The Dragon Wars

[Dark Warrior]

Lheyklanth

Lheyklanth beat his large wings, slowing down his great mass as he came to rest at the foot of a cave. His body felt sore after the exhaustive battle with the Guardian. If his fears were true, and it was a Slayer, then there could well be more coming.
He gave a great sigh as he moved into the cave. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness of the cave, but when they did, the memories came back to him.
For this was not the first time he had been here; it was the second. This was a sacred cave whose location was only revealed to the Greys of the colony, and he remembered the day that the last Grey leader had shown him this very cave.
From the outside, it was completely unassuming, plain and simple, even small in relation to dragon-dwelling caves. But on the inside it was beautiful, and all around were the markings of each and every grey dragon who had been shown this place. His eyes fell upon his own personal rune, which was inscribed in the wall, and he remembered carving it with his own claw.
But this was not the only memorable thing about this cave.
According to the Legends of the Dragons, this was the very cave where the Dragon Mother lived in the years when she was creating her children. He was told that, in times of dire straits, only then should he return to this cave, and that, at such a time, the Dragon Mother might show him the way to pass the trials before him.
But no-one had told him how to summon her. He closed his one good eye, his great mind concentrating and thinking, preparing itself for the vigil before him.

 

[Zircon]

Haldram

Haldram flew back to the dreaded Island pleased that he had ‘enlightened’ Yang. Feeling very hungry after all that talk, Haldram was glad that the island was not too far away. He knew that he could bully Plengand into getting something to satiate his hunger.

Landing in the courtyard, Haldram went straight to find that cowardly Plengand. Noticing that there were a few new faces on the island, Haldram hurried. Plengand was of course, cowering in a corner in one of the deepest caverns. Haldram had no trouble finding him, as he knew that cowardly rats always hide in the deepest and darkest corners.

Haldram ate silently as he listened to Plengand’s explanation about the ‘Delegation’. Haldram let out a whelp of triumph when he heard of the outcome of the meeting between Pyrymis and Rune. Plengand had a look of sheer terror as the yell reverberated in the caverns. Throwing scraps to a grateful Plengand, Haldram left the caverns in search of Pyrymis. He hoped to find out where he can be best deployed in the war.

War. The word sent chills of excitement down Haldram’s spine.

 

[poohlive]

"Excellent, excellent. I thought the numbers would be high, but this is fantastic, beyond my calculations. The world will be ours Pyrymis, soon enough."
He tore through the last bit of flesh, before finally turning the rest down. His stomach was appeased for now, the food had done it's job.
"Well, that just leaves the training. I assume you have already begun, since most of them are such good fighters. Since I was voted as leader, I've told my own dragons to double their training. Perhaps we could let them train together, seeing as they are going to fight together. There's no reason in alienating the two groups under this alliance.
"Of course, we won't have much time before the attacks. Once our spy tells us of the certain advances, then we'll have at the most an hour to prepare. I want them quick, and agile, and not to underestimate the enemy. Humans are known for their ability to overcome even the greatest odds. I have no doubt of our victory, but I want as little slaughter of our kind as possible."
Rune scratched his nose, finding something there important.
"Well, unless you have anything more to discuss, I believe we should get started on mixing the two colonies at this unbranded meeting. Have your people found a suitable place yet?"

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Pyrymis looks over at Rune. "My explorers are not back as of yet. Give them another day, they should be back by then. In the interim, enjoy the amenities of our small community. I will have my chamberlain find you all suitable accomadations while we wait. After you have had a good nights rest, we will talk more about the training aspect of this. There is much strategy to plan for this. I am looking forward to feeling the last of the humans struggling as it slids down my gullet." Pyrymis signalled for his chamberlain to come take the Colony Dragons in hand. He also signaled for Brazous to attend him. His son gets up from his seat and approaches his father. "If you will excuse me , Rune, my son and I have some things to discuss."

