Dargonfire: Age of Legend

by LJ Davies

  "When did killing become so easy?" the dark voice rasped in my mind as Mordrakk’s shadowy form appeared over my opponent.

  Time seemed to slow around me, and I shook my head in an effort to dismiss him from my vision.

  Killing them has always been easy, they're monsters, they're evil!

  "Are we really so different? Is what either of us would do right now truly right?" he asked, tapping his stones together.

  "I don't care which part of the darkness you are, whatever you'd do is wrong," I hissed, my crazed voice lost amidst the chaotic sound of battle.

  "So, if I am more of you, more of my children than I am of the darkness, then surely, by extension, whatever you do is also wrong?" he taunted, then grinned as he mused. "You'd do well to focus."

  Suddenly a very angry orkin erupted from behind his shadowy illusion, stone fist slamming the side of my head. My armour instantly hardened, though that didn't stop momentum from casting me aside.

  "Stupids, wyrm, talks to itself. Now I's goanna haves yours head!" he growled.

  Before he could act upon that threat, a shard of ice struck him through the skull, and he fell to the floor in a twitching heap.

  "I had that," I told Risha as she landed.

  "I know, you seem to have everything handled all on your own," she muttered, frowning down at me.

  "Look, I'm sorry but I can't be like you want me to be," I replied.

  "I don't want to force you to be anything, I just want you to value yourself more," she declared, and with that she moved back into the crowd.

  What does she know? What's there to care about? I'm just the gods' means to an end, she's the one really worth saving, the one to look up to. I thought as the rest of the crowd began to gather.

  "That shaft was laced with grite venom, foul little things. He's got no more than a day or two without proper healing," Meadow Hide explained as she looked over Yorik.

  Apollo translated to Tarwin as she sat by the wheezing man and dressed the already blackening wound the best she could.

  "Your friends, they're useful, I'll admit," he stammered to her through his pained exertions.

  "Can you do anything?" I asked Risha quietly.

  "I need magical remedies and potions to cleanse the poison. If it had been manticore venom, it may have been easier, but I've never even heard of a grite," she replied, then winced. "Plus, there's no teaching of human physiology in Dardien."

  At her solemn confession, both of us looked to Neera, but the response from her was just as dire.

  "Come, we must make it to the overlook before tomorrow's end," Soaren proposed as he and the other dragons moved toward the exit, turning his gaze away from the dying human.

  "You're just going to leave them?" I asked sourly.

  Upon hearing my question, Tarwin's expression also turned to shock. Soaren shook his head with a low growl.

  "Their kind has no place among us. Whatever commitment they had to the alliance of old died with their kingdom long ago."

  He can't just say that, and he can't just leave them. I won't let him!

  I marched to the door, blocking his path as I caught something glimmer in the tangled mass of roots above. The phoenix looked at me expectantly, the light of its radiant feathers a blessing these cursed walls didn't deserve. In the meantime, Mordrakk’s image brooded in the back of my mind, suggesting that our fate was hopeless either way.

  "I didn't feel like I'd a place among you the day your leader banished me from Dardien," I began, and I saw Risha perk up.

  "Aries is not our leader, not anymore," Soaren replied, his eyes narrowing.

  "No, but you take orders from his own flesh and blood, don't you?" I challenged, and he looked ready to follow in Pyro's paw steps as he glared at me.

  This is it, soldier, prove to me you're not like the rest.

  "I do believe the Guardian is correct – leaving these mortals would be a cruel act most unfitting of Goldfire's legacy," Apollo chimed, but no one except me seemed to pay him any heed.

  Even so, he wasn't the only one on my side as Risha appeared next to me. At first, I was half-expecting a witty comment about honesty, but surprisingly, she stomped a forepaw.

  "He's right, Soaren, they helped us, we can't just leave them here."

  I didn't take my eyes off his wrinkled snout. He had a decision to make: is he with or against me?

  "What would you have us do, carry them?" he retorted.

