Chapter 22

The months that followed for Ramakox were rough ones, as he had to help Jandar cope with the loss of his beloved mate. They had left the destruction of the estate to find that in their absence some soul had brought it upon themselves to burn Jandar's house to the ground. The red orange flames a final laughing present to the weary dragons and the devastated mortal with them. They had traveled back home to the blue dragon's lair outside of Eastcliff with little fuss from the sulking half-dragon. The man had been quiet most of the morning after, and each one that had followed on the return trip. It was unsettling to say the least, and made Ramakox's scales itch with each silent moment. It was like part of the man had died that night, and driven any trace of him away. The blue had fussed over him on the third morning, and continued to do so during the long days and nights that followed. He made sure to nuzzle and embrace the trembling man as Fremra instructed and often joined in. There was not a single moment that did not pass that Jandar was gone from their sight or held within their grasp. Often times the blue would stare out to the countryside, needing the comfort of Jandar held within his limbs just as much as the mortal needed him.

When they arrived at the northern lair, a place that had now felt more empty then it had ever been, there had been a collection of brightly dressed mortals with smiling faces. They had brought with them gifts, good cheer, and were singing praises to the blue dragon the moment his hinds touched the worn scratched up stone. He avoided their eyes as they started laying on thick with the praises, and seemed practically willing to worship the ground that he and Jandar walked upon. Thankfully Fremra had been the one to pull them all aside with one of her wings and kindly disperse the mortal visitors with that singsong voice of hers that could ease the fiercest of hearts. When she had padded over with a worried face they collapsed together as a family inside the treasure laden home. While they cuddled against one another they talked about the good times, and mourned the loss that was oh so fresh on their minds.

The days that followed after that were filled with spreading the news and preparing a grand funeral for the woman that had given birth to a dragon, and held the heart of Jandar the traveling mage. They had constructed a large pyre of the greatest wood that they could find, and placed a token log that was decorated with beads, flowers, and any colorful clothing that they could find to dress it up in. The blue dragon had watched with a heavy heart as Jandar struggled to say his final words to his wife, the tears coming to his eyes as he spoke. The mortal leaned on the teal dragoness the entire time with his a trembling voice. It was enough that when the man had finished, and looked more tired than he had ever been, that Ramakox lowered his snout and nosed the man with all his heart. He gave a small rumble when Jandar wrapped his arms around his snout and pressed his head against his own.

After the funeral the winters cold grasp latched onto the land, passing all the troubled times with ice and snow that covered the land in fields of vast white and greys. During this time the half-dragon spent most of his time inside the blue's lair, taking back his bed that he had all those years ago with little fuss. Ramakox had to admit during this time that he had felt warm inside to wake up to the mortal once more living with him. It made his heart grow warm as he looked to the man, his tail flicking in delight. Although each time he did his snout would wrinkle and his warmness would suddenly be sucked away and replaced with cold. For the cost of such a thing struck at him, and made the dragon hate himself.

Eventually the cold months of Frien Hemdah passed and the spring weather of Noreck Vene took it's place. Ramakox hoped that the warm weather, bright colors, and start of new life would once more bring cheer back into the depressed man's spirit, that had not seemed to have returned since the death of his wife. So it was that the dragon was lying down on his large bed of soft things, sprawled out undignified with his hind leg twitching ever so slightly.

Ramakox lazily opened one of his eyes, briefly blinking away the grogginess from his vision as he righted himself and let out a loud tongue curling yawn that echoed off the walls of his home. He snapped his jaws several times as he glanced around all the treasure that lay within his cave, to all the mounts of platinum, gold, silver, and bronze coin that sat in organized piles on the floor. His eyes drifted from these to the chests laden with gems of all varieties, mixed together so that they looked more like a mural that a painter had simply tossed the colors onto, not caring where they had landed. He turned his head towards the section that contained his instruments, pianos,horns, drums, his eyes falling lastly to the harp that Fremra had been playing more frequently as of late. She would entice the mortal to sit with her, and together they would play beautiful music that seemed to flow from their souls and into the notes. He smiled once, groaning softly as he pulled himself to all fours, arching his back and stretching with his haunches raised into the air as his wings splayed wide.

Another yawn found it's way to his maw, this time making him twitch his tail as he kneaded the ground and drew lines into it's surface with his talons. He released a satisfied rumble from his throat, refolding his vast wings against his back, the membranes lacking any sign of damage from that encounter at Lord Aster's estate. He gave a silent thanks to Fremra's healing magic for that little stroke of luck, making his snout wrinkle as he pictured Imzel's frozen face and Jandar's pained screams of agony. The dragon shivered as ice wrapped it's way around his scales and the image became more real with each passing breath, the treasure starting to shift and form to that of the courtyard and the swirling mana vortex.

It's not real

He closed his eyes and shook his head with a loud snort, eventually pawing at his nose until the image faded from the forefront of his mind. He opened his silver spheres, glancing back round with an arched neck, finding that no one else was in his cave, only the sound of his breathing to keep him company. He snorted at the realization that the others had clearly risen without him and left the blue dragon to his slumber. He shook his scales with a rumble, filling the air with soft clinks as he trotted off into the morning light, the sun's sparkling off his cerulean scales. He sighed at the warmth provided by the golden ball of fire, flaring out his wings to bask in the glorious rays as he glanced down to the vast tapestry that seemed to be made of every green imaginable. The morning breeze ruffled his membranes and brought the sharp scent of pine, and the combined smells of Jandar and Fremra lingering in the air.

