Dragons of Gralfor

[Angelus]

Alezal looked at Shar, If I was to do that to Cherise then you have my permission to do anything that you wish to me.

He knew though that he would never let anything happen to Cherise. He knew that above all things he would hurt himself before doing anything to hurt her. He turned his head and looked at Anoth, Sleep well my friend. When we awaken we will take to the sky and go to battle.

Alezal heard a deep growl of approval inside his head and with a smile closed his eyes, moved closer to Cherise, wrapped his arms around her and began to fall asleep. As he did his thoughts flowed from the person who lay beside him, the dragon that was on his other side and the battle they were facing the next day. He just hoped that when they reached Amber and Ari that they would still be well enough to fight. He knew that it was a weak thought to have though; they were Dragon Knights. More people and beings than he could count had tried to kill them and they had survived. Amber and Ari would be alright.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: Two dragons and two knights, I think we'll be alright. I preformed a whirlwind attack knocking back the orcs closest to me. I then tossed my sword high into the air. "Anmha tier creso!" In my hands came a long chain with a hook at the end, meant for climbing walls I suppose but I had found it useful in other ways.

I flung the hook end out wraping and orc and then cought my sword on its downward path slicing the nearest orc into two. I then pulled on the chain bringing the attached orc into the sword swing of one of his allies. I then cleaves off the sword arm of the same orc.

I then pulled tightly on the chain and flipped over the attached orc letting an axe cleave into him while I pulled the hook out of his flesh. I took a step back and twisted the chain into a loop. I then sliced deeply into the axe orc while catching the sword arm of another orc with the loop.

I twisted my torso pulling on the trapped arm easily tossing the orc at one of his comrades. From there I let loose the chain and swept the hook low to the ground tripping another. Then dropping the hook and chain altogether I quickly finished my three ground bound foes.

 

[Angelus]

As the sun began to slowly rise and cover the forest with light, Alezal opened his eyes and tried to figure out where he was. It was then he felt Cherise moving beside him and Anoth begin to wake on the other side. He did not want to move at that point as he did not want to disturb Cherise. Just then, Anoth's voice came into his head, You need to wake her. As much as you would love nothing more to delay here with the one you love, the others may be in danger.

Alezal knew that Anoth was right, there was no arguing with what he had said. He reached over to wake Cherise but stopped before he did.

Why do you stop? We must get going now.

I am not stopping. I need to know if you saw a stream or water nearby, somewhere where we can wash up when I wake her.

Alezal heard a laugh, One the other side of trees there is a stream.

With that information, Alezal reached over and woke up Cherise. As soon as she was awake he walked to the stream, splashed some water on his face and washed it before returning to the campsite. He looked at Cherise as he moved to one of his packs. "I know that you have just woken up and that I seem a little rude but it is morning. I know that I would like nothing more than to stay here with you but I told you that us being together would not affect what we do as Knights. I do now know what is happening to our friends and want nothing more than to get to them as soon as you do. I am not trying to be harsh or rude in any way but we have to get ready,fly back to the Eltharic Mountains and kill as many orcs as we can. Right after I eat though." The last sentence got a groan from Anoth and Alezal looked at him with a smile.

After he had spoken, Alezal went into his pack and pulled out his armor. He smiled when he looked at it and remembered the first and last time he had worn it into battle. He began to slowly take off the shirt he was wearing and as he did he felt a cool breeze flow over his shoulders and back, relaxing him. He stood tehre for a few seconds more before he reached down and picked up the shirt he had imbued with several spells, slipped it on and grabbed his armor. Once he had put on his scale mail hauberk and leggings, he pulled on his boots and gloves then grabbed his leather jerkin. He looked at it for a second, several memories flowing through him as he did . He cleared those thoughts from his head before strapping Darksbane to his waist, its weigth always a comforting feeling.

He walked slowly towards Anoth and pulled Judgement from underneath the saddle, the dark ash shaft of the voulge had a polished sheen to it that Alezal hoped would never go away. At the end of the shaft, its slightly curved silvery grey blade gleamed as if it had been made just the day before. He looked at Anoth, I think you should go and get something to eat. I know you don't like to battle on an empty stomach. Oh adn ask Shar to go with you.

Anoth did not say a word as he looked at him. H ejust looked over at Shar before the two of them took to the sky.

"As soon as they get back from having something to eat we should fly to where Amber and Ari are waiting for us. But before that; what would you like to eat?"

 

[Angelus]

Brog could hear the battle still waging between the 200 he had sent before him and the Dragon Knights had had fallen upon them like vengeance itself. With every death scream from his warriors Brog wanted nothing more than to send the rest of his warriors in. He knew that his plan was a good one and knew why he was waiting. The warriors with him had been eager to battle the Knights and their dragons all night but Brog had held them off.

As the sun began to slowly rise to the rear of them Brog could not help but let a smale come to his face. He knew the Knights had been fighting all night and would be near the end of their energy. He turned to the warrior at his right and told him to look ahead. As the warrior moved forward he turned to the warriors gathered behind him, their weapons in their hands.

"We have two of those Knights on the ground. They have been battling our brothers all night and ware more than likely exhausted."

Just then the warrior he had sent forward came running back. "The two hunred are almost all dead. They will notice us very soon."

"We will not give them the chance," he turned to the other warriors, "remember the brothers who have lost their lives to the two before us. Let it give you strength. Now, kill them!"

As the words left his lips nearly half of the warriors lifted their bows and let loose a volley of arrows which flew towards the Knights like a storm. As the arrows flew towards their target the ground shuddered as three hundred enraged, well rested orc warriors ran at the two Dragon Knights.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: I was now panting but the remaining orcs were tired to, and the morale near breaking still they did not retreat. Its like they feared leaving more then they feared dieing.

I smiled a bit knowing victory was fast approaching. For the first time I let my gaze out over the field surveying how many were left. I assumed it was between 20 and 40. At this point only the cautious ones lived, they waited for us to come to them. As my gaze went out I saw the rising sun, and something else... the reflection or glitter of metal off in the distance by some green vegetation.

As I looked at it I soon relized that it wasn't some sort of plant. It was a distant army, maybe the same size as this one but more likely greater still. This realization came just in time as a cloud of black rain flew out into the air from that direction.

"Every one hurry to me. Opal you know what to do!" I dropped my sword and let my arms into an ancient summoning stance and spoke a mix of elvish words. Then just above me on its side formed a massive wooden roof. Fire Opal quickly grabbed it holding it steady above me as Rhea and Arianna rushed under it.

