FSE

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Chapter 36

“Here, just try to hold on a wee bit longer.” Merlia handed the last bit of rations to a group of human children. Even as they thanked her, the dwarf’s heart stretched with their departure. She’d already used all of her spells for the day, good berry was out of the question, but did they have much longer? She traveled through the refugees; feeling the piercing gaze of her magic mirror within her pack, it’s demanding presence sending a shiver down her spine. When she closed her eyes she could hear the phantom whisper of Dreadflame’s voice, all encompassing, making her drown, hell she could almost smell his brimstone like scent.

All these people, all the suffering, because of this prick; because of her. “Am I any better?” She spat when she got a moment alone, away from prying ears. “Doin his work like a wee slave, concerned more with me life than the life of others? What kind of dwarf am I?” A glance to a puddle of stagnant water in the street told the tale of a battered, worn warrior. Dried blood adorned her face, her hair unkept and frayed. There was a tiredness in her eyes, a lungful sorrow plagued with guilt. “All this because of you. Arcturus would have caught him by now if ya didn’t cover for the bastard.” She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists tight. “But no, fraid of death aren’t ya? Oh, what a scared wee thing ya are, shivering in yer boots like a babe. You got no right ta be tossin fun at the red or green one, they got more strength in one of their paws.” She reached for her flask to cast away her thoughts, finding it bone dry. She stowed it, “Bah, course. Thor punishes me, as he rightfully should.” Stared past her face and into the depths of her soul. Could she return to her people after this? Allowed to survive at the cost of betraying her friends? All to see dwarves that she’d not seen in over a hundred years?

“You better off dyin. Can’t hurt anyone that way.” The words were cold, stinging as she kicked the pool and left that warrior behind. To the others she went, nearer to the front lines they were, Asterion must have been back out at the walls. Tenzin and Azzik were watching over Feku, who’d managed to get on her feet, tending to the wounded herself. A fire had been lit in the street with magic, giving warmth to the weary warriors as the sun began to set.

“Merlia, you return!” Tenzin offered her a seat beside him. The burly warrior was busy wrapping a bandage around a wounded man’s arm; the Ilbir having taken on the role of Feku and Azzik’s assistant. “Do not worry friend. The undead continue to hold their ground, the taste for fighting seems lost on them.” He gave a heavy sigh, “Perhaps they will leave the port alone.”

”Oh don’t be countin on that lad. Ya can bet your bum that when they want ta push they will.” She plopped down beside him, digging through her pouches for her pipe, grimacing at the lack of weed. “Would ya happen ta have- “

“That, no.” The warrior groaned, “I offered my last bit of leaf to a woman to ease her pain.” Big eyes fell upon the scores of wounded, some quiet but others groaning despite their healing, “It does not bode well here. There is not enough healing to go around.”

“Thor’s luck.”

“Best we can do is keep up the spirits of those around us. I’ve found that Azzik has a great singing voice; albeit it for his people. Nothing compares to the rousing tunes of my people.”

“When I’m not busy tending to the wounded!” Hissed the little kobold, sauntering past, his robes smeared in blood. “There is only so much we can do without magic.”

Tenzin sighed, “Potions, scrolls, clerics, you’d think it would be better.”

“So, what I’m hearing is, nothing to be singing about.” Growled Merlia, heaving a great huff. She took what comfort she could, holding her palms to the radiant flames.

“You won’t get me to abandon hope so swiftly dwarf. I was trapped for many years beneath those churning waves, convinced that I would never see the light of day.” Tenzin’s eyes brightened as he glanced to a busy working Feku. “Yet, fate would have it that I was saved. Again when we faced a dragon. I won’t give in to despair ever again. I bet there is something to be done in this very moment, we merely have to be patient.”

“Bah, lucky you that the scenery not be so invigorating to the senses, else I’d stride off at such drivel.” Even when his ears fell, continued, “What ya think is going to happen kitty, that our salvation is just going to flop down from the sky?”

Tenzin perked up, his expression softening into a smirk, “No, I expect them to come down the alley.”

“Alley, what in the bonnie blazes are ya?”

“Tenzin!” Came the cry of Achaaz, the teal dragoness thundering her way down the alleys. She brushed people aside, avoided their questions, practically bouncing on her paws. With a delighted trill (and groan from Merlia) she tackled the arm out stretched warrior, dragging him to the ground in the tightest of hugs. “You live!”

