Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

Maut al Feres

He got pulled to his feet, his first instinct was to kill the one who dared to touch him, but it was the minotaur, the one he had started off fighting next to. The fool actually gave his life to safe what was already dead, a fire erupted from the passing dragon. The heat and flames made Maut cringe, yet his human spirit saw the tactical advantage and forced his body forward, back to the gate. Joining the ranks of defenders, he slid the axe back into it's sheath, the shield dissipating like mist fleeing from the sun. In their stead Maut drew a two-handed flamberge, the flame-like design of the blade sporting wicked barbs where the rounded curves of the blade should be, the metal dull, yet there was no mistaking the keenness of the edge. A tremor shook the walls and Muat looked at the direction the goblins' attention had been drawn.

A troll have seemed to have gotten in a hit against the dragon as a troll was the only thing that could have hit a flying target. Also a troll was the thing lumbering to where a group of goblins was drawing to, screams went up and fire erupted in the wheat field. It seemed like the dragon was down, but not quite out, but since it had not gotten up yet, proved it to be in danger. Maut paused, dragons was not to be trusted, yet when they owe their life they could be made a great ally.

"You...minotaur. I am going to help the dragon."

He purposefully left out the baron, he knew that the creature would not cower from him, would not freeze up when he heard his voice. He moved up the stairs, archers almost cowering from him as he started to run along the wall, taking the time to shove crude ladders off of the wall. The troll was either too stupid to realize there was fire or it was so single-minded in it's hate for the dragon that it kept moving towards the fallen dragon. Maut saw that the wall had crumbled and that part of it seemed to have pinned the dragon. The troll was almost at the dragon, a huge boulder in it's hands. Maut reached the crumbled wall at speed and threw himself bodily at the troll, it's huge height of the troll placed it not too far below the wall, yet it was some distance off as the dragon was no small creature either, compared to the two Maut, with all his powers and strength was almost insignificant.

The troll hefted the huge boulder above his head, aiming to throw it at the dragon's head, movement caught his attention, his attention span may not have been the best, but his sense was as sharp as any other meta-human. He looked up only to see a dark figure sailing towards him, the split seconds it took him to process this, the dark clad figure had reached him, only then did he see the long, wicked blade. By then it was too late as the momentum and power of the dead knight drove the blade straight through the troll's brain through his one eye.

Maut loathed to leave the sword, but he had to. Using the troll's broad chest as platform, he grabbed hold of the sword, placing his feet on the troll's chest he threw himself away. Of course with the command to hold the rock gone, the troll's arms relaxed, the rock crashed down onto the already dead troll's head as it crashed to the ground, Maut landing in a jumble of armored limbs not far from the dragon's head. He lay there for a few moments and then pushed himself up, checking his dead body for harm, only then did he look up to see the peril he could possibly be in. If the dragon unleashed it's fire, Maut would burn, not to death, but into pure nothingness.
 
Baroness and Breed
A baroness must remain calm and collected at all times, even when she was covered in goblin guts and blood. It took a while, but the baroness regained her wits and composure. She turned to the leopard woman that had saved her and thanked her

“I’m … not … sure … you … can … understand … me … but … thank … you … for saving … me” She said slowly hoping that would help the creature understand her. She also tried the other languages she knew, elven, and dwarf. The leopard woman did not reply … but the baroness did notice leopard woman's wound. “Oh you are wounded … here let me help you … I can make a bandage out of …” she ripped off a panel of her expensive dress “this” she finished. Hoping the leopard woman would let her dress the wound.

The West Gate
The dragon’s appearance had shaken the human defenders. There would be no way they could hold off an army of goblins and the massive fire breathing dragon. But the oddest thing happened the dragon seemed to be attacking only the goblins!! Why … did the terrifying beast want to eat all the citizens of Bulkenhold … by himself and leave none for the goblins?

The baron thought he knew what was happening. But he could not say. He had been a good and honest ruler of this town. But being this close to the wild swamp, forest, and mountains meant there were dangers out there. Some of those dangers could destroy a town. The world was not black and white, sometimes you have to make a deal with the devil … He was not proud of it … but he had met the dragon before many, many years ago. They had come to an agreement. Gold in exchange for peace. At first it had been hard … it was a lot of gold for the small town … but as the town grew richer and richer … the payments did not seem so bad … the dragon had never increased the price … and the baron did not want to say it … but the dragon had been honorable and a good partner to work with.

Then the dragon had fallen from the sky and crashed into the town’s wall. The colossal impact had shaken the ground around the west gate, but not soon after that the deathknight ran off saying “"… I am going to help the dragon." Even the baron could not understand what the knight was up to, but then it was the deathknight and no one knows what he will do. But there was no time to think about this as one of the archers on the wall yelled down to the baron.

“Baron … the goblins seem to be regrouping and there are more trolls, I count three, and a large hobgoblin wearing a crown a top his head approaching.

The baron used his new favorite swear words “OHH BLOOD AND PISS” He exclaimed … but then he ordered quickly “All archers hide and be prepared to attack on my command … this time … it will be our turn to ambush these donkey truds!!”

Zarik grinned “Yes … I do grow tired of them as well.” Gripping his battle axe tighter.

Near the Bulkenhold’s curtain wall

Isola thrust her short sword deep into the goblin’s back. The creature screamed as blood gushed forth and it rolled to the ground in its death throes.

“7 down … another 93 left” Isola said, but then she heard the gnarled voice of a goblin behind her.

“You back stabbing CUNT … BITCH, turn around slowly” it told her

Isola turned around and faced a group of twenty goblins arrayed in a semi-circle. All of them had weapons and they had her boxed in. There was nowhere for her to run to. She knew she would be raped and killed and there was not a thing she could do about it.

Then there was a massive THUD and the curtain wall collapsed on top of the goblins crushing them to death. When Isola knew she had not been hurt by the collapse she said “Take that … you little green shits!!” She brushed the dust and dirt off her blood soaked dress and added “27 down another 73 left” as she looked around for more goblins she noticed the great mound of rubble from the wall was moving up and down a little bit … she crawled over the rubble to see the full extent of the mound and saw a dragon’s head at one end … and then a sudden jet of flame burning scores of goblins down to ash.

“Blood and piss!!” she whispered as she suddenly realized she had crawled on top of a DRAGON!! She moved to get off him and hide along the remaining wall and his body. As she got off the beast, she ended up near where his mighty wing started. This part of the wing bone was clearly broken and blood gushed out of the wound. She did not know what to do … so she just stood still … maybe the beast would die before it ate her.


Goblins near Nas
He was a monster to behold. As big as three elephants in length with a wing span to match, but he was covered in what was left of the curtain wall. Only a part of his neck and head where exposed and his hind legs and his powerful tail. His right wing shot up what remained of the wall at an odd angle. His black eyes looked dull and confused and there was blood leaking from his forehead.