 

[Dark Warrior]

Lheyklanth

Slowly, the great dragon's one good eye opened, and before him he beheld a wonderful sight.
Hours he had sat, concentrating, pouring his energy into trying to do something he had no idea how to do. But finally his efforts had been answered.
Before him was an image of the Dragon Mother: shining with brilliant light, almost so that Oldwing could not see her form. All he could see was a humanoid figure, 10 foot tall, its features and its scaly wings behind it revealed its half-draconic form.
Was this truly the brilliant Dragon Mother from the tales?
"It is I." she replied, as if reading the dragon's mind, her voice sweet beyong anything mortal.
"I...I..." Lheyklanth had no idea what to say, and he could only fumble for words.
"Speak not, Lheyklanth. You have toiled long enough." she paused a moment to let the huge dragon let out another gasp. For the first time in his life, Lheyklanth's bravery, and assertiveness were abandoning him.
"Yes, you have done much for Dragonkind, Oldwing. I know your old bones seek rest. But there is one task I still need you to do, for all of your kind."
Another pause to let her words sink in.
"The Lesser Beings move fast, faster than ever before. The battle will commence very soon... I cannot see into the future, but no doubt within a day or two. The upcoming battle will not be as easy as you and your fellow dragons believe it will be. Their leader, the mage whom you met earlier..."
"Zalemar?" Oldwing finally found his voice.
"Yes, that is the one. He is far more powerful than anything you will have ever seen before; he is more powerful than you or any other dragon is - alone. Strength in numbers is the only way you can take him down."
Lheyklanth took this into thought with a great sigh. "And the Black Knight... am I to assume he was a slayer? And if so, are there more?"
The Dragon Mother seemed about to burst out into violence for a moment, her face contorting into anger, before relaxing once more. "Yes, he was one of the Dragon Slayers, and yes, there are more. Each is as powerful as the one you faced, give or take a little. Zalemar is their... agent... in this world. He was once a wise man, a great mage who followed the ways of Good - one who would have made peace between the Dragons and Humans, if he had known of our existence. Now he is a shadow of himself, a figure to the Slayer's corruption. As such, the Slayers will fight alongside the Humans when they attack."
"This is terrible news." Oldwing spoke slowly, his eyes glinting with a light that had not been there for any of his long life. For all his tired, old bones, he still lusted for battle - real battle - and now, he had no fear of Death. It would be an escape, a cure for his broken pride.
"It is, but it is not neccessarily the end of our kind, Lheyklanth."
Lheyklanth let this sink in a moment. "I shall have to take part in the battle."
"Your skills will be vital - without you to fight alongside them, I see naught but Dragon corpses and skeletons."
"Are you saying I should lead them?" he asked, his eye now closing.
"Some will follow you, if you do. Most will not. But you alone can make the difference - do not ask me why, or how, but you will. You will know."
"This battle... where does it happen?"
"The Lesser beings know the location of the Dragon Colony, through dark and terrible magic. That is where they will attack; the mountains that have been home to the dragons for millenia."
"It would take me the best part of a day to get back to the Colony." Lhey mused.
"Indeed... there is no time to waste."
Lhey's great eye flicked open, and he half-rose.
"Then I shall leave. Thank you, Mother." he spoke.
"It was my honour, Lheyklanth. I will be looking over your battle; my blessings go with you."
And with that, Lhey felt the magic in his body pulse faster and harder.
"What...?"
"My last boon to you, Oldwing. Use it wisely." The image nodded slowly, a tiny smile spreading across its slightly warped face, before it slowly began to fade out of existence.
Once Lhey had watched the figure dissapear entirely in silence, he turned, shifting his massive bulk out of the cave, his eye blinking rapidly to defend itself from the now unfamiliar feeling of light.
And then, his great mass rose slowly into the sky, his great wings beating as he flew towards what he assumed would be his final test.

 

[Zircon]

Yang

Yang was blissfully floating in the underground pool when he heard his mother called. The dilemma of choosing sides in the upcoming war did not intrude during the brief sojourns in semi-weightlessness.

‘Yang, what happened to your body?’
‘Uhuhmmm… Nothing mother. It’s just some scratches. What brings you here?’ Yang asked hoping to change the subject about his wounds.

‘Oh. Just wanted to tell you something about the new status of the colony. Rune, the newly appointed leader has taken a peace delegation to the Exiles’ Isle. We have no word about the success yet. But I’ve confidence in Rune’s abilities to negotiate a solution. If not for his color, he’d have been a leader by now.’

‘That’s indeed good news mother. It’s about time the Exiles come home to where they belong. One Colony again…’

Lady Rhea, ever shrewd and observant, asked, ‘But why such melancholy, my son?’

