Chapter 35

“I have no idea what I'm doing." Veledar growled, lashing his tail against the moisture slick rocks of Struport's coast.

The dragon and Arcturus were by the water's edge, hugging a secluded bit of rocks that one might overlook gazing across the broken city. The knight was kneeling, a spyglass in hand, joining the dragon in gazing out to the field of sails that rested upon the fleet of ships keeping the dock secured. Krotos was with them as well, the gryphon content to stick close, preening his feathers. The air was crisp and fraught with tension, plans forming and dying between the dragon's horns. How exactly was he supposed to get rid of the fleet as he'd thought?

“You've stated that three times." Arcturus remarked softly, “But I doubt our enemy would make the ship that contains their druid obvious. They would have to be exceptionally dense."

He growled, “It's not my fault humans and mortals suffer from a lack of vanity or pride. We can't just go taking wild stabs at random vessels, it would take far too long." That wasn't even taking in account the copper dragon flying overhead, his scales winking in the morning light. Veledar's gaze narrowed upon his carefree nature among the clouds, his convictions with the guardians that led him here were starting to erode away with every lap of the waves against the shore. “I'm surprised you haven't suggested to me of simply taking the orb and running, as the knights of this city seem wanting to do."

Arcturus said nothing for a moment, letting the dragon's words linger upon the air. When he spoke, it was with a great sigh. “They mean well and have points to be made."

“You side with- “Veledar began to growl.

“But your decision was not a bad one. In fact, I think it was a noble one."

“Oh." He dusted a paw against his chest scales, chest swelling. “I mean, of course it was. How could you doubt me?"

Tender hands found their way to Veledar's snout, Arcturus wearing an honest smile, “I never doubted you. I'm actually trying to say how proud of you I am. I thought you were going to clasp the orb and spring us away, more content with keeping the orb on its value than the lives of those within the port."

Veledar chuckled in his throat, “The thought had crossed my mind Umraadi. That orb is exceptionally rare, dangerous, and everyone wishes to get their paws on it."

He rose a brow, “You speak as though you're going to start drooling. Don't tell me that is the main motivation?"

“Oh, spare me your looks of judgement. I can do both things and still be noble and great." He waggled a wing when he sauntered away, “It just so happens that now I will be in possession of one of the rarest, dangerous, most magical artifacts in all of Sethera if not the world." He rumbled at the thought of that, how Adalina his sister would be so envious her scales would grow purple.

“You continue to astound me with each passing day. Let's hope your desire to save lives of the innocent and our friends remains as strong."

“If you want me to describe more of it Arcturus, the thought of this orb within my clutches practically makes me unsheathe."

“I just want to know how we're not getting seen right now." Krotos crouched low, clinging to one of the larger rocks that jutted out, his talons digging into the stone. “Should all the ships see us right now? You two aren't exactly what we'd call, stealthy."

“Just as the mercenaries can conceal their druid, so am I adept at concealing ourselves." Growled Veledar.

“Simply hiding is not what I'd call a skill." Arcturus remarked, “And before you start, the world should not conform to your wishes to make things easier."

“How I wish it would. Little bit of decoration, shells, something in which to catch the eye." He lashed his tail, “But for you question Krotos, an orb of invisibility." He gestured to an empty space between them. “It may not appear to be there, but I assure you, it is working. Though I would refrain from squawking too loudly, it only conceals sight."

Satisfied, the gryphon minded his beak, instead drifting his attention to the ships before them. “At this rate Fremra is never going to be able to control the weather. She'll never swell the waves so they threaten to capsize the ships, twist the winds so that their passing threats to peel the flesh off the bone." His feathers ruffled with aggravated chirp, “How else will we be able to defeat this fleet?"

“We won't." Arcturus replied, pocketing the spyglass with a sigh, “Unless we can identify the druid's hiding spot, our efforts would be wasted making stabs in the dark. You heard Fremra, if we can't find it, take the orb and go."

“I'm surprised you heard anything over her snarls, growls and the tossing of breakable vases by her daughter."

“You'd be angry too if your mother was refusing to leave." Snorted Veledar, “Of all the times to have a sense of ownership, she chooses to go down with the city itself." Veledar fidgeted, unease clear on his scales, “I thought of anyone, she would not draw such a line in the sand."

“You heard her." Sighed Arcturus, “Forced out of one home, then hers at Eastcliff, she won't be forced from another home. Imagine being forced to give up your mothers."

“That's different…Hers had vast amounts of treasure of no equal." Silence soon found the dragon, cold biting at his scales at the reminder of his mother. He wondered if she would approve of him trying to rescue as many souls as he could. If she'd be scolding him right now for his stubbornness or praising him for trying to protect life.

“You can understand then her reluctance to leave. This place was where she raised her children, loved storm, clung to all the mortal lives within it. Losing it I imagine will be like loosing part of her again, something she wishes to not go through."

“Does that make it any easier for Jandar or Achaaz? To see their mother ask them to live happy lives while they throw theirs away?"

“Is a parent sacrificing themselves for their children throwing it away? Even now she uses what power she can to teleport people out away from the conflict. The strength of her and her children astounds me."

“Or her stupidity." Said Achaaz, the female dragoness clambering over the rocks, scales that had moments ago resembled the rocks themselves, shifting back to their normal teal. “Once all her spells have been spent, she's going to die with those left behind. It makes no sense."

“I was wondering when you were going to reveal yourself." Growled Veledar as the female dragon slunk her way over, making a stop to rub up along Krotos with a purr, the gryphon, though surprised, returned the gesture with a chirp. “You weren't exactly hidden."

“You knew the entire time?" Arcturus turned to him, brow risen, “And when were you going to tell us?"

“When it became important." He rolled his eyes.

“Are there anymore hidden people we need to know about?" Krotos chirped, nuzzling against the affectionate dragoness, “More importantly ones that wish to rub up alongside me."

“Achaaz, could you stop petting our gryphon? We're on an important mission that could use less of your distracting qualities."

