Chapter 45

As Veledar approached the desk that held his brother's cherished book, a searing agony unlike anything he had ever experienced engulfed him. Electric currents surged and crackled, their tendrils wrapping around his scaled form with merciless intent. Each jolt felt like a dagger piercing his very essence, threatening to overwhelm him and drag him into the depths of despair. But Veledar refused to succumb to the torment. With a steely resolve and gritted teeth, he pressed onward, determined not to be swayed by the relentless assault.

"Always knew you were the best, keep going brother!" Covrais' voice whispered in his ear.

Each step felt like a Herculean effort, as if invisible chains weighed down his limbs, threatening to drag him into the abyss. Yet, Veledar remained resolute, his determination unwavering. With the indomitable spirit of a dragon coursing through his veins, he would show this curse it had no power, he would not be beaten, not by this curse nor a kingdom that dared to steal from him.

"That's right, rub their snouts in it!" The spectral form of Indomitable Aegis materialized before him, her presence a comforting beacon amidst the chaos. Wisps of ethereal energy curled around her majestic scales, her silver eyes gazing upon him with pride and affection.

Despite his valiant efforts, Veledar found himself succumbing to the curse that ensnared him. His once-mighty form faltered and collapsed upon the unforgiving stone floor, weary and drained.

But even in the throes of despair, his gaze remained fixed upon the coveted book, finding strength even as it threatened to leave him completely. Though his vision blurred, and his strength waned, he stubbornly refused to yield to this fatigue. How could he, when the object of his quest lay just within reach, taunting him?

“Come on brother, what are you going to do, lay their like a sack of potatoes?” Covrais giggled, the diminutive dragon padding to his side, nudging the fallen red dragon with his snout, “I thought you’d never let me down?”

“Covrais.” He grunted, talons digging into the stone. His brother was right, he couldn’t just let this entire endeavor be for nothing. Just think about all the slights about his pride, the foolishness that he was swept up in, he could not afford for it to end with empty paws. With a primal growl, Veledar summoned every ounce of strength he possessed, rising from the ground with a defiant roar. Though his movements were slow and labored, each step forward was a testament to his unwavering spirit and unyielding determination.

"Press on, my magnificent Crimson." Indomitable Aegis rumbled, her voice deep and resonant like the rolling thunder. Her frills fluttered with excitement as Veledar neared his prize. "Show that wretched undead bastard that none dare steal from the great Crimson Sky!"

To his horror, flames of vibrant lavender sprang forth into existence, dancing with malevolent energy as they devoured loose parchment and boiled ink. Their tendrils licked hungrily at the edges of the desk, casting eerie shadows that danced like specters in the flickering light. Even with the resistance to fire that his brother's book possessed, Veledar doubted they would hold up to this magical malady.

"Unauthorized entry. Activating disposal sequence." came a monotone voice, echoing through the hall with a chilling finality.

"It would appear as though you've activated the security protocol." Arctic Wind called from the rune's edge. "I'd get out of there before you're obliterated with the book."

No! He internally screamed, taking another arduous step, nearly collapsing from the effort. He was so close now; he could not fail here! As Veledar pressed onward, he felt a sudden jolt, a surge of overwhelming dread that seemed to emanate from somewhere beyond himself. It was a sensation unlike any other, a visceral wave of fear and apprehension that washed over him, leaving him reeling in its wake.

With wide eyes, he turned towards the source of this palpable power, his senses ablaze with the raw emotion emanating from it. Never had he experienced such a visceral and soul-crushing sensation. It was undeniable: Arcturus needed him desperately.

Yet, Veledar's gaze flickered to the book, its pages engulfed in flames that danced with an insatiable hunger. The ancient tome, his brother's legacy, teetered on the brink of oblivion. Was this not the entire point of his quest, if he turned away from it now, everything he suffered for would be annihilated!

"He can hold out a bit longer, else he wouldn't be worthy of you." whispered his mother in his ear, her voice a soothing yet insistent presence. "Get the book, then rescue him."

For a fleeting moment, Veledar entertained the notion, acknowledging the truth in his mother's words. After all, Arcturus was no stranger to adversity. But then the urgency of the man's need struck him like a thunderbolt, shattering his resolve and plunging him into a sea of doubt and guilt. How could their plight be this dire; especially when he had the expertise of a trained wizard and the strength of a gryphon at his side?

"Just a minor thing, he's overreacting, ignore him." Corvrais growled, "If you don't act now, brother, my book will be lost!"

