Chapter 23

“Watch were you're going! It's like you have never driven a cart before!” Ramakox snarled as the sturdy cart below him shook and rattled, causing him to bite his tongue. He let loose a hiss before narrowing his eyes at the wide eyed and blushing halfling man, who seemed terrified to be caught in the dragon's gaze.

“I'm sorry bout dat Swirlin Storm!” squeaked the man, using his reins to slow down the powerfully built bay horses that were pulling the cart as if the huge dragon hardly weighed a thing.

“Honestly, if this trip is going to be like this, I think I'd have rather fought tooth and claw instead of giving myself up.” he grumbled, lowering his snout to try and gnaw at the heavy leather straps that bound his legs to the hard wooden cart. “Did you have to make the things so blasted tight? I didn't resist you at all!” he snapped his attention up to a mud colored haired Elven woman sitting before him in dark grey clothes with a blue tabard. She crossed her arms in her lap as she gave him a warm smile that almost made him feel guilty for his complaint. This elf was named Milalee.

“Sorry for the restraint Swirling Storm, but the commander said everything has to be by the book, so I was just doing as the man requested.” she replied, her voice just as warm and sweet as her smile.

“Well they could have been looser.” he snorted, trying to flick his tail and getting reminded that it too was also bound tight to the floor. “GRAAAAHHH! Alexander I demand these things become looser!” he roared out to the company of horse riders, pegasus knights, and other various mortals riding along his mobile prison.

“Just be glad they aren't any tighter.” Came the gruff voice of his other company for the day, a grey furred wolven by the name of Cray, who was currently smoking a pipe and letting rings of smoke fly from his mouth before showing his teeth with a grin like he was so clever. His leather armor was all nice and clean with several signs of slash marks on it's brown surface.

“Oh yes Cray, I should be thankful to be carted off like a common animal, lucky that I am bound so well or I'd smack you upside your furred head.” he grumbled, causing the smug wolf to splay his ears and avert his gaze.

“What was it that I heard? Is our guest not liking his accommodations.” came the voice of Alexander the moment his pegasus landed next to the card with a flick of the stallion's white tail, and giving off equine snort.

“You heard right knight. Your bindings are far too tight, I am reminded of your snake creatures that strangle their prey. I did not even resist you lot. So why are they so restricting?” He let out another snort as he glared at the man with narrowed eyes. “If you want a more compliant dragon instead of an irritated one, I suggest you loosen these straps immediately.”

The human met his gaze, seemingly unafraid as his eyes shifted to the leather straps, and then back to the dragon's snout. Alexander's face softened for a moment as he gestured to Milalee with a nod. “Well you heard the dragon. Loosen those straps just a tad, best to keep him happy like he said.” The man smirked, “He has been most compliant after all.”

“That's just what I said. Should I start calling you a mocking badger now?” Ramakox groaned, already picturing the small brown mammal in his mind making all a myriad of animal noises from it's little snout.

“Listen...Storm..When we get to Tregagron I'll make sure that you have the finest accommodations...Delectable food, wonderful wine, and eager woman if you'd like.”

“Pffft.” he relied with a dismissive snort. “You think I'd take pleasure from your mortal woman?”

“Men then? I presumed you liked females on account of the-”

“I like dragon females.” he licked his lips, unconsciously picturing Fremra's haunches.”You mortals are too small and frail...I don't find you lot appealing in the slightest.” Ramakox wrinkled his snout at the mere thought,and stuck his tongue out in disgust. “Although the gesture is most appreciated...Thank you.” he paused, watching the man carefully,”Although...The food and drink do sound like something lovely to have.” He smirked, his stomach already churning and gurgling at the mere mention of getting something tasty.“I demand of course twice.”

“How about three times?” Milalee laughed, causing him to chuckle in the back of his throat.

“Well you heard her. I demand three times the standard amount. What you say to that knight commander?”

“Done!” the man smiled, thrusting a finger to the dragon as Milalee started to loosen the straps with a series of soft clinks. “Now you be mindful the rest of the journey.”

“And you see what can be one about your driver, he seems to be hitting every bump in the path. It is most irritating.”

“Sorry!” the driver called back without looking, but the dragon could see how he trembled nervously.

“That can be done as well, anything else I can add to the list of things that our esteemed guest should like?”

“Not that I can think of.” Ramakox grumbled, shifting his eyes to his two companions sitting in the cart. “Unless my companions would like anything?” he raised a brow, delighting that both of them looked shocked they had been chosen.

“M-me?” Milalee gasped with a smile, looking positively ecstatic the dragon had said anything.

“I'll take another cigar, and the finest wine we can find in the next village!” Cray laughed heartily, taking another drag on his pipe with a sigh.

“I'd like a big meal, just like the one Swirling Storm is going to have.” The elf rubbed her stomach with a large smile. “I'm famished!”

Alexander's jaw just fell open slightly as he glared at his two guards in honest shock for a moment before recovering his wits with a shake of his head.

“Well you heard my companions.” Ramakox snorted, causing the commander to shift his sight to him instead. “One large meal, a cigar, and the finest bottle of wine.” he smiled wide, and would have tapped his tail in delight if he could.

“Very well.” Grumbled the armored knight, gesturing to the wolven and elf with a pointed finger. “The moment this assignment is over I expect you two to act like professionals again...You get a pass this time because of the dragon's request. You understand?”

“Crystal.” Milalee nodded quickly, Cray just offering the commander a quick thumbs up as he let more smoke rings loose from his muzzle.

“Understood Commander...Just going to relax in the meantime if that's okay.” Cray closed his eyes, taking another puff of the pipe.

Ramakox watched Alexander's eyes narrow, and his mouth open as if he were going to say something. The dragon cut him off with his words. “Well..My companion would like to relax while in my presence..and that makes me happy..We want to keep me nice and compliant after all.”

“That may be true Storm.” The knight grumbled, clenching his fist. “But don't push your luck, I can only be pushed so far before I snap from the pressure.”

“Understood commander, you can have your two underlings back the moment I am free from your tender care.” He snorted, fighting off a grin as he saw his two companions flash the knight large ear to ear smiles. It seemed to cause the armored knight to glare at them for a moment or two, before willing his horse to trot away with a snort.

“I think I can see him steaming from the ears this time.” Cray chuckled, “Ever so funny to watch. What do you think of the show dragon?”

Ramakox rumbled in the back of his throat as he watched Alexander ride off on his steed, loving the fact they could get under his skin so easily. “I have to admit it is a tad amusing , makes this journey somewhat bearable...Just.” He added before Milalee could say another word, her mouth frozen open.

They hit another bump in the path before them on the well kept road. Ramakox narrowed his eyes to the driver, swearing that the little man was doing this entire thing on purpose to annoy the blue dragon to no end.

“So why did you pick us?” Milalee asked, drawing his attention away from the annoying driver. “Why did you pick Cray and I to accompany you on the journey?”

“Ah yes..” Ramakox turned to the two curious mortals who had their eyes trained right on his snout. Like he had some sort of delectable treat and they were dogs eager for the prize. “I wanted someone to talk to is all. If I was going to go into this little prison I wanted at least some company to pass the time.” he grumbled, wanting ever so badly to shift his paws, but the straps denying him even that.

“So it was just anyone would do?” Her voice started to go softer, almost hard for the dragon to hear the words coming from her mouth.

