He was about tired of listening to Viennarinia’s whining about what Arienach was up to. She was fixated on it. Tirreg finally corned her one day and told her to prove it. They decided to go meet with Arienach. He wasn’t so sure it was a good idea, but still, if it would just shut her up, it would be worth it. He really wasn’t too comfortable with the meeting, seeing as none of the other dragons had seen Arienach in over two centuries, but there were three of them. If Arienach started something, surely three would take him down. He ignored the voice in the back of his mind that was calling him a fool for thinking that.
It was about a month later that Viennarinia came back and said she had arraigned a meeting. We flew to the edge of a mountain range and waited. I wondered why.
“Why are we stopping here?” Tirreg asked, reading my mind it seemed.
“He claims the lands going forward. I really don’t want to cross him on his own lands.”
“Then how are we suppose to find out what is going on?”
I shook my head. “Ask him?”
Viennarinia looked at me like she had tasted bad meat. “He lies.”
I stared at her for a few minutes. “So this is nothing more than a waste.”
She was acting more unstable all the time and this was pretty much the last deer in the herd. I started to turn and leave when I heard his voice. Turning, I almost fell out of the sky. He was huge. We were all ancients but he… Gods, how old was he?
“Greetings, what may I do for you this day.” He said with a smile.
“Hello Arienach.” Viennarinia said flatly.
“Tis good to see you too, Viennarinia.”
Strangely, he came across as non-threatening… except for his size.
“We wish to come see what you are up to.”
“Up to? I told you before what I was doing.”
“It doesn’t ring true, Arienach. I think you are trying to take over this world.”
I looked at Viennarinia in shock. She was trying to piss him off. It suddenly occurred to me that we were meant for backup. She wanted us here so she could provoke him. Tirreg and I exchanged glances.
“One question, If I wanted to take over this world, just what could stop me? I mean seriously.”
I glanced at Tirreg nervously. There was… something in the way he said that. He wasn’t joking and he was altogether too confident.
“I would stop you!” Viennarinia exclaimed.
“How?” He waited a few moments, then added. “What level are you?”
She looked pissed. “I am level 3286.”
“Less than I thought. I would work on that a bit if I were you.”
He was laughing at her.
“Something like maybe five thousand or so, you might be able to put up a fight.” He added.
I was starting not to like where this was going, so I asked. “What level?”
Arienach looked at us levelly. “I am level 8764"
Viennarinia’s wings stopped for a moment before she caught herself. “No way.”
“Yes way.” He said. “Why do you think I started this project? I am bored out of my mind.”
“But... you could have...”
“Absolutely nothing. I already have planets to travel to, gold for the taking... with not a damn thing to spend it on. I have no challenge anymore. I can destroy a continent with a thought. But like I said, I cannot build. If you truly are curious, come with me. I will show you what the lesser races have to offer. I seek the subtle magic now, not to destroy, but to be able to create. For all I have, I have nothing.”
Suddenly it made sense. It also explained Viennarinia’s actions. I found I was curious now.
“I think I understand. I will follow you.”
Tirreg smiled. “I as well.”
Viennarinia looked at them. “Then go. I will not be a part of this.” Then she turned and flew off.
“Might I know your names?” Arienach asked with a smile.
“I am called Imar.”
“And I am Tirreg.”
“Tis good to meet you. All I ask is that you harm no one.”
Strange way to put it, but he was rumored to be watching over some of the lesser races. We followed him in silence. The lands we passed over had a strange feel to them. Then we came up to a harbor before a city. Arienach landed on an open area off to the side of the harbor and we followed him down. He had shifted into the form of an elf so we follow suit. Tirreg, of course going for his barbarian look. We looked around. The place looked… orderly. There seemed to be no fear here, either. Then, looking closer, was that a drow walking with a centaur and an elf? The harbor was busy.
I looked at Arienach and asked; “Did you have them build this?”
