Dragon Alliance: Rise Against Shadow

by J. Michael Fluck

  “Yes my love,” she said with a sarcastic smile.

  They both walked to the ledge and down the stairs into the entrance of the water counterweight-powered elevator, which took them down to the landing level. They then walked over to the archway exit of the Weir and through the one-hundred-yard-deep opening as a pair of griffons with their ranger riders soared in. The riders had their mounts dip their near wings and gave Mkel a salute, which he returned. Michen laughed and smiled at the golden brown creatures slowly soaring overhead. They walked out of the stone entrance of the Weir, and Mkel looked up at the carved dragon head that protruded from the top stone, or keystone, of the archway. The two dragonstones embedded in the eye sockets were giving off a low red glow. These stones provided magical protection for the Weir by emanating a spell shield that protected the mountain from offensive spells and catapult missiles, as well as preventing anyone or anything from teleporting into the Weir. They also set off a loud alarm if any evil creature or humanoid tried to enter, as well as controlling the internal temperature and ventilation for the large mountain fortress as if the Weir itself were alive.

  The guards in the two watch towers that stood on each side of the archway waved and saluted Mkel. “Just going for a walk along the river and edge of the woods,” he yelled up to them.

  “Take care sir,” the guards replied.

  Mkel and his family headed down the smooth stone path that edged between Draden Forest and the Severic River. The immense doors were opened and closed by the stone dragon head guardian at the request of any member of the Weir council or on its own, if it sensed the Weir was in danger. The head stone had a moderate level of intelligence, basically a small step above Mkel’s sword and crossbow. The strength of the massive doors had never been tested in a siege, but they would likely be very difficult to breach if ever attacked.

  Mkel and Annan, with Michen on top of the fastened seat on Drake, walked along the smooth stone-faced path that snaked along the river bank at the edge of Draden Forest. The forest was a beautiful old stand of various hardwoods and oak. The river moved at a moderately quick pace at this point, but Draden was the farthest point north and east that the large boats or barges could proceed up the river from the capital. Beyond Draden, the river was too shallow for anything but smaller rafts and canoes. This made Draden an important trading town and distribution point, not to mention the key defensive area in the only substantial break in the Gray Mountains for caravans and ingoing and outgoing armies.

  The path was opposite the broader road on the other side of the river which horses, oxen, or even retired land dragons would pull the barges up the river from the towns and cities in the western portion of the Alliance. Sometimes sea elves were paid to pull the ships up the river with their killer whale mounts. The only ships that could make it up the river under their own power were the rowed/sail long ships of the Freiland raiders or the rare ship that had a dragonstone-powered or magical source of a wizard with a gust of wind spell. Another major road was built on the western side of the Weir and Draden Forest for ease of traffic ability and in case the southern road was compromised.

  As they walked the path, Annan asked about the trip to Battle Point. Mkel assured her that it was only a routine visit, adding that Jodem was going to be joining them. It was all about keeping contact with the legion garrisoned there and addressing their concerns for the plans of their reinforcement by Gallanth and the Weir’s garrison if needed, as well as the whole Draden legion.

  The forest was beautiful during the late summer. The tall oak and various deciduous trees offered excellent shade and were very visually appeasing. The river’s waters, while not crystal clear, were serene. As they were walking, Drake raised his wide head and looked into the forest. “What’s the matter, boy?” Mkel asked the hound.

  “Is there something in the trees?” Annan asked her husband.

  “It is probably just an elf on a patrol,” he replied.

  Dekeen always had at least two patrols of two elves that walked his portion of the forest, scouting to make sure there were no trespassers and to gather the many different types of rare plants, herbs, and mosses that the elves made into the many products and medicines that they were famous for.

  Kershan’s dragonstone was not glowing, so Mkel knew there wasn’t any magic or danger in the immediate vicinity. He did hear a feint whistle of air, but it quickly faded. The elf patrol is sending a message by signal arrow, he thought to himself. The elves, being rudimentarily telepathic and having excellent hearing and eyesight, could rapidly send signals by arrow and whispers, for an elf could hear a whisper at one hundred paces and actually echo it off an arrow in flight. They did this versus using seeing crystals to keep in practice with this technique.

