Scales and Honor: Emerald Secrets
Chapter 8: No Going Back
Veledar awoke the next morning lazily. He yawned with his jaw stretching really wide. He remembered flying back to his quarters and insisting Arcturus keep him company. He moved his front limbs to find the paladin was not there, which of course was typical. He stretched and slithered his way down the stairs to devour whatever concoction the innkeeper had whipped up. Some fruit salad, waffles, and bacon. Veledar paid only partial attention as he was brought stacks of each one. He ate them quickly and was out the door with a quick thanks to the man.
The morning sun shone through the treetops, their rays feeling warm against his scales. He made his way quickly to the training area were there was no doubt in his mind the others would be. Well he figured at least Arcturus would be there anyway. With the thought of his friend in his mind he wrinkled his snout remembering the curse placed on him. He growled as he imagined the green dragoness chuckling to herself as she held up her claw. He so wanted to rip out her throat, he was amazed himself the ferocity he had shown attacking her. He could not wait to get out of this forest and get back to the task of getting his book back. Then he vowed to himself never to come back to this horrible forest.
He pounced from the wooden platform above to the training ground below. He landed on his leathery paw pads softly. He composed himself as he approached Arcturus, who was in his armor sparing with the minotaur. It looked like Arcturus was the stronger combatant as he drove the minotaur back, leaving little room for reprisal. However with a shrug of his scaled shoulders he reminded himself he was not familiar with the silly rules of a duel.
Lyndis and Merlia were nearby as well. Lyndis was throwing fire bolts at a small round target that had been painted with red and white stripes. By the look of the scorch pattern it looked like she was getting close to dead center each time with her blasts. She must have been holding back however, since the wood was not simply destroyed by her magic. Merlia on the other hand was sharpening her ax with a little wet stone.
“See ya finally decide ta get up and start da day!” she laughed
“Of course, I have to give you ample time to prepare for my presence.” he shot back with a grin. “So why are they sparing over there? Did the minotaur say something insulting of me, and Arcturus is defending my honor?” Or was he being an ass?” he asked, sitting beside the dwarf to watch the two continue to fight. “Or perhaps is he showing the minotaur who is dominant? That is what I'd be doing.”
“Nothing like that” Lyndis said, tossing another fire bolt at the target, “Arcturus just mentioned he felt rusty after going a whole day without getting to use his sword.” She then she gave a cheer as her fire bolt hit dead center.
That was when Veledar heard the sound of an explosion in the distance. It sounded very similar to the fireballs that he could cast. He turned to the others, who were busy doing what they had been doing. Internally he stopped to praise himself for having superior hearing to them. He then turned back towards were he had heard the sound, and could see a column of black smoke rising above the treetops. Perhaps this is what the Emerald Lady had wanted them here for.
“There was an explosion eastwards” He said, pointing to the rising smoke when they stopped to take notice. Arcturus slung his shield around his back, stowed his sword, and ran towards Veledar.
“Figures something big happens.” Lyndis muttered, quickly grabbing her things, “Guess the green bitch knew something like this was going to happen.”
“Well it looks like we will have ta crack some heads in” Merlia added, cracking her knuckles.
Veledar lowered himself to let Arcturus mount him easier. The human quickly climbed up and swung his leg around him. His face was stern, and did not have the usual smile it did when they had gone flying together. Lyndis was the next one up, as she helped the dwarf climb as well. Veledar would have said something about not letting them on, but decided to hold his tongue.
“Well lets not make a habit of this.” groaned Veledar from the added weight. He could probably not fight with all the extra weight, but he could probably just get them all there.
“Don't plan on it!” Merlia shouted, as Veledar bounded towards the smoke.
He felt all three on his back hold him tightly. He tried to go as smoothly as possible, as he did not want any of them to fall off and get hurt. He would occasionally flap his wings through the village to gain speed. The closer they got to the smoke, the villagers had started to run passed them screaming. Veledar than heard the same sound from before, however of course it was much louder.
“That's cannon fire.” said Arcturus in shock, “From a ship's energy cannons.”
Well that certainly wasn't good. Veledar did not expect them to send another ship after him. The teams of gryphons were one thing. He kicked himself for not realizing they would send a ship. He shook his head as he carried on towards the smoke, were they started to run into less and less people. However as he looked around the village, the signs of battle were becoming more and more apparent. Some houses had burned holes in their sides from energy crossbows that the Lumarian soldiers carried. The memory of falling from the sky emerged into Veledar's mind. He shook his head to clear it, he had to focus. His eyes narrowed as he remembered Garroth, the man in charge of everything. If he got to meet that human again, he could not wait to get some revenge.
He noticed the guards from before were no where to be found as he continued through the village. Either they had fled with the rest of the villagers, or were busy fighting the soldiers that were no doubt somewhere in the village. He was curious how they had even found them, the Emerald Lady had said he was undetectable.
“How did they even find us?” Arcturus asked, as if reading Veledar's mind.
“They probably tracked Veledar to da forest, than lost track of em. Probably explain why dey didn't start with where we were.” replied Merlia.
Veledar thought the dwarf made sense. IF they didn't know were he was, but they knew previously they had needed to just made a guess were he was. Although he wondered why they had attacked days later if they had the ship. Why not attack the day they had arrived?
“Why wait to attack if they knew we were in here?” Veledar replied, passing yet another battle scared building.
“If this is Garroth we are dealing with, he probably asked for reinforcements. Now if the king somehow knew about the Emerald Lady, then there is likely more than one ship up there.” Arcturus stated.
Here were close now, Veledar could smell the smoke, and hear the sound of the crossbow fire.
