“What are these Alliance vermin doing in my hall, Sorcerer?” the fire giant chieftain roared at Ashram. Howrek could understand what the large brute was saying, for he was speaking in Morgathian, although with a thick, growling accent. Howrek was a very talented linguist and spoke several languages.
“Silence, giant, these are our prisoners and are not to be eaten,” Ashram said scornfully to the giant with his dark crystal glowing to let it know he was serious. The large fire giant sat back in his throne chair grumbling to himself. “Now, my good traitors, I have several questions for you. How did the Alliance army we faced in battle move that reinforced battalion in without us knowing about it, and how did you get over two legions through the mountains undetected?” the sorcerer asked.
“Lord Sorcerer, the higher species of metallic dragons have the ability of mass teleportation. This is also how we were able to get our weir’s forces and the Battle Point legion to Handsdown so quickly and undetected,” Howrek told Ashram.
“So that is how you were able to defeat us; the Covenant will eat their words for the chastisement of my defeat with this new bit of information. Also, how did that silver dragon know that the big gold was in trouble?” he continued his questions.
“Silvanth and Gallanth are a mated pair. It seems that this gives them some sort of connection greater than normal, and she is nesting as is the Weirleader’s wife,” Howrek added.
“Interesting, Lieutenant. Now, how do you think we can get our friendly Black Scarab assassins past the watch sentinels of the weirs and fool the dragons, especially the gold dragons, of their whereabouts and intentions? We are aware of the gold dragon’s ability of foresight,” he further inquired.
“Gallanth will likely be in a deep sleep while he recovers from his wounds. The weir will stand down and be at minimal security,” Howrek answered.
“Yes, fool, I understand that, but the weir sentinels are always alert. When do they sleep, or when are they distracted?” Ashram snapped back at Howrek.
“I’ve never seen them distracted. Their vigil is constant but especially when we are performing a security drill, for Master Wizard Jodem doubles the guards when we practice weir defense and simulate an attack,” Howrek nervously answered.
“Never mention that vermin’s name, you worm, or I’ll utterly destroy you,” Marlok spat out as he sat up from his fur-covered litter with his bandaged leg stretched out. The dark crystal on the sorcerer’s staff glowed, as he was about to cast a spell.
“No, upstart, he just gave us our answer, even if unwittingly. The sentinels’ watch is constant unless they are defending the weir from an attack. When these traitors return to their respective weirs, as all the other eleven fortresses, there must be a small but decisive attack that elicits a response from the sentinel. Then the assassins can slip in, but they can’t be magically cloaked or invisible. They must use some sort of worn camouflage and stealth. For the Capital Weir and for your weir lieutenant, the assassins will have to be unconscious so as to hide their true intent, for we can’t count on all the gold dragons to be in their deepest slumber. Even if they are only partially asleep, their minds are still scanning, still maintaining their sense of foresight and could detect the Black Scarabs. I have a plan now, for I especially want that gold dragon and his rider at Draden Weir to pay,” Ashram planned out loud.
“I want these insects destroyed. My cousin is dead, and his castle is in ruins because of the Alliance and their dragons. I want blood!” the fire giant yelled.
“If I didn’t need them to fake an attack on the weirs and escort the assassins in, you could have them, but that is Stalenjh’s plan. So if you want to cross him and the Usurper dragons, please go ahead and eat them,” Ashram answered, which had the giant teetering on which way he wanted to go.
“Wait, I have something else!” Howrek screamed. “It is also rumored that Captain Mkel has some sort of tie with the nymph in Draden Forest. She had stepped in as his lover ten years ago when Gallanth and Silvanth had their last mating flight, before he was married to Annan. It is said that there is still some sort of connection,” Howrek fretfully blurted out.
“Interesting; I will keep that little piece of information for further reference. Now, guards, please render our honored guests a gesture of Morgathian appreciation,” Ashram motioned for the two guards and two death knights to commence beating the Alliance soldiers so as to give credence to the story that they were captured and not conspiring with the enemy.