The first group of hasty goblins had been burned away by the dragon. But this new group would not make that same mistake. In front, carrying a big shield in case the dragon breathed fire again was a troll, behind him was at least 30 goblins. They advanced on the dragon. A lone troll carrying a rock was preparing to bash the dragon’s head in … until a knight leaped off the town wall and killed him.

“Get away from that dragon … he’s ours to kill” One of the goblins said to the knight.
 
Maut al Feres

A voice caught his attention and he turned to face the small group of goblins, he tilted his head to the side,

"It is not yet his time...your time has come though...the lady's hand is resting on you."

From behind his back he drew two arming swords, whirling them in two circles, their blades swishing as they cut through the air. Now it could be said that goblins were not of the brightest creatures, it could also be said that goblins followed their orders to the letter, but Maut knew that it was hate which caused them to advance.

He ran towards the group, the troll keeping the shield in position to protect them from the dragon's fire, dodging passed the shield thrust forward to stop him, Maut fell onto the goblins with flashing swords, blue flames dancing along the edge as the blades cut through shields and arms, two quick slashes to the heel tendons of the orc, sent him crashing to the ground with a roar of pain, unable to keep standing. Now the only thing between the remaining twenty two goblins and the downed dragon was Maut, around him lay the bodies of their comrades, a few missing their shield arms, most of them cut open from shoulder to hip by the wicked power of the blue flames still dancing around on the iron of his swords.

"Come forth knaves, let a knight show you the way to his lady."

Of course the cold voice was not something you would want to follow, but the goblins thought that their numbers would help them to overwhelm the knight and they all stormed at him at once, a wild battle cry rising from them. Maut met them head on, a smarter fellow used the charge to flank Maut and ran for the dragon, a spear clutched in his hands, while behind him screams of terror and anguish rose, limbs and blood spattered in all directions as blue flamed metal cut through the ranks of goblins valiantly trying to take down the dead knight.
 
Breed's rage had subsided. She led the way through the chaotic festival grounds, now a battlefield, determined to protect this female human who reminded her of the elvish friend she'd had. A couple of times, they were approached by more goblins intent on menacing them or attempting to rape this odd pair of females. But they were quickly dispatched without much trouble. But each effort taxed the leopard woman as the wound in her side continued to bleed.

At last they reached a place of relative calm and temporary safety, just enough to catch their breath. Breed held her arm tightly to her side, her clawed hand covering as much of the slash along her ribs as she could, trying to staunch the flow of blood. Her companion regained enough of her senses to speak to her. Breed listened carefully, and understood the woman's words, even though it was a different accent. She gingerly moved her blood covered hand away from the wound to let the woman help her.

He had never afforded her any clothing to wear, believing that an animal didn't need any coverings, and besides, He liked seeing her naked when she was his exotic prize. And after He tried to force himself upon her, He saw her only as a beast, undeserving of clothes or adornment of any sort. In her homeland, she would have worn a simple loin cloth, and perhaps a vest to cover her breasts. But it had been years since she'd worn any clothing. Now this human woman was wrapping her wounded side with cloth stripped from her own fancy dress. Breed wasn't sure how to react to this kindness she wasn't used to.

But a simple gesture sometimes said more than words, and the woman didn't seem to be able to understand the hand language. So Breed simply reached out to clasp/caress/pat the woman's shoulder. It was a surprisingly tender gesture by contrast with the savage way she had killed the goblins they had encountered. Her amber-green eyes gazed softly on those of the human woman, passing unspoken understandings between them.

A clamor at the Western gate drew their attention, and Breed looked curiously in that direction. She could see the other humans fighting the goblins there, and she wondered if she could find Him there among them. Part of her chafed with impatience at wanting to find Him and slay Him, but another part of her determined to protect this woman who had showed her the kindness of her care, even sacrificing her pretty dress to bind her wound. Even though it was only a bandage, it felt like clothing, and gave the leopard woman the first taste of dignity she'd had since she'd fought back against Him. It meant a lot to her.

But she also spotted the bull-man who had given her food. She felt a pang of feeling deep inside at the sight of him, some sense of kinship or loyalty, but still too soon to identify for certain. But she felt the urge to go and fight by his side, yet she was committed to protecting the woman at her side. Her two impulses warred within her, the conflict in her eyes as she watched the bull-man battle at the gate.
 
Nas, Isola, Deathsknight, and Lots of Flying Goblin Body Parts!!

The carnage was sickening. It was as if you put a bunch of goblins in a blender, without the lid on … and turned it on high! Pieces and parts of goblins sprayed out from the deathsknight location. How the goblins continued to attack the knight was a mystery, but they did. The knight was pinned down by these attacks which allowed four goblins to get around him and approach the dragon … spears in hand ready to drive them into the exposed neck of the great beast. Nas’ eyes remained closed … as if he was sleeping … blood still oozed from his head and wing wounds ... some might think he was dead.

Isola knew the dragon was not dead. She could see he was still breathing. But she was unsure of what to do. Killing the dragon seemed impossible to her. She only had a small short sword. She did not know if she even had the strength to get the tip of the weapon through the thick almost metal like scales of the beast.

So doing anything to the dragon did not make sense … that left the approaching goblins. They had not seen her yet … but they would at any moment. However, they seemed to be only interested in killing the dragon. If they accomplished that, one of her problems would be solved. Maybe during the battle with the dragon, both would kill each other and she would have no problems anymore.

But that seemed as likely as her killing the dragon with a short sword. More likely during the battle she’d be squished by the death throes of the dragon. Ok, that meant she needed to stop the goblins … but how? She was a concubine not a fighter. Most of the duties of a concubine were not helpful in a situation like this. A concubine’s main duty was to sexual please her client. She did this by satisfying all of the client’s sexual desires, keep herself beautiful and attractive, and Isola had acquired a few minor spells such as read emotions, plant simple suggestions, minor healing, and increase constitution/endurance. This allowed her to enhance the sexual experience for the client. Other duties of concubines included not bearing any children (especially if the client was a royal), be a travel companion, provide some limited/additional protection for the client (limited fighting like back stabbing, food taster, etc) and provide other forms of entertainment such as song, dance, prepare food, etc.

She did not see how any of these could help her right now. She reached up and grabbed the large emerald hanging from her necklace. It had been a gift from one of her wealthy lovers. It was magical and called the Emerald of Honor … the gem dulled in the presence of evil, or when a vow is broken. It had other abilities such as providing an antidote to a poison once a day. It added to Isola magical abilities, and increasing the range of her spells. It probably could do more in the hands of a real wizard, but that was all she knew it was capable of.

The goblins got closer and braver. Wicked grins appeared on their faces as they sensed the dragon could no longer defend itself. Isola had to do something and had to do it quickly.

She stood up and waved to the goblins.

