Dargonfire: Age of Legend

by LJ Davies

  This isn't going to be a simple trip.

  The gleaming feathers of the fiery bird caught my eye as it made its way toward the mountainous horizon, confirming my instinct about it being the right direction.

  What are a few manticore riders or walls of twisted trees to me?

  I'd no idea whether the Cartographer had planned this, especially after he'd suggested that I'd have to navigate my way home.

  I just hope he's right about all this, for everyone's sake.

  *

  Few things stole my attention as I flew, allowing the walls within my mind to hold tight against the doubts and hesitations. Despite the constant threat of attack, I felt content with the radiant light of the sun gleaming on my outstretched wings, and even more pleased to see the nearly impassable terrain passing by below.

  Despite Shadow Fen's sinister landscape, the sunlight here was clear and untainted, unlike the sickly hue that shone down through the smoggy clouds of Valcador.

  Ironic that a culture of dark curses and sacrifice spares them a sky full of industrial soot.

  All too soon, the light narrowed on the horizon, and the winter glow morphed into golden pillars as it began to sink below the clouds. As the day began to fade and the cold night crept in, slight trepidation fell over me once more. Scanning the snowy forest, I looked for a safe place to nest, preferably one above the cursed thicket.

  All the while, I was just waiting for Mordrakk's dark voice to tell me that the dark forest was no match for my power, and yet he was silent.

  He's too quiet, I don't like it when he's quiet. Even so, I considered that what I'd said to him earlier may have actually had an effect. It's almost like he's afraid I'll find out more?

  Regardless of his opinions, I knew better than to stay out after dark, especially seeing how well ebon wings could blend into the shadows. Therefore, as my sharp eyes scoured the ground, I could see that frozen rivers and lakes occasionally broke the snowy mass, as did a number of small orkin encampments scattered about the mass of knotted trees. I put as much distance between myself and those as possible until, finally, a large rocky ridge line came into view.

  Towering cliffs of craggy rock rose up, trees clawing at their rugged flanks with sharp barbs, as if trying to drag them down into the darkness. The escarpment rose like the head of a great beast, a row of more inviting trees clinging to its back, forming a green mane, while rock formations outlined its eyes, ears and teeth. The natural illusion would have been flawless if not for the arched ruins that sat on the edge of what would have been the great monster's muzzle.

  I passed close to the crumbling structure, checking for any signs of orkin activity, before circling back and landing on the cliffside just below an old tower. A large ledge sloped down to the forest, its far end consumed by the tide of cursed woodland, while above, ruined stairs snaked into the rock. I noted that the terrain provided adequate cover from any peering eyes, before I began searching for shelter.

  It feels like everything's watching me here anyway, it's like the trees have eyes.

  That idea made my spine prickle as I crept between two boulders, and heard the distant caw of the phoenix circling somewhere above. For a moment I was afraid it would give away my position, but I convinced myself that it couldn't be that stupid.

  It's smarter than I give it credit for, I'll admit. I noted, as it vanished into the trees, without a trace.

  Meanwhile, I came upon a small cave, and clearing it of bats, settled down to watch the last rays of sunlight disappear over the horizon. As night's shadows began to pool around me, my eyes lingered on places I anticipated Mordrakk’s dark image to manifest. Though only moss and vines covered the rugged walls, while dripping stalactites plopped water into small pools.

  He's really missing out. Maybe I can have a relatively peaceful night for a change?

  I knew that was a frail idea, yet after turning some dry vegetation into a soft bed, and without Mordrakk’s cruel words, my mind began to wander. I couldn't help feeling that his lack of taunting was deliberate; after all, I was one step closer to doing what he wanted. I just hoped the real Mordrakk didn't think I would leave Valcador so swiftly.

  That's if I can still believe there's a difference between them.

  It wasn’t long after sunset that something finally stole my attention away from anxiety. I jumped to my paws when a faint fluttering in the trees drew my gaze, and crept cautiously toward the cave mouth. Icicles clung to the stone like glistening fangs, and a bitter wind gnawed at my scales. Faint, wispy clouds crossed the darkened sky, looming like ghosts in the moonlit blackness.