So they went off together? Good.

The blue dragon smirked, glad that those two had been growing so close the past six months, it was good for both of them he imagined. The two souls that could comfort one another in a way they he could not. Since both had been injured by the same culprits. He narrowed his eyes as he glanced out to the darkened clouds on the horizon, a dark haze being cast over the far mountains and clearly drenching them in sheets of thick rain. Ramakox felt the grumbling of his stomach, a small thing that made his scales tingle as he eyed the bountiful trees and the river found among them. He briefly considered going into Eastcliff, looking to the myriad of buildings on the horizon.

No..You are a dragon, at least go and track down your morning meal. The voice inside his head scolding him for even considering just ordering his meal from a mortal vendor.

He wrinkled his snout, and lowered himself against the stone with a flick of his armored tail. He gave his wings a test flap with a low grumble, the air feeling lovely against the sensitive membranes and making him long to be high above the earth in the sky's lovely embrace. He bound into the air with a mighty leap and flap of his wings, soon rising higher and higher with each eager flap. He quickly found his meal, praising his skills as he chomped down on the moose he had caught rather swiftly, savoring the meat with each rip into it's hide. When he had finished with his meal he returned to his domain, the wind tickling his membranes as the cool morning air made his lungs ripple in delight.

He angled his wings with his next eager breath, descending towards the river to clean his bloodied claws and snout. He had business in the town after all, and it was really awkward to do anything coated in his meals life blood. It also had the habit of disturbing any mortal and made them nervous to be around such a great hunter such as he. He settled down near the rushing water's edge, quickly paddling his way into the cool water that he knew so well. He plunked into the body of liquid, sinking low to the rock covered bottom and rubbing hard against the stones to clean himself of all the dirt, blood, and various other things that would have been caught under his scales. With that completed he returned to the surface with a large intake of air, turning into little grumbles as he climbed his way onto the surface and shook himself like a dog.

Ramakox shivered once, the breeze biting his scales as it typically did after such a refreshing bath. His eyes fell to Fremra who was lying down in a nearby clearing. She was right below a tree with her tail along the ground and slightly curled around Jandar. They appeared to be holding up there claws while the dragoness tapped her tail with each swishing movement they preformed. He smiled to himself, imagining that she was humming to herself in this moment, something she was known to do when that tail of hers would be tapping away like it was. Jandar was looking up to her, following her movements with his snout, nodding several times before crossing his arms, the gesture causing Frema to throw her head back in an obvious display of cackling laughter.

Ramakox frowned at his mortal, who had for all purposes sworn off magic for the foreseeable future. The man had simply been too afraid to cast any magic since the tragic day at the estate. Jandar had explained in a flat voice that it was possible for the magic to bubble over and once more unleash a violent storm like the one that destroyed the keep and the estate with it. The blue dragon wrinkled his snout out of instinct as he watched the two enjoy each others company. He glanced up to the sun to see that it was almost time for his business in EastCliff. He flicked his tail, remembering he was supposed to be meeting with a representative of the queen today. Most likely the fall of the keep and how it was destroyed would be the topic of conversation. He shook his scales as he snapped his jaws several times with wet smacks. It was most likely going to be nothing but a waste of time. He was the Swirling Storm after all, champion versus the undead horde, and the great protector of Eastcliff and the surrounding villages and towns. It would be foolish to think that the queen would send people to get rid of him.

Enough stretching and eating I suppose He trotted to the pair before him with almost a bounce in his step. He quickly nuzzled the teal dragoness under her chin before she could get away from his embrace.

“Good morning Rammy, nice to see that you have joined the land of the living.” Fremra closed her eyes, and pressed back against him with a small purr, sending a jolt of warmth through his heart. “Going to go have your talk with the mortals down in the little hamlet?”

“How did you know about that? And it is a town not a hamlet” he raised a brow, tilting his head to the side in surprise. “I made no mention of this before hand.”

“I didn't, however I can certainly thank you for telling me just now!” she snorted and laughed, playfully smacking his snout with the soft side of her claw. “But thanks for sharing my Radiant Sapphire. Perhaps they should tie your maw shut then?” She chuckled, “Because you are the absolute worst at keeping secrets.”

“Oh.” he snorted, frowning as he grumbled and thumped his tail. “It shouldn't be too long, just something that's going to be cast to the wayside...Just you watch.”

“Are you certain?” She fidgeted, “Why do they wish to see you?”

“The queen wants information about the estate with Lord Aster I imagine...It would certainly be the most logical thing for her to do.” Ramakox grit his teeth as he pictured the older Lord Aster, wishing that he could have been the one to rip that mortal's soul from this world. Sadly they had never recovered his body, seemingly lost beneath the rubble and destruction of the keep. It was a small comfort that possibly the man had been trapped with his bones broken and bleeding to death from his wounds.

“Business with the estate?” Jandar hung his head, running his claws across his muzzle. “Certainly sounds dangerous...Shouldn't they have me there instead? The destruction wouldn't have happened otherwise.”