  His curiosity about why the elves were signaling was answered when Kershan’s pommel dragonstone began to glow in a low light, which meant it detected another dragonstone weapon, for it didn’t signal him of danger. This meant that Jodem, Dekeen, or Beckann was teleporting in. Just then, the air twenty yards in front of them began to shimmer, and Beckann and Dekeen blinked into position, mounted on Desiran, her unicorn. The magical white horse was as impressive a sight as a dragon.

  Unicorns were the powerful horned horses that epitomized all that was good and pure. They were gleaming, large white warhorses, with a flowing white mane and a three-foot golden spiraled horn that protruded from their forehead. They were extremely fast and possessed superior magical properties. Their horn did incredible damage to evil creatures, being able to fell an ogre with a single hit. The horn had the same strength as a dragon tooth, capable of piercing any armor, even dragon hide. They projected a strong spell shield with the same strength as that of the most powerful holy sword. They could also teleport at will without error and detect all evil in their presence. They were immune to all charm, sleep, and death spells and to all poisons. They would only let human and elven women of pure heart ride them, defending their riders to the death. Unicorns also had pronounced healing powers and could neutralize any poison.

  Dekeen jumped from the magical horse and gave a hand to his wife as she slid down the unicorn’s pure white flank. Beckann, wife to Dekeen, was a very distant relation to Mkel from hundreds of years past, when one of his ancestors was married to her grandmother for the short life span of a human.

  Beckann was a very powerful elf wizard, being only slightly behind Jodem in magical ability. She was extremely beautiful, with only Jennar, the elusive nymph of Draden Forest, being more stunning. Beckann’s long golden hair and blue/violet eyes, along with her stunning features and statuesque figure, all added to her radiance. She and Dekeen oversaw the elf clan in Draden Forest. When she didn’t travel with the Weir’s forces, she took up the defense of the Weir in the absence of Mkel, Gallanth, and Jodem. Beckann and her powerful unicorn mount made her respected among elves and feared by evil forces.

  Her long green and blue silken dress flowed elegantly over her slim figure, and her pointed ears barely protruded from her golden hair. “I heard the son of Mkel and Annan was walking past my woods,” Beckann said in her soft but smooth voice as she walked over to Annan and Michen.

  “Your elves are getting sloppy, my friend; Drake was aware of their presence,” Mkel said as he gave Dekeen a greeting hug. This show of emotion was unusual for elves, but the two were close friends.

  “It’s hard to fool an elf hound. We breed them too well,” the dark-haired, emerald green-eyed elf replied. “The drill today went well; your archers were even loosely accurate,” he continued with a smile. “It was an impressive display. I assume Gallanth is sleeping now.”

  “Yes, you know dragons, either sleeping or philosophizing. You and your elves were on the mark, as usual,” Mkel replied.

  “Enough with the serious talk, you two. Annan, how is the little sprite?” Beckann asked. After scolding Mkel and her husband, she leaned down to pick up the youn
g boy, and she and Annan walked away from the two men.

  “All right, my lady,” Dekeen said to his elven wife, as he and Mkel strolled along the river bank. “My friend, I have a couple of things I need to talk to you about before you go to Battle Point. Both Beckann and Eladra have had disturbing images of a growing threat to the east and the plains. With the increased enemy activity around Battle Point and these images they’ve been experiencing, I just wanted to warn you to be on your guard out there.”

  “I know, Gallanth has been experiencing increased visions and dreams as well, and they are growing with intensity,” Mkel answered.

  “These are bad signs, but only time will tell for sure. The sea elves told one of my patrols that they killed three Saragwin about twelve miles downstream, and that they were scouting a cargo barge. This is the farthest up the Severic River that they have ever been seen. Haldrin has also reported greater activity along the Gray Mountain border, as well as more frequent attacks in the non-Alliance villages and settlements in the mountains,” Dekeen said with concern.