Then came the sound of hail. The arrows struck the roof in rapid succession and from the other side and behind came the sound of screaming orcs. I waited for the storm to lighting up, but it did not. The distant orcs marched upon us while letting loose a constant stream of arrows. We were pinned down and tired.

Arianna, have you been practicing any defensive spells because I think we'll be needing them soon.

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise opened bleary eyes as Alezal gently woke her up. Wow. She had slept better than she ever had. She opened her mouth to say good morning to Alezal but he had already left in the other direction. Feeling confused and slightly hurt she turned to Shar. Shar? Did something happen? Shar rolled her huge silver eyes.

Sweet one, I would not have a clue. However, he is male. It could be a variety of reasons. Shar mused thoughtfully. Not helping Shar. Standing up and brushing the dirt from her backside, Cherise waited until Alezal came back looking refreshed. huh. There must be a source of water that way.

Not looking at Alezal she made her way to the stream and stripped off. Quickly washing herself, she walked back up the bank and called Shar. Shar ambled as close as she could to the trees and then snaked her head over them. You want me to try you again I am assuming?

Cherise smiled at her. If you wouldn't mind it is terribly uncomfortable wearing clothes on wet skin. Shar opened her mouth and fanned hot air over Cherise, who turned on the spot. Within a few seconds she was nice and dry. Thankyou Shar.

Cherise put her battle gear back on and twisted her hair back at the temples and tied it back with a leather tie. Walking back into camp Alezal was near the packs. After listening to his explanation she felt much better.

"Well atleast I know now why you were acting oddly this morning. You do realise you could have said good morning, regardless of how eager you were to leave however. But that aside I understand and feel the same way. We need to get to Amber and Ari as soon as possible."

Shar spoke to her then,Cherise, Anoth wants me to go hunting with him will you be alright? Cherise rubbed Shar's throat. Of course I will. Dont be to long however we need to leave as soon as possible.

Watching Shar take off Cherise realised Alezal had asked what she wanted for breakfast. Turning to face him she shrugged. "I don't mind anything is fine. Something hot though to get me through this battle."

 

[Angelus]

Alezal stood there for a second and tried at that second to try and figure out what to have for breakfast. He knew that they had to have something that would fill them up and give them enough energy for whatever battle they were going to face this day. He looked around him for anything at everything. He knew the deer from last night was still sitting in the smoldering embers of the fire but he really did not feel like deer first thing in the morning. He did not know whether or not Cherise wanted any but he had said that he would organize breakfast and he would do what he said.

He wanted to ask Anoth if he had seen anything. He did not want to bother him though as he was off getting his own breakfast.
Just ask Alezal. Just because I am eating it does not mean that I would not tell you where food is. That would be just plain rude on my part.

Alezal smiled, I know that I should ask you. Do you know any food that Cherise and myself can have for breakfast?

Anoth let out a sigh, Where would you be without me. I swear that you cannot survive without me. Okay; there is a large group of wild chickens in the bushes and trees to the right of you. Don't worry. You won't miss them.

Alezal turned to Cherise with a smile, "There are some wild chickens in the trees to the right of me. We can both go in there and try and catch one or two of them. If we cannot catch them we can at least get some of their eggs and have them. I know that it isn't much but it is the only thing Anoth and I could think of at the time."

He waited until Cherise looked like she was ready before he ran into the bushes; the chickens going in every direction as he did. He started to chase after the largest group and willing them to stop. As if listening to him the chickens started to go faster, making Alezal curse and start running after them faster. At that point he wished he had Amber's proficiency in conjuration or Cherise's proficiency in destruction. He wanted to laugh though when he though of what brand of magic he was proficient in and how it would help in his situation. As he ran behind the chickens he willed an invisible wall ahead of them and watched as them smacked into them. As he let go of the magic keeping the wall in place he walked forward, picked one of the chickens from off the ground and held it by its legs as he walked back to the campsite.

It was then that he saw a small nest of eggs hidden just near where he had run after the chickens and with a smile picked them up. As soon as he had enough to carry safely he looked around for Cherise but was surprised when he could not find her. He wanted to go and look for her. Something told him that she would be okay and would more than likely be waiting at the camp for him.

He walked back to the camp just to see that Anoth had gotten there before him. Alezal looked at him with a smile before he noticed the carcass that was at his feet. Alezal walked to the camp fire and with a word brought a small fire into existence. He placed all the food on the ground in front of the fire and looked at it with one thought.
How am I going to cook this?

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise decided not to help ALezal with his...chicken catching it was far too much fun to watch. Hilarious might be a better word actually.

Shortly before Alezal came back Shar and Anoth returned just in time to witness some of the funnier parts of the chase.

Cherise watched as Alezal conjured a fire, put all the food on the ground and she could tell the exact moment he realised he had nothing to cook the food on. Laughing Cherise flicked her hand and with a mental command conjured a flat skillet. Handing it and the hunting knife strapped her belt to Alezal she smiled.

'Do these help?"

Shar dropped her head to the ground and laughed so hard at the look on Alezal's face when Cherise preempted his thoughts her claws dug into the ground in an effort to stop her body shaking from the laughter.

 

[Wolfsister]

Rhea and Ari were both exhausted by the time the darkness of night began to lift. Rhea's Breath had already run dry, her small reserve of power having been depleted. It would probably take the most of the next day just to replenish it.

Arianna had long since stopped relying on the magical properties she had inherited from her bond with Rhea. She had instead, as the fight had worn on, concentrated on just using her own body's fighting skills, with the occasional burst of magic to replenish her own energy reserves.

At day break, she stood in a moment of calm. As Amber surveyed the field, Ari took the time to catch her breath. It was only a few moments more before Amber was on the move again, summoning up a rooftop to save them from a volley of arrows. At first Ari was surprised and bewildered, battle fatigue making her slower on the up take than usual. But she got beneath the roof in time, Rhea crowding in behind her, taking the initiative and helping Fire hold up the roof.

Ari waited for the arrows to stop. But they kept on coming. She took a glance backward and saw that all of the remaining orcs were dead, arrows riddling their bodies. It was hard though, to summon any pity for them, though she did try.

The arrows did not stop, and so Amber turned to Ari and asked her if she knew any defensive spells that would help them get through this. Ari could only shake her head, of whatever she could think of, she wasn't nearly strong enough to actually pull it off, much less for a longer period of time. Alezal wouldn't have had to worry, but unfortunately for them, he wasn't here just now.