  "Yes, if we have to, there are more than enough able wings to carry the injured," I confirmed, looking back at Tarwin.

  "The rest of them can take the horses. With the injured in the air there's plenty," I reasoned, and my human friend nodded.

  Soaren glanced between us, and the longer he withheld a response, the more I looked at Risha. Then for the first time since I'd returned, the pair of us spoke in perfect union.

  "But only a big strong dragon could do that."

  Good to see we still think alike, even if she's always two steps ahead.

  With a final sigh, Soaren's defences fell.

  "Very well, gather what you can. We leave as soon as we're able," he agreed reluctantly, turning toward the exit before anyone could complicate things further.

  The other dragons followed his lead, leaving Risha and I standing before the crowd. For a moment, a smile remained on her muzzle. Clearly, she once again saw the good soul she thought I was. As much as I hated being that beacon, or to mislead her in any way, I didn't say anything as she offered a nod of approval.

  "Who knew it would take a battle to get some of the old you back?" she suggested, and I huffed.

  I still am the only me, I'm just smarter. Not to mention how much I care about her.

  "Here we go again," Boltock interrupted as he appeared on my opposite side.

  I glanced his way, then to the room full of bedraggled survivors.

  Not 'again', I've never been part of something like this before.

  Chapter 6

  The Gallery of Thorns

  The snowy forest sailed by, still a tangled mass occasionally broken by irregular ridges and gleaming rivers. The sound of beating wings filled the cold air, and what had started as just the six of us had now become closer to thirty. I made sure to keep a watchful eye on Tarwin as she and at least a dozen others rode along a muddy path below.

  It reminded me all too much of how things used to be. How despite the rugged landscape forcing a good distance between us, I never let her escape at least one of my senses.

  Only those lands were never as dangerous as this one. I'm just glad they've been able to survive out here so long.

  I had to admit, after wishing I could show her the sky for so many years, I was slightly disappointed that she wasn't one of those up here with me.

  At least half a dozen wounded had been loaded onto makeshift saddles, allowing Meadow Hide and several other griffins to carry them. Meanwhile, dragons flew in a protective formation around them, their rough, scaly hides and sleeker bodies far less adept to the purpose of transportation. Some of the griffins were too young or wounded themselves to carry others upon their backs.

  That left Ice Feather to carry Yorik's unconscious body in her talons, while another trio of featherwings held onto the rest. I tried not to think about their precarious positions too much, nor how the hot-headed griffins may decide to accidentally drop someone. Tarwin seemed to trust my judgment, and right now that was all I needed.

  She's always had good judgment, at least most of the time. I neglected to ponder the fact her judgment sparked all of this in the first place. Better judgment after she was kidnapped, surely?

  Even so, I kept my distance, flying beside Soaren and Apollo at the front of the group. The latter beat his wings, darting through the sky like a fish through the deep ocean. While Soaren concentrated on controlling the wind, creating enough lift to allow him and the others to fly more easily with their precious cargo.

  At least if he's focused on that, he's not complaining about
everything. I noted, still sensing his disapproval. He's more open minded than most though, I'll give him that.

  *

  Our flight continued until the dark mountains that had been a distant image on the horizon hours ago, began to draw closer. Looming from the thinning forest like a great wall of jagged stone, gloomy storm clouds and harsh winds swirled about them.

  "Shadow Fen’s southern border lies beyond those peaks, although we'll have to take a different route if we mean to get everyone through!" Soaren called over the wind's howl. "Shadow's Gate Pass lies just to the east!"

  "How much further!?" I asked, fully aware many among us didn't have time to spare.

  "A day at most. Though it would be unwise to make the journey at night, so we'll have to rest amidst the canyons after sundown," he added, and to avoid any conflict, I simply nodded.

  Using the strong air currents, I dropped down, flying up beside Tarwin as the road led her out onto the ridge of a towering cliff.

  "It's nice to see you don't have to kneel down for once," I called, as I came to an eye-level glide.

