by M Arienach
“But… you could have…”
“Absolutely nothing. I already have planets to travel to, gold for the taking… with not a damn thing to spend it on. I have no challenge anymore. I can destroy a continent with a thought. But as I said, I cannot build. If you truly are curious, come with me. I will show you what the lesser races have to offer. I seek the subtle magic now, not to destroy, but to be able to create. For all I have, I have nothing.”
The white dragon spoke. “I think I understand. I will follow you.”
The Bronze agreed. “I as well.”
Viennarinia looked at them. “Then go. I will not be a part of this.” Then she turned and flew off. I felt a cold chill as I watched her leave. I shook it off and turned to the other two dragons.
“Might I know your names?”
“I am called Imar.” The white one spoke.
“And I am Tirreg.” The bronze added.
“Tis good to meet you. All I ask is that you harm no one.”
They looked at each other, then nodded. We flew to Dragonhaven in silence.
I landed first and shifted and they followed suit. Tirreg was large and broad, looking like a barbarian. His hair was the color of his scales. Imar was an albino, tall and thin. He drew the eye as his skin almost glowed. His white hair down to the middle of his back.
They surveyed the harbor and the docks in silence for a few minutes. Then Imar asked.
“Did you have them build this?”
“I told them I wanted a place to trade. I was thinking of the docks, but the rest they added.”
“You allowed it?” Tirreg asked.
“They are not my servants. They asked if some of them could stay and I told them to build as they would.”
Tirreg looked at me strangely. “Why?”
I chuckled. “What could I build? Seriously. They have made this land into a work of art.”
We walked around the harbor, the dragons stopping to look at a shop, a carving, a statue or even the paintings. One time they stopped at a local eatery and had some meat rolls while listening to a group of street singers.
Imar was watching a group working on a building and asked. “There are dwarves with elves and drow. I knew not that they even tolerated each other.”
“Normally they don’t. But they have changed since coming here. I really do not understand why, completely, but there have been no real problems since this town was built. Calalistos, down to the south is the same way now.”
“Passing strange.”
We started up the main street towards the valley to my lair. Again we stopped at odd times to see the sights. The rings that I had wondered about at their making turned out to be set for trees and they were growing rapidly. We stopped off at the Dragon Head and I introduced them to Elven Brandy. There was a bard there, so we listened to her tales for a while.
We continued till we were almost to the entrance of the valley and then they spotted the dragons carved into the mountains.
Tirreg exclaimed in a rather subdued voice. “Those are magnificent.”
“Aye.” Imar agreed.
Tirreg then looked squarely at me. “I see now what Viennarinia is so afraid of.”
I looked up startled. “Afraid?” I felt the chill again.
He chuckled. “Yes, afraid. You are changing the very way this world works. These people live in peace alongside dragons. They are growing to be less peasants and more free thinking.”
“Why would that scare her?”
“Because it is happening without us.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You wouldn’t. Nothing can touch you. In the end, the dragons will have little choice. Either join you or be left out. You are taking over the world, just not by conquest. The world is changing and if the others, whatever race they may be, do not join, then they will be left behind.”
“I see. Is this a bad thing that I do?”
Imar laughed. “No, that is the problem. If it were a threat, it could be battled. You lift up the land and the people. Even if you went away, they would keep this.”
“I never thought on it like that.”
“You know not what you have started. It will not be a boring time, that I am sure of. I would join with you.” Tirreg stated “I would as well. It is interesting how they serve you of their own free will.” Imar agreed.
“They live their lives and I simply observe. I am there to help when they need it, as when the black sails attacked and they are there for me. We will be leaving soon to free the island of Torgos.”
“Torgos?” Imar asked.
I sighed. “The black sails came from Torgos, it appears some king decided to expand his domain and sent a fleet to attack us. I stopped them and found out where they were based out of. He tried to take the rest of the island over as well, and that was prevented. The elves of Torgos, the Estaria are now allied with us to take this king down.”
“How hard can it be, we fly over and level the place.” Tirreg said.
“Not that simple. There are a lot of innocents there. It is hard to have free will without people.” I chuckled. “We are going to weed out the rats, then turn it back over to the proper owners.”
“Sounds overly complicated, but then again, it also does sound like a challenge. Would you like some help?” Tirreg said.
“I would go as well, I wish to see how you would do this.” Imar said.
“Well, I can show you what we have in mind, I would see what you suggest.”
We went to the chamber and I brought up the map. Imar stared at the crystal in the ceiling, then at me.
“How did you put your planar sight into a crystal?” He asked.
“Would you believe that I am not entirely sure?” I replied. “I just thought of what I wanted and then imprinted it in the crystal.”
“Interesting. I think you have surpassed your race limits.” He said.
Tori flew in a few moments later. “Michael, the other were wondering where you were, I will go fetch them.” And flew back out.
I shrugged. “I guess you will get to meet the rest of the crew.”
Dorvus, Cornal, Haladoria, Darhla and Shryke accompanied her back. I waited till they were all seated.