“Wait, what of our bargain with the Enlightened Party contact, and what you would give us in the interim?” Howrek yelled out with a hint of anxiety and fright in his voice, not realizing he was to be beaten.
“That is for them to negotiate with Prefect Stalenjh, but you know of the fickleness and short memories of politicians,” Ashram countered with a sinister smile and nodded to the death knights. “They must be able to ride the long distance back to the Alliance over the mountains, so nothing broken or too bruised, and don’t make this too long because the Alliance will not stop trying to find these two. They have a misplaced loyalty to their soldiers, no matter how common and lowly. This is the Alliance way, and especially for the weirs,” he added as the death knights nodded their response.
“Scum Alliance worm, my brother was killed by one of your dragons,” the death knight angrily spoke out as he punched Howrek in the stomach with his black-iron gauntlet. The lieutenant doubled over from the blow, which was quickly followed up by a backhand strike to his face. The Eladran soldier wasn’t fairing any better at the hands of the other Morgathian guards.
Mkel had put the majority of Draden Weir on a stand-down after the intense battle in the fire giant lands. There were several scheduled events that day, for some things could not wait, as the rangers were gearing up to aid the Capital Weir’s special shadow ranger unit in tracking down the whereabouts of Lieutenant Howrek and the soldier from Eladran Weir. There were also other specialized units looking for lost members of the other weirs as well.
Most of the weir had gathered by then as Caraeyeth had just returned from the outpost outside of the town to the south and west of Eladran Weir. She had been sent to convey the 29th Legion commander back to Draden. The senior colonel of the 29th had almost demanded of General Craigor to present the Order of the Golden Griffin to his catapult section. This was the second highest military award given to a soldier of the Alliance for bravery and courage in battle. The agile copper dragon landed beside the weir lake, and her rider and passenger quickly dismounted and walked over to Mkel and Toderan. Mkel saluted the colonel as they met, but he motioned for him to lower his hand.
“Dragonrider, I should be saluting you and your men for what you all did in battle to save Alliance soldiers’ lives,” the veteran officer explained.
“This is one of our main purposes, sir. We are just glad that we were victorious and with few casualties. The 29th lived up to its motto of ‘Light over Darkness,’” Mkel returned the compliment.
“Where is your dragon, Captain?” the colonel asked.
“He is recovering from his wounds, sir, and is in the deepest sleep that a dragon can be, for this helps them heal faster. They have several levels of rest depending on how alert they want to be, but the more aware they are, the longer it takes for them to heal and recuperate. I will convey your thanks to him when he awakens, sir,” Mkel explained.
“I would appreciate that, Mkel,” the colonel replied.
“No problem, sir; we have the whole of the weir garrison assembled as well as representatives from our elf and dwarf clan for your presentation.” Mkel directed him to the front of the gathered weir.
“Yes, Dragonrider, Colonel; first, I’d like to lead us in a prayer,” Watterseth stepped in. Mkel and the 29th commander nodded. “Oh merciful Creator, as we gather here to honor the bravery of the soldiers whom you saw victorious over the forces of darkness, we pray
for those we lost and those that were injured in this tumultuous fight. Please see that the souls of the dragons, soldiers, and warriors of the Alliance who sacrificed so much for freedom and the triumph of light over shadow are taken into your arms and welcomed into the gates of heaven, amen,” he finished.
“Thank you, Father. Draden Weir, attention!” Mkel barked out the order as his soldiers straightened up. Even Lawrent’s raiders followed suit, which was unusual for Freilanders. “Sir, I pass the formation to you,” he said to the senior colonel and then saluted and moved behind him.
“Thank you, Captain. Draden Weir, stand at ease,” the colonel quickly ordered as the soldiers of the garrison relaxed. “I wanted to personally thank all of you here for the outstanding job you did in our recent battle. The honor and tenacity you exhibited was reminiscent of even the toughest units we had in the Great War. If it wasn’t for your bravery in battle, the Morgathians and the fire giants would have surely been victorious and many of the 29th Legion would not have been able to come home to see their families. I and all my men are more than honored to have stood by you in battle.