Veledar's paw hovered tentatively in the air, a sudden realization swept through him with the force of a tempest, stirring the depths of his soul. This was not right, not when Arcturus' soul cried out to him in desperate need. How could he even entertain the thought of abandoning his beloved? Was one human life worth more than a treasure beyond measure, one that could never be replaced? The answer thundered through his mind with resounding clarity, dispelling any lingering doubt. Arcturus was more than just a companion; he was his Umraadi, his cherished soulmate, his very reason for existence. To forsake him now would be to forsake himself, to relinquish his claim to greatness as the mightiest of dragons. With a firm resolve, Veledar withdrew his paw, turning away from its seductive allure. His steps carried him resolutely towards the exit of the ancient runes with remorse. If Arcturus needed him, then he would not fail him.

"Where are you going, brother?" Covrais' voice cut through the air like a sharpened blade, laden with scorn and disbelief. "What about the book? Don't tell me a mere human matters more to you than our legacy! What has he done for you that compares to the bond between mother, Adaline, you, and I?"

Veledar remained silent, his steps growing lighter with each stride, as if shedding the burdens that had weighed him down moments before. The crackling electricity subsided, its malevolent energy fading into the ether, replaced by a comforting warmth that enveloped him like a protective embrace. It was clear that whatever dark enchantments had held him captive were now losing their grip.

"Have you forgotten, Veledar, that it was humans who took us from you?" Indomitable Aegis' voice reverberated with righteous indignation. "What debt could you owe to their kind, after the suffering they inflicted upon our kin? Have you not witnessed the anguish and devastation they bring? I raised you to be better than this, to resist the manipulation of those who seek to exploit you."

The words stung through his scales, but he would not let them stop him. He tossed his head with a growl, they were nothing but lies, a spell speaking with the dead voice of his mother.

"You're throwing your life away!" his mother's voice snarled, "Curse upon you and your days! I knew you were a bad son!"

Veledar's lip curled in disdain as he pushed onward, his steps unyielding in the face of the rune's tricks. "If you were truly my mother, such venomous words would never pass your lips!"

As he emerged from the embrace of the runes, the fog of manipulation lifted, and clarity returned to his mind. "I'm sorry, brother." Veledar murmured softly, "I'm sorry, but he... Arcturus means more to me now than anything else. I shall never forget you, but I must follow my heart."

With a final shake of his head, Veledar broke free from the grip of the runes, his muscles tensing as he prepared to flee. With a powerful leap, he launched himself into the air, his wings unfurling with a resounding flap as he soared above the twisted maze of metal pipes and beams that stretched out before him. He knew that navigating through the tangled jungle would be no easy task, and cursed himself for taking so long, but now time was of the essence, and he could not afford to delay.

"An intriguing turn of events." intoned a voice devoid of emotion, its raspy timbre echoing from the shadows. Emerging from their embrace, a humanoid figure cloaked in robes of soft baby blue stepped forward, the fabric billowing gently with each deliberate movement. Upon his brow rested a modest wizarding hat adorned with a constellation of stars, casting a faint glow in the dim light of the chamber. In his hand, he bore a gnarled staff etched with ancient runes, its tip fashioned in the likeness of a snarling gryphon.

With no patience for the mysterious interloper, Veledar propelled himself forward with a powerful beat of his wings. Yet his flight was abruptly halted as he collided with an invisible barrier, the impact sending shards of pain shooting through his body and stars exploding in his vision. With a sickening lurch, he hurtled towards the ground, helpless to stop his descent. Despite his frantic attempts to regain control, he slammed upon the unforgiving stone, his breath ragged and tainted with the metallic tang of blood. Though he may have appeared foolish, Veledar took solace in the fact that he yet drew breath.

“Wall of Force, if you're curious. A remarkable spell." the man remarked with a dispassionate air, his movements gliding effortlessly across the floor. His fingers absentmindedly caressed his long, greyed beard, a facade of warmth masking the cruelty that gleamed in his eyes. With measured steps, he inspected the dragon from head to tail, his gaze lingering on Veledar with unsettling intensity as he rose to his full height. "I assume you're the dragon who claims dominion over the mountains overlooking Deet?"

Veledar's response was swift and fierce, his snarl reverberating through the chamber as he rose to meet the man's gaze. "You will pay for this, mage."

"Ah, indeed, you must be him." the man continued, his tone calm and collected, seemingly untouched by the dragon's looming presence. "The adoptive son of Indomitable Aegis, renowned for his pride and self-assuredness. An entertaining singer, if the tales whispered among the gryphons of Trost are to be believed."