“Oh, she can pet this gryphon however long she wants." Krotos flopped to his back, wiggling as the dragoness chuckled and proceeded to rub his belly.

“So important that you've yet to leave?" Achaaz rose a brow, dark blue drills fluttering as Veledar snapped his jaws at her with a snarl, “Here I thought you boys were enjoying staring at ships all day."

“We were about to." Grumbled Veledar, sitting upon his haunches as he diverted his attention back to the ships, “We're just trying to figure out the particulars."

“Of which he means we can't find the ship." Krotos mused, leaning against the female.

“Hey!"

“What? You don't want to tell the charming woman the truth?"

His growl put an answer to that. “Achaaz, why are you even here? I thought you'd still be crossing maws with your mother."

The dragoness sighed, parting from the gryphon, her frills pinned. “Mother refuses to see reason, so I am forced to do what I must." She strolled to be at their side, searching the multitude of hulls drifting within the sea, “Saw that your group was off doing something instead of plotting to steal the orb, so I figured I'd follow you along."

“You think you can help?"

“I'm already improving the atmosphere." She rolled a paw to her chest, then snapping her jaws when Veledar growled and did the same.

“Someone was trying to steal the orb?" Krotos pulled back with a surprised squawk, “Should we not- “

“It's your beloved queen. Though I suppose she won't have to now, given that you three are spiriting away the orb."

“Arcturus, you need to have a talk with this woman about creating needless conflict with others." Growled Veledar.

“Perhaps you should not be the one to speak." Mused Arcturus.

Sapphire eyes practically rolled out of his head, “That's why I said you should speak with her. Granted she's not the queen yet she might listen to you."

Achaaz sat herself down, a nervous flick about her tail. Though she looked to the ships, she kept on searching back towards the gate. To it she stared through the mesh of steel and stone, as if to peer to the port beyond. Perhaps she wasn't here just because of her mother.

“You're here for Feku." Veledar spoke softly after a time, planting himself beside her. “You followed her to the sea elves, Nivra mentioned."

She gave a heavy sigh, tossing her head away, “So what if I am? No one else was going to lift a paw till I heard of you. Sure, she might not be the strongest or the most witty, but I feel like someone needs to look after her." Achaaz thrust down a paw with a growl, “We did share an adventure."

“I heard." Veledar mused, giving her a grin, “I think you were better off a parrot."

She hissed, then snapped at Veledar's snout, “Watch it, or else you'll find yourself going for a swim. I know how much you love the icy waters."

“Have you all thought of what we need to do should we not be able to impact the ships?" Arcturus asked after a time, when silence had gripped the lot of them. “Do you intend to carry them all?"

Veledar scratched his chest, a shiver spreading down his scales. Achaaz looked to him with wide eyes, he knew she shared the same sentiment when concerning those she cared for. “Then we will get whom we care about. Hopefully they all made it to the port."

“You'll have to carry Tenzin." Achaaz thumped her tail, “I can't get him and Asterion upon my back."

“And leave his heavy bottom to myself and Arcturus? He can ride Krotos!"

The catbird chuckled, “I must admit he's a handsome cat and I wouldn't mind it, but isn't this the wrong time for riding?"

“Not that kind of riding you lewd bastard." Growled the dragon.

Ears splayed, “I'm aware you fiery buffoon, I'm trying to lighten the mood. We're talking about leaving all those people behind to die."

There was a pause as Veledar searched him from hind to beak, gifting him with a heavy snort. His heart was in the right place. “Well, you could do it better."

“Noted."

Achaaz padded a few steps to the rock's edge, a soft whine traveling through her scales. “I thought with enough rescued, mother might wish to leave. See that it was foolish to waste her life on a limited pawful."

“She sees these people as her own children." Veledar was at her side, “Could you leave even a small number of them to die?"

“We might just have to settle for our friends." Arcturus' brow furrowed, stowing the spyglass. “I don't see a way that won't get us caught or worse. We need to get the orb out of here."

“Can't we just take a random stab in the dark?" Krotos gave a disappointed squawk, thrusting a wing to the ships, “Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky."

“I'd rather wager our lives on something more concrete than that."

Ears splayed, “Since when?"

“Though I would like my plan to be the one who saves a great number of people." Veledar rolled a paw to his chest, “It's probably better to lick our wounds and inflict what damage we might." At the paladin's defeated expression, he offered a gentle nuzzle, “It might sting for now, but that's the best we can manage."

“I'm aware." Replied Arcturus softly, a hand resting on the dragon's nose. “That fact doesn't make the information less easy to swallow."

“I know what could be- “

The knight softly closed Krotos' beak, not even looking at him. “Now's now the time."

It was then that Achaaz suddenly perked up, a brightness shining in her eyes that could rival the sun. She bounced on her paws, warbled to the winds as she galloped around them in a fit of madness. “I found it, I found it! Oh, I knew they would be here!"

“Who would be here, have you gone insane?" Veledar hissed, “You're going to get us caught you're being so loud."

“My friends."

“What friends could you have out in a fleet of pirates?"

“The pirate kinds." Achaaz grinned before sprinting off towards the water and diving in. “Follow me."

Veledar pulled Arcturus and Krotos close, already weaving a spell so they might chase after the impatient dragoness. To each of them he applied a single kiss, a caveat to the spell breath water. He allowed his Umraadi to clamber onto his back as the gryphon tilted his head and pinned his ears.

“Don't blame me for the kiss gryphon, it's part of the spell."

“No, I get that." Krotos snapped his beak. “I want to know why Arcturus got tongue and I didn't."

With a shake of his head and growl the dragon galloped to the water, already preparing himself for the icy sting that he would be forced to endure. “Curse you Arcturus."

“Why is that?"

“For now, I have this heroic nature to stop her from killing herself."

“So proud of you." Arcturus replied.

“Let's see how proud of me you are while we freeze to death."

** ** ** ** ** **

While not suited for swimming through the water at great speeds, Veledar was making quite the time after the impatient dragoness. With a spell from Arcturus to not have the water slow him down, he was maneuvering through the chilly waters with relative ease. Even Krotos, hot on his tail, was more than capable of keeping up with the scaled beast.