“Hi you little green shitheads … I’m over here … see me … great for raping …I even have big boobs … see” she said shaking her big chest at them. “come and get them”

It was probably the stupidest thing she had ever done in her life … or was it the bravest? Hard to tell the difference between stupid and brave … sometimes. The story tellers … and ballad writers would make the decision ... after the outcome of her actions … but whatever would be decided … it worked as the goblins stopped and stared at her waving at them.

“Yuklas … and Blodguts get that human slut …” One of goblin said and turned to the remaining goblin at his side. “We’ll kill the dragon!” Isola placed her hand on the dragon’s exposure side and cast her heal and rejuvenate spells on him. Dragons were highly resistant to offensive magic, but as these were helpful spells and the giant monster's body seemed to absorb them. Both of them would have only a limited effect, but maybe it was enough to wake the dragon. Isola said “Time to wake up sleeping beauty … I know a knight is supposed to save me from the dragon … but in this case I need the dragon to save me from those goblins!” she said.
 
Breed and the Baroness
Breed and the Baroness had made it through the chaos of the main square to the western gate. Although only partially clothed, the baroness could see the need to help the wounded. Near the gate, there were wounded and dying people from when the goblins had broken through. The Baroness turned to the leopard woman who had so ably and skillfully protected her. “Please help me move and treat these wounded people.”

The leopard woman understood and the two of them quickly moved the wounded to safety. The baroness started to treat their wounds. As Breed continued to protect her, and glancing at the fighting at the gate.

The West Gate
The goblin forces seemed to be regrouping as the large hobgoblin and the three trolls led the formation. The battle had started at noon and as the sun was still high in the air, it was no longer overhead. The defenders had been at the gate for over an hour now. The goblins had thought this would be an easy victory, but they no longer thought that. Their blood had lusted to slay all the members of this town … kill and rape the humans … these feelings were gone. Now they followed orders from their Prince out of fear … not out of desire.

Marslug sensed this and needed to rekindle the battle lust of his army. "My green skinned brothers!" His voice rang out across the field. "Look at the weak humans and their pet slave … the minotaur!" His army laughed and sniggered at the defenders. Marslug continued “We march now to bring a new order to this sick irrational obstinate town … An order of freedom …. And chaos! The human take away our pleasure to rape … and kill the weak … they try to control us … they want to control YOU … make you a slave of their sick laws … and rules!! I say ENOUGH … it is time for the strongest race … the Goblins … to take back their rights and pleasures!!!” Marslug screamed as he shook his magic sword at the defenders … The remains of his army of goblins cheered at their leader’s speech.

“Their pet dragon is dead … their wall is broken and even now your brothers enter the city through the gap in the wall … Do not let them beat you to the paradise of freedom inside those walls … DESTORY these weak humans and their dumb pet at this gate … open the way for goblins to retaking what should be theirs … SUPREMACY!"

Another loud cheer. “ATTACK!!!!!” Marslug cried out “Follow me... and human gutter to VICTORY!!" More cheering as the ground shock again, this time with many feet running towards the west gate.


The baron and the minotaur stood their ground and watched the goblins and trolls run towards them. The minotaur asked the Baron a question.

“Lord of Bulkenhold … … that speech almost made me vomit … it was as offensive as the odor from a pool of sewage created by a thousand sick cows! If I may be so bold, may I have the honor of killing the goblin prince?” Zarik asked his eyes a glow with intensity

The baron laughed, “Nay Minotaur … I shall kill him … I do not wish you to be soiled by his putrid and corrupt soul”

The goblin army cried out in menace as they got closer to the few defenders. Marslug face was lit up in sadistic smile when he spotted the Baron. “He is MINE” he told his forces

"Ready the archers!" The Baron commanded.

In less than a second, the archers with bows and arrows ready popped over the wall and took careful aim. "Ready!" They all yelled back.

"FIRE!" The Baron ordered

A wave of arrows went flying through the air towards the rushing goblins and trolls. The goblin army could not stop … they had no time to bring up their shields … as they were running at full speed. There was a horrid cry as the arrows sank deep into the goblin flesh, killing them dead. One of the trolls fell at this point, arrows sticking out of both his eye sockets. The other two trolls bristling with arrows, but continued forward. Even only wounded goblins that fell were trampled to death by their fellow goblins running over them.

“FIRE FOR EFFECT” The baron yelled as archers continued to rain arrows down on the approaching goblins. But this would be the last order the baron would give as marslug stood before him … grinning evilly. “Time for your GUTTING … old fish!!” He said as he attacked. The Baron parried his thrusts and blows, saying back “Shut up, you'll never be the man your mother is.” He answered back

Zarik had a different problem on his side of the gate. Two trolls attacked him at the same time. He dodged one smashing blow with a war club, but before he could counter strike he needed to dodge another war club swung at him.

“Watch … little bull man … dance” one troll chuckled in a slow dumb sounding voice. Zarik was ducking and side stepping the huge war clubs and never seemed to get a chance to strike back … then he thought of an idea. He moved between the two trolls and as they swung at him he duck out of the way … their club continued to travel and the trolls smashed their club into each other.

“UGHHHH” one grunted as the other cried out “EHHHH”

Zarik twisted … killed an approaching goblin and then BURIED his battle axe deep into one of the troll’s legs actually cutting through the bone. He pulled his axe out and there was a fountain of blood as the troll fell over. The other troll tried of swinging at him and missing, dropped his club grabbed the minotaur by his tail. “GOT YOU” he said. His other hand grabbed the minotaur by the waist, but that left Zarik arms free. With his biceps bulging the minotaur slammed his battle axe down on the trolls head, slicing it in two. “Do ever grab a bull by the tail” Zarik said … as he turned to face any goblins that made it through the archer’s arrows.

The baron and the goblin prince continued to fight an epic battle, until the Marslug knock the Baron’s sword from his hand. The baron quickly pulled a long dagger from his belt, his only weapon left.

Sensing victory, Marslug chuckled wickedly, "What is that tiny thing? You plan on slaying me with that? No wonder your females want us to fuck them all the time! Your blade is so small!"

Marslug slapped his knee and laughed harder, the other nearby goblins laughed along with him. A bead of sweat dripped down from Baron's hairline as he said “shock me …Prince Marslug … and say something intelligent”

And with that insult he quickly grabbed goblin prince’s blade and pushed it aside, with an opening created he plunged the dagger in Marslug's shoulder, making him cry out in pain. The baron twisted and then left the dagger in his shoulder as green blood spurted out. He used both hands and yanked the goblin prince’s magic weapon “human gutter” away from him. Turned the blade around and sliced open the goblin prince belly. The Goblin’s long entrails hung from the end of the magic blade! The prince fell over dead.

“YOUR PRINCE IS DEAD” he shouted showing all near him the entrails. The goblin stared … shocked that their Prince was dead. Then as if to punctuate their defeat, the sounds of elven war trumpets could be heard in the forests. That ended the battle for Bulkenhold. The remaining goblin army broke … running away from the human town and the sound of those elven horns.
 