“Time to get off.” he said, stopping and lowering his body for his friends to get off. He felt all but Arcturus leave his back.
“Lyndis, Merlia get a good position but watch me. I'll try to get my friend to get out of here.” said Arcturus, his voice sounding tired.
“Do you think you can convince him to leave? His men shot Veledar from the sky!” Lyndis said.
“I have to speak with him, I have to give him a chance.” replied Arcturus.
“I hope for your sake he listens then.” Lyndis shot back.
“Well that's why I have all of you. If he doesn't listen we will have to force him to leave” Arcturus continued, Veledar felt him pat his scales. “So if things go south....well you know how to fight..... Come on Veledar, lets go.”
Veledar bounded forward and left the two others behind.
“So is the plan for me to scare your friend into leaving? Because I owe him for almost killing me.” snarled Veledar. He imagined the smug look on the human that had believed to have killed him. He could not wait to show him how wrong he was, hell he might even kill him.
“The plan is to get him to leave peacefully.” replied Arcturus. Although to Veledar it sounded as thought he was convincing himself he could save his friendship.
“You know he won't listen, he is not as kind as you are. He actually almost killed me.”
“You did die.” said Arcturus softly.
“Exactly.” hissed Veledar. He imagined slicing into the human's flesh with his claws, if he got the chance he would try to not enjoy it too much.
“I'm asking you to let him go......please.” begged Arcturus, “He just might be on the wrong side. He thinks you killed me, or if not that brainwashed me.”
Veledar thought about it for a moment, he loathed the idea of not paying the man back for his injuries to himself. He could feel his anger welling up inside of him, but with Arcturus' words he felt it simmer. He decided to give Arcturus one chance to get this man to flee. Otherwise Veledar would pay him back, oh how he hoped Garroth would not listen.
“You have one chance to get him to leave Arcturus. Or I will be paying that man back for nearly killing me.”
Thankfully after a moment of silence from Arcturus the human replied with a weak, “Ok”
Veledar redoubled his efforts and nearly collided into one of the green dragon twins. With the sound of his claws scrapping into wood he avoided the dragon at the last moment.
“Hey watch were your going.” came the voice of Lyyreth, who than sneezed.
“Than don't just stand there when you are clearly under attack!” Veledar shot back quickly, He was about to ask him why he was just standing there when Cordenth landed next to him and shook his head.
“Where is Lyndis?” Cordenth said, his voice filled with concern. Veledar thought it was a bit odd the green dragon was so concerned with Lyndis' safety but he shrugged it off.
“Back that way.” Veledar pointed with his his tail. They are sneaking around to get a better position of what's going on. Arcturus here was going to try and get these people to leave peacefully.
“Thanks, I'll go with them then.” replied Cordenth, as he spread his wings and bounded towards Lyndis last position.
'I'm coming with you two then.” said Lyyreth his voice full of worry. “Mother suggested this morning that we not go, and let her pawns deal with it.”
“I'm surprised she did not kill you over with what you guys did yesterday.” said Veledar.
“Well she is not thrilled, but she still is our mother. She still cares in her own way.” Lyyreth mumbled. “Regardless we decided to go against her wishes and help you out.”
“Maybe after this is done you will head out from the forest.” replied Veledar with a smile. “Now lets find these people before they do more damage to this village.”
Soon after they saw the bodies of guards, with holes blasted clean through them.
“From energy crossbows.” said Arcturus with a grim tone.
Veledar stopped as his concern for the human grew. Arcturus leaped off of the dragon. Veledar turned his snout to the sound of shouts. It sounded like there was a whole damn army outside the village now. He must have had worry on his snout because Arcturus grabbed his face and looked into his eyes.
“Don't worry so much, if things go bad I have not only you, but two kick ass adventurers and dragons!”
Veledar sighed as he tucked his worry deep inside of him. He was being silly, and he nodded. Of course it would work out, he was magnificent after all. He also figured the two mediocre dragons could handle some soldiers. He felt his heart beast faster as he readied himself for battle.
“I will head out there, talk Garroth down.” Arcturus paused as he looked towards the large collection of sounds. “If I can't do that....” he frowned. Veledar imagined the thought of anyone killing their friend was distasteful.
'Than I get to have my revenge.” said Veledar, trying to not sound too happy at the prospect.
Arcturus stayed quiet for a second, and Veledar fidgeted impatiently. “Okay” Arcturus breathed, and set off towards the voices.
Veledar turned towards Lyyreth, “Come with me, we have to keep an eye on him. Keep your snout down, things are bound to get messy.”
Arcturus left Veledar behind, hearing the two dragons to no doubt stalk him. He hoped that they could stay hidden for this, he did not need anything possibly setting Garroth off. He breathed in again, trying to not focus on the possibility of killing his friend. Curse this whole situation, if only he had killed the dragon. He felt disgusted at that thought and crammed it down, it was complete nonsense. Veledar was now one of his most trusted friends, just like Garroth. He stopped moving before what was no doubt a clearing were all Garroth's soldiers were gathered. He breathed in deep one last time, like a man on the edge of a plank. With great effort he willed himself to step forward, raise his hands and shout.
“Nice day for a stroll isn't it?”
He walked out into the clearing were at least fifty soldiers in assorted red leathers and chainmail resided. There were all mostly armed with energy crossbows, with some having swords, axes, and spears. They of course greeted him with snarls and weapons held high.
“Got another one of em cultists!” a voice shouted, “Looks like he is smart to surrender! “Saves us the trouble of huntin him down!” another one shouted.
