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Scales and Honor: City of Light

Chapter 10: Desperate Gamble

Just breath. Lyndis told herself as she kneeled on the cold floor of her cell. She knew the man she called Guard was watching her right now. He had already teased her about doing her morning ritual for her spells. She could feel his taunting stare, just like he had tried to evoke anger from her with his words earlier. He called her a filthy half breed, and other horrid names. Normally she would have responded with a quick fock you, and made more insults back at him, but today was important. Today she was certain she was going to escape.

She could feel it in her gut, and she had always learned to trust it. She felt it give a rumble, loudly proclaiming her need for food to the world. She gave a slight groan as wolves seemed to be teething at her stomach. He focused on completing the spells in her mind, for she did not need the scrolls they had taken from her. She had always just kept them for nostalgia, but she had already memorized them. Despite Guard claiming what she was doing was useless she knew better. Just cause the cell was stopping the spell from being loosed did not mean she could not cast. It just meant she could not use it in here. She let a slight smile find her face, as she pictured their surprise when she left this cage. Her thoughts lingered on her knife for a moment, satisfied she could still feel it within her boot. It may not be one of her most used devices, but she always prided herself on being able to think on her feet. Besides it did not take much to kill someone anyway, especially if they thought they were dealing with an unarmed, not able to cast spells adventurer such as herself.

She breathed in a sigh as she imagined Cordenth along side her, resting around her with his scaled body. It was surprising to her just how much she missed the dragon after this time. She figured if he had not gotten her out he would be trying to comfort her right now. He'd say something sweet and give her a smile on his snout. He might wiggle his tail, or twitch his frills. Thinking himself so clever. She imagines caressing his scales in her arms, and letting their smoothness rub against her skin. She opened her eyes, seeing that Guard had gone back to reading his book. First thing I am doing when I get out of here is finding a way to contact Cordenth. She sighed, He needs to know I miss him. She imagined his grin, maybe filled with a little smugness. However she knew he would be missing her just as much, and that warmed her heart.

She pushed herself up slowly, making sure to crack some of her bones as she stretched her arms up wide to the ceiling. Her chest swelled as she took a deep breath then let out a large yawn. Her eyes went to Guard, who was still reading that damned book of his. She could see the dark bags under his eyes, she wondered if he had been there all night. Of course he was. Well that would make things easier if they tried to move her now. She saw his head droop a little as it looked like he was fighting to stay awake in his chair. She imagined smashing the horrid man's face into the floor, and watching his teeth shatter. The image of him branding Azzik right in front of her was still fresh in her mind. She grit her teeth at the reminder of his little pained screams. She breathed in, trying to settle her rising anger. That's when a small knock sounded from the door.

“Let me out please!" came the sweet voice of Feku. When Guard did not stir the knock sounded again. “LET ME OUT PLEASE!"

“Hey Guard, the morning breakfast is here." Lyndis said loudly, causing him to jump slightly.

“W-what?" he said groggily.

“Breakfast...Its here!"

“Oh...." He looked over at the door, and stumbled over towards it. “Calm down I'm coming!" he grumbled as he clasped the door handle and opened it.

The smiling face of Feku walked through carrying another large tray of silver. The platter seemed to be stacked with toast, bacon, and ham. With a tan ceramic mug of some steaming liquid. Lyndis took a deep breath and let the alluring scent fill her nostrils. It made her mouth water, and her stomach to give another gurgle.

“Don't you think that's a lot?" Guard asked, gesturing to the tray of food.

“Boss wants princess fed." Feku held her snout up, “So I feed her like princess."

Guard just returned to his chair, possibly too tired to argue with the little kobold.

Feku strolled over with the smile back on her face, as she set the tray down next to Lyndis' cell as carefully as she could. “Morning princess!"

“You can call me Lyndis Feku. I don't really like to be called princess." She glared at Guard.

“Why not? Your a princess!" Feku sat down cross legged, and pushed the tray towards her.

“Because that's all anyone ever sees Feku, they see the princess. Not me."

Feku nodded slowly, “Just like people only see kobold." she held up a claw and gestured to her face.

“Not exactly, its like if people only saw you for being a great cook!" She smiled, “Seriously last nights food was the highlight of my day."

“Thank me!" Feku replied, her scales turning slightly green.

“So why do your scales change color?" Lyndis grabbed a piece of warm toast, and started munching on it. She sighed as the butter hit her tongue, and it melted in her mouth.

“They do that from time to time." Feku grabbed her tail with her claws. “Its rare in kobolds, and they change with my mood."

“So what does green mean? And do they do it on their own?"

“Well I was happy you liked my food." She gestured to Guard, “They don't thank or compliment me." She then pointed to her scales, “I can change my scales at will, but when I get spikes of emotion they change on their own. See watch." She wrinkled her snout, as her scales started to change from green to a golden yellow. “See?" She held out her arms, her scales already starting to change back to a mossy green.

“That seems like something inconvenient to have when your trying to hide your emotional state."

“Why would you hide your emotions?" she wrinkled her snout.

“Well I would not want everyone to be able to see how I was feeling."

“Well I really don't have a choice." she shrugged. “Everyone at the tribe considered it a blessing though."

“How so?" Lyndis grabbed another piece of toast, and raised the cup to her nose. She took a deep breath to find the soothing smell of mint. She gave a soft sigh, and took a sip. The warmth spread to her fingertips and felt divine.

“Well I mentioned it was rare that scales change color." She smiled, “My mother told me it meant good fortune, and destined for greatness." She lowered her head for a moment after that, her scales starting to shift to a dark blue. “Although sometimes I don't feel great. Especially in this place with Azzik."

Don't worry, I will get you both out of here. “Sometimes the road is hard." she muttered, “But that is how you figure out who you are." She took another bite of toast. “Things may be bad now, but I bet you will have a brighter future ahead of you."

“You think so?" Feku perked her head up, as her frills twitched. Her scales started to shift back to being green.

“I know so." Lyndis chuckled, “My friends are no doubt coming for me. When they do I will get you two out of here. Wait till you meet Crimson Sky, I think you might get a kick out of him."

“Crimson Sky?" Feku cocked her head, “That sounds like the name of a..." she held a claw to her snout and whispered, “Dragon."

Lyndis looked over to Guard, who seemed to have fallen asleep. His head was dipped, his eyes closed, and there was a single strand of drool escaping the left side of his mouth. “He is." She whispered back with a smile.

“Really!?"she nearly shouted as she clapped her claws together, and tapped her tail on the ground with a small pat. Realizing what she had done, her eyes widened, she covered her snout, and her tail straightened. She slowly turned towards Guard, giving a big sigh of relief when she noticed he was still asleep.

Oh right, they like worship dragons. Whoops. “That happy about it huh?"

“Well I never met one." She whispered. “Is he nice? What color is he? Is he regal? ….Is he attractive?" Her scales shifted to golden yellow as she cocked her head and her purple eyes twinkled.

Lyndis just laughed, “At times he is nice, if you ask a certain human he is really nice. His scales are crimson red that seem to sparkle in the sunlight. Is he regal? He would love for others to think so." She tapped a finger against his chin. “He thinks he's attractive of course, and I think a friend of mine might like him." Oh I know he likes him. However I always found green to be my favorite color. She imagined Cordenth smiling at her with his teeth. His frills twitching as he said, “Well I always liked half elven princesses myself."

“So you think we could go with you then?"

“Well can you fight? We get into dangerous situations, which is not a place for little kobolds." She laughed.

“I'm not a good fighter...but I can cook!" she said, “And I can sing.....and play violin."

Violin? “So you would be like our entertainment?"

“I'd help you stay relaxteriffic." She smiled.

“Do you mean help us relaxed?" Lyndis grinned.

“Uh...yea that." Feku's frills dropped, “It would be better than here at least."

“Well we could always use a cook, and I imagine Crimson Sky would love the attention you would be throwing at him." Lyndis pictured the kobold pampering Veledar like a little cat. The dragon laying down on his back, letting out purrs of happiness, as his tail frill twitched. She chuckled to herself as she imagined Arcturus standing there with his arms crossed, a look of jealousy on his face. “What songs can you sing?" She asked. She had never heard a kobold sing after all, that also included the siigonis as well.

“Well they have me sing what they call barred songs." Feku frowned, “And those talk about all sorts of lewd things.....However I tend to sing about natured, prettified things, and other stuffen."

