The Dragons of Ragnos

[Optimas]

Sharm and Jared

He moved to the door of the hut and looked out he pushed the door thinking it would be locked but it eased open into the daylight, it hurt his eyes. He could see a few humans so he put the hood up on the cloak and stepped
into the daylight.

There were people milling around in the village street, some moving food and wares others talking amongst themselves. No one paid him any attention, and he moved into the throng of people hoping to go unnoticed. Sharm had to find the egg but where should he start? he looked around and saw the barn that had burnt down, he moved to it and saw a figure standing by the remains.

It was a tall man late in years, with a long white beard, and a long cloak. The man turned and found Sharm`s gaze, he looked surprised to see Sharm. Sharm was surprised the man did not scream, Sharm moved closer to the man curiousity getting the better of him.

"Hello Sharm," The man had a smooth voice, "I am surprised your up already we have alot to discuss, and time is short." Sharm was sure the man meant no harm but he remained ready fro signs of danger.

"How do you know my name?" Sharm was puzzled.

"You were forseen, let me explain. I am Jared, and Im a wizard, for years I watched over the great city but when unrest became the norm I left and unded up here. It is not much but an old man like me needed peace." Jared moved a hand through his beard. "My skill is in foretelling futures."

"Futures? don't you mean Future." Sharm looked puzzled, and was anxious about the egg.

"Oh you silly Goblin, not all is set in stone - there are certain points that will stay but a lot is to do with individual action. The reaction sphere is where a bubble of reality can be changed from the inside but only till the edge of the bubble. It is a simple way to explain the complicated but I hope you under stand." Sharm looked puzzled.

"Thats nice Jared, but where is my bag? and my belongings."

"Oh you mean the egg" Sharm looked at Jared and weighed up what to do - He would see what happens first.

"Yes it is precious to me, where is it, tell me now." Sharm could feel his voice rise, the egg held a strong bond with him and this unnerved Sharm greatly. He felt almost incomplete without it by his side.

"It is precious to many my friend, and I am not your enemy, I will take you to your belongings and then we will discuss the egg, for it is guarded by a wolf with one eye."

While Sharm followed Jared they talked. Sharm asked Jared about his escape from the burning building, and why he had not been killed.

"The burn on your chest, it is a sacred marking from the gods, even the peasants here know its meaning. They brought you to me. I fixed you up the best I could but strange creatures began searching round the outskirts of the village. I placed a spell around the village to stop them finding you. It will not last forever but It has been beneficial to your healing. The only beast It did not put off your scent was the big wolf who lays by the egg now."

 

[Angelus]

As they once again flew towards their destination Alex felt the exhiliration of being in the air on the back of Selangra but there was something that called to him. He knew that there was something before him that was calling; something that he desperately wanted, something that desperately wanted him. He wanted to ask Selangra to go faster but he knew that she was giving him as much as she could and he did not want to ask that of her. She was his partner in every sense of the word and he knew that he did not want to go on without her. He held on tighter with his legs and leaned down, feeling her skin beneath his cheek.

It is not far my friend and then we will be in the place we most wish to be.

I know, I can feel something in the air although I do not know what. It calls to us both Alex and I know it is something the both of us cannot ignore.

He did not say another word but as he looked up to see that the sun was setting he knew that they would have to land again. It was true that he wanted to get there but he also knew that they both had to rest as they had been a long way in the past few days. He knew that even if he looked back he would no longer see the mountains and although he was happy about that as he knew that he was leaving that life behind there was a part of him that wished he were still there with Samuel. He shook his head and laughed, there was no way going back to that life and there is no way that he wanted to.

Selangra began to descend and Alex looked down at the ground that was rapidly climbing up to meet them, not worried how fast they were going. He knew that she would slow down and they landed before he even realized it. When they were on the ground he got to the ground, took off his harness and looked at her.

I am sorry that we had to land my friend but I do not want the both of us to be exhausted before we get to where ever it is we are going.

We both know where we are going. You are having the same vision as I, you cannot lie to me about that. There is a tomb out there that has something to do with the both of us, it has something that will make us stronger. I do not know what that is any more than you but I know that I want to find it; to help you become who you are meant to be.

Alex smiled at Selangra as he started to make a fire. She knew him far too well and it had only been a short manner of time. As soon as the fire was going he lay down next to it to get warm and looked at Selangra. He knew that he had never seen a dragon before, except in his dreams but he was convinced that she was a beautiful dragon, as far as dragons went. He leaned on one hand and looked into her eyes, asking her the same question that he had asked her several times before, how she came to be here. She laughed, something that shook the ground beneath him and told him that he already knew the answer to this so it was time for him to tell her why he was here.

"You already know the answer to that my dear friend. I have told you that several times before. As for what I am doing here with you, close to the Imperial City I want to see what is in that place, that tomb. I want to see what is calling to the both of us; I need to see if what is in that tomb is really meant for us as I think that it is or if what I am dreaming is nothing more than that, a dream."

Selangra looked at him then moved her head closer so that her eyes were right in front of him.

Do not think that for one second. It is meant to be for us; do you not see, feel that within us. What we are meant to be is in that tomb and I know that when we reach it and take whatever it is nothing will be able to defeat us or do you forget the dream of the other rider?

That shook Alex but he knew that she was right. He also knew that no matter what he would not be defeated by the other rider, be it on the ground or the air. He would not be defeated by anyone ever again.

After they had something to eat Alex lay down next to Selangra again, feeling her warmth against him. When he closed his eyes a vision came to him and this was different to any before it. He now wore the armor that he knew belonged to him but he was now on the ground, a sword and shield in his hands. He let out a laugh as he saw his enemies come towards him then looked behind him to see the large army. They ran towards each other with a shout and he pushed down his visor as he waited for them to come closer. As soon as they were close enough his sword glowed red as always and he moved to cut down his enemies, slicing through armor as easily as through naked flesh. It was then that he heard a roar and looked up to see Selangra.

He opened his eyes and slowly got to his feet then turned to look at Selangra, noticing with a smile that she was still asleep. After he ate he noticed that she was slowly waking up and said with a smile, "Good morning."

Not everyone can be as bright and cheerful as you in the morning.

He laughed.

 

[Optimas]

The wolf who guards the egg

"I Have been waiting for you Sharm." The wolf spoke in the tongue of man with a husky deep tone.
Sharm moved with care towards the cave mouth, the giant wolf watching him with predatory eyes.

"You have something that is mine and I want it back." Sharm was feet away from the wolf his hand resting on his sword hilt.

"You would be dead by now if I wanted it to be so. . . little goblin, look around you." Sharm looked around and could see eyes surrounding him, he had been silly to come alone. Jared had offered to come but he had helped Sharm enough - now he wished he had let him come.

Sharm dragged his magic sword clear and the hidden blade shimmered between existing and a deathly nothingness.

"Put the sword away and listen to the beasts of the land, or die. It is your choice." The wolf with one eye leapt down with a low growl. Sharm thought about his position and decided to lower his sword for the time being. "We may look like savage creatures but we have hopes and dreams like all things. There is a old story passed from elder to pup from the last generations. " The wolf began to circle Sharm. "It goes like this. . . stop me if this does not sound like fate." The wolf paused and composed itself remembering a story told to him by his elders long ago. . .

"A pack leader will lose sight of the evil and know that his job is to protect the land when balance is not held. A dark green night will envelop the world in the wings of a demon. Only a few will stand to protect the unknown before the final days and only the one chased by the one eyed leader will hold the uncertain key to the king of all beasts the dragon of the south." The wolf paused and sat in front of Sharm. "My name is Hia of the glade, You will be free and we will leave you to your destiny, we may even help you in your cause one day but I must speak to my pack." The wolf turned and padded away, the other wolves had disappeared without a sound. He turned and looked at Sharm with his one eye, "please can I see one thing, you should have a marking on your body, show me."