“Don't worry your scales about it.” Ramakox lowered his snout and raised the mortal's head with a claw. “I will not need you there....Besides..It was all a misunderstanding of course...And I am the Swirling Storm, destroyer of the undead if you remember. We were defending ourselves from an evil cult that tried to kill us! Surely they will understand, they would have to be pretty thick not to.”

“I suppose.” the mortal smiled weakly, brushing the blue dragon's snout with a gentle stroke of his claw. “You are certainly good at telling stories.”

“I am even better when I am the one in it.” He grinned with pride, although it instantly faded as the face of Imzel with lifeless eyes appeared before him. “Any case...What have you two been doing whilst I slumbered away in my cave?” he tilted his head to the side glancing to some leather bound books that were spread out on a navy blue cloth on the ground with a backpack and several piles of green herbs.

“We have been practicing spells.” Fremra beamed, “Jandar here was oh so nice to have met a druid in his travels. Who he somehow got her to share knowledge of spells for him...She didn't have a book per-say, but the he drew pictures of her movements and everything else that was required.” The teal dragon let out a pleased rumble as she stuck her nose into the pages. “He figured with my spirit, I might be able to perform some of those with enough focus and practice.” She rose one of her paws to lick along the scales as she chuckled softly.

“So are you managing the task quite well?”

“You doubt my ability to cast spells? She gasped loudly, placing a claw to her chest and letting her jaw fall open.

“No of course not! You are most accomplished at it!” he fidgeted in place, moments before she moved in and nuzzled his neck. “So...Jandar..” the blue sighed, arching his neck to the mortal. “Has she been a good student?” He felt a paw smack across his face at the question, making him snap his maw towards the dragoness and nip at her several times for good measure.

“She is doing fine.” the mortal crossed his arms as Ramakox continued to nip at the now giggling dragoness. “We were working on spells that involved spirits.”

“Spirits?” he suddenly stopped his playful nipping, his attention now solely on the man.

“And souls.” the teal added with a teased rumble.

“Souls?” Ramakox snapped his snout back to the teal, thumping his tail on the ground. “What could you be doing with spells that involve souls? Do I need to worry that you are turning into dark wizards behind my wings?”

“Yes souls Rammy.” the teal flashed him a tooth laden smile. “Not stealing them or anything..More of..” she waved one of her claws in a circular fashion. “Ways to get rid of curses, move souls to different bodies..Preferably a living one...So that the original soul is not crushed and faded into nothing.”

“Hmmm.” Ramakox rumbled, drumming his talons on the ground with curiosity glancing briefly up towards the sun. He noted through the brilliant near blinding light that it was slowly closing in on midday. He snorted in irritation as he rose to all fours. “I suppose I have to go.” he groaned, arching his back like a cat and stretching with a yawn.

“Do be careful my Radiant Sapphire.” Fremra nuzzled his neck with such affection that he pressed back into her touch and let out a little warble.

“You warble?” the mortal behind them laughed, crossing his arms as the man's tail swished back and forth behind him. “I can't believe the great dragon I have been spreading the word of bloody warbles.”

“Because I adore her you stupid human!” the blue dragon nosed the once human with a joyous laugh as Jandar chuckled and caressed his head.

“You sure you don't want my help?”

“I can handle myself you two.” He snorted with a rumble. “You can cease treating me like Piothius the wrymling.”

“Do you know anything other then wrymling stories?” the mortal tapped his snout with a talon making him go cross-eyed.

“I certainly do, but you should know that little one...I told them all to you!” he nosed at Jandar once more, forcing the mortal to clench ever tighter onto his blue snout and release a joyous laugh.

“Okay!Okay!Okay!” the mortal cried, clenching his eyes as he cackled. “You don't need help...Just have fun at this meeting thing of yours.”

“Oh yes...fun.” Ramakox's voice became flat as he wrinkled his snout. “I am sure they will try to bring up taxation of trade routes or even more yawn inducing things such as that.” He sighed, pulling his head free from his mortal and holding at it's rightful spot above him, glancing out towards the direction of Eastcliff. “Almost makes me want to give it all up.” he chuckled, working a kink from his neck with a grin.

“Oh no you don't.” Jandar playfully punched him on the shoulder with a laugh. “You can't just give up now...Toss it all away..Not after all that good word about your name.” The half-dragon placed his claws on his hips as a grin came to his snout. “You wouldn't want to make me a liar about the great Swirling Storm would you?”

“Oh shush your little blue snout, you know I was joking.” Ramakox grumbled, trotting a few paces before unfurling his wings.

“Take care Rammy.” Fremra cooed, before nipping at Jandar's tunic and dragging him back towards the blanket with her teeth. “Now lets get back to work human. I would like to learn these spells before I die of old age...So teach me!'

“But you can't die from....” Jandar started to say, only for the Teal dragoness to cut him off with a head tossed back roar.

“I said teach!”

“Fine....but watch the teeth. I don't want to end up bleeding with my scales pierced.” laughed the mortal, sticking a digit into his ear. “And the roar, don't want to go deaf because you got all roar happy.”

“If I did nip you that hard, I could heal you with but a spell.” she chuckled, sitting onto her haunches with a grin and a soft flick of her tail. “Now please go back to teaching.” She curled her tail around the mortal as he held his arms up once more with a smile.