Rhea roared into the sky, her flame turned into a hissing cough and Ari winced, Rhea, please - don't try. She turned to Amber, "But I can hold them off for a time. Maybe enough for Alezal and Cherise to get here."

She closed her eyes then and let her mental connection with the world around her branch out. She outlined her plan - to create a sandstorm in between themselves and the army coming towards them. She also relayed her plan to Alezal and Cherise when they let her into their minds.

To all she said: My friends. Amber, Rhea, Fire and I are near to our limit. There is a force coming that we cannot count. We are pinned down by countless volleys of arrows. What magic I have left, I need to devote to creating the sandstorm. The Earth is not happy with the blood I have shed in its name today, it will be difficult in the least. But I can hold out for at least half a day. Beyond that.... she trailed off and a small, niggling sense of despair wriggled its way along their connection. Rhea stamped it out with the sheer force of her mind, leaving the others to question if it had been there in the first place.

Alezal, Cherise, please. Hurry.... When you arrive, at least this respite will allow Amber and Fire to recover from last night's ordeals.

She closed the connection after hearing from the others and quietly turned towards Rhea. It would be a massive bleed from her magic reserves, even if Rhea should lend her some power. Which was what Rhea immediately suggested doing. No, Sweet One, I want you to fight with the others. For me, at least, please do that.

Rhea did not reply, she simply dipped her head down and rubbed her nose along the top of Ari's head, ruffling her hair; her helm having been lost hours ago. Then the great red dragon turned back to helping Fire hold up the conjuration.

This had to be one of the greatest spells she had ever attempted, and Ari wasn't sure just how successful she would be. But she would try, nonetheless. She turned quietly to Amber, "I won't be able to speak, let alone move for a long time. Probably for the entirety of the spell. I hope this gives you enough time to recover a little." She smiled at her close friend, "Just make sure to force some water down my throat every once in a while, kay?"

She gave her fellow Knight a heartfelt hug and then folded herself into a seated position on the ground, indian style. She reached down and wormed her fingers into the wet, bloodied sand beneath her, her skin crawling at the sensation. Closing her eyes, Arianna let out a slow breath, extending her senses along with it. Her thoughts crawled along the earth's shifting surface and into the sky above. Riding the air currents, Ari had the brief sensation that she was flying, and then abruptly she dived downwards into the very earth itself. Deeper and deeper she burrowed, leaving some of herself in the sky, drifting along the currents.

Ari wormed her way into the earth, shifting through the upper crust and deeper still. When she touched the consciousness deep within, she paused, once again following the now ancient tradition she had with the world around her. The way to unlock her powers. She requested permission to use them - describing what she wanted to take place, and why. She pleaded for her life, for the lives of her fellow knights.

It was mere seconds in which she did this, but to her it felt as if forever. The answer was even longer in coming, though not more than a minute passed by. A deep rumbling filled her being, her mind reverbrating with its vibrations. Her fingers curled in the sand around her and her brow furrowed into a deep set frown. Her breaths, at first steady and deep, began to come faster and shallower. If Amber remembered to give her water, she would swallow without question, but never once did she acknowledge her friend's presence.

Ari waited, drifting in Sky and Earth. Then abruptly her answer came. And as she had known deep in her heart, her Power came to her as she called. It ripped into her being, washing away all of her doubts and fears, shivering along her mental links and connections. She gasped allowed and her mind reveled in the power floated in, much dimished as it was.

Her will was being shaped. Her consciousness drifted, anchored only in Sky and Earth. The sands in front of them began to stirr. Gently at first, as a breeze wafted past Amber and Ari to drift along the sandy desert before them. Ari's rapid, shallow breathing suddenly ceased. Her breath coming easy as she took a deep pull of air, and then released it.

Power came riding along it and air fanned out from their position, rapidly picking up pace. It raced along the sands, whipping up the tiny granules into a frenzy of activity that roared with a voice of its own. Larger and larger the storm grew, eating up more and more sand as it went along. The air around the Knights stilled and sky showed clear and blue, but before them a Sandstorm raged, unable to dissipated until Ari commanded it to and unable to breach its strict confines. The kinetic energy that built within that storm rose and eventually exploded, making the sandstorm even more ferocious. It did this again and again, and nothing could pass through it. Not arrows, not Orcs. Not even Dragon Knights.

Ari watched, her consciousness adrift in the Sandstorm, whipping about in its frenzied motion. Her thoughts scattered save for one purpose. To last until help came. She wasn't even sure how she would know 'help' when it came, but she trusted her comrades. It was all that she knew.

It seemed an eternity that she created and rode that storm, but it had only been a few moments - barely two minutes, for Amber, Fire and Rhea to see the results of her efforts.

 

[Angelus]

After Alezal finished eating breakfast he went back to the stream and filled his and Cherise's waterskins. He knew that the flight back to where Amber and Ari would be a long one and the last thing he wanted was to be thirsty. As he walked back to the campsite he felt a familiar tingling in the back of his head and stopped for a second, just as Ari's voice filled it.

My friends. Amber, Rhea, Fire and I are near to our limit. There is a force coming that we cannot count. We are pinned down by countless volleys of arrows. What magic I have left, I need to devote to creating the sandstorm. The Earth is not happy with the blood I have shed in its name today, it will be difficult in the least. But I can hold out for at least half a day. Beyond that....

When it was suddenly cut off Alezal feared the worst and ran to the camp, all other thoughts gone from his mind. He ran towards Anoth and opened his mouth to tell him to get ready. As he did he heard Ari's voice inside his head again.
Alezal, Cherise, please. Hurry.... When you arrive, at least this respite will allow Amber and Fire to recover from last night's ordeals.

Alezal knew at that point that there was no time to waste and turned to Cherise.
"We have to get out of here as soon as we can! Amber and Ari are in trouble and I do not know how they are now or if we will make it in time."

He ran to Anoth who told him that he was ready and started to put his pack onto the back of the saddle. As he did he was glad for the spells he had placed on it and how it kept its small size no matter how much he put into it. He slid Judgement back underneath Anoth's saddle and looked around the campsite. Once he had doused the fire he looked over at Cherise again, "I hope that you are ready for a battle because I think we are going to fly straight into one!"