Sharm was taken by surprise, he pulled off his cloak and his jerkin revealing his lithe green torso, on his right arm and across his chest a strange glow ebbed from his skin, a golden pattern of light that seemed to move of its own accord. The wolf looked at him briefly then turned and skulked away. Sharm was on his own he moved up to the cave and picked up the egg. He looked around the clearing and pulled free some wood for a fire.

 

[EHawkins]

Ghosts of Thelassa

<OOC>
Sorry if this is a bit long...

<IC>

Mirah stood at the edge of the world. Salty sea spray wet her cheeks as she looked out over the horizon that blazed with oranges, reds, and purples. The eerie quiet of the sunset was only broken by the crash of waves on the rocks where she stood.

Where am I?

“Invictus?” She yelled above the roar of the surf. “Invictus!”

There was no answer except for the endless rhythm of the waves…

Mirah tried to brush her dark hair away from her face as the wind whipped around her, but she didn’t see her dragon. She hopped down from the slick rocks, careful not to lose her footing as she made her way onto the beach. The course sand crunched beneath her feet and she made her way up a dune. Sea oats sprouted from the top and waved in the wind, beckoning her to come.

When she reached the top, Mirah paused at the top of the dune. She glanced around and saw frigid, endless ocean to one side of her, and sandy hills that the inland greenery tried to conquer.

“Where the hell am I?” She murmured.

Suddenly, the wind picked up even more and Mirah shielded her eyes from the blowing sand. There was a thunderous roar above and her eyes snapped skyward. There, descending was a great black dragon. Every time the huge beast beat its wings, another gust blew across her. It reminded her of Invictus, yet this one was somehow longer, more stream-lined. Its body undulated like a serpent’s as it rode the currents of air down to the beach.

Mirah watched in awe as the dragon touched down some feet away from her. It flapped its dark, iridescent wings and let out a screech. She stood there, near frozen in place, when it bowed its head. On the dragon’s back was a rider—an elven rider. His long, dark blonde hair fluttered in the breeze and he inclined his head as well.

“Mirah Sol…” he said.

The elven man slid down from the back of his dragon. Mirah heard the sound of his dark scale mail jingle as he approached. His storm-grey eyes were quiet, and serious, and she couldn’t take her own away from him.

“You won’t find Invictus. Not here.”

The voice was familiar to Mirah; she’d heard it before. This voice was much younger to her ears now, but she was sure that it was the same ancient voice that had uttered Thelassa in her ear.

“Is this real? ” Mirah whispered. “Who are you?”

The elf smiled slightly at the young woman’s barrage of questions as he took off his rider’s gloves.

“I am Val,” He said, “And behind me is Reza…”

The black dragon snorted at the sound of his name and pawed at the sand dune, impatient to have his Rider back.

“Before you and Invictus, we were the last Rider and black dragon pair. We’re little more than restless ghosts now. We’ve been waiting a very long time for a new pair—we’ve been waiting for you Mirah, and Invictus.”

Val paused for a moment and reached out to touch Mirah’s cheek with a cold, ethereal hand.

“You dream now.” He said. “It takes too much to reach out to you in the waking world. Here, I’m as real to you as anything.”

“There were others. I felt…others.”

“Those were past Riders of black dragons. I gather they came to acknowlege your right to seek Talas.”

A chill went through Mirah as she remembered the whispered one of us. There had been shadowy figures on the cave’s walls, and she still remembered the eerie crush of bodies against her. They’d been eager to pull her into the fold.

“Talas?”

“Did I not say that you’d raise Talas from a thousand years of dust?” the elf said. “The trident, Talas, is the right of every worthy black dragon Rider. It has been passed down from Rider to Rider in an unbroken chain for hundreds of years. I was the last to receive it.”

Val motioned for Mira to walk down to the beach with him. She hesitated at first, and then followed. Reza let out a low growl, annoyed that his Rider was walking off with another. He stopped at the edged where shore met sea and the tide, blue-grey as his eyes, washed up against his boots.

“Recovering Talas is the least of your worries at the moment. Your bond with Invictus is weak, and it’s not just because he’s so young.”

The elf turned to her and smoothed his long, wind-blown hair behind a pointed ear.

“I can feel your doubt.” Val said. “I can feel your reluctance to accept him in the back of your mind. This will only cripple your bonding with him and set you back. Stop fighting your instincts, Mirah. If you don’t, other Riders, if there are any, will be well ahead of you.”

“But I don’t… I didn’t want this!” Mirah said. “I was perfectly content with being a thief—I was good at it, at least. He's so young anyway that I’m afraid that I can’t take care of him or that I won’t raise him right. I don't... I don't know what the hell I'm doing even under the guidence of a man who's lived damned near forever!”

The elf chuckled and patted her on the shoulder.

“No one asks for this. No one asks for destiny to tumble through their door.”

“Or roof…” Mirah groused.

“Truth.” Val said. “But it’s still yours. Everything in your life: your parents abandoning you, you coming into a life of thievery at a young age, Surin, a skilled thief, taking you under his wing… All those things have led you to Invictus and this moment. Fate doesn’t so much find you, Mirah as it leads you through until you reach the pinnacle of your purpose. Trust your instincts and you’ll know what to do for yourself and for Invictus when the time comes, and you will be a most unique pair, indeed.”

Val reached into the neck of the scale mail armor that he wore and took out a small crystal pendant. He put it into Mirah’s small hand and it glowed a faint blue before he closed her fingers over it.

“Come to the edge of the world….” He whispered in her ear. “This will help you find Thelassa. Reza and I will be waiting and when you claim Talas, you’ll finally join the hands of hundreds of Riders and they’ll be behind you.”

Val caressed Mirah’s cheek one last time, and he turned to meet Reza who’d come down from the dune. The elf gracefully bounded up onto Reza’s back, and the dragon beat its wings, kicking up sand. Mirah shielded her eyes as Val and Reza rose higher into the night sky and as they faded, the beach, the sound of wing beats, and waves slowly faded into nothing…

*****​

Mirah woke with a start. She found herself next to the fire and Invictus was looking down on her. She smiled slightly as his fork tongue licked at her to try and wake her up She didn’t know how she’d gotten next to the fire.

“Easy Invictus…” she mumbled softly.

There was something in her hand, something hard and crystaline with a faint, bluish sheen. It seemled like it had been broken in half and strung up on a leather cord.

“Val,” she said quietly. “Reza…”

 

[blaster8]

Mirah woke with a start. She found herself next to the fire and Invictus was looking down on her. She smiled slightly as his fork tongue licked at her to try and wake her up She didn’t know how she’d gotten next to the fire.

“Easy Invictus…” she mumbled softly.

There was something in her hand, something hard and crystaline with a faint, bluish sheen. It seemled like it had been broken in half and strung up on a leather cord.

“Val,” she said quietly. “Reza…”

Cris had been watching Mirah while she slept, and even as she slept, Cris picked up the scent of confusion from her. Something in her dreams has her confused. What could it be? wondered Cris.

He saw Mirah awake with a start. The sun was just starting to cast away the dark of night outside, marking the third day since their meeting in the burning building. As Mirah woke, he prepared breakfeast, bacon and eggs again with fresh milk. He decided to let Mirah think for awhile before asking how she slept. He just sat there, silent, and when Mirah asked for food and drink, he handed her some bacon and eggs, and a cup of milk, he continued to sit in silence, waiting.