  Beyond, was an even greater sight. Despite all the deadly and otherworldly horrors amongst which I sat, the sea of sparkles crossed by the dancing aurora and cosmological clouds still offered the most intoxicating sight.

  Hard to think the one bent on the world's destruction designed such a magnificent spectacle.

  It was even harder to believe that one could engineer such a vast piece of art. It was far more reassuring to imagine it as a vast canvas filled with tiny holes and illuminated from behind by a glorious white light. I wished, just once, that I could view the stars in such a simple way again.

  But how naive does that make me? I'd just be the ignorant fool Mordrakk takes me for.

  A rustling in the tree caught my attention and I jumped to face it, cursing myself for allowing my attention to slip. There was a dull flicker amidst the shadows, a light similar to that of a dimmed lantern between the frosty branches. I relaxed when I saw the phoenix, its glowing feathers dulled to mask its presence. Even in such an inconspicuous state, it looked magnificent, watching me for a while before settling to preen its feathers.

  The earliest I could recall seeing it was back in Taldran. Yet there were no obvious signs that the Cartographer or the Elders had possessed the allegiance of such a creature.

  Am I so different? It feels like they used me just the same? I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts. No, I'm not a pet or a pawn anymore!

  The phoenix gave a light coo, its ruby eyes sparkling like jewels. Its intelligent appearance urged a thought that at one time would have made me feel stupid.

  I guess that was before I learned there were things in the world that can understand me?

  "What about you? Where do you fit in all this?" I asked.

  The bird’s eyes twinkled, but as expected, its only response was a soft cluck.

  Can't talk back, what else was I expecting? A portion of my mind laughed at my stupidity.

  "Yeah, just as I thought," I sighed, sparing the stars one last glance before I turned away.

  They weren't the same, they'd not been for a long time. A shadow darting across the lights instantly changed my train of thought, and I darted for the cover of the cave. For a moment, it seemed I'd gone unnoticed, and with a dull flicker, the light of the phoenix’s feathers died completely as it vanished into the forest.

  Well, at least one of us can disappear. I thought scornfully as I cautiously glanced around.

  The beating of wings and the dark silhouette scooted by, before landing with a metallic thud that erased any idea I was imagining things. I slid down as the draconic figure shifted in the gloom; noting just how hard it was to distinguish him from the shadows. It didn't look like Pyro, and as he raised his head and sniffed the air, I recognised him as one of the other ebon dragons from the tower.

  Sceptre, if I remember right? Trust Pyro to send some lackey after me instead of coming himself!

  At first, I thought he'd just leave, but as the tense moments passed, I realised that was a futile expectation.

  "Spread out, find our master’s prize," he commanded eagerly as several vulpomancers materialised in plumes of shadow.

  My heart jumped as the half-dozen serpentine forms silently skulked over the rocks and I slipped back behind a boulder, glancing around for a means of escape.

  It's not going to be easy taking off without one of them seeing. I surmised, stealt
hily starting to creep away.

  The shadow creatures vanished amidst the rocks while I moved to stay out of Sceptre's scouring vision. I managed to get a good distance away before I turned and scurried up the overgrown stairs to the ruined arches at the top of the ridge.

  Is anywhere in this cursed place really going to be safe? I thought as I caught a glimpse of the endless forest on all sides.

  After passing through one of the tall arches, I found the inside of the highkin ruin had collapsed, forming a pit of rubble and small pine trees hidden by the snowfall. Moments later, stones under me gave way, and with a clatter of armour and a snap of pain, I finally bounced to a stop on the cracked floor of an open chamber.

  By the creators, why is everything north of Dardien falling to pieces!? I inwardly cursed, only for a loud thud to steal my attention.

  A scattering of snow from the peak of the arch across from me signalled that my fall hadn't gone unnoticed, and I ducked behind a pile of bricks as the vulpomancer’s eyeless gaze passed over me. It gave a light hiss before creeping along the top of the ruin, and leaping over to the ridge's peak.

