Fire & Stone_The War for Life

by Luis Robles

  “It will all come to you. Trust in the magic we gave you, and trust in who you are. Just walk through the marketplace; you’ll know what to do.”

  Trusting her words, he did as Bliss requested. Moving cautiously, he made his way towards the marketplace, an area that was teeming with people, but certainly not lively. Quite the opposite, actually. From the moment the dragon and Bliss stepped inside the town, it became clear that a thick cloud of depression wafted through the twisting streets of Thall. As he moved towards the center of the marketplace, the dragon became quite aware of what Bliss meant, why he didn’t need to worry. Within the walls of the city, the streets were composed of all sorts of creatures, big and small, different races. Some were towering in size like himself, making it quite easy to go unnoticed.

  Slowing down and taking a careful look around the crowd, the dragon took in the details of those that surrounded him. There was quite a range of beings, from giant hawks with protruded horns, to large soldiers made of stone. Many of the other creatures were half breeds, mixing different animal features along with humanoid, creating quite a diverse crowd. Among them, there were humans, a creature that the dragon had little interaction with. Though smaller than those in the crowd, these humans carried with them quite a menacing appearance. Perhaps they were mages, or hunters. An odd sense of familiarity washed inside him; somehow, he knew what being human was like.

  The dragon’s attention was pulled away from the humans and towards the center of the marketplace where two strange creatures were standing, bearing the bodies of thick wolves, yet the heads of boars. Two large horns protruded from the front of their heads, creating a terrifying display as they shoved forward, voices raised. With them were what appeared to be their slaves, old and tired beasts from deep within the forest. They carried an appearance quite similar to large mushrooms. Their bodies carried the scars of abuse, and their body language showing complete obedience. No one in the crowd said a word or lifted a finger as they were dragged along. Abusive words were thrown their way when they dragged their feet.

  “Please don’t hurt us anymore. We are doing what you said,” one of the mushrooms eventually pleaded.

  “Shut up! When did I gave you permission to talk? Don’t talk unless I tell you to talk,” one of the boar’s maters snapped.

  The dragon, unlike those in the town, tensed at the sight. Unlike those that were broken and worn, he was determined and livid. Anger built up in his chest, and he felt the burning rage as his fists clenched.

  “Calm, Dragon, we must wait. These are not the creature we seek. Let’s try not to interfere. Lessen your anger.”

  While he understood her words, he was hard to pull away from the pained creatures. It wouldn’t be wise to lash out now; they had to be careful about this. Giving a gentle sigh, he allowed her words to calm him, turning his attention away from the trembling beings and towards the crowd that was gathering around an occurrence. It seemed there was a commotion that was arising in one corner.

  As the dragon drew closer, he saw the form of a young creature. Fur tufted and teeth showing, the dragon knew this beast, a youth from a tribe that had been lost some time ago, Ginda, a clan once known for its skilled bear hunters. They carried valor in their hearts, yet they fell years ago. To see a member of that clan was shocking, yet also hopeful. Perhaps they hadn’t fell as his people assumed.

  “Stop!” his voice cried out, claws exposed. There was rage within those young eyes as it locked on the masters that were wandering around. It would seem the dragon was incorrect in assuming that no one in this town cared. He had judged too swiftly, overlooking the bravery of this youth. Raising both brows, he watched in silence as the bear-beast stood his ground, glaring up at the approaching masters. While he was less than their size, he stood tall, glaring at the men. Looking down at the youngling, a rough laughter was heard before they spoke. Their voice was deep, causing those nearby to step back. They didn’t want to be caught in the rage of the punishment.

  “What did you just say? I couldn’t quite hear you, boy.”

  Stepping towards the bear, each step seemed to echo across the silent market. Each creature held their breath, staring on with fear and uncertainty. No one was here to see the death of a child, yet they still felt a tremble as they watched. As the beasts approached, their size towered over the small bear, causing a slight tremble to his stance, head craned back to even look at them. While he was brave to speak, he was also young, still clearly frightened by the sheer size of the men before him. It seemed that he might be a bit off more than he could show.