Veledar's heart surged with a tumultuous mix of emotions. How did this man possess such intimate knowledge? There were only a few answers and each of them less pleasant than the last. His nostrils flared, a heat building within, if this mage was responsible for his mother’s demise, there was no question what he deserved. Without a word, Veledar flared his nostrils and unleashed a torrent of flames, a ferocious display of his draconic power aimed directly at the simple man.

As the torrent of flames surged towards him, the elderly man raised a hand, his movements deliberate and controlled. The fire enveloped him completely, casting a blinding light that illuminated the laboratory in a fiery glow. The air crackled with intensity, the heat so intense it seemed to warp the very fabric of reality around him. Stone cracked and splintered, wood charred and turned to ash, and scattered parchments ignited in a blaze of crimson fury.

Amidst the chaos, the figure remained untouched, his form shrouded in an ethereal aura that repelled the flames. They licked and danced around him, swirling in a hypnotic dance of light and shadow, yet never once breeching the barrier. The human’s expression remained unchanged, a calm mask that betrayed no hint of discomfort or fear, as if the inferno that raged around him was nothing more than a gentle breeze.

Veledar took a forceful step, letting his claws clack upon the stone, "You may shield yourself from fire, but it is a temporary refuge." he declared with a snarl, "If you value your life, you would do well to step aside and let me pass."

But the old man, undeterred by Veledar's threats, merely chuckled in response. "Spoken with the arrogance of one who fails to grasp the gravity of their predicament." he rose the tip of his staff towards him, "Dragon, it is you who should be focusing on your safety. Arcturus and the others are no longer your concern."

With a disdainful snort, Veledar regarded the mage before him with contempt, refusing to entertain the man's death wish. He flared his wings he launched himself with a condescending snarl, “Another time, fool.”

Amber eyes gleamed with an almost wicked delight, “Not staying to take revenge for your wounded pride? This knight must be exceptionally valuable to you.”

If all he could muster was this wall, the dragon could easily ignore him. He just needed to be more aware. With the next pound of his wings, the shelves below of assorted trinkets and lab equipment hurled through the air, twisting together as if guided by an invisible hand. They stitched and bound to one another before swelling in size with each passing moment, soon they rivaled the great redwoods in height.

He knew not what spell could achieve this, but it wouldn’t matter. He growled about to summon forth his own magic and tear this spell apart, when he noticed tiny imperfections about the wall of trash. It was an illusion. Cursing the magician, he surged forward passing through the spell with a flap of his wings. Back was the laboratory sprawled out before him, the tangled mass of beams and various machines. Flashes of light came from one corner, still a good distance away, Arcturus was over there he was certain, just as he was certain he was fighting for his life.

“Question dragon, did you realize it was an illusion or did you test your luck?” The mage was floating through the air, tethered as if to the dragon’s tail by an invisible thread.

What a persistent pest. The spells the man possessed could not be infinite, and the fact he blocked the fire proved he could be injured. With the next flap of his wings, he tilted back, loosing his flames over the mage.

“Again?” The mage scoffed, “I thought you’d learned. Perhaps you’re not as intelligent as I’d hoped.”

With the finesse of a practiced predator, Veledar deftly maneuvered through the air, pursuing his own flames with calculated precision. Emerging like a wrathful apparition, he seized the frail man in his powerful jaws, rending flesh and cloth alike with his razor-sharp teeth. Yet, victory soured as the taste of decay tainted his senses, replacing the expected warmth of blood with a repulsive stench. Wrinkling his snout in disgust, he hurled the magician towards the unforgiving ground, intent on reducing him to naught but a crimson smear upon the stone.

A sickening cacophony echoed through the air as the old man crashed to the ground, his body contorting unnaturally as bones snapped and muscles gave way. He was left a tangled mess of limbs that were bending in angles they were never supposed to be. Veledar rumbled his success with a tilt of his wings, now able to divert his attention to what truly matter. Though to his horror, the man began to tremble and shift, somehow, he was still alive.

With an unsettling tenacity, the aged figure clawed its way up from the unforgiving ground, each movement accompanied by the bone-chilling symphony of snapping bones and tearing sinew. His countenance contorted into a ghastly mask of decay, flesh withering and rotting before the dragon's incredulous gaze. The sickly pallor of death enveloped him, transforming his once-human features into a macabre parody of life. Strands of matted hair clung desperately to his desecrated scalp, while eyes, like smoldering coals, burned with a malevolent fervor, betraying a soul steeped in darkness.