“That it was.” he lowered his snout to look the elf in her brown eyes. “Why do you seem so upset about it little one? Why? Does me picking you bring some sort of hidden joy that I did not know of?”

“It twas silly really.” The elf placed a hand onto his chin as the started to pass larger trees with bushes that were nestled at their base. “When I was but a child..You saved our clan from the undead that threatened us that day. You swooped in like an angel from the long ago, tossing bolts of lightning that all but vaporized those vile monsters...” She turned back with large eyes. “So in effect , you saved me that day, they claimed that without the mighty swirling storm our village might have fallen, and my clan devoured by the ravenous hunger of those creatures!”

“That...was two hundred years ago!” Ramakox snorted in surprise, his eyes looking to the elves form from head to leather boot. It seemed like she was still fairly young, not even a wrinkle on her face. “You hardly look the age at all, I would have guessed only one hundred or so years had passed you by.

“Oh please.” Milalee giggled, waving a hand as her cheeks started to redden. “You flatter me, but I am not that young dearest dragon..But thank you for the compliment.”

“I was only stating facts.” he smirked, shifting his eyes to Cray. “And how about you?” He swelled out his chest, imagining the heroic things that he could have done to inspire this grey furred wolf.

“None at all I'm afraid.” Cray laughed, taking another sip from his pipe. “Sorry if that deflates your ego or anything.

“Not at all, not everyone has had contact with me. I am not so pompous to think that every mortal out there knows of me. Although...I would certainly admit that I would adore the attention.”

“Of course you would want that.” Cray chucked, “Only been hearing whispers of you for the past few years.Then there was that whole business with Jandar..damn near everyone in the castle was talking about the dragon who trained the mortal who saved the queen.”

“Did they now?” Ramakox grinned, liking the idea that the whole castle had been abuzz with all his past deeds. That they had been praising his name and no doubt through song the entire time.

“Sooooo...I am surprised that mate of yours did not attack the captain with the way she was going on.” Milalee spoke aloud, interrupting his train of thought.

“Same here.” Cray added, taking another drag. “ She was so fierce...Wouldn't want to catch her on a bad day.

The blue dragon nodded his approval as he thought to earlier when Fremra had landed in the middle of the mortals her lips already curled into a snarl.

“They want to do what?” She had roared, the noise sounding more like a thunderous storm. “You will have him over my corpse!” She had flared her great wings wide, water already coiling around her as the dragoness' breaths grew short.

He had called out to her as several mortals jumped back, eyes widening in fear with their hands brushing against the hilts of their weapons as the dragoness let loose another thunderous roar. It was one that made the blue dragon shiver a little under his scales as it had resonated through the air. “Fremra!” he had called out again, his voice drowning out all the mortals that had started to yell out orders on how best to handle the ferocious dragoness before them. He had slunk to her as the teal's blackened eyes fell to him, almost making him pause his attempt and sway his decision to not surrender. “You have to let me go with them, it is the only way we can keep our home.”

“No.” she had hissed, eyes darting to the nervous mortals that had now fallen deathly silent. “They could bring this queen here...No need to drag you away from here...From your home...from me!”

“I know, I know.” He pushed his snout below her neck, causing the dragoness to unleash a surprised meep. Ramakox sighed when he felt her push against him and let out a rumbling purr.

“I don't want you to go.” she said softly, pushing more firmly with her nuzzling. He felt her refold her wings against her back, and her muscles untense.

“It will not be for that long...It will be all over sooner than you think..The mortal knight there knows what happened in the estate..His words carry much weight in all of this.” He gestured to Alexander with a quick arch of his neck, hoping his truthful words would sway her wary heart.

“Then why must you go?' She pulled away to gaze into his eyes, her royal purple spheres full of concern and worry that almost made his heart break with each passing moment. “Cannot he go and tell this queen if his word is to be so trusted? Why must they snatch you away from me and risk...” She shut her snout but he knew the reason as she gave him a small whimper.

“That is how they do things..I need to voice my side of the tale.” he lowered his voice into a soothing tone one a mother might take with a scared child. He nuzzled her snout with his own, giving her scales a soft reassuring lick. He rumbled his approval when she pressed back into him, the purrs returning and setting his mind at ease.

The mortals around the dragons had still not said a word, clearly stunned at the sudden affection of the dragons, or simply unsure on how to act.

“I'm going to go with you.” The dragoness snorted, “That way I can be sure that there are no tricks being played...I swear if this is a -”

Ramakox silenced her with a quick kiss and a rumble of approval from his throat. “You have to stay here my Sea Lilly...Did the messenger not tell you my request?”

“He..he was too busy shaking in his boots to stammer much.” The dragoness chuckled, frills fluttering as her eyes found his again.

“Well..” He sighed, “I need you to stay here my wonderful Sea Lilly. This town needs you whilst I am gone...The red hand...They will certainly strike if they catch wind that I am gone. I am sure of it. I can feel it in my very bones.”

Fremra swallowed the news in silence for a moment, turning her head to look around at all the gathered mortals, the snorting mounts they rode, and the buildings that were nearly cleaned to perfection. She let out a long and deep sigh from her mouth, her shoulders rising and falling. “Fine.” She narrowed her eyes into slits, snorting her displeasure.

“You have my word he will be safe Fremra.” Alexander spoke up, walking over with a confident stride. “Everything will be done fairly and without room for deception.”

“I said fine.” She snorted quickly, a rustling of weapons timing with such a movement. “And he better be human,” she hissed, eyeing the man like he was but another morsel in the ocean to her. “Or I will see to it personality that you will not get very far in your already short life.”

“I stand by with what I said.” Alexander did not falter, the dragoness words seemingly not striking fear into his heart.

“My Sea Lilly, what of Jandar? His eyes scanned the crowd, he was certain the man had slipped off when she had landed in a bluster and kicking up loose dirt.

“Here.” the half-dragon's sudden voice caught his attention, the dragon spinning around to face him.

“Well there is where u got to. I was wondering where you had gone.”

“Hard to spot one human when a dragoness is so ferocious eh?” the half-dragon raised a brow. “I take it you would like me to stay here? I don't even cast spells...I'm better off being by your side during this whole process.”

The dragon swallowed as he pictured the blame shifting from himself to that of his mortal. All the faceless mortals pointing and screeching their accusation laden words towards the half-dragon. They would be partially right however, and that thought made his scales tremble. He had shook his head with a snort, gently tapping his tail on the cobblestone. “I need you here with Fremra of course, help her keep in check..You know how she can be sometimes.”

“I heard that!' she growled, causing him to chuckle in the back of his throat.

“I know.” Jandar replied sheepishly, looking away to face the mountains in the distant horizon. “Just doesn't seem right...You all helpless..far away.”

“I am not a wrymling!' he growled, placing a paw to his chest and pretending to be offended. “Honestly you two I am starting to think that you have absolutely no faith for me!”

*

Another bump in the road snapped the dragon out of his remembering, and made his teeth chatter. “I said watch it!” he snarled, wrinkling his snout at the redding half-ling.

“Sorry!” the half-ling spouted, not even glancing back to his growing irritation.

“Can you focus on something other then the horrid driving?” Milalee raised her voice, giggling soon after. “

“Each time I do that little bastard up front hits a rock or hole...They should have just let me fly the way there. Save you lot the trouble of carting me around like I'm some sort of cargo.”

