Chapter 47

One more dead paladin, Arcturus grimaced as he cut down another of his once cohorts in the castle’s hall. Though how could they be, after listening to the evils dribbling from the king’s mouth, choosing loyalty and grim calculus of morality. Arcturus strode over the dead half-orc and locked his eyes onto the form of Cornellius.

The king was worse for wear, his other guards dead at his feet. The once pristine robes were slashed, his legs drooling blood from his deep wounds. Krotos lay before his feet, a dagger plunged into his breast to the hilt. A crimson pool marred his blue and grey feathers as the catbird clung to what life he had.

“So, you were the one to send this…idiot after me.” Growled the king, returning to his feet, a harsh hand gesture to Arcturus. “Come to finish the job? Complete your transformation into a full-blown traitor?” Cornellius winced, clutching his side as he took a tentative step back, spitting out blood, “There will be no mercy when my agents find you, no hole in which you can hide. Mark my words your hide will be strung up and paraded about for all to see. The only reason you and your monster got this far was on luck and the schemes of that Emerald Bitch.”

He rushed to Krotos’ side, every second counting if he wished to save his life. Cornellius tried to strike him with a drawn blade, but the knight deflected it, wrenching the weapon from the man’s feeble grasp. It clanged useless to the stone as Arcturus pressed the tip of his own weapon to Cornellius’ throat. “You deserve death for what you’ve admitted to, what darkness you’ve allowed to fester.” Growled Arcturus, “That is why you will be the one to be brought before your people, face justice for your crimes. Everyone will know the sins of you and this kingdom, only then can we set about making it right.”

With no protest he knelt beside Krotos, his hand gliding through the sullied feathers as the gryphon struggled for breath. He could feel the feeble fluttering of his pulse, a fragile echo of the strength is used to possess.

“Arcturus.” Choked the bird weakly, “Sorry you have to see me in such a state, my feathers are a mess.”

“Save your breath you daft bird.” Arcturus replied as the gryphon gave a friendly thump of his tail. Even on the verge of death he had to have a quip. “Now be still, you’ll be up about in no time.” Whispering words to Bahamut, he let the last of this magic course down his veins into his very fingers. Just as he done with his own wounds he did again here, turning death into life.

“Oh, now that’s what I needed.” Krotos breathed a great sigh of relief as his body trembled, “Remind me to ask you to touch me more often, you got magic fingers.”

“Down you.” Arcturus turned back to the king, cutting off an escape with his blade, “And you’re not going anywhere.” He smiled as the sounds of combat down the hall had ceased, “Sounds as though Crimson Sky has finished dealing with your inquisitor, I imagine he’d like to have word with you as well.”

The king glared with contempt, “How far from noble Lund tree you’ve fallen, your father would have realized what needed to be done.”

“If you think I care what my father of all people thinks of me, you’re sadly mistaken.” Arcturus growled, “I will sleep easy when you’re no longer king.”

“How naive you are boy” Chortled the king, “You think it will be that easy? That simply because you say that the courts will go against their rightful king? No, I’ll tell you what will happen. They’ll hunt you and your dragon down, execute you in front of the masses for the traitor that you are.”

“We shall see.”

“Then again, you were never exceptionally bright, nor seeing the greater picture, including this.” As he spoke, he rubbed one of his rings, its cut gem swelling with a brilliant life. At a gesture, lightning flew from his fingers like a burst vein, crackling through the air to sear flesh and feather alike.

The crackling energy surged through him like a thousand fiery serpents, each venomous tendril searing his flesh with merciless intensity. It was like the air itself seemed to ignite around him with malevolent fury, extending seconds into minutes as he collapsed upon one knee. Every nerve in him screamed in agony as the currents tore through him, stripping away all sense of self in a blinding maelstrom of pain. His world devolved into nothing more than a chaotic symphony of light and shadow as arcs of electricity danced across his vision, revealing Krotos was enduring the same thing. He screamed, of course he did as every strand of light left after images burned upon his mind.