“What would you consider a song about pretty things? Could you sing me a verse right now?' She raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

“Of course I could." Feku smiled, and held out a claw as she opened her mouth. Her eyes peeked to Guard for a moment, making sure the horrid man was still fast asleep. She opened her snout and sang from the heart, notes that made the hairs on Lyndis neck shiver, as if someone had dumped cold water down her spine. The verse she sang was sad, longing for something lost, and Lyndis could feel it wasn't just part of the song. Especially by the way her scales shifted to the color blue, and her frills drooped. She finished up the verse, and lowered her claw and snout. “There how did I do?"

“That was wonderful." she grabbed another piece of bread. “Its better than I could sing, Feku you have the lungs of a fairy."

“Do fairies sing goodly?" Feku cocked her head, “I have never heard this."

Lyndis shrugged, “That's how the saying goes, I figure one of the little guys must have sang well enough to inspire that right?"

“Well I supposing." the kobold nodded.

“So Feku, what would you do if you got out of here."

“I would be a pirate."She held her snout up. “I hear great things of them." She covered one of her eyes with a claw. “Avast yee matees.....I hear they like to explore and gather treasure!"

“Well they do, but you would need a ship...and you would kind of be like in a gang again."

“Wait why would I be needen a ship?" Feku tilted her head to the side.

“Because pirates operate on the ocean?" Lyndis chuckled, finishing off another piece of bread.

“No I am pretty sure pirates on land, and explore tomb and such. Tribe saw many of them pass through."

“I think you might mean an adventurer, its what I do." She placed her thumb to her chest.

“Adventurer and pirate are not the same thing?"

“No."

Feku wrinkled her muzzle. “Can I still say Avast yee matees?"

“Sure." Lyndis laughed, “You can also say, give me all yer treasure you salty dogs as well."

“Salty dogs?"

“Another expression."

Feku put on a smile as she stood up. She swelled her chest up and held out a claw. “Avast yee mattees, hand over yer treasure you salty dogs." she giggled a little at the end, “There how was that?"

“Well you can't giggle, I don't think pirates giggle."

“Well you said I could say what I want....and that includes giggling." Feku snorted playfully as her scales shifted to green once again. She held her head up like Veledar might, and crossed her arms against her chest.

“ok, ok, you got me there." Lyndis grabbed a strip of bacon and plopped the crispy strip into he mouth. She chewed it around, savoring it's flavor. Perhaps she could get used to the idea of having the kobold around as a cook, it would be better than eating trail rations all the time. Heck if they brought her along they would have to bring Azzik, and he was a healer. It would be an all around good move on her part. They sat in silence for the next few minutes as Lyndis finished off her meal, savoring every bite that was passed between her lips. With a sigh she finished off the rest of her tea. “Well that was certainly excellent. I of course give my compliments to the chef."

“The who?"

“The cook. I am complimenting you." Lyndis laughed.

“Oh!" Feku's scales turned a brighter green, as if a sun lit field was covering her entire body. She turned her head suddenly as the door behind them cracked open, followed by a grunt. The door swung open to reveal Azzik, still wearing his royal blue robes.

Guard stirred in his chair, giving a slight groan as he slowly opened his eyes. He blinked several times, letting out a loud yawn.

Azzik froze in mid stride, with one of his legs slightly in the air. His eyes filled with fright as his body tensed. His breath quickened, his frills twitched slightly, and his tail straightened.

“What are you doing here?" Guard yawned again, this time into his fist.

“M-master said I was to watch the p-prisoner today." the kobold began to fidget with his claws, as he looked away from Guard's gaze. He instead seemed to be focusing on his feet.

“Is that so? So if I were to go and ask him, he would agree with what you said?"

“Y-yes!" Azzik cried, “I not lie!"

“Hmmph" Guard snorted and gave him a suspicious eye while he crossed his arms. “So I guess he doesn't think you were trying to help the princess here then?"

“H-he say I no get k-key."

“Ah now this is starting to sound like something he would say." Guard gave the kobold a slimy grin as he stood up from his chair with a sigh.

Arsehole. Lyndis scowled at him, she fought the urge to throw her dagger right for the mans head for what he did to the kobold last night. No have to wait. She sighed to herself, with a deep breath.

“So have fun with the princess." Guard laughed loudly, holding his gut as it bounced. He then jerked his head towards her, “Guess ya loose my company princess... I actually feel bad for ya." he let loose another chuckle from his throat. “Ya have to be stuck with the company of kobolds."

“Well it's better than your sunny disposition." she held her nose up at him. “Maybe I will even be able to have an intelligent conversation."

“Is that so?" Guard raised one of his eyebrows. “They are kobolds princess, ya won't be havin an intelligent conversation wit them......and ya wont be goading me inta hurtin ya......." He rubbed his nose with the backside of his hand. “Boss wants ya in pristine condition." He curled his lips into a sneer, “Although if ask me, he should have just killed all ya, and given your corpse to the king. Would have saved us a lot of trouble." He clasped his hands together and started to rub them together as if he were washing them.

“Well thank the gods your not in charge than." She laughed at him, “You would have been dead within the week, you don't see the big picture." She took pride in that he just shut his mouth, and offered no reply. She watched his face start to turn beet red, as a vein popped out on his forehead.

“Get out of my way." he shoved Azzik to the ground as he stomped his way out of the room, slamming the door loudly behind him.

“H-hah!" Azzik laughed, “That's the way to handle him miss Lyndis."

“Are you two really my keepers for today?" she raised an eyebrow.

Azzik walked over and nuzzled his snout against Feku's neck, causing her to let out a small squeak, as her scales turned pink. “Are you ok Feku?" he asked, holding her snout with a claw.

“Fine, you healed the bruise." Her tail swished back and forth.

“Ok...." Azzik finally turned to Lyndis, “Yes I am your guard today miss L-Lyndis." he gave a short bow. “Sorry for not paying attention to you first, but I had to check on Feku here." He gestured to her, as she let out a small giggle.

“Its fine. I understand." She looked to the door, almost expecting Guard to suddenly burst back in with his awful smile. “So can we talk about getting me the fock out of here then?" She tapped her knuckles against the cool metal bars.

“W-well of course we can.......course..."

“What's the problem? You sounded so sure last night about this."

“I was t-thinking about how dangerous it was." Azzik starting twisting his left foot on the floor nervously. “H-how about we all didn't try and instead stayed safe." He gestured to the door with one of his claws. “You heard him, they need you in good condition."

“And my friends are coming." she grumbled from her teeth.

“A-and your friends are coming!" He held up his arms wide. “We just hide and lay l-low and let your friends do all the work!"Azzik nodded, “It's the perfect plan."

“Perhaps for you, but meanwhile I rot here in a cell and play the role of helpless maiden..."

“W-what is wrong with that?"

“I am not the helpless maiden." she wrinkled her face.

“Oh." Azzik lowered his snout.

Feku cupped the bottom of his jaw with a claw. “Lyndis say we can go with her when we get out of here! She said we will be pirates!"

“Adventurers."

“Yea that!" she smiled. “We just got to be brave like lady Lyndis!"

“B-but." he stammered.

“No buts Azzik." Feku tapped his snout several times, staring at him in the eyes.

“Besides what if my friends are delayed more?" Lyndis asked, “Than the whole wait plan will not work, and I could be passed onto the king." She narrowed her eyes, imagining that smug man's face, laughing at her. Yea I will not let that happen.

“I-I did not think of that." Azzik frowned, fidgeting his claws together. “I just don't to see anyone hurt."

“I know you don't Azzik, but people will be hurt if I am handed off to their king. I will be used as some sort of bargaining chip I know it." Plus they might want to know where Veledar is, and I have seen what lengths they will go at the fort. She shivered at the reminder of that place, and how Gerald had been when she had found him. Curse that place, I am glad we destroyed it. “So please."

She got onto her knees and looked at the black kobold square in his eyes. “Consider this a request from the princess of Drenedar asking you to go on a noble quest......I need your help."

Azzik fidgeted in silence as he seemed to be mulling over her words. He looked to Feku, than back to Lyndis. He took a deep breath, letting his shoulders rise and fall. “What will we be doing while adventuring? We won't be force to fight will we? Feku here is not really a fighter."

“No. You do not have to fight if you don't want to." She laughed, “Although if we get into a serious fight you might want to hide."

Azzik nodded as he gave an audible gulp. “You would not mind if we hid until the fighting was over?"

