Chapter 4

“I just want to know why you’re wearing that face? I mean, what did I do wrong?” Cordenth tilted his head, searching Lyndis’ ever sharpening eyes. “I swooped in, did a little of the battling and saved the day! Sure Vishta got a little burned, but that comes with the territory no?” He tossed his head back to the tattered boardwalk they traveled, “And must I say, what a marvelous job I did of it? We haven’t seen hair or tail of any other shadow creatures!”

“Where were you?” She demanded, peering back to the others, who were lagging behind. Broxl was fishing Vishta out of the water, the kobold had tripped and gone over the edge. “Any later and we’d been sucked dry by those things.”

He snickered, “Please, if you insist on using such colorful language, at least ensure they can’t be misconstrued for something else.”

If looks could kill, Lyndis’ could do it several times over.

“I guess you’re in no mood today.” He groaned, slinking away. “It’s not like you had to fly through the night with a bunch of ungrateful passengers.”

“You’re completely right, what could I be thinking. I should just worship the ground of the one that nearly got us killed.” She gave a sarcastic bow.

“At least that’s a start, now if we can get the others to-“ He peered back with narrowed eyes, “Oh, you’re being sarcastic.”

“Of course, I bloody am! If you want to be an adventurer, then its called being one of the team! You just don’t go swanning off, leaving the rest of us to die!”

“Oh please, I did no such thing.” He dismissed her with a wing. “I had complete trust that you’d see the rest of them through the day, and look at that. I was right!”

“You know well as I, that’s not justification. We called for you, you didn’t come. You can twist your words or frame it as you wish, but we still think you’re guilty green boy.”

“Hmmph.” He held his head high, “I suppose we will have to agree to disar-“

“I needed you.” She folded her arms, a vulnerable aura setting about her features as she looked to the remains of Gearmell, “What’s that say to me about your reliability? What your dedication?”

Oh, how she knew to pull his strings. Cordenth growled at his many superior qualities. Why must he be so good at finding things! If he hadn’t, then he would have felt beholden to remain! He stopped in his tracks, curling around the fragile queen, comforting her with a soft whine and nudge. “I never meant for that to happen, you know that. You mean more to me than anything in this world.”

“Then you can’t leave me like that again.” She held his snout in her palms, locking his gaze with hers. Within those amber pools was a sea of anxiety he’d never beheld before. “Especially when I call for you. Though it looked as though the situation was in control-“

“But you always have a pl-“

“My plan involved you sodden wings. Any trouble we had, you could have gotten us out of there, no problem.”

“Oh.” He drooped, frills pinning as guilt bit into his heart. “You have my word, that sort of thing shall not happen again. I don’t wish to frighten you.” He finally said after a moment of silence, followed by a great sigh.

She leaned on his snout and offered some comforting pats, at least concerns were quelled for now. The remaining march through Gearmell lacked hardened looks, sharpened eyes or even words being exchanged until they narrowed in on the inn. There Cordenth came to a stop, gesturing with a wing, and swelling his chest as he recounted his most heroic story. As he prattled on, he’d failed to notice how the color drained from Vistha’s scales, and how large her eyes swelled.

“And there he was, missing his head. Must have been a strong, burley fellow, looks to have been taken off with a single swing.” He mimed the weapon coming down, punctuated it with a thud. “Speaking of…Have his head shoved in the pack, think a coin went down his nostril, though I don’t think minds none.” The dragon snickered at the absurd image, finding himself jabbed rather forcibly in the ribs.

“Shut it.” Lyndis hissed, the fire returning to her eyes.

“But it did. Look at him, it’s not my fault he caught a case of death. Lucky us it’s not contagious.”

“Radiant Star.”

“What?” He pulled up his neck with a raised brow, trying to figure out why she was all cross. “Am I missing something?”

She gestured to Vishta, the kobold tentatively approaching the body, claws clutching tight her leathers. She’d already began to shiver and sob, trying to hide it. “Read the room.” She whispered, “How would you feel in her paws?”

“About a dead kobold?” He tilted his head. “Or another dragon? One is vastly different.”