“I told them I wanted a place to trade. I was thinking of the docks, but the rest they added.”
“You allowed it?” Tirreg asked.
“They are not my servants. They asked if some of them could stay and I told them to build as they would.”
Tirreg looked at him strangely. “Why?”
He chuckled. “What could I build? Seriously. They have made this land into a work of art.”
He was right. The more you looked, the more there was to see. Nothing was left undecorated. Carvings of dragons were everywhere. The shops were all busy and music seemed to be everywhere as well. We found a shop selling what Arienach called ‘meat rolls’. Cooked and spiced, they melted in your mouth. A group of street singers wandered by singing a ballad. It was mixed races as well. Children played in the street.
We saw a group working on a building and I had to ask; “There are dwarves with elves and drow. I knew not that they even tolerated each other.”
“Normally they don’t. But they have changed since coming here. I really do not understand why, completely, but there have been no real problems since this town was built. Calalistos, down to the south is the same way now.”
“Passing strange.”
They called him Michael or lord Michael or lord dragon. They weren’t afraid. They sang, they danced, they created. The city was alive.
“Mister? Are you a dragon?” The tiny little elf looked up at Tirreg and I with wide eyes and a solemn expression.
We glanced at each other.
“Yes, we are dragons.” I answered her.
Her face lit up with a huge smile. “Are you going to stay? Darhla and Shryke live here now and they give us rides and show us places and help lots!” She was almost bouncing now.
“Seara! Come here and behave!”
“But mommy, they’re dragons!”
The mother of the little elf came over. “I am so sorry, but she loves dragons.” She said apologetically.
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I smiled at her. “There is no harm. She is a beautiful little girl.”
The mother nodded and did a quick curtsy, her face taking a pink hue. “Thank you my lords.”
We looked at each other in shock as the mother towed the little girl away. We were not feared here… we were loved. We caught up with Arienach… Michael again, and he took us to a tavern called the Dragon Head. We were served by a drow. She flirted shamelessly as she took our order and brought our drinks. She called Michael lord dragon. He got an irritated look and she danced off laughing, her hips swaying the whole way. They teased him. Then we took a sip of the brandy. Gods, it would be worth living here for this alone. I looked up at Tirreg wide eyed. He was staring at the drink.
The next hour or so was spent sipping brandy, chatting with the locals and listening to a bard weave her tales. I have to admit, I hadn’t been this relaxed… ever. Truth be told, it was hard getting up and leaving. We wandered out and followed Michael through some more shops. Then Tirreg grabbed my arm, spinning me around and pointing. We walked till we had a clear view of them. Two dragons, carved into the side of each mountain, framing the entrance way to the inner valley. The stonework made them almost look alive, their wings were spread wide.
Tirreg exclaimed in a rather subdued voice. “Those are magnificent.”
“Aye.” I agreed.
“I see now what Viennarinia is so afraid of.” Tirreg said flatly.
Michael looked shocked.“Afraid?”
Tirreg chuckled. “Yes, afraid. You are changing the very way this world works. These people live in peace alongside dragons. They are growing to be less peasants and more free thinking.”
“Why would that scare her?”
“Because it is happening without us.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You wouldn’t. Nothing can touch you. In the end, the dragons will have little choice. Either join you or be left out. You are taking over the world, just not by conquest. The world is changing and if the others, whatever race they may be, do not join, then they will be left behind.”
Everything came into focus. Michael worked with the people and it wouldn’t stop here. I looked around the city and saw nothing that indicated that there was anything negative or controlling. They would react badly if someone tried to take it over by force. But they would continue to work together. Any dragon who actually came here and had two brain cells to rub together would probably join. Being a dragon was a lonely existence. Even finding a mate. Dragons trusted each other least of all, but here? Once the truth of this land… of this empire came to the dragons, or any other race, it would spread like dragon fire.
“I see. Is this a bad thing that I do?”