With a ghastly gesture, his skeletal hand rose, as a snarl twisted his decomposed lips. The tattered remnants of his robes seemed to writhe with sinister intent, adorned with silvered runes pulsating with an ominous glow. In that harrowing moment, Veledar confronted the grim reality: this was no ordinary mortal, but the horrid creature he’d been warned about, Nigelious was standing before him.

Though he wished to best this wretched creature, prove that it was he that was superior, it paled in comparison to the urgency of saving Arcturus’ life. There would come a day to confront Nigelious, to demand answers about his mother, but today was not that day. Adjusting his wings with determination, Veledar set his course toward Arcturus once more, only to be halted by the telltale scent of the wall of force. As he began an incantation to dismantle it, his magic faltered on his tongue—a cruel counter-spell thwarting his efforts, sending him crashing into the barrier with a groan.

"You shall not leave unless I permit it," Nigel hissed, gliding ever closer to the fallen dragon with calculated precision. "I have vanquished dragons far grander than you, young one."

"But you've never faced me." Veledar growled through the pain, regretting his oversight. "This is your last warning. Stand aside."

"Or what? You will merely crash into another barrier at my feet?" The lich retorted, raising his staff defiantly. "Do not force my hand, dragon. I prefer my prize unscathed."

"I am no one's trophy!" Veledar roared, unleashing a torrent of searing flames, only to watch helplessly as the wizard deflected the assault with contemptuous ease.

With a desiccated click of his tongue, the lich sneered, "It appears the tales of your prowess were greatly exaggerated, spun by the ignorant and the untalented. You have soared on your wings, relying solely on innate strength and ability, never truly facing an opponent worthy of your mettle."

A swift snap of his jaws, and the lich recoiled, piercing Veledar's hide with a lance of chilling cold. "I had hoped the son of the Indomitable Aegis would present a greater challenge, yet here you stand, scarcely more than mediocre. Your mother, at least, offered a more spirited resistance."

Narrowing his eyes, Veledar let his claws drag upon the stone, "What have you done to her?"

"I believe you already know." Came the chilling reply. "Her last words were of you... Veledar."

With instinct guiding his movements, Veledar lunged at the undead abomination, his senses keenly attuned to the surrounding air. Yet, before he could register his miss, he swiftly redirected himself, doggedly pursuing his quarry. The lich proved to be the swifter of the two, remarkably agile, slipping through Veledar's strikes with uncanny ease. Spells emanating from the bony fingers of Nigelious shattered against the crimson dragon's resilient scales, unable to breach his kin's legendary resistance.

When the moment arrived, Veledar seized it with the fury of an erupting volcano. Flames surged within his scales, burning with untold intensity. With a primal roar, he unleashed a torrent of cerulean fire, each pulsating flicker a testament to his anguish and rage.

"A different shade of fire." Nigelious sighed, deflecting the assault effortlessly. "Though impressive by dragon standards, it achieves nothing."

Undeterred, Veledar closed the distance between them, his talons slashing through the mage's robes and sending him crashing to the ground. "How many spells of that nature do you have left?" he demanded, his voice dripping with fury. "And what happens when they are depleted?"

"I have ample to spare for a youngling such as yourself." Nigel remarked with a sneer as he deftly evaded Veledar's descending paw. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he conjured a field of shimmering bolts, each resembling the size and radiance of energy crossbow projectiles. They launched themselves at the dragon's imposing form in rapid succession.

With a grim smile, Veledar watched as the bolts deflected harmlessly off him, wreaking havoc on the surrounding environment. Unwavering, he unleashed another torrent of flame and charged at the mage once more, refusing to grant him a moment of reprieve. This time, he seized him, rending flesh and bone, and ensnaring the wretched creature beneath his powerful paws. "Let's see if you can cast spells as paste." he growled, exerting his weight upon his captive.

Instead of the satisfying crunch of his prey’s bones beneath his scaled paws, the mage seemed to disintegrate before his very eyes. Nigel's form dissolved into a swirling cloud of dark smoke, slipping effortlessly through Veledar's claws.

"You know, dragon, you are either quite brave or bordering on imbecilic." Nigel mused as he reformed at a distance, his staff aglow with a vibrant white light. "Gathering your allies and coming here, to the greatest kingdom in the land, over what? A stolen book?" With a flourish, he unleashed a cone of intense cold that bit into the air, snuffing out light itself.

One flick of the dragon’s tail and hiss of magical power, flames erupted forth to beat back the wintery embrace. Mist formed as the crackling flames hissed and sizzled, stopping the Lich’s spell dead in its tracks.