Lyndis shook her head, squeezing the bridge of her nose. “Does it matter you callous jerk? We’re talking about having a friend die!”

As sparks seemed to fly from his visage, the green dragon bit his tongue. The answer he had would no doubt make this engagement more heated. Instead he let her have her victory, offering a silent nod. Eyes traveled to the diminutive lizard, learning that indeed her species could cry. Though why confounded him. Was it not the fate of all mortals for them to die? They would be reunited with their loved ones in the afterlife. This wasn’t like the tragedy that a dragon’s death would entail. “I mean, Lyndis, she’s being rather dramatic, just saying.”

“Take whatever apathetic bug crawled up your ass and sod off. Next time you lose a loved one, I’ll be sure to kick you under the tail. That should replicate the experience.” In a huff Lyndis made her way to Vishta, putting her arm around the kobold and holding her close.

Cordenth could only watch on, planting his hinds, pondering what exactly he’d said wrong. “Is it woman that I don’t get or just mortals?”

Broxl only grunted, shifting the pack on his back. “It would appear you’re as terrible in those areas as your hunting.” Eyes flicked to the woman as he tasted the air, “Do you think they will wish to engage in my people’s ritual?”

“Let me guess, you’d want to eat the body.” He rolled his eyes, along with his paw.

“Yes.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“It’s a way for the loved ones to provide for you one last time. Their spirit ever helping you grow, they will always be with you.” When the dragon didn’t nod along with or agree, the siigonis cast him a hardened look. “So what do your people do about death?”

“For dragons?” He pondered the thought, tapping his chin. It wasn’t usual for his kind, nor had he seen it personally.

“How often have you seen it then? Death?”

“Occasionally.” He murmured, though he had to admit the number was quite low. Most people within his home of the forest of illusion had some elven blood in them, ensuring they’d live quite a long life. He stared to Lyndis, embracing the shivering little one, and felt a gnawing at his heart. Was that guilt? Sadness? He snorted and looked away; it must have been how utterly silly this affair was. “I suppose we can return to our flight to Qui’ttax. It will do us all good to have this settled.”

“You would toss aside such an event so easily?” The siigonis eyed the mangled body, “We’re surrounded by a mystery and death. Does it not eat at you to uncover what befell this town?”

“What befell them?” He scoffed, gesturing with his wings. “Use your eyes hunter. Clean and shut case, undead strolled in, killed everyone and turned them into shadows. Mystery solved. Lets get on with our lives.”

“And these shadows cut off the kobold’s head and didn’t transform him?”

He sighed, rolling his eyes. “Alright, the necromancer that helped them did it. Does that satisfy you?”

“Your simple dismissal does not.” The hunter grumbled, approaching the deceased body, shooing away the mournful others. There he knelt without a further word, claws wandering over the diminutive body, searching him from bloodied stump to tail.

“You think a cut or two will help you?” Cordenth asked, curiosity pulling him over.

“You mentioned an axe, I wonder how such a thing could be done within the water clan’s territory.” The Siigonis peered back to the village’s destruction, taking a deep breath. “There are several clans that might have helped. Many did not approve of this human village so close to our own. Some spoke of them being an abomination to our ways. Some were more siigonis of action.”

“You think one of your own people would have done such a thing?” He pulled back, tilting his head with a snort, “And these are the people we wanted to negotiate with? Ones that despised the civilized world so? Remind me why we want their help again?”

“Its just how they are. Politics between the clans.” Broxl grunted. “Fire, Earth, Water, Shadow, Light. Each one has their own beliefs, but unified throughout the lands. Some may think ill of the warmblood here, but others find it a blessing. When word of this spreads to the water clan, they will be most displeased. I know they enjoyed mingling more than most.”

“And let me guess. This rogue element is going to kill the water clan for the crime of being a heathen or something?”

“Something like that.” Broxl murmured, taking a knife from his pocket, and carving a section of the kobold’s stump right off. He pocketed it before rising. Staring off to the clouded sky, Broxl wavered, tasting the air. When Lyndis returned with a calmer Vishta, he wheeled to them with an exasperated sigh. “In our search of this place, whoever did this was quite thorough. Not a speck or hint was left of their passing. An idea has occurred to me to enlighten this…” He shared a worried look to them all, “Though I fear you will not approve.”