“With this, I do want to especially thank your outstanding catapult section for their staunch and effective fires on the main portion of the enemy army. Your sacrificing of the power they bring to the fight to support the 29th versus supporting your own unit led to the enemy being constantly harassed and unable to concentrate their forces effectively, while also inflicting a steady flow of casualties on them. This and to also maintain fires while being attacked alongside your support corps personnel was nothing short of phenomenal. With this, I present you with the Order of the Golden Griffon as a token of our and the Alliance’s appreciation,” the legion commander said and then handed the golden medallion to Willaward, who thanked him, saluted, and then returned to his men. “Thanks to you all, along with our elf and dwarf allies, and may the Creator bless you and your families,” the colonel added eloquently and turned to Mkel as he and the weir contingent began to clap. “Draden Weir, attention!” the colonel shouted out. “Weirleader, they are yours, and to let you know that I wanted to present you with one of these medals,” the legion commander whispered to him.
“Sir, that is not the dragonrider way,” Mkel replied.
“I know; that is what Generals Craigor and Becknor told me as well. But I know you can accept this,” he countered as he handed Mkel a mini shield the size of a coin with the 29th Legion’s standard on it and a small inscription of thanks on behalf of its leaders and soldiers. Mkel took it in the palm of his hand and whispered his thanks. He then dismissed his men, most of whom headed to the weir’s tavern. Heathiret then conveyed the colonel back to Eladran while Mkel walked with Lawrent and his raiders back to their ships, which were still docked in front of the weir on the Severic River.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate having you and your band of sea dogs here. You all were vital to our fight. I apologize for dragging you into it,” Mkel said to Lawrent as they arrived at the small dock.
“Nonsense, my friend, this has been one of the best visits to your weir in my memory, and profitable as well,” Lawrent replied.
“Yes, but you lost six of your raiders in battle, for us,” Mkel stated with a deep sincerity.
“Dragonrider, you know we have a lust for battle, almost as much as for women. They died with a sword in their hand and will be honored at sea as soon as we leave Sauric Bay. This was an honor for them,” Lawrent explained.
“Well, see to it that their families receive the compensation I gave you from Gallanth and the weir,” Mkel asked.
“You have my word, my friend, so let us cast off and let your mighty river carry us to Draconia. We have been here for over a month now,” Lawrent said as he grabbed Mkel in a farewell-to-a-comrade-type hug.
“Best sailing to you and the otyughs will finally be rid of their stomachaches,” Mkel said with a smile, which Lawrent returned with his wide, toothy grin. He then jumped on board his lead ship and started to bark out orders for them to depart. Mkel watched as the ships set sail down the river with little effort, for no oarsmen were needed with them going with the current. Just as they disappeared around the bend in the river, Caraeyeth appeared out of teleport and gently glided down to land beside Mkel in front of the weir.
Heathiret dismounted and ran over to Mkel. With a quick dragonrider salute, she blurted out her message excitedly, “Sir, Colonel Lordan has officially given me permission to transfer to Draden Weir.”
“My dear, that is excellent, but I am surprised, for with the loss of two of his dragons and almost a dozen more wounded, some seriously, I wasn’t sure he would,” he replied.
“He had a slight reservation, but Fierenth’s mate and a copper and a brass dragon are now ready for their mating flights. They had not seen this level of procreation among the dragons since the Great War,” she explained.
“Maybe the dragons know something they are not telling or are just taking on more of their rider’s traits,” Mkel chuckled at his own joke about the tendency of dragonriders to be more virile. He was genuinely happy to have another dragon at Draden, especially a dragon and rider as talented as this pair. Heathiret openly laughed at Mkel’s humor, for she knew what he was talking about.
“Hardly, Mkel, Rider of Gallanth, even we do not control these things,” Caraeyeth replied.
“Yes, Lady Caraeyeth, no disrespect intended,” Mkel answered his new charge.
“None taken, Weirleader,” the large copper replied with as much of a smile as a dragon could muster.