“Is that all you have?” Veledar's challenge rang through the air as he vaulted over his fiery barrier, claws slashing at the magician. A table, summoned as a shield, shattered beneath his onslaught. With relentless determination, he pursued Nigel, snapping at the mage’s heels to prevent him from casting his dark spells. Around the lab they danced, Veledar added illusory copies to the chaos as he became a whirlwind of death. Spells crackled and burst, flames vaporizing everything they touched. Nigel's defenses faltered under the dragon’s forceful paws, each one enough to fell a man. No more taunts came, the lich’s tongue was stilled, Veledar pressed on the attack.

Through the labyrinth of steel, Veledar herded the undead magician toward colossal machines that loomed over him like giants of metal, their cruel gleam matching the fire in the dragon's eyes. With each step, the lich faltered, his once-imposing demeanor crumbling under Veledar's relentless pursuit. Victory loomed closer with every passing moment. He couldn’t believe it, just as he’d doubted himself, he’d pulled through, he loved it when he did that.

“What’s the matter, realize you’re full of shite?” Veledar grinned, tearing off the lich’s leg and tossing it upon the stone, “No more tricks, no more walls, I’m going to love paying you back for each dragon you’ve slain.” His paws came down, oozing with pride, soaking in the fear he could see in those obsidian spheres.

"Such confidence... arrogance, oblivious to the web you've wandered into." Nigel wheezed, "You don't even realize."

"Realize that you're at your last wits end?" With a defiant snarl, he unleashed a torrent of flames, enveloping Nigel in their majestic fury. This time, the lich did not shield himself, instead enduring the full force of the inferno. Flesh bubbled and burned, reducing him to little more than charred remains.

As the flames subsided, Nigel stood as naught but a husk of his former self. With a poof of smoke, the magician vanished, leg included.

Had it all been an illusion? Veledar spun around, his realization dawning as he surveyed his surroundings. Amidst the chaos of their battle, he had unwittingly maneuvered Nigel into a confined space, enclosed by towering metal arches. With a resounding clang, the arches sealed shut, trapping them within the metallic confines. Veledar lunged at the steel barrier, claws scraping against its surface with a desperate hiss.

Fear coiled around him like a serpent as Veledar realized the depths of the trap he found himself ensnared in. With Arcturus' despair echoing within him, he hurled his immense weight against the unyielding steel, yet it stood resolute against his efforts. In the shadowy confines he snarled the inevitable, "You cower behind walls, hoping to shield yourself from my wrath? Pathetic coward! Come forth and face me!"

"I think not, you'll do quite nicely where you are." Nigel's voice echoed ominously from all directions. "Take heart that your captivity won't take long. I intend to begin my tests right away; it's ever so hard to get dragons these days."

There was no manner of escape to be found. No pressure plates, no secret doors, no scent other than the lingering odor of iron. All that he could discern were runes etched into the floor, marked with scratches and signs of wear. Tossing a bolt of electricity proved futile; he was truly trapped.

“So, you’ve realized it then.”

There was a smugness in that tone, enough to drive a blade through the dragon's scales. Veledar growled, spitting out his next words with venom, "Let the others go, and I will cease my struggles."

Nigel replied flatly, "Your struggle now matters not. I have you, and there is no escape. I suggest you make peace with your gods. I thank you for your sacrifice for my research."

Veledar knew it was inevitable, even as he charged the door. His talons scraped against the steel, peeling off thin sections with his desperate struggle. Amidst the curses directed at Nigel, his thoughts turned to Arcturus, hoping to merely see him one more time. He was Veledar, the greatest dragon of the age; his story would not end here, he refused!

But this time, luck seemed to have run its course. Around him, the cage crackled to life, the air twisting about by an unseen hand. Power thrummed in the space, pounding at the dragon's head. His struggles died as it washed over him, seeping pain through every fiber of his being. He collapsed with a whine, eyes clenched shut, deep down knowing this was to be his end.

Perhaps in some grim mercy, he would be reunited with his family in death. "Arcturus," he spoke softly, hoping that somewhere, somehow, the man could hear him.

** * * * * * *

Nigel stood triumphant before the imposing structure that had ensnared his prey, a colossal machine designed to forge mana stones. The door before him, fortified with potent runes and protective wards, served as the threshold to his victory. With the hexagonal key clutched firmly in his bony grasp, he prepared to unlock the final stages of his grand design.

