Chapter 8

Through the encampment they fled, taking the path of survival instead of holding one’s ground against the looming form of the golden dragon. One who would be quite cross at having his slumber disturbed. Orcs, trolls and other humanoids favored them both fleeting glances, just another face in the crowd.

Tent after tent Arcturus and Mug slid around, hunched over, determined to fade away into the camp. Behind them the angry sounds of a dragon could still be heard, of resounding growls and snarls of one denied his prey.

“Did you see how he flailed about?” Laughed Mug in relief, the moment they’d placed considerable distance between themselves and the dragon.

“Yes, I certainly did.” Replied Arcturus, ducking down behind the tent in which the kobold had hidden. “But why did you shoot him? I had the entire situation under control.”

“Control?” Mug scoffed, taking a cursory glance back where they’d came. “You were hissing at him!”

“I wasn’t hissing. I was simulating the sounds a mother dragon might to a wrymling. It would have put a groggy dragon such as that to sleep!”

The kobold merely blinked, his snout snapping shut. “Well, you didn’t think to say any of this before starting? Really this is all your fault if you think about it. At least I stunned his wings.”

“You got a wing.” Corrected Arcturus with a growl, eyeing the prisoner tent in which they were bound. Between them was a great host, currently being woken up by the thunderous noises from their dragon. He clutched tight the key they’d snatched from Russ’ corpse, wondering how deep this little betrayal did go. Was Alonso in on it as well? His heart darkened over coming to blows if such were true.

“I had to stun something. I smattered his chest something good. Load of organs in that. Then I got the snout, don’t forget that. I’ll take credit for him not burning us alive. Thank you very much.”

“That’s not where the glans are located.” He stashed the key back into his pouch, “All you manage to do is prevent him from flying. Which, as I’ve thought would be clear now, accomplished nothing but pissing the dragon off.”

Already the gold dragon had caught wind of their trail. The sizable creature stomping it’s way through the encampment grounds, one wing dragging alongside it. He snarled and lashed his tail, threatening any who dared question why he was waking them from slumber. Currently he was ripping through tents, thrusting his snout to see if he’d caught them.

“And why did you have to use my name?” He turned to the snickering Kobold, all too pleased with himself. “You’ve gone and made the dragon desperate.”

He shrugged, “It sounded good was all. Here is Arcturus Lund, heir to the greatest dragon hunting family. I figured it would make him scared, confuse him. Thought he’d run away.”

“No, dragons are too prideful for that.” The paladin grit his teeth, “He’ll see it upon his scales to find and be rid of us. A great deed to add to his blood line, slaying the killer of dragons. You’ve done nothing but increase our difficulty in escaping.”

“With one wing? Hah, I’d like to see him try and follow us.”

“That sort of stunning doesn’t hinder dragons for long.” He furrowed his brow and continued back towards the tent, his pace ever increased. “Trust me, it will just make it when he’s recovered far worse. For you’ve wounded his pride. The only solace I can take is the dragon is so irate that it’s slipped his mind that we could have even stolen the key from him.” He heaved a great sigh as mercenaries rushed past them, not paying a solitary human any mind. “Thank the gods for small miracles.”

“The gods? You should be thanking me.” Mug protested, following on Arcturus’ heels and wiggling his fingers. “If I hadn’t thought those Ruby goons were shady and followed after you, you’d be dead right about now.”

“And for that I’m thankful.”

“You don’t sound it.”

“Perhaps the sound of a cross dragon is overpowering my need to show my gratitude.” He replied, “And the possibility that we might come to blows with Alonso upon our return.”

“Fight him?” Mug dismissed his concern with a wave, “Give me the word and I’ll shoot him. No problem.”

“There is no way it’s coming to that, unless he presses the issue.” He frowned, “How is it that Skywing and you are friends again?”

“Years back, on the edge of the dragonneck mountains. Small town, called Wolford, wonderful leather satchels. Had an interesting encounter with an assload of finger wigglers.” The kobold replied with a snout wide smile, all teeth on display. “Think he’d just be happy we were successful.”

“You call pissing off the dragon and putting him on high alert is a success?” As the kobold chuckled in his throat about it not being the worst he’d seen, Arcturus could only shake his head in disbelief. “To think you’ve survived this long is a miracle, if this is the low bar in which you clear.”

“Low bar? Arcturus, look around us. I’ve survived a crashing ship today, got rescued by a heroic knight meaning to have me live, then stood at the paws of a dragon and laughed at him.” He marched forward, head held high, adjusting his cracked goggles. “I’d consider today nothing short of my best work.”