“Farewell you two. I shall desire to see you later!” the blue dragon smiled, bounding into the sky as they called out and wished him well. His eyes soon fell to the town of Eastcliff, his wings carrying him over the lofty domain and around clouds lingering lazily in the sky. It was not long before the small houses grew in size, and crowds of people suddenly came into focus as they continued to work, shop, or visit stores.

Ramakox descended towards them as he usually did, the dragon angling his wings as a breeze washed over his hide and spread a delightful shiver through his scales, making his spine feel as though it had been dunked in water. “Ahhh.” he gasped with a smile before snapping his jaws at the air. He had a good feeling, the sun was out and all the ones he cared about were cheerful. Everything seemed right with the world, all the dragon had to do was land, have this conversation with the queen's representative and everything would be right. He landed with a quick back-wing after passing numerous buildings, and gawking people that moved quickly to get out of the larger dragon's way.

“It's Swirling Storm!” one mortal cried out, jutting a digit towards him with a large smile.

“Nice to see you storm!” waved a woman wearing a flowery bonnace, striding with several well dressed men in various shades of teal of the finest silks.

“Handsome as always dragon!”

Ramakox struggled to hide a small grin as the praise was showered onto him from all directions. What dragon did not like it when they were told how beautiful they were? With a little snort he swallowed that feeling and hid the smirk, changing his face into a stern one. He glanced to a section of grass that was typically covered in various chairs and tables. It was an area that the local town leaders had put together so that he could sit in on their meetings on account of his size. He trotted over to the collection of dark blue robed wrinkled mortals, passing several others in the streets with more spouting out about his glorious scales and wings. The mortals he sought were sitting around a large mahogany table covered in papers with small pieces of metal to hold them down.

Ramakox cleared his throat as he took a spot near the table on his stomach, curling his tail around him as the mortals all stopped their lively conversation to give his scales a good look over with their eyes. “Good day isn't it?” the dragon rumbled, giving the council a small smile.

“Yes it is!” an elderly human woman exclaimed, running a hand through her creme hair. “You're a tad late you know. We had to stall that man for awhile with the guard captain of course. He demanded to see you the moment that he opened the door to our chambers!”

“Late?” he looked up to the sun, it was just barely cresting over the midway point. He wrinkled his snout as he looked back to the woman. “I am not that late councilwoman Lida...If I am at all..” He held a claw to his chest as he looked away with closed eyes.

“Well he claims you are.” came the voice of councilman Mar, a balding half-orc with crooked teeth and dark grey skin. “I think he looked all insulted with the way he was holding up his nose.”

“Or perhaps he was smelling you Mar.” Linda chuckled, causing Mar to flash her a glare.

“No! He was certainly most upset at Swirling Storm here.” Mar gestured to Ramakox with opened palmed hands.

Stolen novel; please report.

The dragon sighed, it was not good to have the representative to the queen upset. It would make the talks much more harder and annoying. “I suppose I can apologize to the man.” The dragon pushed himself to all fours, and gave his body a nice big stretch. “Might even have to give him a gift of sorts for my apparent tardiness.” he wrinkled his snout, not really enjoying the idea of paying with things from his lair. Although he figured it was better then being executed for his crimes against Lord Aster.

Just explain what happened...How could a rational man not understand what transpired?

“Where is he now?” he looked to the other councilmen who crossed the light blue trimmed arms of his robes. “Yes?” Ramakox raised a brow, Did I do something wrong perhaps? Is there blood still on my snout?” he dabbed quickly at the corner of his maw. He always hated it when it got stuck there.

“No..None of that.” the first greyed wolven grumbled, placing a hand on the table. “You just seem really at ease with this. Should you not be more concerned? The queen sent this man to interrogate you for gods sake..I'd be trembling in my paws! Tell me I am not wrong?” Cecil the wolven turned to the other man, who nodded quickly without a word. “

“Have something to hide councilman?” the dragon chuckled as he strode from the table and started to bring himself towards the street bustling with people and filled with the passing of carts pulled by well kept dire wolves. “I certainly have nothing to hide of course..” he puffed out his chest and strode out to the streets of various people, avoiding their glare as Jandar's face stared up at him from every face. They all had his face, and his silver eyes that pierced the dragon's scales as though they were simple tissue paper.

“We left him be taken to the guard barracks!”Lida shouted after him and an amused cry. “Remember, we got the fuzz bottom to watch him until you showed your scaly behind. I hope luck is on your side this day!”

“Luck? Ramakox snorted as he was soon out of earshot with a flick of his tail. “Always things happen for a reason...No luck involved at all. I however do not mind if I got some.” he grumbled under his breath as he took another step. “Won't need it of course.” His eyes looked to every clad mortal that was casually going about their day before him. He only got the occasional gawker from groups of people that seemed to only have good words about the blue dragon and his living arrangements with the town. He came striding out from around the corner of a building, his head lowered for a moment. “Oh yes the guard tower.” the dragon mentally scolded himself as he glared at the stone like it was blackened steel. He passed another group of mortal's, avoiding their gaze to stare out to the multiple buildings before him, made of sturdy wood and whose roofs were decorated with horns. He powerfully strode out towards the guard house, spying the form of the wolven guard captain Fenix.