Lyndis rolled her eyes, “It's not ideal I know, but if you two healed us and kept us relaxed afterwords I could see that working. Besides." she waved, “There are many ways you can be part of the team, even if fighting is not one of them."

Feku gave a great big smile, her scales shifting back to their mossy green. “Come on Azzik, it's a princess asking you for help. How can you refuse? I will make song of this!" She held her arms out wide, “Whole darn sonnet!"

“All I need you to do is get my pack of things....Maybe my armor....Or my weapons.." She rattled off, holding up her fingers. “Although the main thing I need are lock picks." she gestured to the key slot with her hands. “For that thing there. Once I am out of here, we can escape together.... I take it you know the way out of here?"

“T-that I do miss Lyndis." Azzik nodded nervously, his voice still shaky. “Can I have time to think about it?" He looked back to the door, “and figure out where your things are? I did not see where they put them."

Damn, I thought he might know where they are. Well that will certainly be a snag. Hopefully they did not come for her in between the time. 'That's fine Azzik, it can't be helped. Although won't they notice your not guarding me?"

“I can always just said the boss told me to do something." he mumbled, “Just add some insults my way and they always believe me anyway...I guess that's a p-perk when they don't think highly of you." His frills drooped slightly, as he continued to fidget with his claws.

“Hey Azzik, your not worthless. They are just stupid arseholes who don't know nothing about anything." She smiled, as the kobold looked up, a small grin forming on his snout.

“T-thank you miss Lyndis. I think I will wait a bit before I go and start looking around." He kneeled down on the floor. “They might be a tad suspicious if the first thing I did was l-leave and do that."

Well that makes sense. The little guy certainly was smart. She thought to Guards earlier remark. Yea take that you focken arsehole. “Hey did you happen to hear about a certain hobgoblin named Hogar? I have to sort of pay him back for stabbing me ever so firmly in the bloody back."

“Oh you mean the p-paladin?" Azzik cocked his head, his tail fidgeting. “He was in here this morning before I came to see you. “Mentioned something about convincing the city paladin that we had you locked in a cell." The kobold let out a small chuckle, “She is kinda furious I guess that your friends did not arrive. Hogar mentioned she is skeptical that they even have the princess.." he gestured to her, “You."

Well I heard this before last night. “Yea I already knew that information, except the part about him going today." Hopefully he fails, then it will buy my friends even more time to find me.

“So this pirate thing-" Feku suddenly spoke up, her scales shifting back to golden yellow.

“Adventurer."

“Whatevering." The golden kobold rolled her eyes, “Where are we going after we get out?" she clasped her claws together. “To find buried treasure? Or maybe explore an island? Or go find an old tomb!?" She said each one with an higher and higher pitch. Lyndis thought for a moment her voice was going to simply explode with the excitement flowing through her.

“I think I will be heading south towards Drenedar with my Dwarf friend. If Arcturus and Crimson Sky follow us will be up to them. It would certainly be the best option. Heck they grew on me, and I would hate to split up a good team. Imagine all the things we could accomplish with them? No tomb would ever stand a chance again. She let out a sigh, remembering the reason for going home. Although first things first, check on my family. Figure out what's going on.......and contact Cordy.

“Drenedar!" Feku squealed, “I have never beem there before." She turned to Azzik with her tail tapping the floor in excitement. “You hear that? We will be going to Drenedar." she clacked her claws together. “Yay."

“Y-you don't have to get so excited you know." laughed Azzik as Feku was now bouncing on her claws.

“Oh shush Azzik, I am exiteriffic." She held her snout up. “I get to be a pirate."

“Adventurer."

“Whatevering." she waved a claw at him. Than with a final tap of her tail, she stood up. “I think I will go about figuring out what to make for lunch." She wrinkled her snout. “They of course want me to serve them like a wench." Feku rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms. Her scales started to shift to a red color. Lyndis was reminded of Veledar's own crimson scales. “Well you two have fun." She nuzzled Azzik on his neck, then walked slowly out the door, shutting it softly behind her.

“Why don't you get some rest?" Azzik said, strolling over to Guard's seat and hopping up onto it. “I will wait a little before going to ask them anyway."

“What are you going to do? Watch me as I sleep?" she put a hand around her waist. “Cause you sure don't look like that creepy Guard."

“I will draw to keep my mind busy." he replied, pulling out a small vial of ink, a black feathered quill, and a small piece of parchment. “Also it will help me focus on how to not be scared."

“Your still scared huh?" Lyndis said softly, sitting on her bed softly. Sinking into the soft mattress. Once again she cursed how soft it was.

Azzik turned to look at her, as he nodded slowly. “These men are scary to me Lyndis. I am not a brave adventurer, or strong like yourself." His eyes darted to the door as if he expected someone to burst in.

“It's okay to be scared." she laughed, “I get scared all the damn time." she thumbed her chest, “It's just how you deal with being scared." She sighed, “I just think about how my friends are counting on me, and sometimes my anger." She let out a small chuckle from her throat. “It really helps with the certain things we fight. Like this time we got ambushed by gryphons, and everyone got separated.... Crimson Sky.....our dragon actually died." Her demeanor soured, as she remembered Arcturus tell in detail what had happened. She knew if she were in his place she would have been a wreck. “If it were not for a miracle he would have died.....Than there was this green dragon that took a harpoon meant for me." She fidgeted on the bed, imagining Cordy's pained gasps as she had held him. It was that moment she knew she liked him. That stupid dragon must have known. She smiled a little, That big heroic stupid dragon of mine.

“Your scared too? How about now?"

“Honestly? I am hoping my friends come and get me.....Although yes I am scared of what the king will do to me if they fail..." She looked the kobold in the eye. “It's why I need you to be strong for me Azzik, because your the one this can all count on. I know you didn't want it to be, but in this case your the hero."

“Me a hero?" he held his head back in surprise, putting a claw to his chest. “Come on lady Lyndis, I know I promised to help, but that hardly makes me a hero."

“You have to get me out of here first to be the hero." she gave him a half smile and held up a finger, “No getting to far ahead of yourself."

Azzik nodded as he started drawing on the parchment, his eyes glued to it as his hands worked. She watched his breath slow, as his tail fidgeting softly as he worked. He looked so determined to be doing what he was. She just hoped that he would be able to get the job done. Although it's not like you have any other options, he is the best shot you got. She closed her eyes, and focused on entering a small trance. Just have to wait, and soon I will be free. She breathed in, letting her chest fill to the brim with air,before letting out a long and pleasant exhale. She only had to rest for a moment, before she felt her mind slip into a trance, letting the dreams take her away.

* * * * * * * * * *

Lyndis opened her eyes at the sound of Feku singing loudly and merrily, as she came into the room. Her voice carried through, a sweet thing that made Lyndis give a sigh as her body seemed to relax. In her mossy green scaled claws she carried yet another silver platter, that seemed to have a literal pile of meats, vegetables, and a side of bread. She does know that I don't have the literal appetite of a dragon right? She laughed internally to herself. Her eyes spied steam slowly curling off all of the food causing her mouth to water. With her next inhale, she smelled the appetizing aroma of it, making her stomach gurgle it's approval. Her eyes bolted to were the tray from earlier had been, finding that it was missing. How long did I sleep? Was it lunch time already?

She snapped her attention to Azzik, who was still doodling on his parchment. The single piece he had had, was now joined with numerous others, that covered every square inch of the desk beside the footstool he was on. His tail was thumping the ground steadily as he was working, his snout not leaving the paper. It almost looked like he was going to drag his nose right against the paper he was so close to it.

“Foods ready miss Lyndis!" Feku cried out, setting the tray near the cell with a clink. She sat down cross-legged and continued to sing softly the same tune she had come in with. Lyndis could not make out the words, but they seemed to be joyous, as she carried the tune with a great smile.

“Thank you Feku." she replied, causing the kobold to nod, and twitch her tail. Lyndis than returned her gaze to Azzik and scowled at him, “You let me sleep this long!?" She asked suddenly, causing Azzik to jump slightly in his seat.

The black scaled kobold froze, and slowly turned his head towards her. His eyes were wide as she saw his frills twitch slightly. “Yes?" he winced, “I couldn't just leave you un-attended....m-miss Lyndis." he gestured to Feku, “I w-was waiting for her to take my p-place is all."