  “He said stop!” the dragon shouted, and he could hear Bliss sigh gently. Ignoring her for the moment, he glared out towards the men, growling as he continued, “Stop your harm towards those creatures!” His voice carried across the market, stilling the large beasts as they looked around, trying to find the source.

  The crowd erupted in whispers, everyone speaking under their breath. Many were asking who had spoken up. Those that surrounded the dragon heard well enough and took a few steps away from him, making room. More moved aside as he started to talk, leaving his safe spot within the crowd and out towards the center of the market. “You heard what I said.” He held his chin high as he emerged from the crowd, facing the juggernaut men.

  The men didn’t speak. Instead, they gripped their weapons and growled loudly at the creature that dared to oppose them. At the sight of the one who opposed them, the men ran forward, eager to attack to prove their dominance and show to the people of this town why they should always take a knee in their presence. As they approached, the dragon stood his ground, speaking gently to the woman upon his shoulder. “I don’t want to kill them. Please, tell me when I should stop. I can make use of them.” He didn’t wait to hear her response, instead prepared for the attack.

  As the men lunged forward, the dragon stepped forward and met their speed. Lashing his hands out, the dragon grasped both their throats, squeezing tight. Using their own momentum against them, he forced their bodies down, slamming them roughly against the ground. His weight kept the two pinned beneath him, gasping for air. A loud gasp swept across the ground, and the dragon stared down at them, a low growl emanating from his throat as he leaned down. One of the men quivered within his grasp, eyes darting from his companion to the dragon, pale and terrified. They had never been matched in their strength. Meanwhile, Bliss’ words rang through his mind in this moment, “Their arrogance was their undoing.”

  “Dragon.”

  Her voice reached his ears, and his grip loosened around their necks. Both took raspy gasps, allowing their lungs to fill with the air they were denied only a short moment ago. One coughed violently, wiping at his mouth and glaring daggers up at the dragon. Yet, he turned away when his glare was met, submitting to the dragon. They remained below him, one eventually trying to stand, yet only making it to his knee, refusing to stand at his full height. It helped that the dragon’s shadow loomed over his figure, refusing to look away.

  “I give you your life,” the dragon spoke boldly, staring down at the boars before him who quivered, unable to meet his gaze. The crowd saw in silent awe, watching their large tormentors cower before this stranger. Whispers were heard, and the dragon looked around slowly before glancing to Bliss on his shoulder. Her attention wasn’t focused on her companion but instead on the small youngling they had saved. Tossing the boars a glare, the dragon commanded, “You will lay down your weapons and leave these people. If I heard you harm another one of them, any of them, I will come for you. Next time, I will not have generosity in my heart.” Upon his words, they stumbled to their feet, running back the way they came. For a moment, he considered the fact they would flee and tell their master, but it wasn’t a concern of his. The scene he had made would catch his attention well enough. There was no need to keep silent any further.

  Stepping over towards the boy, the dragon spared a weak smile towards the child of the Ginda. The boy looked away, his shoulders slacked. The young one�
��s attempt to help had blown up in his face when he became too frightened to actually help. Despite the clear depression on the boy’s face within his eyes, the dragon still smiled. He spoke up gently, attempting to comfort the child, “You are very brave, young man. Your people would have been proud. Not many would have the strength to stand up against those so large.”

  “Yet...I couldn’t do anything. I was unable to move, almost paralyzed with fear,” he argued back, voice trembling, a mixture of tears and anger, ashamed of himself. Yet, the dragon chuckled.

  “Doing what you did in this world that we live in now is more than anyone will be willing to do. Have faith once again. Good things are coming.” The boy looked up to meet his gaze and frowned, listening to each word. “Change is coming,” the dragon said as he went up and turned away from the boy.