Arcturus scanned the crowd of gathered men as they one by one seemed to add to the comments. He picked out the symbol of Garroth's men on only five of the soldiers. The others here were just mercenaries it seemed. Arcturus noticed not one of them was brandishing the symbol of Lumara. His attention was drawn to the five bearing Garroth's symbol. Those were his fellow adventurers. The tallest was a half-orc clad in dark leathers covered in white fur. He brandished a large ax that seemed to be glowing from runes on its blade. Next was a halfling in chain armor with a shield painted black with the symbol of Hades on it. He clearly was a cleric to the god of the underworld. She wore a dark scowl with her green eyes, as the other mercenaries would still not quit there continued commenting.
Arcturus' eyes found the third was a human in half-plate, all scarred and dented from battle. Attached to his belt were two long swords. He had almost no hair with a large scar over his left eye. He wore a stare that would tell any other person to just keep on walking. Fourth was a girl clad in a brown robe with a thin green stripe at the bottom. Her brown hair had little leaves and twigs still stuck in it. First thing that came to Arcturus mind was she a druid. Lastly was a wicked looking dwarf with a black goatee. He was ordering the other men around to keep their eyes on the trees. He was wearing dark green studded leather armor, with an assortment of blades strapped along it.
From the adventurers, Arcturus' eyes fell upon a pile of bodies they were gathering. It appeared as thought they were unconscious. There were clearly villagers, and among them were children. Around the clearing edge he could make out the bodies of more guards, who were clearly un-moving. Arcturus figured they might be dead, as Garroth's men were not trying to retrieve them.
“So were is Garroth? I wish to speak with him.”he said calmly.
Some of the mercenaries lowered their weapons to this. Good he had made a start. Although despite this he almost feel Veledar's eyes upon him, watching for any sign of trouble.
“I am right here, now what is this about a cultist willing to surrender?” came the voice of Garroth. The mercenaries parted like water one by one to reveal his friend wearing his dark plate. His face was filled with fatigue, his eyes were sunken in, almost as it he had gotten no sleep at all.
“Arcturus!” Garroth cried out, as a smile sprang to his face. The man practically ran over to him, before suddenly stopping eight feet in front of him. Garroth looked him up and down with his eyes.
“Good to see you well. I feared the worst when the beast appeared dead. I did not expect to see you alive. How did you escape him? I am sure it's a great tale.” Garroth gestured to the men, “After we of course find and kill him. We can return home and we can talk about it over an ale or two.”
Garroth sounded genuine when he had said that. Arcturus pointed to the corpses, than to the pile of unconscious villagers. 'What is that if you are just hunting the one dragon?”
“Ah” Garroth turned to look before crossing his arms, “the guards did not give us a choice, they attacked we were force to kill them. Was a shame really”
“And the others?”
“For their own good.” Garroth waved dismissively, 'We are freeing these people from this dragon cult. The she dragon forces them to live here, and brainwashes them Arcturus! I have not seen something this vile before. I might have even done this without being paid!”
“Don't get carried away there now boss.” yelled the halfling from behind with a grin.
“It's just an expression.” Garroth shot back, before turning back towards Arcturus.
Now Arcturus had never known a dragon had resided within these woods. The face Garroth knew was very strange. 'Garroth how did you know about there is a different dragon in this forest? Even I did not know there was one before a few days ago.”
“So you met her than.” Garroth replied, his smile evaporating from his face, “Did she get to you? Did she turn you into one of her servants?”
Arcturus thought to the dream he had had and shivered. He hoped that is not what she had done. He did not want to think about what Veledar would do if that turned out to be true. The dragon would probably try to kill her, and not stop until he was freed.
“I do not believe so, although she placed a curse on me to stay within the forest.”
“See that vile she dragon needs to be put down! You understand how dangerous she is!” Garroth turned to gesture to his army, “That's why all this was needed. When we found the dragon had headed here the king sent us a message. It contained knowledge about the she dragon that lived here. He even sent another ship filled with soldiers to assist. He really wants the red one dead, almost as if it were life or death.”
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The king had known about the Emerald Lady? What else was he in the dark about? He wondered, he had to keep Garroth talking. He certainly seemed forthcoming with information.
“So how many men did he send? She is huge in fact, very dangerous to sure.”
“Got all my men here, all paid for. Got some gryphons on the boats.” Garroth replied, holding up his hand and raising a finger with each addition. King also sent a paladin with fifty more men, and some surprises for the she dragon. Hell we even took your advice and brought all fire resist gear.”
“So why isn't this area swarming with your soldiers than?” Arcturus looked around, he wondered if there was a second group wandering around unchecked.
“All busy on the ships.” Garroth pointed up, “Damn vines started reaching for the ships overhead. The cannons have been good at cutting them off though. So we split up. Keep the vines busy with the ships while we hunt the red dragon. Its harder now, for some reason he is not being found by the orb we have on the ship. Thankfully we found you though. Have you seen the dragon? Perhaps you could tell us were he went?”
Despite going out here to talk Garroth down he still felt the urge to join his friend, just like the good old times. It only lasted for a moment though as he thought of his friends, and the lies.
“Garroth take your men, take your ships, and get out of here on those life boats of yours. Nothing waits for you here but death and pain.”
“Say what Arcturus? It sounded like you told us to leave?” Garroth asked, chuckling, “Now is not the time for practical jokes my friend.”
“It's no joke Garroth, you will not be killing the dragon or any dragon that resides in this forest.” He narrowed his eyes as Garroth's face was smile free and stern.