Yang did not immediately answer, his thoughts whirling in the upcoming war. His mother, the ever patient Blue, would understand the delay.

‘Mother, do we really have to go to war?’

‘War!? War with whom, dear?’

‘War with the Lesser Folks. Did you not know that? We’re going to war, because the Lesser Folks have gathered their armies and are preparing to march against us…’

‘Don’t be silly dear. Rune would never involve us in a war. He’s trying to reconciliate the Colony and the Exiles. The Lesser Folks are just blustering, showing their teeth, so to speak. They threaten, bang their swords and shields, and then go home when its suppertime. They are of no concern. The concern right now is the reconciliation efforts.’

‘But mother, war is inevitable, and its not against our kin. Pyrymis had attacked Caemlyn. That tantamount to a declaration of war, whether we agree or disagree about it. The question now giving me fitful sleep is which side am I on, and why?’

‘What on earth do you mean which side you’re on!? Of course, you’re on our side, because you’re a Dragon.’ Rhea said that matter of fact.

‘But mother, which side is ‘our’ side? The one who destroys the Lesser Folks, or the one that says live and let live?’

‘My dear son, if the Lesser Folks have indeed taken up arms against us, then we must protect ourselves.’

‘That’s what troubles me. We’re deliberately involving ourselves in the annihilation of a race, races. How do we stand when we’re judged by the great Dragon Mother?’

Rhea had no answer for Yang, and so she left him to his brooding, even as she was confused herself about the impending war. She made the decision to question Rune when he returns from his peace mission. For now, it seemed that war was on everyone’s minds.

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Pyrymis brings Brazous back to his private chambers. "Ok my son, I am proud of the work you have done so far. You have handled yourself well, and made a name for yourself. I need you to go on a spying mission against the humans. We need to know if they are going to go to war with us. I need as much advanced warning as I can get. I need you to leave immediately, I hope you ate well at dinner. "

Brazous looks at his father "Of course, I will leave now to go to the humans and find out the information that you need. Keep an eye on this Rune, he is entirely too smooth for his own good."

"Ah son, I have not lived all these years to take anything at face value, but I appreciate your counsel. Go and come back to me soon. Our efforts hinge on the information that you bring back. "

"Yes Father, I am going. Keep the colony together till I get back." Brazous walked out of the chambers and took wing as soon as he could see the sky. He flew back towards the mainland..

 

[Zircon]

Haldram

Soon, Haldram would be rid of the smelly, damp, and generally unpleasant tunnels and caves. Even the tunnel that led towards Pyrymis’ chambers smelled. It had seemed that even after all these long years in exile that Haldram would be fairly set into this new place. But the smell of prison would take far longer to get rid of.

Strutting resolutely, with the fiery taste of the impending war in his mouth, Haldram entered Pyrymis’ chambers. He knew that meeting back with Rhea had to wait. He did not know when but the time had to be soon.

‘Well met, Pyrymis. Caemlyn is completely defenseless. They are still reeling from our previous attack. And the good thing is that they will be unprepared if we attack en-masse again. Should be a walk in the park this time. We’ve licked Lheyklanth sufficient enough for him not interfere. Plus, this time we’ve the full force of our brethren. That should reduce Caemlyn to a memory.’

Rubbing his chin in a thoughtful manner with his stub of a limb, Haldram noticed a subtle exultation air about Pyrymis. It seemed that the meeting with the ‘Delegation’ had gone well.

‘The rat-disguised-as-a-Dragon Plengand has told me about the ‘Delegation’. Rune is a smart one, although I do not know of him much. Better be careful with that one. To business then. Brazous has a smile on his face when I passed out on the hallway. So, do you have anything to make me smile?’

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Pyrymis looks over at his long time comrade in arms. "I am glad to see you made it back safe and sound. I have another mission in mind for you if you do not mind. Since there is a delegation here from the colony, I would like us to send at least one person to the colony in return. There are few dragons that I would entrust with this responsibility , but you are one of them. Please say that you will. I need to have someone that I trust explicitly at the colony. I am not totally trusting of Rune. So what is your answer? "

 

[Zircon]

Haldram

'The answer is Yes, Pyrymis. I'll go back to the colony as a 'representative' of the Exiles. One question though, do you want Rune, alive or dead, if and when he interferes with your plans?'

Haldram waited expectantly for Pyrymis' answer. He did not care one way or the other. Although, a dead Dragon would make things much easier, and faster.