“You can say that again.” Cray stood up slowly, arching his back and stretching his limbs to the heavens. “Should have just flown you with the pegasi as an escort....Woulda saved us lots of time.”

“Then you should have been the one in charge. Sounds like you have a brain between those furred ears of yours at least.

“Well I'm still glad you picked me to be honest.” the wolf reclined against the side of the cart with a smug smile on his snout. “Just means a lot of relaxing and getting to talk to a dragon.” the wolven closed his eyes with a satisfied snort.

“Glad that is on your list of pleasing things. I shall of course take the compliment that should have been in there.” he rumbled, looking out to the countryside rolling before them. The path ahead being uphill and winding through the large mountains that towered over them like dragon's teeth jutting up from the earth. He could see that the sun was already starting to lower towards the mountains, casting it's orange-red haze out onto the cloud laden sky.

“Well at least the view is nice.” Milalee said as the blue dragon's eyes caught several bird flying up high in the distance, he felt his limbs start to itch and his wings practically begging him to leap into the sky and once more be in it's embrace. “This was a dumb decision.” he grumbled, tearing his eyes from the thick trees and beautiful sky to rest his head on the wooden floor of the art. It was just as uncomfortable and hard, and he regretted his

“Even the floor is dreadful!” he snorted, raising his head with a grumble. “Most ill-fitting of a dragon..You would think they would have had at least put soft things for me to lie upon.

“Perhaps you could demand four times the gifts the commander promised? He seemed quite eager to keep you happy....no matter what.”

“I suppose good drink and company will have so suffice.” he sighed, looking down to the hard floor of the cart. The planks of wood seemingly taunting his head longing for a place to settled down.

“Here...If you wish to lie down on something soft.” The elf scooched closer, gesturing to her lap with several soft pats. “You can use my lap.”

“That...Is acceptable.” he mumbled, settling down onto her with a soft sigh escaping his maw at the warmth provided.

“See? You're just an old softy.” she chuckled, running a hand along the top of his head, her soft fingers tracing his pebbly face, causing him to close his eyes softly and release a small rumble of pleasure that sounded like tumbling stones.

“Oh and quite vocal!” she laughed, tracing around one of his eyes, changing her scratching to delightful rubs. “Cray you should really try this! He's like a giant cat!”

“Dragon.” he mumbled through the pleased sounds. “I am much more dignified and regal.”

“And yet still practically purring like of of those fluffy lap cats.”

“Only because you gave skilled fingers little elf, and very soft hands. It is most pleasing.” he opened one eye softly as she continued her delicate ministrations. “You surprise me for an elf.” he closed his eyes again, letting the woman continue on downward towards the back of his head. He felt his limbs start to quiver at the delicate touch, wishing that he could move just a little bit more. Especially his tail that he longed to flick, possible swish behind him.

“How is that?” she scratched under his chin, her touch so pleasing that the next shaking bump in the road he hardly noticed as he was too lost in her rubbings.

“I've...heard from Jandar and many others that most of your people are so....Stoic...Stern...I've heard you refereed to as cold as ice.”

“Oh pish posh.” Milalee laughed, patting his snout. “That may be true for some of the more regal and dignified ones of us, but not my clan. We enjoy life that happens in front of us.”

“Good motto to live by that.” Cray chimed in, almost as if just to remind the blue dragon that he was indeed here.”

“I agree with the statement. It is a nice surprise to learn.” Ramakox grumbled, snorting a puff of air into the woman's chest and making her giggle.

“But you're ages old! How is it you do not know of many elves to compare me to?”

“Not too many elves live near me my dear....Or at least not enough of them high and snobby ones.” he growled as he pictured Lord Aster chuckling away at him admist a sea of crackling flames. “There was always one of you lot that sets my blood aflame..” He sighed, “But alas lets not speak of such unpleasantness. We have time for that when we get to Tregagron and I am before your queen.”

“Ah but of course.” Milalee returned to stroking his face with such tender care that he almost thought she was trying to seduce him in some fashion. With his next breath he told himself that was simply preposterous, and let out a pleasing sigh.

So they continued on like that down the winding path that snaked before them for at least another hour. The sun had just started to touch the mountain when the men around Ramakox began to whisper about stopping, growling bellies, and sore legs and tired eyes. The blue dragon perked his head up at such complaints, offhandedly making one of his own that he had felt the pangs of hunger for quite some time now, and that his stomach gnawed at him like a pack of ravenous wolves. He snorted his irritation at being made to wait so long, to Milalee's giggling approval.

The caravan stopped by a clearing beside of the path. Grass blanketed the place that was dotted with smooth stones here and there that were various sizes, the largest being as tall as a man. The riders dismounted with relieved sighs and cheers of approval along with a series of clinks and more shouts. They started to break out pots, pans among other various things for their little encampment. The dragon watched with somewhat interest as various small animals were skinned and cleaned. Some men gathered firewood with loud chops of ax to the bark, while others used spades to dig holes for the fires. Smaller rocks were placed around the edges of the fire pits, finishing up just as the loggers returned with their bounty to supply the fires. With a series of scratches against flint, steel brought flames to life from the dry wood, enveloping them in the dancing red-orange flames. The guards grabbed sticks, skewering the meat that had skinned and suspended them above the fires to cook away.

Ramakox complained another time as he felt his mouth water with his next breath. The smells were not too alluring of course for they lacked any hint of sauces or spices to be used, but his next stomach grumble made his care for that little detail evaporate away. When they brought him his share of the food, he practically inhaled the little morsels of meat, not even savoring the flavor as he cracked bones and crushed organs with his mighty jaws. He knew the four little creatures they had brought him would not be enough to fully sate his hunger, but it would at least fight off the bite for a time being. Possibly until morning and they ate again. He must have had a look of disgust on his snout, cause Milalee was soon laughing as he looked down to her and Cray.

“Don't worry it's not the best..But imagine how better the food in Tregagron is going to taste when we get there.” She took a chunk out of some bread that she had produced from her back, holding a leaf around it like some sort of wrapping. “They have the finest goose, ham, and beef that you could want. They have this sauce that they cover it in...that oh..is soooo delightful.”

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“Yea...Can't bloody wait to get there.” Cray laughed, taking a bite of his little morsel. “Course you're making me hate this little meal more and more.”

“Indeed..When we get there I will make sure that the three of us shall eat like kings every night!” He liked the idea even more as he pictured all the food slathered in tantalizing sauces, and all the delightful smells that would waft up and tease his nostrils with their alluring smells. Not like the ones that were currently attacking his nose, the ones of burning meat and charcoal. “They could have done this better...used some spices...It's almost so poor I'd think it was done by that halfling driver of yours.”

“H-he actually is the one who likes to cook!” Cray burst out laughing, nearly choking on his current mouthful and causing him to pound his chest several times.

“R-Really?” The blue smirked, the laughing starting to get to him as he chuckled softly. “Now that is hilarious...I'd be careful what else you let him do, I shutter to think what he could mess up!”

“So hows the meal coming along then?” Alexander sat down on a rock beside the cart as someone jammed a pole with a torch on the end behind him into the soft earth with a grunt. The knight held a metal tankard in one hand, gesturing to the dragon with a gentle wave at him. “Not too bad I hope?”