“Now, let’s get back into the weir; it’s starting to get cold, and I don’t have my rider’s jacket on.” Mkel and his newly assigned wingmate walked back into the large entrance of the weir, under the stone sentinel at the opening’s apex. The life-sized bust of Gallanth’s head had its two dragonstone eyes softly glowing in its ever-present vigil in both guarding and maintaining the mountain fortress. Just after they had moved through the opening and were walking toward the interior weir lake, the loud alarm roar of the sentinel filled the interior of the weir landing.
“What is that, sir?” Heathiret asked.
“It’s the sentinel; something is readying to attack the weir. Caraeyeth, what does it see?” he asked for only dragons could communicate with the sentinels.
“There are four manticores and two black dragons moving fast toward the weir, but the sentinel senses something is different with the two lead manticores,” the copper dragon explained as they were running back to the entrance of the weir. As soon as Mkel emerged from the large stone archway, he knelt down and raised Markthrea to get a view of the incoming group. He could make out Howrek on the lead manticore with its actual rider slumped over behind him. The other manticore held one man who he believed was the Eladran soldier. The two manticores pursuing them were trying to shoot them down with spikes and the smaller of the black dragons was right behind, attempting to get in range to use its fiery acid breath weapon.
“Heathiret, the lead manticores have our captured soldiers with the other two and the black dragons in pursuit. Gallanth is still resting, and I know you can handle this. I don’t want to send the rangers on their griffons to spook the manticores that Howrek and the other soldier are flying on,” Mkel ordered.
“This won’t be a problem, sir,” Heathiret said, as she quickly mounted her dragon and secured herself in. They then took to the air with one leap and rose to intercept the group bearing down on the weir.
“My rider, I will be down there in moments,” Gallanth told Mkel, as he had been awakened by the sentinel’s roar.
“No, Gallanth, Caraeyeth and her rider have this under control. It is only two manticores and two black dragons, and they are chasing Howrek and the Eladran soldier. Too many in the air might spook the manticores they are riding. You are still healing, and Silvanth is too close to nesting,” he replied. I will be
ready if the need arises and will tell Silvanth to stand down as well, Gallanth answered telepathically.
Caraeyeth moved in fast to head off the black dragons as Howrek and the Eladran soldier dove toward the weir’s entrance. Mkel sighted in on the closest manticore pursuing them, and as soon as they were in range and his sight compensated for its movement, he fired. The bolt struck the hideous beast just under its wing and emerged out the other side, leaving a three-inch gaping hole of an exit wound. While not a killing shot, it was enough to render one wing injured enough that it was not able to maintain flight and began to plummet. It soon crashed into the river. Just as he cocked his crossbow and lined up on the second manticore, the sentinel’s dragonstone eyes glowed and fired a sunburst beam that basically incinerated the beast.
Caraeyeth had moved in to attack the lead black dragon, but the second one dove underneath her and flew directly at the weir. Howrek and the other manticore flew past Mkel and into the entrance tunnel, as the Draden Weirleader readied to fire at the bull dragon and raised both his weapons’ magic shields to protect him from its attack.
The black dragon spit out its stream of acid well beyond its normal range of a hundred yards. Only part of the virulent hot flaming liquid hit in his vicinity, and it was stopped by the sentinel’s shield. As the black dragon veered sharply to the left and away from the weir, Mkel fired a bolt that hit it in the underbelly. The sentinel fired a full-strength sunburst beam that shattered the black dragon’s weaker shield and delivered the remaining deadly energy into its right rear leg and flank. As the bull-horned dragon let out a shrill roar in pain from the strike, Mkel fired another bolt, hitting it in the base of its tail as it tried to fly away.
Mkel was always told that the two dragonstones that Gallanth had placed in the sentinel not only gave it the power to regulate the internal temperature and air flow of the weir but also gave the whole mountain the power of almost being alive. It breathed like a real creature, which exchanged new air for bad, kept the temperature stable, and also had the ability to generate Gallanth’s shield and sunburst beams to defend the fortress. He had never seen this before today and was amazed at its power.
Dragon Alliance Dark Storm : Dark Storm Page 45