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

"I am not sure my old friend as of yet. He seems to wield a lot of power. This is the first time in my memory that someone other than a grey has led the colony. That in and of itself says a lot. I would say that I will have to make a decision further down the line. Now off with you now. Dont forget to have a full meal before you go. I do not want one of my best dragons to die of hunger. "

 

[Dark Warrior]

Lheyklanth

Lheyklanth flew down into a great clearing in the middle of a forest, his wings beating to get him safely to the ground. He had been flying for some time and was quite tired, and was grateful for the chance.
"Well, it is not every day that a dragon flies down and lands right next to you."
Lheyklanth turned abruptly at the crackled voice behind him. His eyes fell upon a hunched figure in grey and white robes, the frail form resting on a staff, the robe's cowl covering his face so that it could not be seen.
"Human... I wish you no harm..." Lheyklanth boomed.
"Oh, I know, I know. I am more than just an old man leaning on a staff, you know." the figure said, striding out of the shadows of the trees. He reached a frail hand up and pushed back his cowl, revealing a grey face and milk-white eyes, with no pupils. The man's gaze made Lheyklanth uncomfortable.
"What be you then, human?" the dragon asked, his voice softer now that he knew the old man had no fear.
The old man chuckled. "Why, I be Mharkall. I am a wizard - but fear not, for I am on your side." the old man said. Lheyklanth's eyes narrowed.
"Do you know the one called Zalemar, and is he your friend?" the dragon asked.
"I know him, yes. He was a friend, once, before the Corruption took him. There is much to be told. Please, be patient, and I shall give you my full story." The old man said. The great dragon nodded, and made himself comfortable. The old man smiled and gestured towards the trees, from where a man strode, a bow in his hands and an arrow in the quiver. A sword also hung by the man's side.
"May I introduce my friend, Oreniel, the Half-Elf. Now, Oreniel and I shall tell you our tale, for it is not co-incidence that we meet here, great dragon."

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Without waiting for Haldrams response, Pyrmis goes back to his chambers. He has much planning to do. These lesser folks may move fast and he wanted to be ready for them.

 

[poohlive]

"So little time and yet so much to do."
The muscle that he had left the colony with were beside him. Their eyes cast darkened glances down the corridor of where he had graciously been given a chance for rest. One which he sorely needed. after a day of flying and much deliberation, sleep was all entirely needed.
Of course, tomorrow is when the real plan would begin. Power doesn't come easy, even to the powerful.
"Don't look so obvious," he scowled, as the two red's stopped glancing back at the corrider, "If they'd have wanted me dead, they would have done so already."
"Then what are we looking for?"
"You'll know when you see it, I suspect it'll be here sure enough."
Turning over, he finally closed his eyes. Sleep came soon afterward.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Lheyklanth

Lheyklanth slowly stood up, stretching his old body.
"So that is your entire story, then?" he asked the mage. The half-elf rested against a tree not far off, his bow resting against him. He still gave the dragon a skeptical look.
"That is it." the old mage said with a sigh as he stood up with the aid of his pine staff. "So will you help us?"
The grey dragon breathed heavily, contemplating the man before him. Was this aged, tiny man really everything he said he was?
"I shall help you. We must hurry... ride on my back, both of you." Oldwing said, lowering his body again. The half-elf leapt to his feet, one hand straying to his sword hilt as he moved forward to help the old mage onto the dragon's back. After the mage was on, the half-elf pulled himself next to the mage with skill and amazing agility.
"And we are off." the old dragon said to himself, before he slowly began to take to the air.
"Hold on tight, I'm not used to flying with people on me..."

 

[chewbacca71]

Brazous

Brazous went to the next nearest settlement of Prydain. He landed a few miles from town and changed to human form . He entered the town and could immediately see that the humans were starting to mobilize for a war footing. He could see the piles of weapons and armor in piles along the town square. Fletchers were working feverishly to create piles of goosedown arrows for that army. Men were doing weapons drills in the middle , the sound of swords on wooden posts a constant sound. The thwack of arrows striking a target rang in his ears. Brazous was very concerned at this point, seeing that like rats; they may be able to overwhelm the dragons by pure numbers. He quickly exited the town and went back outside town. He changed back to dragon form and vaulted into the air. He flew towards the Dwarven settlement of Redrock, his wings making the journey fast. He was sure that he would see similar sights at the dwarven community. But he was determined to make a full report to his father, they had to know what the lesser folks readiness was for the upcoming war.

