his feet and started to undressed unceremoniously. His trousers had barely dropped to around his ankles when Gahntuar jumped up behind him. The drake planted a heavy lick with a wet tongue, once, twice, thrice across his pucker, before with a heavy paw, he pushed Merec almost roughly onto his hands and feet.

Quick as a flash, the dragon stood over the prone human, his penis dragging along the inside of a naked thigh. Merec knew this was going to be a rough session; but luckily they had been long enough together that Merec was confident enough that he reached back to help position the head of the twitching phallus at his opening himself.

Gahntuar only gave an animalistic grunt in thanks before, with a strong push, he sank almost halfway into the human. Merec's scream joined Gahntuar's roar of ecstasy as their bodies join together. Yet, though he was desperate for release, Gahntuar was still mindful of his smaller mate and he did not push in all the way.But the dragon was still desperate; where he usually allowed the human to grow comfortable with him inside before proceeding, this was one of those times when Gahntuar started to mate immediately. Without warning, he pulled a good part of his penis out only to plunge back in a second later. Almost immediately, Gahntuar had taken up a steady rhythm. Merec's uncomfortable grunts were lost amidst Gahntuar's growls and huffs of pleasure, but the human didn't mind it in the least. It had been a long time since they had had sex this rough, but Merec could by now handle it. Soon enough, the pain ebbed away and Merec found himself pushing back into the dragon's groin as his own ecstatic cries joined Gahntuar's.

All too soon, Merec felt the knot touch his anus. For a moment, he was worried that Gahntuar might try to push in all the way this time again. He had often spoken of wanting to tie him like a proper mate, but the dragon had always been too large for him. But this time it turned out that the human's stretchability wasn't what stood in the way of the dragon sinking his knot in as well, but his eagerness for release.

Hugging the human tightly to himself, Gahntuar came with a roar that was undoubtedly heard all the way to town. Yet he didn't care who heard, nor did Merec who only moaned delightedly as he felt his bowels being filled with one shot of hot cum after another.

The two mates held still for some time, reveling in the wonderful afterglow, until Gahntuar's penis finally started to ease off into a small trickle. Gahntuar sighed satisfied, and leaned down to nuzzle Merec.

"Thank you ... so much ... for understanding." he huffed, completely out of breath, as his wings folded protectively around his human.

"You are ... most welcome." Merec replied, also gasping for breath. He sighed contentedly and leaned hard against Gahntuar's knot. Once he was confident he had enough breath to speak normally, he added "And I'm again sorry for not respecting who you are."

"You didn't ..." Gahntuar started to argue, but Merec quieted him with a kiss to the snout.

"I have tried to turn you into something you are not." Merec admitted once Gahntuar had fallen silent. "I love you as you are, for who you are. And I promise to respect and cherish you for that. I promise not to ask of you to be something or do something you are not comfortable with. I will never abandon you, and will support you in any challenge you may face."

Gahntuar rumbled delightedly, and quickly took advantage to lick Merec's entire face in one long stroke of his tongue.

"But I have done pretty much the same." Gahntuar protested. "I love you as you are as well, for who you are. I also promise to respect and cherish you for that. I promise not to ask of you to be something or do something you are not comfortable with. And like you, I will never abandon you, and will support you in any challenge you may face."

Merec smiled and kissed Gahntuar on the snout again, as best he could. Gahntuar twisted his head and their lips locked once more, their tongues pressing up against each other, neither overpowering nor giving way to the other. They remained like that for a short while, before pulling back once more to look affectionately at each other. Then, Merec had to brake the mood as he started to giggle.

"It suddenly occurred to me; " he declared "What we just said to each other kind of sounded like wedding vows!"

"What is that?" Gahntuar asked curiously.

"Well," Merec started, still smirking "when humans marry ... well, become life mates, they share similar vows with each other."

"Life mates?" Gahntuar asked with a delighted rumble. "I like the sound of that!"