Thankfully, impatient as Achaaz was, all sense had not been robbed of her. She kept well enough deep through the waters so that any watchful eye upon the multitude of ships would not spot her approach. Down here, below the waves, the sun's rays could not reach it all, Veledar was thankful for his ability to see in the dark, it made navigating vastly easier. He could feel Arcturus clench to him, trust in his heart shining through that the dragon would see him to its end.

They emerged minutes later, the taste of the air sweet to the dragon's lungs. Though the breathing underwater spell took care of the lack of air problem, it left a distinct strangeness to the entire affair. It didn't take much for him to spy the teal dragoness drifting through the water, attention focused to a trio of ships that were heading straight for them.

“Are you mad?" The dragon surged forward, bringing himself up alongside her.

“Not that I was aware of no." Replied Achaaz, shifting away from his paws, an attempt to drag her down. “And calm your scales, it's not like they're going to see us."

“And what makes you think they're- “

She rolled her eyes and growled the power word for her spell, gesturing to all three of them with her snout. In but a breath they were all enveloped in a shrouding mist, turning their bodies transparent, as if ghosts.

“Oh, my gods, we're dead." Krotos shrieked in alarm, “I knew it, I knew it, dragons would get me killed."

“Shut up handsome, you're not dead." Achaaz snarled, swimming her way around the panicking gryphon. “You're merely invisible."

“Again?" He stated flatly, ears splaying as Achaaz rumbled in her throat.

“It is a useful ability to hide yourself from view when you don't want to be noticed."

Veledar padded back to her side as the first ship crawled past them, a crew of humans and various other races. They maned the rigging, called to one another, not a soul would know them to be the brigands that served under the leadership of dreadflame. When they'd passed, he snapped at Achaaz, “Now what has you bringing us out here to swim with the ships?"

“That." Achaaz rumbled with delight, shooting herself towards the next approaching vessel, a ship with a mermaid at its front.

“I wish she'd stop doing that." Veledar snarled as the icy water sank in its fangs deep to his flesh.

“It's hard putting up with someone that just arrogantly believes they can do something isn't it?" Arcturus mused, only to be splashed in the face by the dragon.

The ship in which Achaaz found herself heading towards was not a ship of the line by any means. It appeared as any other trading vessel albeit with a little flare. Along her hull were painted mermaids in mid swim, with scimitars held tight within their hands; grins of mischief could be found across their numerous faces, scales of aquamarine slathered with copious amounts of blood. At her fore was a wooden figurine of an earth brown gryphon, its wings spread wide to embrace the sky in which is searched with its blank eyes. Railings rose and fell like the waves themselves, the wood chipped and weathered from years of service. Above, the crew were hard at work, taking orders from what sounded like a rather demanding woman.  The dragoness leapt upon the ship and began to drag he way up, claws digging into the wood as she grunted and brought herself up.

By the stars, she was going to get herself killed, and Veledar didn't wish to be the one that shared that fact to Fremra, having to explain how her daughter was slain under his watch. With a growl he followed on after her, despite the surprised yelp and protesting squawk. The crimson beast followed right after the female, grunting and lifting both he and Arcturus up the water slick surface. It threatened to dislodge him, but powerful muscles proved more than a match. It was not long before he was up and over, finding himself on the crowded deck.

Instead of a surface one crew might wish to keep clear for order and smooth running, instead was a collected mess of barrels and crates of various sizes and shapes. They were strung together by thick ropes, creating only enough space so that the two-legged crew could only walk about two beside one another. Frills pinned as he saw the network of rigging, more like a manmade spider web that would no doubt seek out his horns and wings and wish to tangle them up. The air smelled of course like the sea, but it had the distinct aroma of spice, oil, and the same smoky scent he picked up from the Drenedarian's black powder. How was this crew supposed to get anything done? The red dragon didn't have time to gather his thoughts, as the teal dragoness chose this moment to reveal herself to the dozen or so humanoids that gathered on the deck.

“Hey there Bloody Mermaid crew! How have you been?" Warbled the dragoness, squishing herself between two stacks of barrels, dragging scales against wood. Her charming expression was not so shared by the humans she suddenly appeared in front of. They were wide eyed and shouted in horror.

Some stumbled back, shouting in alarm at these sudden intruders. Others ran and screamed at the top of their lungs that the dragons had come to slay them. Another man proceeded to shrug, accepting that this was his time to die and laid down with his back against the deck. The dragon's heads were swiveling to each rattled humanoid, trying to adopt nonthreatening poses.

“Calm down, calm down, it's me! Don't you recognize me?" Achaaz asked, getting a paddle smacked against her snout for the trouble. The dragoness growled and latched onto it with her teeth after the third or so smack, yanking it from the man's grasp. This of course had the opposite reaction the dragoness was trying to convey.

“Two dragons!" One man shouted, “Does the plan work on two dragons?"

“Who cares, try anyway, before they kill us!" A woman answered, brandishing a spear. “Cover your eyes!"

Veledar who had sat upon his haunches to appear non-threatening, just barely caught wind of the threat. He'd had enough experience with Arcturus' shield to figure what was coming next. His eyes clenched as the barrels exploded in all directions with blinding light. While he was safe from having his sense robbed from him, it appeared as though Achaaz, and Arcturus were not shared the same fate. The knight was left grunting, rubbing at his eyes. The dragoness had reared back with a savage growl, swatting her paws wildly at the deck like an unruly beast.

Pirates were pushed back, yelled in alarm, others handed out spears and guns to contend with these invading dragons. Though more prepared for sea monsters and the like, they would do work into a dragon's scales with enough strength.

“We're not here to fight! Blast it, damned eyes. We've only come in which I figure to ask for help!" Arcturus managed to shout, but his calls were lost in the orders being barked from the frightened pirates.

