“Yes, we have confidence in ourselves, but still, this will not be a walkthrough tomorrow. However, I, like the captain, have faith,” Toderan echoed.
“Again thank the Creator that the Weirs have a degree of autonomy from the senate,” Mkel added. “I see that the master dwarf is asleep already; did he have a rough trip?” Mkel said with a mischievous smile.
“You know that he hates to fly on anything but Gallanth, and he turned a lovely shade of forest green on the back of Alvanch by the time we landed at this village,” Toderan said with a chuckle. Normally dwarves can drink twice as much as an average man, but the flying sickness really knocked it out of them. “Just as well, it will be an early morning tomorrow and we have to have our wits about us. The legion is manning the village defenses, so we will have ample warning if anything dares to attack tonight, and if they know that Gallanth, Strikenth, and Talonth are here, they wouldn’t even think about it. Good night, gentlemen,” Toderan finished as he got up and walked over to his sleeping winged horse.
Normally they would all sleep in close proximity to Gallanth, for both shelter and security, but it was a perfect night with just a slight coolness to the air. Insects did not come near dragons for unknown reasons, which was another added benefit to sleeping near one. Dekeen said good night and walked to his eagle.
“Jodem, Gallanth, I need to talk over what happened today,” Mkel said with a change in his normally jovial tone of voice.
“You are troubled over the Morgathian death knight you killed today?” Gallanth asked him in a surprisingly low but audible tone, not communicated telepathically.
“Yes and no. The black hearted pogasch deserved what he was given. He killed that boy’s father in cold blood. He was defeated and could have been bypassed, but he brutally killed him anyway, and in front of his family. I have no remorse for letting Kershan’s blade go through him, although the sword almost seemed to act on its own. Until now, I have only killed orcs and their associated allies, no more than insects. They are born to be evil and know nothing else,” Mkel explained.
“But you still have a small sense of remorse?” Jodem asked.
“Again yes and no, it was just different. I have not felt that kind of anger before. If you hadn’t snapped me back to my senses when the chromatics appeared, I don’t know how much of a help I would have been for you, my friend,” Mkel answered as he put his hand on Gallanth’s large clawed front toe.
“Remember that a metallic dragon’s true strength comes from his soul bonding with his rider. Your emotion and love give me as much strength as the purest of gems that Ordin supplies. Without it, we would be only slightly better than the chromatics. The Creator intended this as a balance to the evil that the world can dish up,” Gallanth explained.
“But then why does he let this evil exist, since he created all of this? Why not stop it?” Mkel asked.
“In his immeasurable wisdom and boundless love, he gave all his creatures with even the remotest level of logical thought the power of choice and free will. Dragons, elves, and giants did choose as whole races and species. From this decision there is usually only one turning point, and that can only occur just before death. Humans, which he loves most of all, were given individual choice as to which path they choose to follow. This is what also makes mankind so fascinating,” Gallanth explained. “We dragons were put here to guide humans and protect them. Unfortunately, the chromatics, led by Tiamat, resented this subordination to what they considered a lesser species. That is why they call men Sapsprech, or talking monkeys”
“Yes, I understand, but that still doesn’t explain why good must suffer so under such tyranny and evil,” Mkel said.
“Mkel, while there is much evil in the world, there is also much good. Acts of evil do not go unpunished, for while it is free will that allows men and creatures to commit evil, it is also the same for those who do good,” Jodem commented to his young friend.
“The Creator is constantly adjusting or guiding events to make up for the evil that is done by those who would perpetrate it. Like the death knight you killed today, it was not your fault that he killed that boy’s father, but by you felling the pogasch, he will not kill any more innocents or good men. No, it will not bring back that boy’s father, and I know you very much identified with the boy’s pain, but it was not your fault. I know you thought of your father today and of your loss, and I know it is never easy for you. Remember that I will always be here for you, my friend, and take comfort in the fact that we saved hundreds of lives today and delivered a major blow to the enemy, as we will do tomorrow,” Gallanth explained with an unusual display of emotion in his voice, which he lowered to as much of a whisper as a dragon could do.