With that he jumped up onto Anoth's saddle, waited until Cherise was in hers and leaned back as Anoth took to the sky. As he did he wanted the joy that he always felt when he took to the sky. This time there was nothing there but a sense of dread and purpose. He wanted to get to his friends as fast as he could as he did not want to lose them. They meant too much to him. It was then that he looked behind him and when he saw Shar and Cherise just behind Anoth's towel knew that there was one knight that meant more to him than all the others. He wanted to shake that thought aside but knew that he couldn't, knew that it would stay away from him as long as he still drew breath.

He leaned forward, ran his fingers over the scales on Anoth's neck and said, How fast can you go?

I am going as fast as I can Alezal. I can go faster but if I did I would expend most of my energy and would be worthless in the fight when we get there. I know that you or I do not want that to happen so this, I am afraid to say is the fastest I can go.

Alezal ran his fingers over Anoth's scales again, I am sorry to have questioned you my friend. I know you are trying your best. I am just worried that we will not get there in time.

We will my friend. You have no need to worry about that.

Alezal did not say anything more as he knew there was no need to. He knew that Anoth would do anything to reach their friends in time; he knew that nothing would stop Anoth, short of death itself. Alezal once again looked back and with a smile saw that Shar and Cherise were still there with him. He knew that if there was anyone he wanted to have with him in this battle it was the two of them. If there was anyone who was going to succeed in creating confusion amongst the orcs it was going to be Cherise.

* * * * *​

As the sun reached its highest point in the sky Alezal hoped that Amber and Ari were still alive, that they would reach them in time. As soon as he saw the two dragons, large roof and sandstorm he knew that they were still alive but he wondered how long they would be alive for and just how long they could keep up the battle.

He flew forward slowly and looked down at the sand, a feeling of joy overwhelming him when he saw Amber and Ari still there. They were very much alive. He wished that he had Atherron's vision as he could see more but he knew that it was not the time to wish for things he could not chance and do things with what he could.

Amber, Ari. We are here!

As soon as he said those words he closed his eyes and found them below him. Once he had found them he spoke several words in draconic and watched the invisible bubble of energy spring up over and around them. He just hope that he had given them enough warning so the sudden sensory deprivation would not affect them too much. Once he was sure they would be okay he looked over at Cherise, Let us have a little fun with these orcs!

He felt Anoth move faster beneath him and pulled Judgement from underneath the saddle. As he did Anoth said, [I]Will you be strong enough. The force of that spell will drain you as you as you fight.[/I]

I will be okay Anoth. If not then I will take the bubble down.

Anoth flew towards the orcs and as they got closer to them Alezal felt several arrows hit the wards and shields he had put around them. He closed his eyes and felt around for all the orcs, feeling Judgement in his hands.

When I tell you fly low to the ground. Once you have distracted the orcs enough I will get to the ground and have a little fun with them.

Just make sure you come back alive, Anoth said as he flew closer to the ground.

When they were close enough Anoth began to flap his wings faster, throwing dust around him. Alezal let out a shout as he jumped off Anoth's saddle, Judgement cutting through the air before him. With a scream the orc closest to him fell to the ground, a bow falling useless from its hands. Alezal turned and with a slashing motioned turned in a clockwise direction, cutting down orc after orc. It was then that he felt the ground rock beneath him, knew that Cherise had joined them and looked at Anoth who had picked an orc off the ground and was beginning to eat it. Alezal felt the disgust flow through their connection and wanted to smile but knew that it was too much of a distraction as an orc slammed into his shield.

Get into the air my friend! You will be a better help while you are up there!

With a great reluctance Anoth took to the sky, leaving Alezal to start cutting down the orcs which were now threatening to surround him.

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise had left her barriers open since finding out about the orc disturbance so had heard the cry for help from Ari. Close behind Alezal they flew through the air to the battle.

****

Shar announced her self at the battle with a loud defiant roar than shook the orcs in their boots. Cherise saw Alezals defensive bubble snap up around Ari and Amber. With a grim smile to her love she concentrated on the battle...but left a thin tendril attached to Alezal that would alert her should he faulter.

Sharineth, now is the time. Let us give these orcs their eternal reward. With a battle cry than rang across the sky, Cherise urged Shar into battle. The massive dragon sped towards the earth, whipping out her wings and skimming across the top of the orcs, slamming them into each other like skittles with her tail, snatching them and tossing them with her claws. Her wave whomping was not just for fun...it was practise.

Cherise laughed and holding her arms out palm up, purple lightning started arcing between them. With a shout she flung her hands up and out...purple energy streaking through the orcs...hitting one which would then cause the electric current to jump and hit any orcs around them. The damage was massive. Each orc exploded either damaging or causing those close to it to explode...the current eventually dissipating...leaving a devastating 50 orcs dead from one attack.

Shar trumpeted in pure war pleasure. Dropping Cherise off on the ground, Shar reared up and opened her massive jaws, her silver eyes swirling as a inferno of purple and black fire spewed from her mouth...sticking to every orc it touched burning them alive.

Cherise swung her two swords around in an arc...it had been awhile. Roaring in the face of one orc she head butted him and sliced him clean through with one sword while she flipped the other and stabbed a retreating orc through the throat.

Shar, are you okay? All that answered her was a grim determination as Shar tore into the orcs with tooth and claw and fire. Shar looked to Alezal to make sure he was okay...and that was a bad idea.

Shar's terrified roar rang out causing many orcs to cover their ears. CHERISE!!!!!!

Cherise turned as an orc bore down on her and with a malevolent grin made to stab her. reacting quickly from literally centuries of training she managed to deflect though blow...instead of being fatal and plunging into her heart, it stabbed deep into her left shoulder and grinding against the bone.

Cherise grimaced in agony, crying out and going to her knees, dropping her sword. She looked up at the orc, reached up and grabbed his wrist holding the knife with her left hand, angled the sword in her right hand up and stabbed the blade up through the soft fleshy part under his jaw and through his skull.

Standing she kicked the body off her sword and tugged the knife out of her shoulder. Blood poured down her arm. She was so angry with a sheer blast of her will she eradicated the five orcs closest to her, turning them to nothing but dust.

But she was gravely injured. And alas healing was the weakest of the branches for her. Calling on her small ability of elemental magick she created a circle of fire around herself which would keep out most of the orcs while she tried to bandage her arm.

Oh dear gods it was bad...she thought as her vision swum, dots obscuring her vision.

 

[Angelus]

Alezal felt the pain fly from Cherise almost as if it was a hammer blow from an orc. He fell to one knee with a scream of pain which gave an opening to an orc who was coming up behind him. He looked behind him when he heard an inhuman scream of pain and looked to see half of the orc fall to the ground. He looked at Anoth with a grim smile before he got back to his feet, gripped Judgement tightly in his hands and began to cut down the orcs from around him as he ran towards where he could feel Cherise the strongest.