“So righteous, believed in your cause. Look at you now, bowing at my feet, unable to utter your treasonous drivel!” Cornellius smiled wickedly, like a demon, “Once I rid myself of you and this gryphon, we’ll return for that dragon. Cut him apart, present his corpse to the masses, you will not stand in the way of peace! I’ll be remembered as a hero!”

Even amidst this torment, a defiant spark still lingered, the stubborn refusal to yield to this darkness. Through gritted teeth he found thought to his vow, finding the strength and willpower that was needed for one last stand. With a roar like that of his dragon he lashed out with his blade, striking true, cleaving through the king’s extended arm and neck.

The lightning stopped, the king was frozen, his eyes wide with terror. With a sickening squelch that echoed like a funeral dirge, the king’s head was wrenched from his body in a gruesome display. It tumbled to the ground, staring blankly out to the void.

Arcturus was left panting, flickers of pain still kissing through his smoldering flesh. Whatever shadow Cornellius had upon the kingdom was over, a new path could be taken. He closed his eyes, whispering a prayer to Bahamut.

“Guess he won’t stay ahead of the game anymore.” Krotos laughed weakly, standing on all fours, “I’m surprised you killed him.”

“I can see that I did, had no choice, did I?” Replied Arcturus, sheathing his blade. “It was that or let him kill us.”

“Guess we’re throwing out the whole stand trial thing?” The gryphon’s ears pinned, “No one will believe you now.”

A bitter pill to swallow, but Arcturus stood tall, it would have to be a task for another today. For now, one of the many heads lay slain at his feet. “We’ll have to find another way.”

Krotos nodded at the grim fact, ignoring the blood in his feathers. Across Cornelius slain form his eyes traveled, he sighed, “I know this won’t bring Gus back…but I think it numbs the pain.”

He laid a hand on the gryphon’s neck, getting a bump of his forehead against him, followed by a nuzzle.

“Thanks for coming after me, I thought I was a goner.”

“Leave you alone? You’ll know that I don’t leave my friends behind.” He pulled back, seeing the hurt still in the gryphon’s eyes, “I promise you; Gus will not have died in vain.”

A soft nod came to punctuate the gryphon’s dismay. Once Krotos slipped the king’s ring off him and they turned to depart, Veledar galloped his way over, a fire seemingly lit beneath his tail. His snout instantly snapped from the corpse and back to them.

“I see you’ve taken care of things without my presence.” Grunted the dragon, his voice hinting with disappointment.

“Indeed so.” Replied Arcturus bitterly, “Though his death means little if what he said was true. He was just but one cog in this horrid machine.”

“That’s not very reassuring news.” Snorted the dragon, “Though you speak as though we didn’t get a victory this evening.” He growled with a grin and swish of the tail, “They learned to not steal from a dragon tonight, lest he break into your castle, make a mockery of your wizard and his allies kill your king.”

“Not quite the statement I was trying to present.” Arcturus sighed, “I take it Suntail and the others were bested.”

“Quite thoroughly.” Veledar rumbled, rolling a paw to his prideful chest, “The feathery bag turned her tail and fled. I’d love to imagine her shivering underneath her nest with the utter thrashing we gave her, but I imagine she’s regrouping for another attack as we speak.” He turned, giving the king’s corpse one last murderous glance and a growl, “Now, if it’s the same to all of you, I’d rather not give her the chance. The sooner we get out of this abysmal city the better.”

Was that a hint of remorse in the dragon’s growl? Arcturus didn’t ask, but merely nodded, there would be time for questions later, for now, they had to focus on their escape. “Well then, what are we waiting for? Lead the way.”

** * * * * * *

Bells rang through the night, each reverberation carrying with it the promise of more soldiers and constructs to waylay their escape. Though Veledar normally would relish the challenge of presenting his weary companions with an example of his prowess and draconic strength, even he had to accept they were running close to their limits. Even now, every ring of the bells brought trembles of unease through his scales.

He galloped through the halls with the others on his tail, their destination the courtyard where, if luck permitted, Natassa and Lyndis would be waiting. As they passed a series of long windows, colorful displays of gryphons in flight he couldn’t help but think of an easier solution. He tilted his head back as they rounded a corner.