“So the she dragon did get to you my friend. I feared this outcome.” Garroth said, holding up a hand to gesture to the forest, “Look around you Arcturus! This she dragon keeps these people as slaves! We are saving them!” Garroth then pointed to his chest, “ I have been your friend for years! Listen to my voice! That red dragon hurt our kingdom, don't let them confuse you!”
Arcturus sighed as he looked to the desperation of his pleading friend. “They have done nothing to my mind Garroth. That red dragon is innocent, and our king just wants him dead. He is not a beast that needs putting down Garroth, dragon's are sentient intelligent creatures,” He hoped desperately for Garroth to listen to reason, throw down his arms and leave. Hell he wanted Garroth to join him, but Garroth just shook his head.
“I hate to see you like this friend,” Garroth mumbled, “My friend, dragon slayer, reduced to yet another puppet of these vile dragons.” Garroth started to pace in front of Arcturus before stopping, standing up straight and turning back to him with a face full of determination. “Don't worry my friend, I will save you! I will make sure we get back your mind, and make those silver tongued, horded devils pay! Now were is the dragon Arcturus, or has your master forbid you from telling us?”
“Crimson Sky is here in the forest. Leave Garroth, while you can still draw breath!” he pleaded. He could almost feel Veledar's anticipation building within him, threatening to escape.
“So that is the dragon's name huh? We will not be leaving Arcturus, despite what lies the dragon has enchanted you with. We did best him last time we met, and by the pool of blood we nearly killed him. So don't worry my friend, we have this handled.” Garroth than crossed his arms, as his men seemed to be restlessly holding their weapons. “Now are you going to show us were Crimson Sky is hiding?”
Arcturus looked to the soldiers as they held their weapons, and seemed still ready to fight. This was going exactly as he had feared. “N....” he began to say.
“I AM RIGHT HERE HUMAN!” roared Veledar as he leaped out to be next to Arcturus. Veledar thrashed his tail and barred his teeth, “and I have been looking forward to this!”
“Wonderful...Now fire!” Garroth shouted in urgency. Perhaps his boast at having this handled was perhaps just a boast.
Arcturus went to sling his shield down, spontaneously performing the shield of faith spell from earlier. It all happened simultaneously for Arcturus. There was an arrow that flew out from the woods, exploding among them in a myriad of screams. Shouts rang out as not two but eight green dragons burst forth with great roars before flying towards the mercenaries. Green gas was already pooling in their maws.
“Dragons!” the men screamed as Cordenth and Lyyreth touched down, ripping through a dozen of the stunned men. The others were taking shots at the illusions the two dragon's had summoned. The dragon's claws sliced through the hide and light chain, like butter, painting the ground in crimson. Those not sliced by the dragons coughed as poisonous gas exploded from the dragon's maws. Men fell clasping their throats gasping their last breaths.
“Poisonous gas!?” one of Garroth's men shouted, “You said dragons breath fire!”
Veledar let out a gout of flame towards Garroth when Arcturus pulled out his sword. His friend rolled out of the way, the flame not even touching him. Several crossbows fired at Veledar, but with a flick of the dragon's tail, and flash of white light the shots rebounded off the dragon's sparkling scales.
The soldiers ran screaming as Arcturus witnessed his friends ambush. He charged at Garroth and swung his sword, for his friend to draw his own and block it with a clang. Arcturus looked to see that Garroth's friends were more busy with trying to fight the two green dragons than help their leader with him. The halfling pounded his fist against his hand, letting a large funnel of golden flame envelop Lyyreth. The dragon was knocked to the ground with a roar of pain, as he stood up Arcturus could see his scales were smoking from the heat.
Without another word Veledar bounded over Garroth, and tripped the man with his tail. He than opened his maw, gave his tail a twirl, and a cone of intense cold sprung from his maw to envelop the halfing. Arcturus took advantage of this and sliced his friend across the arm. His other attacks were parried by his friends defense.
'Come your senses!” Garroth shouted as they struck back and forth until Garroth landed a strike on an unarmored portion of Arcturus' armor. He felt the blade cut into his arm slightly but it was merely a glancing blow.
“My mind has never been more clear in my life.” he replied as Garroth blocked his next attack.
He had to admit, Garroth was a fine swordsman, and was starting to suspect he had let him win all these years. He even suspected now Garroth was holding back, trying to get through to him.
“Clearly the dragon's hold is too strong! I am sorry my friend, but I may have to hurt you.” Garroth shouted over the sounds of his men dying. Arcturus' suspicions were confirmed as Garroth pushed him back with quick strikes from his blade, it was all Arcturus could do just to deflect and block his friends strikes.
“Come on Arcturus!” Garroth shouted as Arcturus felt his friend's blade taste his blood once more. 'Fight it, I know you are stronger than him!”
All around them was in chaos now, as a few remaining soldiers had started to flee into the woods away from the three dragons. Plenty lay dead with arrows sticking out of them, Garroth's adventurers still remained however.
The dwarf had pulled out his daggers and charged at Veledar with a shout. The druid had changed into a large gorilla. Her fist colliding with Veledar's scales, and sending the dragon tumbling to the ground. Arcturus' attention was pulled back to Garroth as his friend did not give him a moment to focus longer on his allies fight. He heard Veledar give a pained roar, followed by a scream from the dwarf. Well it certainly sounded like Veledar had gotten payback.
Arcturus had to leap back as the body of the halfling was tossed passed them. Arrows had lined the girls body, along with many deep slashes from claws. Her organs started to slide out when she hit the ground dead. Arcturus looked up to see Garroth's face go pale as he looked around to his dying adventurers.
