PROLOGUE - A DEVILISH DEED

Jagged rocks formed a castle-like shelter for the enormous fire dragon residing in the inky depths of its subterranean cave. The cave walls' red pumas rock consumed every illumination, leaving the cavern in complete darkness. Crimson Ruby kept a watchful eye. He surveyed the blackness for any sign of potential threats. A sound echoed through the winding tunnels that led to the dragon's cavernous living quarters.

Ascending into the air, Crimson Ruby’s wingspan filled the chamber as he glided past stalactites and stalagmites. He crept through the darkness with heightened awareness, his every step and gesture calculated to detect any lurking threats. He flew to the cave's highest vantage point, perched atop a jagged rock, and watched the silhouettes of several humanoid shapes. They carried torches, swords and walked his way.

Serenely, Ruby sniffed the fragrant air. Chattel or food? His nostrils flared as he took in the distinctive odor of sulfur and sweat. He sensed the pungent odor that emanated from the visitors. A step above chattel, my adventures. He was aware of their immense power to further his aspirations and understood that their destiny is linked to his own. Leveraging their expertise to guarantee that his plan would be executed.

Prickling with anticipation, Crimson Ruby spread his wings wide and flew into the inky cave. He glided gracefully descending upon his unsuspecting guests.

Eagerly, the group fell into line in close formation, shuffling steadily forward. Their footsteps echoed in the silence. Each person trudged along, careful not to overtake or lag too far behind. Their heads swiveled every few steps to confirm they remained together.

Miikka, a Halfling with a short sword strapped to his side and chainmail armor beneath his finery, cautiously peered into the dark cave. The air was still and damp, the walls slick with moisture. While Miikka's heart pounded in anticipation of whatever danger he might find within, he noticed faint glimmers of light reflecting off something ahead. He took his time, not wanting to blunder into a trap. Second in line was Swift-River, a half-dragon. Her connection to nature's power empowers and strengthens her. Swift-River is a force to be reckoned with in battle, unafraid to take on all challengers no matter how powerful. MurDuel, an axe-wielding half-orc, drug a shackled half-elven female behind him. The sorcerer Brikoris, a peacock-like of human man, trailed in the wake of the others, a scroll case clutched in his hands.

Brikoris' magic scrolls captivate with unique and fascinating content. I'll keep her alive the longest…. MurDuel brought me a snack, Crimson Ruby thought with delight. He knows he's the weakest link. With the grace of a cat, the huge dragon landed on the far side of the cave. He took a lounging seat, front legs crossed, hind legs resting out to the side, wings folded, and spiked tail stretched forward. Flames spat from his nose, then asked,

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"The last of the scrolls were they distributed without… fuss?” Crimson Ruby said.

The four adventurers instinctually coiled to the ready, but they stank of fear upon seeing the flame jump from its nose and hearing the words. The shackled preteen paled, soiled herself, and then fainted.

Swift-River feigned confidence and stepped forward, but beneath her brave face, a wave of fear quivered in her voice. “The task is complete. I hired a convoy of horses to transport goods across the desert. On the second day of their journey, I summoned two days' worth of thunder and lightning storms. When the sun reached its zenith, the Blue Devil dragon descended from above and snatched up our horse bait as intended. The teamsters and guards left behind scrambled for safety." She gestured to the Orc, who stood beside her in shackles, his skin pallid with fear. "He uncovered the gold-encrusted coffer that we had hidden nearby just as we escaped."

Crimson Ruby screeched in fury. "But did you not see it take the coffer?"

Miikka attempted to kneel before him out of fright, stammering faster than usual as he spoke. "My most esteemed Red One, returned hidden nearby not to alert it to my presence. When I returned at dusk, the box was gone. No one had even had time to steal it."

Ruby glared at Miikka, his eyes narrowed. He shifted his seated position and tightened his jaw as a flame exited his nostrils. His stare remained steadfast as he softly said. "Failure means you will watch your family's village burn. Afina, your lover, I'll steal her in sleep and drop her fragile body which will plummet from dizzying heights, her tiny frame smashing into your residence in White Rocks."

Brikoris held the bone scroll case aloft and interrupted Crimson Ruby. "The latest scroll is here. Where shall we direct our efforts next? Are there any further instructions?" His tone one spoke of the importance of their task. The adventures waited for Crimson Ruby's, answer with anticipation.

Crimson Ruby's tail coiled around Brikoris' torso, causing his muscles to tense and his breath to hitch in surprise. His stern yet calmer voice echoed through the cave. "Not so fast. The first mission needed to be checked to confirm its success before any further progress will be made." Crimson Ruby said as flames ignited from his nostrils. "You all will be my guests till we get verification."

Miikka felt the heat of Crimson Ruby's gaze as the dragon turned his head and addressed him. His voice was resolute and stern. “You have five days to bring me proof the blue devil dragon is fully aligned with me and unwilling to offer any resistance when added into my ranks of servitude." With a swish of his tail, he created a mist-filled ring. He flicked his tail which flung Miikka through the mist-filled ring.

Swift-River strode back and forth in agitation, her breathing ragged as she cursed. "Guests...five days... No, I can't do it! I have commitments." She kicked a rock with her foot in frustration, starting when an ear-splitting rumble shook the ground. The noise grew, deafening her as a tornado swelled around her.

Crimson Ruby switched his tail, and the ferocious winds subsided. "You object?" Crimson Ruby used his tail and stroked his chin. "Let us make an exchange: information for freedom” Crimson Ruby brought his massive wing around the sweet-smelling nature girl for privacy. "Please continue." He licked his lips. The anticipation made his mouth water.

Fueled by unquenchable anger, Swift-River began a story with a vibrant retelling. "Up there in the sky... A castle on a cloud… It's a fortress built by giants..."

Charmed with her story, Crimson Ruby dined on the unconscious adolescent half-eleven girl.