  "Not for much longer! If you grow anymore, I'll be able to fly on your back," she teased as her horse slowed to a trot.

  "Soaren says we have to rest for the night, the trip through the mountains is too dangerous to attempt in the dark," I informed her.

  "Fine, as long as you think it's a good idea. But not all of us can spare the time," she responded, glancing up at the burdened griffins.

  "I know, I'll make sure we move on as soon as we can," I assured, and with a final look of appreciation, I pulled away.

  *

  Within the hour we began to circle in search of shelter, and by the time the sun had come to the end of its heavenly journey, the mountains resembled jagged teeth in a shadowy jaw. Below, rocky foothills and valleys stamped their claim upon the world, shattering the strangling grasp of Shadow Fen's wicked thickets.

  "Find somewhere out of sight, manticores hunt better at night," Neera advised, earning another bitter look from Soaren.

  "Okay, tell me I'm wrong. You leatherwings can't see in the dark, can you?" she challenged.

  Soaren snorted as he swooped down to a large ledge beside Tarwin and the others. The horse-mounted humans coming to a stop as he moved toward a series of overhanging rocks at the rear of the ridge. The griffins came to rest among them, and in an instant, everyone set to helping those who needed it most.

  Risha and Boltock landed, the former swiftly moving off to put her healing skills to good use. Meanwhile, I turned to the cliff's edge, peering out over the tangled forest as the horizon stole the last shreds of sunlight. To the east, far beyond the distant shapes of the Storm Mountains, I could see a large trail of smoke rising into the darkening sky, illuminated from below by the light of thousands of individual flames.

  "What is that?" Boltock questioned as he appeared beside me.

  "Valcador's army, they're moving faster than I thought. They'll be at Dardien soon," I stated hopelessly.

  The green dragon looked at me with defeat in his eyes, but I ruffled my wings and suggested.

  "Go help your sister, I'll keep watch."

  I found myself sitting there as the dim moon settled, while the stars remained hidden behind a sheet of thick cloud. After an hour or two, I gave up hoping the skies would clear, eventually edging a little closer to the fire my companions had constructed.

  Aside from two dragons, Ice Feather, Apollo and a cautious group of humans, most were asleep. I prowled around the ridge's edge, peering into the darkness for any sign that the orkin might have pursued us, while trying not to be distracted by the snowy griffinesse's back and forth march. I assumed it was some form of griffin guard routine as I scoured the tree line for the phoenix.

  For the briefest of moments, I thought I saw the bird perched upon a distant branch, and with nothing better to do, I moved toward the trees. Eventually coming upon where the tethered horses of my flightless companions quietly nibbled on the surrounding bushes.

  Strange how peaceful they are while the world's falling apart around them. I observed, almost envious.

  That was when I caught another fiery flash amidst the rustling pine trees, but before I could look, the sound of footsteps on the nearby rocks met my senses.

  "You know, if I didn’t know any better, I'd say you were trying to catch your death out in this cold," Tarwin proposed as she approached, covered by a large fur fleece.

  "I’ve never really cared about the cold all that much," I replied while she took a seat next to me. "How's your friend?" I asked.

  "Not too well, I just hope we get to wherever it is we're going soon, because I've never seen wounds like those," she admitted, before adding proudly. "He's made of tough stuff though, anyone raised out here has no option but to be strong."

  "Don't I know it," I sighed.

  Regardless of my guilt, I didn't want to think about the dire condition of the man who'd tried to sever me from my home.

  "Cute new voice or not, I know that look. What’s wrong?" Tarwin asked, sensing my melancholy.

  "Nothing, just thinking about something," I responded, but she shook her head and crossed her forearms.

  "Oh no, now you've got no choice but to tell me," she insisted.

  "Fine," I sighed in defeat. "I was just wondering what it would be like if you were all... Well, like me and the others," I reluctantly admitted, rustling my wings as she gave me an inquisitive look.

  "What, like a dragon or one of the grumpy ones with feathers?" she asked.