Fenix was standing opposite of a rather tall human man clad in silver full plate armor, that shined in the sun's rays. The man turned towards Ramakox, his stern blue eyes narrowing with each step of the dragon's claws upon the cobblestone.

“Gods above finally you show up dragon. Took nearly all day for you meet me.” the man grumbled as a breeze rustled his blue tabard with golden stitching sewn into the edges.

“I am not that late.” Ramakox snorted, gesturing to the sun with a wing talon. “Sun is hardly passed the midway point. Besides...” He held a claw to his chest. “I had breakfast to have, people and family to meet.”

“Mmmmhmm.” the human crossed his arms once more. “Interesting town they have here Captain....” The armored man turned on his heal, rubbing his hair through his almond colored hair. “What was your name again?

“Fenix” The wolven sighed, “We have been talking for nearly twenty minutes now at the least.

“Sorry about that truly, just slipped the mind of course.” The warrior turned to Ramakox, striding out with careful steps, his armor clinking several times as plates struck metal and made the dragon twitch. “So you are the mighty Swirling Storm that I have heard so much about.” he shot out an open hand. “Names Alexandar Magnus, Pegasus knight commander of Drenedar's royal court.” The man gestured to several golden bars on the top of his near pristine armored breastplate covered in engravings.

Ramakox looked down to the man's extended hand, slowly using a claw to awkwardly shake the man's hand with a snort. “Swirling Storm...But you already knew that human.” he settled down onto his haunches with a sigh, curling his tail around him with his next breath.

“Still a pleasure to meet you Swirling Storm, I have heard quite the deal about you before riding to this place. Destroyer of the undead? Protector of bandits and monsters? Raised Jandar the traveling mage...Who I might add saved the queen from assassins?” The man chuckled, “You are quite the legend from where I am from dragon.”

“And where is it that you hail from oh knight that speaks of my great deeds?”

“From the north actually, the port city of Struport..Don't mind the accent of course, parents brought me from Lumara when I was a wee lad. Never quite lost the speech pattern.

“You can hardly notice it actually.” The dragon lied with a large tooth filled smile.

“Ah but that was a clever lie blue dragon, but lets keep that to a minimum shall we?” Alexander's eyes narrowed as he quickly opened one of his worn leather pouches along his waist with a snap. The opened container wafted the smell of ink, parchment, and sweet leather into the air. “That will heed ill for you if you do so about what transpired months ago.”

“Oh so you can notice when a dragon lies can you?” Ramakox lowered his snout with a curious raise of his brow. “That might be a rare gift that you have obtained.”

“Bah, something that is trained to be sure....and you are not that different from us ….Just bigger and covered in scales...and wings...”

“Hmmpf.” He snorted, flicking his tail behind him and brushing against the smooth stone. “We don't sound that similar the continued way that you prattle on.”

“Ah but I meant in here.” Alexander tapped his head once, then thumped his head chest twice with a grin. “When it comes to mind and heart I think we share many of the same qualities of one another...Even if several lord and ladies of the land do not share in that idea.”

“You are very lucky in that regard Alexander of Struport....So shall we speak of the evils that bring you to my claws? Do you wish me to spin you the tale so that it can put your nerves and fears at ease?”

“That would be most satisfactory I imagine.” the knight pulled out a folded piece of manila paper before gesturing to the blue dragon with a casual wave. “If you would be so kind...I would like to see this place...Helps ease this whole process...Instead of just standing around and talking is all.”

“So you would like a tour of East cliff?” he pulled back his head with a snort, refolding his wings against his back. He tilted his head to the side, curious where this mortal could be going.

“In a way..Yes...I would like to hear from you, and see these people you look after...I recall...” the man unfolded the paper with a light wrinkling before tapping the page once with a light backhanded slap. “Ah yes...Here it is....The Swirling Storm, the destroyer of the undead shall be granted the land around the village of Eastcliff on the condition that he not become a tyrant, and respects the decisions by her majesty the queen of Drenedar.”

“I have not become a tyrant of course....You can clearly see that.” He gestured out to a collection of small, bright faced people who were busy walking by and admiring some shops and various other buildings.

“Then you shall have no problem showing me around to all these happy people then.” the man crossed his arms after folding the parchment once more and stuffing it into his pouch.

“Well...I don't know about being happy all the time....” Ramakox arched his head, looking to more mortals shuffling by looking in his direction with a series of waves. “But you can look around while we walk, and see the town with your own eyes that this place is not that troubled of a place....Now follow me knight, and observe with your mind.” he waved for Alexander to follow with a wave of a claw. Course what to show him that will highlight my deeds? To cast me in the best light possible?

“Plenty of examples to show you of course..” grinned the dragon as they passed a collection of singing half-lings that made Ramakox want to cover his head and bolt away to rid himself of the screeching sounds of their voices that he swore were coming from the mouths of dying cats. “To the market!” he raised his voice, quickly guiding the armored man out of earshot of the wailing mortals. The people they passed in the streets soon started to pick up in number as they neared the busy market place. The dragon's nose twitched at the delightful scents assaulting his nose of meals being prepared on cooking fires. It made his maw water, and made him regret having filled up on moose before coming to town. “And here we have the market place.” he wiped his maw with a claw, hoping the man had not seen the large droplet of saliva that he flung to the cobblestone with a wet plot. “A vibrant beating heart to help fuel our economy.” his voice filled with pride, his eyes going to each building with various signs for armor, weapons, potions, books, and a multitude of things that they sold.