“So do you!” Laughed the Ilbir, holding tight her snout with possibly more strength than the dragoness herself. “Look at that Merlia, one salvation!”

Merlia rolled her eyes, grumbling under her breath. Of course the gods would contradict her so swiftly.

“Was this supposed to be a rescue?” Asked the warrior as the dragoness pulled herself from him, gracing Azzik and Feku with nuzzles in turn. The bard nearly shrieked and dropped her things.

“Hekkin Achaaz! You hekkin live!” Her scales were bursting with green as she wrapped her arms tight around her teal snout. Tears strolled down the kobold’s cheek, her gentle sobs covered by the dragon’s soft rumbles and coos of comfort.

“It was supposed to be the rescue.” Achaaz rumbled, eyes closed as Feku buried her head onto hers, “But as I was sneaking off, there was a certain red dragon and human that were planning something else.”

“I am thankful you considered coming for us.” Tenzin chuffed.

“How could you think I’d let you three down? Especially after we had such an adventure!”

“Ah, chopped liver am I?” Merlia scoffed, drawing the dragoness’ attention. By her wide eyes and pinned frills, the ranger doubted she’d even been aware that she’d been there.

“Not exactly, but I don’t know you do I?” Snorted Achaaz, “But Arcturus and Crimson Sky will be delighted to know you live as well.”

“Asterion as well! Though he not be around at the time. Probably keepin away to deny himself the urge to kill the wounded.”

“Should I ask?”

“It’s his people’s way.” As the dragoness was subjected to strokes around her horns, praises without end, Merlia could only bring it to an end, “So, what brings ya here instead of the red baby? I figured they’d be trying to save us themselves!” She rolled her eyes, “Course we ain’t the dragon’s love so I suppose we’re not worth the effo- “

“Oh, they’re working on the plan with my mother.” Achaaz beamed, “The plan to sink the entire pirate fleet, drag them down the waves below.”

“T-they are?” Merlia stuttered in shock, perhaps they would be able to get out of here.

“That’s a good dragoness! I knew we could count on you!” Tenzin laughed, smacking Achaaz on the shoulder.

“Why did you come to us fer? Want us to wait on the ships?”

“Better.” Grinned Achaaz, sitting on her haunches and rolling a paw to her chest. “We have word that the pirates are holding hostages on the port’s gate, the one with the chain.”

“I member that!” Feku clapped her hands with a smile, “We flew over it with ship!”

“Yes, but the ships can’t. Tehya, oh, she’s alive by the way, she wants us to secure Aero’s safety; he is alive as well, although being held captive. See, that’s why we need to secure the gate, rescue the captives the dragon has, then we can open the gate itself for the remaining ships to escape!”

The dwarf’s eyes went wide, the realization that Achaaz was going to tell them the intricate details of the plan. If she stayed, she’d be compelled to speak all of this to dreadflame. So, she stood ever so quietly, a migraine soon building below her skull. She winced and massaged her shoulders, grunting as she mentioned something about getting a bow.

“But wait, you have to hear the plan Merlia!” The teal scaled snatched Merlia by the collar, dragging her back with hardly an effort. “You’re going to lead the attack on the port gate!”

Calloused hands tried to shove her away, but the pressure in her skull built, seeking a way to release itself. She was trapped, frozen within herself until she stopped trying to push the dragoness away.

“Alright good.” Achaaz nodded with a satisfied chuff when Merlia ceased her struggling, rumbling that Merlia had decided to stay. She opened her mouth and Merlia interrupted her with a pained grunt.

“Don’t be opening your mouth lass.” Her voice was shaky, as it was like twin needles pressed to her temples then crawling down her spine. She had to say it now, this was her last chance. “I…got something to…get off me chest.” The words came hardly more arduous than anything, as the others looked to her with anticipation over what was so important, her hands began to quiver.

“You see, I’ve been- ah!” She recoiled with a gasp as if a blade had been plunged into her chest and twisted, a river of blood trickling down her pale skin. She nearly collapsed if not for Tenzin swiftly grabbing hold of her. “I’ve been...” She couldn’t form the words.

“It’s alright Merlia, we have you.” Tenzin comforted her, “Feku we need healing!”

“Right on it!” The kobold rushed over, her scales starting to shift spots of white, “Not much left, take last potion!” She rummaged through her satchels, procuring a tiny red vial.

