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Chapter 15

Veledar reclined upon the bed, eyes softly drifting open as he basked in the events that had transpired. Arcturus was held within his grasp, tight against his scaled form, blissfully sleeping away to the sound of the dragon’s breath. The beast admired the serenity upon his face, the utter comfort he found against his body, it had a glimmer of pride flicker through the dragon’s chest.

To think a few months ago he had hated him. He chuffed, ruffling that short brown hair, then massaging his side with a paw. Such a fragile thing, certainly not like a dragon at all, but at the same time similar enough. Now he wished only to protect this person that put so much trust in him, make sure nothing every hurts him again. A dull knock came from the door as the dragon curled upon Arcturus as a red wall of scales.

“You best not sleep through this.” Asterion’s voice, blunt as his hammer came through the wood. “Tonight, you may get your treasure, but remember, you help me as well.”

“Don’t worry your horned head, I’m up.” The dragon hissed, “Run along and tell Merlia we shall be right there, we were merely getting some beauty sleep before our grand venture.”

The minotaur huffed, clearly not believing him, “Just don’t keep us waiting.”

As the sound of hooves dwindled to nothing, Veledar groaned and stretched his wing to the walls. He had been having a great dream as well, nothing he could remember but he knew Arcturus had been there. His head flopped back down to the sheets, clutching the man close, not wishing to trade this closeness for anything, even his own treasure couldn’t stir him. That was until he remembered his brother’s book, that was enough to draw a groan from his lips. Although Arcturus may have been handsome, the target of his affections and didn’t wish to leave this cuddling, that wouldn’t save him from their quest. With a chuff he nudged the man awake.

“Just five more minutes.” Mumbled the groggy paladin, eyes still closed as he clutched tight the dragon’s paw.

He rolled his eyes, their roles had been reversed for once, “Unfortunately, we don’t have such a luxury.” The dragon nosed him until the man woke, righting himself into a sitting position.

Arcturus blinked within the shadow thick room, hands falling upon Veledar’s neck out of instinct. He turned, disbelief across his face as he locked eyes with the sapphire eyed dragon. “What now?” The man asked softly, “That did happen didn’t it.”

“That it did.” The dragon huffed; the night’s activities fresh upon the mind. He turned his head to face the troubled soul, not wishing to lose him now. “How does that make you feel? Do you regret what we’ve done? Do you regret me?”

“Of course not.” Arcturus took a deep breath, “There may have been a time I worried about acting in haste.” He turned to lay a hand on the dragon’s cheek, an honest smile crossing his lips, “This however is not one of those times, I’ll cherish the gift that has been given. Does this change anything between us?”

A common fear, but one that he hoped to cast away, the dragon nuzzled at his cheek, “I’d rather things changed, it would get annoying to keep going on as if we haven’t grown closer. If you’re worried about be showing you off as some grand prize or that I was merely after the carnal act, you can be at ease.” He slid from the bed with a groan, stretching his legs, “While I of course relished it, you and I are not a carnival attraction that passersby can gander at.” He held his head high, chest flickering with pride, “We have an image to maintain, the stoic knight and the regal dragon that employs him. We can’t let others see us be less.”

His brow furrowed, connections being made before he sighed, “So that means no public displays of af- “

Snout pressed to the man’s cheek with a rumble, frills fluttering. “Only around those I don’t call friends. Rest assured Umraadi, you will know my affections like none other. That there will be no doubt that my heart beats for you, do I make myself clear?” He added an affectionate lick along the man’s head to drive his point home.

Arcturus blushed with a reserved laugh, pulling the dragon closer so that their foreheads could touch as he hugged him. “You’re getting better at saying what I need to hear.”

“I am quite capable of picking up a thing or two in my travels. Perhaps one day when they speak of my travels, tell the song of my legend, they will speak about my ability to charm humans.” He chuckled and got a playful smack and a kiss upon the snout.

“When your charms work on someone other than me, tell me about it.” Arcturus sighed with a smile, “But I wonder what the others will think of this new arrangement. Merlia already knew and pushed me here.”