“Me, fear it?” Lyndis scoffed, “Know how much I’ve seen in this world? I’m sure whatever little thing you have pales in comparison to-“

“I wish to find a shaman so that we can speak force the dead to speak.” He gestured to the corpse, “Specifically him.”

“Hurta.” Vishta whined, “His name was Hurta.”

“Then I wish to speak with Hurta…We would only require his head for the spell.”

Cordenth couldn’t believe his ears as Lyndis gagged, “I did not know that your people dabbled in such dark spells. Now I can see why the undead would be interested in you.”

Broxl bared his teeth, “What you speak of is normal here. Dark or not, it is the only thing I can think of.”

“Its not me that has to be okay with it.” He gestured to the lip biting Vishta, “I believe she will be the most upset.”

“Is that so?”

“No…I”lll be fine.” Vishta took a labored breath, eyes lingering on Hurta’s corpse. “We need to know what happened, who did it, and what he learned that earned him this death.”

“And what was the message he sent?” Cordenth huffed, already guessing another destination was on the horizon. “It best be good if it’s to divert our quest yet again.”

She could only sigh, composing herself before the inquisitive dragon’s snout. “Very well, you’ve been aggregable thus far. What he said was the Queen of Eternal flame is in the siigonis lands, cannibalizing their eggs for some dark ritual.”

He shut his snout, that was certainly something worth checking in on. Perhaps even he could put an end to the leader of the undead armies with one fell swoop! As the others muttered away with their concerns and worries, he was awash with confidence, excitement swelling through every vein, he was practically bouncing on his paws. “Well, what are we waiting for? You heard Vishta, lets find this shaman and find out where this Queen is hiding! We could put an end to everything right here! All lands from siigonis and Drenedar will have our thanks!”

“Lovely optimism, though not certain if mere bravado.” Lyndis mused, resting upon his chest. She seemed to stare through his golden scaled chest, taking a deep breath. “Just means we have to be more careful, let’s not press an encounter with her majesty unless we need to.”

“But Lyndis, we could end the bloodshed! Our friends could be saved, this entire mess with the siigonis could be avoided!”

“Mess?” Broxl growled.

“You know what I mean.” He waggled a wing, “Now mister sourpuss, how far away is this shaman you wanted to bring the head to?”

“The town of Tlax, should be three days south. That is if we keep to the shadows.”

“Hah, I can do it in less. But is there not closer place?” He looked far away to the sky, “Surely your people dot this land like weeds?”

“But not all of them I trust.” The siigonis growled, “This shaman I wish to seek would never lie to me.”

“And why is that?” Lyndis asked.

Broxl paused, taking a deep breath, his tail flicking back and forth behind him. “This one used to be my mate.”

*

Before they rushed headfirst to this fishing village of Tlax, fatigue all but demanded of the green dragon to rest. His limbs had grown heavy, his skull throbbed, eyes that were usually vigilant were desperately trying to keep themselves from shutting. Broxl found them a hidden alcove known to only his clan’s hunters, safe from prying eyes, and thanks to Lyndis, secured with an illusion at the entrance. He settled down in the shade, listening to the sounds of the marsh around him. He closed his eyes, tail curling around him, and let himself fade into oblivion.

What dreams came to Cordenth were wonderful sights, of crystal-clear skies blanketing a vibrant viridian countryside of every shade he could think of. He spun and whirled within this place, racing and teasing the trees that reached up to kiss not only him but the sky itself. Their lavender flowers caught his eye far too often, even whispering the dragon to settle among their thick branches. Each time he’d get close he’d warble and loose himself higher into the blue, letting the golden rays of the sun rest against his scales. He’d lose himself in the headwind, enjoying the fruits that only gryphon and dragon could truly appreciate.