Gahntuar was still embedded deep within Merec when he suddenly lay down, gently trapping the human beneath him. Merec didn't object, only settled himself comfortably to wait out the dragon's attempt to pretend that he was indeed tied to his mate. It was something Gahntuar regularly did whenever they had the time.

Idly Gahntuar started to rub at Merec's still hard penis with his little wing claw. Merec moaned appreciatively, grabbing hold of the dragon's forepaw that was hugging him to the large scaly chest. Having just been bred, Merec was on edge and it didn't take much teasing before he came with a strangled moan himself, his semen splattering all over the wing membrane that was covering him.

Gahntuar continued to rub the human until he was properly spent. Only once Merec was left a heaving mess, did he release the human's dick, extending his wing to start cleaning off the salty treat.

Yet, even though Merec was limp and satisfied, he still refused to get off the human. His own dick was still rock hard and he enjoyed the grip of his human's arse.

"What are we going to do now?" Merec asked, wiggling himself in deeper beneath the dragon.

"Don't really know." Gahntuar admitted, too content to give a damn. "Just take each day as it comes, I guess."

"What about Seghrien?" Merec asked softly, hoping he didn't upset his friend. But it was a question that needed to be answered, and soon. "Do you want to go hunt him down?"

"No, I have thought about it and we are not ready to face him again." Gahntuar replied vehemently, but he still leaned in to nuzzle Merec reassuringly. "But I have decided that I am going to teach Lainah to fight other dragons, as my sire had taught me. Together we stand the best chance to defeat him."

"Speaking of which," Merec suddenly remembered. "There is someone in town I'd like you to meet."

Gahntuar pulled his head back in surprise to stare at Merec with wide eyes.

"What have you done?"

***

"And don't try to start the forge again without me present, understood?" Xeronne's voice drifted through the back door. Though he sounded serious, there was an obvious hint of amusement in his voice.

"Yes, master." Claude replied dutifully, though he hoped his own mirth at the running joke didn't carry over. Xeronne was the blacksmith of the town, and he only his apprentice. And the youngest one at that.

It had been more than a year since the unfortunate incident when, in his overeagerness to learn, he had nearly burned down the forge. His master had been furious at the time, but Claude had learned a valuable lesson then: That speed should not be confused with progress. Diligence was more important, especially when it came to dangerous jobs like blacksmithing. Today he excelled at his apprenticeship to such an extent that he was already allowed to work on small projects of his own. It was something he was very proud of. He was much younger than Berton had been before the older, more experienced apprentice was allowed to do the same.

Claude sighed as he thought of his once close friend. His success had caused some tension between the two apprentices and Berton seemed to have grown obnoxious because of it. He missed the friendship they had shared before.

But he pushed the sudden melancholy aside to focus on the task at hand. Diligently, he started to prepare for the day's work when a sudden voice gave him a fright.

"Courage through compassion you'll have to learn; for wood and town alike will burn." The voice had a strange, whistling quality to it, almost like Kael's parakeet but clearer and more deliberate.

"Who said that?" Claude demanded, looking around for any intruder but unable to see anything out of place.

"The fate of one be shared by all;" the voice continued, drawing Claude's attention up towards the roof of the house itself. To his astonishment, he saw a great eagle sitting on the end of one of the rafters. But it was like no eagle he had ever seen before; Its body was the brightest of orange, and its wings a brilliant crimson. It also had a crest of long, crimson feathers on its head that ended in a little round blue nub. In the morning sun, Claude could easily imagine the bird to be aflame where it sat, regarding him with a critical, knowing gaze.

Then it hit the young lad; this was no eagle! This was a phoenix! He was looking at a real, live phoenix!

Excitement bubbled up in Claude as he gazed back up at the mythical creature. He had only heard stories of them. He did not even know of anyone who knew anyone who had actually seen one of them. And here was one, talking to him. To HIM!

Claude was so excited that he nearly missed the phoenix's last words.

"Unite to stand, Divide and fall!"

At those ominous words, Claude's excitement wavered.

"What ... what does that mean?" he asked a little subdued.

The phoenix didn't explain, only repeated his rhyme.