 

[Zircon]

Yang

Yang exited the underground lake, not knowing his destination, except that the Colony now held no answers for him. The Gold, frolicking in the river even held no interest for him. With a curt nod to Lady Jelas, Yang took to the skies once more in a futile search for answers. Answers that will determine his fate and that of the Dragon Kind.

The freedom of flight was one thing that Yang cherished most. No other sentient creatures had this ability, and this set the Dragon kind apart. Nevertheless, there were also vast differences between the races. And yet Yang was puzzled. The Dwarves were different from the Elves. The humans were different from these other two major races. Now, all of these races had a common enemy, the Dragons. Yang, from his lofty heights, could see that mobilization had reached a frenzied pace. Old swords and armor, dredged out from oblivions, now shone with anew brightness. Even crude farm implements had been pressed into service. Young boys, barely with whiskers on their chins, marching and strutting to impress village girls, while old veterans sit and snicker and await the start.

All along the coast and inlands, the same scene was being played out. The pennants of professional armies fluttered in the wind, and the war-horses chaffed at the delay. Massive war-engines were slowly threading across the landscape in the direction of the colony. It would be not be long before they reach their destination. When Yang saw this, he knew that the Colony had less time than earlier anticipated.

A decision had to be made now. The engines can hurl deadly spears high in the air, thus negating any flight advantage that the Dragons had. Sickened to the bone at his decision, Yang ascended to greater heights and made his dive, with the fireball brewing in his mouth. For a few hours, the smoke of burning flesh and wood filled his nostrils. Those who could, wildly flung swords and spears at Death that descended upon them. When it was finally done, Yang had gained the Colony some extra time to prepare for what will be a more ferocious assault.

Sometimes, it was not whether a decision had to be made, but a decision that was thrust upon. Yang did not look back at the destruction that he had wrought.

 

[Zircon]

Haldram

Haldram had not known such happiness for a long, long time. The flight back to the Colony took a blink of an eye in his mind. He resolutely ignored his rumbling stomach as he wasted little time to carry out Pyrymis’ orders. He would soon be with Rhea again, and that thought alone spurred him on despite his hunger.

Haldram hoped that the colony was up to speed on the situation. There was little time to waste on such frivolities as status and protocol. He knew he had to take charge of the situation, for war was knocking at the gates, even if some chose to close their eyes. And so, in his mind, the cooperation of the Elders was paramount. And what better way to achieve that goal than to get Rhea, a well respected Blue, to speak on his behalf.

The underground lake, shimmering in gloom, greeted Haldram. The calm waters called to him, to rest his weary body, but his heart and will was stronger, thus drowning that call. A lot of other Dragons gave him peculiar looks, but made no attempts to accost him. His size and fierce demeanor may have something to do with the timid nature.

‘What!… What are You doing back here? I thought you’re exiled on the pain of death by Lheyklanth…’ asked Authreate, a wizened White, one of the Council members.

‘Well met, Authreate. Oh, nothing spectacular, except to save your whiny ass against angry mobs of Lesser Folks who are now, as we banter, gathering in hopes of celebrating the demise of the Dragons. Perhaps, in your centuries long slumber that you fail to wake up when the door is being knocked,’ Haldram bunched himself up to his full size, his shoulders reaching the roof, as he glared at Authreate.
Shrinking back, Authreate replied, ‘Rune has decreed no such thing as to allow the Exiles back. We can take care of ourselves against the puny and insignificant races that are gathering to march.’

Sighing at the massive arrogance shown by Authreate, Haldram said, ‘My dear, Authreate. I’m not here to waste time on what Rune has allowed or not. What I’m here for is for the entire Dragon Kind. And that includes your arrogant and stupid hide. The Lesser folks are many, more than you can count with your four paws. By sheer numbers alone they can overwhelm us. So get your head out of your behind, and start thinking. Or is that a much too hard a task for you?’

The last question lingering as echo in the cavern as Haldram pushed pass Authreate in search of Rhea.