So, it was she that he had to thank for Arcturus’ courage, the dragon made a mental note. As Arcturus grabbed his clothes and began to cover himself in garments Veledar fluffed his wings, “I don’t see how much will change, they are my minions and should keep their noses out of my personal life. If they question or doubt my abilities simply because I wished to acquire one of our number…” He padded over to lay a paw on Arcturus’ cheek, pulling the half trousers on man into a kiss, when they parted his voice was a dominant grow, “I believe I have flames, claws and teeth they can answer to.”

“I take it you’re not going to go wagging it around in everyone’s face?” Arcturus inquired as he slipped on his boot.

“Do I look like a gryphon? Besides, it’s safely secured in my- “

“Not your lance dragon.”

He chuckled, rolling a paw to his red-orange chest with a toothy grin, “Your fears are unfounded, I am a master of stealth, keeper of secrets, an expert of subtlety you might say. No one will figure out that my delightful paladin is indeed my Umraadi.”

“I don’t believe I’d ever attribute that description to you as my dragon.” Arcturus slid his arms into his onyx gambeson, starting to secure the leather straps. “That word you keep saying, Umraadi, what does it mean? You mentioned it before we fell asleep as well.”

The dragon’s frills grew darker red as he rounded upon the target of his affections. “Umraadi is a term of endearment among my kind, it loosely translates in the common tongue to greatest treasure.”

“Do you always refer to most things like objects or treasure to acquire?”

“It is how we do things.” He shrugged with his wings, padding around the man, “And you are quite the treasured jewel in my hoard are you not?” With a playful paw he slapped the man’s behind.

“Is this how you’re going to act now?” Blushed Arcturus, slapping the dragon’s paw away.

“When you’re alone your all mine to be teased, played with and shown affection?” Veledar chuckled deep in his throat, “Such is your fate now that you’re in my hoard.”

“Lucky me.” Arcturus donned his armor with a wistful sigh, one plate after the other. Then came the belts, the pack, the scabbard, until he was the ideal image of a knight. His brown tabard had been returned to it’s pristine state thanks to Lyndis, and the rest of him looked good as new. The man held his hands before him, a concerned look crossing him.

“Something wrong?” Veledar had laid on his side, inspecting his talons, they were as sharp as ever.

“Before I came here…My magic was failing me.” Arcturus made a fist, closing his eyes. With a deep breath and concentration upon his face, his hand was enveloped in a faint, white light.

“Looks like it’s the same as ever.”

“It’s back.” Arcturus gazed upon the digits in astonishment, turning his hand over before bowing his head in prayer, “I strayed from the path just a little, not being honest with myself or the dragon I care for. Know that I won’t do so again, this I swear to you and myself.”

Veledar cocked his head as Arcturus lowered the hand, letting its magic fade. “And who was that to?”

“Myself, in a way Bahamut herself. It is her that I get my powers and the oaths are the code I live by. I strayed but my powers seem to have returned, I’m expressing my thanks.”

“Ah yes, the list of rules you restrain yourself with. If they can take your powers away, seems rather silly, doesn’t it?”

“You didn’t seem to mind that it brought me to you.”

Oh, that sly expression that grabbed the dragon’s eye. It made his heart flutter, and his scales feel weak, dragging him as if by an invisible power to nuzzle the man’s cheek and look upon him with a warmth none would ever know. “Alright, you win this round. Just don’t tell the others I have grown fond of your silly code.”

“Deal.” He kissed the dragon’s snout, gesturing to the door, “Shall we assemble the others?”

With a snort the dragon nodded, “Tonight shall be the last one without my treasure.”

** * * * * * * *

The others had gathered in the stables to discuss the coming plan and ready themselves for the trial that stood before them. The strongest of the empire’s castle looming overhead like a great beast, with no doubt scores of soldiers, traps and defenses laid bare before them. Veledar fought the nagging feeling in his paws, the flickers of doubt that he and his minions wouldn’t be able to pull through, that of course was nonsense, they had him did they not? Mary and Gwyneth seemed to think so, the pair wishing him luck and shoving a pair of biscuits into his pouches, he didn’t even have the heart to refuse them. He did, however, mention they were making a mess of his mother’s harness. That he expected them to clean it upon his safe return.