“We have to leave!” shouted the half-orc as he ducked from an attack from Lyyreth, only to be struck hard in the side by Cordenth's tail and go crashing into the ground with a thud.
Garroth looked torn as he stared at Arcturus, than to Veledar who was busy avoiding the human fighter with swords. “Curse you Crimson Sky!” Garroth shouted, his voice nearly cracking. He pulled a stone from his pocked, “Send in the constructs paladin, the dragon is here, get ready for us, everyone else is dead.” Garroth than reentered his stance before striking at Arcturus once again, “Your coming with me Arcturus! I will not fail you again!”
Arcturus held his ground as sword me shield,as his friend desperately fought against him. He saw the adventurers turn and flee as Veledar incinerated the fighter with a breath of fire. He had to end this, he let the energy flow into his sword with a thought of Bahamut. When his sword met Garroth's once more in a clash, there was a flash of light and an explosion of power. Garroth's great sword shattered as his friend was tossed to the ground, a bloody gash on his torso. Garroth stared at him, eyes wide in shock as he pulled a potion from his pouches. He chugged it quickly, spitting some out in disgust. He stood up clutching the wound as it began to heal itself. His eyes did not leave Arcturus, as he gave him a look as if he were one of the dragons he had been talking about.
“They have imbued you with magic.” he exclaimed, his voice full of pain. “His grip on you is even worse than I could have possibly imagined.” Garroth turned to whomever was left standing from the combined assault of adventurer and dragon, “Retreat!”
Moments after Garroth shouted this, a rolling fog overtook the area around Garroth and his men. It was so thick that Arcturus could not make out anything within the fog. Although by the sound of the screams of the remaining people, this did not stop the dragons in the slightest. Arcturus was reminded at their ability to sense people close to them, even when they could not see.
Suddenly a great wind blew the fog harmlessly away as Merlia emerged from the forest. “Notin like a good ole gust o wind” she yelled out.
Arcturus looked to the field of corpses scattered all over the blood drenched clearing. Luckily the civilians were not hurt. Cordenth and Lyyreth were standing side by side, their green scales painted bright red with the blood of their victims. Although by how they were breathing heavily he imagined some of it was their own. Veledar made his way to Arcturus, he could see the anger on his snout. He figured it was most likely from the fact Garroth and his men had escaped while the dragon's were finishing off those that had stayed. Veledar walked passed Arcturus slightly and roared out to the forest, “Good run you coward! Next time we meet you will not survive!”
Merlia looked to the corpses as she stowed her bow. Her face was stern as she retrieved her arrows. There were no witty lines, no compliments, no anything of her typical banter.
“This wasn't much of a fight.” she said, “dis was a slaughter.”
Arcturus could not agree more, there men were hardly prepared for three dragons. Not to mention they were only geared out to fight fire breathing dragons. He walked by the corpses and plucked an energy hand crossbow from one the many bodies. He felt it in his hands, it felt good to finally have his hands on one again. He thrust it back into his holster, that had been empty ever since his had broken. He looked around and wondered were Lyndis had gotten to, but he never got the chance to voice his question, as a dozen metal orbs fell from the sky and impacted with the earth. They threw up dirt every which way, as Arcturus and his allies back up away from the impact sites. Arcturus noticed they were engraved with runes with a center red “eye”, above this was a brown plate that had the symbol of Lumara painted on it. Arcturus mind went into a panic as he realized what these things were. He had never seen these off of the front lines in Roth dell.
“Get Ready!” he shouted to the others.
The orbs started to rustle as they grew limbs from their round forms. They each had set of hulking legs and three sets of metallic arms. The center set of arms carried a large crossbow device that seemed to be loaded with harpoons. Arcturus could not have imagined seeing these. If the king had sent these things, it seemed he really wanted the death of Veledar, and was willing to throw anything to accomplish this. He had seen these constructs wade through troops with ease, hardly taking any damage at all. For they were crafted with mana crystals at their cores with magic reinforced shells. Their bodies were immune to any non magical attack. He had seen whole walls collapse on them, only for the things to emerge just as willing to slaughter. Lyyreth found this out first hand as he tried to claw one, only for them to scrape uselessly against the silver body. The constructs than all in unison pulled great swords out of their bodies with each other set of arms. The green dragon darted away, leaving the construct he was fighting to slice at thin air.
“You have to use magic!' Arcturus shouted out as he sprinted to a construct. He swung his sword, letting the might of Bahamut flow through him. The sword sliced right through one of the things silver legs. The construct toppled, but still it fought on with it's other limbs. One great sword struck Arcturus' shield, once again making him thankful for the magical protection it possessed. Thankfully the toppling did not allow the blow to be full force, or he imagined he would have been tossed back by the things strength. He sliced off one of the things limbs, as he was forced to avoid the incoming attacks. The thing finally was stopped as an arrow bathed in lighting struck the thing in the center of it's red eye. Electricity than lit the construct up as it flailed around, before falling to the ground destroyed.
“Thanks Merlia!” he shouted to the dwarf, who gave him a nod.
“You owe meh paladin!” she cried, as she let loose some more arrows to another construct that Lyyreth was currently engaged with. For the dragons did not seem to be having the same luck that he had against the construct. Lyyreth had been caught by a net that apparently was electrified. The dragon was squirming and clawing through pained grunts as the construct doing this advanced with it's wicked blades.