“Why not just break through the window and take flight?” He growled, “Better than being surrounded by our hosts.”

“While usually I like being surrounded by strapping men and woman, I can’t help but agree with the dragon.” Krotos chirped with a laugh, “We can meet the ship in the mountains.”

“Our plan was the courtyard, that is still a viable option.” Said Shandalar, “If our adversaries pursue us, we will want the firepower that the airship can provide.”

Veledar grumbled at the logic, the last thing he wished was to be dragged down by an army of feathery teams. As the sounds of combat reached him further along the hall, he pushed himself to hasten his step, “Stick behind me you three, I’ll make short work of them.”

What they found was not the gathered mass of defense that he expected, instead they had stumbled onto a chaotic whirlwind of battle. Lyndis and the others were facing off against some Lumarians and their constructs, and by the look of things, utterly trouncing the defenders with blade, skill and spell.

Lyndis was currently dancing circles around two humans in plate, her agile movements and sword play a hefty bulwark they could not breach. Aided by twin copies of herself taunting and dragging their attentions, it was no surprise she was able to find gaps in their defenses and have her steel taste blood.

Natassa was singing her heart out, magical tunes flowing beautifully through the air. With a fluff of her feathers or flick of the tail, her musical mastery was turning enemy strikes into glancing blows and guiding Asterion and the others with sure hands and keen eyes. One poor human who drew close to her was swiftly mesmerized, left a drooling mess of which she could casually brush aside with her flank.

In a flurry of martial might, Merlia and Asterion were going for the more straightforward attacks. Energy crossbow blasts and hammer were making a mockery of paladin’s armor. The dwarf’s laughs combined with the minotaur’s brutal roars were a strange cacophony of comradery between Thor and Korde’s servants.

“Look who decided to finally show up!” Merlia barked, blasting apart a construct with a series of energy blasts, “Typical dragon, lazin about and letting us do all the work before showing up. Well, what ya sitting around for? Stop your gawking ya firey bastard and help us so we can get the hells out of here!”

With a toss of his head, he let forth his roar, spelling doom for the Lumarians before him. It was hard to not rumble as he tossed around the paladins with his paws and fire. What constructs they had left he leapt upon, summoning magic to his claws so that he could tear apart their hardened steel. In shower of sparks, he ripped limb from limb. It was not long after he and the others arrived that the Lumarians were routed, leaving only a handful to depart to lick their wounds.

“Tell your friends about this day, ya ran from Thor’s dealer of death, Merlia Gallogalar!” Merlia laughed, losing one last shot striking a retreating guard in the ass to ensure the Lumarians thought twice before returning.

“You have my thanks, all of you.” Veledar gave a heavy snort, trying to hide the affection brimming in his chest as he gazed upon all his loyal minions; no friends, but they didn’t need to know that; at least not yet. He dusted off his chest, head risen with an aura of draconic pride, “But I had the situation under the control.”

“Is that right?” Lyndis scoffed with a relief filled grin, “Because from what I gathered, the lot of you got your tails thrashed left right and center.”

“That…is an interpretation that one could take.” He coughed, not fancying dwelling on how Nigel had captured him.

“Regardless, it’s just good to see the lot of you in one piece.”

“Of course.” He adopted a regal pose, “It takes more than some undead abomination to keep me down.”

“How’s the route to the courtyard looking?” Arcturus sheathed his blade.

“We got through it alright.” Lyndis replied with a worried glance to the hall, “Though we really kicked the hornets’ nest on this one, who’s to say if it’s stayed that way.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Veledar gave a growl, “With me by your side, and us gathered in one place, they can’t stand against us.”

Merlia shook her head, “Right, well, we can stroke our dicks later, point is we got to get a move on!” She knelt by the hall’s door, keeping an eye out, “Figure it won’t be long till the castle be pissing foes at us.”

“And I relish the challenge dwarf.” Asterion flared his nostrils and thumping his chest, “Let them come.”

“For some of us that don’t have a hardon for dying, I’d like a better plan.”