The last goblin actually scored a hit against him, the blade of his sword hitting the armor, nicking the slick surface. It did not penetrate and that placed the goblin in a very unfortunate place. Reaching out with one hand, he rested the sword behind the goblin's back, drawing him closer, he slid the blade of his sword into the goblin's abdomen, angling it upward to pierce the creature's heart. The look of pain and terror felt ever so sweet to him, that is the price to pay when insulting a knight of the death realm.

"Hi you little green shitheads … I’m over here … see me … great for raping …I even have big boobs … see... come and get them"

The voice drew his attention to the fallen dragon, there next to it stood a woman, her expensive dress blood spattered, she had a shortsword in one hand and clearly her statements was true, her stature and the way she carried herself made her either a very sensual woman or a cocubine, he decided on concubine, that would make her "great for raping" statement true and even though he was dead, he could still appreciate a woman with big breasts and that she had as well. He could feel her pouring magic into the dragon, it tasted like herbs, so it had to have some healing effect. Sheathing the twin swords behind his back he glanced at the burning field. They needed to get the dragon...and himself away from here.

He walked over to the dragon, if it did not wake, he would have some more of these goblins to kill, it registered in the back of his mind that this woman was the same one he encountered with the halberd near the West Gate. Cries of terror went up from the West Gate and the goblin army fled, leaving only the four fellows on this side of the city wall, not even the elven warhorn seemed to deter these creatures. Hate and lust, strange emotions, but then again a woman looking like that would have had him lusting as well back in his living years.
 
Nas

There seemed to be an odd amount of fighting around him, which Nas thought was unusual because any creature with any sense should know enough to let sleeping dragons lie. Isn’t that how the saying went? Well, it was a silly saying, made by silly creatures that were too stupid to follow their own saying anyway.

Nas sighed, mostly out of pain. His head hurt, his wing hurt and now there was a big, stinking ruckus all around him. Lots of words, a lot more shouting and screaming and fussing, Seven Hells, couldn’t these damnable creatures just die quietly??
“…. Away from that dragon… he’s ours to kill…”

That resonated somewhere in the back of Nas’s head, back in deep where the dwarfs were not pounding away on their anvils. “That dragon… Me??” Nas puzzled through the fog in his mind. “They want to kill me…well, sure they probably do I mean, don’t all these weak and pitiful little creatures?” He was a dragon after all, and if they couldn’t be something as powerful, glorious and majestic as a dragon, then the little creatures usually wanted to destroy them and steal a horde the likes of which they would probably never know. Still, that sounded, well, serious… like Nas was in trouble or something. More than that, there was something else that stuck in his mind…something that did not suit him at all. ‘…he’s ours to kill.’

Ours to kill? As if these pathetic little two-legged miscreants could actually claim his life to do with as they chose? His? He was a DRAGON by all the Hells!
There were more voices…and the tickling feel of magic. That felt better…one of the hated dwarves had stopped hammering at least. He flexed his back and wings, feeling out his predicament. As he moved, some of the rubble fell away but his right wing was still pinned and damaged. Nas considered standing but with is damaged wing trapped, he might seriously injure himself, maybe even cripple his wing permanently. No, better to die a whole dragon and a clipped and crippled beast and so Nas laid still. Finally, another dwarf left his mind, leaving only a dull throbbing ache and allowed to let him think again. The words came back to him and in his slow understanding; Nas’s anger began to rekindle itself. Who were these worms to even dare to pretend that it was THEY who owned HIM! How dare they even think it possible to kill him!

His golden eyes snapped open. Before him was a quartet of wretched little goblins, coming towards him with their stupid little grins and pathetic little pointy sticks. A low, deep and very menacing growl reverberated from Nas’s throat, vibrating through his body. The goblins froze all thoughts of glory as dragon slayers or pleasure from large breasted females shattered by the reality of a dragon’s displeasure. Even trapped as he was, Nas’s long serpentine neck reached out and two of the goblins vanished with a crunching sound and spray of green as Nas’s fanged maw opened wide then snapped shut.
The other two, more intelligent that the first, turned and fled.

“No one owns my life; no one but me.” He growled.
 
Breed understood the woman's words, and looked around at the injured and dying humans, elves, and various other creatures. She knew nothing of healing, but the plea of her new companion made it clear that she wanted her to help these people.

Beyond the wounded or dying bodies littering the ground, the battle continued at the gate. A concentration of goblins were attacking where the bull-man and some others were fighting a desperate battle. Fires were burning in the fields outside of the walls, and the choking smoke made it hard for her sensitive nose to make sense of any other scents. The warrior in her was torn. She wanted to help the bull-man. He had helped her, and she would not forget that. But her companion needed her. The woman's voice was gentle but firm, compelling her to act.

The leopard woman looked at the sword in her hand, unsure about giving it up. What if He came back to try to capture her again? But in the end, the woman had helped her, giving part of her shiny dress to bind her wound. And now she wanted to help these others.

Breed thrust the sword into the ground at her feet and began to help the woman move the wounded to a safer place.

********************

Brownyn drew her bowstring taut, awaiting the command to fire. She had taken her place with the other archers when the battle had begun, most of them were fellow contestants in the archery contests at the festival. That was why she had come to this town. Here she had thought to find a little acceptance maybe, a little peace. Here there were both elves and humans, and other races too. So she had thought that maybe here her mixed blood wouldn't set her apart as much.

It had been the same wherever she went. She had always walked the cusp between elvish and human worlds, yet never having a place in either. Among elves, she was a half-breed, not really one of their kind. And yet among humans, her elvish features always gave her away. She would be the object of their stares. Some would be curious, some even attracted to her for the oddity that she was. But some of those stares would inevitably be hostile or resentful.

It was why she always wore a hooded cloak, even when the weather was nice. The hood shielded her from more than harsh weather, but also harsh looks. But there was no time for worrying about that now. When the goblins attacked, the call went out to all fighters, and especially archers. Some of the contestants hadn't known whether to respond to the call or flee for their lives. This was supposed to be a festival; they were supposed to be shooting at targets, not goblins. But she had fought goblins before. She had drawn her bow against more than targets on many occasions when her life or the lives of others had depended on her shots flying true.

And so she had led the others when the call had come. Rallying their courage, she had quickly organized them into a firing line on the wall. Soft spoken, but sure in her words and her voice conveying a quiet confidence, she directed the shots where it would do the most good. As the battle progressed, and the baron became better able to take command, her unaccustomed role of impromptu leader was relinquished with no small amount of relief. And now as she and the others awaited the final command to fire, hidden behind the wall, her slim fingers caressed the shaft she would soon let fly, knowing that it would bring death to another enemy.

No one was staring at her now. Their attention was fixed on the battle. But no battle lasted for long.
 