“I would like to introduce Tirreg and Imar. Two ancient dragons that will be joining us.”
Shryke hissed. “I know of you Tirreg.”
“And I of you Shryke.” Tirreg laughed.
“Well, the rest of the people are Darhla, Dorvus of the clan Rockheld and his second Cornal, Haladoria of the Horiel clan and the little one is Tory, the leader of the local fay.”
“You keep interesting friends Michael.” Tirreg grinned.
“I trust this is not a problem between the two of you.”
“Not unless Shryke there holds old injuries against me. I hold no ill will against him. I found him to be quite the brave to stand against an ancient in defense of his mate.”
Shryke spoke. “It is done. I will not hold it. We were dragons being dragons. I hope we can move beyond that now.”
Tirreg shrugged. “After what I have seen here, I can but try. I believe this may just be the hope for our people.”
Shryke’s eyes widened but he didn’t speak. Darhla snuggled in next to him.
I looked at both of them wondering what the story might be, but knew better than to ask. We had a tentative truce, so just move on.
“Now, this is what we have planned.” I said.
A few hours later, we had decided that Tirreg would go with Alistor and if he could recruit the clan at Veirania, so much the better. If not, Imar would hold the side. I conjured a calling stone for both Tirreg and Imar. And then opened a portal for Alistor. He eyed it warily, but stepped through. When he called, I would reopen it and if he didn’t come through, I would go fetch him. That meant that they tried to detain him and it would not go well for their town.
We sat and waited as the hour grew late. Finally I received the call. I opened the port and Alistor step
ped though.
“Welcome back.”
He chuckled. “It was trying to hammer a nail with a twig, but I convinced them. They were not too fond of having a dragon along, once they finally believed that a dragon would actually help them and not eat them, but they will do it.”
I sighed with relief. “Then I will send you and Rainia back… where is she by the way?”
Haladoria spoke up. “She was in the library last I saw her.”
Alistor laughed. “Let her know that we will be back for her. If she found a library, we have lost her.”
I chuckled. “I understand. I will be up there to get your people into place. I will let you decide when to move. The rest should be in place.”
I opened a portal and he stepped though.
“Haladoria, how long to get the ships ready?”
“Send me back now and they will be ready by dawn.” She replied.
She kissed me on the cheek and left with the next portal.
“I already have our people in place. You probably need to get those ships there first. Then come back for us. I will meet you at the pad at first light.” Dorvus said as I turned to him.
“That works. Oh! We need lairs for Tirreg and Imar.”
“No problem. Just enter the inner ring and there is a line of them around the very entrance just inside.” Dorvus told them. “If you need anything for them, let me know.”
“I thank you, sir dwarf.” Tirreg said.
“I as well.” Agreed Imar.
“I just be called Dorvus. I leave the sirs and lords to Michael.” He chuckled.
“Hey, don’t get them started too.” I said with a chuckle.
“I would not think of it…. lord dragon.” Imar said with a smirk.
Opening Moves
I awoke to someone talking. I couldn’t make out the words at first till they asked; “Do you think he is dead?” followed by “Gods I hope not.” then “What will we tell the others?” I opened one eye and saw Shryke and Imar perched on the edge of the caldera. I couldn’t figure out for the life of me what they were so bothered about. I yawned and stretched, bringing my wings out of the lava then lifted my head a bit.
“Is it morning? It’s still dark.” I said with a yawn.
I heard an ungodly shriek as Imar jumped up into the air.
“What the hell? Are we under attack?” I asked looking around.
“Are you okay? We thought you fell into the lava!” Shryke was rattling off in a panic.
“Huh? No, that’s where I sleep. It’s nice and warm.” I said, relaxing, fighting the temptation to sink back into the warmth.
“SLEEP??? What the hell?” Imar said as he landed on the edge again. “I can barely take the heat from here.”
“Oh, you’re not a fire dragon, then.” I yawned and stretched as I made my way out of the pool. “Sorry, never was a morning dragon. What’s up?”
Imar shook his head. “Viennarinia said she hit you full in the chest with her fire and no one believed her. I think she did and you just didn’t notice.”
“Oh, yeah. She hit me. I was wondering what she thought she was trying to do, but she was gone before I could ask her.”
Shryke laughed. “Bahel be damned. What the hell are you made of?”
I chuckled. “Scales and gristle, mostly. Gods, I forgot, I need to get down and get those ships moving.”
Imar chuckled. “The others just ain’t going to believe this.”
“Eh, so I am a heavy sleeper. It just felt so good floating there.”
“Yeah, floating on molten rock… I can see that would be comfy.” Imar rolled his eyes.
“Don’t knock it and all that.” I said as I took wing. “Time to get the show on the road, I guess.”
I heard Shryke behind be say in a soft voice. “You know, I don’t have a clue what he is saying sometimes.” I chuckled to myself.
After porting down to Calalistos, we made the flight out to the landing pad where Haladoria and Dorvus was waiting for me.
“Ya oversleep a bit there, lizard?” Dorvus asked.