“Don’t worry, have you covered.” Natassa purred, already starting to guide everyone close together with her wings, “Let me conjure up some disguises and we’ll slip out of here without a fuss. Crimson Sky dearest, transfigure yourself into that darling gryphon disguise you had going.”

Sighing, the dragon did as was requested of him. Sure, he would have rather gone out roaring his fury to the night, but this would work too; he supposed it was time to let the others shine. That didn’t stop him from hissing his displeasure before adopting the gryphon form.

In a flurry of musical notes, the bard’s spell traveled down them all, wrapping them in a colorful display of dazzling colors. In a bright flash of light, they were each sporting new attire and faces, perfect examples of the guards in which they had been fighting.

“Thanks, I hate it.” Veledar plucked at the brown cloth around his feathery neck, “This color isn’t me.”

“Oh, quit your belly aching.” Merlia replied, her own face concealed by a beard crawling down to her belly, “Who cares what ya look like if it gets the job done?”

“Some of us have beauty to care about.”

The dwarf’s cheeks flared, “Listen here ya poor excuse for a forge, I’ll let ya know, I was one of the most beautiful dwarven woman around.”

He snorted, averting his gaze, “Clearly they wouldn’t know beauty if it struck them in the face.”

“I’m gonna kill him!”

Arcturus sighed, holding the ball of rage and chuckling dragon back. “Time and place.” The paladin’s voice came firm, “Focus on escaping, then you can kill him.”

What storm was building was momentary tamed, Merlia grumbled, giving the dragon an eyeful of daggers, “Alright, fine, but mark me words, dragon we’re having a go!”

** * * * * * * * * *

Natassa's illusions, intricate and masterful, did not hold long against Suntail's cunning. The gryphon inquisitor, ever perceptive, had anticipated such trickery and had already briefed her troops on how to counter it. Constructs with glowing red eyes swept through the halls, their piercing gazes unraveling the veils of deception. The moment their disguises fell, the clash of steel and the roar of battle erupted. Veledar and his companions found themselves fighting for every inch, their path to the courtyard fraught with relentless opposition.

Of course, they wouldn't let them go, nor did Veledar truly expect them to. What he would have liked, of course, was for them to see the futility of their resistance, to realize it was better to let him pass. But alas, they were fools, either propped up by their commander’s will or some misguided oath of duty. He greeted their obstinance with a torrent of flames, and to his satisfaction, their armor and shields were increasingly less resistant to his fiery breath. It seemed they had exhausted their supply of fire-resistant gear, a miscalculation he was more than happy to exploit.

He couldn't help but relish this chance to unleash his fury, to vent the frustration that had built up over the past few months. The constant slights against his pride, the humiliations he had endured, all culminating in bitter disappointment. Now, with claws, teeth, and flames, he took savage satisfaction in battering the defenders. Each strike was a payment exacted for their audacity, for daring to steal from him. It was a grim joy, but a joy nonetheless, to see them crumble before his wrath.

Arriving in the courtyard revealed a realm of meticulously maintained hedges, sculpted into various shapes of gryphons locked in traditional dances. Statues of heroes from ages past emerged from these natural alcoves, their stoic and awe-inspiring visages a testament to the pursuit of a better tomorrow. At the courtyard’s center lay a vast pond, its still surface reflecting the star-filled sky above. Stone benches encircled this tranquil oasis, offering a perfect place for contemplation and self-reflection. Yet, the serenity of this haven was soon shattered by the relentless clamor of battle.

Veledar hurled a knight into the pond, his crimson scales gleaming in the starlight. As he glanced at his allies, he saw the weariness etched on their faces. Though they did not voice their complaints, the weight of exhaustion was palpable. Their once-brilliant spells had dimmed, and though they were mighty, the limits of their endurance were clear. Veledar knew that one more push might bring them to the brink, where death would be waiting at their gate.

"Is it me, or is this getting easier?" Lyndis quipped, almost out of breath as she ducked low and stabbed out the knees of a soldier crossing blades with Arcturus.

