by Corin, G.
"You didn't start walking until you were three years old?” Stripe raised an eyebrow.
Ramaeka snorted.
"Three weeks old, not three years. Anyway that's all my father would allow us to do. Five hours a day of theoretical learning, Five hours of labour and chores, six hours of battle training. Except for meals and punishment duty, which I got a lot of, the rest of the time was your own.”
Tam whistled impressed.
"I'm definitely glad you're fightin' on our side.”
The others nodded in agreement.
“For one so young, you must be very accomplished,” Parrit commented.
Ramaeka shrugged. "Not according to my father. Compared to my brothers and sisters I'm really small, I was always a bit of a disappointment. Comes from being the only earth dragon in the family.”
"Your father's an over grown lizard,” Stripe said fiercely. "When we’re finished beating this son of a troll into the ground where he belongs, we'll take care of your family.”
Ramaeka just grinned and shrugged again. To be honest he wasn't sure what he thought of the idea. He hated his father with a passion, but he was still his father. Fighting his family wasn't something he wanted to think too hard over.
By now they had reached the wall where other humans had gathered.
Ramaeka looked them over curiously. They were certainly a mixed bunch; he hadn't realized what a range they came in. He saw every colour from snow white to those as dark as his father's dragon hide. He wondered if their colour indicated their element type like it did with his own kind. The clothing they wore varied just as much. Some like Parrit and Gelber wore light armour, while others were fully encased. Ramaeka looked forward to seeing how they ran and manoeuvred in such gear. Some like Tam and Stripe wore rough breeches and shirts, others long robes. Ramaeka even noticed one laughing, joking, heavily tattooed group who wore only skin tight black shorts and, if they were female, bands of the same material across their chests.
Tam grinned when he saw where Ramaeka was looking.
"Good eye mate, them there are Selkies.”
"Selkies?” Ramaeka stumbled over the unfamiliar word.
"Aye, fierce fighter’s fer all they like a bit o' fun. All types o' fun at that.”
Tam seemed amused by Ramaeka's confused expression while Stripe looked the group over curiously.
"What kind of fighters are they?” Gelber asked absently fingering the edge of her weapon.
"Brilliant knife fighters,” Tam told her approvingly. "They're shape shifters like Ra 'ere only they turn inna sea dogs, what some call seals. They're unstoppable in water 'n hard ta kill on land. Unusual for 'em to be in this world specially up north, but there’s a couple'a small colonies scattered about.”
Some of the Selkies glanced up at them and noticed their stares. They grinned wickedly, one winked at them while another waggled their eyebrows Stripe blushed while Ramaeka smiled and waved to their amusement.
Tam laughed but before Ramaeka could ask what was so funny the General stepped on to the stairs ahead of them so that he could be seen by everybody gathered. Everyone hushed instantly, eyeing him intently. The General seemed unconcerned by the tension in the crowd; he nodded at them all calmly.
"I wish to begin by thanking you all for staying, I know this may seem a hopeless cause to some. We are thoroughly outnumbered. Many of the enemy are creatures from our nightmares who we hoped were mere stories. They have many powerful mages and countless strong warriors. However we are not without hope. There are amongst us great and honourable warriors from many different worlds, the first such alliance in our history. Yes Gasha has bound many to his will, but by doing so he has brought us together as well. Now as much as I would like to continue attempting grand speeches to fire you up,” He paused and grinned as some of the crowd whistled and cheered. Ramaeka was sure most of it came from the group of Selkies.
"Let us get down to the practical.”
Ramaeka listened in fascination as the General outlined a plan based on defence rather than attack. Only by defending the walls would they keep the enemy at bay for as long as possible. Hopefully this would allow the rest of the world to ready themselves, and perhaps even allow time for their allies to attempt to come to their aid. It sounded like a fair plan to Ramaeka however Stripe frowned tugging his lip thoughtfully.
"What’s wrong?” he asked once the General was finished and the individual groups were being called up to find out their assigned positions.