 

[Wolfsister]

Selangra had been flying for a long time and she was grateful for the rest, however short she knew that it would be. Once they had gotten off the ground, it was like they had both been driven to get to their destination as fast as possible. A sense of urgency had taken her and she had flown far harder than she had originally intended. Still, it was tiring work. She hadn't counted on the extra weight Alex and their supplies making much of a difference, but after several hundred miles, it did take a toll.

That night, she drifted off to sleep but was unable to fully rest. Her instincts in this strange land, with the added consideration of her human (thus frail) rider, made her feel more and more insecure. She was by nature very territorial but she knew that her life now would be that of a nomad. She would have no home but the skies. The thought somehow both excited and terrified her.

Keeping one eye open, she watched for dangers. Several wolves passed within a mile of their make-shift camp and various other night animals but they caused no real alarm in Selangra. The next morning found a very cheerful Alex and a slightly sleep deprived and grumpy Dragon.

Sighing internally, shielding her exhaustive thoughts from her ever invasive rider, she shook off the stupor of the previous night and made ready for yet another long hard flight. Her muscles stretched out in the early morning sun as Alex cooked himself a hearty breakfast and she downed a few snared rabbits with ease. It was meagre fair for her, but she could make do for now.

Another brush of awareness, something she had had trouble identifying last night, brought her up short while gulping down a dead rabbit. She cocked her head to the side and her mind suddenly clicked. She felt a wash of both apprehension and excitement come over her.

Speaking quietly, "Alex, I feel another Dragon nearby. Not close enough to be a threat, but it seems to be searching for something... and heading in the same direction as we are,"

She had no need to tell Alex that only a dragon in search of a rider would dare leave the Dragon Santuaries.

She grew thoughtful, "I can avoid him for now, we will be close to a large human settlement soon. There we will find what we're looking for,"

She lifted her wings and was suddenly anxious to get off the ground. She watched as Alex scrambled around to get his things together and the packs onto her back. Her eagerness had her practically hopping from foot to foot and her wings fluttered erratically. Finally she was able to take off and soon she was once again headed for the Imperial City.

Two days after that, they hit one of the worst storms in human history.

 

[EHawkins]

Cris had been watching Mirah while she slept, and even as she slept, Cris picked up the scent of confusion from her. Something in her dreams has her confused. What could it be? wondered Cris.

He saw Mirah awake with a start. The sun was just starting to cast away the dark of night outside, marking the third day since their meeting in the burning building. As Mirah woke, he prepared breakfeast, bacon and eggs again with fresh milk. He decided to let Mirah think for awhile before asking how she slept. He just sat there, silent, and when Mirah asked for food and drink, he handed her some bacon and eggs, and a cup of milk, he continued to sit in silence, waiting.

Mirah slipped the crystal around her neck. She paused at the food that was offered to her, and her brow furrowed. There was something building in her, a strange urgency that suddenly boiled it's way to the surface.

She forgot all about breakfast as she motioned for Invictus to come. Mirah started towards the cave's mouth, slowly at first and then faster, with Invictus loping behind. Bright morning light pierced her vision for a moment as she held the crystal around her neck in her hands. When she moved, it seemed to glow brighter in some directions than others.

Slowly, Mirah turned in a small circle until the crystal glowed its brightest pointing east. She looked at Invictus and pointed in that direction.

"We're going in that direction," she said to the dragonling. "We're going to Thelassa--to the end of the world."

 

[blaster8]

Mirah slipped the crystal around her neck. She paused at the food that was offered to her, and her brow furrowed. There was something building in her, a strange urgency that suddenly boiled it's way to the surface.

She forgot all about breakfast as she motioned for Invictus to come. Mirah started towards the cave's mouth, slowly at first and then faster, with Invictus loping behind. Bright morning light pierced her vision for a moment as she held the crystal around her neck in her hands. When she moved, it seemed to glow brighter in some directions than others.

Slowly, Mirah turned in a small circle until the crystal glowed its brightest pointing east. She looked at Invictus and pointed in that direction.

"We're going in that direction," she said to the dragonling. "We're going to Thelassa--to the end of the world."

Cris was startled when Mirah got up and left in a hurry, along with Invictus. He had seen the necklace she put on and wondered where it had come from, for it had not been in her hands when he laid her by the fire the night before. He got up and followed Mirah and Invictus at a small distance, but he was close enough to hear her say that they were going to Thelassa.

Surprise took hold of him, causing him to nearly shout out "Thelassa?!?!? Why would you want to go there? There is nothing there but graves and ruins."

Cris managed to get control of himself as he stepped forward. "Thelassa is a long journey from here; even if you fly on Invictus it will take over a week. I had intended to wait to ask you this, but what was it you dreamed of last night? And where did that crystal necklace come from?"

 

[Angelus]

Alex held onto the back of Selangra tightly as the thunder boomed over his head and the lightning cracked right next to him. All that he wanted was to get out of this storm and onto the ground as quickly as possible. The last thing he truly wanted to happen was to be hit by anything that could bring the two of them down and he could tell by the agitation flowing from Selangra that she did not want that either. He looked to his left and was shocked when he thought he saw another dragon in the air but a second later it was gone and he shook his head, wondering if he had been seeing things.

His first thought was to follow it, to see if there was another dragon out in this storm but It was then that he felt something calling to him. Alex looked down at the ground, searching for it but seeing nothing but trees. He knew something was out there though as he could feel it calling to him and he leaned down next to her neck, feeling the scales against his skin.

Can you feel it my friend. It calls to me as though it knows I should be here, as though it wants to be in my hand. We should also go to the ground before something strikes us and we fall out of the sky.

Yes, I'm scared that the lightning will hit me and I'm not sure if I can protect you if it does.

They flew downwards quickly and Alex knew that Selangra wanted to get out of the storm and to safety. As they flew down the lightning struck all around them as though it wanted to hit them and send them crashing to the ground. Alex looked to the left and right of him and did not want to act scared but he definitely was. He wanted to get to the ground as fast as Selangra did so that he could search for what was calling him. All that he wanted was to be whole once more and go towards the future he knew was calling towards him.

They were suddenly on the ground before he even realized it and as soon as he was on the ground Alex looked around but all that he saw was trees. He turned to look at Selangra and was about to open his mouth and ask her what she felt until he heard something screaming at him. He knew that he did not want to leave Selangra now that he had found her but he also knew that as much as he wanted her to come with him she could not, the forest was too dense for her to go deeper into it. He stopped and looked at her.

"I want you to come with me so very much Selangra but I do not know if you will be able to. I know that you could most likely burn this forest down but that would put the two of us in danger. I am so very sorry."

"I knew this before we left, Alex. I have had time to get used to the idea, though I don't like it anymore than you do. Please... just be safe, come back to me, no matter what. I can't protect you if you aren't here."

"I will be back. I promise."

He moved forward and wrapped his arms around her neck, looking into her eyes again. He could feel the sorrow coming from her as he turned and walked into the forest.

When he entered the forest he felt as though all the light had been sucked away from the world and that he was the only one in it but when he closed his eyes he could still sense Selangra in the small clearing, worry flowing from her. He wanted to tell her that he would be safe but he had already done so and he knew that if he said it again she would be even more worried and that was the last thing that he wanted.

He drew his sword and looked around him, wondering just what was out there but all he could feel was the call ahead of him, pulling him towards it as if on a string. He moved forward with only one thought fremost in his head, it was that he wanted whatever this thing calling to him was promising. He could see a life beyond the one that he saw, he could see the life that he was always meant to have.

Alex did not know how long he had been walking for but he was getting sick of it and all that he could feel was the insistent call in his head. It was the second time that he felt as though he was going mad and he was getting sick of it. He knew that the first time had been because Selangra had been calling to him and that had changed his life forever but what was calling to him now. Was it something that he truly wanted or was it just something that was there to test him?