“You had one left?” Azzik asked with a yelp.

“Was saving for us!”

“But you told the others we had nothing left!”

“I did lie!”

Come on, get it out! Merlia internally screamed the words caught in her throat. It was easy, all she had to do was whisper that she was working for dreadflame, that they needed to stop him. It was like a dragon was now standing on her chest, pressing down ever intently, making each breath more arduous than the last. Still, she struggled as stars burst in her vision, the threads of reality coming apart at the seams. “Been forced to-“

“Shhh…Be still, you’ll be better now.” Tenzin grabbed the red liquid bottle, popping off the cork. “Now this will be terrible, but you don’t look so good yourself.”

That wouldn’t work, that she knew, even as the warrior forced her to drink. The terrible taste didn’t even register as her entire flesh felt as though it was being hurled into a fire. Dreadflame’s words came to her, wicked and cruel.

“You will tell me any plans that they concoct to thwart me. Don’t reveal your loyalties, you’re mine now.” That crimson face lurked over the other’s shoulders, grinning as Merlia succumbed to his wicked curse.

“It’s not working!” Tenzin growled, “Did you give me the right potion?”

“I did, I only had one!” Feku scales went white as Achaaz roared out for a cleric, even Azzik’s spell to remove a disease did nothing.

So, this was it, Merlia grunted as the life started to leave her, said to die if she wanted to speak the truth. But Dreadflame’s still taunted her.

“And should you decide to thwart me little dwarf, know that your little friend Krotos will share your fate. Sputtering, gasping for breath, your lives will end in sheer agony.” Dreadflame hissed, eyes glimmering with cruel delight.

Damnt, even if she were to die, there was no flipping way she was to drag Krotos down with her. That gryph deserved far better than the likes of her sorry soul. Resistance died; pain receded. “I’m fine, I’m fine! Just a wee bit of indigestion.” She stammered the words, already feeling strength return to her. With a great groan she pulled herself up Tenzin’s furry chest, righting herself to a chorus of disbelief.

“Indigestion?” Tenzin growled, “One hell of an indigestion. What did you eat, a Corvanian spice tart?”

“Don’t do that, you go boom.” Feku added, miming out what would happen to her guts.

Achaaz was the one to have a narrowed gaze, not saying a word till Merlia had been beaten off several more excuses of her excuse. “Did you get hit by a spell then?” The dragoness growled, “Your face is so pale, I was sure you were going to die.”

“Probably, who knows?” Merlia laughed, patting her chest, “All better now.”

“That’s something we should fix.”

“Bah, I can stomach through a wee bit of pain for ya. What ya think I am, some sort of elf?”

Still, they were not buying it. “Come now, ya gonna make me cry. I’m of stronger stuff than the lot of you. Trust me, I’ve had it since our first scuffle with the dead on the wall.”

“Are you sure?” Achaaz’s eyes fluttered with concern.

“Aye lass.” She sighed, hating her weakness.

Satisfied with her answer, Achaaz went on about how they were going to capture the druid and rid themselves of the mercenary fleet. Each passing description Merlia’s head spun, her teeth grit. She could practically feel Dreadflame’s command the moment they were heading out to relay the plan to the guardians. She’d be their undoing, how was she going to live with that?

“Merlia, are you coming?” Achaaz called back as they went to part, so much hope within her snout.

The ranger nodded bitterly, rummaging through her pack for the mirror. “Just give me a moment. Still feeling a wee bit lightheaded. Run along and I’ll keep up with ya.”

“Don’t kill yourself.” Snorted the dragoness.

Merlia strode off to a darkened ally, hating what would come. She tried to fight it; she really did. She held up for a time before her hand quivered, the pain returning. The ole master’s spell cracking it’s whip. Eventually she crumbled, pulling it out with a vicious snarl and a look that could kill. “Answer it you blasted demon.”

Dreadflame’s visage appeared within the glass, smiling at her with cruel intent. “Oh, wonderful.” He hissed, reveling in how she suffered, “I felt you resist dear, such a good pet to call me. They must have told you something grand. I’d have tossed you a treat if I could.”

She bit her tongue as his gaze festered, the insane command unlocking her resistance. Hating herself her lips went loose, telling the red dragon everything that he’d wished to hear. At its end she was a hallow shell, his coming laugh haunting her very soul. Like that she’d doomed them all.