“Well I is here now Azzik." Feku laughed, “I can watch Lyndis for you." She turned to her with a smile. “Now no acting up on me now." She barred her teeth playfully. “Or I will have to get rough on you."

Feku rough? Lyndis laughed at the thought. She held up her hands, “Oh no you won't get any trouble out of me Feku. I will be behaved."

“Good." She held up a claw. “Because if your good you get candy."

“Wait what?"

Azzik shoved off his chair, his claws clinking on the floor. “Well I am off you two." he gave an audible gulp. “Pray that I am quickly back........" He turned his snout to Lyndis, his face full of worry. “You just need the lock picks right?"

“If you can get everything back that would be best." she said soothingly. “However if that's all you can get, than so be it." She gave him a big smile. “Thanks Azzik, for being so brave."

The kobold held his head high as his chest swelled with pride. “Don't worry L-lyndis, I will get them for you." He quickly walked out of the room with a confident stride, and softly closed the door behind him.

“So you have candy?" Lyndis asked after several moments of silence between her and Feku. Who was just sitting there looking at her, humming to herself as she tapped her tail to the beat.

“Oh yes, but you have to eat good." Feku held up a finger and wagged it at her, like she was talking to a small child.

“Well I hate to disappoint you." she chuckled, taking a seat beside the food. “However I don't think I can eat all this." she gestured to the large plate of food.

“OH NO!" Feku exclaimed, holding her claws to her snout. “I am so sorry! I was afraid I was not givings you enough food to devour!" her scales started to turn a light shade of blue.

“Calm down." Lyndis held up a hand, “It's fine.....Besides now I can focus on what I want to eat." She picked up a fork and jabbed it into a steaming piece of broccoli. “You did fine Feku, better than ok."

“Ok, if you say so." she replied weakly. “I still feel bad for making too much."

“Don't be, you silly kobold." Lyndis stuffed more food into her mouth, chewing, and swallowing it fairly quickly. She had to admit it probably did not look very regal, or princess like as practically inhaled the delicious beef, cheese, and broccoli. She gave a shrug to herself, than raised an eyebrow a Feku just watched her intently with a cute little smile plastered on her snout, and wiggled her feet. “A-are you just content to watch me eat?" she laughed after swallowing her current mouthful of delectable food.

“I could always keep you trapped with music or a story." Feku cocked her head, as her frills twitched.

“I just heard you sing when you came in, so how about a story then?" After all Lyndis had never heard any kobold stories before. Now the siigonis on the other hand she got story after story out of her mother's siigonis adviser Iszogaz . He would go on and on about hunting, tracking, or forest magics. If he had not been such a good shoulder to lean on she might have found him annoying. In fact he was the one that sort of suggested she follow her own path. Or at least she thought he was the one who did that, he never was particularly clear in that regard.

“Well this story was told to me in passing." Feku said, pulling Lyndis from her thoughts. “By a wandering coyote of the wilds." she held out her paws wide towards the ceiling.

“Which wilds?" Lyndis asked, taking another mouthful of food.

“He said from one of the deserts in Rothdell I think. They have a whole flock he mentioned, of wondering nomaders." She gestured to Lyndis cell, “Anyway this story reminds me of the current predicament you have yourself in miss Lyndis."

“How can that be?"

“You see this story has a dragon in it....and hes trapped in a cell......in a dungeon." She placed her claws on her side as she held up her snout with pride. Her tail thumped on the ground softly behind her.

“What was the name of the this grand story then?" Lyndis took another bite of bread, warming her mouth with its goodness. If we bring her along, I will love her as a cook.....Perhaps she could show me a thing or two actually.

“That's the thing.." Her frills drooped, “I cannot remember the name of it.....So I will just call it The Dragon in the Dungeon!"

“That's not very original of a name Feku." Lyndis smirked.

“Well its a really good story!" She exclaimed, “It has happiness, adventure, comedy, and sadness!....It was so good my tribe kept the poor coyote captive for ten nights. Each night he would tell us a part of the incredibly long story." She than suddenly turned a slight hint of red on her scales, it looked like the grey stone of her normal color began to be dotted with little rubies. “So you can imagine our irritation when he escaped on the tenth night and left the story unfinished." She spat the last part out, her voice clearly filled with irritation, as the red scales were now dominating her body.

“Although I suspect he never saw a dragon in his life." She breathed deeply, as if to calm herself.

“Why do you suspect that?"

“"Because the dragon in the story had stones between his legs, and everyone knows they have slits." Lyndis saw her red scales suddenly have a small lining of purple start to dot them.

“Why Feku? Have you been peaking under dragon tails?" Lyndis chuckled.

“No!........Although I would not turn down the offer." she growled playfully in the back of her throat. “Would you turn down the chance to look under a dragon's tail?" Her scales were now starting to become fully purple now, like a the same color as her eyes.

Well I certainly walked into that one. She imagined Cordenth right now, looking at her with his sunflower eyes in anticipation for her answer. He would nudge her with his snout, and give her a look of ...Well?"......"Well I know this one dragon.....A different one than Crimson Sky.......Yes I would love to look under his tail."

“YOU KNOW A SECOND DRAGON!?" Feku cried out, leaping from the ground. “You are doubly blessed miss!" Her scales that were the purple of her eyes started to darken, as she raised an eyebrow. “And this dragon....he likes you?"

Lyndis pictured Cordenth again this time snickering at this little kobold, perhaps also about the tail comment, and how she had essentially said she wanted to see the emerald dragons cock. “I'd give you more than a look." he would playfully say with a wide smile on his snout. She shook her head softly and returned her attention to the royal purple kobold in front of her. “So what does purple mean on your scales Feku?" She pointed to her. “I have seen plenty of colors from you, but purple is certainly a new one.

“Oh this color?" she gestured to her scales, her eyes widening in sudden realization. “This is er...arousal."

What? “What?" Lyndis replied, nearly choking on her food in surprise. The fact this little sweet thing in front of her had told her just that. She placed a fist to her chest and banged a few times as she coughed. Cordy would love that little bit she had just said......Well Veledar as well...

“Well dragons....miss...." she started twisting one leg nervously back and forth. “How could I not? They are so strong, big, regal, and by the gods above so attractive." She held her two claws together as if she was praying to some higher power above. “Does your dragon not give you the same feelings of desire that they do to me?" She tilted her head to the side, as she focused on Lyndis.

“Well yes." She thought back to the handsome dragon that had wormed his way into her heart. The one that had her thinking about him in his absence, the one were she was longing to caress him. Damn you Cordenth. She grinned to herself. How did I fall for you so hard? I mean I only knew you for several days. She sighed, It sounds like your some fairy tale princess that falls head over heels for the first man she meets. She missed the way his scales would clink softly as they walked, how his eyes gazed deeply into hers, the sweetness of his voice, and the alluring smell of his scent. Everything about him just drove her wild. Perhaps he cast a spell on me.......A wonderful spell...“Okay I just don't go around flaunting it on my skin for all to see."

“Well enough about talking about a dragon that is in love with you ." Feku crossed her arms, and gave a snort. “I'm already jealous as it is." She shot her a glare, “And you best take good care of him miss Lyndis. So his affections to you are not wasted."

“Wasted?" she laughed trying to not think about what the little kobold had meant by taking care of him. Although she figured she knew what she had meant.

“Yes, wasted." Feku raised her snout, and gave another snort. “He should want want someone who will worship him for the divine beast he really is."

“What about Azzik? You think he would be upset that you are so enamored with a dragon?"

“Upset?" she squeaked, “He would help me worship the dragon!"

“I did not know that the little guy would do such a thing...especially for a male."

“Well he usually would not...but..." Feku placed a claw around her mouth, “For dragons he would do anything they asked him to do."

“Well don't you worry your little snout, when the time is right I will most certainly take care of my handsome dragon." She chuckled, “And I will take such good care of him, that he will be hardly able to walk."

“Good." Feku nodded, as her tail swished behind her. She tapped one of her feet claws on the floor with a clack. Her scales were starting to shift back to their normal grey. The dark purple seemed to be fading away, as a sea of dirt covered them.

_ Lucky me that this conversation is over. Any longer and she would have started talking about what their maleness had looked like._ Come to think of it she did not get a close look the last time. Perhaps the only one who she knew who did was Arcturus. Her eyes widened as she realized where her thoughts were going. Oh gods look at me, imagining Cordenth's cock. She imagined it's large ridged length. It was dark pink in color and had a tapered head. She shivered as she remembered the wonderful feeling the firm ridges running up it's length, very much like the siigonis had on theirs back in Drenedar. She shivered, feeling herself get slightly aroused as she remembered the dragon's forceul thrusts into her, until he tied her with his knot.