"Courage through compassion you'll have to learn; For wood and town alike will burn. The fate of one be shared by all; Unite to stand, divide and fall!" And with that the phoenix flew off leaving a very confused boy behind.

"What are you gawking at?" Berton suddenly asked, snapping Claude from his trance.

"I saw a phoenix!" Claude blurted out, excitement bubbling back up and the ominous words of the phoenix forgotten for the time being.

"Don't be ridiculous." the older lad scoffed. Months before, the news of a phoenix sighting would have excited him as much as seeing the real thing. But now he was dismissive of the obviously tall tale. He was nearly fully grown already and didn't have time for childish games.

"I did see one." Claude insisted. "It flew off just before you came out." A grin suddenly broke out across his face as he thought of the magnificent bird. "I'm going to be a famous blacksmith one day." he suddenly realized.

"Nixoruma's tits, you'll be!" Berthon scoffed dismissively.

"Berton!" master Xeronne snapped as he also came out. "Don't let me catch you swearing like that, ever again or I'll kick you out. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, master." Berthon answered, meek and ashamed.

"Now what is all this about?" master Xeronne asked.

"Claude claims to have seen a phoenix." the elder of the apprentices spoke up quickly, the scoff to his voice returning stronger than before.

"I did." Claude insisted again. "It spoke to me and then flew off..."

"What did it say?" master Xeronne asked, suddenly very interested in the young lad's tale.

"Nothing important, I would guess." Berthon muttered, but flinched when his master shot him a withering look.

"It is never wise to disregard the warning of a phoenix." the blacksmith said before turning to Claude again. "Now, what did it say?"

"I... I don't rightly remember." Claude replied, suddenly ashamed that he couldn't remember the strange rhyme. "Something ... something about the town burning and that we must unite or fall."

"Maybe, instead of greatness, the phoenix came to tell you that you'll burn the town down again." Berthon smirked.

"I didn't ... " Claude started to argue, but master Xeronne quickly interjected.

"Enough!" he snapped. Then more gently he asked "how many phoenixes did you see?"

"Just the one, why?" Claude answered quickly.

"Does it matter?" Berthon added.

"Don't the two of you know what the common wisdom says about phoenixes?" master Xeronne scoffed before quoting a rhyme of his own. "'A phoenix or two is surely a sign, of fame and fortune and destiny divine. But woe the place with five or more, for there the blood, like rain will pour.'"

Master Xeronne was quiet for a time, pondering the strange news. It was never wise to ignore the warning of a phoenix, but without the warning itself to go by, there was little he could do.

"Right, back to work with the two of you." he decided. "We have a lot of work to get through today."

"What about the phoenix?" Claude asked, a little subdued.

"If its message was important enough, we will hear from that phoenix again."

***

Sir Harald of Lorthen wasn't sure of his recent decisions. Walk out into the woods to speak to a talking dragon? What on Selebore had possessed him to agree to it? Okay, he was the one who had suggested it, but it was still insane. Just like his decision to quit the Royal Guard and relocate here, on nothing more than the cryptic advice of a phoenix. Something he had never admitted to anyone. Most people thought he had lost his commitment to the Royal Force when a close friend amongst the Gryphon Knights was dishonorably discharged. This of course had lead to even more strange rumors that he could only scoff at.

With an irritated cough, he cast his memories aside when he noticed the young adventurer he had come to see appear from between the trees. Sir Harald noticed that the man was alone, and for a brief moment he sighed with relief. Apparently, this dragon didn't want to show up, or Merec had been telling a tall tale this whole time. Strangely, the thought didn't bother him as much as he thought it would. But then again, why would the young man then come to the meeting still?

"Good evening, Merec." he called out to the young man, quickly walking up to him.

"Good evening, sir." Merec returned the greeting, seemingly a lot more at ease than when they had talked in his home. As if some problem he had been worried about has been favorably resolved. This immediately put sir Harald on alert. He had not agreed to anything yet.

"So, that dragon friend of your's did not come?" sir Harald more asked than stated, his eyes darting between the trees in the direction Merec had come from.