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

Arcturus stood firm on the keep’s walls, gazing out to the ruined city beyond the dome of shimmering light. His heart was heavy as his gaze traveled to each toppled building, shattered statue or smoldering ruin. Even as the cold nipped at his face, it could not compare to the emptiness within, of accepting that they needed to leave this place behind. Beyond the city, the sun had began to creep below the mountains, it’s tendrils of orange and gold shifting to strands of vibrant purples and dark blues. Clouds gathered over the sea, dark and angry, lightning flickering across their surface.

The knight grimaced at the lent longsword and wooden shield leaning up against the stone beside him, poor replacements for the magical equipment he’d lost. He’d already held them, tested them against the air, their weight and presence feeling wrong. Course, nothing could content with the unease that was felt from within a satchel at his hip; a sense of intense contempt that would not leave him alone.

Warnings had been given to him about the orb, that it would try to corrupt him, twist his thoughts, try to trick him. Yet as Arcturus stood resolute, he had no such desire to reach on into the extradimensional container. Bigger on the inside someone had said, as they’d shoved the cloudy orb into the plain brown pouch. Even then Arcturus could sense the hatred that the thing was exuding, for him explicitly. Perhaps the guardian’s worries would be un-needed, he would be unsuited for whatever plans the orb had in store.

Would that prove true for the others though? Arcturus asked himself as the crisp winds of dusk fluttered his cloak, dusting his armor with snow. It had nearly gotten Feku and Nivra when they’d had it close to him, would the orb prove as effective on anyone that they’d meet, would Veledar be able to be influenced? He shook his head, there was no sense in worrying about such things, after all, it was not like they could back out of this now.

Jandar was still hard at work, weaving his being into his magical dome. The black lines that had grown upon him this day had only intensified. His teal scales were now consumed by them, sickly, starting to ooze some viscous pus. Magical healing did not seem to affect them, in fact it only seemed to exacerbate the issue. The dragon was left panting, any breath a labored one; no one was certain how much longer he could keep up his efforts. Guardians had prepared for this eventuality and Fremra was using what time she had before the attack to teleport the last she could through her tree portals.

“So, when are you heading out?” Nivra padded her way to Arcturus’ side. Behind her was the remaining Lumarians, packed up and ready to head out. Concern and guilt reflected in each of their faces, but each knew this was the time to depart; Skywing and Voidwing were among them. “With the orb of dragon kind, I heard?”

So she did have an ear to the going ons in this place. Arcturus sighed, “You heard right princess, we just have one last mission to do before we take wing and leave this place behind.”

Her brow furrowed, “You’re aware it won’t save many lives. Logically- “

“It will be some, don’t think logic fits into it. Veledar and I only want to do what’s right. We can’t leave those people to die.”

She sighed, “One of these days, these pleas to emotion rather than cold logic is going to get you two killed. Though I suppose that is the noble trait that seems to gravitate others to you. Far different than the drunken, father murdering traitor that I thought you once to be.” She gazed out to the sea beyond, the vessels there resting peacefully, unaware should the night go as planned, would be sinking below the waves.

“That’s, quite the description you’ve graced me with.” Arcturus replied with as much politeness as he could. “I suppose you’re not the crazy spawn of a mad king that I thought you were made out to be.”

The future queen laughed at the exchange, a stark contrast to the bleak surroundings they found themselves in. “I do suppose that’s what adventures do, bring people together and have them grow. Who would have thought I’d be standing here with you.”

“Certainly not many.”

She coughed, composing herself to almost resemble the rigid form of Shandalar, “How does the orb feel?” She gestured to the bag of holding. “I can still feel it.” Her voice went hard, “Even now, it wants so more to reach out.”

“How amusing, the thing only wishes to be rid of me.”

“Could it sense the shard of Bahamut within you?”

“Perhaps.”

“Then their choice of a bearer could not be better. I do expect to hear from you.”

“I promise to not tell you where we hide it.”

Pale blues flickered with amusement, “Like there is any place other than your dragon’s hoard in which you’d stash the cursed object. I can see Veledar now, drooling over its rarity.”

“He commented on getting erect over it.” He replied, having both laughed at the jovial nature of it. “Though if his hoard was the place in which to hide it, the entrance can be moved.”

A moment passed between the two, their paths tugging them both in different directions, both unwilling to voice the end.

“We…had a good time together did we not?” Nivra spoke first, her voice soft. “I can honestly say it was one of my favorite adventures.”