“And remember that the Creator also sacrificed his earthly spirit by letting him attempt to bring the chromatics and their followers back into the light, and correct the error of their ways,” Jodem explained.” “That is the true love he has for all of his creations, even the five-headed evil arch dragon herself.”
“I understand; it is all part of an immense balancing act that the Creator is constantly juggling,” Mkel said, trying to control his emotions, for he could feel the inner pain and sorrow welling up inside him, and he knew Gallanth could sense this as well.
“Yes, but remember the overall balance has always slightly tipped to our side,” Gallanth said in a slightly comforting and confident tone, trying to tell Mkel that everything was all right.
“Again I understand a bit more, but it is still difficult to forget that boy’s face. I saw him through Markthrea’s sight when that Morgathian killed his father right in front of him. All I wanted to do was eviscerate him, make him suffer, no capture, no trial, no mercy. Yet after I cut off his leg and sword arm and had Kershan’s blade pointed at his throat, I hesitated until I saw something in his eyes. Without flinching, Kershan effortlessly trust into his exposed neck. I can’t describe it; it was like I was outside myself watching and unable to affect the scenario,” Mkel explained, sounding very emotional and slightly confused.
“You are just tired, my young friend. Tired and upset. We should be getting some sleep now, for tomorrow will come very quickly,” Jodem said to him with a sympathetic smile as he gave Gallanth a quick sideways glance.
“Yes, it is time for rest now, my rider; you need to lay down under my wing and sleep. Like Jodem said, we have important work tomorrow, and I will need at least two gemstones prior to the fight and you riding with me, ready for battle,” Gallanth added as he stretched out his right wing slightly to cover Mkel’s bedroll. Mkel could feel he was getting very tired quickly and knew that either Gallanth or Jodem were casting a minor sleep spell over him, but he did not fight it, for he was tired. The ground mat he used felt comfortable, and he fell asleep within seconds.
“He is very troubled about what happened today, Gallanth,” Jodem said to the gold dragon in Draconic.
“I know, but he will overcome it. While his emotions run high, so does his strength and courage. Tomorrow we will be too busy to dwell on this, and we will be there for him when we return to Draden and the Weir,” Gallanth answered as he lowered his huge head on the ground, and curled around to almost face Mkel. “I want Watterseth to stay back here, just in case something slips around us tomorrow and Lady Beckann needs help. Andellion is still too weak to come out here to fight, or even to defend this town from anything, and they could use the good cleric’s healing ability as well. I will tell him tonight before I sleep.”
“I agree, even though he will protest,” Jodem answered.
“I gave into him this evening by allowing him to heal me, it is his turn now,” Gallanth replied.
“I wish you luck, my old friend,” Jodem quipped.
“No luck involved; good night, my good wizard,” Gallanth finished, which was a strange saying for a gold dragon, who were considered by many the luck dragons.
&nb
sp; CHAPTER VI
Repatriation
“Mkel, wake up. The legion is getting ready, and we must not be late,” Jodem said to his dragonrider friend, while gently shaking his shoulder.
“I’m awake. I’ll be ready in a couple of minutes,” Mkel answered as he sat up from his bedroll and pulled his blanket off. He quickly shaved, cleaned up, and dressed. The members of the Weir council, except for Ordin, had already gathered when he walked over in front of the still resting Gallanth.
“I guess the local grog is a little stronger than Ordin expected,” Mkel said to the group while he finished fastening his belt and shoulder strap that held his crossbow, sword, quiver, and other equipment.
“I will wake him up,” Dekeen said with a mischievous smile, as he took his water skin from the saddle harness on his eagle and poured it over Ordin’s head. The dwarf immediately jumped up, brandishing his powerful war hammer, Donnac, and whirled around, only to see his friends laughing.
He smiled as he lowered his hammer and asked, “Well, are we finally ready to fight?”