“It's not the worst I've had..” the dragon snorted. “That goes to a human woman down in Eastcliff. Bless her soul for offering tribute to me in the form of this cake like thing, nearly broke my teeth on it. The parts I did manage to chew and swallow down were not exactly the best tasting either. I had to go wash my mouth out just to get rid of the flavor.” the dragon shivered, trying to not remember the taste that had attacked him so long ago. “My suggestion would be to not let the halfling cook? Perhaps find another person to fill that role for you?” Ramakox smirked when the others around him tried to hide their snickers with their hands.

“Yeah.” The knight sighed, “Be hard to tell the little guy he never picked up his father's cooking skills.” A grin came to the man's face as he placed a hand to cover his mouth. “I think it's rather rubbish as well.” he whispered, then stopped with widened eyes. Alexander raised his head and quickly scanned the area around him, as if the halfling were going to be right there.

“Don't worry commander, I don't think your expert chef is anywhere that his ears can hear you.” he snorted as the others let out a series of laughs. Ramakox looked up to the laughing faces and flickering fire, the good cheer on their faces was pleasing to see. It was if nothing were on their minds regarding the trial, or what could happen if he was found guilty. It reminded him of all the years passed as he observed mortals a night before a skirmish against the undead hordes.

“You seem lost in thought dragon.” Alexander leaned against the cage, taking a sip from his tankard, ending it with a small gasp. “What's on the mind?”

“Besides having my limbs tied to this prison despite me being well behaved?”

“Rules.”

“Yes...these rules....Besides your insistence to follow them.” Ramakox narrowed his eyes with a lingering hiss that filled the air and caused several mortals to cease their laughter and turn round to look at the pair. “I am reminded of past battles, more specifically the nights before battles where men seemed to not think about the horrors of the next day.”

“What battles were you in?” Came the gruff voice of a dwarven man, striding over with a bouncing beard that had slight grey trimmings on the edges. His worn hands were crossed against his earth brown tunic. “Maybe we were in a couple together.”

“You don't remember?”Ramakox scoffed, “You'd think you would remember a dragon being in your battle line I presume?' the dragon raised a brow with an amused snort. “Unless you were drunk out of your gourd the entire time?”

“I suppose I'd remember yee, guess we fought at other fronts...But I remember the undead bastard..Always liked the sound dey skulls made when I crushed them in.” The dwarf went on to describe several battles with enthusiasm that Ramakox missed. Several others of his escort soon found their way over to the cage and loud dwarf. It was this way until the dragon and storyteller had a small audience that was listening to them with interested eyes and eager ears. Ramakox soon joined in the dwarves joyous telling,describing his own deeds those day in glorious detail. He nearly trilled as the gathered guards all gasped and cheered at the right moments in his tales.

“Those all happened then?” An eager faced human asked, brushing his short hair from his bangs as he glared up to the blue dragon with curious eyes.

“But of course little mortals.” he grinned, his heart swelling up like all the times he had had these conversations with Jandar all these years ago.

“See what did I tell you?” Alexander laughed, “I told the lot of you to look up Swirling Storm's deeds here before we left..But NOOOOOOO..I guess I was the only one eh?”

“Aye commander, but ya never told us how exciten they be!” a man thrust his tankard at Alexander with a smile, a bit of the mead sloshing around and spilling out onto the grass. “Oh look at what ya made me do. Gaaah.” the man frowned, as more of the contents of his tankard leaked down the side in steady drops.

“Well don't you mortals worry.” The blue dragon grinned, his head all warm and fuzzy at the attention. “I have plenty stories where that came from for the days ahead of us....Although.” he gestured to his binding with a small sympathetic whine. “It would be nice to have at least one claw free, that way I could scratch or something. It is dreadful to be bound such as this the entire day.” he narrowed his eyes and snorted when he focused on the red faced Alexander. “Especially after I have been most cooperative.”

“Aye but ya been complainin the entire day aboot it!”shouted another mortal, to a series of awkward laughter from the others.

“But of course! How would you feel to be bound to this floor, especially after not resisting? I already told my companions here...It is very ill-fitting of a great dragon such as myself. I should at least have pillows and other soft things upon to which I can lie.”

“How about that commander? Can we get some blankets for the dragon?”

“Aye I feel bad for em!” shouted a cherry faced woman.

“Hold on, hold on.” Alexander laughed, raising his hands to settle the cries for Ramakox to get some better things to rest upon. “We have to have him bound up such as that. It is regulation and everything having to do with prisoners.”

“Can't we bend it slightly commander?The dragon is a bonified hero!”

“That may be the case, but it does not mean we can choose what does and doesn't apply to our duty. That is where I am aware of what I must do...and that means Swirling Storm here has to be bound during our journey. He will not be getting any special treatment in that regard.”

“Lucky me.” Ramakox snorted, resting his head back down onto the hard cart with an irritated sigh. His only comfort was when Milalee started to stroke his scales again, bringing at least some pleasure to this situation.

“Commander!” came an eager cry from one of the men. “We have some brightly dressed travelers looking to speak with you. They said it is rather urgent, seemed pretty excitable.”

“Really now?” Alexander laughed, looking around to the others. “Is it possibly a traveling band of bards? Maybe we could get some entertainment for tonight, how about that lads?”

“AYE!” came a resounding cry from the gathered mortals, one that almost made Ramakox smile at the good cheer they were tossing around.

“Well you heard the men. Go grab these visitors and bring them in. I will be glad to speak with them. If the gods grant us any luck they will be some sort of entertainer.” His eyes rose to look to Ramakox with a grin. “Maybe they will be able to lift our guest's spirits with their music.

“Do you think it could really by bards?” Laughed Milalee, finally finishing her meal with a loud burp that made her cover her mouth and turn a bright red. “Oops!'

“For a moment there little one I thought you were a mighty were beast finishing it's meal.” he chuckled, thoughts already drifting to musical scores that he had heard over the years. “Possibly it could be, would certainly make this night more lively.”

“Damn righ' it could lad!” Shouted the dwarf from before.

“Oh Stone beard, settle down before you go embarrassing yourself in front of the dragon!' came a shout from the crowd of laughing mortals.

“Nah, I stop Ifn ya want, but I tell ya. The lot of ya could do wit some good ole dwarven spirits and song through dis place. It would livin the whole place up a wee bit.”

“Here, Here!” Milalee cheered with a raised up. “I hope those bards are the best dwarven dancers, singers, or whatever else you want in the land.”

“Now dats day way lass! Ya got da right idea for an elf. Knew I likes ya da moment I settled me eyes on the back of ya head!”

“Careful you.” she grinned, “Lest your playful words end you up with a good smack across the face or swift kick to the stones.”

“Oh da stones?” the dwarf called Stonebeard held his stomach as he unleashed a hearty laugh. “Ya got spirit lass! And I meant nothin but a compliment to ya..Ya got fine hair...finest I've seen in all da land o Drenedar.”

Ramakox snorted at the corny line as the others cat called or chimed in with echoing voices of ooo. “Well I hope that our imaginary bards end up playing the violin, piano, or the harp.” he really liked the last one, already picturing Fremra working away at his own harp and filling the air with her pleasing melodies.

“Oh so ya into more of those types of things eh?” Stonebeard smirked, his cheeks all red as he took another drink from his tankard. “How dey supposed to get these things all da way out here? Course maybe dey also got a pair of bagpipes wit them. Here's hopin we both get lucky dragon.” Stonebeard leaned up against the cage, patting the metal bars with a rough hand. “Pair of pipes for me, and a fancy violin for you.”