‘Haldram…’ It seemed that Rhea found him first.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Lheyklanth

"There is the Colony." Lheyklanth said as his weary wings began to slow their beating. Before them was the great mountain chain the Dragons called home.
"Incredible..." The half-elf, Oreniel, said.
"Indeed." Mharkall agreed.
"I wonder what the other dragons will think of my return." Oldwing said, as much to himself as to the two Lesser folk.
"We shall see soon, Old One." the mage said as Lheyklanth dropped his altitude a little and began to fly towards the mountain chain.

 

[chewbacca71]

Brazous

Shaking his massive head in consternation, Brazous flew away from the Dwarven kingdom. They were in much the same state of readiness as the humans were. He was determined to report to his father that the Lesser Folks would be at the Colonies doorstep in a day or so. He decided to take a flyby the Colony to see exactly how serious they were to repel the invaders. Brazous flies by a scene of devastation and mentally congratulates the dragon that caused it. He can see that the humans are no longer only a day away but closer to 3 days, and they will think twice seeing the destruction in their path. Brazous continues to ride the wind currents on the way to the Exiles.

 

[Zircon]

Haldram & Rhea

‘Rhea…’ Haldram’s words choking in his throat as his eyes beheld Rhea again.

The stares from the other Dragons became more pronounced, as a huge Red and a Blue were snout-to-snout, eyes lost in each other, even as no words were forthcoming from either one. Knowing that it was an embarrassing situation to be in, both Haldram and Rhea walked to the underground lake, where their affection with each other could be expressed without reservation.

‘How have you been?’ Rhea asked, breaking the silence.

‘I’ve been well. As well as expected under the circumstances. But that’s all in the past. Lhey is gone, and Rune has reconciled the lost branches of Dragon Kind. I’m back, and that’s all that matters. But now, we have a crisis that affects all of Dragon Kind.’

‘I know. But that’s insignificant when compared to the reconciliation of Dragons,’ said Rhea.

Nodding his head, Haldram just relished in the presence of his beloved after the long exile. No unnecessary words passed between them for a long while.

‘EVERYONE… Oldwing is back… Oldwing is back…’ the booming announcement reverberated through the cavern.

Haldram perked up immediately at the complication that was just announced. Rhea had a big smile on her face, but Haldram’s mind was running at full speed. He had not really begun to assess the readiness situation here at the colony. Moreover, he did even want to think about how Lhey’s return would affect Pyrymis’ plans. He needed to send an initial message to Pyrymis. In the meantime, Haldram vowed to learn as much as possible about the implication of Lhey’s return.

‘Excuse me, Rhea. I need to do something first before greeting Lhey…’ Haldram strode off to find the good-for-nothing Green, Tolitre, which had accompanied him on this mission.

‘Toli, you need to fly back immediately to the island, as fast as you can. Faster if you can manage it. Tell Pyrymis that his old foe is back. Tell him that further messages will be forthcoming. Do you understand everything that I’ve just said? Yes? Then why are you still here…’

Haldram returned deeper into the caves, to where Lhey was receiving his greetings. There were some mixed reaction to Lhey’s presence, but on the general, feelings of felicity prevailed.

‘Well met, Lhey. Don’t be too surprised by me being here. Your successor, Rune, have gone through a lot of trouble to reconciled dissevered branches of Dragon Kind. I hope that your return will not spell an end to his efforts. I hope that we can be friends again. Let bygones be bygones. We have a crisis on our hands. No doubt your guests are pertinent to this.’

Haldram looked at his old friend, waiting for a sign saying that old hostilities had been put aside to face this crisis. Lhey’s face had gotten more careworn, and much, much older since the last time Haldram saw him.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Lheyklanth