“I guess the Battle Point grog is a little stronger than you’re used to, my good dwarf,” Toderan said pointedly.
“No, I was just resting from a full day’s mining,” he quickly answered.
“Well, Ordin, I have faith you are always ready for giants,” Mkel interjected.
“Let them feel the power of my hammer,” Ordin growled.
“The Battle Point rangers are approaching,” Mkel said as he looked behind his group. Twelve rangers were walking behind Decray and Lupek as they approached. The two seemed to be working together well already, which is a good sign, Mkel thought to himself.
“Sir, gentlemen, welcome,” Toderan greeted Captain Decray and his team. “We look forward to drawing swords with you today.”
“Likewise,” Decray answered and looked toward Gallanth with a slight bow in a sign of deference.
“And draw swords you will do,” Gallanth answered over the gathered soldiers as he raised his head.
“General Daddonan wants us to move to our position as soon as possible, Mkel,” Decray said as he shook Mkel’s hand.
“Understandable. Do your rangers watching the enemy encampment have the plan?” Mkel asked.
“They have two scouts waiting beside the gully as we speak. It is roughly a mile from the camp and affords good concealment from the ground. From the air is a different story, though, with the sparse vegetation there,” Decray explained.
“Gallanth and Jodem will take care of that with a little illusion. The site sits north and east of the enemy camp, so it is so far not in the direct flight path of any reinforcements that have been flying in. And that includes chromatics. They are and likely will continue coming from the southeast,” Mkel surmised. “Hopefully the appearance of Colonel Lordan and Lieutenant Padonan with Talonth and Strikenth will keep the chromatic dragons focused on them and not looking around their camp,” Mkel continued. “Well, speak of the silvers,” Mkel noted as Strikenth and Talonth walked up with their riders. Gallanth stood up to accept the silvers’ head bows in their gesture of deference. “Colonel, I wish you good luck today. And could you be so good as to keep them busy and share a little of the work load we’ve been experiencing lately?” Mkel jested to the senior silver rider as he rendered him a salute.
“Have no worries there, Captain. The good lieutenant and I, with our dragons, will deal with anything we encounter. So you and Gallanth can do your little hide-and-seek game,” Lordan said with a smile.
“Plus two silvers definitely equals a gold,” Padonan added in his usual joking manner.
“Well, what a momentous occasion, a Weirleader and a precocious Capital dragonrider actually cooperating on a joint attack. This is truly an event to remember,” Mkel quipped back, and all three dragons snorted in their unique form of a short laugh.
“Point well taken, Captain; we must go and coordinate with General Daddonan while they are getting their troops ready,” Colonel Lordan smiled and answered, while gripping his powerful lance.
“Yes sir, and Padonan, don’t lose that pinwheel of yours,” Mkel said with a smile.
“Well, just shoot straight for once, Captain,” the silver dragonrider quipped back, as he pulled his glaive from its lanyard. The center sapphire dragonstone glowed, with the six mithril blades all extending at once, brilliantly shining in the predawn morning. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the deadly star-like weapon streaking past Mkel, spinning so fast that it looked like a blur. The weapon made a wide arc around Mkel and Gallanth, quickly finding its way back to Padonan’s outstretched hand. It flew much faster than Ordin’s hammer but was also much smaller, and it was a cutting weapon, while Donnac was a large crushing instrument.
“Impressive, my friend, but more importantly, strength and luck to both of you,” Mkel saluted with his fist over his heart, which they both returned. Saluting was not just a military courtesy among the dragonriders that were actual Alliance officers or soldiers, but a gesture of acknowledgment and kinship among the riders themselves. The two silver dragons walked away toward the eastern side of the keep, where the Battle Point legion was gathering. It would take both of the large silvers to teleport the partial legion at once, and even then it would be tight. Gallanth gave Talonth and Strikenth a luck prayer in Draconic, which they acknowledged. Luck wished by a gold dragon was prized, even by a silver dragon.