In this domain he’d gaze out below, far as the eye could see, taking in the wonderous sight and heaving a great sigh, knowing that the darkened dots of human villages that adorned this great tapestry were his. The great and wonderful Drenedar kingdom, where dragon and mortal’s lives were ever linked. Where fear of his kind went to die, and the bright future he’d always dreamed of as a wrymling would be real. One peer back to his spine revealed the beautiful visage of his beloved, smiling in the most captivating of ways, her hair fluttering in the breeze. She was smiling, holding on, a look of an angel about her that warmed the dragon’s soul. He trumpeted his bliss to the world in a loving warble, wishing for nothing more. Sadly, he awoke hours later, the only solace taken was that Lyndis looked as beautiful as in the dream.

The days of journey ahead were less than ideal, each starting with a torrent of rain from the lead grey clouds that dominated the horizon. What sunlight managed to get through was only in miniscule chunks, when the sheets of rain would dwindle, only to return full force in a matter of moments. Several times throughout the marsh, they had to land and traverse on claws, fearful of the lightning that forked, splitting the sky in twain.

He didn’t mind of course, getting his scales soaked. It came naturally to green dragons as him. He’d close his eyes and try to feel each stream that ran down his scales. It coaxed his scant worries to the back of his mind, slowed his heart, he wished to rest and listen to such a relaxing symphony of nature. The smell on the air was intoxicating, it drew a warble to his throat each time. The others did not share his enthusiasm for the perfect weather.

Vishta had an umbrella that proved useless in the wind atop the dragon, pouting as she was battered with the pelting rain. Lyndis’ cloak faired no better, leaving the rogue a soaked mess, water dribbling down her chin. It was only Broxl that remained a stoic statue, not complaining or cracking an emotion favorable or otherwise to their predicament. Cordenth could only look back during such times or nudge his snout against Lyndis’ shoulder during their rests, trying to maintain an air of control about him.

“Try not worry, I’m getting us there quick as I can.” He’d boasted, “From the shores of the Wolf Desert to the villages of the Voiceless mountains, nothing will keep me from getting there. Besides, can’t have you getting sick can we? Such a fragile creature you are.”

“Keep going on about how fragile I am, and we can explore together how fragile your snout can be.” She snapped after his third mention of it, after that he proceeded to not remind her. Though he did offer a warble and lick of the face. She was not thrilled.

On the last day the rain began to lose its momentum, though fog and the clouds remained in prominence. His flight had him hug the darkened masses, shielded one of Lyndis’ spells to blend his scales with the clouds, hiding his magnificent scales from view.

“I didn’t know you were so jealous my dear.” He’d chuckled, strutting around her with a swaying tail. “Don’t fret your delightful heart, I am a one-woman dragon.” When he’d purred and nosed her, the spell had been done, feeling as though a cold blanket had been wrapped around each of his limbs. She hadn’t responded to his delightful joke, but he figured it was only because of how tight she clutched her cloak and chattered her teeth. He’d promised to make the fire that night extra warm. Only the best for his queen after all.

The village of Tlax had been at the end of the Sipaktri path, nestled between twin oak trees of massive size, their roots spreading out like walls, protecting those that dwelled within from harm. They dwarfed all the other trees around, acting as mountains among hills. They were adorned with blossoming flowers of bright turquoise dotted with red spots,  their branches wrapped in thread of a multitude of colors, each methodically woven by the hands of those who lived here. Near the mighty titan’s bases were dozens of homes and structures, most of them carved out of the trees themselves. Those that weren’t were little more than a collection of sticks, dotted with thick roofs of thatch.

Birds trumpeted his arrival as the dragon swooped down, letting it be known that a beast of legend had wandered into these lands. Those siigonis that heard this emerged from every nook and cranny, dozens trying to get a better look at mass of scales and teeth that had decided to enlighten their lives with his presence. Curiosity flickered within their eyes, swirling with hints of concern. Elders held the children close, while the warriors gathered their weapons, their duty to meet such things.

He watched them gather as he circled around, noting no arrows were being loosed in his direction. With that concern dropped, he found a place to land, settling onto the dew dotted grass with a dramatic flare of his membranes. The awe he saw painted on each of their captivated snouts swelled his chest, bringing a rumble deep in his throat. He bet they’d gone their entire lives without ever seeing one of his kind, and they’d probably never forget it.