“Have you only had the one or two?” Arcturus’ brow rose.

“Still.” She grimaced, “I don’t regret chasing after Veledar and yourself.”

Arcturus sighed, “Nivra you speak as though this is the end. That we’ll not see each other again.”

“It very well might be.” She sighed, “You’re off for another adventure, to thwart our foe of his victory. The others and I?” She glanced to her assembled host, “To clean house of my country.”

“Of which I have confidence you shall succeed.” He gave her a weak smile.

“You think so?” Her gaze darkened as Voidwing approached, “You’ve seen the decisions I’ve made.”

“Nothing which you couldn’t learn from. Nivra, if you’re worried that you’ll become like your father, trying to rule with an iron fist, then no. If you’re to be our queen, I can trust you’ll do what’s right.”

“I don’t.” Veledar had padded over with a harsh snort. “When we next check in on you queenie, you better not have gone mad with power.”

“So there will be a next time you see me?” Nivra asked.

“Of course, you expect I have plans to die?” The dragon rolled his eyes, “Come now, you should know me better than that.”

“Of course.” She smiled, before giving them both a soft bow. “Dragon, you will always be welcome in my kingdom. At first I thought you a heartless, lewd beast with no sense within that horned head.” As the dragon’s snout wrinkled, she continued, “And I found, while somewhat thin scaled, you’re honest, loyal, and one of the better souls I’ve ever met.” She laid a hand on his offered snout, frowning, “And I shall miss you both.”

“Moments shall be duller with your departure, discussing magic with Arcturus isn’t exactly an engaging conversation.”

“Do try to stay out of trouble.”

“No promises princess.” Replied Arcturus, “With how this one behaves, I doubt that will be possible.”

“Then at least endeavor to remain safe while being in said trouble. The world will be darker for your passing.”

“As it would be with you.” He nodded in return as Veledar gifted the princess with a heartfelt warble. It was then that he didn’t spy Axton among her people’s ranks. “Is Axton not going with you? I thought the boy was to be your apprentice moving forward?”

Nivra sighed, “I thought that was to be as well. As it turns out, he’d rather go off to that isle of Draconis with Achaaz and Jandar. Perhaps when this all is done, we might explore that path, but for now, we’ve shared our goodbyes. I’m just surprised that Fremra herself has decided to stay, she could be so much more of use alive. I thought with the fleet gone she’d be more than willing to leave.”

“Home is a home.” Veledar replied with a growl and flicking tail, “It would appear that if a single person remains, Fremra would see that they are not to die alone.” There was a pause as he shifted on his paws, giving the dragoness in question a glance as she padded her way around the keep’s courtyard and over to the central tree. “Trust me, I’d rather not have her die either.”

“And speaking of her, where are you even being teleported?” Arcturus asked, “Wasn’t sure she had spots marked out in Lumara.”

“To the silver highlands actually.” Voidwing planted himself by the princess’ side, a mournful look upon his beak, “Should be a few days flight from there to Entis.”

“Of which I expect you to keep her safe.” Arcturus stated firmly to the gryph, patting his feathery neck. “Or else Veledar and I shall be exceptionally cross.”

“You’d not blame Skywing and the others?”

“Here I thought you were her bodyguard?”

The gryphon gave a weakened chirp that might weaken the sturdiest of hearts. Ears pinned, “Do they have to stay? Why not come with us?”

“We have a task of our own.” Veledar replied, “But don’t worry your feathery head, the Dragon neck mountains shall know my shadow again one day.”

Though Voidwing didn’t appear entirely convinced, the black and white gryphon swallowed down the answer with a flick of his tail. One tender nuzzle was gifted to Arcturus and then Veledar, complete with a tight wing hug that threatened to take the air out of the man’s lungs. When this was brought to his attention he retreated with an embarrassed laugh. They all shared a worried look as Fremra began filling the air with her deep, draconic words of power, it would not be long now.

“Arcturus.” Nivra said softly, clearly counting the minutes, “Before we go- “

“Yes?” The paladin asked.

She rested a hand on him, “As the future ruler of Lumara, I hereby pardon the crimes that have been weighted against you.”

His heart swelled at such a moving gesture. Arcturus bowed his head, “Thank you Nivra, it will be nice should we return to not find scores of knights on our tails.”