“Lyndis?" Feku suddenly asked, pulling her out of her lewd thoughts. “What are you thinking about?"

“W-what now?" she stammered, shaking the last image of her dragon's imaginary maleness from her mind. She re-orientated her gaze to look right into the kobolds purple eyes. The little thing had a sly smirk on her snout, as she had moved a claw to her waist. “

“You were thinking about your dragon weren't you?"

_ How did she?_

“Your cheeks have been turning red since you were sitting there." Feku pointed a claw at her, “Also your breath quickened." she chuckled, “I guess you wear your emotions just like me....That's okay it just means were the same!"

“Okay, okay. Enough about dragon cocks, how did this story his go?"

Feku suddenly clamped a claw over her mouth as she let out a loud giggle. “I said nothing about their maleness miss Lyndis." Her frills fluttered, and her tail swished. “But apparently your mind was on them." She retracted her claws to reveal a tooth filled, sly grin.

_ Oh gods did I just say that aloud?_ Lyndis gave out a groan as she placed her face into her palms.

“That just means you and are more similar than I thought!" She clasped her claws together with a slight clack. “It also means you will enjoy the end of this story." She took a step closer and lowered her voice. “It gets a bit naughty at the end, and it does have a dragon cock in it." Feku giggled, as her grey scales started to be tipped with purple once again.

Oh joy, what have I got myself into? She laughed internally as she looked to the door. She hoped that Azzik would come running in with her stuff right about now, his face all happy with the deed done. But it's been too soon for that I imagine. She gave a slight sigh, well she had to wait anyway, she might as well listen to this story. Besides if it did have a raunchy part with dragon sex it would only give her ideas for Cordenth. And I imagine he would love that anyway. “So how does the story The Dragon in the Dungeon go anyway Feku? You have me excited to hear the bloody thing."

Feku gave a small squeak as her scales that had been slowly turning purple, were now changing to a shade of moss green. “So our story begins long ago." She sat down cross legged, and holding her claws up wide. The story lasted for quite some time, as Feku never seemed to tire. She spoke from the heart with each sentence, and described things so beautifully it was almost like Lyndis were actually there along side the main character of the story. Feku would occasionally mess up on a word, stop and wrinkle her little snout. She would say the correct word and continue with a smile, as Lyndis chuckled internally. “That's when Alia got into the tub with the dragon, his maleness proudly throbbing before her." Feku's scales darkened back to their royal purple, as they had been slowly turning this was the longer the story had been going on. Lyndis figured the kobold had been pretty excited to get to this point.

Cordenth and I in a tub? She smiled at the thought, as she pictured him holding her by the waist. His snout curled into a little smug grin, as he knew what was about to happen. He would grip her tight around he waist, and slightly pull down, slowly and with a pleasured moan from her begin to spread her....

That's when the door swung open, and Azzik bolted inside and slammed the door behind him. He had a large brown sack slung over his back, that he was holding with both of his claws. His muzzle was one filled with pride, if his smile was any indication. “I got your stuff!" he whispered loudly, “Well except your rapiers and your cloak." He wrinkled his snout, “The boss wanted those for his treasury....S-said they were too fancy to leave around were anyone could nab them."

“Azzik I could kiss you!" Lyndis exclaimed with a large smile, as she stood straight up from the floor. She saw his frills twitch slightly at this comment.

“R-really?" he smiled.

“Hell yes! Your a sight for focking sore eyes, see I knew you had it in ya."

Feku grabbed Azzik and nuzzled his neck softly as her scales exploded with pink dots. “I knew you could do it." she echoes Lyndis words, as Azzik fought to push her away. Although Lyndis could see that he was only putting up a half halfhearted effort to do so.

“Come on Feku." he nuzzled her back, “I h-have to give Lyndis her stuff." This caused her to let go of him with a little sigh.

“Than we get to go on adventurers!" she clapped her claws together.

“We can see about that." Azzik replied, slowly strolling over to Lyndis, and opening the sack. He reached in with his claw and pulled out her leather backpack. He firmly held it outwards, “Here you go m-miss Lyndis. One backpack for you!"

Lyndis gave him a questioning look, as she gestured to the clearly small bars.

“Oh right!" he laughed, sitting down with the backpack in his lap. He fumbled with the leather strap holding it firmly closed for a moment, before it came un done and he let out a small gasp of joy.

He shoved his claw into the pack and began to rifle around in it.

“No be careful, I have all manner of traps and gadgets in there."

“T-traps!" he suddenly retracted his arm like he had just been burned.

“Yes caltdrops, marbles, stuff like that." she chuckled. “I just don't you to spill everything in there.

“How can marbles be a trap?" Feku wrinkled her muzzle. “I thought they were one of your hatchling's games."

“You can roll them into an area, so that people might slip."

“Oh!" her eyes squinted into surprised purple slits. “Well that makes more sense now."

“For a moment I t-thought something would snap at my claws." Azzik gave a small sigh of relief, as he placed his claw back into the pack once more. “So what am I looking for exactly?"

“Lock picks." Lyndis rolled her eyes, “We bloody talked about this."

“Well y-yea, but they are not just scattered around in your pack right?"

Oh right, that makes a bit more sense. Good going there Lyndis, using that common sense of yours. “Think black case somewhere near the bottom." She pointed to the base of the pack with a finger, “ It will have a symbol of a pegasus on it."

“Pegasus huh?" Azzik cocked his head. “What are those?"

“Really?" she replied, disbelief present in her voice. “You've never heard of pegasi?"

“Yea Azzik it's those horse things with the fins and sharp spines for tails." Feku held up her claws to mime that it also had large fangs on it's snout. “They also have fangs so sharp that they can go through dragon scale's faster than a claw through parchment."

“Where did you hear that story?" Lyndis snorted in laughter. “Pegasus have bird wings, not fangs, or fins, or bloody spines."

“Oh." Feku's frills drooped, “They are just horses with wings?"

“Well they don't sound all that special to me than." Azzik chimed in, as he continued to rifle through the pack, with a look of determination on his face.

“Well shows you what you know." Lyndis crossed her arms firmly, “They are even faster than a gryphon in the air, and of course easier to train with."

“Can they talk?" Feku perked her head up again, “Cause gryphon's can talk."

“Well....no.. they are not sentient."

“See nothing special!" Azzik smiled, as he pulled out a black box. “I got it!" he held it high, looking so proud of himself as he did so.

Lyndis snatched it from him quickly, with a quick, “Thanks" escaping her lips. He just nodded and took her armor and other gear out of the sack, and placed them carefully one at a time on the stone floor. Feku than walked over behind him, cracked open the door softly, and peaked her tiny head out to look around the hallway. With a flick of her tail she curled her head back, “Coasts all clear."

_ Damn't I had focking forgotten about that._ Well at least she has a good mind on her shoulders. Lyndis cracked open the box, Yes! Everything was still intact! She picked up one of the cool metal lock picks, and rolled it within her fingers.

“So what about your friends?" Azzik took his seat once more right beside the metal bars.

Lyndis took the lock pick, and placed it within the lock on the cell door. She started feeling around for the tumblers inside. “What about them?" she replied, pushing the lock pick further inside.

“If we are going to join them, we should perhaps know more about them yes? I-I'd like to know anything about them. Are they friendly? Are they loud? Do they hate kobolds?"

“Are they cute!?" Feku added, curling her head back once more with a grin. “I mean besides Crimson Sky, I know he will be absolutely gorgeous." She giggles, wiggling her tail.

Oh Feku, you will have to fight of Arcturus if you want to go clawing at that tree. Lyndis chuckled to herself, as she continued with her work. “Some of them are friendly, they don't hate kobolds...... at least I don't think they do....Merlia and Crimson Sky can be loud at times......Although you get used to it after awhile. Were like one big ole happy family now. Isn't that a scary thought. She let out a slight sigh as she remembered they would most likely be going their separate ways after they had retrieved the dragon's book.

“What are their names?" I heard mention of Merlia, but I have no idea who or what they are like."