Cordenth was running from two as he tried to avoid their swords, however stay close enough that the things did not try to shoot him with their harpoons. “My breath does nothing!” he shouted as he turned to shove one construct away, but it landed undamaged in the grass. Despite flying away being a valid option he was amazed the dragon was staying to fight along side them. Cordenth turned and opened his maw, to let out a cone of intense cold. The cone of cold washed over one of the one construct still chasing him, it's body all froze up as it halted. The dragon than lashed the thing with his tail, it fell backwards and shattered upon the ground.
Veledar however seemed to be doing the best out of the dragons. He did not even seem to have to use his magical spells to do it either. He was currently holding down one of the constructs in his claws as he bathed it with his dragon fire. Arcturus watched the Construct's eye area melt away in the intense heat. The thing stopped moving soon after as Veledar tossed it aside. Arcturus only grinned to himself as the dragon gave out a great roar as he raised a claw, and a thrash of his tail. The dragon than shot out a bolt of lighting from his raised claw, that hit another construct, and chained to three other ones. Each one was hit with this bolt of lighting, and Arcturus watched the red eye shatter as each one of them collapsed onto the ground. Arcturus imagined that he would never hear the end of this tale, although he had to admit the dragon did look like something of legend as he had done this. The red dragon bounded towards the other constructs, dodging swords as he went until he was breathing fire once more onto them.
Lyyreth's roar of pain brought him back out of his thoughts. He had to form a plan, first was to free Lyyreth, the poor dragon would most likely not last much longer.
“Merlia, help Cordenth! I got Lyyreth!” he shouted out, pointing to Cordenth who had currently landed on the ground with a pained snarl. Arcturus could see the dragon now bore a large gash in his left flank that was oozing blood.
“Ye got it Arcturus! Hey ya large tin can!' Suck on me arrows!” she shouted as another volley of magical enhanced arrows flew towards one of the constructs harassing Cordenth, each one hitting a part of thing with metallic clangs. Until one finally hit the vital eye, shutting it down forever. When Merlia started shooting another Construct, Arcturus had already started his charge towards Lyyreth.
He readied another strike like the one he had felt Garroth in their duel. He focused on his goddess once more with each step. The construct did not pay him any mind as it advanced on the struggling dragon. Arcturus almost felt sorry for the it as he raised his sword high. He brought it down as hard as it could, and it exploded with a bright flash of light. The construct shuttered for a moment, before exploding in a cloud of green smoke. The net that had been electrifying Lyyreth stopped with a big sigh of relief from the green dragon. Arcturus leaped over as Lyyreth sliced the net off with his claws.
“Thanks for that” said Lyyreth between pained breaths,
“Don't mention it” Arcturus replied, placing his hand on the dragon. HE focused on healing the dragon, and let his magic flow into Lyyreth.
“You know, that spell of yours feels great.” Lyyreth sighed, before the dragon stood straight up. They both than turned to the sound of yet another construct crashing to the ground, followed by the deafening laughter of Merlia.
“Ya rink yer people could build better toys Arcturus? I could do dis all day!”
“You know I think she scares me.” said Lyyreth casually, before bounding off to help the dwarf as one construct was heading right for her.
“Your telling me,” Arcturus said, looking around to find that Lyndis had yet to reveal herself. Veledar however had melted another construct before getting tossed aside by another one. Veledar roared angrily as he got back up and charged that one head on. Arcturus had to admit, they seemed to have this in control. With the might and arcane powers of the dragons combined with the magical weapons and magic they possessed, they seemed quite capable to handle the constructs that would give normal armies without magical support pause.
Arcturus looked up, to see the form of two large airships overhead. The ship's energy cannons seemed to be busy shooting down untold numbers of vines that had ripped them from the skies days previous. “Good at least the Emerald Lady is not sitting out the defense of her people.” he thought before turning back to the pressing matters at hand, as a new wave of constructs bared down on them. Arcturus met some of them with attacks from his sword, he was tossed back onto the ground after he had carved one like a turkey. He landed with a thud, as Veledar was busy roasting another one with his breath.
“No time to take a dirt nap Arcturus!” Veledar roared in fury.
Arcturus stood up, with another cast of the spell shield of faith he was encased in a shimmering blue field. He stood next to Veledar as four of the constructs surrounded them with their wicked blades held high.
“You know me Veledar, wanted to get my beauty rest in and all.” he said, twirling his fingers and letting loose three bolts of eldritch power. They struck the closest construct, the thing ignored it for the most part as they did with the physical damage. Arcturus sighed, perhaps they were enchanted to resist minor magical spells as well now. Luckily the spells the dragons had been using were strong enough to effect them, and that they had Veledar's flame breath. Otherwise they would be certainly doomed at the moment.
That's when he heard Cordenth roar, and Arcturus got a quick glimpse of the two dragons trying to keep the constructs off of Merlia while she was raining arrows into them. Arcturus wondered why they were not using magic, but figured they had expended their spell power for the day. His previous thoughts about them doing well were certainly getting snuffed out fast. The situation was certainly going south fast, without something to help them right now this would most likely end in disaster. The green dragon's could not keep Merlia safe for long, and she only had so many arrows to fire.
His thoughts would have to wait however as the four constructs in front of him made their move. Now Arcturus had seen how Veledar fought on the ground, several times in fact. How the dragon would slice with his claws, bit with his maw, and strike with his tail. However it came to him as a surprise when they had started to work in tandem. There were working almost in sync perfectly, he would duck so the dragon's tail would throw one away from him. He shoved another when Veledar blew his breath, so that instead of one, two had melted instead. He turned a blade so that it only hit him harmlessly, if this teamwork of his with the dragon could be perfected even more they would be a fierce team on the ground, as well as in the air. In less than two minutes all four lay dead from the two, with nary a scratch on them.