Entering the prisoner’s tent was far harder to do than when they’d arrived. The encampment had come alive by the time they’d neared it. Hundreds of eyes and ears were now trained and ready for intruders, all given the description of Arcturus Lund and his pyro obsessed dwarf he kept at his side. He had to drag the kobold inside by the collar, the lizard insisting he had to correct their false description.

“But I’m not a dwarf!” Protested Mug.

“And have you not done enough today?” He thrust a finger to the lizard’s nose.

“No!”

“Well…Stop it. We need to escape.” He placed him down the moment they’d slipped under the tent’s door. Everything was as it was when they’d left. The prisoner’s all shifting their attention to them in anticipation.

“This is what you call quiet?” Alonso emerged, weapon already in hand. “The dragon outside roaring? The whole encampment shouting about intruders?” What color was in his face began to drain as he looked to Arcturus, fearing the answer he’d give. “Did you get the keys?”

He nodded, tossing them to his outstretched hands. Praise filled glances were upon him, intermixed with Swiftclaw’s reserved chirps. “But we have a problem, naturally.”

“Arcturus is mad that I saved us.” Mug remarked, keeping an eye trained on the door, the other upon the Ruby Guardian.

There was a pause as Alonso inspected the keys, eyes counting who returned. There was no denying something had happened. Unease settled on the pause, thoughts worrying of what was going to transpire. “What happened to the others?”

He was tongue tied for a moment, heart torn on if to tell him the exact truth. The urge to grab his weapon was overpowering, the nod to Mug to do the same just as strong. Informing him of the knight’s betrayal would do them no good. They all needed their wits about them. Arcturus cleared his throat as the dragon let forth another roar that shook the night. “Regretfully, they perished on the return.”

“The dragon. Curse the beast.” Clutching the keys tight, Alonso turned and padded his way to the first of the prisoners, his husband. “We all knew this could be a one-way trip. I suppose now we’ll be doing this for them. To ensure they didn’t die in vain.”

“You can mourn them later.” Replied Arcturus, gritting his teeth. “It’s important now you free the others. We’ll keep watch, hopefully the dragon will pass this place over.”

“Someone already checked in on us. Don’t think they can tell one human from another.” His laugh was reserved as the first manacles clicked open.  He embraced the wolf for the briefest of moments, before resetting himself and returning to his work.

Setting about the prisoners was an arduous task, having to unlock the prisoners one at a time. All the while a cloud of tension rested about them all, one that grew thicker with each passing moment. There were calls outside for signs of them, the reveal that the pegasai they’d left in the woods had been found. Time was certainly growing thin.

The gold dragon had already set up a group bringing humans for him to inspect. His claws were upon them in a flash, tearing off whatever coverings they might have. Each ended with a disappointed snort, fire blazing ever as bright in his eyes. He’d order the next one to him, dismissing the notion this all might be a dream.

“How goes the notion of our escape?” SwiftClaw padded his way to Arcturus side, the gryphon one of the first ones freed.

“Not of the greatest quality.” Arcturus sighed, the gryphon’s drooping ears stinging at his heart, “Whole encampment is on high alert. Practically ready to leap upon the slightest of hints of our presence.  How many gryphons can make the trip do you think?”

“All of us have the strength to fly, knowing there is safety where we’re bound.” He eyed the outside, claws kneading the ground. He understood just as Arcturus did. “Though I think you already know something I’ve not mentioned.”

“And that would be?”

“That there are three to four times as many two leggers as there are my kind. Some of those being minotaurs.” Swiftclaw’s ears pinned to his fluffy neck. “That if we want to save everyone, we’ll have to encumber ourselves. We can do that sure, but maneuvering will be exceptionally hard sir. Impossible if we have a dragon upon our tails.”

A bleak outlook to be sure. He caressed his beard, “But danger is why we’re here. I’d rather us have some survive than none.”

The gryph squawked his protest, “There will be no survivors is what I’m getting at sir. That beast will devour us or set us aflame.” To the others he glanced, a mournful chirp leaving his beak. “I hate to say it, but I feel some have to be left behind.”

“I vote the Drenies.” Mug sneered, “Let them get their own gryphons. Especially after what they pulled.”

“Pulled?” Swiftclaw’s head titled, brow raising in suspicion as Arcturus waved him off.

“Nothing to concern yourself with now. We have greater problems bearing down upon us.”

“Dually noted sir. But the point I made still stands, should you wish some of us to live, some of us must be left behind. Regrettable I know, but that doesn’t change the facts.”