“Greetings my curious siigonis, there is no need to let fear grips your hearts. For I am the Radiant Star, and bring no ill upon my wings.” He announced in a brassy voice as his companions clambered off of his back. Wary eyes fell upon the now approaching warriors, who’d summoned what courage dwelled within their hearts. Though their weapons were now held tight in scaled hands, Cordenth didn’t flinch or snap, he welcomed them with a flicking tail.

The leader of these guardians was gently shoved to prominence, clearing his throat as he observed these strangers. For far too long he lingered on the sharpened claws and teeth of the dragon. “What business do you have great dragon? Why do you bring a kobold and a warmblood to our village? We knew not of dragons that lived within our lands.”

“You speak as though they are just any old companions.” He chuckled, “I bring not a common human, but a queen in your presence.” He rumbled as he gestured to her, adoring the widening eyes of those in attendance. “Your assistance in summoning up for us your shaman would be of great importance.”

“The shaman?” A whisper went through the crowd of guards, “Why would a dragon and queen be need of him?”

“Only brought about by strange times.” Broxl replied in a sullen tone, “Undead gather beyond our lands, threatening to encroach. ”

“You speak of the rumors of a dark shadow. That is all they are, the undead have never wandered into our lands. Question is, do you mean well or ill?” The guards held their ground, weapons tightening. “You come here and begin making demands of us.”

“I am Broxl of the forest clan. I walk the path all those who follow Nutambar stride. My clan are my family, why would I seek ill for them?” He bellowed, thumping his chest in greeting, loosening the guard’s grips on their weapons. “We fly from the human town of Gearmell. I know it wasn’t the most liked place, but it was attacked and destroyed. Their people are missing, expected dead. We need the aid of your shaman, Kizzik. Only his spells can help illuminate who performed such an attack on our lands.”

“You seek Kizzik?” A murmur of surprise flowed through the crowd like water.

Broxl sighed, “I didn’t know it was that great of a shock. Do they still call this village home? My travels have kept me away for quite some-“

“Kizzik is now the village leader.” The guard clarified, “With their help we read the weather, grow crops, find the best hunting grounds. We flourish far greater than we did before.”

“He’s…Your leader? Wow…It…has been some time…When I left he was still in training.”

“Your reasons are explained kin Broxl. But what of the queen, the kobold…” The guard’s warry eyes flicked to the dragon, who was casually flicking his tail and scratching at his chest scales. “And the dragon? How did you come by this beast? Rumor speaks of a dark beast flying among the marsh-“

“And you risk to anger my by thinking I’m some darkened creature of the night?” Cordenth snorted in amusement. “Siigonis, if you’ll listen. I have only flown in your lands only several days. Even with as quick as I am, I doubt word of me spreads that fast. I wouldn’t object if it were flattering, but the fear in your eyes says not.”

“I can vouch for big green here that he’s not been some beast of shadow. If anything he’s poor at hiding himself.” Lyndis pressed forward, offering them a bow. “If you would, our time is short, many people are counting on us. We stumbled upon a way to better unite our peoples.”

The guard nodded, rubbing his chin, mulling over their words. Eyes traveled to each of them in turn, searching for any sign of insincerity. He lingered upon Broxl, then his brow furrowed. “Come, lets go. Though if you be the Broxl I’ve been told, lets hope enough time has passed between Kizzik so he won’t stab you.”

“Stab you?” Cordenth stuttered, frills flaring in alarm. “What was this about you trusting this man?”

Broxl shook his head with a grumble, “I said trust I trusted him, I never said that he liked me in return. I’m sure whatever fury lingers in his chest has faded…I hope.”

“You know, next time if there’s a chance of getting stabbed, it might be a good idea to warn us.” Groaned Lyndis, rolling her eyes.

“And if anyone so dares stab at me or Lyndis, the best outcome is losing their hands.” Growled Cordenth, fluffing his wings. “And after that, should Broxl survive said stabbing, he’s going to get a courtesy biting, free of charge.”

*

Thank you all for tagging along in this adventure as we follow along with Cordenth, Lyndis, Broxl and Vishta. If you like it, don't forget to favorite and vote it a few stars. If you feel like being awesome, leave a comment below, I certainly read them and respond!

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