All of a sudden he glimpsed a stone wall and rubbed his eyes. Now he knew that he had gone truly mad because who would put a stone wall in the middle of a forest? Alex walked forward gingerly and touched the stone wall, trying to see if it was just a figment of his madness but when he touched solid rock he wanted to scream out in delight. Whatever this thing was that was calling to him was just ahead.

He ran his hand slowly along the wall, trying to find a place in and when he found an opening his first thought that someone had come to this place and what he was searching for had been long stolen or broken. He took a deep breath before he walked forward, wondering just what was in there for him.

It was his first step however that made him stop as all the torches along the walls suddenly sprung to life. He felt some small measure of fear build up in him but knew that he could not stop here, if he did then it would be pointless to go on with anything else. Grabbing one of the torches Alex walked forward, determined to find whatever was calling to him. It was then that he saw the large metal door in front of him.

He stopped and looked at it, wondering just how he was going to get into it. He stood there, wondering just what was going to happen to him and slammed one hand against it.

"What am I meant to do now?! Am I meant to just stand this close to my destiny and scream out?"

An ethereal voice came from before him, causing Alex to look around him and wonder just where it was coming from.

Do you not know the name to call out?

Alex wanted nothing more than to slam his hand against the door and scream out again but he knew there would no point to it. It would not open if he did that but he did not know what else to do. It was then that he knew what to do, bringing a smile to his face.

He looked at the the door, "Alezal."

Nothing happened which caused him to stand there in shock, wondering just what to do. All that he wanted was to get beyond that door and see what was there but he knew that he had to say one name.

"Lanfer."

As soon as the name left his lips he heard a creak in front of him and watched as the doors slowly began to open. With a smile Alex moved forward and was surprised to see what was there. It was then that he heard Selangra's voice in his head.

What is it? What is wrong? You know that I cannot help you if you are in trouble but I will try.

Everything is alright Selangra. I am alright and I will be back to you soon.

The words left his head and as soon as they did Alex jumped back as a figure appeared in front of him. Alex wondered who this person was but before he could say it the figure spoke.

"Welcome Alex Relan. If you are wondering just who I am I am the one who came before you, to tell you the truth I am you."

Alex stood there in shock, wondering just what this person was talking about. Alex could tell that this person was dead as he could see through him but he wondered just what was going on. The figure moved towards him and Alex felt a chill go through him as he did.

"I know that this will be hard to hear. I know that you have been feeling something pulling to you and it is this. The dreams and visions that you have been having are memories of your former life, of my former life. I was an old dragon rider called Lord Alezal and I used to rule a large part of these lands. My dragon, Lanfer and I were partners in many battles until we were killed in a battle. I know that you are your own man but you also have my memories and all of my skills so you are are a part of me. All that I ask is that you take back that which was stolen from me and kill all those enemies before you."

Alex looked at the spirit, trying to think of a thing to say to all that he had heard. He wanted what the spirit had told him, he wanted the life that he could feel calling to him.

"How is it that I fight those enemies?"

The spirit stepped back and when Alex saw the sarcophagus he walked towards it. As he moved closer he could feel whatever was in there calling to him, screaming to him and looked down. The first thing he saw was the armor and sword sitting in there but then he saw the skeleton in the armor. He turned and all the spirit of Alezal did was nod, knowing what Alex had to do.

Very slowly Alex pulled out the sword and armor, placing it all on the ground.

"All you have to do is wear it Alex. It is yours."

Alex did not say a word as he slowly pulled the armor out of the sargophagus and was amazed by how it looked. It was unlike anything that he had ever seen before. It was covered in spikes on the shoulder guards and the quantlets. It was the same color as Selangra, being a bright red/copper color with all the spikes and trim being the darkest black. The plume on top of the helmet was a dark, almost blood red and the cape which almost touched the floor was a bluish black. As soon as he put on the armor Alex was amazed by its weight. It felt as though it could take even the strongest blow but was so light he did not feel it. A smile came to his face as he knew that Selangra would not have to worry about the weight and could fly normally. As soon as he put on the sword he felt a shock go through him and placed a hand on the hilt, slowly drawing it from its hilt. As soon as he did a red glow lit up the room.

"That is Lanfer's Claw. Take it and strike down our enemies."

Alex smiled again and knew this is what he was here for, this was his destiny. He would stike everyone down and finally have his life. He moved as if to leave the room but stopped when he thought of Selangra.

"What do I do if she is attacked. Is there anything to protect Selangra."

Alezal's spirit had a cold smile on his face.

"Tell her to look for the burrow at the top of this hill. There is something in there that will keep her safe. You have my word on that."

Alex turned to Alezal and thanked him before he turned and walked from the tomb.

 

[AriesWolf]

The Dream the Bond and The Trident.

The Threat of the Goblins was gone before Invictus could truely get in on the action. True he managed to swat the odd beast with his tail but it was nothing to really get his blood pumping. He didn't even get to breathe fire! He was almost disappointed when Cris and Mirah drove the foul little bastards off without much help from him.

As he slept he felt Mirah's unease as she dreamt though only vaguely. Their bond was not strong enough that he could enter the dream but the same emotions filled him as Mirah progressed through it. He felt her unease fade, as his own began.

Suddenly he was airbourne. Once again in the storm that had sent him to Mirah. But he was utterly at peace. The winds did not touch him, it was as if he was in a soundless bubble, where nothing could touch him. An enourmous black entered the "Bubble" with him. Materialising from nothing.

Without really thinking he knew his predecessors name. Bowing his head he greeted him respectfully.

"Great Father Reza"

"Young Drake Invictus" The other Dragon replied. "Do you know why I am here?"

"No Great Father"

"Because you are failing Young one, your rider has yet to accept you!" Reza's gaze held no sympathy.

"Great Father how am I to make her accept me?" Invictus was confused.

"You can not "force" her to accept you young one" Reza laughed. "But you must be warned if your bond does not strengthen you will be to weak to save her in the end"

"What do you mean Great one?"

The Elder Dragon's smile was sad. The image faded. Distress filled him, though it did not last long, an uncomfortable sleep stole through him and he knew no more.

The next morning Invictus followed Mirah happily. He didn't know exactly what she had dreamt about, but the feeling of urgency and need filled him as surely as it did her. He could feel his strength flooding back into him as he moved, the herbs and salve bound to his side fell away as he flexed his wings to there fullest extent. The memory of the dream was fresh in his mind he knew that only talking to Mirah about what had happened would solve there problem.

He was suprised when Cris stopped them. Very surprised. He nearly forgotten the man who had done so much for him, the need he and Mirah had to travel had far over taken whatever the Half-Dragons protest may have been.

So when the man started asking questions he again lifted Mirah onto his back gazing calmly as he waited for her to speak to the man.

 

[blaster8]

Giving a gift

Cris was just a little surprised when Invictus stretched his wings, causing the rags on his side to fall away. So, Invictus is ready to fly? I'm impressed at how quickly he healed. Such a wound as his should have taken longer to heal. But, then again, he is young and still growing, thought Cris.

Cris continued to wait on Mirah's reply, but seeing that one was not coming immeditately and that both she and Invictus were eager to be going, he said "Before you go, there is something that must be given to you, Mirah. The way is dangerous to Thelassa, and foul creatures fill the land between here and there. You will not last long without a weapon and armor." He turned and ran to his armory in the cave.

There he found a simple short sword for Mirah to protect herself and practice with. He then went to the armor he had, specifically the dragon-hide armor. His eyes came upon a particular set of armor, and grabbing it, he returned to Mirah along with the sword.