As spears formed a wall of points to jab at the dragon's direction, Veledar swatted them aside with a heavy paw. Wood snapped, men stumbled to the ground, he would not have them skewer them like some fish. “Listen here mortals, we've come seeking your aid!" He roared, snapping at a spear jabbed at his direction, He grabbed it with his teeth, snapping it in two. Did they not know he could end them at any moment, and how incredibly patient he was being?

Achaaz was not so lucky as the red, having spears jabbed into her forepaws. Crimson rivers began to trickle down, not deep, but enough to have her snarl and snap with her teeth to the men celebrating their minor victory.

One man blind, a dragon getting stabbed, him not certain if he was allowed to kill anyone here, Veledar lashed his tail and let forth his loudest roar. It shook the deck, gave them all pause, wedged a spear of fear into each of their hearts. Cheers ceased, smiles faded, legs trembled before the crimson dragon before them. Silence came with the next blow of the wind, giving the dragon a reason to rumble in his throat. “There we are, is that not better?" He mused, “Seconds longer and I might have simply burned the lot of you. While easier, I'd have to get into a lengthy debate with my Umraadi, and I'd rather not right now." He rolled his eyes at their blank expressions, wondering why the red dragon had not slain them yet. “Oh, of course, how silly of me." He tossed his head, rolling a paw to his chest, “I am the Crimson Sky, and this is my Umraadi Arcturus."

“Why aren't you killing us?" One of the men asked, retracting his spear.

“Were you not listening?" Achaaz snarled, finally able to gather her senses and rip out the spears wedged in her sides. She grit her teeth from the pain, “Fuck Michael that really hurt. You're lucky I'm the forgiving type or I'd be biting your balls off right about now."

“Achaaz be that you?" Came the growly voice of who must have been Michael.

“Who else would it be; a teal painted sloth; a dire otter with a cheery exposition?" Her eyes narrowed to the dark-skinned bearded man, who gulped and laughed nervously as she revealed her teeth.

“You have to admit Achaaz, you scared us half to death! We thought we were all going to die! Isn't that right?" Michael gestured to his crewmates, getting a few nods and voices of approval, anything to cut off Achaaz's ire at the root. “Cut me some slack would ya, and I'd appreciate it if ya didn't bite off my balls, I might have a few uses for them in the future."

Finally, they had a chance to talk. Veledar relaxed his stance, allowing Arcturus to finally dismount to the deck as weapons across the ship were lowered. “Thankfully you saw reason." Snorted the dragon, proud of himself, “Suppose you're not entirely thick." He could see the worry in their faces, not from Achaaz of course, but to him. What was he going to do. The growl in his throat came as he could feel the judgmental glare that Arcturus was giving him.

“What he means to say is thank you." Arcturus said, standing calm and dusting himself off. “Now Achaaz, why have you brought us here?'

“Isn't it obvious?" She replied, slinking over and parting the wall of pirates aside, apologizing to each of them by name as she passed. She shoved herself against Arcturus as the man had already begun to weave his healing magic. “These are my pirate friends!"

“Oh, by the stars."

Veledar's snicker was hissy as he got to sense and see the man's expression sink in, to know that he might have to work with unsavory types like pirates. As Achaaz further explained this rag tag crew, Veledar recognized them from her stories. This was none other than the bloody mermaid, the ship that the dragoness and Nivra had boarded. They had proceeded to have an adventure, one fraught with peril, undersea monsters and elves, the entire reason they were saddled with the draconic orb in the first place! By the time Arcturus' healing spell was finished, Achaaz was nearly bouncing on her paws, accepting the apology Michael and others that had stabbed her.

“You should have warned us." Fred bowed his head, “What ya expect of us, suddenly two dragons and an armored bloke show up."

“Fair point!" Achaaz's frills pinned in embarrassment, “Though I need to speak with Tehya if that's alright. We have vastly important news." She hesitated, looking worried as she surveyed the rest of the crew around, “She is still the captain right? I was dreadfully worried when we realized that dragon would be going for you."

“Despite, the dragon taking possession of this vessel and our crew, I am in fact still captain of the ship!" A strong voice barked from the other end of the ship.

It was a woman of great size, with a leather cloak wrapped around her muscular frame, its edges tipped with fluffy white fur. She was a minotaur, with bright eyes that told tales of her many battles, her fur of black and white wrapping lovingly around her features. Atop her horned head was a purple tricorn hat, complete with an exaggerated yellow feather sticking out of it. A pistol hung at her hip and a longsword held in an elaborate scabbard with designs of gryphons midflight; it was easily accessible by the woman who stood a head or two larger than the rest of the crew. “Fred, how come we have two dragons on me deck at the moment?"

“It's Achaaz maem! Isn't that great?" The man turned with a smile, gesturing to the now grinning teal. “She didn't die like a dog like ya said!"

“A dog?" Achaaz snorted, “I don't get to die like a dragon?"

The hooved woman hardly shifted, her demeanor like that of Struport's walls, before they of course had been breached. Eyes narrowed, “Are you so certain that is exactly who lay before us?"

“Tehya, it's me. Come now, you're being silly."

“Tell me something that the real Achaaz would know." Tehya replied after a moment of silence, her hand drifting to the pistol at her hip. “That way we sure you're not the Lord of Fire in disguise, trying to besmirch my crew's good name!"

“Don't you think if we were minions or the Lord of Fire himself, we'd have already attacked you? Double so for asking such a question?" Arcturus asked, “Lets all settle down and get to- “

“Not talking to ya metal head! Only the teal and red dragon that decided to turn my ship into their own personal lounge!"

Veledar growled at such disrespect, claws digging into the wood below his paws. The only thing that kept him from snapping his jaws and threatening this oversized cow further was a kind hand on his side, and the fact he didn't wish to be wrongfully blamed for ruining the diplomatic route; he was going to leave that to Achaaz herself.

If Achaaz was phrased by this statement, the dragoness didn't show it, she instead chuckled in the back of her throat and looked as proud as a cat with its meal. “That's easy Tehya, come on. Don't you remember on the trip back, after the abolyth? We lounged around one night, taking sample of your delicious fairy berry wine, of which, if I can have a barrel that would be great."

“Achaaz." Arcturus spoke firmly.