From the winding pathways of the laboratory emerged a gryphon guard, a stalwart figure adorned in leather and metal armor, bearing the insignia of a Lumarian paladin upon her silver helmet. With clicking talons, she approached Nigel, her vigilant gaze fixed upon him. As she bowed her head in deference, Nigel's form shifted once more, returning to the guise of the kind old man he had previously projected.

Nigel turned from his task, the hum of the machine behind him resonating through the chamber as gears shifted into place, signaling its final preparations. As his gaze fell upon the approaching paladin, he casually slipped the key into his pouches, an air of confidence exuding from his every movement. "And who might you be? Clearly one of paladins with Garroth... Has his quest reached its conclusion?"

With a respectful nod, the paladin affirmed her status, standing firm and resolute. But when Nigel attempted to dismiss her with a careless wave, her demeanor shifted, her eyes hardening with determination. "Tell the others they must leave at once. Your presence here has served its purpose, and there is no place for you now."

Though she yielded to his authority, there was a quiet defiance in her stance, her feathers ruffled imperceptibly, "However." she continued, her voice steady despite the tension in the air, "I bring news from the king. He wishes to speak with you, following the capture of Arcturus and the others."

Nigel's curiosity was piqued by this unexpected development, and he regarded the paladin with keen interest. From head to tail, he scrutinized her form, "This is news to me."

“It was a last-minute decision.”

"Of course it was." Nigel sighed, his gaze returning to the pulsating machinery as it gathered its formidable strength. With a skeptical eye, he regarded the gryphon, her presence now uncomfortably close. "Did he specify the purpose of this meeting?"

"I believe it pertains to the debriefing of the Rothdellian Spy." the gryphon replied, her hind paws trembling slightly under Nigel's scrutiny.

Nigel turned, his brow furrowing at the mention of a Rothdellian. He stroked his beard thoughtfully as the gryphon brushed her flank against his robes, a fleeting distraction. "Even so, I believe this warrants my attention."

"The dragon?" She scoffed, her gaze fixed on the now roaring machine, crackling with electricity. "Allow me to keep watch. I'll alert you if anything amiss occurs."

Nigel pondered for a moment, his hand still on his beard. With a resigned sigh, he conceded, "I suppose my presence isn't necessary for such a mundane task."

“Is that a yes?” Asked the gryphon, concern lingering in her tone.

"Indeed." grumbled Nigel, surveying the wreckage that Veledar had wrought upon his laboratory. "Upon my return, join the others. I'll have some tidying up after tonight's festivities." He muttered something under his breath and slipped away, leaving the guard to her duties.

The moment the magician was out of earshot, the gryphon sprang into action. Her wings propelled her forward as she raced to the door, her time dwindling rapidly. If she hoped to save the dragon, it had to be now. Though she didn't know the precise inner workings, her gut instinct urged her on with every beat of her heart.

From her pouches, she retrieved the hexagonal key, a thoughtful gift the magician didn't realize he'd given. Planting it into the space upon the door, just as she'd seen him do, she felt a hiss and a click as it slid into place, glowing a vibrant red, awaiting its command.

Raising a talon, she wove the words she'd heard uttered from Nigel's decaying mouth, her magic flowing from her beak like a melodic chant. Gears began to shift and unwind, the overpowering hum of the machine's destruction starting to fade. With a final flick of her tail, the deed was done, the air heavy with anticipation.

"Come on, darling." she whispered to herself as the door began its slow ascent, each clunk of the gears echoing like a heartbeat in the silence. "You're far too stubborn to meet your end like this, aren't you?"

** * * * *

Veledar shuddered, his senses assaulted by the cacophony of his surroundings. His ears reverberated with a piercing ring as he struggled to draw breath into his lungs. The air, thick with dust and heat, offered a strange solace, a flicker of warmth amidst the chaos. With each cough, he questioned his reality—was this the afterlife? Through blurred vision, he surveyed the labyrinthine machinery encasing him. No, he realized with a sinking heart, he remained ensnared within the trap.

“Crimson Sky, can you hear me?” A voice, filled with concern, broke through the haze enveloping Veledar. A gentle nudge against his snout followed, urging him back to consciousness.

Blinking away the haze of unconsciousness, Veledar's gaze shifted from the unfamiliar figure to the unbroken expanse of his own scales. Pride surged within him like the first light of dawn, reassuring him that he, a mighty dragon, had not been bested by a mere undead. Yet, even in this triumph, a shadow of doubt lingered, for the specter of death still loomed. With a silent prayer of gratitude to Bahamut, he grunted as he rose unsteadily to his full height. "Who...are you?"