The Battle of Bulkenhold would go down in the history books as one of the more lopsided defeats recorded. The bodies of approximately 1500 goblins, 20 trolls and 150 hobgoblins littered the fields around Bulkenhold. This toll is compared to the citizens and guests of Bulkenhold, where some 45 people had lost their lives, and 80 were wounded.

As the scattered remains of the goblins attack force retreated from sight. The source of the elven horns came out of the forest. It had only been a small company of elves, some 50 in total, but the horns had led the goblins to think the whole elven army was in the forest and ready to attack their flank. The elves moved toward the west gate.

The minotaur shook his head in disbelief “Damn tricky elves …I hate them!!” he whispered. Then the Baron and Minotaur clasped hands “Well fought!!” The Baron said to the Zarik as both men smiled in relief. They had both survived.

“Thank you, Baron … but this victory is yours … the trick with the archers and your victory over gutter mouth … turn the battle” Zarik was still smiling “Can you give yourself a medal?” He joked.

The baron replied “Thank you for the kind words … but you don’t get to be my age without learning a few tricks …” He looked down at the magic sword he held “I guess it will need a new name … I declare this sword to be called goblin gutter!!” He said then looking at the minotaur, they both burst into laughter. The Minotaur added “I wonder if there is any of that tasty food left … or some of that good Bulkenhold ale … I’m thirsty!!”

“Minotaurs … always thinking about food!” The baron joked and they turned to walk back to the town square. It was now that the baron saw the baroness and gasped “OH MY” and ran to her. Zarik followed and saw the strange leopard woman was free of her cage and standing next to the baroness.

The baron ran up to the baroness and gave her a big hug. “Elizabeth … are you ok?” he asked concern in his voice.

Breed saw this and got into a crouch position ready to pouch on the baron. Her tail got bushy and her claws came out. She was ready to save her new friend the baroness. Zarik saw this and walked over to the leopard woman saying and signing “it’s ok … they are friends …” he paused trying to think of the right word, then it came to him “they are mates, mated together” he explained. Breed shook her head in understanding.

The baroness smiled “Yes Ralph, I’m fine …” she said as the baron released her. She pointed to Breed and explained “This wonderful creature protected me … But I don’t think she can talk …” then looking at the bandage around Breed and then down at her own dress “but I’m afraid my dress has seen better days.” She laughed.

The Baron wanting to shake Breed's hand … held his hand out to Breed “I do not know how to thank you … but you have done me a great service … I’m in your debt” The baron said in a most serous fashion.

Breed sniff his hand … somewhat confused … then stuck her hand out too. The baron grabbed it and shook her hand gentle. “Thank you” he said.

A soldier came running up to the Baron totally out of breath “My lord … the dragon and deathsknight … come quickly!!” then he turned around and ran back to where the dragon and the knight were

The Baron took off after him. Zarik raised an eyebrow wondering what he should do. It took only a second … but he made the decision to follow the Baron. Zarik glanced up to the wall … and the unofficial leader of the archers … a hooded figure on the wall “Have as many archers … follow the Baron as possible” He suggested … and then the big minotaur lumbered after the baron, his battle axe out and ready.
 
Isola … next to a cranky fire breathing dragon!!

When the dragon’s eyes snapped open and then he ATE the two attacking goblins Isola almost fainted. “What have I done … what have I done …I should not have woken it up … he seems really CRANKY …” Isola said, talking to herself. She did not know but dragon hearing is excellent and Nas heard everything she was saying. She was also breathing rapidly, almost hyperventilating in total fear of this mammoth beast.

She had never seen a dragon before … and had not realized what a true monsters dragons are … one bite and those two goblins were GONE. They had only been a small snack for him!! And she was right next to him, between his wing and his side. She could feel his sides expand as he breathed. He was going to eat her next … she knew it.

“Maybe he won't ... being thankful for my healing and rejuvenating spells …” She said talking to herself “No he was asleep when I cast them …Maybe he likes my big boobs? All males like big boobs right? … no that is silly … he's a dragon … maybe those goblins, mollified his hunger” She shook her head “No, they were way too small …maybe he does not like how human’s taste!!” She said … finally she found an idea that would keep her from panicking … then she looked down and saw her dress was covered in goblin blood. “SHIT … I probably taste like a goblin!!” she squealed in displeasure, she knew for certain she was going to be eaten!
 
Nas and Isola

There was a cheer from within the town... a sound that only made his head ache, then there were the horns coming closer. Damned elvish horns by their airy, flittering sound. Why these little creatures bothered with such noise makers was beying Nas. After all, they couldn't roar properly, so why make such a fuss by pretending? feh! All these elves and humans and goblins were making his ears buzz.

Actually, it wasn't all that... it was some sort of chittering, squeaking sound coming from next to where he lay.

Pinned as he was, Nas could not rise, nor did he particuarilly want to do so at that moment. Instead he lifted his massive, wedge-shapped head and looked about. The long, serpantine neck turning left, than right, and finally careening backwards, curling around. Nas's head hung upside down as he looked over his own back. There, some oddly porportioned human female stood fretting and shaking like a cornered mouse.

Apparently oblivious to the fact that she was standing onNas's hip as he lay there.

The dragon's golden eyes looked at her for a moment, increduously. This silly female was standing on his back?! Did she think that he was some sort of mule to ride??

Even though he appeared upside down to her, the slitted eyes narrowed slightly, lips drew back to reveal rows of razor sharp teeth, each as deadly and effective as a sword blade. A low growl bubbled out, but the message was unmistakable, even if it was little more than a whisper;

"Get."

"Off."

"Me."
 
Isola froze as soon as the dragon’s eyes were glued on her …She just stood there frozen. He was magnificent, a gleaming mixture of red and bronze scales. He was so powerful. His eyes and the intensity in them … held her in a daze …It made her feel like a butterfly caught on a pin.

It took a good 5 seconds before she was able to break the grip he had on her mind … or had he released her. She was not sure. Then she heard his voice “Get … Off …Me”

She had heard enough tales about dragons to know you must stroke their egos … if you wanted to stay alive. “Oh Great Dragon ... your magnificent is beyond words …” Isola said as she carefully climb down the rocks which were apparently on top of the Dragon’s back. “Your expertly timed … hunger … rescue me from the goblins … and was awe-inspiring” she said to the dragon. She decided to continue “I’m but a meek wandering concubine named Isola … and I’m deeply in your debt for your timely rescue. I will be leaving you now …but if there is a service or task I could perform or perhaps a trinket I could offer you for repayment before I go …” She said as she was slowly walking backwards to get out of the reach of the dragon’s long neck and deadly jaws.
 
Nas's golden eyes blinked once, this was not quite what he had expected. He had thought to hear a bit more squeaking, then have to eat her, not lisen to the female heap praise on him. (although he would have to admit, the look on the human's face was amusing) Admittedly, if Nas had saved the human, it was completely by accident, but she didn't need to know that.