Outside the rain was still cascading down, catching metal pots and gutters before running down. Lanterns were bright hazes in the thick fog that clung to the stone with its claws, casting long shadows across the dreary atmosphere.

Arcturus pat his now gryphon withers, a look of assurance passing between the two as the shared a silent moment. Veledar appreciated the man’s presence, it took those whispers that harried him and buried them deep within his flesh. With him he’d be stronger, carry the others, live up to the high image of himself he maintained. Tonight, this would all be over, and he could put this entire kingdom behind him.

“And what are those supposed to be, they look like a large set of purple balls.” Krotos chirped from the stables.

“Wee bit of capture gear.” Merlia answered, the pride shining in her voice, “They don’t look like much, but harder to get off than a dwarf’s beard! You be dying first!”

“Hard to get off huh?” There was a brief pause before the gryphon squawked in alarm, clearly struck, “But I can see it now, take one of these babies and let it loose, taste my sticky balls!”

As the pair strode into the stables, a purple ball went sailing in their direction. About the size of Arcturus’ palm, the gleaming shine of it’s surface nearly grazed the human’s cheek by inches. It landed upon the street with a plop.

“Sorry about that!” Krotos’ ears pinned.

“Could you not be hurling your balls into my human’s face?” Veledar squawked, his crest feathers fluffed as Arcturus shut the door behind them and latched it.

The catbird collapsed to the floor, squawking away in laughter.

“It’s too easy with him, isn’t it?” Arcturus scoffed as the catbird’s hind paw nearly caught a broom and knocked it off the wall.

“Aye, but there’s a charm to it.” Merlia gave the two a nod.

She was before a sizable table, her gear all spread out before her. Quiver of arrows, leather pouches, four different potions of varying colors. There were another two purple balls that matched the one outside, along with a pair of bolas, rope and a half dozen torches.

“Lets the mind not worry about what the night brings.” She grinned, laying her twin axes upon the weathered wood.

“I’d quell that fear, we have myself and Arcturus at your side.” Veledar proclaimed with a brassy voice, now was the time to raise the spirits of his minions, bad morale would undo this entire plan. “The treasure will be within our paws by daybreak, mark me.”

“No plan survives contact with the enemy.” Asterion grunted as the dragon slunk to Merlia’s side, sitting upon his haunches. The warrior was sitting cross legged upon the floor, eyes closed as if in a meditative stance, “But I think our chances of success are high, even if the way is questionable.”

“I told ya, cracking down the front door won’t do us any good.” Merlia groaned, rolling her eyes, “But if we try that plan, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

“It would be preferable to all this sneaking around.” His eyes open, twin brown fires within, “I long for a fight.”

“Bah, you’ll be getting it, you can keep your tail on.”

Veledar was observing the woman’s gear as she organized the scrolls, potions and assorted goods into her pack. Everything had a place, the most important bits easily reachable. “Rope?” He rose a brow as she tied it to her pack’s side. “What for?”

“All sorts of things, unruly dragons, climbing places, fastening bits, who knows what or whom you need to tie up.” She laughed as Krotos’ ears splayed and the bird averted his gaze. “Speaking of which-“Her smile shifted to Arcturus, the man skimming through his book of paladin spells, “Did ya take my advice lad?” She crooned her head towards the dragon in a not-so-subtle way.

“That I did.” Blushed the knight with a smile, “Which, I’d like to thank you. You made things a lot clearer, nothing bothering my head tonight.”

“Except maybe me.” Veledar said with a smirk under his breath, flopping down into a pile of hay.

Merlia’s face lit up like the sun, “Oooooo! You went and told him, what did he say?” She seemed to bounce upon her boots, braided hair flopping about. “Are you two sweet on each other?”

Without delay the knight shared an honest look to the dragon, “I think we are.”