  Making his way towards the center of town, with each step, the dragon felt a tightness in his chest. While the curse that the beast had cast upon the city did not affect the dragon, it was the people that caused him turmoil. The more he drew into the city, the more broken the people appeared. With sunken eyes and thin forms, they were emaciated and their skin looked sickly. The people looked less like a sad bunch and more like walking corpses. It became clear that this was the direction he needed to be heading to find Despair. The effects eating away at the people seemed to be due to the long exposure close to the source. It was horrifying to see, yet it also meant that he was close to his target; the compass on his arm stated the same.

  The raging fire within the dragon grew as he saw those suffering people.

  “What kind of magic would do this to a world? And why? Why did the Gates come here in the first place?” the dragon asked Bliss, pain eminent in his voice.

  “The kind we will get rid of, right?” Bliss said. “We now have the power to change this, better said…you now have the power to change this—change all of this. Don’t let it go to waste.”

  Bliss, still upon his shoulder, laid a gentle hand against the curve of his neck, seemingly an attempt to help calm the livid champion. “Dragon, please be mindful of your rage. If you forget yourself and allow your emotions to control your actions, this battle may sway away against your favor. You must keep a clear head and calm your rage.”

  He understood her words and concern, though the dragon wouldn’t deny that he did find it hard to calm himself. Seeing the hell this monster had put these innocent people through, it caused his blood to boil.

  Finally reaching the center of town, the dragon found himself before a large crowd of people, far different than before of course. These people were not only far more gone, but seemed less terrified, but captivated. A loud voice carried out over the crowd, and the dragon tilted his head high, seeking the source of the voice. It was from an old man, adorning worn out clothing and a dirty face. He looked much like the others within the crowd, though he spoke loudly and with confidence. There was no despair but rage within his voice. Slowly moving through the crowd, his words became easier to hear.

  “Why should we care about the war? Why should we give our lives to finish something we didn’t start?” As he called out, the dragon could hear soft whispers from the people. They were stuck staring forward, no one even noticed the stranger weaving his way through them.

  “What is happening?” the Dragon asked Bliss in a voice that only she can hear.

  “This is one of the emissaries of one of the Gates’ evil creatures. As his name says it, this is Despair,” Bliss replied into the dragon’s mind.

  “Did you just talk inside my head?” the dragon murmured. Bliss nodded once.

  “What kind of reward will we get when we’re all dead? Hear my voice, fellow Thalliens. There is no good we can do for this situation; we should stay here where it is safe. The world is violent and dying; why should we leave the one last comfort we have, our home?” The whispers grew louder and the dragon narrowed his eyes, just as focused on this man as the people around him. “Do not fight for something that has no reward! Instead, accept this world for what it is. Accept the darkness that is coming. This world will be remade into the image of the nameless darkness. Do not fight the inevitable. This world will fall, and when it does, if you are on the wrong side, you will fall with it.”

  The whispers broke out into loud chants of agreement. People were looking around before joining in to the chant. Their voices raised, meshing together, and the man’s dirty face twisted into a smile. He seemed to glow as their rage and upset grew, seeming to feed on their chaos.

  A deep growl seeped from deep within the dragon’s throat.

  The man’s gleeful gaze found the dragon’s own, intense, focused and livid. For a moment, his smile faulted and his eyes slowly narrowed, sizing up the beast who refused to join in the chant, arms crossed and unmoving within the crowd.

  “Be careful, my Dragon. We know not what we face.” While her words were gentle, the dragon clenched his jaw. The man met his glare, forcing back that smile before speaking loudly once more, though directed towards the stranger within the crowd.

  “Behold! A non-believer!” the man shouted, gesturing towards the dragon.

  The dragon stepped forward, causing the crowd to gasp.