Okay Azzik, but you asked for it. “Well Merlia is our dwarven ranger" Lyndis felt one of the tumblers click into position. Yes! “She is loud, in your face, and won't back down from focking anything. Although she won't let you down either. I think she even views us as children at times." She watched Azzik as he had tensed up for the start of the explanation, and than relax when she mentioned the children bit. “Than there is Asterion, our minotaur cleric. He is gruff and says few words, however he is a warrior at heart., and I believe when push comes to shove he is a good person.

“And the others?" Feku added again as she peaked her head out the door once more. “Clear still."

“Than there is Arcturus, the human paladin of Bahamut. He is kind of a stick in the mud at times, but I have seen him loosen up, and actually enjoy himself. Especially thanks to you Veledar. “he is kind, caring, accepting, and I genuinely think he would die to protect us."

“He sounds like a v-very good person." Azzik, traced a claw over Lyndis' leather chest armor.

“And dreamy!" Feku added again. “Or a kobold....he worships a dragoness?"

“It's a long story that involves Crimson Sky almost dying."

“Y-you will have to tell us that one some time around the c-camp fire." Azzik smiled and thumped his tail on the ground.

“Or in song!" Feku laughed.

“Oh trust me Feku, you don't want to hear me sing." Lyndis wrinkled her face, as the lock was giving her trouble. Something that she could not usually say with locks, she had always been good at picking them. Something seemed off about this lock. She was doing everything she normally did when it came to lock picking, but for some reason the tumblers had stopped responding. So whats the matter....unless I am having an off day..or... “Azzik?"

“Yes?" He perked his head up, his frills fidgeting.

“What's the other side of this lock look like.?" Please let there not be runes, please let there not be runes..

“There is a blue glowing rune...why?"

_ Aaaaaaaaaaaa._ She screamed internally. The door of course had been arcane locked to prevent exactly what she was doing. In order to pick a lock like this she would have had to had some sort of magic on her side helping her. She slumped her shoulders in defeat, as she let her hands slip from the lock pick. “We are going to need that key if we are going to get out of here." She gestured to the lock, “Unless one of you mastered lock picking in the time of my failing. Damn of course they arcane locked it. It's what I would have done after all. Well bloody hell we wasted half the day on something I could have asked them about earlier....

“So I got your things for nothing?" Azzik groaned, his frills drooping. “Surely they must be good for something." His eyes filled with desperation, as he fidgeting his claws together.

“Not unless I get out of here, it's useless to me. If I put on the armor they will know something is up and take precautions. Your better off just sneaking the whole lot of it back where you found it. That way you don't get into any trouble either.....What we really need is the key Guard was carrying with him." Hopefully that is the real key and not some sort of dummy. Otherwise our whole plan to escape will be sunk.

“Yah that's what lady Lyndis needs." Feku's tail thwacked the door softly, “We just need the key and we're all set for adventure!"

_ I'll have to ask him again._ Was it right to keep asking the kobold to risk his life to free her? She sighed and crouched low to the ground so that her head was level with his. She reached out with a hand and gently cupped the underside of his snout, and slowly pulled it until he was looking at her. “I need another favor from you Azzik....One even bigger than the one I asked you for earlier." She watched his eyes widen, his breath quicken, and his frills twitch, as if he knew what she was going ask of him. “I need you to go get that key from Guard."

“No!" He shouted suddenly, pulling away from her grasp. “I already r-risked my life to get that sack!" He thrust a claw at the now empty container. “Your a-asking me to c-commit suicide to get that damned key! He has had it on him at all times L-Lyndis, they will surely kill me!" He backed away shaking his head. “You have to find someone else....someone more.....brave."

Did I push him too far? “Azzik" Lyndis said softly, “I know it will be hard okay? Nothing worthwhile in life is every easy. I need you to be able to get out of this cell. I cannot pick my way out right now." She gestured to Feku, who still had her snout outside the door, her tail tapping away to a tune she no doubt was humming. “She needs you to be able to get out of here.....and you need me to get out of here."

“But what about your friends lady Lyndis?"

“What if they don't get here in time? What it they are not actually coming? I want to have said I tried everything in order to escape before giving up Azzik....." She gave a sigh, “I am not some maiden that sits here and waits to be rescued......I need you to try for me Azzik." She saw him gulp as his claws fidgeted. “I need you to be brave. Find the Azzik that I believe in, because we all need you right now.....I swear on my life I will never ask you to do another thing as long as you live." She held up her hand, “You can come with us and focken do nothing but eat and have a good time......Please."

Azzik opened and closed his mouth several times, as his words seemed to have failed him.

“Azzik." Came the voice of Feku, who had curled her head back towards them. “I trust lady Lyndis, she'll get us out of here....than we can all go on the adventure. Don't you want to see other places? She cocked her snout with a smirk.

“I will do it." Azzik finally said after a moment of silence. He made small fists with his claws, “Just give me the time to find Guard, and figure out a way to get the key." He turned his head back towards Feku, “I may also need her help when the time comes."

“Yay I can help!" she clapped her claws together, as her scales turned a bright shade of green.

“Thank you Azzik." Lyndis said. See I knew he had it in him to go through with it. He just needed a small push in the right direction. “I knew I could could count on you."

“Don't worry Lyndis...I will of course hold you to your promise!" he laughed, “Nothing but eating and relaxing!"

Well I did make that promise. “Deal you little brave hero."

“Ok, Feku." He strolled over to her, planing a kiss on her snout when she turned to face him. “You stay here and guard Lyndis. If I need you I will come back for you. Until then, just stay safe."

“I can do this." she nodded.

With a deep breath, a sigh, and a quick nod Azzik walked outside the door with a confident stroll. Feku quietly shut the door behind him. “You are sure good at talking to kobolds miss Lyndis....I thought he might be too scared to do this for you."

“That makes two of us...but I know he can do it."

“Me too."

Lyndis grabbed her pieces of leather one by one and stashed them under her mattress. When Azzik returned she was going to be ready, but if anyone came in in between that time, she did not want them to be any the wiser of what was going on. With each piece she set below the mattress she could feel her spirits lifting. If there were no roof she was sure they would be floating high above the city right now. With the last piece safely stored she sat cross legged on the mattress, letting her self sink slowly onto it. She imagined the spells that were going to be needed once she got out of the cell. Some illusions of course, to throw their captors off the trail. Maybe a quick mirror image if things got too dicey. She wrinkled her brow as she remembered that the observer still had the cloak and rapiers that Veledar had lent her. Well he is certainly going to want them back. I will be sure to tell the dragon just who exactly has this things. She imagined how furious he would be, and what pain he would inflict onto the horrid creature that had enslaved her two new friends. It will be too good for him. She gave a small snort, as her mind drifted once again to Cordenth. First thing I do when we get back is contact you. So I can let you know how much I miss you. She did not care if it made her sound like a love sick puppy, yearning for him like she was. She let out a sigh, yet here she was doing just that. She imagined him sitting beside her, draping a wing around her as he prepared her for the task ahead. She smiled, he would probably tell her she was the best, and most skilled adventurer he had ever known. She'd playfully boop his snout and tell him, she was the only adventurer he had ever known.

“You just relax and prepare for later miss." Feku said quietly, “I will just watch and wait..."

* * * * * * * * *

Lyndis' eyes bolted awake as she was sure she heard the dull sound of an explosion. She scanned the room to find it empty. The door that led to the hallway outside had been left open, and Feku was no were to be seen. How long did I sleep? The thought bubbled to the surface as she blinked her eyes, and moved to retrieve her things. If the kobolds are missing this can't be good. Especially if I think I just heard what I think I just heard. Her face wrinkled up, as the first thing that popped into her head was that the sound has seemed similar to a fireball. She tried to not picture the magical flames licking at her two friends, as their scales were vaporized within its fiery inferno. She donned her leather armor one piece after the other, making sure the straps were night and tight. She slung her backpack over he shoulder as she put her throwing knives in their sheaths. She gave a soft groan as she looked to her empty frogs that held her rapiers. Don't worry Lyndis, you will get them back. Just find the team and make these thugs pay. She cracked her knuckles as she narrowed her eyes. Oh we will certainly make them pay. Not just for Feku and Azzik, but for stealing my stuff, and doing gods knows whats else to the people of this city. To think it's not just the soldiers I despise here. Her ears perked up at the sound of yet another explosion, followed by a loud roar of an angry man.

“GET THAT KOBOLD HE HAS THE DAMNED KEY!"