"Don't get cocky, Lyndis." Asterion rumbled, his hammer smashing into another foe. "There's plenty more where that came from…Oh, you were trying to lighten the mood."

“Hey, who said he couldn’t learn?” she replied, dodging out of the way as Arcturus brought his shield crashing into a paladin, sending the knight clattering to the ground.

“While I could do this all day, I have to ask the question.” She leaped over a soldier, shoving his helmet over his eyes before stabbing him in the back. “Shandalar, where’s that bloody ship of yours? I could use a drink!”

“Probably got lost on the way!” Merlia belted out a laugh, blood dribbling down her lips as she took cover behind a kneeling human statue, energy crossbow in hand. “Let him take his time! I’ve fought tougher, one-eyed goblins in the foggy mountains!”

“Captain Striker will be waiting for the cannons to be disabled.” Shandalar stated, her voice calm and precise, as she gestured to the walls overlooking the courtyard where several of the weapons loomed. Soldiers were already flocking to their controls, ready to unleash destruction. “Otherwise, they will tear the ship apart.” Turning to Veledar, she summoned a protective wall of stone around their position, her expression unchanging as she informed them, “This is my final spell. Dragon, it is up to you to neutralize them.”

Giving a fierce growl, Veledar unfurled his wings wide, fixing a steely gaze upon the mage. "Do not dare assume you wield authority over me." With a mighty thrust of his leathery wings, he ascended into the sky. Though abandoning Arcturus to his battle below gnawed at his conscience, Veledar recognized the imperative of their escape. In mere moments, he descended upon the walls like a vengeful specter, his scales ablaze with a cerulean hue. The projectiles from energy crossbows glanced off him as if mere raindrops, while he tore the defenders asunder with savage determination.

Dodging the lethal aim of Lumarian cannons, Veledar swiftly launched himself into the air once more. Deadly crimson beams shot toward him, but with a graceful tilt of his wings, he deftly avoided their deadly trajectory. As the crackling surge of energy passed beneath his scales, he unleashed his own fiery vengeance without hesitation. With each sweep of his breath, he ignited the gunners and their cannons, his flames burning hotter and fiercer than ever before. The screams and cries of his enemies were but a symphony to his ears, leaving naught but twisted metal and scorched corpses in their wake.

His roar echoed through the night, a primal declaration of dominance over his chosen prey. Gryphons dared to launch themselves at him, but they were effortlessly swatted down, their feeble attempts futile against his might. In the vast expanse of the sky, he reigned supreme, unmatched and unrivaled. As he circled the courtyard, the atmosphere crackled with the energy of battle. Spells were hurled from his minions' positions, a symphony of radiant flames, illusionary distractions, and enchantments to stupefy their attackers. Despite the odds, they persevered.

The entrances to the courtyard brimmed with soldiers and constructs, forming formidable barriers designed to funnel more reinforcements into the awaiting arms of the adventurers. It was a calculated tactic, intended to overwhelm them gradually, with their arsenal of magical shields, weapons, and healing arts proving formidable for Arcturus and his comrades to withstand. Veledar rolled his eyes in exasperation. Must he handle everything himself? Like a shadow descending from above, the dragon swooped down, his fiery breath halting a Lumarian advance in its tracks. Flesh seared, steel darkened, and both gryphons and humans alike were sent scurrying back to the safety of their fortifications.

With a deft swish of his tail, Veledar harnessed the last vestiges of his magical energy, shaping the burgeoning flames below into a formidable barrier. With a commanding gesture, the crackling tendrils of fire coalesced into a towering wall, severing the Lumarian soldiers from his loyal companions. But he didn't stop there; the intensity of the blaze continued to swell, compelling the enemy to seek refuge or risk being consumed by its searing embrace.

Having secured this temporary reprieve, Veledar turned his attention to the heavens above. There, Shandalar unleashed a pulsating wave of cerulean magic that streaked across the sky above the castle, erupting into a dazzling display of arcane might. It lingered momentarily—a fervent plea for their imminent rescue. And they didn't have to wait long.