"Ah, silly me, forgot about the disguise." Natassa chirped, her voice tinged with amusement. With a flick of her wrist, the armor melted away like water, revealing a riot of vibrant colors beneath. Dull browns blossomed into brilliant golds and oranges, while blues as vivid as the sky painted her feathers. It was unmistakably Natassa, her true form shining through.

“Natassa?” He panted in disbelief, he must have been dreaming, death making him hallucinate, “Why in the- “

“Surprised, my dear?" Natassa purred, her tone dripping with smugness as she struck a pose and flicked her tail. "I always knew you lot would get in over your heads, and lo and behold, I was proven right." With graceful strides, she curled around Veledar, a flicker of genuine concern crossing her eyes. "That monster got you good, didn't he?"

"Couldn't finish me." Veledar replied, each step labored, as though he bore thrice his weight. With a Herculean effort, he pressed onward, collapsing only once he was free of the machine's door.

"I can see that, too damned stubborn." Natassa said, swatting his side with a wing. "Now stop your moving before you bleed all over my feathers."

"The others." Veledar winced. "He said the others—"

"I know, Arcturus and his lot were dragged away." Natassa interrupted with a mournful chirp. "No word on Lyndis, but I hope the dear is as resourceful as ever."

“I have to…I can’t.” He grunted, talons digging onto the stone as he pulled himself forward, “I have to rescue- “

“I said, stay still!” She squawked, smacking him on the snout, “I have to weave a healing spell, and you’re not helping.”

“Smack me again and I’ll bite you.” He growled, only to meet a chirpy laugh.

“Like you’d have the energy. I imagine you owe me quite a lot.”

He huffed, “I’ll reward you to not rub it in my scales.”

A flare of Natassa's wing halted the dragon in his tracks as she began her incantation. With graceful movements and delicate gestures, she wove her magic, her voice resonating through the hall like a melody. Strands of magic trailed behind her, seeking out Veledar's injured hide. Flashes of vibrant colors accompanied a comforting embrace, the scent of a summer's field lingering in the air. Fatigue melted away, replaced by strength; aches were soothed, and wounds healed. Veledar groaned as his muscles were invigorated, the toll of battle undone.

With renewed vigor, Veledar sprang to all fours, wings outstretched, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. His body was restored to its former glory, every scale perfectly in place, no sign of blood or injury to be found.

"There we are, feeling any better?" Natassa circled around him, her beak clicking with satisfaction as she inspected her handiwork. "Took a bit more magic than I anticipated, but it seems to have done the trick." She glanced around the surroundings, a chill running down her spine. "We'd best make ourselves scarce before the old bag of bones realizes he's been outfoxed."

Veledar rubbed his chest, sensing a lingering thread between he and Arcturus. Unlike the other times it was weak, barely a flicker, either from the distance or-, he shook his head with a growl, refusing to accept that.

"You're planning to go after him, aren't you?" Natassa sighed, her chirp tinged with resignation. "Even though he bested you before—"

"Perhaps then." Veledar interjected, "but now I am restored." He paused, a chill creeping over his scales. "But I cannot allow them to take my Umraadi... I would rather face my end."

Natassa's reaction caught him off guard, a moment of vulnerability slipping through her usual bravado. "I understand." she said, her tone softening. "There were times with Lyndis I cursed my tail feathers to the nine hells." She placed a hand on Veledar's forepaw. "He's lucky to have someone like you."

"I know." Veledar huffed, his gaze drifting away. "Though I will need your aid if we're going to save him."

Natassa recoiled, her wings pinned against her sides. "Hey, just because I came back to help your scaly butt doesn't mean I'm ready to throw my life away!"

Veledar met her gaze with a determined stare. "I don't believe that's entirely true. You've already ventured into the Lich's lair to aid me in my darkest hour." His tail swished with urgency as he watched her resolve waver. "Please, Natassa, I need you."

She sighed, her wings fluttering uneasily. "You're a real piece of work, you know that?" With a few paces, she surveyed the shadowy laboratory. "Fine." she chirped, her tail lashing behind her. "I know I'll regret this, but what the hell."

“Wonderful.” He growled, “Now I just need you to- “
“One moment there darling, this isn’t a charity.” She squawked, “This help is going to cost you…a lot.”

Cursing under his breath he didn’t even haggle, “Very well, we can discuss it after. I need you to find Lyndis, I imagine by now she’s at the courtyard, where we were suppose meet when we were done.” His tail nearly knocked over a table, “She will be my cavalry as I pursue the others.”

