Her gut tightened, Amicia did not miss the furtive gaze. “You wish to speak with me?” she suggested as they began a slow circle through the trees in search of tasty edibles.
“I wish to make an apology of my own,” Meena sniffed, her emotions raw after the events of the last few days. “I have been ungracious since the dragons attacked our home.”
“Our home,” Ami parroted, noting a group of tubers and kneeling to dig them up. “It is my fault that they came, and you have nothing to be sorry for.”
Joining her, the older woman disagreed, “Fault is of no consequence. We are on this journey together, and it has only been made more difficult by my words. Piers is right. We cannot go back, and I have not been as accepting of my place within our group as I should be.”
“How so?” Amicia asked, pausing her hands to study the features of the older female. Seeing the deep lines in her brow, she reached to catch her hands. “Meena, what has happened?” Thinking of the gnome’s gift, she dared not speak of it, but she knew the object weighed heavily in all their thoughts.
Lifting her chin, the wan prayed for the strength to keep her secret veiled, as informing the girl of what she had come to accept as the truth would only add to their burden. “Nothing yet, my child,” she breathed, “but I fear what is to come.”
“You are afraid for yourself?”
“No, for you. For all of us,” she whispered. “I have come to love you all so dearly. For so many years, I was alone in my life. In the midst of your camaraderie, I have discovered what it means to have that which can be taken.” Flicking her gaze between her soft green eyes and her hands, which the girl still held, she sobbed, “It would be horrible to lose you, any of you.”
“You will not lose us,” Amicia soothed, using her grip on her to pull the woman forward. Wrapping her in a strong embrace, she exhaled loudly, as if peace had enveloped them as they held one another. Feeling the shudders as Meena sobbed, the girl shed tears of her own. “You are dear to me, as well. We shall not fear any of the things that may happen and will focus on that which makes us strong. We decided this long ago, when we floated on a barren sea, and I beseech you to take heart as well.”
“I will try,” Meena sniveled, hugging her tighter. “When my words are sharp, I pray you will see the love behind them.”
“Always,” Amicia agreed, a smile creeping onto her lips. It had been many years, if ever, that she had felt so loved by another woman, and she would do all that she could to protect the one who held her.
“What’s going on?” Rey demanded, coming upon them as he and Zae returned with the water.
“Nothing,” the wan replied, forcing her sorrow away as she released the smaller girl. “We were discussing –”
“I was telling her about our positive attitude motto,” Amicia interrupted, hoping to prevent further tears. Dropping their find onto a piece of cloth she had spread upon the soil, she folded it over to carry the tubers back to the camp. “We will have a delicious dinner and a story before we rest this night, and we will all do our best to remember our pledge,” she insisted as she stood.
Eyeing her doubtfully as they returned to the clearing, where a ring of stones now held the center, Reynard agreed reluctantly under his breath, “We will indeed, my princess.”
The days warm, the group followed the stream, always keeping it within reach for their water as they crossed the forest. Above them, the blue sky remained clear, both of clouds and wings, as they constantly searched out of fear at being discovered.
However, if the dragons knew of their whereabouts, they kept their distance, and six days after their encounter with the gnome, they arrived at a rock wall that extended both to the east and west. Following it to the point where the stream cascaded down, they found the only place it appeared to be accessible.
“Climbing this thing is going to be more difficult than the wolves led us to believe,” Piers observed, his dark eyes scanning the face of the rock for hand and foot holds.
“We could walk along it for a day or two and see if there is a better place,” Rey suggested, kneeling to help himself to a drink while they paused to plan their next move.
“No, I think this path that has been eroded by the water will be our best bet. However, I’m leery of the climb, as we will be exposed against the light-colored stone,” their leader insisted.
“As when we entered the troll cave,” Amicia observed. “Perhaps I should shield us, as I did before.”
“I don’t think you can climb and maintain the shadow,” Meena warned, stroking the girl’s hair fondly.