When he reached her he saw the circle of fire that was around her. He saw an orc moving towards the fire confidently and with a shout threw Judgement as hard as he could. The orc looked at him with a thoroughly surpised look on his face before it fell to the ground, the point of Judgement's blade sticking into the ground. Alezal moved forward quickly and drew Darksbane from its scabbard as he faced several orcs. He blocked a blow from one an ax and as he did he knew that this battle wasn't going as well as he thought it would. Even with their training the knights were getting overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the orcs.

He looked over at Cherise and just as Anoth screamed out a warning in his head threw a defensive bubble over her. He fell to his knees as soon as this bubble started to draw on his energy. It was then that he heard a noise and saw an orc towering over him. He knew that he did not have enough time to move and with a move of despiration stabbed upwards with Darksbane. The point of the sword stabbed the orc in the groin which screamed out in immense pain and dropped the sword it was holding to the ground, allowing Alezal to get back up to his feet.

As he did he could feel the pressure of his magic building up in him and knew that he would have to lessen one of the bubbles just enough for him to get some back. He looked to Cherise and knew that he could not do it to her, not yet so looked to where Ari and Amber were. He knew it that was the last thing he wanted to do but also knew that he had to stay here and protect Cherise. He did not want to do either and as he slid Darksbane back into its sheath and pulled Judgement out of the orcs back wanted to scream at the decision he had to make.

It was then that a shadow flew over him and he looked up just to see Anoth fly overhead just before he opened his mouth, the grey and red fire flying out of it to strike the orcs who started to scream out in pain. As the sounds of the dying filled the air Alezal looked over to where the larger bubble was. He knew that his friends were there and they were in trouble but when he looked over at Cherise he knew that she was in trouble as well.

He leesened the energy to the bubble that surrounded Cherise and shouted out, "I want to stay and help you but I know we are here to help our friends. Please, tell me what the best option is. Please?"

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise gritted her teeth as she used her little healing magick to seal the wound closed before she bandaged it. It was not pretty but it would hold.

She saw the defensive bubble come around her and saw Alezal on his knees, it was then she knew Alezal would not have enough energy to hold both. She heard him cry out to her and knew she could not let him make that decision. Drawing on the power she had stocked in the jewels encrusted in her belt she let it flow from her to Alezal adding a touch of her own and Shar's power.

Cherise murmured in his mind as she dropped the flames, Today is not the day we need to make that choice my love. Smiling as he stood with renewed energy she also sent energy from the belt to Ari and Amber knowing they would need their help to push the orcs back.

 

[Wolfsister]

Ari stayed within her own world, her trance-state for the better part of the day. Water was occassionally dribbled down her throat, if not for Amber's presence, she would have died much quicker. As it was, sweat poured down her face, slicking her armor where it touched her skin. Her shallow breathing was gone, but now it was a mere whisper of a breath. If not for the slight rise and fall of her chest, or the absent shifting she would occassionally do, she would have appeared dead.

The sandstorm rage in front of them, blocking all access to or from the orcs on the other side. Over time though, the sandstorm lessened. Her consciousness so shredded by now that she could not hold more than a single thought.

It was a sense of relief that flooded through her when all contact with the outside world was abruptly cut. She gasped, her eyes opening wide with the shock. She looked up, cricking her neck in the process and winced with pain. She watched as Anoth flew overhead, closely followed by Sharineth. Ari had not enough energy to even smile but she knew that if she could have, she would have been laughing.

Ari's sandstorm did not take long to dissipate, Alezal's bubble allowing her to cut off her connection with the flow of magic she had been channeling. It had already been weakening and the winds soon lost their ferocity. The sand settled within minutes - the storm breaking just as Alezal and Cherise reached its edges. They flew through without any problems.

Ari looked over at Amber, making sure her friend was okay before she closed her eyes again and drifted into the darkness that had been promising to take her for a few hours now. Her body and mind drained almost to the point of no return, Arianna fell backwards, sprawling on the sweat soaked sand. She was out cold.

Rhea gave a little trumpet of alarm. Only an intense sweeping of Ari's mind allowed her to calm down. She knew that Ari was strong... that she would wake up. She was just worried how long it would take her to. Rhea moved forwards and lay her neck along side Ari's prone form, her scales glittering under the noon day sun.

When Cherise's gift of a little power came to Arianna, she barely felt it. But it did appear to allow her to breathe easier. Ari was out of the fight for some time. It would take much more energy to restore that which she had given.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: I occasionally squirted water from my wine skin into her mouth and trusted it to help. Still the sands were weakening and weakening fast. I looked out worried.

I was a knight, and had been for two hundred years. I expected to die in battle and honestly was fine with that fate. But I didn't want to die here, hiding in a storm watching a helpless friend who may go first. It just wasn't dignified.

That is when darkness suddenly fell upon us. All sound, light, and smells other then that of the blood and sweat beneath us couldn't not enter. This was a high level defensive ritual, only Alezal could cast it with out a partner.

I used a small amount of magic to summon a flame in my palm. Ari had collapsed and Rhea immediately began to worry. I grabbed my wine skin nearly empty as it was and gave the last of the water to Arianna.

A bit later the dome lightened in color ever so slightly letting just some light and sound in. It was potentially a bad omen. I quickly conjured a rope.

Rhea as soon as this barrier falls take Ari to the citadel and don't come back.

I then lashed Ari onto Rhea's saddle.

"Fire, you and I are going to remain here. We can still turn this battle into our favor less one of us falls."

A small gift of magic energy came to us, I quickly redirected its path into Ari. Truth was I had enough magic power remaining to fight. Not fight like I had the night before by any means but the amount of magic power generated in six hours of rest by a dragon and a human.

Alezal, drop this barrier. The four of us are ready to take to the air.

I jumped onto Opal's back. "This time we'll stay in the air as long as possible, don't you think?

 

[Angelus]

Alezal heard Amber's voice in his head and looked over to where they both were. His immediate thought was to keep all three knights safe but he knew that if he kept both of the defensive bubbles up it would drain him of far too much energy and it would most likely end in his death. As he blocked a blow with the shaft of Judgement he lowered the bubble that was around Ari and Amber, instantly feeling most of the energy come back to him. He then looked over at Cherise. He knew that he wanted to keep her safe but he knew she would never forgive him if he wasted all of his energy and getting himself badly wounded on something she could have done herself.