  They're still not the most alert creatures, eyes or not. I let out a long-held breath as a new wave of relief washed over me.

  Relief that was shattered in a flurry of dark smoke as a set of deathly claws ripped me from my hiding space and threw me into the middle of the ruin. The vulpomancer gave a wicked laugh, the sound distorted by rasping breaths and hisses. I lifted to my paws to find more of them settling around me like murderous crows, before a whoosh of wings and clatter of claws silenced their laughter.

  "Guardian, it is good to finally meet you in person. Although, I must say, I expected a little more," Sceptre taunted, feigning a courteous bow.

  "Likewise," I replied as my mind raced in search of a solution.

  He's got more arrogance radiating off him than Pyro, I need to keep him talking. Yet the ebon wing's proud expression soon faded, and he sighed.

  "So much trouble over such a little whelp, you're hardly worth it," he stated.

  "Ssstop this trivial boasssting, seizzze him!" one of the vulpomancers hissed, jolting forwards.

  "Very well," Sceptre sighed, casually waving a paw at me.

  Well, so much for keeping up his monologue!

  The foremost vulpomancer leapt at me and my arcane blades despatched it with a fiery slice. A few more hesitated, while I spun and sliced another across the face with my wing blades. Even so, as their claws grazed my arcane armour, more poured forward, the overwhelming force of their blows forcing me to the ground.

  Come on, get up! When did you let yourself get beaten so easily!?

  I thought back to all the countless orkin strong holds I'd burned down in just a few weeks and kicked up. Yet to my surprise, almost as soon as they had started, my attackers stopped, quickly scattering back to their perches, leaving only one pair of eyes to peer down at me.

  "Ready to give up?" Sceptre challenged, as if I was a fish trapped in a barrel. "Our master will not wait forever."

  "Are you?" I taunted, as I staggered back to all fours. "I'm shocked your master lets you toy with your prey so pathetically."

  He shook his head, snarling as he raised a forepaw to direct his dark companions back my way.

  Okay this is it, Mordrakk in my head or not, I can't let them beat me here!

  I crouched, ready to strike, when without warning, eldritch lightning lanced into one of the vulpomancers, disintegrating it in an instant. With my enemies momentarily distracted, I bolted without a second thought, darting rapidly up the side of the ruined wall toward the forest’s cover. I heard a chorus of rage erupt from my hunters when another bolt of lightning lit up the ridge.

  What in the creators' name is going on? I was hardly given time to consider the fact as Sceptre bellowed.

  "Find these imposters. No one can interrupt the master’s plans!" Another bolt lit up the ruins as he and his shadowy minions took to the sky.

  Whatever it is, so long as it's after them and not me, I don't care!

  I considered it may be some sinister Shadow Fen predator as the darkness of the trees encircled me and my instinct kicked in. I pressed myself to the floor, claws clutching at damp soil.

  A rustle in the undergrowth followed by a sharp hum caught my attention, but before I could react, something exploded from the vegetation in a shower of snow and pine needles.

  In an instant, I was on my back, each of my paws held in place by another set of clawed limbs. My attacker was about my size with a sharp set of claws and bared teeth, but it wasn't a vulpomancer or a dragon. I was about to strike back when I glanced at the polished-white bird skull, through which two shimmering, amber eyes locked with mine. The moment the both of us realised, our visions widened.

  "We really need to stop meeting like this," Neera offered as she hopped off.

  I was too stunned to answer as she tilted her head curiously, studying me so closely it was as if she had to convince herself I was real.

  "Must you really be so barbaric in your actions? I assured you that this was the Guardian several minutes ago, and yet still you insist on assaulting everything we find," another indignant voice called from the bush, followed by a sharp hum and a flash of gold.

  It was neither dragon nor demon; in fact, the glowing energy bound within the golden frame to form an arcane hawk was unmistakable.

  Neera? Apollo, what in the Creators' name are they doing out here?

  The faldron glanced between us, dismissing Apollo's words with a shake of her head.

  "Relax, Goldy, I was just making sure," she assured, patting my shoulder with her wing.