“We brought the robes,” Zaendra added. “They are earth tones, as the stone. Perhaps wearing them will help us from standing out.”
“Or in the least help hide our identities,” the Mate agreed. “Good idea, nymph,” he chuckled. “Break out the packs, and let’s dress for the occasion.”
Dropping their gear, each member of the group donned a wizard’s robe, and Bally pointed out with a chortle, “At least that wild blond frizz won’t be as visible.”
“Thanks,” Amicia grimaced as Rey gave him a dark glare.
Searching up the face of the rock, Piers pointed, “I see an indention a few hundred yards above us. We have plenty of daylight, and I think we can make it before dark. Do we want to take some wood for a fire?” he asked, directing the question to his wife.
“I’m afraid it would only draw attention to us. No, we will eat dried meat and some of the fruit this eve, but the alcove will offer us some protection from the elements while we slumber,” she pointed out.
“What about the dwarves? How do they get in and out of the mountain do you think?” Amicia asked in a quiet voice.
“They will have a grand entrance,” Animir advised. “They are arrogant creatures, as are the elves, and will want all to know when you have approached their gates.”
“Another good reason not to wander too far in either direction,” Piers added with a nod. “I’ll go first, and the rest of you can follow. Take your time and make sure you maintain three points of contact with the rock.”
“Why’s that?” Bally bit tartly. “I’ve been climbing my whole life. A few rocks don’t scare me.”
“They will if someone slides down into you,” Rey replied with a scowl. “Everyone move slow and only move one limb at a time, like he said.”
Looking up doubtfully, Amicia swallowed hard. She had never climbed much of anything, other than a few trees back on the farm. The path before them appeared daunting, and she feared she would let the others down if she weren’t careful. Adjusting her robe that hid her and her pack beneath it, she drew in a deep breath and pushed it out slowly through her nose.
“We’ll be ok,” Zae assured, taking her hand and giving her a squeeze as the older couple started the climb ahead of them.
Returning the gesture, Amicia agreed, “Yes, we’ll be fine.” Her turn, she grasped the rocks and hoisted herself up, only then realizing that the face of the cliff was not a sheer drop as it appeared, and it angled slightly towards the peak. The climbing easier because of it, she was able to keep up despite her lack of past experience.
Arriving at the flat surface as the sun set, as the Mate had predicted, the group fell upon the floor of the shallow cave and panted loudly. A fit of laughter rippled through them as they realized they had passed their first hurdle, and each felt more relaxed as they pulled off their robes and gear, preparing to settle in for the night.
King’s Ransom
The sun shown off Onothwyn’s dark brown scales as he turned in a wide slow circle, watching the face of the cliffs with his flame red eyes. He had been left in charge of the hunting party, and it would be his call how to deal with the group if this was indeed their prey. He hoped that it was; he had been looking for a chance to prove himself and thereby move up in the ranks.
Flying next to him, Putwyn observed, “That is them.”
“Are you certain?”
“Positive. Her flaxen mane gi
ves her away now that her robe is removed,” the smaller beast explained. “Do we go in and finish them?”
“The cave would not be a suitable place to attack. We will allow them to climb to the top and take them there. If they survive the ascent,” his superior suggested. “We will make a kill for our meal and bed down for the night. They will still be there when the sun rises.”
Following his lead, Putwyn flew low over the tops of the trees, searching for an animal to serve as his dinner. Spying a small elk, he slayed the creature cleanly and carried it across the forest to an open area next to the stream the group had been following, where he and his partner would rest for the evening.
Onothwyn joined him shortly after, sporting a larger elk for his sustenance. The two devoured the fresh meat and then drank from the brook as Pardodan landed near them and ambled up to the stream.
“We have found them,” Onothwyn informed him, then returned to his slurping at the cool liquid.
Pardodan lifted his large blue and green head, his green accents glinting in the fresh moonglow. “Why have you not destroyed them?” he growled.