At least the female got off him.

"Well then," he started, his head rolling right side up as his neck swiveled to follow her. "Who am I to turn down a trinket offered in gratitude."
 
Breed had been helping her new friend as best she could. Moving the wounded to the safe place was about all she could do. She didn't know how to heal their wounds. When she was a hunter for her people, she knew of a few plants that could help to draw out poison from a bite, or infection from a wound. Some plants were good for medicine. But those plants grew in her homeland, far away. She wasn't sure about the plants around here.

But they managed to get the wounded people to safety, and the few goblins they had found still living were dispatched quickly and without much struggle. Throughout it all, Breed kept her senses alert for any sign of Him. She wasn't going to let herself be captured again. She would kill Him first, or die.

Suddenly a man approached, the one she had seen fighting at the side of the bull-man. He was going after her friend. Breed began to move to intercept him, but he was closer to her friend than she was. He grabbed her! It was her master, capturing her! A low threatening rumble came from deep in the throat of the leopard woman, and she regretted giving up her sword now. He had a large sword, but she would fight him to save her friend.

She flexed her claws, her tail bristling as she approached the threat. Her strong legs gathered for a pounce. Just then the bull-man stepped between her and the human who had captured her friend. His hands flashed in the sign language, and his words made her pause in her attack. She looked up at him doubtfully, but just then the human male let her friend go. The bull-man explained that the human was her friend's mate. This is something Breed understood. She was happy for her friend, but the sight of the two of them together brought a pang of feeling welling up inside her. It had been some time since her last season, and a very long time since she had felt any relief. After the time that she had fought Him, there had been no relief. He seemed to take delight in watching her suffer through her season without comfort.

But there was no time to think about that now. The human male stepped towards her, his mate by his side. Breed knew from her words that she was telling of how she had fought the goblins. The male spoke to her, but she had never heard such words from her former master. She didn't know what they meant. He extended his hand to her, holding it out, palm slightly upwards, showing it was empty of any weapons. Was this a new sign? Was he trying to teach her a new word to 'speak'? She bent to sniff his hand, cautious, but curious. He smelled of goblin blood, leather from his sword handle, sweat, the slightest hint of past fear, as if from the battle just fought. But none of these smells were unexpected, and nothing about his scent or demeanor set off her instincts. He was not threatening her.

She mimicked his action, extending her own hand like his did. He took her hand within his, and shook it up and down a few times, smiling but not showing his teeth. Then he let go. She looked at him, then down at her hand, slowly bringing it to her nose to sniff. Glancing at her new friend showed the human female smiling in the same way her mate had. Then she stepped closer and reached out to Breed, placing her hand on the leopard woman's shoulder, patting and clasping it as Breed had done to her earlier. She understood. It was the sign for friend.

**********************

The sound of the elf battle horns put the goblin horde on the run. For some of her fellow archers, it was a sound of salvation, but for Bronwyn, the sound brought forth mixed feelings. Like anyone else, she was glad the battle was won, and that she had survived. But those horns meant elvish soldiers and usually they brought haughty judgment along with them.

She loosed her shot, transfixing another goblin as he fled. They were all on the run now, so she conserved the arrows she still had remaining. Although the fighting was over, there were still fires burning in the fields. The villagers would have to be organized to fight the flames. And there was still a dragon to be dealt with. The baron and some of the other fighters left the gate to see to the wounded, and Bronwyn could see from her vantage point on the wall that the villagers were already organizing to recover.

Some of the other archers were already making as if to leave. She spoke quietly but with authority. "The goblins could regroup in the tree line. Stay on your guard until relieved. Keep a watchful eye. If they are truly on the run, we won't need to be here long."

Just then the Baron and the minotaur who had fought at his side came running back. Bronwyn nodded in response to the minotaur's instructions, singling out every other archer in the line to accompany her, then followed the baron and the minotaur. When they reached the dragon, she spread them out. She didn't want all of them to be taken out with one fiery breath. Making sure that they were deployed beyond the reach of the dragon's lunge, she assured the archers that their arrows could reach farther than his neck. "Await the baron's order to fire. But if there is any sudden moves, any treachery....Well, the killing shot wins the contest I guess."
 
So the dragon was still able to fight, good. He stepped closer and stopped, a cold chuckle coming from him,


"Arrogant. Manipulative. You remind me of Naz, a dragon I met a while ago."


He found the dragon's attention turning to him, the dragon seemed gamiliar to him, could it be the same dragon? He remembered that last time he spared the creature's life, true he had a fear of fire and that dragons breathed fire, but inside they were not so fireproof, especially against his own type of flame. He held up his hand, willing a flicker of dark flame to appear,



"Don't get any ideas, I did not spare you to fight you."
 
Nas

Others were coming now, more two-legged mammals gathered around Nas, probably moving in for what they thought would be an easy kill. Nas's head made a slow arc, his golden eyes taking in his situation. His gaze came to rest on the human female for a brief moment before continuing his scan.

"So much for praise and trinkets." he sighed.

"You remind me of Naz, a dragon I met a while ago."

His head swiveled around and took in the armored two-legged. He sounded confident....of course all these two-legs were confident with a army at their backs. Still this one seemed differet. Nas could feel the magic flowing through and around him, he could smell the death and sense the hollow soul bound in the metal skin. His eyes narrowed at the death knight, for Nas was sure that was what this abomination was.

"Perhaps so, but you are not familiar, but all you two-legs look the same to me."

"Don't get any ideas, I did not spare you to fight you."

Already a last ditch battle plan was formulating in his mind. He tugged his wing experimentally, drawing another spike of pain to shoot up into his right shoulder. Nas was confident, that he could shake off the majority of debris, but his right wing was both broken and stuck fast. He might still be able to pull himself free, but not without causing himself extensive injury.

"Strange," Nas growled. "I do not recall -you- sparing -me-. Why, was this your feeble little army I burned to ash? Next time, you will know to pay me propper tribute before daring to cross land that I claim."
 
The Baron and Zarik Arrive
Around the corner came the Baron and the Minotaur. The Baron had his new magic sword out and ready, he also knew as soon as he saw him … that this was Nas the dragon he had talked to those many years ago. Zarik was standing next to him and held his battle axe at the ready, his legs slightly bent in case the dragon breathed fire at him, he could try to spring away. Following them were the archers led by the hooded figure. As they arrived in front of the Dragon, Zarik watched as the hooded figure spread out the archers, so one fiery breath from the dragon would not take them all out. She knew what she was doing. He was impressed.

Zarik also noticed the beautiful woman Isola, who had talked to him earlier that day, was standing in front of the dragon. She was still within reach of his huge powerful jaws. For some reason she was watching the knight and the dragon argue. And she had a funny expression on her face … like she wanted to say something.