“I imagined it was the least that I could do.” She eyed the now grinning dragon, “And I take it that you mean to return to Lumara then? After this plan of yours is said and done of course.”

“You’ll find your lands graced by our presence princess; don’t think you’ve scared us off.”

“And the sky.” Veledar nodded, “Figure your gryphons need something beautiful to look at.” He rolled a paw to his chest with a snort, then gestured to Arcturus. “And I suppose Arcturus as well.”

Arcturus smirked at the dragon’s remark, knowing he meant well. “Should all go as we mean to your highness, the woods of my father will know us again. The winds will whisper for our return. Should anyone be able to make our land great again it will be you.” He laid a hand on Veledar’s cheek as the dragon dipped his snout to offer the princess an affectionate nuzzle, nearly knocking her over.

“Don’t let Arcturus’ kind words disarm you Nivra.” The dragon rumbled, “Upon our arrival I expect that abysmal kingdom of yours to be cleaned up. I’ll make sure to peer behind every rock, building, and bale of hay to ensure that it’s a welcome place for my wings.” He gave a final snort, “It’s only fair after my book was stolen.

“Anything else?” Arcturus chortled, “Perhaps a party?”

He knew the man was being sarcastic but he thumped his tail with a great trill, “Why, good thought Arcturus! Nivra, have your people construct a parade…no, two parades in our honor!” As Arcturus held the bridge of his nose, the dragon could only beam in delight.

“Two parades? Quite the high opinion of you two you have dragon.” Nivra giggled, “While easy enough to obtain, how can you expect us to live up to such extravagant expectations as yourself?” She rose a playful brow, “And what pray tell should happen if we fail.”

Veledar offered a playful growl, eyes gleaming with mischief, “Then know the fee in which I levy against your kingdom will make the gods blush.”

She laughed and patted his nose before gifting it with a tender kiss, “I’ll endeavor to see what can be done about it, you have my word.”

“Oh, speaking of fees and gold, I may have promised lots of gold to some pirates in your name. The Bloody mermaid, I believe you’ve heard of it.”

Her eyes rolled, “Of course you did. Suppose I can be cross with you after you return. Though should I ask why you went and offered coin on my behalf?’

The dragon dusted off his paw against his chest, “Do blame Arcturus Nivra, he was practically honor bound to demand that the Bloody Mermaid try and deliver as many poor souls from these caverns as possible. What would you have of me, my wings were practically tied.” He rose his head in a regal manner, “I believe I did the best I could under such restricting circumstances.”

Together they burst out laughing for a time, eventually shifting back to an uneasy stillness in the air. All of them knew, this could very well be the last time they laid eyes on one another, despite what good cheer they might have shared.

“I know no one wishes to hear it, but it is almost time to go.” Skywing was the one to break through the silence, trotting over with a heavy heart. The tiger gryphon passed from his princess to Arcturus and Veledar, inflicting the knight and dragon with his nuzzles and chirps.

When the gryphon had pulled away, his onyx beak held ever close to the man’s nose, gazing deep into the eyes of one who’d shared the battlefield with him many times. Both wore similar scars, had relied on each other countless times, duty may have been tugging them apart, but their friendship threatened to keep them together. Arcturus laid a hand on the cheek of his oldest friend.

“Just say the word.” Skywing replied softly, his ears splaying. “Say the word and I shall stay by your side.”

“And of your duty?” Asked Arcturus, his heart stretching, “Don’t you have a job to protect your future queen?”

“I’ve served them for many years, faced many trials. I won’t turn my tail on you again.” The gryphon rested a talon on his side, “Even if it means leaving the runt here to look after the princess.”

“Skywing, I’m set on a path you can’t follow, at least not now. You have your duty, I have mine. Gods willing, we shall see each other again.” He pulled the gryphon’s head closer, pressing their foreheads together. He could feel the creature tremble, his worry coursing through him, terrified to lose him again. “I swear to you, this won’t be the last time we share songs or company. Have some faith my dearest friend, I don’t intend to die.”

“Guess that’s all I could hope for.” He gave a weakened laugh before wrapping the man in his wings. For a moment no words were said as Arcturus caressed his ears, clinging to the moment before duty carried him away. When Skywing pulled back, it was with a mournful chirp, with a flick of the tail he composed himself and cleared his throat. Steeled eyes fell to Veledar, “I do expect him to survive. Both of you consider that an order. If I’m forced to spend the rest of my days without having you by my side or in my nest, I shall be rightfully cross with both of you.”