“Right, to the point. You were talking about how you wanted Asterion to sweet talk and share with you poetry. I do believe you went on to describe how frothing and hot your nethers were." The female minotaur's eyes went wide as the dragoness began to vividly describe her recounting how the captain wanted Asterion to mount her.

It was then that Krotos finally crawled his way to the deck, flopping to the floor like a drowned cat. He whimpered and whined, getting a few spears jabbed in his direction. Any threats or surprised yelps were brought to an end by Veledar's growl and defensive snapping of his jaws.

“That's enough dragon!" Tehya finally had to raise her hand, bringing an end to a story how the captain had adorned herself with flowery dress and began frolicking around her quarters. “By the gods dragon, you may cease!"

“Are you sure?" Achaaz tapped her chin with a playful smirk, “I could describe how you I learned you had quite the dexterous tongu- “

“I said that be enough." She flared his nostrils, stomping her onyx hooves, “You're definitely the dragoness that I knew." Commanding eyes swept from her guests to the rest of the crew, who seemed to be full of questions in regard to her love affairs. “I'm free, like the lot of you to engage in romantic interests. That bull in question lit a fire in my loins that none could hope to quench. Should I meet him again, I will take what I want and make that handsome beast mine." She pumped her fist, getting a few in return from the crew to support her. “So, Achaaz, what brings you, your boyfriend and sir metal pants to my ship?"

“Boyfriend?" Dark blue frills pinned as Achaaz laughed nervously, “Crimson Sky is not my boyfriend."

“And this one is my chosen mate." Growled Veledar, gesturing to Arcturus, who was shaking his head. “But I would agree that Achaaz is mountable."

“Thank you." Achaaz nodded with a rumble.

“You're welcome."

“Could we focus?" Arcturus groaned, already pressing Krotos' beak together before he could add his own lewd comment. “We're looking for aid from your ship, something simple, information. Information on a certain someone within the fleet."

“Oh, and I take it you're not looking for my pretty face sir metal pants?" Tehya crossed her arms with a  smirk, “But what can the crew of the bloody mermaid do for you?"

“We're looking for a druid." Achaaz tapped her paw, “One with exceptional power, able to rival the magical abilities of my mother."

“She was trying to sink your fleet." Veledar huffed, before his eyes went suddenly wide. Perhaps that should not have been said. He prepared for the growl, the bark to attack, but instead, Tehya seemed amused.

“That was you lot?" Laughed the cow, “Lucky for us that we had the druid then! Else me and the lads would be sleeping with the fishes!" She gestured for her crew to get back to work before she turned round. “We can discuss the particulars of your visit within my quarters."

“And why not discuss them out here?" Veledar pulled Arcturus back with a paw as Achaaz casually shifted to her elven form. “Achaaz might trust you, but moments ago you and your crew were trying to kill us."

“To be fair dragon, we thought you might be someone else."

“Suppose your quarters is not a more advantageous position? Another trap in which to spring on us?" The dragon flicked his tail, searching the cow up and down, “I'm not a fool minotaur. We shall discuss out here."

“Oh?" Tehya replied, her voice stern, “Giving order on my ship are we dragon?"

“When it comes to my safety and my Umraadi, yes."

“Then I hope you can change into another form like my friend here." She gestured to Achaaz with a huff, “Dragons on the deck that don't have Copper scales are mighty suspicious. I know you probably know this, but we do have a certain dragon that be checking on us from time to time. So, you either swallow your pride and change shape for my quarters, if just your size, or you change shape and we stay out here. Then we can discuss what matter you have is so urgent that your silver armored boy toy is sweating at the idea of working with pirates."

“I'm not sweating!" Arcturus replied.

“Please, it's clear as day on your face human."

Veledar lashed his tail, faced with no alternatives. He adjusted his size, just large enough that he would be taller than Krotos. There was no way that he would disarm himself in such a fashion by becoming human around these heavily armed pirates. He glared at her with as much distain as he could muster, but this only seemed to bring a smile to the cow's face. She gestured for them to follow.

Inside, the minotaur had the captain's quarters of the vessel organized to match her needs. There was a training dummy in one corner, a cobbled together mess of planks and red paint, axes sticking out of its surfaces. There was a desk with charts and maps strewn about, a golden sextant sitting upon it's surface; a bed dwelled in the corner, unmade, and covered with various weapons and armor. The air smelled of ale, sweat and pipe smoke, it was the quarters of a warrior. As the door slammed behind them, the crew was left to wander around, murmuring over what would be their course ahead.

The dragon's horns nearly dragged on the low ceiling; it seemed despite being made in Lumarian lands the crafters of this vessel hadn't been going for comfort. Eyes around Veledar were drawn to his horns, but his hiss and flick of his tail told them to focus elsewhere, especially when his frills dislodged a coat rack and sent it tumbling to the floor.

“Could you not?" Tehya thundered, wheeling around to cross piercing gazes with the beast.

“You could have had it bolted down." Growled Veledar, “Last I heard you had a gryphon; they can't be more delicate than I."

“You can't be serious, can you?" Chuckled Krotos with a chirp, returning the coatrack to where it started, giving the captain a happy trill. “There we are, if there is anything else that I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask."

Tehya rolled her eyes and snorted at the suggestion, striding to behind her desk and planting herself in an oaken chair; it strained under her weight. “This plan of yours, looking for the druid- “She leaned forward, searching over them all, her gaze hardening at Arcturus.

“Where is Aeros?" Achaaz slipped into a chair opposite her, slumping down as if exhausted. “I rather liked him and his singing with his various chirps. I think he fancied me." She paused, noting the grimace that Tehya had given her, “Did he not make it?"

“Oh, he made it." Tehya growled as Arcturus and Veledar settled in behind Achaaz, “But his home be somewhere else for the time being. Insurance the Copper beast calls it."

The Copper dragon had taken one of their number captive? Veledar rumbled in his throat as he curled his tail around Arcturus. Perhaps recruiting this cow would not be as hard as he thought. Despite Arcturus knowing how to speak with people, it seemed as though he were at a disadvantage; they instead would allow Achaaz to speak, she appeared to be on good terms with the woman.