Isola
Isola wanted to say something … but these two males (the Knight & the Dragon) both of which had WAY TOO MUCH testosterone had some kind of ego thing going on. She decided to just interrupt as nicely as possible.

“Mightiest of all Dragons … Sir Knight … I have been saved by both of you on this day.” She stated loudly. “The Knight helped me when I was surrounded by goblins at the west gate … and the dragon … while he was trapped under stones … killed two goblins that were trying to kill me. I do not believe either of you are my enemy.”

The Baron did not need the truth of his arrangement with the dragon to come out. Or at least it needed to come out in the right way. With Isola's little statement, he saw an opportunity to spin the story in the correct way … he just hoped Nas played along.

“The beautiful concubine speaks truly!” The baron said loudly “This dragon is a friend of this town … he was helping us defend against the goblins … most of the dead on this field are a result of his efforts … look around you …he destroyed the goblin siege towers … this alone saved the town!! I believe he is now in need of our aid …are we going to turn our back on him? I say NO … if he were to give certain assurances … I believe we can free him from the rocks that now cover him … and treat his injuries”

The baron looked over to the Dragon and bowed “I bow to you … Nas in thanks and in honor of your great deeds this day … do I speak correctly that you do not wish us harm … and wish us to assist you?” He asked winking at the dragon … hoping Nas would not tell the people about the gold payments.
 
A strange sight for sore eyes

He had been travelling through the night. He could see the smoke and billowing clouds from the remains of battle for miles. It comforted him, finally a return to what he knew, combat. The last town he had left, he could not name, they all seemed to blind together as of late. A job here, a job there, attack this person, protect this caravan, it didn't matter. They were all bought and paid for services, but money had little importance.

Seeing the smoldering ruin of the great battle that had taken place in Bulkenhold, he could not help but stilfe a grin, a 'sorry I missed it' expression. This is what he was built for, trained for, epic battles, not piss ant small errands. Finally, back to what was familiar. He never was the fastest or strongest, surviving, that was he speciality. Exploiting an opportunity to its fullest and knowing when to take a risk. It had been a long time since he marched into battle as a proud warrior in the Elven army of Idoor, and he was wanting to get back.

As he approached the battle ridden city, the strangest of sights caught his eye. A dragon and human conversing as if dicussing some sort of arrangement. It struck him as a bit odd, but seeing the rest of the party, with their blood stained garments, he knew it was the place he needed to be. The Tigress looked fierce and wild, the Deathknight was clearly a being of power, the Dragon Nas was majestic in all his granduer. The two humans, dressed clearly in clothes that suggested promenence looked splendid, even if carrying the stains of war...humans Azazel had had his fair share of interaction with them as late. The minotaur looked true to their nature proud and mighty.

As he drew near his gaze fell upon one member in the party that caused him cease his approach. Isola. Her beauty was mesmerizing. Not only did her looks cause quite the stir in any man, but they called Azazel back to a love he once lost, the reason for his banishment, and his misery. He could not help but look upon the woman who now stood before him and reminded him of the one who had long filled his dreams.

Thinking to himself, he tried to dismiss these feelings. They had led him astray before. Its the hard heart that kills and achieves victory he reminded himself. It is the caring and longing heart that leads to dismay. Whatever had happened here, it was not by chance that brough him to the this place. As he looked around the fallen bodies of goblin and men alike, he knew he had found what he was looking for, war is what he knew and he was happy to be back in it. The only question was would they accept his aide.
 
Maut al Feres

He chuckled his cold laugh, allowing the little flame to die out,

"I only prevented a troll to cave your head in and a group of goblins to make a porcupine out of you. But if you wish to be arrogant, you lie there and rot away after dieing of hunger."

He turned away from the dragon and fixed the baron with a baleful stare,

"Very quick to ask of a dragon Baron, but do you know his real name? The name that will bind him to his word?"

He jerked a thumb at the creature behind him,

"Trust him as far as you can throw him. Paying tribute to the power hungry is not a good thing, they would always want it, no matter what happens to you."

Luckily the fires was being doused by the towns people now and his body seemed to settle down, no longer under the impulse to flee from the accursed flames.
 
Far To The East

In the barren land of the dark Kingdom of the Gerlaks, the light of the moon stretched away from the fortress walls. Strange distorted and cruel creatures could be seen patrolling the walls of the fortress. It was the only structure in this very desolate region. Why the creatures patrol was more for show then propose. The Fortress of the Gerlak, where the Demon Lords dwelled had never been something anyone had ever tried to get into. On the other hand many had tried unsuccessfully to get out.

With the small amount of moon light a giant winged creature could be seen in the sky above the fortress. The creature’s eyes glowed with their own internal dark blood red light. The creature was a least ten feet tall with large “bat” like wings. Its features were clearly demonic, with large fangs and pointed ears. But the red eyes, those were its most fearsome feature. The creature landed atop the fortress’ upper wall and then disappeared into a doorway, headed for the assembly hall.

The creature reached the assembly hall and bowed before the five demon lords seated in the semi-circle before him. The demon lords were fearsome looking creatures, as tall as two humans; these monsters were equally wide and hulking. Totally black in color, as if light itself fell into them and could not escape. Armored scales cover their humanlike form, but their faces were gruesome, with large curved back horns that grew from their eyebrows. When they spoke one could see the large fangs that dripped with hissing venom in their mouths. Nevil, the self-appointed leader of the demon lords spoke.

“Report” He hissed.

“The goblin attack on the town of Bulkenhold has failed.” The creature growled

The demon lords all looked at each other and nodded, accepting this bad news and understanding its importance.

Nevil growled, “The Goblins have always been fools … what caused this failure?”

“The town’s baron and a strange band of heroes prevented a large part of the goblin force from entering the town through the western gate. Those that got in … were killed by a leopard woman and local festival goers.” The creature paused, sure that his next statement would anger the demon lords “Deathsknight joined the humans in the defense of the town” There were angry hissing all around the semicircular table.

“The dragon Nas also appeared and destroyed vast parts of the attacking goblin force … to include their siege towers. The goblin’s managed to kill the dragon … but not before the attack was in ruin, and had collapsed. Prince Marslug was killed.” The creature finished.

“The death of the dragon is the only good news from this report” Nevil steamed as he glared at the other demon lords. “That abomination … deathsknight … he is wearisome.” He stated, the other demon lords shook their heads in agreement.

“Report on the conflict between the centaurs and the humans” Nevil commanded.

“The humans and the centaurs each believe the other is encroaching on their lands. Both are planning for a full scale war over the next incursion.”

“This is good news and what of the elves of Idoor?” Nevil asked, now in a slightly better mood hearing the news about the human-centaur conflict.

“The death of Lelon and the elves involvement continues to seed mistrust between the two races. Although this happened some time ago, elves do not forget quickly.”