"Take this sword to protect yourself with. Having it is better than just your knives. And wear this," said Cris, bringing forth the dragon-hide armor. It was black, with white runes enscribed onto it. It was simple, only covering the legs, arms and torso of the wearer. "This was made from the Black dragon Reza. I did not fight him for his rider and I had flown together while he still lived. After his rider died, Reza felt his own death coming, and he bid me to make this armor from his skin after his death. He told me that with this armor, the next rider of a Black shall have a better chance of surviving a fight than with any other armor. The runes upon this armor are a blessing from Reza himself. This armor is also enchanted. It will turn away most blades, save the sharpest and strongest. Also, the wearer will be protected from many hazards, such as the fire of a dragon or a heavy blow of great weight. There is no need for a helmet, for the enchantments cover the wearer, not just the armor."

"This armor is designed in such a way that it will not hinder movement nor shall the wearer be uncomfortable in it. Wear it when you travel and when you are near the final resting place of Reza and his rider, Val. You will find their graves near Thelassa, for that is where Shela and I laid them to rest. Give both of them my respects, for I shall not be going with you to Thelassa," Cris said, with some sorrow in his voice.

"I still expect an answer to my questions, Mirah," said Cris, his voice now stern. "And I also expect you and Invictus to return here before the new moon if Invictus is to have enough time to fetch the blood from Troya's possession and return before the full moon."

 

[EHawkins]

Cris was just a little surprised when Invictus stretched his wings, causing the rags on his side to fall away. So, Invictus is ready to fly? I'm impressed at how quickly he healed. Such a wound as his should have taken longer to heal. But, then again, he is young and still growing, thought Cris.

Cris continued to wait on Mirah's reply, but seeing that one was not coming immeditately and that both she and Invictus were eager to be going, he said "Before you go, there is something that must be given to you, Mirah. The way is dangerous to Thelassa, and foul creatures fill the land between here and there. You will not last long without a weapon and armor." He turned and ran to his armory in the cave.

There he found a simple short sword for Mirah to protect herself and practice with. He then went to the armor he had, specifically the dragon-hide armor. His eyes came upon a particular set of armor, and grabbing it, he returned to Mirah along with the sword.

"Take this sword to protect yourself with. Having it is better than just your knives. And wear this," said Cris, bringing forth the dragon-hide armor. It was black, with white runes enscribed onto it. It was simple, only covering the legs, arms and torso of the wearer. "This was made from the Black dragon Reza. I did not fight him for his rider and I had flown together while he still lived. After his rider died, Reza felt his own death coming, and he bid me to make this armor from his skin after his death. He told me that with this armor, the next rider of a Black shall have a better chance of surviving a fight than with any other armor. The runes upon this armor are a blessing from Reza himself. This armor is also enchanted. It will turn away most blades, save the sharpest and strongest. Also, the wearer will be protected from many hazards, such as the fire of a dragon or a heavy blow of great weight. There is no need for a helmet, for the enchantments cover the wearer, not just the armor."

"This armor is designed in such a way that it will not hinder movement nor shall the wearer be uncomfortable in it. Wear it when you travel and when you are near the final resting place of Reza and his rider, Val. You will find their graves near Thelassa, for that is where Shela and I laid them to rest. Give both of them my respects, for I shall not be going with you to Thelassa," Cris said, with some sorrow in his voice.

"I still expect an answer to my questions, Mirah," said Cris, his voice now stern. "And I also expect you and Invictus to return here before the new moon if Invictus is to have enough time to fetch the blood from Troya's possession and return before the full moon."

Mirah pulled on the supple, leathery armor. The the black dragon scale that was once Reza, glinted iridescent in the morning light. She felt the odd hum of magic against her skin as it molded perfectly to her small proportions. The armor moved with her; it felt almost like a second skin. The runes blazed a firery white as their magic was invoked by the act of Mirah donning the armor. They burned bright for a moment before they faded away and sank into the dragon leather, unseen.

She looked at the sword that she'd been handed, and then at Invictus.

If I can teach him what I know, there's a good chance that we might not need to fight. Much.

She sheathed the short sword in the scabbard that she had strapped to her side. It still felt awkward in her hands, but Cris was right. She wouldn’t last if she didn’t have a more… substantial weapon. The world suddenly seemed so much bigger and so much nastier than the little Red Hook that she’d grown up robbing blind for most of her life.

Mirah took the crystal from inside her armor and held onto it briefly as though she were gathering her strength.

“You want to know what I dreamed?” she said. “I dreamt of Reza and Val. Val gave me this crystal and told me to come to Thelassa—to the end of the world. He said they’d be waiting… and this will show me the way.”

She didn’t mention that Val had spoken of her failing bond with Invictus, and that it seemed to be largely her fault for not wanting to open up to her instincts and accept the youngling.

Mirah’s brow furrowed slightly. This feeling nagged at her, and she wanted to be gone already.

“Don’t worry.” She said. “We’ll be back in time—you’ll get your blood. It’s the least we can do for all you’ve done for us.”

Mirah successfully fought the urge to grit her teeth at the last part. She hated owing people, but her word was her bond, and she’d be back...

 

[Optimas]

The fear of the past

"It I-I-T ISS the Goblin Hunter." The goblin stuttered, "He wiped out my party," he was getting hysterical.
Shargnal, stopped looking at the parchment in front of him and stared at the wall of the grand tent. He turned slowly and said, "Do not play with me worm," his green features turned to a scowl, "Do you know of whom you speak?? A great evil past down by generation, to generation. So you had better be right if you bring such words to my ears." Shargnal moved inches away from the shaking goblin - which smelt of piss and feaces. "Many a grandfather has lost his life to an unnamed beast called the goblin hunter, the very name would pour fear into most hearts in this camp till I have finished my spell on the dragon. . . So I would very much like you to . . ." Shargnal had smashed a blade into the guts of the goblin. "Keep it to yourself," He said it in almost a whisper, as a lover would on a dark night. The goblin twitched not even getting the chance to cry out.

Shargnal twisted the blade, enjoying every moment of pain that racked the poor messenger in front of him. His heart sank when he realized the life had ebbed out of this creature. He pulled his green gore covered dagger hand clear, and the body slumped to the floor with a sigh as the air pushed from the un-working lungs.

Shargnal yelled for his guards to enter the tent, "take this wretch to the dragon and leave the body, I will need it for my final part of the awakening." The three orcs picked up the body and left without a word.

Shargnal was left by himself, and all he could think about was the story of a beast who would mutilate goblins as if they were ants. The worst thing was that - just as the keeper of the egg was foreseen, so was the return of the goblin hunter.

Shargnal clapped his hands and some female goblins moved into the tent, "Clean me then I will take you all." He thought to himself as his concubines started undressing and cleaning him - No use worrying about it now, I am close to covering this land in a blanket of green. He slapped one of his slave women he thought about the orcs scouting for the goblin and the egg, he felt sure they would be getting close. . . He lost himself and his thoughts to groans of the flesh.

 

[blaster8]

Mirah pulled on the supple, leathery armor. The the black dragon scale that was once Reza, glinted iridescent in the morning light. She felt the odd hum of magic against her skin as it molded perfectly to her small proportions. The armor moved with her; it felt almost like a second skin. The runes blazed a firery white as their magic was invoked by the act of Mirah donning the armor. They burned bright for a moment before they faded away and sank into the dragon leather, unseen.

She looked at the sword that she'd been handed, and then at Invictus.

If I can teach him what I know, there's a good chance that we might not need to fight. Much.

She sheathed the short sword in the scabbard that she had strapped to her side. It still felt awkward in her hands, but Cris was right. She wouldn’t last if she didn’t have a more… substantial weapon. The world suddenly seemed so much bigger and so much nastier than the little Red Hook that she’d grown up robbing blind for most of her life.

Mirah took the crystal from inside her armor and held onto it briefly as though she were gathering her strength.