“You can find almost anything you would want in there..Some even come to purchase arms and armor from our smiths, usually other adventurers visiting where Jandar grew up.” He snorted, chest swelling with pride as he glanced down to Alexander, expecting the man to be beaming,”

“It does look well put together.” the man's fierce eyes followed a series of female elves making their way through the crowds with little waves of their dainty hands. “And this was all your doing?” the man glanced upwards towards him with a raised brow, and gestured to the people with a casual wave of his limb.

“I would love to say that it was all me.” Ramakox grumbled, passing a cart filled to the brim with lime green cabbages. “But it was mostly the council's ideas to make the market like this. I honestly try to not pass out of boredom when it comes down to those matters.”

“Doesn't sound like a great protector if you are bored tending to your charges.”

“Now...Now..I am a dragon, I will lend my opinion on how to manage guards and other things.” He snapped his jaws as he pulled his head back with a grumbling snort. “Ask me to spend all day talking about your economy and revenue? You will have to find another dragon...and for the land?” This is my territory, and I protect those that live within it.”

“Honest answer that was.” chuckled Alexander, eyes training on a juggler that was entertaining a small crowd of curious people. “Now tell me dragon, do you think everyone needs to be protected? That we insignificant beings are incapable to the task?”

“Of course not!” Ramakox avoided a cart heading down the path bustling and rattling as the wooden wheels clacked on the stone.

“Oh?”

“It is true that I am a strong and powerful dragon with magic just as so.” He gazed out to all the busy faces of mortals carrying along with their day. “But that doesn't discredit anything you have accomplished...It doesn't make it any less important” With a rumbling in his chest he turned to Alexander. “It is my place to protect...Not to rule over or to dominate. I have seen great and wondrous things built in my time...Now it is true that I have from time to time longed for the days of long ago where dragons were more numerous...But it doesn't make me hate or look down on you..” he sighed deeply, turning towards the mountains as Jandar's face appeared in the sky. “Just look to the man I consider my son despite a lack of blood being shared. He has been the greatest thing in my life.” he smiled warmly, closing his eyes and letting the myriad of moments he shared with the delightful human fill his mind. If he were alone he imagined that he would have been moved to tears from the memories playing out before him.

“So no Alexander..” The blue dragon opened his eyes with a gentle sigh, grinning to the mortals he protected. “You don't need my protection...But it is certainly my role in this life...and ask anyone here...I provide spells to the hunters of the forest.” he thrust a wing talon towards the way out of the town, towards the fields with farmers. “Fremra and I now help with the crops and turn away droughts and terrible storms..This is our nest...Our territory to help grow and flourish...Not to take away from your queen.”

“Well that certainly is a good answer.” Alexander stopped, looking to the people once more, his fierce eyes vigilant, almost as if he expected to be attacked. “So if you are being so truthful...” he glared up to Ramakox with narrowed eyes, almost as if daring the dragon to lie. “Did you attack Lord Aster's estate?

“I did attack that horrible man's nest.” Ramakox growled, almost baring his teeth. “He deserved everything that was brought towards him that night. Alexander...that man stole from my family and several innocents. He was aligned with a group calling themselves the red hand, and was going to boil them and some captive people alive. I had to act quickly to put an end to his plans...He...ended up killing my son's wife that night.” he hung his head as he felt a small tingle of cold threaten to strike his heart. “We...Were not fast enough.”

“Did you end up slaying the man as well?”

There was silence in the air for a moment, the tension so thick that Ramakox chose his next words carefully. “I did not get that chance...The whole estate exploded into a violent storm of magical energy.”

“So you're saying that you did not destroy the estate, that it was this magical storm that seemed to spring up from thin air?”

“It was...” Jandar's face appeared once more in his mind, claws clutching at his scales as tears steamed down the mortals snout. “Not anyone's fault.” his voice grew flat as he looked away from Alexander and the image of his son, not caring if it looked guilty to the human before him. “But if you wish to blame the catastrophe that claimed the innocent lives on me...You would not be entirely wrong.” the dragon tapped his tail on the ground, the faceless images of the estate's workers and other innocent people appearing before him.

“You're not lying when you say that.” the human's voice sounded surprised. “That's unexpected...I almost figured you would....”

“You think I would lie?” the dragon snapped his snout towards the man. “That I would say that there were no innocent lives lost that night?” The itch returned to his scales as he snorted his displeasure. “It haunts my some nights human...I see blank faces of the lives I had not known...All beaten, bruised, and covered in their own blood.”

“I believe you.” the human replied after a moment of silence. Alexander looked to his snout as if he were trying to discover some great secret hiding beneath his scales as the man's eyes inspected every scale lining his great body. “So that was the market...What else are you going to show me about the town of yours?”

“Why does it even matter human? I have told you my story. What happened and the guilt of those innocent deaths...I don't regret that the lord died...I say good, let his memory be washed away from this world.” he snarled, tapping his tail hard against the stone with an audible smack.

“Because dragon, I wish to know more about this place as I said. That does not simply stop because of what you told me.” Alexander crossed his arms with a smirk. “What kind of man would I be if I did not see the clear picture before making a decision eh?”