“Good, the failure of the goblins is only a minor setback, but it will require our plans and time table to be moved up” Nevil stated in confidence. The other demons grunted in agreement.

“We will send our Army of Gerlaks toward the human’s main Kingdom of Palamar. This is the strongest human kingdom and should it fall … all the rest will surrender. It should be a quick and easy victory” Nevil concluded. The other demons again agree, except for one, Pevil

“What of deathsknight? He may complicate this matter,” Pevil asked.

“HA, he is but a minor force … a single being … he can do NOTHING” Nevil affirmed, “We will send a band of our Gerlaks to kill him as he leaves the town of Bulkenhold.”

Nevil did not want to lose control of this meeting, it was too important; he eyes narrowed in hatred “The forces that stand against us no longer possess the numbers or strength to defeat us! This will be the final victory, before we claim this world as ours!”

All of the demon lords began to smile evilly over this last statement.
 
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Breed walked next to her new friend when the human woman followed her mate towards the wall. The ma'an went with the bull-man to the wall in a hurry, as if there were trouble to be found there. The leopardess wanted to be closer to the bull-man who had showed her the kindness before. She wanted to fight by his side to repay the debt. And he was the only one who could talk the hand language. If she needed to say anything to these humans, he could make them understand. And if there were trouble, she would protect her friend too.

But where they gathered there was no fighting, only talking. But of more interest to Breed were the strange smells she detected. As they neared the group of humans and the bull-man, she detected a scent of carrion and death. She sniffed the air tentatively, trying to locate it's exact source. But it was a battlefield, and the scent of death was everywhere. There was also smoke from the fires, and it made it harder for her to sift through. She also caught the strong scent of reptilian, and just past the figure of her friend's mate, Breed spotted the huge creature, lying amid the rubble of the broken wall. Her fur raised along her back, and her ears laid back. Here was danger!

She stepped in front of her new friend, and barred the way forward with an arm. It was when she had moved that she located the death scent again. This time she knew where it originated. A tall knight, completely encased in metal like some of the fighters she'd been pitted against in the fights stood near. He was not natural! Breed's thick tail lashed in anger and stress. She flexed her claws, ready to use them if necessary, though she wasn't sure which was the greater threat. She wished that her friend would go away from this place, but she knew the urge to stand with one's mate, and knew her friend would not leave.

The bull-man was nearby, standing beside her friend's mate, who seemed to be talking to the large reptilian. No one was fighting, but Breed could not let down her guard. Humans had proven to be untrustworthy in the past. She watched them all warily.

++++++++++++++++++++

Bronwyn stood ready with her bow. The other archers deployed strategically around the fallen dragon, but it was becoming clear that this was not an antagonistic situation. Despite the caution being showed by all parties, it was obvious that the baron was negotiating with the dragon, not preparing to slay it. Though she remained on alert, her attention was diverted in part to the newcomer.

Her turquoise eyes took his measure, reading the signs as if reading a scroll. In point of fact, she could read the signs better than she could read a written scroll. There had not been much cause for such knowledge in the little village she'd grown up in. But it was clear to her; this new arrival was no stranger to war and fighting. The way he looked around at the havoc of the recent battlefield, his only expression not one of shock or horror, told her that he had seen worse, and often. This one was used to fighting and death. That he was Elven was clear enough, but had he come with the troop whose battle horns had sounded so near?

He seemed to be evaluating the others, each in turn. Bronwyn watched him surreptitiously. She had no reason to think he would be a threat to the baron or others. To her knowledge, there were no rifts between the elves and humans in this region. Was it only because he was Elven that she thought he bore close watching? Had her own experience prejudiced her?
 
Elves at the western gate
The small company of 50 elves, all clad in their green cloaks which blended seamlessly with the dark forest undergrowth moved towards the western gate. But their leader, Captain Irtheel, saw the baron and minotaur leave the gate and move around to the southern curtain wall, the area where the dragon had fallen. “The dragon must still live!” Irtheel stated. “Company head towards the southern wall” He ordered and the company pivoted in the direction the baron and minotaur had headed.

The baron and the dragon
The Dragon had not responded … So the baron looked over to deathsknight.

“Sir … I do not question your honor … although you sink of death and unholy foul magic. I ask that you do not question my honor or the leadership of this town. We have won a fantastic battle today. This is a time of rejoicing!! This victory in no small way is the result of this fine honorable creature lying before us. I propose the following … if Nas, his most terrible, … were to give certain assurances that he would not eat us once freed and faithfully serve this town for 1 year. That these assurances, would allow us weaker beings … to feel safe enough to liberate him from his … ah predicament?” The Baron said in his most diplomatic voice.

“What say you, Sir Dragon?” the Baron asked Nas about the proposed arrangement.

Isola added to the baron’s comments “Baron, I might have a bit of magic that will help as well. This gem” Isola held up the green jewel “is called The Emerald of Honor. The gem dulls in the presence of evil, and when a vow is broken. Should the dragon make a vow to uphold this proposal then the gem will note this … and woe to any creature that breaks their vow made upon The Emerald of Honor.” Isola said with dread in her voice.

As she finished her statement, she allowing the gem to fall back against her massive cleavage as she looked up to see what the Baron, Deathsknight and the crowd thought. But her eyes did not get that far … she noted an elf had joined the group that had gathered around the dragon. Her eyes locked on to his … and a strange feeling flooded over her … a giddy feeling in her stomach … telling her … he was special. It took a second, but she broke her eyes free of his … she pushed all those silly feeling aside, she was next to a dragon on a battlefield filled with dead all around. She needed to get out of here … not look goo-goo eyed at some elf fighter!

She also saw the arrival of the baroness and the leopardess. The strange cat-woman was acting like a guard, or protector, shielding the baroness from trouble. Last time she has seen the creature was in a cage. And it had not seemed friendly; in fact it seemed very dangerous. Isola ... knew if she survived this day ... there would be many tales to tell!!!
 
Nas

Nas's golden eyes narrowed and not for the last time, wished that he had stayed atop his little hill and watched the goblins burn the place to the ground. Damn these little two-legs! Certain assurances? Wasn't it enough that he allowed them to live in the first place?

But more had come, gawking and staring like fools at his predicament. Worse still, Nas had to admit (to himself at least) that for the moment, he was in a bad way.

"Aye, a friend to this town." he said, trying to not growl. "It was I who first saw the goblin army approach and I decided to intervene, seeing as how the town's defenses were inadequate."

His head swiveled around to look at Isola. "I see no reason to harm anyone here, especially if you were to free me."
 
The Oath

The Baron stepped forward “Nas please repeat after me …

I, Nas, affirm allegiance to the Baron of Bulkenhold or his appointed minions for one year upon my release from the curtain wall entrapment. I affirm that I will faithfully perform the duties lays upon me. I declare this upon The Emerald of Honor, or so help my eternal soul”
 
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