“You want to know what I dreamed?” she said. “I dreamt of Reza and Val. Val gave me this crystal and told me to come to Thelassa—to the end of the world. He said they’d be waiting… and this will show me the way.”

She didn’t mention that Val had spoken of her failing bond with Invictus, and that it seemed to be largely her fault for not wanting to open up to her instincts and accept the youngling.

Mirah’s brow furrowed slightly. This feeling nagged at her, and she wanted to be gone already.

“Don’t worry.” She said. “We’ll be back in time—you’ll get your blood. It’s the least we can do for all you’ve done for us.”

Mirah successfully fought the urge to grit her teeth at the last part. She hated owing people, but her word was her bond, and she’d be back...

Val had contacted her through her dreams? I guess that there is much that I still don't know, thought Cris. "Val said he would be waiting? Then even more do I wish I could go with you, but I must do what I can to warn the city of the attack. Please, give Val and Reza my respects when you see them," said Cris. "Go with my blessings, and be careful out there."

Cris stayed at the mouth of the cave as he watched Mirah and Invictus head towards the rising sun.

 

[EHawkins]

Val had contacted her through her dreams? I guess that there is much that I still don't know, thought Cris. "Val said he would be waiting? Then even more do I wish I could go with you, but I must do what I can to warn the city of the attack. Please, give Val and Reza my respects when you see them," said Cris. "Go with my blessings, and be careful out there."

Cris stayed at the mouth of the cave as he watched Mirah and Invictus head towards the rising sun.

"Yeah." Mirah said softly. "He said he'd be waiting."

She mounted Invictus as nimbly as Val had mounted Reza in her dream.

"I don't know what that means, but...."

The young thief only shrugged, and tucked dark hair behing her ears.

"I'll pay your respects when we get there."

Mirah chuckled slightly when Cris told her to be careful.

"You too."

The thief shook her head slightly as Invictus launched them into the morning sky, and they were gone...

 

[blaster8]

Unless Val has been watching me, he will be surprised to hear that I still live. Reza might not, but who knows what goes on in a dragon's mind? Cris grinned to himself as Mirah and Invictus became mere specks in the sky. Now to warn the city. I bet that most of the people will ignore my warnings, but you never know.

It took him half the day to reach the northern gate of the city, at which time the guard was changing. He then proceeded to go to the center of the city, where the most people will hear him. He didn't know how to go about warning the city nowadays, but back before the spell, he would have just gone up to the nobles and told them. He had the ear of many nobles back then, and if he said something bad was going to happen, they usually believed him. Now, they will just see him a some man trying to cause unrest in the city. But he had to try, somehow.

Reaching the main city square, he jumped up onto the statue in the center and called out in a loud voice "People of Imperial City! Hear me! Your fair city is in peril! An army builds in the south! An army the likes of which have never been seen before! It is an army of goblins! Bent on the destruction of this city! To arms! To arms people of this city! Defend your homes! Defend your city! Defend your lives! To arms!"

He repeated this message for an hour, drawing a crowd of citizens. Some citizens listened intently, others shook their heads and walked away, and still others paid him no heed. After an hour, men of the city guard showed up, after learning that someone was causing unrest.

"Ay! You there! What be you doing?" called out the captain.

"Have you heard nothing of what I have said? I bring warning to the people of this fair city," replied Cris. He again went through his message so the guardsmen could hear him.

The captain again called out, "Ay! Stop spreading lies! The goblins are to cowardly to build an army. If you keep that up, I'll have to taken you in!"

"Then take me in, for I tell no lie. I shall not stop spreading my warning until the city heeds it!" replied Cris.

Half an hour later, Cris was in the central guard house, in the company of a questioner. Cris' sword, shield and armor all lay in one corner of the room, while Cris and the questioner sat on the other side. The guardsmen had been quite surprised when he handed over a uniquely designed long sword that had been perfectly hidden under Cris' cloak. Once they had gotten him to the guard house, they had him remove his cloak and were even more surprised to see very well made plate armor covering chain mail, as well as a shield that bore the image of a dragon head upon it. They wondered at so much being hidden so well but only a simple cloak.

"So, how is it that you know of this 'army' that is building in the south, Cris?" asked the questioner.

"I heard it from a goblin scouting party north of here," he replied.

"Heard it? Did the goblins just tell you and let you live?"

"Don't be absurd. I overheard the goblins arguing. They were searching for a place up north where they could hide an army until the attack."

"Where up north?"

"Half a day's walk north, near Demon's Cave."

"And where be these goblins now?" asked the questioner.

"Dead."

"Dead? How do you know?"

"I killed them, then piled and burned them near the entrance to Demon's Cave."

"We'll send a man out there to confirm that. Now, how do you explain all that metal you had on ya?"

"I own all that."

"Do ya now? And how did you come to own all that?" asked the questioner.

"I had it made by the dwarves. Excelent craftsmen they are."

"That must have set you back quite a bit. How much?"

"For everything, about 30,000 gold pieces. Well worth the investment, might I say."

"30,000 gold pieces? You must be a noble's son if you had that much to spend. What are you? 25? 30 years old? In order to have that kind of wealth, you've got to be a noble's son."

"Nope. I'm a farmer's son. I just happen to have good business sense. That's how I made that money."

"A rich merchant? Why haven't we heard of you before, then? A farmer's son with that much gold is bound to get some attention."

"In case you haven't noticed, I tend to keep to myself, hence why your men were surprised to find all that armor."

"Well, then I guess we're done for now. I'll be back once that man returns from up north," stated the questioner. Then he left, leaving Cris locked in the room.

 

[blaster8]

The Magistrate of Imperial City

OOC:
I know that I’m double posting, but I feel like moving Cris’ story along.

IC:

It was several hours past sundown when the questioner returned, but he wasn’t alone. With him came a rather official looking man, probably in his mid 40s, with a goatee and mustache. The question took up his seat in front of Cris, while the guest examined the armor that lay on the floor.

“Well,” started the questioner. “We heard back from the scout. Your story holds up a bit. He found the pile of goblins just where you said they would be. He counted at least 30 goblin bodies in that pile. How did you manage to kill over 30 goblins?”

“I had a little help,” replied Cris with a small grin on his face.

“What sort of help?” pressed the questioner.

“The type that wishes to not be known by the local authorities,” replied Cris in a cool voice, the grin lost from his face.

“You had help from outlaws? Why would they help you?”

“I didn’t say outlaws helped me. They wouldn’t help me anyways, mainly because I have,” Cris paused a moment, searching for the right words, “caused some of their brethren to leave the outlaw way of life.”

Cris eyed the stranger near his armor as the man picked up the sword and looked at it closely.

“You have killed outlaws?”

“I didn’t say that. Stop coming to conclusions before you have enough information. And what is that man doing with my sword?”

The man, who had started to withdraw the blade, stopped and looked at Cris with an amused look on his face. “Leave us,” he said to the questioner, who complied without a word.

So, this man has some pull around here. Then maybe I should be talking to him, thought Cris.

The man took the seat that the questioner had just vacated, and placed the sword on the table between him and Cris. He just looked at Cris for a few minutes, almost a staring contest between the two men.

“I am Hern, the Magistrate for this city,” said the man. “It’s been a long time since the last dragon rider. When did you show up?”

This hit Cris like a backhanded slap, but he didn’t flinch nor change his blank facial features. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” he replied.

“Of course you do. That armor is very distinctive and no one in this world has a fascination with dragons. There is a book in the Magisterial Library that describes the last dragon riders, particularly the one that helped put the late king’s family on the throne. That particular dragon rider wore the exact same armor, and had the exact same sword. He rode a large white dragon and had the ear of many nobles. I highly doubt that you bought this stuff from an antique shop somewhere. That rider would have been buried with it when he died over a thousand years ago. You must be his replacement,” stated Hern.