“Fair enough.” Grumbled the dragon, starting to drag his talons across the cobblestone. “Then keep up with me knight. I won't let your little legs slow the tour down. We head next for the theater.”

“The theater? You think a play will help?”

“Not the play.” He sighed, avoiding a group of red robed men. “But it is a happy place within this town..Just like the market...and since you already talked to the guard captain...”

“Oh yes..the guards and the trade routes are most well supplied and enforced...you said that was your doing?”

“Yes.” the dragon nodded. “A long time ago to you, I met a child whose family was killed along the road. I made sure that would never happen again whilst I drew breath..And since I cannot be everywhere at once, the guards were replaced and reformed. Now this place is very safe...probably the safest town in all of Drenedar.” The dragon's chest swelled with as his eyes lingered on a large dark brown wooden cart with a symbol of an explosion painted in red and orange. Below the symbol were the letters spelling out “Dan's Dragon powder.”

“I can see that, impressive I might say. Certainly lends credit to your claim to be a protector rather than a tyrant. Some lords had even made a fuss that you were this monstrous dragon!”

“Of course they did.” he snorted, narrowing his eyes. “I would bet my very scales that they are grouped in with the corrupt Lord Aster. Probably the most corrupt people in all of Sethera!”

With another breath he led Alexander through the joyful crowds of EastCliff, by building after building. They passed several guards who saluted and paid the dragon and knight quick nods before returning to their patrol. It was then that they came to an outside area that had been deemed the theater. It was a small wooden stage set before a clearing of grass and various flowers were the audience would sit. It was one more thing that the townsfolk had done so that the blue dragon could lie down and enjoy the stories presented on the stage. Around the place were wooden poles that were strung together with a myriad of flowers of all different colors. The reds and yellows intertwining their way across the wooden beams, occasionally split up by a great blue flower of the brightest cerulean, the dragon's favorite of course.

“It's fairly...quaint.” Alexander chuckled, running a hand along one of the firm poles. “Although poetry or theater were never really my thing.”

“Clearly that's the case.” snorted Ramakox, “For this little quaint theater has more heart than possibly could be squeezed from those found in your cities.

“And this one you can sit and listen.”

“That goes without saying since your people don't seem to take dragons in account when constructing your buildings!”

“To be honest it's not ever day we have twenty foot guests to entertain.” the human took a few steps, hand sliding off the pole as Ramakox followed and ducked under some flowers.

“So if you do not like the theater or hearing stories, what fancied a man such as yourself?”

“Fancied the sword craft, horseback riding, chased a girl or two.” the knight turned to wink with a laugh. “Tried my hand at drawing once.” The man wrinkled his brow as if he were tasting something disgusting. “Was dreadful, never took up the damned thing again.”

“Pity...Practice makes perfect at times.” Ramakox rose a claw to carefully caress a flower that had not bloomed on a string. “And things that first appear to be terrible soon grow and take shape into something beautiful.” He prodded a talon softly to the green bulb, the red flower blossoming before his very eyes. He released a pleased rumble from his throat, “I suggest trying it again commander, maybe it will be something you enjoy in time.”

“Perhaps Swirling Storm.” Alexander's voice softened as he watched the flower open, his eyes seemingly transfixed. “It certainly sounds like I missed out on something magical when I hear you speak of it in such pleasing words. Do you talk about other things just as beautifully?”

“Perhaps.” the dragon chuckled. “You will have to come visit here more often and listen to me talk. The guards could always use more advanced training.”

“You almost make me want to take you up on that offer dragon. I will certainly consider it once this unpleasantness is over and done with.” the human strode quickly until he was shoulder to shoulder with the dragon. “Come..Let us return to the council men's building. We still have much to discuss with them about this estate business.

Ramakox nodded as his eyes briefly caught the form of a female humanoid clad in a green cloak, the form of a golden lion stitched into the surface clutching a sword and shield. He would have paid it more attention but Alexander drew his attention causing the blue dragon to nod his agreement, the other humanoid quickly forgotten. He led the polite human back whence they had come, this whole experience going as smoothly as he had joked about with the others. Wait until they hear how easy this went. He internally smiled.

“So do you have to leave right away or can you stay the evening? We have pleasing food and other things to entertain the senses.”

“Would love to Storm,but time is something that is not on our side. We were delayed on our way here so we must leave swiftly ride away. The moment our business is concluded I have to head straight towards Treragon.”

“Can't you be a few days late? You were delayed after all.”

“I could be...” the man's brow wrinkled at the thought. “But I am a man of my word you see. I agreed to be back at a certain time. Now things out of my control are acceptable delays. Stopping to delay myself because I'd like to sleep in a soft bed and enjoy a good drink? That is unacceptable I am afraid.”

The dragon let out a small groan as they parted another group of mortals walking passed. “You sound like you are chained by rules and regulations. You should stretch your limbs from time to time.”

“That is my life dragon and it keeps me happy.”

“Fair enough.” his voice turned to a grumble with the next flick of his tail. “You said others? How many people did you bring to this town of mine to talk?”

“Enough to get the job done, some of the finest men and woman picked out for the task as it were.”