  “I knew the day would come when someone like you would come knocking at my door!” There was a bitter laughter that followed his words. “I’ve been expecting you; I just never expected you would be a dragon! I honestly expected something more fierce, perhaps with a chance of defeating me.” The twisted smile was back, more sinister than before as he laughed, deep and chilling. Sharp, discolored teeth were exposed with this reaction. His attention shifted from the dragon to the woman upon his shoulder. “So, this is the best the light side of magic has! You placed your hopes with a lizard? Just please, don’t tell me that you are the new Watcher!”

  As the man had spoken, the dragon made his way through the rest of the crowd. He now stood on the edge of the circle, facing the old man, glaring down at the human form. While the man spewed out his vulgar words, the dragon could feel small, painless nails press against his neck. Rage, an emotion he had yet to see from the beautiful young woman. Floating down from the dragon’s shoulder, she looked up towards him.

  “What’s the matter? Have originators of magic no love for the Gates that you can’t even greet a fellow magic user?” the old man taunted Bliss.

  “Rid the earth of this stain, Dragon,” Bliss said, glaring at the old man. “Be careful, these creatures are powerful when you least expect them,” Bliss then whispered in his head.

  With a grin of his own, the dragon ran forward. He had only taken a few steps towards the man before his human form melted away to relive the true monster within. It was a repulsive sight, the way his skin quite literally melted off his body, as if removing a bloody suit. What emerged was a creature from nightmares—an immense, hideous creature twice the size of the dragon, with a bone-like shell. He had two long tails with razor tips, matching his oversized claws that hung limply at his sides. His large form hunkered over, beady eyes locked on the dragon, grinning with those same sharp, discolored teeth. An awful stench wafted from the beast, causing the crowd and the dragon to gag. It smelled of death, of decay and rot. The people behind the dragon let out screams, and he could hear them running over one another to escape what had appeared before them: Despair.

  “Not only are you the ugliest thing I’ve seen, but also the foulest,” the dragon uttered, waving a hand in front of his nose.

  The dragon was unmoved, his gaze still focused, settled on this beast. Even with the show of power, his conviction was strong. This beast did not scare him; only that smell affected him, awful and a reminder of the day he died—the smell of the dead. Taking his step forward, the dragon did not stop until he stood before the other giant, facing him without fear. There was rage within in his gaze that made Despair tilt his head, a low, gurgling chuckle escaping. They stood still for a moment, daring the other to move.

  Despair moved first, confident and i
mpatient. The dragon expected no less. Swinging his barbed tails towards the dragon, he evaded the movement easily, sidestepping the powerful tail that was causing destruction all around them. Despair’s movements were slow, but the dragon knew a hit would be detrimental. While she was silent now, the words Bliss spoke rang in his mind, “Be careful, these creatures are powerful.” He had to be mindful. While he was faster, he was more than sure the other hit just as hard. As the tails swung past him, the beast exposed his back and the dragon swung forward, digging his claws deep into the armor. The thick shells cracked beneath the pressure of his hit, crumbling away from Despair’s body. His claws dipped past Despair’s armor, bearing deep within his back. Letting out a cry of pain, Despair whipped around, knocking the dragon off his feet, an opening.

  Desperate, he launched his entire body forward, his full force slamming against the dragon, knocking the air from his lungs. His large claws bore into the dragon’s arms, pinning him in place as his tail swung around, slamming into the dragon’s side. The razor tips cut deep into his skin, causing deep crimson to splatter across the town center. A deep, roaring laughter was heard as he continued to stab at the dragon. Pricking past his ribs, the dragon cried out loudly in pain. Falling to one knee, the beast before him gloated, digging his nails deep into the dragon’s chin, yanking his head up. “You shall make a good mount upon my wall, boy.”

  Glaring up at him, the dragon couldn’t speak. He panted heavily, blood pouring from his wounds, his form trembling. A cry was heard, and Despair looked away from his victim for but a moment, turning towards Bliss. She was still and calm, unprovoked by the creature. “After I kill your champion, I will come for you, my darling. It will be my pleasure to teach you the meaning of my name.”