“That's fair I suppose dwarf.” he chuckled in amusement at the series of laughter spouting up about listening to the horrid sounds of a screeching cat.

“It's not a da sound of a screechin cat!” Stonebeard's voice got louder. “You jus dun know your music is all. It be the best sound I ever did hear!”

“Sorry I meant the sound of a dying one...Or one throwing up!” shouted another red faced guard with a smile. Even Ramakox found himself grinning at the delightful ribbing, a chuckle working it's way down his throat.

“Oh the lot of ya wouldn't know good music if it raised up beneath ya and kicked ya in the balls wit da force of a giant!”

The collection of mortals and dragon perked up at the sound of clanking metal drawing their attention to the direction the messenger had come. There were not any bards or minstrels following the man, no brightly dressed men or woman. They were instead all clad in silver full plate armor, glowing faintly in the night from the ghostly glow from the flames. No instrument was strung from them, no bagpipe, flute, or even chime, all they carried were swords, axes, and other wicked sharp things to carve or cut flesh and bone. No joyous face could be seen among the collection of stern faced humanoids, they all instead just started at the group menacingly as their white tabards fluttered with each step.

“Why hello there commander.” Came a ragged voice that ended in a cough. The laughter and joyous sounds all had died away at the new arrival of the twenty armored men. From the sea of metal came a lone figure in bright white robes, a familiar mask that was painted with the setting sun on it's smooth surface. “I see you have entertained a friend of mine for the day...The Swirling Storm?”

“And who might you be?” Alexander found his voice, confidence shining through as the human glared at the gleaming soldiers.

“Its the Red Hand!” Ramakox roared, his blood heating in an instant to boiling levels as Imzel's eyes appeared before him. He snorted, his next breath filled with the scent of burning vellum. “Quick get me out of these straps!” he demanded, his head darting to Milalee quick as a flash. He felt his heart start to beat faster in anticipation, longing to do battle with that horrid man. For some reason the elf seemed to not have heard him, her face still transfixed onto the collection of knights with Cray right beside her with a hand close to her neck. The dragon's nose found the faint smell of fear, and realized that the wolf was holding a blade to the elves neck.

The wolven that he had shared the day with turned to him with narrowed eyes, and a cold stare. “Shhhhh. Or the girly gets it.”

How dare you! He bared his teeth, keeping his protest and utter fury silenced for now as he heard Milalee whimper, a spear right through his heart.

“I hate to disturb such a wonderful get together such as this!” The robed man with the coarse voice like sand continued, gesturing out to the wary guards, who seemed unsure of how to respond. “Especially those working for the queen of Drenedar, and preforming their duties to the letter. It is an admirable trait that our own brothers and sisters share.” The man took a step forward, a forceful thing that had Alexander brush the hilt of his sword and causing the robed man to pause mid stride.

“What do you want? You have done much talking but still have not said. You have not even uttered your name.” The knight hissed, his eyes never leaving that masked individual.

“The dragon over there roared it out. We are the red hand, the protectors of mortal kind from monsters, devils, demons, and dragons that seek to subvert and dominate our way of life.”

“By the sounds of things, this dragon is the good thing running around in this world, and you lot are the monsters that go bump in the night.”

“From his point of view I suppose.” The man held up a hand as if to inspect the white cloth covering it. “We are a threat to his plans after all, so it's natural when telling his side he villanizes those that he seeks to get rid of.” The man lowered his hand, eyes focusing on Alexander. “Now Commander..” The man looked around as guard's hands moved over weapons while some still sat frozen with tankards, an uneasy silence filling the air. “You and your collected soldiers can go back to your festivities, and we can get rid of the dragon that has plagued your nation..Sadly we had to have this conversation...I would have rather wished to have it with another man.”

“Why is that?” Alexander snapped back, voice taught as he glared at the robed figure with daggers.

“You should have stayed at the capital like was requested, did you not get the note that was sent to you before hand?”

“I did get a letter warning me not to go.” The knight nodded, “But I ignored it obviously. The queen asked me to go...So that is where I must go...I would not let an ominous letter stop me from doing my duty. Sad to disappoint you man that hides behind a mask...You are a coward that strikes from the shadows of the night!”

Ramakox fidgeted as the two squared off in their little battle of words, it was like a showdown described in various stories that he knew. The evil robed figure and the valiant knight, trading words and veiled threats until the tension would eventually boil over, and blood would be spilled upon the ground. He glanced down to Cray, the fire in his chest roaring as he tugged slightly against his bindings. He silently cursed who had made the blasted things, twice curse the man that had bound him to this cart. If he was free he would not be wasting his time with talk right now, he would be attacking that robed man he was certain was Lord Aster. He did not even think how it was possible the man had escaped the destruction of his estate, but in this moment he did not care. He was actually slightly joyed that he might be the one to actually rip the man to pieces.

Curse the damned wolf. Ramakox glared to Cray, his eyes focusing on the blade that was being ever so forcefully held against the joyful elves throat. How could someone eat dinner with someone and share all the good cheer and then be ready to hold a blade to their throat at the drop of a scale? The red hand obviously...Their treachery knows no bounds it seems. He growled, picturing the movements required to rip the wolf away from the kind and fair Milalee. All he had to do was snap his snout down, clamp down his teeth into the wolf's flesh. His sharpened fangs would make short work of him, until with a violent tear or twist, Cray the betrayer would be cast from this earth like a cherry pit spat from a mouth.

“Don't you dare.” The vile wolf hissed as Milalee gave a small eep and the blade no doubt was pressed tighter against her vulnerable neck. “I can see you thinking dragon...A single movement out of you and I will slice her neck so fast and so deep that there will be nothing you can do to save her.”

Ramakox growled in the back of his throat wishing he could cast some spells without movement or words, or roast the wolf alive. Anything would be better then being held captive such as this without the ability to do anything to help anyone. His mind started to wonder if attacking anyway would be the best course of action, risking her life in process. No. He snorted again, hating himself for the thought. Enough people have been hurt by my actions. I do not need to add another one to the list. His eyes scanned around the collection of tension filled mortals, everyone's attention locked on Lord Aster and Alexander still continuing their bout of words. The only one that had moved was another man clad in the blues and greys of Drenedar, Alexander's second if the insignia on his gambeson could be trusted. The blonde haired man took position beside the knight, and helped glare at the Lord.

“So commander..I tire of this back and forth, although once more I admire your dedication to your orders. It is with a heavy heart that I must say this to you and your men.” Lord Aster seemed to lean forward to look passed the commander and to the collection of other mortals. “All of you gathered here. If you do not wish to fight us raise your hands above your head and do not resist. If you do not do this you will be cut down by my brothers and sisters as associates to the vile dragon that you have in your custody. Please dutiful and loyal soldiers, make the right choice here and don't cast yourself to guard the vile creature behind you.”

“We are not tossing our lot in with him. I am doing her majesties will.” Alexander growled, taking a forceful step. “Currently the dragon is under our protection until he stands trial before the queen.”

“And what if she lets the dragon go? What if she does the wrong thing and sets loose this vile creature back into her domain to subvert her rule and twist her people to his own tyrannical plot?”

“I have seen that town you deft fool. Those people don't appear to be twisted or corrupted, or whatever blasted word that comes drooling from your mouth under that mask.”