“Guess you can count on me commander.” Arcturus smirked, giving a playful salute, only to get the gryphon’s onyx beak nibbling at his hair.

“That goes for you too dragon!” Skywing barked to the dragon, who tilted his head in interest. “Arcturus has chosen well in his choice of a mate.” He gave Veledar a wink, “Of which I expect to get to know you better as well.”

Intrigued, the dragon chuckled, “Then I shall do my best to keep myself and Arcturus safe from harm.”

“See to it that you do. Arcturus might never have been part of my flight, but he might as well have been.” He lashed his tail, “Now, I do believe I have a queen to see safe. That is my path. I expect to be sharing a pint with both of you, laughing how we bested that red bastard.”

“What pint were you are thinking?” Arcturus laughed. “Bit of dire bear brew? Gryphon’s fancy?”

“I was thinking that small tavern in Fairmire, if I remember there was a score of gryphon ladies that fancied us both?” The commander sighed, “A lovely evening that.”

“Hey, what are you planning?” Huffed Veledar as they laughed.

“A party for when we live of course.” Arcturus scratched behind Skywng’s ear, right at the base. The gryphon shivered and chirped in delight, as envious eyes of the other gryphs fell upon him.

“The spell is ready.” Fremra’s voice brought the reality of this moment to the forefront.

Bowed heads and final pats were given as the Lumarians marched off towards the tree’s trunk. Lights flared into existence across the bark, bright as the sun and just as warm. It spread like a river in all directions, branching upwards as if to devour the tree itself. In a circle it then moved to form a shimmering portal, where on the other side, hope and freedom did dwell.

The first to go through were gryphon squad, leaving with chirps and sweet farewells. Mug was among them, his final words to the paladin on how much of an idiot he was being; but if he were to survive come look him up.

“Don’t go forgetting me now.” Veledar called as Nivra strode up to the portal, a moment of hesitation crossing her brow, “Crimson Sky, wonderful to the eye!”

“How could I ever forget?” Nivra smiled, brushing Voidwing’s neck before she and him stepped through the portal.

Eventually the courtyard had emptied of Lumarians, with only Krotos being the final one among them. The blue and grey gryphon padded to their side with a chirp. When eyes fell upon him, wondering if he’d depart, he didn’t budge. Instead he replied with a squawk, feathers fluffing.

“Were you all expecting me to leave? You’ll have to try harder than that to get rid of me.” Krotos said.

“Krotos?” Arcturus asked in surprise, almost certain at the first chance to get out of the undead city, the bird would take it. “Are you sure?”

“I’m not going anywhere.” The blue-grey gryphon’s ears perked up, “You’re trying to get rid of me!”

“No.”

“Possibly me though.” Veledar chortled, getting steeled eyes as he flared his nostrils at the gryphon.

“Then why think that I was leaving? I didn’t voice that I was!”

“Since we still have a journey with death on the table?” Veledar said flatly, “I mean, not for me or Arcturus, but it could happen. I just figured you would fancy the safety in which Nivra now found herself.”

Earns pinned, eyes were like daggers, “I said I would be with Arcturus till the end, I’m staying. Danger or no, I’ll see to it that Gus’ friend remains safe.”

“And we’d be glad to have you.” Arcturus said mournfully, “Though that does mean no slacking.”

“Have I ever?” Scoffed the gryphon, the portal’s closing ruffling his feathers with a phantom wind. “I’m just as tough as the others. Some might say braver. For I don’t have magic, scales, fire breath, imposing presence- ”

“Tact.” Veledar chuffed.

“I do however bring a bit of class to the whole party.” Krotos chirped softly, before rounding on Arcturus with kind eyes, “Besides, what are friends for?”

“What indeed.” Arcturus rested a hand on that feathery blue neck, “Are you sure?”

Ears splayed, “It might put a tremble in my paw or a shiver down my spine at facing such insurmountable odds, but there is no turning back now. I left my home to follow you on my word, so that’s what I’ll do.” He closed his eyes taking a deep breath, “That’s what Gus would have wanted.”

“He would have been proud of you. He could not have asked for a finer gryphon.”

“That he could not. I just wish I had more time with him, I’d only just been welcomed into his family.” The catbird shifted on his hind paws, “So, should we not get ready? I mean I’d love for you all your hands to be on me, but we have a job to do?”