She heard a door slam open from the hallway as she felt her chest grow tight. Oh no....please make it you guys...please. She pulled out two of the daggers that she had, flipping them through her fingers. If they were going to cut it this close, she had to be ready the second they opened this cell door. She would not be getting another chance to pull this off.

She heard the sound of boots, and a sudden twack noise, followed by a shriek of pain she recognized as Azzik's voice. “FEKU TAKE THE KEY AND RUN!" he shouted out, his voice cracking.

She heard a high pitched squeak, the same one that Feku had made previously. Followed by the sound of rapidly approaching clicks of claws on the stone floor. Feku rounded the door in a desperate pace, her claws wrapped tightly around the small metal key that had been on Guard's belt. Her eyes were wide, and her scales were bone white. She turned, slammed the door as hard as she could, and threw down the wooden beam to lock it behind her. She stood their for a moment, looking at the door with her back to Lyndis. She was panting ragged, loud breaths, as her tail twitched behind her. “LYNDIS!" she shouted, rushing over to the door. She tripped on the stone, and landed with a pained gasp as the key fell from her grasp and clattered over to Lyndis' boot. “You have to get Azzik!" she gasped, pushing herself off of the floor.

Her mind raced to the worse, as Lyndis picked up the key and reached a hand around through the bars. “What happened?"

“He saw an opening and went for it." Feku, scrambled over to help, taking the key from her fingers. “Except someone saw him!" Feku shoved the key into the slot. She snapped her snout around as the door behind them shook with the dull noise of someone hitting it.

“SHE LOCKED THE DAMNED DOOR!" came the shout of Guard from the other side. “SOMEONE COME HELP ME WITH IT BEFORE SHE FREES THE DAMNED PRINCESS!" There came the sound of another thump against the door.

How long would that wooden beam last? Especially if they got Jax to come down and ram himself against it? She shook her head as Feku, turned the key, and with a soft click the cell door opened. Lyndis bolted from it like she was an arrow loosed from a bow. She twirled the daggers in through her fingers, as the anticipation built in her chest. “Feku, where did you see Azzik last? This is going to be crucial if I am going to save him."

“He is down the hallway to the left!" Feku covered her mouth, “You have to save him Lyndis....they will kill him!"

Lyndis crouched into a combat stance. She was reminded about how a lion, or dragon would do this as they prepared to pounce on their prey. “Can you remove the wooden beam then?" she gestured to it with a knife. She readied herself once again as Feku nodded, and walked over to the door. Her claws traced the wooden beam for a moment before she looked back with her eyes, ever so full of worry.

“Are you ready miss Lyndis?" She asked in a squeak.

Lyndis nodded, giving her daggers one last twirl, than gripping them tightly. There wont be time for offerings of surrender. There would be no time for tricks, no time for playing cat and mouse with them. She soured at the thought, for that was not the usual way she fought. She was no warrior to stand there and throw her weight around. She was no dragon to blunder her way through the situation, but she had to try damnt. Azzik was counting on her. She narrowed her eyes as Feku threw up the wooden beam. I will have to be the warrior this time, just like Azzik had been strong for me.

The door swung suddenly open as Guard came bursting through with his shoulder first. Lyndis snapped from her position to the surprised man. Without hardly any effort she swerved around him, and as he fell towards the stone floor, she sliced a dagger clean through his throat. She knew it was a deep cut from the blood that splattered from her blades slice. She tried to not take so much satisfaction as she heard him gurgle in surprise, and go to clutch the now gaping gash in his neck. He clattered to the ground, blood oozing from the wound, were she knew he would not rise again. Without another thought she bounded into the hallway, seeing that it went on for at least as long as Veledar was long. There were several doors lining the thing, spaced with mana lanterns in between them. There were nine men in between her and an open door at the end of this particular hallway. They all seemed to be taken back, by the sight of her dagger dripping blood, and the glare of absolute fury she was throwing at them. They were all wearing assorted leathers it seemed, and brandishing an assortment of swords,axes, and hammers.

“Well what are ya waiting for? An invitation?" shouted a gruff voice from the back. “Get her!" He ended it by pulling out a throwing knife and tossing at her. The blade spiraled passed the collection of men, causing her to side step out of it's path. She heard it clatter to the ground behind her as she sprinted towards them.

She held out a cupped left hand, shouting “Pyra". Flames sprung forth to douse two of the men, stopping their little advance with shrieks of pain. They crumpled to the floor, continuing their screams. She could not stop and allow that to sink in though. Her eyes looking to the door that Azzik was surely through. Hang on! She sprinted forward, and jumped off of the right wall, than to the left wall in a single motion. She swung her leg around to kick a different man around the face. He stumbled forward as she landed, and twisted around. She cut into that man's neck as well, her blade once again going deep as it tasted blood. He fell forward, causing her to leap back. This is were I excel, not through brute strength, but from finesse. She smirked, as she ducked from a swing from one man, moved slightly to his right, and jabbed her blade right up through his armpit. She brushed him forward, as the man fell off her dagger with a shlurrp. Four down, five to go. She ducked suddenly as yet another man took that ones place. She went to do the same trick but he was all the wiser. He twisted away and slashed out with his other sword, causing her to shift her weight to try and dodge it. The blade caught her in the shoulder, slicing through her shirt there, painting his sword a bright crimson. She gritted her teeth as she stumbled into the stone wall, managing to catch herself from falling over.

The man pressed forward again, a wicked grin on his face. Oh so you think your so cocky then. She pushed herself off the wall, and weaved her way through his strikes. With a small flick of her wrist a green spectral hand danced right in front of his vision. He flailed wildly as his defense lowered, and she saw an opening. With a quick duck, and swerve to the right, she plunged a dagger right into the base of the man's neck. He grunted in pain as he stumbled backwards, and she followed through by stabbing him again with her other dagger, this time right square in his head. She tried to yank the dagger free but it would not budge, she let it go as the man tumbled backwards towards his friends.

There was a dagger that flew towards her before she could react. She managed to swerve away from it causing it to miss her chest but she still felt it cut through her side. She gasped in the slight pain as she swerved out of the way of a man swinging twin hammers. She tried for an opening, but the man was fast even with these unwieldy weapons. She just managed to swerve out of the way again, as one hammer struck the wall with a ringing clang. She ducked from another with a smirk on her face. With her dagger held tightly in her grasp she went for the weak spot in his underarm. One more second and she would be right..

Another dagger flew at her as she focused the hammer wielding man. It struck it's mark right on her shoulder sending sparks of pain through her arm. It slowed down her attack enough for the man to turn slightly, and the fatal stab turned into just a jab through his arm. DAMNT she screamed internally, as the man recovered and slammed a hammer home into her left side. She was thrown to the ground hard, as she felt something crack. She landed with a pained thud, as he teeth chattered against one another. Great he probably broke my focking rib. She gasped in pain. But I got to do it for Azzik! With herculean effort she swept her feet around, and tripped the man who had smacked her aside. He collapsed beside her, and she swung her blade around and plunged it right into his chest. She winced in pain from her chest wound as sparks ignited under her skin, as she held her blade trembling. Her breath ragged as she eyed down the remaining three thugs who were advancing on her with wicked grins.

“You can do it Lyndis!" Feku cried from behind her, carrying a small violin. Which she let out a loud, long drowning note. “KICK THEIR FEET!" she pointed her thin bow toward the half-elf. There was a small flash of white light that flew from it and collided with Lyndis.

She felt the pain in her side fade away, as she was sure the rib that had cracked their had healed itself. So she can use magic after all. She rolled out of the way from a second hammer man, as she cut into his wrist, causing him to shout and drop weapon. It fell to the ground with a thud, as she followed through with her attack, her blade finding purchase in this one's eye. She had gone for his throat, but he had thrown his head back at the last moment. His shriek of pain was only for an instant as she pressed the blade deeper into his skull with her weight. She fell with him, rolling with his now dead body, avoiding twin sword slashes of one of his two remaining friends. Thankfully her blade came with her, and did not lodge into that man's skull. She spun around in a flash, her disembodied hand once again flying towards this man's face. IT was enough distraction for her to slice through one of his legs, causing him to stumble and fall forward into the remaining man who was holding knives ready to throw. With a cry they both fell together, and Lyndis held out her left hand, cupping it. “Pyra." she uttered with narrowed eyes. Letting the orange and red flames burst forth and consume the two remaining thugs. She stepped over their burning bodies and into the next room.