  "Not even anything like that, I suppose. After everything that happened today, it kind of makes me wonder what the world was like before all of this," I elaborated with a shake of my head.

  "Oh, you mean like that thing you said you'd tell me about later?" she asked, curiously.

  "Yes, back in the fort?"

  Oh by the creators, this is going to be a long story.

  "Soaren and the others were talking about an age-old alliance between the nine great races. Dragons and griffins are some of the only ones left that abide by it... Barely. For some reason, I don't think your kind counts anymore though," I explained, and she rightfully looked annoyed.

  Even so, her look of curiosity turned to one of determination. A look similar to the one she'd worn the day this all started.

  "Wait, so you've all had this big war going on and you just left us out?" she exclaimed, shifting her arms with a huff.

  "It’s a lot more complicated than that," I reasoned.

  "Why? We lost our home to this mess, so we should have a right to fight back," she demanded, glancing back at the others.

  I felt another wave of guilt wash over me at the mention of our old home, but I managed to force it from my mind.

  "Tarwin, it took me over four seasons to figure this thing out, and I’m still not sure I’ve managed to understand it. It's all much bigger than you realise; trust me, I know. The only reason I rushed into it all in the first place was to save you," I assured her, all the while trying not to think too much about all the things I might have messed up along the way.

  She gave a light sigh as she asked.

  "Are you saying I wouldn't do the same for something I cared about?"

  "I'm not saying you wouldn't, but... Well, you can't even fly, so it wouldn't work even if you wanted it to," I explained, my answer seeming to have her stumped.

  Her argument fell flat, her firm expression relaxing with a sigh. However, my remorse didn't waiver, and it forced me to go on.

  "Look, I've no idea what they're planning to do about any of this, but I won't let them leave you," I declared.

  "I never doubted that, it's just... The way things have changed worries me," she confessed, and I tried my best to hide my own doubts.

  "Don't worry about it," I lied.

  As the words left my muzzle, I felt something scratching at my mind’s deceit, and sure enough, in the corner of my eye, Mordrakk's fiery eyes shimmered amidst the trees.


  "You should get some rest, I'm going to stay out here until morning," I told her, doing my best to avoid the flaming eyes of my mind's avatar.

  I didn't know whether she sensed I was trying to end our conversation before she could see the fragility of my misleading words, but biting her bottom lip, she reluctantly stood.

  "So long as you're still here when I wake up, I don't plan on letting you out of my sight again after all this," she warned with a laugh.

  "Now you're starting to sound like Risha," I commented, only to realise what I'd said as she looked at me strangely. "She's my friend, the blue dragoness. The green one is Boltock, and Neera is the one with feathers," I quickly explained.

  She gave me another odd look; the same look she'd given me the last time we’d met in the village. Specifically when she'd seen Risha and I together.

  "What?" I asked bluntly, but she shook the expression from her face and simply replaced it with a wry smile.

  "Nothing I don't think you know already," she began cryptically, before quickly adding, "Anyway, I still didn't say thanks for today. We wouldn’t have stood a chance without you."

  "Well, what are friends for?" I responded, as she returned to the others.

  The subtle glances of the dragon guards and Ice Feather were swiftly diverted when they saw me looking.

  Clearly, their Guardian's stranger than they expected. Not that I care what they think about me.

  "Kind lies, they seem to be becoming a habit of yours," hissed Mordrakk, appearing where Tarwin had been sitting.

  "What else can I do, tell them they're all doomed?" I grunted, and he didn't think twice before responding.

  "Regardless, their fate is inevitable. I suspect you only lead them now to selfishly spare yourself the pain."

  I felt myself tense, fighting the urge to swipe him from the air.

  "Or spare them from it. If I'm as strong as you say I am, then I should have no problem dealing with the extra pain," I snapped.

  "A noble sacrifice, but ultimately it’s a step on the path to giving them up entirely," he growled.

  "As long as you keep telling me that, there's no way I’ll believe it," I retorted.