Arcturus nodded, “Just try to keep up.”

“Keep up? You don’t even have wings!” Laughed the gryphon as Arcturus gave Veledar a smirk.

“Don’t I?”

Fremra tilted her head towards them all, a weary expression spread across her wise snout. Lavender eyes dotted with pain flickered from her panting son to the others still in the courtyard. Her tail flicked as her voice came, fragmented and strained, “Axton, I know you’re hiding and watching, but I believe it is your turn. Achaaz and Jandar will join you when the fleet has been dealt with.”

The teen emerged from the keep, having been just out of sight. Though he was wrapped in his robes, a pack upon his back, ready to depart, he shook his head. Within his hand he massaged a black scale, “I’d like to stay and help for a bit longer.”

“Axton.” Fremra began to be cut off by Arcturus.

“Things are far too dangerous boy. Can’t you see how dire the circumstances are?”

“Yes.” Axton gulped as the knight approached, but he didn’t back down, even when his voice shook, “I want to say I did as much as I could. There’s one last bit I could do, help Fremra to weave her spells. Tell me getting out more people is wrong? You’re doing it.”

“Course I am.” He replied sternly, “I have a dragon by my side and vastly more experience than you.”

“But I have a dragon here to, and she is far larger than yours. Does she not count?” When Arcturus furrowed his brow the boy looked away, gripping his scale tight, “Everyone I’ve known has helped me get me to where I am, gave it their everything, lost things that might break others…Please, let me do this…if not for myself, but for them. So I can give back which was given.” The boy pleaded, turning to Fremra with large eyes, “I can do this, don’t send me away just yet.”

Arcturus and she shared a look, both sighed. “Very well-“ Fremra huffed, “But the moment that her spell is over, you are to leave.”

“Agreed.”

“You too?” He searched Fremra’s snout and still tail. The usual demeanor of the dragoness was gone, the day’s weight was resting on her snout.

“You don’t have to doubt me Arcturus. Now is not the time for games or concealed words. You can trust that I’ll see him to safety.” She padded to Veledar’, dwarfing the red as she ran her scales across his flank, when he turned, she nuzzled him, a sad song drifting through her throat. “I know you well Veledar. The future I believe is bright for you.”

The red wrinkled his snout, tapping at her side with his paw, “It would be far brighter if you were in it. Does it not seem unfair that your children should lose their father and mother so soon?”

“It might.” She sighed, gifting him a long lick across his neck, “But my time draws near; I’m not afraid to fly this path. I have raised some of these humanoids as my own, seen them grown, suffer, love. I cannot leave them to perish here. If they are to die, I will die with them.”

Though Veledar said nothing in return to such a statement, his distain festered within his sapphire gaze. He neck hugged the teal dragoness when she offered, his frills pinned to his snout.

“You and Arcturus are more fit to do this than anyone else. I’ve seen the way my people look to you, whisper your name. I believe your brother would have been happy you achieved what you sought. A dragon that will always be remembered for standing tall, right where my Ramakox would have been.”

That caused the dragon to chuff, then nuzzle back along the dragoness with a weakened whine. “I will never forget you Fremra. Till the end of my days, you’re influence on my life will ever be seared upon my soul.”

“Oh, silly Veledar.” She scoffed, pulling in Arcturus in with her tail. “And Arcturus. Both of you just needed to be guided, grabbed and yanked I must admit, but guided all the same. Now you best hurry up and get going. I’ve got quite the show for our pirate friends in the harbor.”

“Oh?”

“Ramakox would have liked it.”

Arcturus clambered onto Veledar’s back as mischief shimmered in Fremra’s eyes. Whatever she had planned he had no doubt it would be terrifying. “Do well Fremra!”

She nodded as Krotos fluffed up his feathers, readying himself.

“Do try and keep up.” Veledar teased the gryphon, spreading his wings.

“With you?’ Krotos laughed, wiggling his haunches, “Is there anything easier?”

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

And so we start to reach the end of the road for Arcturus and Veledar's story in this leg of the journey. We wave good bye to Nivra, Voidwing and Skywing. I do hope you guys enjoyed their presence. So much had changed from their original images in my mind. (Nivra was to come off as like azula from avatar last air bender, but instead not so much.) Don't be afraid to leave a comment below, share some of your favorite moments of her, her bodyguard (Voidwing) and Skywing. :3

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