"No, he's here." Merec confirmed sir Harald's fears.

"Where is he, then." the blade-master dared to ask, his sword hand twitching uncomfortably for the sword at his side. Suddenly, he wished that he had had the foresight to bring some backup for if things were to go sideways.

To realize sir Harald's worst fear, Merec pointed to a spot almost right behind sir Harald. The blade-master whirled around with the grace that belied his age as the sound of a sail snapping taught in the wind sounded from behind him. He was just in time to see the infamous black dragon swoop in low over the trees, coming much to the old soldier's surprise from the direction of the town. The feared creature backwinged, raising a strong wind that blew up dust and pine-needles, before it landed gracefully next to Merec. For his part, Merec did not even blink.

Maybe, sir Harald realized as a cold dread seemed to spread across his chest, there was something real about this supposed friendship. And that would throw everything he thought he knew about dragons upside down.

"I checked and he is alone. We can trust him." the dragon spoke in a voice like water rushing over gravel. In one statement, Merec's story gained a lot of credence.

The dragon Gahntuar turned out to be smaller than he had expected, also just as Merec had claimed, throwing Declan's claim of him flying off with a strong stallion into serious doubt. Yet, he was still a powerful creature that held himself with a deadly grace only a great natural predator was capable of without trying. Even with all his skill, Harald doubted that he would stand much of a chance against the dragon before him.

What caught the old soldier's eye, was yet another confirmation of Merec's story. It was obvious that the drake had been in a serious fight recently. A cut beneath his right eye looked as if it had been rather deep, but was healing nicely and would only be a scar in a short while. And what was obviously a burn wound on his right flank, suggested that the other party he had fought against could only be another dragon.

To sir Harald's utter surprise, the dragon walked around Merec and sat down much like a dog behind the young man. Yet, the glare he cast at sir Harald was enough to convey that the creature was no pet who would mindlessly obey his master's commands. Once again, the blade-master was completely surprised that Merec could be so at ease with that kind of predatory strength right behind him.

Then it occurred to him that the two had first checked that he was alone, before the dragon had revealed himself.

"You did not trust me?" he stated, a little impressed and a little jealous at the same time.

"Better safe than sorry." Merec replied a little awkwardly.

Sir Harald only smiled, and focused on relaxing the grip he suddenly realized he had on his sword. As he released the handle, he could swear that the dragon seemed to ease up a bit as well.

"I commend you on your foresight not to just trust on a man's word alone. It is a good quality to have." sir Harald responded. Then, taking a deep breath and hoping it had gone unnoticed, he turned to the dragon. "And you are Gahntuar, I assume?"

"That is correct, human." the dragon responded, still to the old soldier's astonishment.

"Do you know who I am?" sir Harald asked, earning a sudden mischievous smirk from the dragon.

"I've seen you in the mornings sometimes, when I greet the town." Gahntuar admitted, his grin widening in a similar manner to that of a teenager who thought himself very funny. "Last time, I believe you shook your fist at me."

Merec slapped the dragon's shoulder.

"Be nice." he muttered to his dragonic companion. To sir Harald's horror, Gahntuar nipped at Merec, the deadly jaws clicking shut just inches from the young man's nose. Yet even worse, Merec reacted with only the barest of flinches, suggesting that such an interaction was a regular occurrence.

"I am being nice!" the dragon argued, but when Merec only gave him an evil eye, he sighed in apparent defeat. "I don't know exactly who you are, but I suspect someone important from town." Gahntuar added a bit more subdued.

"I am well known and many do look up to me, but I'm afraid I'm not important enough to make a difference to the town." Sir Harald frowned when he noticed Gahntuar's expression fall. "What was it that you hope to gain from this meeting?"

"For the town to stop chasing after me," Gahntuar growled "and to stop treating Merec as an unwanted necessity."

"I'm afraid that won't be happening anytime soon." sir Harald admitted. "It will take time for the fears of the town to be proven false."

Gahntuar shot Merec a meaningful glance, and sir Harald couldn't help but suspect that they had argued about that before.