Oh that was always the cold calculous of battle, one not spoken often. It stilled Arcturus’ tongue as he turned to take in the host of prisoners. Men, gryphon, minotaur and Drenedarians not yet coming to this grim conclusion. Each now believing they’d escape, fly home to be back with their loved ones.

“We choose to stay.” A minotaur marched over, ears flicked in their direction. The muscular warrior thumbed his black and white chest with a harsh, snort. His sentiment was mirrored by seven of his kin that followed him, each different fur colors. “If we’re to die, we wish to do so fighting. Even if it means with our bare hands.”

“No one’s dying.” Replied Arcturus sternly, “It hasn’t yet come to that.”

The bull laughed, “There is no fear in dying an honorable death.” He clasped Arcturus’ shoulder with a respectful bow of the head, “You and the others saved us from capture and execution. Now we will not be thrust into dishonorable hell.”

“That’s your reward for following Korde?” Mug scoffed, “And they’ve claimed I’m crazy.”

“Crazies willing to fall on their sword for you.” Swiftclaw whispered, nudging him to stifle his tongue.

But Arcturus was firmer, brow furrowing. “We came here to save everyone, that’s how it’s going to be. I won’t be trading our lives unless it’s absolutely necessary.” He returned to stroking his beard and inspecting the chaos outside, there had to be an answer he didn’t yet see. Some vital piece that eluded him. But what was it? He closed his eyes, focusing on Veledar. Could the dragon not feel his concern?

“Well, if we’re going to undertaking such a noble request. Precautions must be made.” SwiftClaw chirped, “I can divide the gryphons now, figure it’s down to a clawful of different sections. All of us going together would draw too many eyes, hopefully with smaller ones, we’ll slip right on by.”

“We need a distraction.”

“Of course, that would help.” The gryphon’s ears splayed, “But that just sounds like you’re asking someone to stay behind.”

“We volunteer.” The minotaur thumped his chest.

“No one’s dying!” Snapped Arcturus, “We just need a better distraction. One that doesn’t involve us trading lives.”

A few ideas got traded back and forth, of spells to the use of Arcturus’ dragon. Shouts outside began to grow more numerous, the search for the humans growing closer by the moment. Hope of their escape was starting to dim, crushed by the weight of reality. That was until Mug started cackling to himself with malevolent glee.

“Oh great, the lizard’s cracked.” Swiftclaw’s ears pinned, eyes narrowed.

“Not cracked, but genius.” He continued, adjusting his goggles. “Think I got your big answer right here.”

“And what’s that then?” Asked Arcturus, arms crossed.

Out from his pouches the kobold pulled his transmitter, hovering a claw over the rune. Arcturus’ eyes went wide as Mug’s snout curled into a wicked grin, all teeth on display. “They’re never going to know what hit them.”

** * * * * * **

Veledar circled the western gate as a mother might to her whelps. He’d done his best to not budge or disturb the precious cargo between his claws. Skywing, a person from Arcturus’ past. The one who’d returned the knight to him. He’d have returned to his old ways, waiting for the wonderous spark of adventure to happen to him back within his home. Instead, he’d gotten Arcturus, another avenue for adventure upon his snout. He owed this gryphon much, more than anyone save his Umraadi himself.

Guards had already flocked to greet the team of pegasus riders that arrived with him. Multiple hands flocked to cheer and congratulate the riders for a job well done. Other hands raced to unload the gathered goods, like little dragons themselves to add to their hoard of Lumarian weapons. Questions soon whispered about Arcturus and the Ruby knights as Veledar began his descent.

The dragon pounded his wings against the frigid night air, falling feet with every flap. His hinds extended ever so carefully, landings such as these were ever so troublesome, especially with one as heavy as a gryphon. Snow scattered below him, mortals hastily got out of the way as he neared. With great breath he landed carefully as he dared, setting Skywing down upon the stone.

“This one needs a healer and place to rest his beak.” The dragon commanded, flicking his tail behind him. “Preferably a decent meal, drink, and if you can spare it, a female or male to keep his company.” He cocked his head towards his passenger, the gryphon had passed out during the flight. No surprise, given the activities and suffering he’d endured this day.

“Quite the request Crimson Sky.” Commander Gray emerged from his keep, snout twitching as his eyes beamed at the gathered supplies. “I believe some of those can be arranged.”