“And you play the big hero?”

“Only fitting it be so.” He nodded, “A dragon trying to save his dearest Umraadi, sounds like a story worthy of song?”

“Whole sonnet I imagine. Though one problem.” She hesitated, “What if she’s not there and captured.”

For a moment his heart chilled, that was always a possibility. “Then just follow in the wake of my destruction, you’ll find me there.”

“And you’re able to track him through all this?” She tapped her beak, “Can’t make out a single smell.”

It was time for Veledar to pat his chest, “Trust me, they won’t be able to stop me. I do believe you sent the lich to him?”

She smirked, “Such confidence. Alright, but let’s make haste. Who knows when the boned beast will be back”

“How about immediately!” Nigel’s voice carried across the hall, shattering their spirits.

He strolled in, visage melting away, leaving twin burning eyes of coal to fall upon Veledar, “I do hope you’ve enjoyed this moment of reprieve dragon, for you will be going back to your prison.”

Not this time, he would not have a repeat of the previous encounter. He roared a warning to Natassa before bolting away from the machine.

“First you die, silver tongued fiend!” From the lich’s boney finger came a viridian beam of light, snapping across the air with deadly intent. Natassa though, her reflexes too swift, sprung to the air upon her wings, leaving it to crackle and disintegrate an unfortunate shelf to get in its way.

“You’re far too trusting darling.” Quipped Natassa, her voice in a musical tone, “Just goes to show you, even if dark magic made you immortal, you’re still a sucker.”

With a snarl he barked a spell, slashing the air with his boney claws.

Distracted as he was, Veledar took the initiative, latching onto the magician with his teeth. There he ignited his fire glands. With nowhere to go, the flames sprung forth, ensnaring the boned monster within his grasp.

Nigel dissipated into wisps of shadow, his form contorting through the air, impervious to claws but not to the ethereal melody that Natassa now hurled his way. The lich was jolted back to the present, thrown to the ground, his robes singed with embers. His decaying flesh smoldered as he rose in silence, his next incantation fizzling out before it could manifest, thwarted by a flick of the gryphoness' tail.

She possessed the knowledge to counter his spells? Veledar rumbled his approval, intrigued by her resourcefulness. As the lich assessed his predicament, a flicker of fear danced in his darkened eyes, a sensation Veledar was eager to exploit and exacerbate.

"No more words, Lich? No more taunts and arrogance?" Veledar's roar reverberated through the chamber as he closed the distance, relentless in his pursuit, determined not to let the mage slip away. Every attempt the lich made to evade him was met with a barrage of teeth, claws, or scales, blocking every path of escape. "You're on your last legs.”

The dragon seized him with his teeth, cursing the bitter cold that came with the lich's touch but holding firm as his teeth split through bone. With a shake of his head, he hurled the lich into the infernal machine. Any attempt to turn to clouds was swiftly halted by Natassa's sharp chirp.

"Looks like you've reached a dead end." Natassa remarked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. With a flick of her wrist, she inserted the hexagonal key into its slot and chanted the words of power. The door rumbled to life, sealing Nigel inside with a resounding clunk.

He acknowledged the gryphoness with a nod of approval; they had indeed proven to be an effective duo. As he approached the door, Veledar's claws scraped against the steel with a satisfied smirk playing across his snout. "How does it feel to be ensnared by your own contraption, mage? Your arrogance led you to this moment. It must be quite the humiliation."

"Couldn’t imagine anything worse." Natassa chuckled, "Guess even the mighty mage isn't immune to his own traps. Who knew?"

Nigel's voice sliced through the thick door, devoid of emotion, as the machine hummed to life behind him. "This won't kill me, you know. All you'll do is inconvenience me."

"Likely boasting, but you're trapped and doomed," the dragon growled. "Let your fate be what you had in store for me."

"It feeds upon souls, mine isn't within this shell." Nigel retorted.

"If so, then this should keep you contained." Veledar declared, delivering a resounding smack to the door with his paw. "Long enough, I hope, for us to be far away from this wretched castle."

He turned to Natassa, who already wore a mischievous gleam in her eye. "But just to be sure, did you see how he activated the machine?"

"Oh, already did that." she chimed, blowing the lich a mocking kiss. "I do hope you enjoy becoming a stone."

With their task accomplished, they left the lich to his fate. Though witnessing his demise would have been satisfying, they had more pressing matters to attend to. With a powerful flap of their wings, they launched into the air, urgency driving every beat.