  “Yes, Slidess and Colonel Lordan have reported the same from both High Mountain and Eladran Weirs, as well as raiding parties of orcs, grummish, and gnolls performing probes along our borders. Granted, they’re not getting very far with the rangers and Haldrin’s elves patrolling there, but that along with what Lupek discovered about the giants says something is going on,” Mkel commented.

  “Your trip to Battle Point might provide some insight. I give you our prayers for your safe return,” Dekeen said.

  “Thank you, my friend. I will have the most powerful dragon in the world and a master wizard as companions; how could I be safer? However, I will take extra bolts and gems for Gallanth’s synthensium. We also have a backup, just in case,” Mkel said with a wry smile.

  “You could take an elf with you,” Dekeen shot back.

  “You are needed here, more so if Haldrin calls for help or if something happens; the Weir can count on you and your clan,” Mkel answered.

  “One elf would be hardly missed,” Dekeen said.

  “Yes, but Elm and your leadership would be,” Mkel replied quickly.

  “I understand, but I would still feel better if I went.”

  “Next time I will talk to General Daddonan to allow an elven envoy to accompany me on a goodwill visit to ensure the ancient alliances between our peoples are maintained,” Mkel said.

  “I will hold you to that, my friend. Beckann, have you had enough bothering lady Annan and their son?” he asked as he turned to his wife. The elven couple had two daughters, which was unusual, for elves had an extremely low birth rate. This was likely due to Beckann having a distant human trace in her family, also rare for an elf.

  “I must always see my little dragonrider when he passes by my woods,” she stated as she handed the toddler back to Annan.

  “Dekeen, you are as impetuous as my husband; he is definitely a bad influence on you and your customary elven courtesy,” Annan quickly spoke back. “Your wife is welcome to see my son any time she wishes.”

  “Alas, we must be departing,” Beckann said as the great white unicorn walked over to them, her white coat almost gleaming in the sunlight that shown through the overhanging tree branches. A brilliant creature, Mkel thought to himself, rare and elusive. Once one chose a rider or a companion, they were as resolute in their loyalty as a dragon. Their magical powers were also something to be reckoned with.

  “Yes my love, we have matters to attend to back in the forest,” Dekeen said.

  Their clan’s village was set in the heart of Draden Forest, closer to the mountainside. The elves made their homes in the trees and in well-camouflaged wooden structures that could be walked past almost without notice when not lit up by hundreds of lighting crystals. Any force that made it into the forest would face arrows from all sides and from above.

  Beckann was always busy instructing the younger elven wizard apprentices or preparing potions and performing experiments to improve upon the products that the elves were famous for.

  Dekeen lifted his thin but beautiful wife up onto the large magical horse’s back after she gave Michen a kiss on the forehead and Annan and Mkel a hug. Mkel and Dekeen shook hands again.

  “Will you be joining us for dinner tonight?” Mkel asked. “I believe Tegent will be entertaining the Weir afterward.” Tegent, being the Weir garrison’s bard, was very talented with his dragonstone-modified lyre, even by elven standards.

  “That sounds like an interesting proposition,” Beckann said inquisitively.

  “We will be there,” Dekeen said.

  “Then we will see you there, and we will reserve you two seats at our table,” Annan added.

  “Until then, my friends,” Beckann said, and with that, the unicorn reared back and disappeared.

  Dekeen gave a half salute and ran into the wood line to check on his patrols. Mkel and Annan walked another mile or so along the river and then turned around to head back to the Weir. Michen was getting antsy so they knew it was time for his nap. Drake took his fidgeting well. The patience and tolerance of the elf hound was a blessing.

  They made their way back to the Weir gates without incident, although Dekeen’s warning about the sea devil saragwin did make Mkel watch the water more often then he usually would have. He had confidence in the sea elves, but nobody was perfect. The tower guard again saluted Mkel as they walked back into the mountain. The Weir was surprisingly quiet for an afternoon. Likely everybody was resting, tending to gear after the exercise, or getting ready for the several days off that he gave them prior to the weapons skills and squad drills that were scheduled after he left.