“Ah...so you don't have the courage to do whats right..That...is a pity Commander.” Lord Aster took an opposing step towards his armored knights. “So if I were to try and kill the dragon by force, you and your soldiers would be honor bound to stop us?” he gestured to his knights who had not moved an inch since their arrival.

“Aye, it would be my duty and every guard here.” Alexander sneered, his hand grabbing the hilt of his sword.

Ramakox observed several other guards grab whatever was closest to them to brandish as a weapons over their heads. There were swords, spears, bows, some even had just grabbed pots and pans to defend themselves. Each one of them had lost the stunned expression on their faces, only the grim determination to do their duty lingering on them now.

“Very well...” Aster sighed, placing a hand to the front of his mask. “Do it.” he waved. The order came as a horrid thing. Slicing through the air and sealing the fate of everyone in the clearing. The man next to the captain suddenly pulled a dagger, thrusting it into the commander's side with a forceful resounding schlick. Alexander stumbled as cries rang through the camp from his men. The knight fell to his knees as the red hand knights rushed passed him, ignoring the fallen warrior.

The royal guard soon found themselves fighting each other as several more that were once laughing and drinking pulled their own wicked blades to sink into their once friends. Ramakox twitched as he was forced to watch in silent fury, unable to make a move thanks to Cray's dirty ploy. Before his eyes Alexander shambled to the ground, clutching the hilt of the blade lodged into his side, seemingly still lost in disbelief as the robed man brushed him aside like he was nothing.

“No offense commander, but those that don't have the strength and get in our way will be moved. The man strode passed the fallen knight, casting his masked face towards the dragon as his knights started to cut into the collection of royal guards, who were struggling to form a battle line that he could recognize.

“Come on ya bastards! Ole Stonebeard's got a present for ya!” The dwarf from before roared into the night like a lion as he jabbed a spear straight through an armored visor of one of the red hand's armored warriors. There was a flash of bright white light around the metal helmet, seconds before the man's head exploded, blood spraying out the holes in the helm and coating those closest in a thin mist of crimson blood. “I told ya I did!” the dwarf laughed, pulling back the spear and thrusting it into the chest of a traitor guardsman. “And curse ya blighted traitors too! I spit at ya!”

It was in that moment that Milalee chose to make her move, elbowing Cray right in his chest hard enough for the man to let out a rasped “Feisty Bitch!” as he sliced horizontally across her neck and tossing her body to the ground with with a thump and a gurgle from her.

“Damn that stung you stupid-”

Ramakox acted like lightning, his jaws clamping down on Cray's neck, and giving a powerful yank before the man could even yell in surprise. With a sickening rip the backstabbing wolven's head was ripped clean from his shoulders. Blood sprayed from the man's body as it slumped to the ground and Ramakox spit his severed head from his maw like a cherry pit. “Good riddance.” he snarled, eyes falling to the twitching form of the elf who had showed him much kindness through the day, and the red pool of blood that was slowly forming around her on the hard wooden floor. “Milalee.” he said softly, his voice cracking. It was true that he did not know her very long but it still did not mean that he wished to see the elf die right before his eyes.

“Oh...So ya can block me spells can ya?” The dwarf named Stonebeard shouted out as he led the defense against the red hand and the traitors closing in on him and his allies. They tossed boxes and other various items to act as distractions or help with the fighting as it dominated the camp. The defenders were doing fairly well for a force that had a fourth of it's members betray them, and ambushed during a party. But it was no use, the red hand were simply too well equipped and had the numbers. The royal guard were falling one by one to sword, ax, or spear, until it was but a handful, practically backed into a corner of the clearing, all back to back just fending off the onslaught of attacks.

“Come and get a piece of me ya dress wearing finger twiddling ninny!” Stonebeard continued to roar his defiance. “I'll take that fancy mask of yours and smash it right against ya skull like a gong! Just get a wee bit closer ta me!”

Lord Aster either did not hear the challenges flying from the dwarves mouth like water, or he simply ignored his words. Instead the lord averted his gaze to Ramakox as the attackers gathered around the remaining royal guard who were jeering and taunting the valiant defenders.

The dragon opened his maw, the fury inside of him swirling around like the storm he was named after as his lines and wing membranes lit up a bright white in the night air. Electricity cackled around his teeth briefly as he narrowed his eyes at the horrid robed man before him. He felt the sensation build up until he could hold it in no longer, and he let fly the bolt of lightning from his snarling maw. It shot towards Lord Aster, quick as a flash. The bolt struck the robed man and danced around his body, seemingly doing nothing as the elf just continued to stride unhurt through it all.

“It does make one feel good when they come prepared.” Lord Aster sneered, holding up a hand to display a golden ring around his finger, a small lightning bolt engraved on the surface. “I will have to thank the man who made this ring of lightning immunity for me, works wonders versus the horrid blue dragon that I faced this night.”

Damn't of course he planned for it. The blue dragon snarled before Ramakox lowered his head quickly, biting into the leathers that bound his claws to the floor. If no one was going to left to get him out, by the gods he was going to do it. His teeth easily ripped through the tanned hide, the taste making him want to drink water and constantly spit his disapproval, but pleasing tastes could wait, he had to do this, bound as he was he was the perfect prey for the red hand. So with a snort he bit again, almost through the leather strap, he just had one more bite to. “AAAHHHHHHH” the dragon roared as a sudden searing heart stopping pain flowed across his chest and made his body tremble and shake. Soon after four more of the same sensation struck various other sections of his armored chest, each one making his claws twitch and his breaths get pushed from his chest. The scent of burning scales drifted up to his nose and made him growl.

“Oh do pay attention swirling Storm. I would like you to be at least aware that it was I that killed you...and what other things will transpire this night.” came Lord Aster's voice, all coarse and sounding like the man had a hoarse lung.

The dragon weakly looked up as feeling returned to his chest, the pain finally subsiding and leaving him panting. With his next breath it felt like a thousand needles were prodding beneath his mighty scales and making him wince. He glanced up to see that Lord Aster was flanked by five separate knights all carrying large and cumbersome crossbows of the darkest wood he had seen. Along the weapon's necks were vents made of metal where small plumes of smoke were coming from. Each knight held the thing pointed at him, a soft hum filling the air that made his scales shiver.

“Wonderful weapon that Lumara invented. No?” Lord Aster patted one of the weird looking crossbows.

“E...Energy Crossbow.” Ramakox hissed, wincing again in pain. He had only heard the stories after all of such weapons...and with a quick look to his blackened scales it looked like they were true. “Not...as powerful as I thought.” he gasped, lying right through his teeth as he clenched his eyes shut.

“Ah yes...This model is a lesser version..Prototypes as it were...If we were to get one of the larger ones we might not be having words right now dragon. You would have your scales ripped open and your insides on full display for us!”

“Pity then....that I have to listen to you prattle on.” he tugged weakly against the strap, hoping to force the leather thing to snap at his strength.

“Fire again.” the Lord pointed, the weapons lightning up a bright crimson before energy bolts were let fly, and struck his scales with another series of burning pain that made him clench his eyes and roar, unable to twitch or spasm away. 'There were plenty of ways to kill you...but I figured that this one would be good..and painful..to repay you for the my own loss.”

“Your own loss?” Ramakox gasped with narrowed eyes. “You killed my sons mate you horrid piece of filth! What could you compare to that?”