"And what about you?" Gahntuar suddenly challenged the older man. "Why did you request this meeting? What was it that you wanted to gain from seeing me?"

Surprised, sir Harald had to pause to think a bit. How could he voice his concerns about Merec's mental well-being to the dragon?

"Clarity, I guess." he decided to say. "I apologize if I am a little forthright, but I needed to know that Merec had not lost his mind when he claimed to be friends with, well ... a dragon."

Gahntuar snorted indignant, but gave no other indication of what he thought of that confession.

"And are you now satisfied that I am not a monster who will carry off your whelps ... er ... children?" he asked, earning a smile from the old man at the slip of his tongue. That one moment seemed to have been enough to break the tension between them.

"Indeed I am." sir Harald smiled. It might actually be interesting to see more of this friendship, and for a moment he wondered if this was why the phoenix from a few months ago had urged him to settle in the north. But he cast his thoughts aside again, he had to focus on the present. He turned to Merec. "We can start training with the sword tomorrow, if you are ready."

"Wait, what?" Gahntuar suddenly snapped, breaking the magic of the moment. Swift as only a great predator, he rounded on Merec, fury alight in his eyes.

"This is what it was about?" he demanded from the young man, who for his part looked as stunned as sir Harald felt. "When were you going to tell me about this?"

"I thought I did." Merec replied confidently, again much to the blade-master's surprise.

"No you did not." the dragon snarled. "And I think you know you didn't."

"And why would I do that?" Merec demanded as he folded his arms, actually getting angry at the dragon in return.

"Because you knew what I would say about it." Gahntuar snapped back. "And I still say no. you are not going to learn how to swing that toothpick around, just to impress me. I can protect you from almost everything out there, and I don't want you anywhere near everything else."

Sir Harald watched the scene in stunned silence. His surprise was made complete when Merec calmly lifted his hand to rub the angry dragon on the jaw.

"Gahntuar," Merec said firmly and the furious dragon seemed to calm down a bit. "Do you really think I would, could be able to just stand around when Seghrien is busy ripping you up again?"

"But I ... I don't want you to get hurt ..." Gahntuar muttered sounding almost like a child who had been reprimanded.

"I promised you that I will not abandon you, remember?" Merec said with a warm smile, catching himself just in time from giving the dragon a kiss on the snout. "And that specifically includes Seghrien. The next time he comes for you, we will face him together."

Gahntuar's one forepaw shot out and in a blink of an eye, he had pulled the human in for a fierce hug.

"You are too good a friend, Merec." he purred. He almost planted a lick across the human's face when a well timed cough reminded them that they were not alone.

"Well, with that settled, I will be expecting both of you back here tomorrow evening." sir Harald said, a little amused by how fast the dragon went from nearly biting Merec's head off to being an affectionate cuddle toy.

"Yes, sir." Merec answered crisply, making sure Harald smile even broader. But as he turned to leave, a sudden worrying thought occurred to him.

"Oh, and what is the chance that this other dragon will ever come here to look for you?"

"He may eventually hunt me down all the way here," Gahntuar admitted with ears folded back "but I doubt he will be foolish enough to come too close to town."

***

"I ... I can confirm that the last remaining Shameblood and the human are indeed mates, Master." Seghrien announced in what was supposed to be a confident tone of voice. Instead it came out high-pitched and squeaky with tension. He was coming here to the inner sanctum far too often for his liking the past few weeks.

As ordered, he had followed the two dragons and their accompanying human all the way to the peninsula.It had been easier than he had thought it would be. Gahntuar was too busy mourning the death of his clutch-mate, the human was not very well trained in bush craft at all and the silver draine was too distracted to notice him.

Apparently she was the mate of the elder Shameblood, the one he had killed a while ago. Why she would defile her body with seed that tainted was beyond him, so much so that he found himself becoming irritated by the thought of the green male on top of her alone. Not that he cared that much about her. She was just a nuance, nothing more.

Though he had to admit that she was rather desirable. But he dismissed his traitorous thoughts; he was in the service of the Master and had no time for thoughts of breeding.