“Nice fighting, almost took you for a dragon there.” smiled Veledar, breathing heavier than he usually did.
“I'll take that as a compliment. You did good as well!” he replied, giving the dragon a thumbs up.
“Now dat ya two are dun jerkin each utter off, come help us!” shouted Merlia as she ducked from one of the constructs attacks. The dwarf had to roll out of the way of yet another attack as her two dragon defenders had been driven away from her. The two dragons were desperately trying to avoid the metal constructs. Although Arcturus noticed they were still trying to get to Merlia, and not simply taking off and leaving the dwarf to her fate.
That's when a golden funnel of flames wrapped two of the constructs in it's embrace. Arcturus could see the two just disintegrate from the flames. Arcturus looked over to see that Asterion had emerged from the woods with one of his hands up, in the direction the funnel had spawned. In the other had he was holding a large hammer, besides that he still was wearing his normal garb of clothes. Almost on cue from the minotaur's arrival, another of the constructs was vaporized from a bright blue energy beam, that sliced the thing in two.
Arcturus looked up to see just above the treetops was a lifeboat with it's energy weapon pointed in their direction, with Lyndis waving out from behind it.
“Look what I found! And to think they just left it protected by only two guards!” she shouted in glee as she sliced another construct in half with the ships energy weapon. The four remaining constructs left reacted immediately. Two of them fired off their harpoon guns with a loud crack. Both of these pierced the boat Lyndis was on right where the crystal powering it was held. Arcturus had to appreciate the constructs for a moment, they were efficient at times.
The lifeboat dropped like a rock to the ground below, but Lyndis did not seem to be worried. When it finally crashed to the ground she leaped seconds before, and with a flick of her wrist landed softly onto the ground. Arcturus was going to ask her if she was ok, but was interrupted again as one of the constructs decided to take his head off. He blocked with his shield with a loud clang. He pulled back his arm, as it now ached with pain. He sliced out with his sword, but it moved back enough to turn what would have been a clean hit into a glancing one. The sword only managed to scratch the surface of the thing. It's counter attack struck his sword, ripping it clean from his grasp, causing it to fly several feet to land blade first in the dirt. He dodged another strike, and pulled out his energy crossbow that he had looted off the body. He fired several shots into the thing, trying to hit it in the red eye. However even though the energy bolts hit dead on, they impacted with little effect to the thing. It looked like they were warded against the crossbows as well. He sprinted to his sword as the thing chased after him. He blocked another strike, dodged a second, and the third merely grazed his pauldron. He grasped the hilt of his sword firmly, pulled it from the ground and turned towards his attacker.
He sliced into the construct as it continued rushing at him. The blade cut deep into it's metal hide. The thing recoiled as sparks flew from the wound now gaping in its form. Lyndis jumped from Arcturus' right holding one of her rapiers. “Thanks for the opening!” she cried, before leaped onto the thing's 'head'. She plunged her rapier down it's 'eye' and leaping off before the thing could do anything about it. Arcturus stood there as the behemoth tumbled into a pile of inert metal, and Lyndis landed on her feet.
“See you set them up, and I will knock them down.” she smiled, as Veledar tossed another one between the two of them. The dragon tacked the construct again as it struggled to slice into Veledar's scales, but they held as he let loose another flame breath point blank with the construct. The construct's movements slowed as it's body was melted by the heat of Veledar's breath.
Arcturus and the others faced the last two constructs that were currently fighting Asterion. Who was holding his own quite well against the two metal behemoths. He would duck, and dodge the swords as he brought his hammer to bear on the metal. It would flash with a yellow light similar to how Arcturus' own weapon did, followed by the crunching of metal. Asterion leaped back, facing the two now as they advanced on him. He held a hand to up and harshly drew a line down in the air. From thin air dozens of swords filled the air around one of the constructs, slashing wildly as they floated their, suspended by an unseen force. The one caught in this was sliced to ribbons by the swords as it tried to head towards the minotaur. It collapsed a mere three feet into the sword cloud.
The others gave a cheer as they bounded towards the last one left. Arcturus couldn't believe it at first. They had not only bested fifty mercenaries and a group of adventurers, but they had demolished twenty four of Lumara's war constructs. It certainly was good to have dragons on ones side. Before they could reach the last damaged construct a shot rang out from the sound of a harpoon gun. 'Where had it come from” he thought as he looked to the one in front of them. “Surely it could not be from that one, it's harpoon gun was still loaded.”
Arcturus stopped mid charge to see where the shot had rang out from. He turned and saw it had come from another damaged construct, they had thought destroyed, crawling pitifully on the ground. The thing was looking at them, and Arcturus figured it they had any emotion at all it would most likely be anger.
“Cordenth!” shrieked Lyndis.
Arcturus turned to see that the green dragon lay on his side between Lyndis and the construct. The harpoon from the rifle was lodged in the dragon's chest, and was poking out the other side covered in blood. He had apparently jumped in the way for Lyndis. Smashing sounds signified the last construct being destroyed as they rushed to the dragon's side. Cordenth was gasping for breath around his blood soaked mouth. Arcturus figured by the harpoons placement it had pierced the dragon's left lung. Lyndis was holding his snout.
“That was a stupid thing to do, I could have dodged it!” she said, her voice cracking slightly. The green dragon tried to reply, but whatever he said came out as a gurgled mess of blood.
“Shhh, shhh, don't talk” she said, tears forming in her amber eyes.
“We need to get the harpoon out if we are going to heal you.” Arcturus said, taking charge and removing his gloves. “It will just be in the way when we use magic.” he turned towards the two other dragons present. “Veledar, Lyyreth” he shouted his voice full of authority, “I need you to pull that thing out fast. We wont have much time to save Cordenth.”