Achaaz explained how they wanted to find the druid, the toll it was taking on her mother and brother. She told the tail with a mournful voice, the need to find her mother an excuse to leave ever apparent in her tone. “See, with the druid gone, my mother can return to shifting the weather, go about sinking this fleet so that the ships trapped can escape." She paused, noting how Tehya's ears splayed, “But not you of course!" She laughed nervously, “I'd not do that to a friend!"

Krotos had taken to preening his feathers, grumbling about the water's salt as Arcturus listened on, acting as if the turmoil on his face and twisting beneath his flesh was not ever apparent to his dragon. Veledar shifted closer, letting the two ladies talk over their plans. “Still troubled that we're working with pirates?" Whispered the dragon with a chortle, “It's not all that bad, just focus on how we're saving lives and striking another victory in Dreadflame's face."

“Partially." Replied the knight, his arms crossing. “But this does not bode well."

“How do you mean?"

“Vengeance, working with pirates, running, preparing to lie, it's no wonder that Bahamut didn't deem me worthy to wield her power."

“I suppose you could take that away from it." Veledar growled, nudging at the man, sensing the heavy weight that was upon his soul, “Or you could do as I say instead. Many people have died for us to be here right now, having this conversation, to have this fleeting moment of victory. Let's not have their sacrifices be in vain shall we? Sure, these people could not be classified as honorable types, but what does that matter?" He rose a brow, “It still doesn't stop you from using them to do good. Just look at your friends, Lyndis, myself, Merlia, let's not even get started on Feku…Which reminds me, never let her be alone in my treasure hold."

Arcturus' demeanor didn't shift, if anything it got harder, “You'll excuse me if I don't note the fact if not for my own faults, we would be spiriting away both the orb and the shard. Thanks to me, Dreadflame will secure the shard. Without it, now we are throwing our company in with thieves, cutthroats and those whose morality depends on the coin offered."

“So, let's be the one who offers them coin." Mused Veledar with a roll of the eye, “Let them be our minions, it's rather that simple." Though Arcturus still pouted, unwilling or unable to see the merit in it, Veledar nudged at him again, then gestured to the walls, “Besides, this ship would be the perfect tool for us to use."

“How do you figure?"

“Do you not remember Nivra's story? How they blinded Storm and gained tremendous speed to leave him behind?" He thumped his tail and growled over the prospect of using said tactics on himself, “That red blowhard would have no chance of catching up to us. So, swallow that pride my paladin and instead focus on the lives you'll be saving."

For a moment, Arcturus was speechless. The dragon could sense the confusion and astonishment now coursing through his veins. His arms fell to his sides, a brow rose, his head nearly tilted like a gryphon, “Did you just lecture me on the matters of pride; you of all people?"

“I might have."

“How did this happen? Are you feeling sick?"

“No, I'm not feeling sick." Veledar growled, snapping his jaws before rolling a paw to his chest and adopting a regal pose, “I'd like to believe that Fremra rubbed off on me a little bit, I'm right and you know it."

“That's what scares me." Arcturus pushed up Krotos' beak, as the gryphon had perked up, his crown feathers raised.

There was however no denying it, Arcturus looked around, heaving a great sigh at his limited choices. “But you indeed are right. I might not like the situation we find ourselves in, but it needs to be done. We will use these brigands to do right in this world, even if they don't like it. Who knows, perhaps a few of them will be inspired to drop the life of piracy for good."

“That I doubt." He waggled a wing, “The lure of treasure is like a siren."

“I'm aware." Replied Arcturus bluntly, only to get a rumble and press of the dragon's snout to his cheek.

“Don't pout like that Umraadi, if I was not so enthralled by valuable, beautiful treasures, you would not hold me so enthralled. You should feel honored."

Cheeks blushed, the turmoil averted as Arcturus graced the dragon with a kiss, “Alright, now we just need to focus on how to convince this cow to lend us her aid."

It was then that Tehya was shaking her head, clearly in disagreement with whatever Achaaz was proposing.

“It would appear as though our dragoness is drowning."

Krotos fluffed up his feathers with an amused chirp, his eyes shimmering with confidence, “If we need to pick the ladies heart I have you covered. There is no icy woman that Krotos don't know how to pick." Ears perked, his tail swished, eyeing the minotaur like his next prey, “I could offer her a night on the town and show her just the welcoming company a gryphon can provide."

“Please Krotos- “ Veledar rolled his eyes, “I don't think mating her is going to solve this issue."

“We don't know until we try!"

“No Achaaz, I won't put the ship in danger!" Tehya growled, her voice putting an end to their squabbling. “I'm the captain of this ship now, it means those people's lives out there matter to me. I have to keep them safe and protected, think about their best interests. I'm sorry that your city had this happen to it, but I always have a place on the crew should you wish it."

The teal dragoness furrowed her elven brow, “You want me to just run away and forget my family?"

Tehya sighed, realizing her mistake, “No of course not. I'm just saying, the dragon overhead might have been a firm taskmaster, but it's not the worst that I've seen. Hells, the beast hasn't even floundered his control more than asking for part of the booty. If we do as you ask and you fail- “

“We won't fail." Veledar growled, “We seldom go about doing that."

“We do?" Krotos asked, only to squawk as a wing batted him across the face.

The minotaur lass wasn't moved, her eyes steeled as she held her ground, “Even if you do, it means him looking for revenge and the like. If you don't kill the dragon as well, I don't see how this works out in our favor."

“Then we'll kill the dragon as well!" Snarled Veledar, dragging Arcturus to his side with a paw, “My Umraadi, loath I am to say it, has proven he's quite capable."

“And what of gryphon guy?" Achaaz added, “I imagine he's dead if he's not here with you?"

“Not dead. I said kept as insurance." Tehya growled, “Do you not have halflings here to explain that? We don't mess around or betray the beast and he keeps ole gryphon safe and sound."

“Sounds more like a hostage." Arcturus remarked coldly.