“All right, gentlemen, let me call General Daddonan and let him know we are going to leave,” Mkel said to the assembled men, as he pulled out his seeing crystal. “General Daddonan, sir.”
“Yes, Captain Mkel,” the general answered.
“We are going to be teleporting momentarily, sir; any last-minute directives?” Mkel asked.
“No, I have faith in your men and mine. Keep me informed, as will I, and the strength of the Creator to you all. Bring our brothers home,” General Daddonan espoused.
“Yes sir,” Mkel answered. “Sir, the elf wizard, Lady Beckann, will be moving with your supply trains for added protection, and our cleric Watterseth will be staying here, just as a precautionary measure.” Mkel put his crystal back into its pouch on his belt. “All right, gentlemen, mount up,” Mkel ordered, and everyone moved to their mounts. “Decray, do you have the current image in your crystal of our destination from your men on the ground?” he asked.
“Yes,” he replied as he pulled his seeing crystal out.
“Good, can you hold it up so Gallanth can see it?” Mkel asked. The ranger captain held up the crystal, which still carried the image that was transferred from his men’s crystals at the site.
“I have a clear picture of where we are to go. Captain Decray, tell your men to stand clear,” Gallanth spoke as he transferred the image telepathically to Mkel.
“Gentlemen, please gather as close to Gallanth as possible,” Mkel instructed. “When we teleport in, make sure to control your mounts to keep them quiet.”
Ordin secured himself into the third seat behind Mkel, just in front of Gallanth’s larger back ridges. He had a smile on his face; Mkel didn’t know whether it was for the upcoming fight, or from the fact that he was mounted on Gallanth, and not Alvanch, or another smaller mount.
Gallanth spread his wings to begin the process. Jodem waved a salutatory good-bye, along with Beckann, who raised her palm to her husband in an elvish gesture of luck and fondness. Mkel wished they could accompany them, for wizards of their power were always welcome in a fight, no matter what the odds, but the Battle Point legion needed them more. Andellion was still recuperating and would be too weak to put up an effective fight, especially if the enemy had a sorcerer of some power or several beholder creatures. They would save many lives today by fighting alongside the legionnaires.
The familiar blue light streaks surrounded them, and in an instant they were gone. They reappeared in
the shallow gully surrounded by small trees and scrub. Gallanth quickly folded his wings and lay down. The spell Jodem cast over the gold dragon before the teleportation was taking effect, making Gallanth appear like a rock outcropping if you looked at him from a distance. Up close, the illusion was apparent do to the distance from Jodem, but from overhead and from a quick glance, as long as he remained still, his immense body blended in with the countryside. Having Jodem cast the spell made it harder for another dragon or sorcerer to detect the magic than if Gallanth had done it himself.
Mkel made sure to secure all his gear, slung Markthrea over his shoulder, and began to climb down, with Ordin immediately following him. All the others dismounted and gathered their arms and gear. Mkel and Decray then signaled for everyone to meet in front of Gallanth after they secured their mounts. As everyone gathered, Decray and Mkel both placed their seeing crystals together, along with the ranger that had guided them there. An image appeared from the crystals that imitated the terrain, as the ranger spoke up.
“This is where we are currently,” the ranger explained. “The camp is just under a mile to our southwest. We have a squad of rangers holed up here, to the south of the camp, waiting for us. Our scouts have found a concealed path that will lead the rest of you to this point just north of the encampment. We will leave one of our rangers here to guide you to this assault position. We have been watching the enemy and believe that the Alliance soldiers are being held in this tent that is currently surrounded by orcs and those two beholders.”
“Good report, ranger; Captain Decray, you will take your men around to the east and link up with the rest of your platoon,” Mkel stated.
“Yes, we’ll move around to the right, cross this make-shift road, where the enemy has been receiving reinforcements, and link up with my men. It will take us at least two hours, for we must remain undetected,” Decray explained.
Dragon Alliance: Rise Against Shadow Page 33