I laughed. “No, that is the problem. If it were a threat, it could be battled. You lift up the land and the people. Even if you went away, they would keep this.”
“I never thought on it like that.” Michael stared into the distance.
“You know not what you have started. It will not be a boring time, that I am sure of. I would join with you.” Tirreg stated
“I would as well. It is interesting how they serve you of their own free will.” I agreed.
“They live their lives and I simply observe. I am there to help when they need it, as when the black sails attacked, and they are there for me. We will be leaving soon to free the island of Torgos.”
“Torgos?” I asked.
“The black sails came from Torgos, it appears some king decided to expand his domain and sent a fleet to attack us. I stopped them and found out where they were based out of. He tried to take the rest of the island over as well, and that was prevented. The elves of Torgos, the Estaria are now allied with us to take this king down.”
“How hard can it be, we fly over and level the place.” Tirreg said.
“Not that simple. There are a lot of innocents there. It is hard to have free will without people.” I chuckled. “We are going to weed out the rats, then turn it back over to the proper owners.”
Then it truly struck home. He genuinely cared for the people. His people.
“Sounds overly complicated, but then again, it also does sound like a challenge. Would you like some help?” Tirreg said.
“I would go as well, I wish to see how you would do this.” I said.
“Well, I can show you what we have in mind, I would see what you suggest.”
We walked to a building and I was stuck by the work and detail that went into it. I had never seen such art and craftsmanship anywhere before. The pillars were carved dragons that almost looked alive, their raised wings holding up the roof above them. It suddenly occurred to me why. Why no other city looked like this. Michaels said it was the combination of the other races and he was right for the most part. But no other city would dare do this. The major reason being dragons. Why build a beautiful city that could be destroyed by a random dragon coming through. I suddenly felt small. We, as a race, were holding the world back. Michael was ending the chain of destruction. I suddenly studied the old dragon. He seemed… at peace with himself. I wanted that. It would also give him something to do. I realized that I really wanted that. Something to do.
We made our way back to a chamber. A council chamber? I had no clue. Michael brought up a projection from a crystal in the ceiling. Tirreg and I exchanged glances. We both recognized the view. Dragon sight.
“How did you put your planar sight into a crystal?” I asked.
“Would you believe that I am not entirely sure?” Michael replied. “I just thought of what I wanted and then imprinted it in the crystal.”
“Interesting. I think you have surpassed your race limits.” I said.
A small fairy flew in a few moments later. “Michael, the other were wondering where you were, I will go fetch them.” And flew back out. A fairy? How many races lived here?
“I guess you will get to meet the rest of the crew.” Michael said with a shrug.
A few minutes later a group of people walked it. I could feel that two of them were dragons. I was curious if they were the ones the little elf child was talking about.
“I would like to introduce Tirreg and Imar. Two ancient dragons that will be joining us.”
One of them hissed at Tirreg. “I know of you Tirreg.”
“And I of you Shryke.” Tirreg laughed.
“Well, the rest of the people are Darhla, Dorvus of the clan Rockheld and his second Cornal, Haladoria of the Horiel clan, Alistor of the clan Estaria and the little one is Tory, the leader of the local fay.”
“You keep interesting friends Michael.” Tirreg grinned.
“I trust this is not a problem between the two of you.” Michael said quietly.
“Not unless Shryke there holds old injuries against me. I hold no ill will against him. I found him to be quite the brave to stand against an ancient in defense of his mate.”
Shryke spoke. “It is done. I will not hold it. We were dragons being dragons. I hope we can move beyond that now.”
Tirreg shrugged. “After what I have seen here, I can but try. I believe this may just be the hope for our people.”
I looked at Tirreg from the corner of my eye, apparently his line of thought had followed mine somewhat.
Shryke’s eyes widened but he didn’t speak. Darhla snuggled in next to him, looking content.
“Now, this is what we have planned.” Michael said.