“Aye, but it works for him. To be frank, the lot of you are not offering many perks for myself or the crew." She flared her nostrils, “In this feet we're well taken care of, protected, all you offer us is the chance of death. I'd rather not gain the ire of a dragon."

“All of that sounds great but stray one toe out of line and you shall feel his wrath." Arcturus strode forward, resting a hand on the desk, “Tehya, I know what we ask of you is great, but so dire is our situation that demands it. Look, I'd rather not consort with your types, but I am forced to do so out of necessity. That army out there, those dragons have taken much from the people's of Struport." He grimaced, swallowed hard and carried through the lump in his chest, “There are people in that city counting on us to pull a miracle out of our asses, to save boats filled with the elderly, woman, wounded, children. Innocent lives that Dreadflame and the dragon you serve will snuff out when it suits their whims. So, I ask of you, I make a plea for you to help from the goodness of your heart."

Tehya leaned back with a skeptical aura, sneering at the man, “Nice try paladin, but you won't find any bleeding hearts on this ship. I couldn't give a toss about the lives of people I've never even met." She gestured to the ship, “Only people I care about are on this ship. Your lot; that's quite the sad tale. Fact is, people die every day."

Arcturus eyes grew sharp, the diplomatic route closed to him. All that remained was emerald fires, seeking to burn straight through the hardened minotaur before him. “I thought you'd have more dignity than that. Asterion, you heard of him? He spoke of you in your journey. He said that you were kind, had honor, I wasn't aware that your honor was so shallow of a pool that I would not get wet. How ashamed of you he'd be if he saw you now."

“Careful human, you're playing a dangerous game."

“One that you should not wish to join." Growled Veledar, putting his head over Arcturus' shoulder.

“Fitting." Tehya mused, “Paladin can't make threats without his dog right at his side."

“Careful my lady." Arcturus replied coldly as Veledar's growl filled the room, “This dog blows fire and I know he feels this place is nothing more than a tinderbox for him."

The dragon's nostrils flared, his blood simmering, waiting for the cow to give him the reason. However, he took a step back with his next breath, seeing another way forward. “His life would be one of the ones we would be saving." He growled, “Asterion."

“He lives?" Krotos gasped, “Since when, who told you?"

“Please." The dragon rolled his eyes, “If anyone is alive out there at that port it will be that horned bastard. I bet right now he's sitting around with Merlia and the Kobolds, smoking and drinking to their heart's content."

But even that, the bulwark that was Tehya was not cast aside. Veledar put on a paw, chuckling at Arcturus' failure, “Fear not Umraadi, I know how to handle this rouge. Tehya, if morality won't sway you, I offer favors and coin to turn your head." He grinned as this seemed to soften her demeanor, but she was clearly trying to hide it.

“How much are you proposing beast?" She leaned back in her chair.

“Any number that you can imagine would be considered."

“I can imagine quite a bit."

“Then you shall get it." Rumbled Veledar, the bait had been snagged. With the tension broken he approached, chest swelling with pride. “That and more my dear."

Greed shone in those eyes as he held her attention, that undying need that everyone possessed. He saw her try to fight the temptation but failing as everyone always did.

“Any proof of your coin that you offer?" She scoffed, trying to talk herself out of it. “We will not be swayed by some charming beast's lies."

“You don't trust the word of a dragon?"

“Actions and coin speak louder than words dragon. You not be the first devil with a silver tongue to try and charm this crew over."

He growled, letting his talons drag thick lines through the floor. When he lashed his tail, Arcturus was shoved to the side with a started yelp. “Interesting that you should wish to avoid the ire of one dragon yet set yourself in the sights of another. To him your just as disposable as the rest of the fleet, a faceless two legger that he wouldn't notice should she disappear."

“You're not nearly as imposing as the other one." Tehya countered, raising, and brandishing her cutlass to the dragon's nose. “Want to make that threat again dragon, on my ship of all things? If I didn't know better, I'd ask where you got the balls!"

“They're internal!" He snapped his jaws, “And I'll have you know there are four of them and- “

“Crimson Sky." Arcturus groaned, shaking his head.

Right, getting back to the point. Veledar flared his nostrils, bathing the cow in black smoke, “Your ship my dear is nothing but the fire for your pyre. I would think carefully about using your toothpick on me. I come to you with an offer to make you richer than your wildest dreams and you insult me by insinuating I might lie. You have my word that we shall pay you upon the end of your services; that should be sufficient for you."

Tension lingered as the two faced each other down, moments passing with the underlying fear that things could unravel, that any support would be lost. Tehya sheathed her blade with a harsh snort, “Answer is no dragon. The answer be the same to all of ya." She gestured to the door, despite Achaaz's protests. “No matter what ya offer, can't spend coin if you're dead. Achaaz, I'm sorry, but nothing can be done. They have my gryphon, even if I wanted to help, they'd just end him."

That's when a crewmate slammed open the door, it was Fred from before. He was pale, wide eyed, trembling as he pointed out the door he'd entered, gasping for breath.

“What is the meaning of this Fred? Cannot you see we're busy?' Tehya growled.

“Sorry captain!" The man composed himself, “But it's urgent, Quintus is flying over with his circus of freaks!"

“Damn him." Tehya grit her teeth, a look of distain spreading to her features, “He must have heard the roars and the gunshots."

“Or saw the dragons." Krotos chirped, “They do stand out."

“Who is this Quintus?" Veledar asked, “That isn't a very threatening name."

“He isn't." Snorted Tehya, securing her pistol at her hip, “But he's the voice of the Lord of Fire, and he you should not piss off lest you want your ship caught ablaze. Now the lot of you, stay here, out of sight-  “ She snapped to Krotos, eyes steeled, “And quiet."

“Do you think she can be trusted?" Veledar slipped to the window that faced the sea, planning for an exit should they need to. “You heard the woman, she's not to help us, think she'd sell us out to the Lord of Fire?" The dragon frowned, while he could change his size and escape, the others would not be of luck.