“They hide within the caves of the cliffs where we cannot be certain they have been slain. Who knows how deep the tunnels go. We will set against them when they reach the top,” the junior dragon informed their leader of their plan.
“Negative. We will set against them at first light, when they move from the shadows. They will be vulnerable on the face of the cliffs.”
Glaring at his superior with a glassy eye, Onothwyn instantly regretted giving up his quandary. Not only would Pardodan take all the fun out of the kill, he would take all the credit for it as well. Turning his back on him, he realized he should have denied their location and pretended to continue the search, knowing he could have picked them up at the top as planned and the other dragon would be none the wiser.
But it was too late for second guesses. Sharing a glance with Putwyn, the two younger members of the team had no cause to argue. Pardodan had served with Lamwen in the king’s guard and held rank over them. They would do as he commanded, or they would stand before the council under the charge of mutiny.
Discerning that they would obey, the older dragon turned to their clearing and selected a boulder to lie against. When he was comfortable, he announced, “The war has begun.”
“War,” Putwyn gasped. He had hoped that turning on Lamwen would prevent the altercation that seemed to be brewing all around them. “Have there been casualties?”
“A few,” Pardodan explained, shifting his gaze to fixate on Onothwyn. “We still have not located the body of Lamwen, and a few of the others have fled Adiarwen. They hide across the lands, but we have hunting parties searching for them and will attack them when we can. When we have dealt with the mortals, we will return to our king and be given a new target. Perhaps the sirens.”
“The sirens,” Onothwyn growled, “surely not. They have been allies to the dragons for many eons. Perhaps you mean the nymphs. They are more likely to stand against us.”
“Gwirwen suspects all of treachery, even those within his ranks,” the leader barked. “If he orders the mermaids destroyed, we will obey.”
Exchanging another glance, the reasoning behind such a cause could not be determined. “The sirens are our first line of defense against the mortals,” Putwyn observed meekly, knowing they had already suffered great losses the first time Riran was attacked.
“We do not need protecting from the mortals,” Pardodan snapped, raising his head to glare at him angrily. “You have no right to doubt the plan of the Supreme Dragon or the council. Get some sleep, and we will complete our task on the morrow.”
Staring back at him, Putwyn’s heart raced. He had betrayed his friend in the hope that peace would win out, but to the contrary, it would appear that his actions had not prevented the slaughter. Instead, he would be asked to aid in the destruction of many innocent creatures.
Rolling onto his side, he breathed deeply as he watched the waters rippling past. Surely I will find a way to prevent their demise, he thought with great pain. He knew that he would have to at least try. The sirens were defenseless against most of the creatures of Eriden; good and faithful servants of the dragons, they did not deserve to be struck down.
Shifting his gaze, he could see the outline of the dark cave where an unlikely group of travelers hid. Amicia, a mortal of the rim, or so it would appear, lay among them. Putwyn had watched her raise one of the men in her company from the dead, or she had from what he had witnessed at a distance.
It could have been a trick. Lamwen was the one who had declared the act a miracle. Lamwen, who is now lost and presumed a rotting corpse somewhere on or around the lands of Eriden.
Closing his eyes, the smaller dragon breathed deeply. All he had ever wanted was to fit in; to be accepted by the king’s guard, but he had never been deemed good enough. Lamwen and Jarrowan had accepted him, and he had brought them down with a loose tongue. The pain rumbling in his gut, he squinted at the cave once more. Decide.
He had chosen the king’s side because he thought the benefits would outweigh his disloyalty. They will never trust you again, he mourned. Besides, there would be no way to help them, as he would be no match for the two dragons who slumbered beside him.
Listening to them breathe, he considered ways he could stop the slaughter that would come with the light. I could go and carry them away… or warn them. Running through each scenario, he quickly realized the flaws in either plan. I’m not telepathic, so I have no way to reach them, and to go physically could cost me everything.