“Enough to what? Bring me in?” they rounded the last corner building to find that in front of the council building was a large wooden wagon with a metal cage built into it. The bars looked like a giant silver jail cell, made to clearly fit a being as large as the dragon. The back of the sturdy looking wagon was open like a ramp to show off the large leather belts that were bolted to the floor. Around the cart his eyes fell to a whole crowd of mortals clad in various metal armor of the brightest silver, with tabards of blue and cloaks of darkened grey. All of the mortals had stern, watchful eyes, but not a single one had a weapon drawn. Ramakox spied some on barded wolf back, and even several pegasi among them.

“Yes I did.” Alexander said after a second that made the dragon realize that he had been staring.

“But what of our talk?” he asked softly, already feeling his heart beat faster. “Was that all a waste of time? Things seemed to be going fairly well.” He snapped his attention to the armored man with a flick of his tail. “You said we had much to discuss!”

“And we do...In a manner of speaking..I have my duty and my orders. I was requested to bring you in for a trial to be conducted by her majesty. So that is what I intend to do, I simply had to ask you some questions and listen to your explanations so that I may know you better.”

“And what did you learn?” he growled, “I feel like I have been lead on by you.”

“I learned that the dragon I have come to collect is not likely to murder in cold blood. When her majesty asks my opinion, I will give you a pleasing description, and prove to her the respectable dragon that you are.” Alexander sighed, “I still have to deliver you however, for it is my duty...Please Storm..do not make this more difficult than it already is.”

The blue dragon fidgeted slightly as he looked to that prison meant to hold him. He lingered there for a moment before shivers ran through him and broke his stare. “What if I refuse human? What happens then?” he shifted his focus to Alexander, not daring to make any sudden movements that could be seen as hostile. “What if I take wing and fly away?”

The man casually gestured to the pegasi riders with a wave of his hand. “Then they would be forced to pursue you.”

“What if they were not enough?”

“Then we would return with more...Please Swirling Storm...You agreed to this upon being granted the land.”

You did agree.

Ramakox gave another snort, looking out some townsfolk that had stopped to stare at him. To see their great protector carted off in chains. From the council building he spotted all the leaders staring at him with concern.

They must have known.

The blue dragon bit his lip as his thoughts shifted to Jandar and Fremra. For a brief moment he considered taking wing, daring the queen to try and shackle him. Let forth his draconic blood and issue a mighty challenging roar. It lasted until the magical burning vortex nipped at his scales and the howling winds threatened to deafen him. From the vortex of purple energy came the floating corpses of numerous mortals. They glared down to him with blank expressions on their dead faces all covered in dark dried blood. He got a sense from their frozen stares that they were judging him right now, their sight piercing through his mighty scales and straight to his very soul.

“I will do as you say.” he mumbled, hanging his head in defeat as the image before him faded away with a drum of his talons.

“That...Is...Surprising.” Alexander gently pressed a hand to his snout, locking his vision to the dragon's. “I will tell the queen how your story went, all your deeds, and how noble you are being...You have my vow dragon.”

“Thank you Alexander...but I believe it is time that I faced reprisal for my actions I think. How fitting that it be a human queen that judges my actions and deeds.” He pictured Jandar all bright faced as a child, then shifting to a man hunched over and sobbing over the lifeless forms of his wife and daughter. “I have to pay for what I have done human...Now is as good as any...I have but one request to make of you.” he rose his head with a snort, regaining some of his draconic dignity.

“What would that be Swirling Storm? I am almost certain that I can answer any request for you being so abiding...and again...apologies.”

“Send one of your riders to my lair, or around the area...Find a teal dragoness with the brightest orange membranes and purple eyes. Find her and the half-dragon Jandar. Instruct them to come here so that I may say my farewells for now...and convince them to not follow.”

“They could come along with us you know...Nothing says they cannot.”

“Someone has to stay here and watch the lands around Eastcliff. Especially since the Red Hand caught wind of us and made their attack.” Ramakox's voice lowered to a growl as he nearly bared his teeth at the thought of the masked robed man. “and I know that some of their members escaped from that place that night...All it takes is another moment of letting my guard down and I am certain they will strike like the cowards they are.” He looked away as an image of Imzel's burned and lifeless body appeared before him and stared at him with accusing eyes. “So the estate incident won't happen again...” His voice lowered as his tail flicked. “To me..or anyone else.”

“I will pass on the message then..Caecillius!” Alexander shouted, calling over a pockmarked faced man clad in armor with various metal plates spread around his limbs.

“Yes sir?” the man saluted, a bead of sweat already running down his large forehead as his eyes stared to the knight intently.

“Go to the mountains on your pegasus. Find a teal dragoness there by the name of Fremra. Instruct her in our intentions and bring her back here.”

“W-what if she attacks me sir?” the man gulped.

“That will not happen little human.” Ramakox grumbled, “She may get a tad angry, but she wont actually attack you. She knows to treat your kind fairly, and to not act too rough.

“Well you heard the dragon.” Alexander pointed to one of the pegasus standing at ease among the others, flicking it's white tail.

“Yes sir!” Caecillius scrambled to mount the winged horse, swinging his leg over with his next movement and willing the creature to bound into the sky. It lacked the grace of a dragon Ramakox mused, but it was better then those flying ships that Lumara employed. The dragon turned his attention to the cage with a snort of irritation.

“Do I really need to be escorted in that cage? And in be bound in chains?”