He nodded as the humans and wolven worked to gather the weapons, turning his attention back to the countryside beyond. Wings tucked close as Skywing was tended to, a cart pulled by some direwolves soon brought to bear. His heart stirred as unease flicked about his features, Arcturus’ of course. The man must have been going through an ordeal. He almost took off right then, practically feeling the knight’s rapidly beating heart as though it were his own.

“Now the question remains to be asked, what of your rider and the Ruby Knights?” The wolven commander asked, his voice stern. “I can’t help but notice the lack of their presence.”

“The courageous fools went to rescue more from an encampment. Lumarians and Drenedarians it seems. I did protest, but you knights are awfully committed to taking risks.” Growled the dragon, fluffing his wings.

“Ah, so a noble venture.” Gray procured a cigar from his pouches, lighting it with a hint of satisfaction. “You should be proud of your rider dragon.”

He growled, of course he was. “Yet even now I can feel the worry within his heart, the anxiety building with every breath. He calls to me, needs me at his side.” He readied his wings, lashed his tail, eying the grand sky with a steeled eye. “Take care of the kittybird Gray, I have to save my wonderful idiot once more.”

For a moment, the wolven seemed taken back. His demeanor shifting to one of great concern. “Is that so wise dragon?” He recovered with a breath, taking a drag of his cigar. “Sneaking I imagine through this encampment is a delicate process. Would not your arrival ruin it?”

“Who’s to say their sneaking is over?” Growled the dragon, “Right now, I can feel his emotions as though they are my own. His heart beats ever faster, worry festers within him like a plague. You don’t command anything of me wolven.”

“No, but I know a thing or two about tactics. Something you don’t seem to have.” The wolven padded closer, sweeping his gaze over to his soldiers. “That’s why I command this gate, keep those in the city safe. I know you care for him, but listen to me Crimson sky. Nothing good will come of you ruining

“And I’m the one with the power to make that choice.” Veledar readied his stance, “If I guess wrong I lose the man I love. So, with all due respect commander, I’m not going to listen to you.”

“Don’t be daft dragon!” Gray barked, “You’ll arrive and ruin the entire plan. What might have had success will be dragged down to defeat! Those they wished to save will be killed, can’t you see that over your selfish desire to see your rider saved?”

“Frankly, I don’t care all that much about your men commander.” Veledar snorted, moving the wolven aside with a paw when he drew too close. “Now keep your distance, lest you be smacked with my wings.”

The wolven commander took command in a single breath, any hint of empathy lost to the night. “And I won’t let my men’s lives be put in jeopardy. Men, take aim at Crimson Sky, see to it that he obeys our wishes.”

All around him, guardians from across the fort brought to bear their rifles. Metal winked in the lantern light, matching the conviction of those that carried them. The wolven curled his lips into a confident smirk, he’d won of course. Veledar merely growled, his gaze practically setting the air ablaze with its intensity.

“You’re making a terrible mistake wolf.” Hissed Veledar, lashing his tail against the stone. “Placing you and your men between the wellbeing of a dragon’s Umraadi, a very dangerous position.”

“Simply stopping you from making a terrible mistake.” Replied the wolven, unflinching before the fury of this dragon, “Apologies that you see it as something else.”

Did this wolf have the stones to fire upon him? Especially after he just helped him achieve his goal of getting the weapons? Veledar pondered this as he didn’t make a move, eyes traveling to every soul he could see. Some were wavering, that much was true, others confused why they now had weapons trained upon their ally. He huffed his protest, knowing they’d not scare him. With a growl and flick of his tail he let his magic flow through him, turning his scales to stone with a spell. They didn’t fire.

“It would appear as though your threats fall upon deaf ears.” Veledar announced, “For you can’t control me Gray. One should remember that in the future when dealing with a dragon.” He leaped to the air with the symphony of firing rifles, the bullets bouncing uselessly off his enhanced scales. He spiraled up into the air, smirking to himself at his minor victory.

“Dragon!” Gray called to him, practically shaking, “You’ll get them all killed! I’ll make sure you and Arcturus pay for this! Mark my words, the world will see how terrible you and your accomplices are!”

He rolled his eyes at such a baseless threat. There was nothing more that this wolf could do. He had not the strength to bring him down, nor the wings to catch him. He focused on Arcturus with steeled breaths, pounding his wings against the air. He set his sights towards the encampment lost within the darkened countryside. It looked calm from this distance, nothing clear to be made out. Perhaps he was wrong? That there was no need for alarm? For a moment he considered returning to Gray and apologizing, but that was brought to a screeching halt as a blazing star manifested itself across the countryside. The Lumarian airship had exploded.