"How sure are you?" the Master asked as he came to stand directly in front of the red drake.

"I ... I witnessed them copulate myself." he admitted hastily, imagining he could feel the heat of the demon's phallus on his snout. Quickly, he thought about how he had tracked the last Shameblood. Seghrien had made sure he stayed close to the runt, all the time cursing the fact that he had to let that shameful creature go in peace. During the trip to the peninsula and for a few days thereafter, Seghrien had had several great opportunities to finally be rid of him. The runt had been alone most of the time and too much distressed to pay any attention on his surroundings and thus had been utterly helpless. Seghrien could have been on top of him before the excuse of a dragon knew what was happening. But the Master had commanded and his word had to be obeyed.

"Good." the Master smirked. "Here are your new orders: Kill them both!"

The demon touched Seghrien's forehead and the dragon screamed in sudden pain.

"A gift, to help you with this most important of quests." the Master continued as if nothing was wrong. The flow of pain faded and the Master stepped away from him.

"What?" was all Seghrien could manage, but the demon seemed to understand.

"It is knowledge of a long forgotten Manashape from the School of Necromancy, but one that was widely used during the later decades of the Golden Age, and even well into the Age of Legends." the Master explained, surprisingly patient with the dragon. "When cast on a corpse, it will keep the organs fresh enough to be used much later for reagents in charms. When cast on a living body, it will even let those organs continue to function even after death for up to a week."

Then, the demon's tone became serious.

"Kill both human and dragon, and bring me their hearts." he made his wishes clear. "Preferably the hearts should still be beating, but it is not a requirement."

"Yes my lord, but ..." Seghrien started, but bit his tongue a little too late.

"But?" the Master demanded, getting slightly angry that the dragon had dared to talk back.

"How am I to get to them, if they remain on the peninsula?" Seghrien voiced his concern. "Surely the humans will not allow one of their own to die like that without a fight."

The demon was silent in thought for a while.

"Yes, you have a point." the Master agreed, making the dragon's ears ring with the unexpected praise. "Even since the twilight, the people of Ferrenal have been a tightly knitted community. They will defend one another to the death."

The Master was again quiet as he considered the new issue.

"Travel to the Shadowlands, to the upper reaches of the Basorg River." the master suddenly ordered. "Seek out the Orc Chief Urguss. I hereby give his clan over to you, to aid with your quest in whatever way you see fit."

"Th-the Gurroc clan, my lord?" Seghrien gasped, completely shocked. "They are the most powerful orc clan in the north!"

"I know!" the demon growled. "Now understand the urgency of this task!"

"Y-yes, my lord!" Seghrien whispered. "Thank you, my lord."

"And remember," the demon finally hissed, the threat obvious. "Succeed in this and I will grant you any boon you may desire. But fail me, and all of your previous accomplishments will be for naught!"

***

Several months after a second dragon was said to have appeared in the northern reaches of the Garbanan, even stranger rumors started to make the rounds. People whispered of an army of Shadowspawn, traveling north of the Gherthon Mountains, poised to invade the lands of the Kentereal Highlands.

No, it was obvious that they were part of a larger force. Their goal was to lay siege to the Amber Tower while two other armies would attack the Nacre and the Coral Towers as well. But no, they are heading even more west; obviously intending to attack the Jet Tower and reclaim the handful of Juinkarr Relics that was recovered since the Dark Age and now sat locked away in the secret vault beneath the tower.

Eventually all the rumors died for they were obviously only fabricated tales engineered to give credit to the claims of the new Alliance of Light that was gaining popularity across all of Selebore. The Alliance claimed for all who would hear that the resurrection of the Black Fortress was imminent, and actions needed to be taken immediately or the dark empire of Barathrum would return.

Surely, all of the whispered rumors, from dragons on the peninsula to Shadowspawn armies on the march must be engineered by the Alliance. For why in the Creator's wisdom would any army, Shadowspawn or not, launch an invasion of the Thirstlands?

End; for now.