“There you go, just like the questioner, jumping to conclusions before you have the full story. What makes you think I am that man’s replacement? What makes you think he even died?”

“He had to have died of old age. He was a mortal man, and he disappeared after the king’s family was established. You can’t possibly be saying that you are that rider. Can you?” The Magistrate seemed to be on the verge of utter disbelief at the possibility that the man sitting before him was that dragon rider. He had to over a thousand years old! Not even elves have that long a life span!

“He is still a mortal man, and he is indeed old, but he is far from dead. As for me being that man, well, I’ll let you decide,” replied Cris coolly. He was impressed that this man had come to such a conclusion so quickly. He was even more impressed to find that he was written about in a book in the Magisterial Library.

This gave the Magistrate pause. Then a grin slowly spread across his face. “Well, when you put it that way, you can’t possibly be him. Enough about the lore of dragon riders. Now, about this ‘army’ you’re warning us about. What do you know?”

Smart man, thought Cris. “I don’t know much beyond what I have already told the questioner. There is a goblin army that has plans to attack this city. I’m assuming that it is in the south because that is where goblin territory is. I don’t know when they will attack, or with what. But they will attack, and this city will be left in ruins if the people are not prepared,” he stated.

“Well, then I thank you for the warning. As Magistrate for this city I have the authority to issue the call to arms, seeing as how there is no king to do so. The call shall go out in the morning. And please know this: I have great respect for the dragon riders, especially any who are trusted by the rider of the white dragon.”

“Really? Do you respect them enough that if one of said riders happened to be a wanted criminal here in the city before they became a rider, that you would pardon them?” inquired Cris.

“That…would depend,” replied Hern. “You are free to stay the night, and then go about your business in the morning. Good night.”

 

[AriesWolf]

"Yeah." Mirah said softly. "He said he'd be waiting."

She mounted Invictus as nimbly as Val had mounted Reza in her dream.

"I don't know what that means, but...."

The young thief only shrugged, and tucked dark hair behing her ears.

"I'll pay your respects when we get there."

Mirah chuckled slightly when Cris told her to be careful.

"You too."

The thief shook her head slightly as Invictus launched them into the morning sky, and they were gone...

Invictus felt better than he ever had as Mirah climbed up onto his back, the new armor adorning her body tickled lightly as she made herself comfortable.

"Hold on tight Mirah" Invictus whispered. He bent his powerful legs and lept into the air. His wings snapping open and powering him into the sky. His replenished strength allowing him to move swiftly. Within moments they were a good 200 feet of the ground and sailing quickly away from Cris. Mirah's weight was nothing on his back, as they soared toward the horizon.

"Mirah you dreamt of Great Father Reza?" He asked as they flew. His wing beats and the roaring wind making it hard to speak without shouting. The Forest moved quickly beneath them, Invictus staying close to the treetops so as the avoid being seen from along way off.

Below them local wildlife scattered in terror as he flew overhead. Deer, elk, and even mighty Kodiak bears dashed away from the sound of his beating wings.

"I wish we had thought to eat before leaving Mirah!" He said his stomach growling loudly.

 

[EHawkins]

Invictus felt better than he ever had as Mirah climbed up onto his back, the new armor adorning her body tickled lightly as she made herself comfortable.

"Hold on tight Mirah" Invictus whispered. He bent his powerful legs and lept into the air. His wings snapping open and powering him into the sky. His replenished strength allowing him to move swiftly. Within moments they were a good 200 feet of the ground and sailing quickly away from Cris. Mirah's weight was nothing on his back, as they soared toward the horizon.

"Mirah you dreamt of Great Father Reza?" He asked as they flew. His wing beats and the roaring wind making it hard to speak without shouting. The Forest moved quickly beneath them, Invictus staying close to the treetops so as the avoid being seen from along way off.

Below them local wildlife scattered in terror as he flew overhead. Deer, elk, and even mighty Kodiak bears dashed away from the sound of his beating wings.

"I wish we had thought to eat before leaving Mirah!" He said his stomach growling loudly.

The morning gave way to mid-afternoon and there was a twinge in Mirah's stomach as well. Some of it was from not eating, but most of it was from the near reckless abondon in which the dragonling skimmed across the tree tops. She held on tight to Invictus as she watched the wildlife scatter beneath them and she frowned.

Nothing's going to give us away like animals fleeing from something big.... she thought.

"Reza?" Mirah said. "I didn't so much dream of him as I did his Rider, Val. Come to think of it, I don't know if it really was a dream. I mean, can a dream give you something? Val's dead--he said he was... a ghost."

Her hand brushed over the crystal at her neck. She remembered standing on the beach, and it had been real--more real than any dream should ever be.

"There!" Mirah called out above the roar of the wind. "Why don't we stop there!"

She pat Invictus on the neck and pointed to a clearing that boasted a small, but beautiful waterfall coursing down the side of the mountain. The dragonling swung around and found a good place to land. They needed to eat and whether Invictus wanted to admit it or not, he wasn't just hungry. He needed rest.

Mirah and Invictus touched down and she carefully slid off his back. She looked around as the dragonling shook out his wings. He was definately favoring his side... In the pool below the waterfall, she saw a reddish moss growing at the base of the rocks.

Val told me to trust my instincts....

She picked some of the red moss off and gathered some other herbs that she recognized when Cris had dressed Invictus's wounds. Fish darted by as she crushed them on the rocks with a loose stone until it was paste, scooped it up and went to him.

"Lift your wing." Mirah said.

Invictus did and she smeared the ruddy stuff on. He seemed relax, and whatever discomfort he felt seemed to be fading as he settled down to rest some.

"We should really travel by night." she said. "We can take advantage of that so we won't be seen. We won't have to fly so low either. When you feel up to it, we'll see about getting some food."

Mirah gave Invictus a gentle pat on his head, settled in next to him, and took a little nap.

 

[blaster8]

The goblin with the dragon egg...

Cris woke up several hours after sun rise, and after putting his armor, shield, sword, and cloak back on, he was just in time to hear the heralds start going about the city proclaiming the order of the Magistrate.

“Hear ye! Hear ye! By order of the Magistrate of this city, a call to arms has been issued. All men of the city, ages 18 to 45, are hereby ordered to the barracks for assignment. Again, by order of the Magistrate, a call to arms has been issued.”

On his way out of the guardhouse, one of the guardsmen stopped Cris, saluted and handed him a scroll, then walked away without a word. Cris eyed the retreating guardsmen then the scroll. He opened it, and as he read, he grinned and shook his head. The scroll, in essence, appointed him the highest ranking military officer in the city, therefore putting him in charge of the defense of the city. It was signed by the Magistrate and sealed with his mark. That Magistrate is indeed a smart man. This not only shows his great respect for me as a dragon rider, but also takes the burden of the defense of the city off his shoulders, so he will have less to worry about. Plus, this puts me under his foot, whereas I would normally answer to no one, thought Cris. Pocketing the scroll, he made for the south gate.

For several days, Cris walked in the wilderness, heading south towards goblin territory. On the seventh night of walking, the second night after the last quarter moon, the smell of a campfire caught his attention. But it was not just the campfire that caught his attention, it was also the scent of a goblin that was mixed with the smell of the campfire. The scent of the goblin made Cris cautious as he approached the camp. Goblins all smelled alike to Cris, so he couldn’t count their numbers without first seeing them, unlike with other creatures where he could tell how many there were just by their scents. Cris placed himself in the shadow a tree, outside the light of the fire. There, he saw one lone goblin. And next to that goblin was a…dragon egg. Cris watched the goblin for awhile, taking note of his actions.