What composure she had collapsed, the elder adventurer instead turning into a schoolgirl with her first crush. Her eyes almost twinkled as she placed her hands together, before giving an excited squeal, “Oh, you’re going to be sweet the both of ya! I can see it now, you rolling through the fields, flying together, practicing spells! Oh, you’ll paint each other, sing songs, recite poetry, so many romantic things!” She padded around Arcturus, her cheeks red as she lost herself in this idealized imagination, “You be each other’s honey muffins, sweetie pies, a dragon and knight, it’s like a fairy tale.”

Veledar thumped his tail, unwilling to cease her praising, each one he’d cherish and hold dear. More importantly he was going to toss this into her face if she ever took an uppity mood with him going further. He chuckled, this lovely dovey image of her would be seared into his brain.

“You can go on picnics, stroke his frills, it will be the cutest thing you ever saw! Oh, Crimson Sky, you can stare into his emerald eyes, stroking his beard; well, it’s not a proper beard mind ya. Arcturus what are ya doing, you can grow that wee thing out a bit more.”

“Merlia.”

“Really though, nothing says a man than a beard. How can ya expect to be sexy for yer man if you don’t have a proper, dwarven beard? I know you’re just human, but you’re not even trying lad.”

“Merlia.” Groaned Arcturus, face in his hands, cheeks beat red.

“I should open another business on the side of me adventuring, Merlia’s Matchmaking service.”

“I think you might be done.” Veledar clacked his beak.

Just as swift as her praise and sweet attitude had been, it ended as her hands found her hips. Eyes steeled, hair thrashed, in a breath the warrior woman was back. “Now, you two don’t be ruining this.” She wagged a finger at the both of them, “If any of ya break the other one’s heart, I’m going to give you the clobbering of yer life!”

“Can you stow your screeching dwarf?” Asterion grunted from his meditation, his tail lashed, “As long as they can do the mission and are your brother in arms, who cares if they are sleeping together?”

It was then that Krotos sprung up, a bounce in his paws as he leaped between the duo and slung his wings around them. “Iiiiiii do!” He sang, pulling them close before they could protest.

“Is there a reason for this?” Veledar hissed, showing off his talons.

The catbird splayed his ears with a nervous laugh, “Well, one, good for both of you. Finding happiness with someone else is one of life’s greatest treasures. Without it, there isn’t any point in living, what my gran used to say.”

“Your family has a lot of sayings.” Arcturus replied bluntly.

“What can I say, I have a large family! You should see the reunions.” He rose his brows with mischief, nudging at the pair, “So real talk, did you two just fuck?”

Arcturus pushed the catbird away, “I don’t believe that’s for your ears. Would you care if someone asked you that?”

“No.”

The dragon rolled a talon to his chest, unable to hide the pride simmering in his veins, “We of course did. I had him singing such wonderful songs as he squirmed below me. You should have heard them all, different verses, pitches, all my name for all to hear.”

“Crimson Sky!” Arcturus’ eyes flashed with fire, “Master of subtlety huh?”

“I did all I could.” Veledar shrugged with his wings. “And when I said not tossing it around, it was clearly to strangers that are not in our menagerie of friends.”

“You haven’t known the gryphon for more than two days.”

That part was true, the dragon rolling his eyes as Krotos’ crown feathers started to rise one by one.

“I didn’t know I left so much of an impression!” The gryphon happily thumped his tail, “I always wanted a dragon friend!”

“More like acquaintance.” Veledar replied bluntly, “But gryphons don’t count in this.”

“Have a reason?” Arcturus’ arms crossed.

He waggled a wing, “I don’t see why you should be embarrassed about this. You should be proud of your feat of strength, the charisma on display. You, Arcturus Lund managed to seduce the greatest dragon this world has seen! The bards will sing of this day for years to come, I imagine they will be quite envious.”

Shaking his head, Arcturus left the pair, unwilling to keep engaging in their fun. He began to discuss the place they would be meeting Lyndis’ associate. It was to be within a section of the airship district, next to the aviary where gryphon riders were still practicing with their newfound partners.