As he looked at her he felt his energy slowly rising again. It was then that he felt the footsteps of one or more orcs coming towards him. He turned on his heels with Judgement gripped tightly in his hands and looked at the orcs through narrowed eyes. He knew he wanted to end this battle as soon as he could because the longer it lasted the more it put his friends in danger. With that thought he looked over his shoulder to where Cherise was and slowly lowered the protective bubble he had put around her. He wished that he could keep her in there until everything was safe around them but he knew that she would not like it and he would not do that to her.

As soon as he lowered the bubble a red pall flowed over his eyes and he felt everything around him, even the most minute of details. He could feel the breath of every orc and ran towards them with every intent to kill them. He gripped Judgement in his hands and began to flow with the weapon, cutting and slicing through orc after orc. He did not care how many orcs he was killing now, just that he was killing them and he was keeping them away from his friends. With the thought of his friends came the thought of Cherise, about how she had been injured because of one of them.

When he thought of her a deeper red pall came over his eyes and he started to cut and slice everything in his path. He did not care if they had thrown down their weapons or not; they were orcs and they had to die. He did not even acknowledge the voices of Anoth or his friends that were there or the wounds he had received. All he wanted was the death of these orcs, by any and all means possible.

He ran towards a large group of orcish archers, saw them raise their bows and raised a wall. As the arrows bounced of the wall he let out a shout and ran at them. He watched their eyes go wide as he ran at them and began to cut them down. As he sliced into their bodies with Judgement he let out shout after shout, each one louder than the last.

 

[Kalika84]

Cherise felt relief sweep over her as Alezal stood. She could tell exactly when he entered battle fever as she called it and watched his mastery. Calling out to Shar she leapt up into the saddle.

Are you alright Cherise? Will you be okay? Cherise stroked Shar's neck. I will be fine dear one. Let us finish this.

Shar arced up into the sky and circled the remaining orcs flames pouring from her mouth. Cherise decided enough was enough. Time to do some real damage. Closing her eyes she could see the battle field in her mind and gathering all her energy she ordered shar to circle tighter and tigher herding the orcs into a tight group.

With a blood thirsty grin Cherise's has began to glow purple and silver and energy formed and coalesced there. Murmuring arcane words then slowly rose in volume to a shout she poured all her energy into the earth beneath them.

She hoped this would work. She had imbued her cast with her wishes and hoped they were answered. With a loud CRACK they were.

The earth erupted around the orcs in jagged peaks creating an impenetrable circle. Cherise watched as the orcs started screaming and roaring for aid. Laughing she watched as the energy she had released into the earth came out of the rocky barrier in a blast wave obliterating every orc within.

 

[Wolfsister]

Rhea picked up her massive head as Amber began to clamber around their small bubble. The world around them was steadily growing lighter and Rhea was soon able to distinquish what was happening outside. She felt the pull of the four three other Dragon Knights on her mind, their connections to her never truly lost. But it was Ari's mind that dominated her thoughts.

Her Knight was cold and lost in a deep darkness that Rhea could not pull her from. She had sacrificed what little she had had to give the others time to come - to give the others a chance. Rhea only hoped that her Knight would live through this sacrifice. For her to be taken from the Dragon now would just be too cruel.

Rhea allowed Amber to lash Ari to her saddle. She gave a little series of hops to make sure that her Knight was secured tightly. As soon as the bubble dissipated, she launched herself skyward, trumpeting her call to the others, her mind too frayed to mentally contact them.

Then she began to wing her way towards the Citadel - knowing that the journey would be a long one. Tired as she already was, she was not looking forward to it. But she grimly kept on, Ari's life in the fore of her thoughts. She flapped her wings with force, the steady whump, whump beating a rhythm into the air around her. But it was only a few hours before she felt herself dropping from the sky. Exhaustion taking a hold of her.

Before falling flat on her snout, Rhea stretched out her wings, catching the air and slowing her descent. She landed with a large puff of sand, settling into the crater she had just formed. She looked at the sky, her eyelids growing heavy. She knew that this was not the best place to sleep... but she could not help herself.

Her muscles quivered at the effort of staying awake, her wings stirring occassionally. But it was a losing battle - and Rhea was soon unconscious in the desert sands.

 

[Bladesman]

As Malyn and Skie flew over the valley, their sensitive ears picked up the sound of harsh orcan cries and the sounds of magical spells exploding. Malyn grinned as Skie trumpted loudly then looked back to Malyn in curiousity. He nodded to Skie who trumpted again and stretched out his wings. With a few beats of his powerful wings, Skie picked up an intense amount of speed as he headed toward the battle.

Soon they came upon the battle in the desert, Malyn and Skie's sensitive eyes picking out the events of the battle quickly. "It seems they made a very stupid mistake that may cost them greatly. What were they thinking by dismounting? It seems we must do something to aid the dragon's if not the human riders they bear." Skie nodded his massive head and took in a breath and unleashed it in a powerful burst of lightning that killed many an orc as well as knock more back from the concussion wave from the massive lightning bolt. A moment later, Skie unleashed a second lightning bolt that kill more of the orcs that were running about.

A moment later, a strong male voice rung out with power as it casted a spell. "Pryofugeo!" A dark blue fireball screamed towards the earth, growing in size as it grew closer to the orc's then exploded just above the ground with a concussive bang. As many as twenty-five orcs burst into flames and were running and rolling around attempting to put out the flames that covered them. His voice ran out again, a melodic quality to his strong voice as he cast a long envocation which rained down bolts of lightning which sought out orcan flesh to strike.

That was the final strike against the orc's as they circled the battle once more then departed from whence they came before the human riders or dragons could follow them.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: I quickly took to the sky, happy at seeing Arianna not falling from Rhea.

I wonder if she is into bondage.

"WHAT?" I asked Opal.

Well she looks good with that rope around her.

"No more of this talk!"

I then rubbed my hands together loosening my tense fingers, and pretending this conversation never happened. I spoke in soft elvish and claped my hands togeather, bringing them apart again I had a pair of javelins in my grasp.

"Fire, you know what to do." Opal dove low and with a sudden back flap of his wings his tail struck like a scorpion at the orc bellow. I then took a moment to regain my balance before launching each javelin striking another set of orcs dead.

"Archer to the right." Opal turned his head and let out a lighting bolt frying our would be assassin. Then we took to the air again. "Opal is that my imagination or is there a dragon up above?"