From the depths of the night emerged a vessel of mortal ingenuity and enchanting power, a testament to both craftsmanship and magical mastery. Crafted from hardened wood and gleaming steel, its formidable frame was adorned with great propellers spinning fervently, casting gales of wind upon the earth below. Its roar drowned out all other sounds, shaking bushes and ruffling feathers as it heralded its arrival.

Emblazoned upon its prow was a majestic golden gryphon, its talons raised, and beak open in a resounding cry. Etched across its sturdy hull was its name—the RLA Destiny-A—a symbol of hope and strength in the face of adversity.

As the vessel loomed overhead, its cannons turned to bear, crackling with golden light and electric energy. In a dazzling display of power, they unleashed a barrage of crimson fury, beams of intense heat that obliterated anything unfortunate enough to stand in their path. Statues crumbled, and the castle's stone yielded to the relentless assault, raining debris upon the startled defenders below.

Amidst the chaos, cries of dismay and disbelief filled the air as the defenders realized that one of their own ships had turned against them.

Veledar circled the machine of death, for a moment glad that such a device was on their side. Though as he passed above the numerous crews going about their tasks, pointing to his majestic scales, he flared his nostrils, knowing that if he put his mind to it, he could tear it apart…probably.

"Aye, lookit 'em scurry, like wee beasties fleein' the light!" Merlia bellowed with a hearty laugh, her voice carrying over the tumult as the Lumarian forces crumbled under the unyielding assault.

“Stop your gawking and let’s move!” Arcturus took charge, getting the others to sprint, gallop or surge towards the ever-approaching ship.

From the bowels of Destiny emerged a ramp, crafted to transport gryphons and provisions to the earth below. Positioned upon it stood several figures clad in gleaming plate mail, wielding energy crossbows poised for action. Among them strode a minotaur of imposing stature, his fur as black as midnight, his eyes a fierce amber, and a golden ring adorning his broad nostrils.

"Move swiftly, you wretches!" bellowed the formidable bull-man, hefting a crossbow that matched his formidable size. "We do not have the luxury of lingering here!"

“Don’t have to tell me twice!” Natassa chirped, grabbing Lyndis in her talons, spreading her wings, and setting her sights for the deck above.

As his companions rushed for the ramp, Veledar swept down to collect his Umraadi, ensnaring the knight in his powerful claws. With a powerful beat of his wings, they ascended, evading the relentless barrage of cannon fire aimed at the defenders below. Landing gracefully upon Destiny’s deck, the dragon released Arcturus amidst a chorus of gasps and awestruck murmurs from the diverse crew gathered around.

In a display of majestic grandeur, Veledar assumed a regal stance, his presence commanding the attention of all who beheld him. "I offer my gratitude on behalf of my minions." he declared, his voice resonating with authority. "The Lumarians’ proved to be an inconvenience, one I could have handled in due time. Yet, your timely intervention has spared me the trouble. I commend your dedication."

“Yea, it really looked like you had the bloody thing under control.” Lyndis replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Veledar held his head high, eyes closed in an imperious gesture. “I’m glad you have such an attention to detail, Lyndis. It’s why I adore your presence. Now, to the rest of you ship-bound mortals, heed my words. As the dragon on board, I graciously accept this vessel into my service.”

He waved a nearby crewman forward with an elegant flick of his paw. “I would prefer this city to be but a tiny dot behind my wings within the hour. See to it that my wishes are fulfilled.”

Arcturus sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose as the ramp retracted with a solid clank. “That’s just his way of saying thanks.” he said, trying to ease the tension with a tired smile. “Don’t worry about the details too much.”

"Yea, he likes to shove his paw in his maw." Lyndis smirked.

Veledar huffed, eyes narrowing at the indignation. "Don’t be ridiculous. Shandalar hired these goons to aid in our escape from that wretched castle. As the glorious leader of our group, it is only fitting that they are my minions as well." He surveyed the crew, his gaze sharp and assessing, tail lashing with irritation. "Now, minions." he proclaimed, voice full of imperious command, "it would please your dragon to leave this accursed place behind once and for all. I have spent too long within its shadow."