“My son.” Aster said flatly, “The explosions that night claimed my dear wife and son in it's violent fury....Two innocent lives claimed by you and your horrid kind. I knew that your treachery was diabolical...But to kill a woman and my son?” Lord Aster held up his hand as shouts sounded from the dwindling royal guard. “That is a low thing I thought you would not dare stoop to.”

“That...was a mistake! I did not mean for that to happen!” Ramakox's eyes drifted to the guards all but wiped out by the red hand and their traitorous allies. “Let them all go...Just kill me..and let them all go.”

“We can't do that monster. I have to wipe your filth from this plane.” Lord Aster thrust his finger towards the blue dragon, a series of bolts following his gesture and making Ramakox scream into the night as his scales broke away and small holes be blown into his twitching hide.

“Is...that..the best you got?” he groaned, smoke starting to billow off of him as daggers seemed to be stabbing his every breath. The act of holding his head up was starting to feel like a chore.

“Not at all Swirling Storm...These weapons can go on and on..I'm surprised you're this coherent.” Lord Aster crossed his arms with a chuckle. “How many more volleys can you perhaps take before your body gives out eh? Two or three more? I must say that I do like putting you in your place dragon...Does it feel good to know mortals have finally beaten you?”

“Hah, beaten me?” Ramakox chuckled with a flash of pain. “You attack me while I am bound and caged..” He lowered his voice into a growl, snapping his jaws in defiance. “If that were not the case you would be trembling in your boots right now.”

“Fire again.” The shots seared off more of his scales now, all his muscles flinching and trembling as pain blinded him for a moment or two. It left the dragon's head spinning as he snarled.

“Gah...Gah..,” he coughed. He truly did not know how much more he could take as he weakly stared at the mortals before him with blurry vision. If only he...Ramakox suddenly felt a small tugging at the leather binding holding him so. A quick eye revealed that it was Milalee, Somehow still alive and holding a dagger. The elf was crouched low and diligently working away to sever the last bit of leather that was holding him. He quickly ignored her, not wanting to give her position away and reveal that part of him soon would be free. With that freedom came spells.

It has to be a good one...A surprising spell that could turn this whole thing around in a flash. Something that could incapacitate or kill. His eyes narrowed as he met those smug, confident spheres behind that painted mask, those eyes that had helped kill Imzel. Kill. His mind hissed.

“I want you to know Swirling Storm, that after I am done killing you, and ridding the world of your treachery I will be attending to your mate and son.

“What?” he snarled, his temper flaring up as he tried to stall and buy the elf more time. “That is a grave mistake targeting them.”

“Oh not just them dear blue. But the whole damned town that you corrupted. Any moment now.” the man suddenly grew silent moments before a thunderous explosion echoed in the distance. It sounded like a terrible thing filled with misery that briefly lit up the countryside.

The blue dragon's eyes widened as he had heard that sound numerous times. It was the sound of dragon power exploding. But to make a noise that reached out this far? The explosion had to be massive....EastCliff. “I...am going to enjoy killing you Aster.” Ramakox growled, ignoring the pain rumbling through him. “You...deserve a more painful death, but it appears as though time is of the essence.” With each word the edge of his vision had started to go red, crimson replacing everything else as he snorted in fury. He pictured screams into the night of all the people of EastCliff being forced to defend themselves from the radical red hand. “Whatever you have done...We will stop it...and every member of your little cult will be cut down and killed...This I swear to you.”

Lord Aster said not a word, the only sounds coming from the dying combat as the royal guard were cut down some more. The masked man closed his eyes, hugged his sides, and let out a loud, mocking laugh into the night air. “Kill me? Oh dragon, I admire your defiance to the last, but no...With you bound so wonderfully by the loyal guard being cut down this very moment? I think not.”

“Come a tad closer to this prison and I shall show you how helpless I really am.” he snarled, his words sharp as the blades being used to kill the gathered mortals.

“Oh do you mean like the lightning that you shot at me? The one that my wonderful ring cast aside like it was nothing? My Swirling Storm I have prepared for that as you saw, and for your bite? While I doubt you can fit your head through the bars I would not risk it. I will safely stand back while my gentlemen and lady charge up their weapons and deliver you to the nine hells from which you were spawned.” Lord Aster rose his hand almost in slow motion before the blue dragon's eyes.

“Hey! Ya dress wearing sissy! Target me if ya have da stones!” Stonebeard shouted, a wall of fire spreading around him to roast two knights in their armor, the men falling to the ground screaming in pain until they ceased their struggles.

“Goodbye dragon. I shall cherish the days you are gone from this earth, and thanks to these weapons perhaps there will be a day that no dragon flies over Sethera.”

Ramakox heard the final strap give way as his claw pushed forward. The remains of the leather falling uselessly to the floor. He shot up his claw quick as lightning, his mind already forming the spell he knew he wanted. He felt inside his heart the cooling sensation of the deepest ocean, swirling inside of him and spreading to his digits. He could almost see the magic that was building up and begging to be released. He curled his claw into a cup as he pictured the spell he wanted, a thing called horrific wilting. One such spell that would drain the moisture from every living thing in an area he chose. “vol luvnuloke” he snarled, his voice carrying all his fury. He did not care how grisly the spell would look, Lord Aster deserved every bit of pain that was going to be coming his way.

“Fi-” Suddenly Lord Aster choked, the words seemingly stuck in his throat as he visibly shuttered, the knights beside him suddenly doing the same thing as their armor rattled.

“No Lord Aster...” Ramakox growled. “It is you and your filth that will be cast from this world, not dragons or those they care for.” The blue looked passed that man to the other gathered knights, who were all frozen and trembling just as Aster was right now. The blue having snared all of them with his powerful spell. “This end for you might be too quick, especially after what you have done to my son's mate and no doubt countless others that you have terrorized over the years. Your mistake is thinking us as the monsters, but somehow...” Ramakox sighed. “I don't think you care.”

“Grcccchh.” The bound elf gasped, nearly doubling over as the man trembled and shook with ragged breaths.

Ramakox gave a snort, the trembling a clear sign that the spell was reaching it's end. The red hand and traitorous guardsman would soon be nothing more then husks. The blue dragon pushed from his mind the pleased shouts from the royal guard. Stonebeard warning the others to step back just in case the spell spread to them as well.

“So Lord Aster. You will die knowing that I did not die from your care, and I will put an end to whatever you have done to my town. You can know that I will hunt down every last one of your little red hand cult if anyone of my loved ones is injured.

“M-Monster.” the robed man shot out, somehow despite the deliberating pain.

“No, you are the monsters Aster. Killing woman, children, and countless innocents in your misguided attempt to save them from demons, devils, and dragons. It is your kind that fills this world with so much death, destruction and hate. So I say good riddance, and I say to the nine hells with you.” With a final clench of his claws all the knights, turned guardsman, and lord Aster twisted and spasmed before him in some alien dance. They unleashed screams of agony that made the dragon's hide twitch but he persisted, guiding the magic to do it's horrific work. From the red faced mortals started to come thin strands of red liquid, flying from them like little ropes and forming a large sphere feet before the blue dragon, hovering in the air like a twisted globe of blood.

The orb grew larger and larger with each passing moment filled with the cries of those afflicted by the spell. It was a sound never meant to be heard by living beings, but Ramakox ignored them. For these were the red hand, the slayers of woman, children, and wrymlings. They deserved everything they got. With one final snort they all collapsed onto the ground as shriveled husks, their faces contorted into frozen expressions of pain. Ramakox ignored the cries of victory, and the shouts of praise that were shouted his way by the handful of surviving guardsman.