"It seems like a sound plan to me.”
Stripe shook his head. "Maybe... I just think we should do more than just hold them here.”
Gelber patted his shoulder sympathetically. "I agree my friend, but his is the wisest course.
"If we can't do anymore than hold him back for a few days, what’s anybody else going to be able to do?” he asked bluntly.
Ramaeka watched as the others exchanged uneasy looks. It’s true he realized the leader of this world’s best General and great warriors from many different places were here. Would anyone else have time to find more great fighters even if they did give them a few extra days to organize themselves?
"We'll do what we must lad,” Tam said gently. Stripe shook his head again.
"I'm going to talk to the General.”
Ramaeka started after him but Tam grabbed his arm.
"Let 'im go Ra, the General'll sort it out yeah.”
Ramaeka sighed but stayed where he was watching Stripe approach the General.
"Let us discover which position we have been assigned,” Amar said leading them over to where the General's officers were waiting.
"Since you're fightin' then Ra, I was thinkin',” Tam gave him a sly sideways look making Amar frown.
"I'm not much bigger 'n Mar, so maybe you 'n I could team up. Mar could cover us with 'is magic from below.”
Ramaeka thought it over.
"Depending on what the General had planned I don't see why not,” he replied slowly.
"Though I'm not sure how long I can stay up with a human on my back, I’m getting a little low on energy. And as long as Amar doesn't mind.”
Tam slapped him on the back affectionately before raising an eyebrow at Amar who had been fairly quiet.
"I do not mind,” he smiled slightly. "As long as you keep him within my sight.”
Ramaeka winced feeling bad for his friend and the position he was in, only able to defend Ramaeka. He really hoped the General understood.
Speaking of which he looked over to see how the General in question was reacting to Stripe's frustration. He was frowning and shaking his head as Stripe argued with him. Not so well then.
Tam was talking to one of the senior officers pointing at Ramaeka and Amar. The officer nodded and pointed along the wall. Tam saluted and headed back over.
"Sorted,” he grinned. "We get ta work from the central guard tower inna centre o' the wall there, a grand place to launch from right mate?”
"We're not mates,” Ramaeka replied absently as he kept an eye on Stripe. Really he was far too young to even think about having a mate. Tam frowned at that while Amar hid a smile behind his hand.
"Where Ramaeka comes from a mate is a long term romantic partner,” he explained smoothly. Tam's hurt look cleared up instantly.
"Er right ye are, we are definitely not mates then, just friends,” he said hurriedly glaring at Gelber and Parrit who were openly laughing at him. Still smiling Amar turned to Ramaeka.
"Here the term mate is often used as slang for friend.”
Ramaeka flashed Tam a grin. "That’s a relief; I'm not really old enough for that stuff.” He wrinkled his nose in distaste.
"So I see,” Tam replied dryly. He herded them towards the wall stairs where Stripe was still talking to the General.
"It seems Stripe may be getting his way after all,” Parrit observed in her quiet way, nodding towards the pair. Ramaeka frowned uneasily as the General slowly nodded at what Stripe was saying.
"I
hope it is not something that will get us killed,” Parrit added calmly. Stripe trotted down the steps to meet them, an air of grim triumph about him.
"What have you done?” Amar asked suspiciously.
"Nothing really,” he shrugged. "Just offered a few suggestions we might have a chance to use.” He changed the subject abruptly.
"Where are all of you positioned?”
"Me, Tam and Amar are in the central guard tower on the wall.” Ramaeka looked at Parrit and Gelber inquiringly.
"I will be assisting the archers to the west of your tower,” Parrit said.
"And I will be assisting with the catapults and ballista’s until I can get a little closer to some of those delicate creatures,” Gelber's smile was all bared teeth, her eyes glinted wickedly.
"What about you?” Ramaeka interjected still suspicious.
"Not far from your tower,” he replied. "At the command post with the General. Don't worry Ra; I'll be safe as kittens there.”