For a moment they did nothing, looking to Arcturus and the others as though it were a joke. The tension lingered in the air until a man emerged among the others, laughing deep from his gut, as though he were one of Merlia’s cousins. “Belay that order, though do get us out of here.” Said the man, one sporting a thick, well-trimmed beard that would be the envy of any dwarf. He was clad in an earth brown uniform with golden tassets upon his shoulders, blue eyes radiating warmth and authority. “Names William T Striker, Captain of the Destiny.”

“Oh good, you’re the one I can direct my complaint.” Veledar padded his way forward, taking his rightful position with a fluff of his wings, “I am the great Crimson Sky, easy to say and beautiful to the eye. You should be ashamed of your subordinates; they did not hop to at my order.”

Striker shook his head as Arcturus and Lyndis sighed in unison, “Shandalar said you’d be full of yourself, didn’t think you’d be trying to commandeer my ship within a minute of setting foot upon it’s deck!” The man crossed his arms, still in good spirit, “Guess I owe her a drink.”

“Apologies.” Arcturus was at his side, putting a pin in his entire draconic speech, giving an extended hand to their new acquaintance, “He means to say you have our thanks, things were getting quite harrowing down there.”

“Is that not what I said?” Veledar’s snout wrinkled with a swish of his tail as Striker embraced the man.

“I’m just glad we could be at service; we had a lot riding on all of this.” Striker gave a bow to Lyndis, “And it’s always delightful to help a beautiful woman, royalty to boot.”

Lyndis’ turned crimson as she tried to get the man to stand with waves, “Come on Striker, no need to do that, come on get up!”

How she couldn’t enjoy others bowing at her paws, willing to lend their service to whatever she wanted he never would understand.

Standing tall and brushing off his attire, Striker strode to the front of the vessel as it gained altitude above the castle, “Now, if you lot will excuse us, we still have work to do. I’ll have my first officer show you to your quarters. You can rest easy, leave the escape to my crew.”

"Leave it to you?" Veledar growled, his gaze fixed on the city below. He fully expected a squadron of gryphons to rise in pursuit. "With all due respect, human, I don't believe this fancy dinghy can outpace even the slowest of gryphons." He sighed, as though the very idea caused him physical pain. "I suppose you'll be asking me to deal with any kittybirds that get on our tails?"

“What’s the matter, don’t want to relax and leave it to these blokes?” Lyndis scoffed with an amused grin, “I’m surprised you’re volunteering for more work when they offered to wait on you hand and foot.”

Of course, he knew he was being played; he could see it in the gleam of her eye. Veledar wrinkled his snout at her audacity. He certainly wouldn’t let her know she was correct in her assessment of his desires. "There will be a time and place for that, minion. For now, I wish to ensure that the other, lesser minions can handle themselves."

If Striker was insulted by that, he didn’t show it. The captain wheeled about to his crew, barking out a few orders as they neared the floating fortresses overlooking the city, “Don’t worry, dragon, sit back and observe the best. We’ll have you out of here in two shakes of a gryphon’s tail.”

"Human." Veledar flicked his tail, his voice laden with skepticism, "are we not trying to avoid those fortresses of death?" He glanced at Arcturus, searching for any sign of worry, "If I remember correctly, Arcturus informed me they sport dozens of cannons, all quite capable of swatting ships like these from the sky."

"Normally, that might be the case," Striker began, his tone confident and relaxed, "but this isn't one of those times." He crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips. "Shandalar, is your team ready down there?"

The Sunelf was escorted over, flanked by a trio of guards. Her demeanor was as stoic as ever, her arms folded behind her. "The devices have been planted as planned." she stated calmly. "With Suntail's attention focused on our activities, she was too preoccupied to notice."

"Excellent." the captain smirked. "I do love it when a plan comes together. Dragon, I hope you enjoy the show."