It was a small stone room, with just a single table it seemed that was home to a large metal ax with wicked metal blades. On the stone floor there were wooden chairs scattered all around the room in little broken pieces. There were several shelves of books, and chests made of wood lining the walls. She paid the dimly lit room little mind, as her focus was on black furred minotaur Jax, who was currently slamming Azzik against the wall with pained gasps from the kobold. The minotaur was choking the kobold by the throat, and when he pulled Azzik away from the wall she could see a small bloodied smear where he had been colliding. “YOU BASTARD!" she screamed, going to pounce at him, however stumbled as she felt a sharp pain pierce right through her ankle, and she fell forwards onto her face. She landed with groan, as her whole foot felt like it had been set on fire. She quickly glanced back to see a dagger had been shoved right through her boot, a small portion of the blade sticking out from the other side. Her eyes looked to the knife throwing man, who despite having burns all over his face was laughing silently to himself. FOCK FOCK FOCK.

“Well, well, well." the minotaur chuckled, “Looks like the princess came to play." he snorted, as she heard Azzik give out a little gasp. “Boss will be irritated we had to kill you, but he will be made to understand. “ He gestured to the hallway. “I mean look at the mess you made of our hallway!" He suddenly threw Azzik across the room as hard as he could. The little thing collided with the wall with a sickening smack, and he rebounded off the wall, and struck the floor.

Her chest tightened again as her eyes saw the how the back of Azzik's head was covered with layers of blood, and looked like it had been beaten to a pulp. It probably had. She propped her hands up, as she tried to push herself up. She gasped in pain from her dagger wound, and to her horror found she could not move her foot. No I will not die here. She gasped out, as she collapsed onto the stone floor. She heard the minotaur pick something heavy off the table. Damnt the fockin ax. She winced as she maneuvered herself, and grabbed hold of the dagger in her leg.

“Now any last words princess?"

She breathed through her teeth as she pulled the dagger clean out of her leg with a cry. She held the bloody thing, and pointed it right at the bulls face. “DONT YOU TAKE ANOTHER STEP!" She waved the dagger at him, still finding it impossible to stand.

“Oh so your going to wag the dagger at me?" The minotaur gave her a smug grin, as he rolled the large ax in his hands. “Yea this is end of the line princess."

“KICK THEIR FEET!" Feku screamed from the doorway, and Lyndis felt the wound in her leg close, as a warming sensation spread from it.

Lyndis bounded up quick as a flash before the minotaur could react fast enough to swing his ax down. She tried to get in a stab to his neck, but he moved at the last moment. Her dagger only tasting air, as he went to slice at her with the wicked looking ax. Luckily she leaped back at the last moment, right before the blade had sliced right clean into her torso. She moved in, managing to get in several good stabs at the minotaur before he could react. Each plunge of her blade into his flesh felt so good, especially after what he had done to.... She shook her head as she avoided another swing from his ax.

“Stay still!" he shouted out, his ax missing her, and instead smashing right into the table, and with a thundering crack it split right in half.

“Not a chance arsehole!" she shouted back, flicking her wrist,“ Fiik Ilir". Three copies sprang from her towards Jax. Who stumbled backwards, his eyes darting back and forth, trying to find the real one.

“Nice try princess." he chuckled, “But I know they can't land a blow..." He let out a roar, and looked to Feku. “Lucky I have another target." he snorted, and charged right for her. She let out small shriek as she bolted away.

“FEKU!" Lyndis cried out, her lungs nearly on fire at this point. She slammed into the side of the minotaur, throwing him off just enough, to miss Feku with a slash of his ax. She was not done however as she jabbed her dagger into his arm twice for good measure.

Jax let out a pained grunt, as quickly turned his body, flinging Lyndis off of him. She collided hard into a stone wall, and the copies of her vanished into smoke. Her body slumped to the ground as the minotaur stomped over towards her with heavy hooves. “See." He gasped out, as she saw blood drip from from all the spots she had stabbed him. “Not so tough!" He kicked her hard in her chest, causing stars to dance in her eyes, as she coughed up some blood. “WHAT NOW PRINCESS?"

Lyndis could feel the pain overtaking her entire body as she let out another ragged cough, as the minotaur looked down at her in victory. Damn't I went through nine of these fockers to loose to this guy? She spat out some blood, as she glared at him.

“Well any last words princess?" He grabbed her around the throat and lifted her up towards the back wall. He slammed her against the stone, causing her entire body to twitch, ass she could feel her wind pipe getting crushed as it got harder and harder to breath in his iron grip. “Oh I'm sorry princess." He laughed, “I don't think I can hear you."

Lyndis struggled and kicked against him, as it felt like her lungs were about to explode. She could barely see as her sight was so full of stars. No I cannot....I....can... It was hard to form coherent thought as she felt him tighten his grip on her.

“I AM FEKU!" came the scream of Feku, followed by the roar of pain from Jax.

Lyndis felt his grip weaken just enough for her to get a large breath in. It was a painful gasp that send little fireworks of pain through her chest, but damn it was air and that's all she cared about. She felt him kick Feku away, as his attention was off of her for the moment. THIS IS IT GO NOW! She gripped the dagger she still held in her grasp. Somehow she had managed to hold onto it through his choking. “HEY JAX!" She screamed out as she rose the dagger.

“WHAT?"

“FOCK YOU!" she plunged the dagger straight through his eye with a sickening shlurp. He let go of her, letting her fall to the ground as he stumbled backwards shrieking in pain. She stood back up, gasping for breath, blood soaking her clothes. She narrowed her eyes, cupped her hand and once again bellowed the word, “Pyra." She focused with all her power into this spell, easily increasing it's power to that of a higher powered spell. The flames that sprung forth from her hand were a brilliant bright blue, that lit up the entire room in their radiance. Jax did not even get to shriek in pain as they billowed over him, wrapped him in their embrace, and than turned his entire body to ash.

She just stood there for a moment, watching his ashes steam. She gasped again for breath as it felt like her entire body had been poked with needles from head to toe. Somehow I am alive. Her eyes went to Feku, who was not kneeling over the form of Azzik, and Lyndis felt her heart sink. She stumbled over to the crumpled kobold,each foot step a chore as it made her wince at the pain.

“F-feku..." she heard Azzik gasp softly, as she almost collapsed and kneeled beside him.

“Y-yes?" the little blue kobold replied, her voice cracking, as tears had already begun to stream down her snout. “I'm here Azzik..." She leaned in and nuzzled his blood body. “I'm here..."

“L-Lady Lyndis?" He glanced up at her slowly , his eyes bloody and seemingly filled with pain. It was hard to look at his smashed up face, it made her want to turn that minotaur into ash one more time....or three.

“Yes Azzik?" She asked, as dread swelled up from within her. Like an icy chill sweeping over her heart.

“Look after Feku for me." he gasped out, than coughing.

“I will Azzik." I did this...

“D-did I do good?" he smiled weakly, his side frills twitching weakly.

“Y-y-.....You were the best Azzik." She cried, wiping a tear from her eyes. “You were the bravest person I've ever met!"

“Good." He smiled, as Feku clutched him tightly in her claws. He gave one last ragged breath, as he seemed to sink to the floor. Feku just sobbed ever the harder, as her claws dug into his scales. “Azzik.......Azzik....." The sapphire blue kobold pressed her snout so hard into Azzik it looked like she was trying to merge with him.

Lyndis shoulders dropped as she hung her head, and she let the tears stream down her face. She had seen people die before, it came sort of with the territory of being an adventurer. This however got her. This small scared kobold, who had given up everything for her. _It wasn't......it wasn't fair....._She wiped her eyes once more with the least soiled part of her shirt. That's when she heard the sound of another explosion off in the distance, in the opposite direction they had come from.

“WE HAVE INTRUDERS!" came a shout from down the hall. “ THEY ARE ARMED TO THE TEETH, AND HAVE A LUNITIC DWARF!"

Lyndis eyes widened, as she felt hollow. She looked to Azzik's broken body, turning her head to see the destroyed room littered with corpses, blood, and ash. She let out another mournful cry. IT WAS ALL MY FAULT......IF ID JUST LISTENED AND WAITED.......She buried her face into her hands, and continued to cry. She felt Feku wrap her arms around her, and pull her tightly into her embrace.

“It's going to ok Lyndis." she cried. “Please.....lets get out of here."