No I see it too. The new comer let out a massive lighting bolt fallowed by another. pfft I can do that.

"Yeah but you didn't. Well any how as long as its on our side I see no use in ignoring the battle." We swept around in a circle and I summoned another set of javelins and let them loose striking targets. Fire Opal let loose occasional bursts of lighting from his much depleted breath weapon.

Do you like bondage?

"Opal nows not the time."

I mean if we share a soul and I suddenly am interested in bondage, arn't you the least bit curious?

"NO! New subject, how many orcs are left?"

I think ten are still moving

"Then our mop up was a success."

So do we interogate the rest or finish them off? And what of the new guy on the dragon? I looked around quickly realizing that if that dragon was here, he remained only in my memory now.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Atherron

Atherron, with the help of his dragon Shela, had managed to finish the harvest on his farm several days ago, and he decided that he would use the break to go to the Citadel, mainly to check on the gardens there, but also to see what the prince was up to.

On the fourth day of travel, about midmorning, Atherron had just passed Winter’s Edge when he saw a strange, dark feature on the horizon, almost directly on his flight path. Given his altitude, for he was flying on Shela’s back, he estimated that the feature was somewhere towards the middle of the desert, and that he would reach it about an hour or two after midday. He had no idea what the feature was, but seeing as how he had traveled this route many times in the past two hundred years, he knew that his feature was not part of the terrain.

He kept his eyes on the feature as Shela flew on, neither of them saying a word, but both knew that the other was curious as to the origin of the feature. Another hour of travel revealed more the feature and Atherron was able to determine that it was a massive sandstorm. Only problem was, it didn’t move across the land; it stayed in one fixed location. Only magic, and very powerful magic at that, could produce a sandstorm that massive and keep it in place. And there was only one person that Atherron knew of that was that powerful: Arianna, one of his fellow Dragon Knights.

What Arianna was doing in the desert was beyond him; her territory was Suivea, about a day’s flight west of where the sandstorm was. It was around noon that he was close enough to the sandstorm that he was able to see with the aid of Shela that something wasn’t right down on the ground, towards the base of the sandstorm.

Suddenly, the sandstorm dissipated, the sand falling back to the ground like a thick sheet of rain. It was then that he noticed two specks floating above the ground, along with a shimmer on the ground. Atherron knew that the two specks were dragons, but he couldn’t tell if they had riders. He didn’t know what the shimmer was, but whatever it was, it had to be big in order for him to see it at this distance, large enough to fit at least two dragons in it.

Atherron then noticed that the ground around the shimmer, for a rather large distance, was darker than the rest of the desert. He didn’t much bother with the curious coloring of the ground as he quickly came to realize that there was some sort of battle taking place in that area. A large mass of moving specks and visual evidence of magic being used was what clued Atherron in on the battle’s existence.

Those dragons down there have to have riders, Shela, thought Atherron. We’re too far from the mountains for those to be wild dragons. One of them has to been Ari and Rhea.

Great logic, farm boy, responded Shela, sarcastically. We still don’t know why Ari is out of her territory, and if that is indeed a battle involving at least two other Knights, who are they fighting? And where is Amber and Fire?

By this time, a second shimmer had appeared on the ground, although much smaller than the first, which had revealed itself to be a bubble of sorts. That meant Alezal and Anoth were also present. Almost as soon as Atherron deduced this, the bubble disappeared, revealing two specks under it, definitely dragons.

That’s four dragons now, Shela, though Atherron. It looks like almost everybody is involved in the battle.

Why weren’t we invited? asked Shela innocently. Wait…there’s another dragon approaching from the west heading for the battle. The prince?

Atherron looked westward of the battle, and indeed there was another speck approaching. He didn’t think that was the prince, seeing as how the dragon was approaching from Suivea, not the Citadel. When a fireball flared into existence in front of the dragon and streaked towards the battle, that confirmed that it wasn’t the prince; destruction wasn’t his specialty.

A huge mass of earth and rock shot upwards from the ground and then there was a bright flash that flared from what seemed to be inside the tower of rock. That was Cherise’s work, Atherron knew. So, Cherise, Alezal, Ari and most likely Amber were all present at the battle. But who that fifth Dragon Knight was, Atherron couldn’t guess.

Atherron watched then as the two specks that had been under the bubble took off and headed for the battle, but only one of them engaged in combat. The other kept going, heading towards the Citadel. He watched until the speck heading for the Citadel was no longer visible to him, and then he returned his attention to the battle, which he saw was done, with the unknown fifth dragon winging its way back towards Suivea.

Atherron reached out with his mind towards the battle field and confirmed that the three remaining specks were indeed Alezal, Amber and Cherise with their dragons.

Alezal? Amber? Cherise? What the bloody hell is going on? Atherron sent out to them.

 

[cats]

Amber

IC: Alezal? Amber? Cherise? What the bloody hell is going on? I smiled at the fact our best healer was close by.

Not much Atherron, some body has planted orcs all across my desert and it was time to reap them. So I got Arianna over here to help me and Alezal was in the neighborhood. Any how many hands make light work and all that, you understand farmer.

At that moment something odd occurred to me. Why was Alezal in my territory to begin with and why was Alezal here now? What of that rouge dragon before and of that dragon now? (Do I like bondage?) After a battle my body aches but now my head aches too.

 

[Angelus]

Alezal cut down orc after orc, Judgement feeling warm in his hands after every killing stroke. It was then that he felt the ground move beneath his feet and wondered what was going on. He knew that Ari wasn't around as he had just seen her fly off and turned on his heels to see what was happening. When he saw the wall of rock springing up before him he knew there was only one other person who could do something like this. He stood there for a second or so more and listened to the orcs scream out in pain before he gripped Judgement in his hands and went after the last ones. He wanted to let them go as there was only a handful of them but he knew that if he did they would come back and one of them could end up killing him.

He ran at the orcs then with a shout which made them turn to look at him. They let out a shout of their own and ran at him which caused Alezal to smile. He threw Judgement at the closest orc, catching it in the chest and sending it flying to the ground before he drew Darksbane and ran at the orcs. He ran into the middle of the orcs and began to cut them down one by one as though he was a farmer cutting down wheat.

Whey they had all fallen to the ground he walked over to the orc he had thrown Judgement at and pulled it free from its chest. As he did so he heard one of the orcs let out a gasping breath. Alezal walked towards it, Judgement and Darksbane in both hands and looked down at the orc.
"You will pay for this. My brother will make you pay for this," the orc said.
Alezal slid Darksbane back into its sheath and knelt down next to the orc, "Oh? And just who is your brother?"
"He is the war chief who took your human city. He is the one who will see these lands bathed in blood."