Lheyklanth met with the dragons as they greeted him, and, whilst they seemed warm enough, many cast sideways glances at the old mage and the half-elf who had ridden atop Lhey's back, obviously wondering what the greatest Dragon was doing with two of their enemies just before what may be the end of one or the other of the forces.
It was then that Haldram made his entrance, and the other dragons moved aside to let the red closer to Lheyklanth, knowing the two had been friends long ago and that Lheyklanth would need to meet with Haldram.
After Haldram's greeting, Lheyklanth considered the dragon before him. "It is good to see you again, Haldram, if somewhat surprising. Still, the fact that you are willing to let old grudges be settled - or at least postponed - is vital, for I have heard startling news about the strength of the army against us. We shall need every dragon in the upcoming battle, and we shall need them soon."
"Excuse me Oldwing, allow me to introduce myself." came a quiet voice from beside the great dragon. Despite its low volume it was noticed by every dragon in the chamber, especially Haldram, who saw the old human who had spoken for the first time. "I am Mharkall, of the Mages. And this is my travelling companion, the half-elf Oreniel. We are here to aid you in your battle against Zalemar and his forces."
There was a low mumble from the dragons in the meeting chamber, and, no doubt, for the mage and the half-elf, it would be the most loud noise they had ever heard. The half-elf still stared at all the dragons in disbelief.
Lheyklanth knew what was going on; why he would allow a human to speak to them, and why he would seek the aid of a human. Although the dragons were too respectful or frightened to say anything directly, Oldwing knew what was on their minds.
"I know it must be hard for you to accept," the grey dragon spoke, "But you have my word that these travelling folk are entirely on our side. And I would like you to treat them with the respect that they have shown me. The mage may even the odds against Zalemar, and the half-elf has shown me his skills with the bow; he can hit a target with perfect accuracy from a dragon's length away, at least. He has taken an oath to defend the mage, Mharkall, with his life, and may be essential in the fight against Zalemar. Now, enough of this. There is much explaining to be done. I would like someone to summon all the dragons you can find here at the colony, for this is where they will strike. I would do the act myself, but I have flown long and hard over the last days, and I yearn for a rest."

 

[chewbacca71]

Pyrymis

Pryrmis sat back in the large wooden chair. He looked at the dragons before him and contemplated the information that they brought him. They had found a few places for the combined dragons to go. One was on the mainland, but many leagues from the nearest large concentration of the lesser folks. The other was on an island many leagues out to the sea, even further than the exiles Island was. Pyrymis thought hard about these two choices. While the land base might put them closer to the humans, and more in harms way; it would also give them a foothold to start conquering. The island may be harder to assault, but it would also be harder to launch an attack from.

Pyrymis sent one of this pages to see if Rune was available to come talk to him about this. Pyrymis waited patiently in his chambers for Rune to arrive. He went over the details in his head. This was not just a decision for him to make alone, this was a decision that may change the destiny of all dragons. He would surely need to consult with Rune about this. Chewing on his claws in nervousness, Pyrymis sat in his chair.

 

[Guest]

As fin followed his friend, he found out that there was a war about to begin "If you don't get back to your home where ever it is, there may not not be a home!"

"But what ab-" Fin was silenced instantly, "Listen! My forces will be part of the dragons, I o you fin."

Fin turned around, ready to leave. "Thanks shim, I better be off so I can prepair!" With that fin jolted off 'damn if only I found this out sooner I could have wanred every bodie!'

***********
Fin made one stop to the village he hung out at, warning the whole village. "I have to leave, I must see if my village needs my help."

"bye bye Fin!"

"Be careful, we heard what happened to Z"

"Right...."

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


Fin stumbled as he landed "need practice" As he walked in the moutain, he was stoped by his freind Blue "Good, the councle is lisening to oldwing right now,"

"OLDWING!?!" Blue nodded then she turned to the councle hall "Did you find what you nedded?" Fin nodded himself "I know about the war, and I have recived help..... from hummans" Blue lightly laughed at Fins hesitation "So did old wing! Come, This may help the war."

 

[Zircon]

Haldram

Haldram sent one more of his underlings to Pyrymis after hearing the grand announcement of Lhey. Pyrymis would need to hear of this new development himself. Since old hostilities had been put aside until after the war, Haldram saw no reason why Pyrymis and Rune should not be here listening to the new strategy session that Lhey and the newcomers were about to conduct. Lhey was slowly usurping back the powers that he had given up on. Haldram did not know the extent of the powers of the newcomers.

Besides, Pyrymis really needed to be in this War Council, since Lhey announced that the intended front of the war would be the Draklor Chain. Unless of course, Lhey wanted Pyrymis in the council so that he could get rid the Black. This would be a good opportunity to show that Lhey had not lost his touch. Well, this was the chance that Pyrymis had to weigh. Haldram could not help out in this matter.

Nevertheless, the newcomers may be able to shed some light on the Black Knight, and ways to defeat him. And that alone would compel Haldram to strongly convince Pyrymis to join the War Council in person. And this was the message that Haldram sent to Pyrymis.