I cannot help them directly, he concluded. Staring at the cave, but not focusing on it, it grew hazy, and the mountain behind it stood out against the star-filled sky. The dwarves.
But why would they offer aid? They are greedy creatures, perhaps on promise of payment they could be persuaded, he mused. Getting to his feet, Putwyn stood still, listening to the rumbling snores of his companions. Certain that they slept, he leapt silently into the air, gently leaving the earth so that no stone would be disturbed by his departure and alert them to his flight.
Arriving at the front of the mountain, he landed before the great maw that served as the entrance to the dwarf kingdom. A massive expanse four times his height, it held a rock path that layered the opening so that troops could defend against attackers with a rain of spears, arrows, and stones should the need arise.
In front of the opening, a bridge crossed a deep chasm, one that held jaggedly sharp rocks that would impale or dismember any who fell from above. On his side of the bridge, two large statues flanked the platform, each of them a likeness of a previous king.
On the far end, closest to the mountain, stood the current ruler’s version, only larger and grander, with gold and leather armor to protect him. On either side stood a guard, presumably to ensure no one touched the sculpture.
Looking up at the few guards who stood watch higher up, he pondered the conversation he would have with the king. He had never been more frightened, for being caught would mean certain death and, worse, the loss of all he hoped to protect.
“What say you, dragon!” one of the short, round creatures called into the darkness, the moon illuminating the silver and grey scales of their visitor.
“I must share words with Baeweth,” Putwyn slurred, delirious with trepidation at his course of action.
“Nay,” the guard replied, “our king is in his chamber and requires his slumber.”
“You must bring him to me!” the young dragon snarled, bolting towards the dwarf. “The future of the entire Kingdom of Eriden may rest upon his action.”
Seeing that the gate’s protector was unmoved, he growled more quietly, “Bring him, and I will see to it you are rewarded.”
“Rewarded,” the gateman laughed. “Have you pockets, my lord? Carry you gold or jewels with which to buy my service?” The others joined him, and the night air vibrated with their taunts and mirth.
His blood boiling
with indignation, the fire in Putwyn’s chest grew hot as he contemplated scorching them. Although the course of action would ease his wounded pride, he realized it would be foolish to bring the dwarves in against them. An idea springing to mind, he realized the dragons were a divided race, and he currently served the king as far as any other knew.
“Gwirwen commands it!” he bluffed, hoping the use of their Supreme Dragon’s name would get him results.
Their laughter subsiding, the guard demanded, “Why did you not speak of this before?”
“Because, you insolent fool, I did not expect your stupidity to stand in the way of my cause. Now, present Baeweth with my request for an audience, and be quick about it!” Fire dancing between his teeth, the young dragon hoped he offered a fierce image for them to reflect upon as they scurried to do his bidding.
The minutes ticked by, but within half an hour, the king himself appeared at the gate, standing at the top row of the rocks as he called, “What business have you with me, dragon?”
“I am Putwyn, here by order of the king’s council,” the creature lied, boldly hiding the fear that ate at his gut. “I would speak with you in private.”
“Bah,” Baeweth spat, pulling his robes around him as he worked his way to the exit below. Coming out through the bottom and stomping across the bridge that spanned their gaping moat, he groaned, “This should be of great importance.”
“I assure you that it is,” Putwyn replied, lying so that he faced the north with his back to the guards. Glaring at the dwarf king with a massive eye, he hissed, “I’m sure you have heard of the war that has begun among the dragons.”
“War is such a broad term,” the king growled. “From what we have observed, a simple uprising by a few misfits would be more like. Gwirwen will deal with them in short order, to be certain,” he added, his confidence in their Supreme Dragon evident.
“Would you not like a bit of assurance on that cause?” the dragon growled. “Perhaps to turn a profit from the squabble?”
Rubbing his belly, Baeweth groaned, “I’m listening.”
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