Ramaeka scowled but nodded. Stripe was definitely up to something but he was stubborn as a rock when he wanted to be and Ramaeka wasn't going to get anything out of him.
"Right then ma... er friends,” Tam glanced quickly at Ramaeka. "Let’s get ta where we should be yeah? Good luck to ye all, may the Lady Mischief be on yer side.”
The others murmured similar sentiments before heading on their way.
As Ramaeka headed up the steps after Tam the pain hit him again with more intensity than he had felt before. Gasping he grabbed his left hip as the muscle strained and the bone shifted. His legs gave way and he would have toppled down the stairs if Amar hadn’t grabbed him from behind. He sat down hard, trying to catch his breath. He pulled his clothing away from his hip and gulped in horror. He could see the bone of his hip moving, the muscles around it bulged and writhed beneath his skin. Amar crouched beside him and placed a glowing hand on his side. Immediately the movement subsided as did the pain. Ramaeka wiped the sweat from his forehead with a shaking hand.
“Are you alright?” Amar asked softly.
“No,” Ramaeka wailed quietly. “Stripe’s about to get himself killed, after which we’re all going to die and in the meantime my body hates me.”
Amar looked amused. “Your body does not hate you.”
“Are you two coming?” Stripe called from above.
“Don’t say anything to him about this,” Ramaeka whispered urgently to Amar who nodded and helped him up.
They caught up with the other two at the central command post where Tam and Amar wished Stripe luck before heading towards the tower. When Ramaeka would have followed Stripe grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop.
"You alright Ra?”
"I'm fine,” he said quickly.
“They'll be aiming for you,” Stripe said quietly. "Be careful and don't take any risks.”
Ramaeka rolled his eyes. "I have a feeling you'll be taking all the risks before anyone else gets a chance. Don't do anything stupid, at least not without me alright?”
Stripe laughed and gave him a one-armed hug, scruffing his hair with his free hand
"No promises made, no promises broken my friend.”
"So does this mean you forgive me for being a dragon?” Ramaeka asked giving him his best hopeful look.
Stripe shook his head grinning with sheepish embarrassment. "Suppose so. Now shoo I've got work to do.”
Ramaeka ran to catch up with the other two who were waiting at the entrance to the tower. Two archers were already inside the tower they nodded before returning their attention to their weapons. The three of them passed them by and went to the very top which was half covered and half open, the perfect launching point for a small dragon Ramaeka thought pleased. Less pleasing was the view of the enemy. Heavy drums began to pound as the army marched forth, even with dragon sight Ramaeka could not make out the end of the mass below, it flowed right back into the trees. He swallowed hard.
"Should I change now?”
"Nay,” Tam said softly staring out over the flood of humans and creatures. "Best not to let em target ya too early.”
"Tam is correct, they will be searching for you after the feats that you achieved yesterday,” Amar affirmed. "That they do not know of your secondary form works in our favour.”
He frowned suddenly and leaned forward.
"Hmmmmm.”
"What?” Tam and Ramaeka demanded at the same time.
Amar tapped his lip thoughtfully. "Not all of this army is real'.
"Say again,” Tam frowned while Ramaeka leaned forward to peer intently at the enemy; it looked real enough to him.
"It is very good work" Amar admitted impressed. "Indeed I have not seen the like before, Gasha may be cruel and arrogant but he is talented. The back third of the army on the field so far are illusions.”
"Are ye sure?” Tam demanded.
"Absolutely, there must be four or five powerful mage's working the spell other than Gasha himself. No Ramaeka, look through your magic do not rely on your eyes.”
Ramaeka obediently pulled on his magic wincing at the sorry state it was in. Looking out now he saw each being below shone with their own power and life force, except as Amar said, the back third which were merely glittering shadows. He whistled impressed.
"Ye're definitely sure?”
"He's right,” Ramaeka confirmed. Tam bit his lip then nodded decisively.
"I'll be right back.” He bound down the stairs.
"Why would he do that?” Ramaeka asked. "Doesn't it waste a lot of power, especially just before a battle?”