“I'd like to say no, but now, I'm not so sure." Achaaz padded her way to the door, watching as the minotaur woman strode out, waving down a trio of wyvern riders from above.

One of their number was a leonin, his brown colored mane all pristine and well kept fur of gold. His attire it was extravagant, of bright reds and golds that told all to gaze upon his magnificence. He bore no armor but did carry a single cutlass at his side.

“Suppose we should prepare for the worst." Arcturus placed him on the other side of the door, peering out, but how he stood, was clearly ready to slam it out should they need it.

“He doesn't look too threatening." Krotos whispered, planning himself behind the duo, “Even if he serves that draconic jerk above, I think we can take him."

“Yes, but they'll notice their messenger missing, won't they? You'll bring this endeavor to an end."

“What more is there to be had?" Veledar changed his size further, small enough so that a casual glance would not reveal that a dragon resided within the cabin, “You heard the woman, she wants no part of us."

“If we kill him and the lord of fire blames the ship…" Achaaz trailed off, worry flickering in her eyes, “Even if they are not as loyal as I would have hoped, I don't want to be the reason they all perished."

There was an honesty to that, one that paused the dragon wanting to snap at her and call her a fool. Instead, he waited, eyes steeled, trying to read the lips of Tehya and this Leonin as they engaged in what appeared to be a hearty greeting. The lion at the present smirked and gazed upon the minotaur and her crew as if he already owned the place. He asked the typical question that Veledar had been dreading, what of the sounds that he and his men had heard. Heart pounding, the dragon's senses waivered on the edge of a knife as Tehya was faced with this test. Would they have to run; or would the pirate value her friendship? His muscles itched, waiting to spring and grab Arcturus.

“Just a bit of rowdiness and itchy bones!" Tehya laughed, laying her hands on her waist. “You know how the lads get with all this waiting. Not sure if you know this Quintus, but me and the crew aren't exactly known for blockades."

The lion man took a few strides, brushing a paw against his chest. What good will and joy died with his next breath, his tail lashing behind him. “Do you take me for a fool captain?" He growled, “Do you think I'd not recognize the roar of a dragon? Other vessels spoke of you having a dragon on your deck!"

“You're listening to them now? As you can see, no dragons around here kitty. Nor have we seen any, unless you be counting the wrym fireworks we picked up from a halfling merchant."

“Tehya, my time is precious, and dealing with your rag tag group of brigands doesn't suit me." He sighed, running his palm along the length of a railing, “I'm sure your gryphon friend would love to hear all about this firework of yours. Do you think he'll find it amusing?"

“What have you done to him?" She balled her hands into fists, “I swear if you- “

“Nothing yet, though I'm not certain if it's to remain that way." Quintus grinned before sweeping around the captain, his eyes traveling from every bit of the deck. The crew that found his attention were quick to avoid it, hurrying off to continue on with their tasks. “Though I do believe at the end of this juncture of ours, this ship should undergo a change in leadership." He gestured to the other wyvern riders, mounting his scorpion tailed beast. “Oh, and Tehya." His eyes hardened, “Do try to not light another of these fireworks…Such inconveniences during such a tense time…will not be as amusing as the first time."

The moment that the feline was aloft and out of earshot, Tehya snarled and wheeled about. To her quarters she stomped, each hoof practically shaking the deck with her fury. In a flash she whipped open the door and slammed it behind her, steam practically coming out of her ears. “That's it, I'm going to help the lot of you."

Veledar couldn't believe their luck, it would appear as the relationship between the lord of fire and Tehya was not as strong as she'd implied. The dragon only grinned, glowing with pride, “Change of heart cow?"

“That bastard thinks he can come over to my ship and threaten to take it from me?" Tehya stomped past the group, “That arrogant, smug, asshole of a pussy is going to look awfully stupid when we wipe that smug look off his face. By we, I mean you. Threaten my gryphon to boot? Like hells that's going to fly with me." She slammed herself into her seat as the others followed, beaming.

As it turned out, the captives were being held at the guard tower of the port. That would need to be attacked before they made their move on the druid. Tehya laid out in no certain terms that this ship and the prisoners had to be hit together. That way the prisoners could not be harmed, or the druid moved. They were to do this all at night to restrain the dragon's attentions, hit the ship that Tehya pointed out.

“It will be the closest to the shore, a flag slightly different than the rest." Tehya said, “And upon it bears the name, the Coppery drake."

“I knew it!" Veledar warbled, nearly knocking over things with his tail. “I knew shed have a different ship!"

With the last particulars of the plan thought out, it now came time to try and convince the guardians to go along with it.

“For as fascinating as it would be to assail the fort and the ship at the same time, I don't believe that we can do this on our own. We'll need help." Arcturus said, flashing Tehya a hardened glare. “Just be ready to take myself, Crimson Sky and have some refugees to safety."

The minotaur growled, mumbling that her ship wasn't some travel vessel for bleeding hearts.

Way out of her cabin, Krotos laughed, his feathers fluffed as the dragons stretched their wings and tails, ready for flight.

“I'm surprised by you." The gryphon chirped.

“You are?" Veledar stretched his neck with a hiss, “By my skill with persuasion? The ability of Arcturus to turn a bad situation good?"

“No, that you offered your own money to gift to these people." Krotos gave the dragon an honest nod, “That was rather generous of you. I didn't think it before, but clearly you've grown in such a short amount of- “

“My coin?" He scoffed at the notion, nearly falling over laughing as he tossed back his head, “I never said anything of the sort!"

The gryphon's ears pinned; his eyes wide in alarm. Eyes fell upon the dragon, wondering if he planned to con the pirates into helping them.

“Friends, Umraadi, we know princesses and queens. Why would I waste my own coin in bribes or favors?"

“You're offering their money?' Arcturus groaned as he clambered onto Veledar's back. “I'm sure they're going to love such generosity with their coin."

“They will accept it! They should be honored that I'm saving their people of all things."

With a quick application of invisibility from Achaaz, they all took wing to the sky. They set their sights back home, where the guardians waited to be convinced of this action.

* * * * * * *

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