“We should have gotten it from them.” Veledar said bluntly, planting himself between the ranger and paladin, “Instead of rumbling in the dark, waiting for their crumbs.”

“I agree with the beast.” Asterion snorted, “Relying on thieves and bandits is ill conceived.”

“They’re using us, just as we are using them.” Arcturus was staring at a rolled-out map of the city, clear distain upon his brow. Here he was, accepting another group to enter and steal from his countries castle.

“How are we certain it’s in the vault anyway? I’d wager they keep it in the mage tower.”

“Or the library.” Krotos chirped, staring off into the ceiling, “They do have one of those.”

Veledar hissed, ears pinning, “You think they would go through all the trouble of stealing my book, facing my wrath in order to merely put it back onto a shelf?”

The gryphon shrugged, “That’s where they store other books, makes sense.”

“My book isn’t like other books.” His talons dug into the floor as his look could kill.

Memories hounded him of his diminutive brother, the silver scaled wrymling turning the pages with a large smile upon his snout. Within were pages of legends, stories and the like to inspire the imagination of dragons long since passed. A cold clawed across the dragon’s heart.

“Where is Lyndis, she is running late.” Asterion stated bluntly, picking himself up, “She best not have turned tail and run.”

“Lyndis wouldn’t do that.” Arcturus replied, “She relished the challenge before us, I know that much.”

“She’s just playing with us.” Scoffed Veledar, fluffing a wing, “Being fashionably late, getting us all to talk about her till we’re going mad.” He chuckled tossing his head, this plan almost seemed inspired by him; he however would not let her win. “She’s going to walk in just when we think she’s gone and surprise us, or even meet us there!”

This swayed them for but the moment, the others going back to their discussion. Arcturus was the first to heave a heavy sigh, “I’d rather have dealings with her friends with her around. Here I thought she was afraid of us stumbling.”

“If they cause any trouble, we can always beat the information out of them.” Merlia punched her palm, “You’d like that wouldn’t ya bull boy?”

“Just don’t overindulge this night.” Arcturus said softly, “The people we set ourselves against or might cross blades are good people. I was just like them once, eyes hidden from the truth. Let us remember that as we face off against them.”

“Sounds like nothing but kneecaps for me.” Sighed Merlia, “Or wounds they can easily heal.”

“Your enemy will not share such a weakness. You should crush them as they stand before you.” Asterion glared, “You told me of the fort, seen their handiwork firsthand within the forest of despair. You should paint the halls with their blood if they stand before you, they don’t desire or want your empathy.”

“You will stay your hand, or you’ll be answering to me.” Growled the knight, “No killing unless absolutely necessary, do you understand?” The last look was to Veledar, a pleading expression buried within those emerald seas.

The dragon sighed with a chirp as Asterion bit his tongue, “I suppose I can hold my awesome and overpowering strength back for a time. The peoples of that castle shall not feel my incinerating breath.” He then lashed his tail, cupping Arcturus chin with a sigh, “Know this Umraadi, I value yours and the lives of my other cohorts more than those within those walls. Should they be in question, those that stand before us will taste my flames. Am I clear?” The knight would have to accept this for now, to his relief, Arcturus averted his gaze with a knowing nod.

“I understand.”

That’s when they got a knock on the door. Everyone’s voices lowered into hushed whispers, wondering just who it could be. Veledar, however, was ahead of them, clearly seeing the obvious, it was Lyndis, back to have them lavish her with affection and praise. He leaped to the door with a laugh, “You had us going there for quite some time, but I knew you were going to come back!” He tossed open the door to reveal a soaked, brown and gold furred gryphon, giving him the largest, desperation filled eyes he’d ever seen. His ears splayed, “You’re not Lyndis!”

“There isn’t much time, is this where Arcturus and the others are?’ She tried to push forward but Veledar held her back with a wing.

“We don’t know you, and what do you want with Arcturus?”

“Lyndis is in trouble; we have to hurry!”