The planning went smoothly and was well organized. Michael made sure to stress that it could change as needed, depending on what happened when we got there. It was complicated, but would free the slaves who could be used as hostages while drawing in the pirates to attack.
Michael sent the one called Alistor to seek aid from one of the local towns. It would keep the rats contained and keep them from stirring up trouble later. It was surprisingly well thought out. True, it wasn’t as easy as flying over and leveling the entire island, but I was starting to see the value of these people and friends were a good thing.
We sat and chatted, got to know of each other, while waiting on the call from Alistor. Tirreg was interested in the call stones, so Michael conjured each of us one, so we could contact him if needed. It was a very handy thing to have. Finally Michael got the call and opened a portal.
“Welcome back.”
He chuckled. “It was trying to hammer a nail with a twig, but I convinced them. They were not too fond of having a dragon along, once they finally believed that a dragon would actually help them and not eat them, but they will do it.”
Michael sighed. “Then I will send you and Rainia back... where is she by the way?”
Haladoria spoke up. “She was in the library last I saw her.”
Alistor laughed. “Let her know that we will be back for her. If she found a library, we have lost her.”
Michael chuckled. “I understand. I will be up there to get your people into place. I will let you decide when to move. The rest should be in place.”
Another portal was opened and he stepped though.
“Haladoria, how long to get the ships ready?”
“Send me back now and they will be ready by dawn.” She replied.
I was stunned when Haladoria kissed Michael on the cheek before she left.
“I already have our people in place. You probably need to get those ships there first. Then come back for us. I will meet you at the pad at first light.” Dorvus said.
“That works. Oh! We need lairs for Tirreg and Imar.”
“No problem. Just enter the inner ring and there is a line of them around the very entrance just inside.” Dorvus told them.
“If you need anything for them, let me know.”
“I thank you, sir dwarf.” Tirreg said.
“I as well.” I agreed.
“I just be called Dorvus. I leave the sirs and lords to Michael.” He chuckled.
“Hey, don’t get them started too.” Michael said with a chuckle.
“I would not think of it.... lord dragon.” I said with a smirk. This was going to be fun.
Michael just stared at me a moment and rolled his eyes. I couldn’t help but laugh.
Tirreg and I made our way to the lairs. I don’t know what I was expecting, but what I found… They were finished on the inside with dressed stone, carved with murals and designs. There was glow stones in the ceilings and separate rooms, including a library. I explored a for a bit until I heard Tirreg land in front.
“These are lairs? I have never seen such as this.” Tirreg said in awe.
“I haven’t either. I was expecting a hole in the rocks we could curl up in. This? I have never seen such.”
“Did you look out the back?”
“I didn’t make it that far, I was looking at the mural in the library.”
He laughed. “Then you are in for a shock. Follow me.”
He lead me out the back of the lair and we were looking at a vast cavern with a platform in the middle. I could see other entrances that led to the smaller lairs. This was set up for a community.
“He has given us room for our own clan.” Tirreg said quietly.
I stared out at the vast room.
“If I counted correctly, we have lairs for three adults or six couples. There are also lairs below for the juveniles. I think I counted at least six groups so far and it looks like they are expanding around the ring.”
“I think his lair is in the volcano. He is at equal distance from all of us and we would all be as equals.”
“It is a way to keep things level. No striving for a better position or the higher mountain. The people here provide for us and we protect them. We are valued instead of feared and we can have friends now instead of strife. I can’t help but wonder if Michael truly knows what he has here.” I said staring at the cavern, but seeing a possible future.
The next morning, I was awoken by the sound of Shryke landing on the pad in front of my lair. My first thought was to defend my lair and I growled. Then I woke up and shook myself feeling silly. This was going to take some getting used to.
“We were asked to go to wake Michael. Seems he decided to sleep in.” Shryke said with a laugh.
“Sleeping on the job.” I said with amusement.
The amusement turned to horror when we flew out and found Michael in the lava of the caldera.