Ramakox cast his focus from the corpses that littered the clearing to that of the crumpled form of Milalee, who had rolled onto her back. She had a large, deep red line that was drawn across her neck where the dagger had slashed and dug into her. She had a smile currently on her face, panting and gave him a laughing cough.

“I take it we won?”

The blue dragon almost trilled at her words. The small bit of relief finding it's way into his worried mind over his loved ones and town. He lowered his snout to inspect the wound that had troubled her more closely. It appeared to be freshly healed despite of things, and possibly tender to the touch. “How did you heal such a grievous wound? Unless you were a healer and I had simply not known. Although how did you cast such a spell without the command phrase?”

“Potion you silly thing.” she pointed to an empty glass bottle that was resting on the floor beside her. “Didn't know if it would work. Got it for a discount after all.”

“Well that is mighty fortuitous.” Ramakox chuckled, “Thank the maker of that potion that it wasn't a dud.” He looked up from the smiling elf to the guards who were now inspecting the shriveled bodies of friend and foe alike. “Just glad you're safe for the time being.” his eyes glared down to all the bodies of guardsman he had failed. “I can't say the same of your friends.”

“You did your best.” she smiled weakly, placing a hand onto his nose that made him wiggle it. “And that's all that anyone can ask of you.”

“I will have to keep reminding myself that as I look to the scores of corpses that are laid before my claws.” he grumbled, slicing off the remaining straps with careful strokes. After this attack by the red hand there was no way that he was going to remain the guardsman's prisoner.

“Commander are ya still breathin ?” came Stonebeard's concerned shout as weapons were plucked from mummified hands.

“Over....here!” coughed Alexander, as with a wince he propped himself up against a large smooth stone, and the others rushed over to his aid.

“So ya still be kicken afta all.” Stonebeard chuckled, kneeling down to inspect the blade sticking out of the commander's side. “Nasty bit o work dat Jenkins did there wit dat knife. Don't you worry, I made sure he took all of my spear inside of him.” the dwarf laughed with wink. “He couldn't handle it.”

“Good.” Alexander laughed weakly. “I thought for a second he would get away with it.” He winced as Stonebeard grabbed the hilt firmly.

“Now dis is gonna hurt, once da blades outta ya I can get ta healin ya proper.”

Alexander nodded, his eyes drifting to Ramakox. “Do it.” he clenched his eyes tight.

“Okay, hold onto ya beard.” Stonebeard pulled that dagger out, making a loud gasp of pain sound through the air from the human's mouth.

“Alexander!” Ramakox called out to the human as several guards moved into bandage the knight's side. Stonebeard had moved his glowing hands over the bleeding wound, as blood was dripping from it in copious amounts.

“Yes dragon?” the knight groaned loudly, shifting his weight to his other side. “What is it that you want?”

“I want to be released...Now!” Ramakox gestured to the back of his cage with an arch of his neck, a groan escaping his maw at the throbbing pain. “And...Some healing from your cleric there...” He tried to stand, his limbs all wobbling before he was forced to sit back down, his chest throbbing and stabbing pain into him.

“Are you okay?” Milalee whispered, siting up with a groan of her own to touch his sensitive chest.

“Grrrraaahh.” He grit his teeth as even her careful, soft touch brought rippling waves of pain across his form. “Fine.” He gasped, giving her a fake smile.

“You heard him!” The commander shouted, thrusting a finger towards the blue dragon with a growl. “Stonebeard, use all your healing on him. Only get me to a position where I won't die.”

“Aye sir, if you tink dat be the best course of action...Course ya could o've had ya brain rattled in da.-”

“Stonebeard!”

“Aye, ya don't got ta get yer knickers in a bunch, I heard ya.” The dwarf laughed, patting the wounded knight on the shoulder.

“Swirling Storm, I hereby release you of all your crimes set forth against you. I find you innocent and a great protector of the realm.” Alexander shouted out, before he was forced to wince and grab at his side.

“Can you even do that human? You certainly don't look like the queen everyone has been insisting I go about meeting.” Ramakox snorted, tilting his head to the side as he locked eyes with the human knight.

“I admit...I have no authority to issue such a statement...But after tonight and that attack...and the threat to Eastcliff? The queen can have my own head if she disagrees with my choice this evening. You damned just saved all of use from certain death!”

“Here here!” came several shouts from the weary, scuffed up guardsman. Only a handful now left from the whole group set out to capture the dragon.

“If you wish to thank anyone, thank Milalee here.” Ramakox gestured to her with a quick nosing of his snout, while Stonebeard opened his cage with the turning of a key and a clank. “Without her trusty knife and cuts, I would not have been freed to cast the spell that delivered us from the red hand's vile clutches. The elf rose up, leaning gently on his side as she released a soft sigh as he felt Stonebeard press his rough hands against his flank and begin to chant in dwarven.

“Three cheers for her and the dragon then!” Shouted a wolven man, pumping his furred fist into the air, only to be joined with everyone else. They sang praise after praise, which would have been music to the blue dragon's ears if not for his worried thoughts of Eastcliff and what troubles had befallen it this evening. He shivered as the words died down and his body started to feel all warm. The sensation originating from the dwarves hands and spreading through his body with soft pulses that made him let out a sigh and lean into the man's touch. He felt the pain that had been troubling him fade away in the next few moments, making him ever thankful that healing magic existed in the world at all. He felt his wounds knitting themselves together and sealing in a mere instant. Scales that had been blackened and burned returning to their beautiful blue luster once more, until with a snort Ramakox shook his neck, not a trace of pain left in his body.

“Many thanks dwarf.” he turned back to Stonebeard, raising to all fours and nosing him gently with a rumbling purr.

“Aye, ya can repay me by not kissing or nuzzling me! I was just getting ya back onta ya paws!”

“Swirling Storm!” Alexander shouted, his exclamation ending in another groan. “I have an order for you this evening that carries the weight of the queen behind it!”

“And what would that be royal knight?” Ramakox strolled from the cage into the night air, stretching all his sore limbs one by one. Each one sending a slight shiver of delight, ending with a flick of his tail across the grass.

“Eastcliff...Those explosions...Tonight's troubles are not yet done...and you know it as well.”

“I do.” The blue dragon growled, shifting his head towards the direction of his town. He kneads the ground beneath his claws, images of people...His people getting cut down by sword and arrow. He ripped up a section of the ground, gritting his teeth as his vision started to turn red once more.

“I need you to lead the others willing to fight...back to stop whatever malevolent plan that man set into motion...I need you to protect the queens people...Your people.” Alexander started to cough, covering his mouth.

“It will be done Alexander...You can rest easy knowing I will make good on that promise that I made to that twisted lord.” He turned to the man's shriveled husk, snorting his approval at his death,a small jolt of joy finding it's way to his heart.

“Well you heard the dragon!” Alexander rose a hand, pointing to Stonebeard. “Stonebeard, get the others ready and make haste to Eastcliff. The queens people need all of us this night.”

“Aye commander.” the dwarf turned to the other weary guardsman. “Well what are ya standin dere gawkin? Do ya want ta live forever? Grab ya weapon, git yer gear and mount up! We gotsa town to save!