Alezal just let out a sound. He had heard that speech so many times in his life that it had become one and stale. He turned on his heels and started to walk away from the orc who he could hear gasping his last breaths. It was then that he heard Atherron's voice and looked up to see a familiar forest green dragon flying towards him. He opened up his mind to answer Atherron. Before he could though he heard Amber answer him. He also felt something flowing from Amber that he could not quite place. It felt as though she was still worried about something. It was then that his name came flying to him which caused his eyes to widen. He looked over to where she was flying and wondered if she was still worried about him; whether she could trust him or not. He wanted to ask her that simple question but he knew that now was not the time; they had just gone through a major battle and now was not the time to start accusing people of anything.

He stabbed Judgement into the ground and stood there for a second, all his thoughts flowing around him. It was then that Anoth landed next to him and looked straight at him.
Come. It is time that we go to the others.
Not now. I need time to think.
Anoth moved his head closer and nudged Alezal's shoulder. When Alezal did not reach up to run his fingers over his snout he became instantly worried.
What is wrong? Did something happen that I do not know about?
It is nothing Anoth. There are just things I need to think about.
Anoth knew then that something was most definitely wrong. Alezal never ignored him unless there was something terribly wrong and he was determined to find out what.
Do not lie to me Alezal. I can always tell when you do that because you are never any good at it. Now tell me what is wrong and tell me the truth.
Alezal let a smile come to his face and this time he reached up to touch Anoth's snout, Okay, I will tell you. I think that Amber still suspects me of something. I think she is worried that rogue dragon and she may think that it is me.
Anoth laughed inside his head, Don't be an idiot Alezal. She is one of your fellow Knights. She would not suspect you of anything like that.
Alezal then told Anoth what he felt from he and her thoughts. Anoth then let out a low growl and looked up at Fire and Amber.
How dare she think that of you? We should fly up there and question her now.
Alezal ran his fingers over Anoth's snout again, No. We can do that when we have a better chance to do so. After this battle I don't think anyone will be thinking straight and if Amber accuses us of anything things might get ugly. We can bide our time until it is the right place to do so.
Anoth let out another low growl, If you say so. I will wait until you say it is the right time.

Alezal walked over to Anoth's side, slid Judgement under the saddle and leaned against Anoth who continued to look up at Fire and Amber.

 

[Angelus]

As the dragon and rider flew away from the mountains the goblin clan chief watched him go before looking down at the secret entrance to the dwarves mountains. Once the rider had told him of this Grell knew that this was the best time to take back that which the dwarves had forced them from. He looked at the many thousands of goblins who had flocked under his banner and shouted out, "Now is the time we take back that which we have been denied for far too long. Now is the time we kill every stinky filthy dwarf that call the mountain theirs!"

A shout went up that echoed around the valley. It was then that he heard a sound come from the dwarven stronghold and looked in that direction to see several of them coming out. Each dwarf was bedecked in gleaming armor and all of them was carrying a gleaming weapon in their hands.
"Ye didn't think we knew ye were here did ye! We knew ye were here, even with that stinkin' dragon guardin' ya! Now come and try and take this mountain from us. Ye will die before ye can even reach the mines!"

Grell knew he didn't need to say anything more to rile up the goblins as another shout echoed through the valley. The ground then began to shake as the goblins ran towards the dwarves, their own vicious looking weapons in their hands. The two groups hit each other with a loud crash and sound their was the sound of battle flowing through the valley. Goblin after goblin died to the blade, ax and hammer of the dwarves but the goblins had numbers on their hands and the tables started to turn against the dwarves who began to fall, stab wounds, bite marks and fatal blows falling over their bodies.

When the leader of the group of dwarves knew they were not going to win this battle he turned to one of the others inside the hall and shouted at him. "Go to the king. Tell him that the rear entrance is lost. Tell him to contact Amber and tell her what is happening. Tell her that we need help as soon as she can get here. Go now. Go!"

As the dwarf ran away from the battle a goblin's arrow struck the back of the leader's head, killing him instantly. As the dwarf fell to the ground the goblins flowed into the dwarven hall like an evil tide, cutting down every dwarf as they did. It was then that the war bells of Tarthen's Hall rang for the first time in four hundred years.

 

[Angelus]

As Rorg went further into the mountains he looked back at the city. He knew that the dragon and rider would not be pleased with what he was about to do but he really did not care. He had come here of his own accord and he would not let some person who rode a dragon tell him what and what he could not do. With a final look at the city he went further into the mountains and hoped that he could find the dragons before he was too late. He knew that what he was doing was dangerous and he could be killed before he could he could give his incentives. He also knew that he had to do it though, that he had to find some advantage against these Dragon Knights as well as the dragon and rider who thought he was there just to do his bidding.

As he moved into the part of the mountains the humans he has asked told him belonged to the dragons he hoped the dragons would not think the two hundred warriors he had brought with him were there to kill them. He knew that if they did he would be killed before he even got a chance to talk to the dragons; it was the last thing that he wanted.

Just then he heard a whooshing sound above him and looked up to see a dragon flying overhead. At first he thought it was dragon and rider coming to see why he was here but when he did not see a rider's legs he took a deep breath and stopped. He looked up at the dragon and let out a shout, hoping that the dragon would listen, come down at listen to him. He watched as the dragon looked down at him before it flew higher into the sky. As Rorg watched it go he wondered if this dragon had heard him or was going to come back to burn them all where they stood. Without wanting to find out he turned and looked at the warriors behind him.

"Get a move on all of you. Do you want to all stand here and see if that dragon is going to come back and kill us?"

The orc warriors did not say a thing but started to move after Rorg quickly. Rorg let a smile come to his fact before he started to walk in front of them. He stopped as soon as he rounded the next corner though. There before him was the dragon he had seen earlier. It just looked at him with a look of hunger and Rorg wondered if it was just going to kill him without thinking twice. It was then that the dragon spoke in a distinctively male voice.

"Why did you shout at me orc? You know I could kill you here and now just for insulting me like that."

Rorg bowed but kept his eyes on the dragon, "I meant no disrespect. I came to these mountains to talk with you and your kind. I want to offer you a means to get your land back."

The dragon just looked at him and after a long silence Rorg once again wondered if he was going to be killed.
"I am listening. What is it you offer?"