The dragons nodded in unison, if they minded being bossed around they did not voice their disapproval. He guess Veledar realized the gravity of the situation. The dragon's placed claws around the harpoon as Lyndis held the gasping Cordenth.
“Hold on, it's most likely going to hurt.” she said softly to the green dragon in her arms. Cordenth just closed his eyes weakly.
“On the count of three......one.....two.....three!” Veledar shouted, as the two dragons yanked out the harpoon. Cordenth gave out a weak gurgle as blood started to rush out of the hole in the dragon. Arcturus swiftly put his hand on the dragon, and did what he had done earlier for Lyyreth. The magic flowed into the dragon like it usually did, but the wound would not close. Arcturus realized in horror that he might not have enough power left to save the dragon. He looked to the wound that had not closed, blood still leaking out of it. Cordenth was clearly in trouble as the dragon than went limp, best case unconscious, worst case he was dead.
“It's not working!” Lyyreth roared, his teeth bared. “Try harder human!” he snarled, as the dragons eyes filled with worry as he stared at the form of his dying brother. Arcturus tried to will more magic, but none was coming. His eyes widened and his heart sank. Cordenth was going to die right here, and there was nothing he could do about it.
“Asterion!” his brain screamed at him in realization. “Asterion!” he shouted to the bull, who had casually walked over, clearly taking his time to do so. “Your a cleric, you have stronger magic than I, you can save him!”
Asterion looked sternly at Cordenth, back to Arcturus, than to Lyyreth, “No” the bull said calmly.
“No!?” Lyyreth roared, leaping to Asterion with his teeth bared. “You heal him this second or so help me I will rip your throat out!”
“Than do that dragon, I will only help your brother if you help me get free from your mother.” Asterion said, looking Lyyreth straight in the eye. “Guarantee that you will and I will save your brother's life, refuse.......” Asterion gestured to Cordenth, “he dies.”
“Your doing this now?” Lyndis shouted at the bull, giving him almost the same death glare that Lyyreth was giving Asterion. “He could die over this!”
“Yes” the bull said again calmly, “Hence why the dragon here should makeup his mind quickly.”
Arcturus watched Lyyreth desperately think for an answer, this was his brother after all. The bull had him metaphorical by the balls here. This was a smart play by the bull, ruthless, but very smart.
“I suggest you answer quickly dragon, I have heard your kind cannot be brought back from the dead.” Asterion added, looking at Lyyreth trying to think.
“Fine, do it, do it!” Lyyreth spat out.
“Do what dragon?” Asterion said with a grin
“I will make sure you get freed, now heal my brother you horrible thing!” Lyyreth snarled, making Asterion's grin just grow larger.
“Very well dragon, your brother will live this day.” replied Asterion, holding up a hand and placing it on Cordenth's side. “vahraan” he whispered,as a dazzling white light washed over the dragon. Arcturus watched the gaping wounds close, as the light seemed to be absorbed by the dragon. With a large gasp of air, and a cough Cordenth's eyes opened.
Lyndis hugged the dragon tightly around his neck. She stopped moments after to smack the dragon hard on the right of his snout.
“Don't ever do something so stupid again!” she scolded, wiping her eyes soon after.
“Now we are even” Cordenth said weakly, before collapsing into the grass.
Asterion just looked around to the others, before spreading his arms wide. “feyal vokras ahraan” he said, as he gestured to all of them in turn. There was another flash of dazzling light that hopped from person to person that Asterion had gestured to. Arcturus felt the light hit him and refresh him. The ache in his body was gone and replaced with a soothing warm sensation. He breathed in deep, and exhaled slowly.
“Thanks for that Asterion.” he said to the bull, “And the for the dragon.”
“No thanks is needed Arcturus, I healed you and your friends since we were battle brothers this day. I healed the dragon over there because I needed something.” Asterion replied gruffly, than swung his hammer over his shoulder. “Now lets go see the Emerald Lady before she recovers from this day.” the bull pointed to the airships overhead.
The ships appeared to have turned around and were heading back the way they had come. Their cannons were still firing at the vines that were still rising out of the forest to try and latch onto the ships.
“Don't you think we should rest for Cordenth..” Lyndis began before Asterion cut her off with a snort and stomp of his hoof.
“A chance for this one to recover is time for then dragoness to recover as well. We leave now while she is weakened. Unless you believe she will honor her promise to remove the curse from your paladin?”
Arcturus put a hand to his chin. The bull had a point yet again, if there ever was a time to try and force the dragoness to do something it was now. He turned to Lyndis who was giving him a look filled with worry, obviously over the injured Cordenth. He looked to Veledar who was standing tall, regal.
“Sounds like a good plan Arcturus, what is there to think about?” the dragon said, “We go in, teeth bared and make her take that curse off of you.”
Arcturus lastly turned to Merlia, “Donna ask me lad, I agree wit the dragon on dis one. We best force her claw now, while we might hav tha uppa hand.”
“Than it's decided, Lyndis here can stay with Cordenth and the villagers. If you want to make sure he recovers.” he swiveled to Lyyreth, “Lyyreth you take us to the Emerald Lady so we can discuss this curse, and Asterion being freed from your mother.”
The green dragon gulped, than sneezed as he looked at Cordenth. Lyyreth than looked to Asterion before sighing, “Well come on then, lets get this over with.”
Arcturus turned to Lyndis and gave her a quick, “Good Luck”
“Your the on that is going to need it” she replied with a sigh.