  They made their way up to their living quarters and put a very tired Michen down for his nap. Mkel and Annan got undressed and had a moment alone before they fell asleep themselves. Mkel woke up about an hour later, quickly dressed, and gave Annan a kiss on the forehead before he walked out of their bedroom onto Gallanth’s landing. He walked past the still sleeping dragon to Jodem’s laboratory.

  He opened the large oaken reinforced door and walked in. Jodem was at the far end of the large room, gathering papers and poring over a large binder book.

  “Come my friend, over here,” the wizard said to him without pausing in his tasks. “I’m just getting a few things together for our trip. I have to arrange a meeting with General Daddonan’s assigned wizard, Andellion, over a few matters. We are also getting ready to create a dragonstone weapon. Ordin and Dorin have separated a slice off of that vein of mithril that they unearthed. They think it is enough to make a sword and maybe an axe or lance head, with the remainder to be made into a couple dozen bolt tips for us and arrow heads for Dekeen.”

  “Very good; I assume that will wait until we get back from Battle Point and before we head to the capital?” Mkel asked.

  “Yes, that will be the best course of action. The most important issues we have to discuss are the defense agreement with Battle Point and the upcoming senate gathering in Draconia, with the likely issues that will result. General Daddonan will be asking you to agree to a direct defense pact with the Battle Point legion for the whole Weir garrison,” Jodem explained.

  “Shouldn’t that be decided with Colonel Wierangan?” Mkel returned.

  “Yes, but even though it is assumed the Weir is responsive to the Draden regiment, the lines of responsibility are still fairly gray. The garrison has a degree of autonomy, although you have always directed it as a combined battalion of the regiment to make the Strike Legion. Other Weirs handle this in different ways. Colonel Lordan and Talonth and his wing basically command the cavalry legion at Eladran Weir, with a regular Alliance army colonel as his deputy ground commander, while Slidess and Trikenth with their wing are a strong air arm of the High Mountain legion under direct command of an Alliance army colonel. This mirrors most Weirs that don’t have dragonrider
s with a military commission and don’t directly command troops like you, Lordan, and Sighbolt. Bristurm of Denar Weir will be in this position as soon as he gets his commission. There is no fixed standard or solution, especially until these new Avenger dragons increase their numbers, for there are only a handful of young metallic dragons to come of age anytime soon to be stationed at Battle Point. Plus bronze dragons won’t go that far from the sea or a major river or lake,” Jodem explained.

  “I thought the Avenger dragons were supposed to eventually be stationed in Ian and Freiland?” Mkel asked.

  “They are, after the first wing is fully up to strength and the next brood comes of age,” Jodem answered.

  “Have you seen them yet?” Mkel inquired.

  “Yes, they are about the size of a bronze dragon and look like a cross between a bronze and a gold. They have a metallic brown-gold hue to their heavily armored hide. Their mouths are long and lined with powerful teeth and have deep set eyes. Two long, smooth, but sharp horns protrude from the back of their heads. Their bodies are well muscled and powerful; they are almost as strong as red dragons but faster. Their claws are thick and powerfully built, and their wings are rounder or more ovoid compared to other metallic dragons, but each bone support ends in a long talon. This makes the wing strike from these dragons hit with horrific damage. Their long but powerful tails end in a modified plate similar to a gold dragon’s but longer like a sword as opposed to a gold dragon’s broader arrowhead axe shape; they are capable of slashing or piercing strikes.

  “These unique dragons have great optimistic attitudes,” Jodem continued, “enabling them to inspire all those around them. While they are not as intelligent as the metallic dragons, their enthusiastic spirit and absolute fearlessness makes up for this. In their presence, they can inspire courage in all around them, giving all creatures a morale boost like Gallanth does, but not to the same extent.