As they approached, the fortresses loomed like dark sentinels against the night sky, their battlements bristling with ominous energy. Suddenly, a surge of blinding light erupted from every tower, illuminating the surrounding darkness with an intensity that rivaled the sun itself. In the next heartbeat, a torrent of flames erupted forth, an infernal cascade consuming everything in its path with voracious hunger. The air crackled with the fury of the blaze, and the screams of humans and the panicked cries of gryphons echoed through the chaos as they sought refuge from the searing onslaught.

When the dust settled, what loomed over the fortresses were beasts of immense size, even dwarfing the Destiny three times over. Their lower portions swelled with raging flames, twisting upon one another like a tornado; their upper halves resembled were more humanoid in shape, complete with two arms that swelled with great light. They carried great hammers to equal stature, they too forged from living flames.

“Elder fire elementals.” Veledar growled, his eyes wide, “Those are quite rare, given they never leave the elemental planes of fire.”

“That would be so.” Shandalar replied flatly, “Capturing them was a sloppy affair, but the loss of life was worth it.”

The towering elementals surged against the fortress walls like a relentless tempest, their colossal forms crashing down upon the defenders with the unstoppable fury of nature unleashed. They were like avatars of the gods, wielding devastation as their weapon, rending asunder structures that had stood firm for generations. Stone shattered like brittle wood beneath their onslaught, bodies were flung into the air like leaves in a gale, and those unfortunate enough to be caught in their path were swiftly reduced to naught but ash by the searing heat of their wrathful presence. Amidst the chaos and cacophony of battle, the Destiny slipped through the shadows, unnoticed and unseen, its course unhindered by the tumultuous carnage unfolding below.

“There we are dragon, and to think you doubted me.” Striker laughed, as his crew began preparing for their journey into the dragon neck mountains. “Those Lumarians will be too busy to even think of little old us.”

As Asterion and Merlia watched with gleeful anticipation, Veledar observed the turmoil evident in Arcturus' countenance. The paladin's gaze lingered upon the flames, torn between the call of duty and the desire for escape. After a poignant moment of inner conflict, the weight of reason prevailed, marked by a heavy sigh that escaped Arcturus' lips.

“I will admit, your crew performed higher than I would have thought.” Veledar held his head high, pinning his wings in a regal pose, “They are to be commended Striker, it’s not often a dragon is surprised.”

"Quite right." Striker chuckled, his voice carrying an air of camaraderie. "Let's take it as a commendation, shall we?" As the minotaur from the ramp clopped his way over, the captain composed himself, “Now, Crimson Sky, can’t have the men gawking about you like some sort of circus attraction.”

“Would be the best circus they every visited.” Veledar huffed in amusement.

“So, Mister Warf here will show you to your quarters.” He clapped the minotaur, Warf, on his broad shoulders.

Eyes widened in astonishment; they had quarters suitable enough? He rumbled, swishing his tail, “Now you truly honor me, Captain. I was not aware your ship was so prestigious. I was convinced it would be some sort of spider-infested, cramped dungeon.”

Striker gave a nervous laugh, “Well, you might be close in that regard. Your quarters are in the ship’s hold.”

Grumbling at the sheer indignity of it all, Veledar reluctantly complied, trailing behind Warf's heavy hooves. As the night swallowed them in its silent embrace, his heart grew heavy with the weight of all that had transpired. The loss of his precious book, the haunting implications of his mother's demise—each thought a heavy stone dragging him down into the depths of despair. Yet amidst the darkness, a glimmer of light emerged: a comforting hand upon his scales, the touch of Arcturus. In response, the dragon offered a subdued chuff, what would he do without him.

“Don’t worry Crimson Sky!” Feku was just as eager to bound to his side, every pocket of hers jingling with loot. Her eyes dazzled with excitement, in her hands she sported one of the bags of holding, “I got treasures just for you!”

With an involuntary huff, Veledar couldn't help but feel the stirrings of curiosity coursing through his veins. The scent of magic wafted tantalizingly in the air, promising treasures of great value just waiting to be claimed for his hoard. Despite the night's trials—peril, losses, and bitter disappointments—his dragon's tail flicked with renewed vigor. Perhaps, amidst the darkness, there lay a silver lining yet to be discovered.
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