“Yes, but I was awaken by this ungodly high pitched shriek. It kind of sounded like…” I laughed.
“Hey! We were just worried.” Imar said indignantly.
Shryke just shook his head. “What were we suppose to think? Most things don’t sleep half submerged in lava.”
Dorvus’s eyes went wide. “Lava?”
“Yes, it’s nice and warm.” I said with a smile.
Haladoria just shook her head.
I decided to get back on track. “Are you ready to go, Admiral?”
“What is an Admiral?” Haladoria asked.
“It is the person that leads the fleet.” I said with a smile.
“Ah, then yes. I will take them out, what do you want us to do?”
“I will circle till you are on heading, slight moonward by north. When you are making your best speed, I will open a portal and all you need do is adjust your course on the other side. I will put you about a mile out. Call me with the gem when you are in place.”
“Very well. Good luck and be careful, Michael.” Haladoria said in farewell.
“We will be with you the whole way.” Shryke said as Darhla landed next to him.
Dorvus and Imar were quiet as the ships left the harbor. When the last one was out and they were formed up, I took wing and flew over them. I circled and waited till they looked to be going as fast as they could, then opened the portal. I could actually feel it drain me a bit as I held it open, but when I checked my stats, I had only dropped by ten percent. Overpowered, thy name is Michael, I thought to myself. Darhla and Shryke were the last ones though and I dropped the portal and returned to the dock.
Tirreg had joined them as well as the strike force off the pier. As I landed, both Imar and Tirreg were just staring at me.
“What?”
“Just wondering… how much mana did that cost you?” Tirreg asked in a flat voice.
“Oh about ten percent.” I said offhandedly.
Tirreg and Imar just looked at each other and shook their heads. I looked at them, then asked;
“Ready? You first Imar, then Tirreg.”
When they were gone, I shifted then motioned to Dorvus and the group started marching. I fell in beside Dorvus and opened the portal. He didn’t even flinch at the shimmer in the air. As we went through, I summoned my mana blade.
“Get them organized and take the walls.” I said. “Then send some people to guard the slaves.”
“What will ye be doing?”
“Housecleaning.”
We were almost in place when the alarm was raised. As the last guard on the wall fell, about half a dozen men in armor came streaming out of the first building followed by the other buildings starting to empty. I met them and went through them like a knife through butter. The others paused as I started walking towards them, then rushed me. I didn’t let one of them pass. After that it was just turned into see movement, slash. I sighed as I became the butcher again. There were about half a dozen left and they dropped their weapons and knelt.
I turned my back and saw a blade break against my shield. I turned and split him in half, then took his head. The rest stayed put. I turned back again and motioned for five to guard them, then started walking thought the camp to make sure none were in hiding. My last stop was the slave pens. I almost went back and killed the last of them after seeing what condition the slaves were in, but thought better of it.
Dorvus caught up to me and told me the wall was secure and they had the escort ready for the trip to the ships. He had talked to a couple of the guards, who seemed quite willing for some reason, and found that the shift change was coming up in a couple of hours. Good, that gave me time to get the rest of the plan in place.
“I will be gone for a short while to get the rest of the force in place. Will you be alright?”
Dorvus chuckled. “We be fine, Michael. I already started the slaves down to the coast. No sense waiting. Th
ey be in pretty ragged shape.”
“Good. Once I get the call, I will be leaving.”
“We have some of the uniforms from what was left of the guard. If anyone comes, we will let them in and hold them. If it is a large group, we’ll lock the gates and let ye know.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
About ten minutes later, the call came in from Alistor. I ported up to their city and they met me at the gate. They came marching out four abreast, about a hundred of them. They were the most professional looking force that I had seen to date.
“Are we ready?” I asked, dropping into step with Alistor.
“Ready as we will ever be, how did the slave pens go?” He asked.
I opened a portal and we marched through. “No problems, five prisoners. I await the call to move the people of Veirania.”
I looked up as Tirreg flew through.
“Well, I will let you get to it.” He said with a salute.
I thought about the situation, then decided just to port into Veirania. I walked into pure chaos. The people of the town were firing bows at Imar. I watched as he simply kept out of bowshot.
“STOP THIS.” I yelled.
They turned to me muttering.
“What the hell is going on.” It wasn’t a question.
One of them stepped forward and yelled. “We ain’t dealin with no damn dragon.”
I sighed. “Your call. I will go tell him.”
“You do that.” The elf spat.
I shifted in front of them and watched as they turned white. “In the mean time, something to think on.” I turned my head and spat a magma blast off into the woods to the south of them. The blast rocked them to their knees. As they watched the cloud travel up into the sky, they dropped their weapons.
“My gift to you, who promise and do not keep their word. You have a new lake. Think hard on what would have happened if this damn dragon would have taken exception to your words.” I said in a level voice.
I took wing and flew up to Imar. “Looks like it is on you. Anyone who tries to break to the moonward side is all yours.”
“I thank you Michael. I did nothing to provoke them.”
“Worry not on it. I will not bother with a portal then, just fly in and find a place where you can watch the town.”