  "Yes, well, while I do appreciate your concern, I am fully capable of dealing with all potential threats myself, thank you. My talismans and enchantments are designed to function in many different scenarios," Apollo countered.

  "Yes, yes, I know, you don’t need to remind me for the hundredth time," she replied, mocking him with an odd motion of her forepaws.

  "What are you doing here, how did you find me? Who's with you?" I blurted, the words firing like cannon balls.

  The pair looked at me with a similar lack of understanding. Urgh, why does everyone always look at me like I'm supposed to be the one with answers?

  The awkward moment ended when hissing shrieks and wing beats drew our attention.

  "Less talk, more lightning, please!" Neera commanded, waving a wing toward the approaching shadows.

  Apollo rolled his glowing eyes, his metallic feathers ruffling with arcane sparks until his wingtips glowed, unleashing a bolt of lightning into the foremost creature and instantly turning another vulpomancer to dust. More of the creatures scattered in his wake, letting out frustrated hisses as they circled back.

  "Come on, we have to take out the wing leader," Neera called, before darting back toward the ruins.

  "Wait, what?" I exclaimed, reaching out to stop her, only managing to get a paw-full of snowy twigs.

  Save questions for later, when there's not a flock of angry demons trying to kill us!

  "Wait, what are you doing?" I called, catching Neera as she stopped at the base of the ruined wall.

  "Take out the dragon in the lead and they usually disappear, at least when there's a lot of them in one place," she elaborated, her rushed words almost lost to her exertions as she added. "You seriously don't know how to deal with ebon wings?"

  "Indeed, her theory is correct, and yet I am uncertain as to why this new-found fact may be the case," Apollo chimed.

  Ignoring his explanation, I fixed my eyes on Neera.

  "No, I mean what are you doing here?"

  "Isn't it obvious? We came to find you," she replied, as if I should know.

  As her words faded, a dark shape scampered across the stone above us.

  "Look out!"

  She didn't even have time to glance up before I pulled her down and blasted white fire over her head, burning the vulpomancer into oblivion.

  "Tha
nks," she replied casually, swiftly jumping back to her paws while shaking the snow from her ruffled feathers.

  "Indeed, good show, Guardian," Apollo added, as I grabbed Neera by the shoulders.

  "I need to know what you're doing here, who's with you? How did you even find me?" I demanded, almost shaking the answers from her.

  "Do not allow thessse arrogant wyrmsss to bessst you!" another approaching vulpomancer commanded.

  The three of us turned to see its grizzly form unexpectedly swallowed by a blast of green flame, as a shape darted by before landing on the wall above us.

  "Are you okay...?" I heard another instantly recognisable voice ask.

  "Fine thanks, Bolty," Neera replied, backing away from me.

  Bolty? Who's ever called him that? I thought, looking up to see the green dragon shake his head and scowl.

  "Do you really have to call me that?"

  "It makes things simpler," she answered, jumping up onto the wall beside him.

  "Boltock!?" I exclaimed as I shook off my own surprise.

  He'd changed since the last time I'd seen him. Most notable was the smooth silver armour adorning his scales. It looked almost too tight against his firm build, its wind-like shapes and encrusted opals suggesting that it was originally intended for a dragon of another element.

  "It's good to see you again," the earth elemental offered with a relieved smile.

  "Told you I’d find him," Neera announced proudly.

  "On the contrary, it was the tracking talismans that determined the Guardian's true location, I believe that..."

  "We know!" the dragon and faldron announced in unison, instantly cutting off Apollo's lecture.

  "Where are the others?" she asked Boltock, but he merely motioned to the sky as more flames erupted among the scattering vulpomancers.

  "Wait! What others, how did you find me!?" I repeated, pointing at Apollo with a frantic forepaw. "What does he mean about talismans!?"

  The arcane construct jumped at the opportunity to explain, but before he could, another shadow passed over us, wings beating like a crack of thunder as the force of its claws sent us all sprawling over the wall.

  "The wing leader didn't inform me you would be bringing guests," Sceptre hissed, words uttered through gritted fangs as he swooped low.