After watching the goblin for ten minutes, his curiosity got the better of him. Slowly, he silently approached the goblin from behind, and once he was close enough, he reached out to clasp his clawed hand around the goblin’s neck.

 

[Wolfsister]

Selangra settled uneasily onto the ground and folded her wings behind her back. Her eyes constantly darted around, looking for any sign of danger, but often drifted to the spot where she had last seen Alex. She could feel him, his presence was there in the back of her mind, but she would settle for seeing him at the moment.

A moment of panic washed over her some ten minutes later and she called out to Alex, discovering that she could indeed still communicate with him while he was further away.

What is it? What is wrong? You know that I cannot help you if you are in trouble but I will try.

Everything is alright Selangra. I am alright and I will be back to you soon.

She sighed inwardly and settled back onto her haunches again, not realising she had risen in her panic. There was a sense of awe coming in waves from her rider, an anxious curiousity and she itched to know what was happening.
She heard a noise to the left of her but when she turned her head, nothing greeted her view. Conscious of dangerous animals in the area, she sent her mind out and scented the air. For some strange reason, she found no malicious presences. Not a single wolf or bear was near. Though neither was a match for her on their own, a pack of wolves or even 3 bears together was enough to give her pause, but still... nothing.

Frowning, she wondered silently to herself and kept a tight lid on her worried thoughts, she did not want to alarm Alex.

All of a sudden a new sensation filled her head and she knew that he had finally donned his armor. An overwhelming sense of peace and power stole over her and she smiled in her own draconic fashion. When Alex reappeared she was not astonished at the sight of him covered in his Dragon Armor. In fact, she was pleased and welcomed his new look, it was as if he had always been wearing it.

"You look silly with your old clothes," she said softly and puffed a small pout of smoke towards him. It was clear she was relieved to see him and she lifted her wings in greeting. Suddenly she felt naked. It was as if her scales did not fit her anymore and she was exposed to the rubbery underlining beneath. She looked down at her body and saw that her scales were still there, their red-coppery sheen shining in the filtered strays of light from above. Suddenly a flash of light burned into her eyes and she was staring at a strange plating over her already naturally armored body. It was dark red, almost bloody in colour and streaked with gold. Black, light trim surrounded the plates, imitating the scales she already had. It covered her body from the base of her skull to the tip of her tail, leaving the barb at the end of her tail exposed. Spikes of copper tipped with black ran along her spine except right before her wings. There sat a saddle of sorts, and she knew that it was moulded specifically for the armour that Alex now wore. On the pommel of the saddle was a long rope attached to either side of her neck plates. Reins.

Then the flash was gone and she gave a look of inquiry Alex's way.
Alex grinned and gave her a knowing look. Turning to the east, he pointed. "There's a hill around there and a cave burrowing beneath it,"

She understood and bent her head, "Hurry, I wish to wear it now," She only waited long enough for Alex to perch precariously onto her shoulders and then she off with a single thrust of her powerful wings. It did not take long to locate the hill, how many hills were there in a forest? She spiralled down and landed, hopping from one foot to the next, her enthusiasm and excitement getting the best of her. She heard Alex curse under his breath through gritted teeth and finally settled down long enough for him to jump off.

She sped towards the entrance of the burrow and stopped, looking back towards Alex and making sure he was following. Then she trotted off down the darkened tunnel, blowing some fire onto a bunch of torches she found along the tunnel. Then she tucked her head down into a low hunch as the tunnel got smaller.

Soon they entered a large cavern lighted by errant shafts of sunlight from above. There, neatly stacked on the ground was Selangra's armor. She gave a low growl of appreciation, then turn her head around and nudged Alex forwards. "Help me put it on,"

Half an hour later, Selangra arose from deep within the ground sparkling deep red into the sunlight. She gave a mighty roar and a jet of flame spurted from deep within her throat. Alex stood next to her, his sword shining bright in the sunlight. They were complete.

Her battly cry having been issued to the sky, Selangra turned and dipped her head down to Alex's eye level, her low voice soft and sibilant, "Where now, Master?"

 

[Optimas]

The Strange man

Sharm twisted with animalistic speed. He slapped a stretching hand away from himself and twisted his hips to unleash an open palm slap to the strangers chest. It was lucky he had decided not to punch, because of the metal armour the stranger wore.

Sharm looked at the man, Sharm felt totally at peace with his body and mind. It suddenly was apparent that he would die to protect the egg in an instant.

"I do not wish to fight I am merely traveling upland." Sharm could sense a great hidden power in this man.

Sharm looked down at his own chest through a gap and the golden pattern glowed, it felt itchy. Sharm pushed the thoughts from his mind and dragged clear his invisible blade, "But I will protect this egg with my life."

 

[blaster8]

Sharm twisted with animalistic speed. He slapped a stretching hand away from himself and twisted his hips to unleash an open palm slap to the strangers chest. It was lucky he had decided not to punch, because of the metal armour the stranger wore.

Sharm looked at the man, Sharm felt totally at peace with his body and mind. It suddenly was apparent that he would die to protect the egg in an instant.

"I do not wish to fight I am merely traveling upland." Sharm could sense a great hidden power in this man.

Sharm looked down at his own chest through a gap and the golden pattern glowed, it felt itchy. Sharm pushed the thoughts from his mind and dragged clear his invisible blade, "But I will protect this egg with my life."

In a flash, Cris tackled the goblin, pinning him to the ground and disarmed him of a sword with no blade. Sharp claws were pressed against the goblin's throat, threatening to cut the major arteries.

"Speak and answer my questions truthfully, goblin, before I make the orcs look like amateur torturers," said Cris, in a slightly demonic voice (to back up him being the Goblin Hunter). "Why does a goblin possess one of the rare Reese blades and protects a dragon egg with his life? How have you come to possess a dragon egg?"

Cris stared into the goblin's eyes with his own dragon eyes, waiting for an answer. By all accounts, this goblin should be so scared that the goblin shouldn't be able to think about anything but the truthful answers to the questions.

 

[Optimas]

Sharm and the Goblin Hunter

Sharm lay pinned to the floor, he was totally helpless.

He stared into the dragon eyes of the man who now had claws to his throat. Sharm gulped then blurted out, "I-I-I am Sharm, I am of the hidden shaman sect. I-I-I am protecting the egg of the great Dragon god of the south. I am good, and I fear a growing menace from the south. . . b- b-but I am as of yet unsure what it is." Sharm had a brief moment where he wondered if his gibbering had been understood or if he was to die, yet his only desire was to protect the egg.

 

[blaster8]

Sharm lay pinned to the floor, he was totally helpless.

He stared into the dragon eyes of the man who now had claws to his throat. Sharm gulped then blurted out, "I-I-I am Sharm, I am of the hidden shaman sect. I-I-I am protecting the egg of the great Dragon god of the south. I am good, and I fear a growing menace from the south. . . b- b-but I am as of yet unsure what it is." Sharm had a brief moment where he wondered if his gibbering had been understood or if he was to die, yet his only desire was to protect the egg.

Cris was silent for a moment, processing what this goblin, Sharm, has told him. "You have only told me two things that have any meaning to me. One, that egg is of the great Dragon god of the south, and two that you fear a growing menace in the south. I have never met a goblin who claimed to be good, nor have I heard of a 'hidden shaman sect,'" said Cris. "Those two items that do have meaning to me are enough for me to not kill you right away."

He let the goblin get up, but held onto the hilt of the Reese blade that he took from the goblin. "Now, convince me that I should not kill you at all. As the Goblin Hunter, I find it difficult to restrain myself from slaughtering a goblin." Cris moved over and picked up the egg, before the goblin got up, and he held onto it. "To give you an incentive, I'll hold onto this egg."