"Gasha rules on fear and trickery,” Amar replied watching the horde approaching. "It seems that we are about to learn that first hand.”
He pointed downwards. Following his direction Ramaeka saw the human warlord himself, riding a strange mottled green lizard which Ramaeka had never seen before.
"Soul shaker,” Amar murmured. "Beware of those Ramaeka; they have the ability to injure your very essence.”
His mouth suddenly felt very dry; there were so many strange and terrifying beasts here.
"Why did you make them?” he whispered feeling nauseous. "All these evil beasts do is bring pain and fear.”
"That's what humans say about dragons,” Amar reminded him. "Every creature that I made has a reason for existing and every one of them has the ability to destroy, including humans and dragons. When I myself was created, a set of instructions were ingrained into my very being. Nearly everything I made was according to those instructions including free will. The delicate balance between good and evil existed long before I did.”
Ramaeka frowned, it was a lot to try and understand especially when he was so tired.
"Nearly everything?” he asked changing the subject slightly.
"Well, dragons were mine,” Amar admitted with a crooked smile. "Some of my creations have been warped by sick minds like Gasha. Speaking of whom, it seems he wishes to talk.”
Attention diverted Ramaeka peered over the edge of the tower again.
"How do you know?”
"The white cloth they are waving symbolizes a truce in which the two sides may converse without fear of attack. Though it is unusual to use the pelt of one of your own creatures as a symbol of good will.”
"Well at least it wasn't one of ours,” Ramaeka grinned with morbid humour. The white rag that one of the soldiers was waving was indeed furry and speckled with blood.
"I wish to speak with whomever is in charge of this rabble.” Gasha's nasal voice was amplified enough that Ramaeka was forced to cover his ears. After a few moments the General's voice boomed back.
"I am he, state your purpose thief.”
Ramaeka smirked as Gasha glared up at the wall.
"Let us talk of thieves then. I believe you are currently sheltering two such creatures behind your pathetic walls. I will have what belongs to me returned.”
"And what is it exactly that you seek that you must bring your slaves here with you?”
"Do n
ot be coy,” Gasha hissed. "You have my sword you scum sucking fool, return it immediately.”
One of the knights who stood behind Gasha and said something quietly. The warlord visibly pulled his temper back under control.
"I shall be fair, open your gates and surrender, return my sword with the heads of the thieves and I shall allow all those within the walls to live as my slaves. Refuse and this city and all within will be nought but ashes by next sunrise.”
There was a long pause, Ramaeka could see the smirks on the faces of those around Gasha, they knew he would not let them live. The warlord himself stared arrogantly at the wall, waiting.
"That does sound unreasonably fair Gasha, though I think it would be hard to turn stone into ashes,” came a new voice. A voice which Ramaeka recognized instantly. What was Stripe thinking? Why was the General allowing him to speak?
"Who are you? I will only talk with your leader not some ill bred idiot.”
"Well I'm afraid I want to talk to you Gasha so I suggest you clean the muck from your ears and listen carefully. Especially because I have something that belongs to you.”
Somewhere in his chest Ramaeka's heart gave a great whump then flopped down into his stomach. What are you doing? He thought fingers digging frantically into the stone of the tower. Gasha stepped forward, scanning the wall intently, his fists clenched.
"Who are you, you pox ridden scum swimmer? I will skin you alive. I will make you beg for death before I even think of allowing you to die!”
"Yeah, yeah,” Stripe interrupted coolly. "You might actually remember me from Porkae old man. I was one of your little thief boys about eight years ago when you were still the thief lord there. You had my feet caned once for walking too loudly, but then that might describe a few of us I suppose. If it helps I was the little blond kid with the bit of black in his hair who was so good with locks. I once broke into the Lord Treasurer's house for you.” There was a long pause as Gasha absorbed this.
"Ahhh yes now I remember, little Stripe. And where is your friend? What was his name now? That's right, Shadow wasn't it?”
"So you do remember me, I'm honoured.”
