FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 10

Blood dripped from Cordenth’s maw at a steady pace, the dragon panting the copper tasting air as he stood resolute, golden eyes dilated Slowly he took in the shredded bodies at his crimson coated paws, glorious handiwork considering their terrible sins. All of them donned a face of abject horror, their final moments frozen before being torn apart. He could hardly count the multitude of pieces that lay scattered from his victims. If he closed his eyes, he could almost hear their screams, yet even as he took a deep breath, deep down he knew it wasn’t enough. Around this grim garden of flesh and blood he padded his way, sniffing and inspecting for any sign of life. None of them could be allowed to escape his wrath, what began here couldn’t spread.

But what would Lyndis think of all this abject slaughter? The thought certainly gave him pause during his search, twisted, and churned between his horns. Would she spurn him? Lecture him on things such as mercy or understanding? He scoffed at the notion as his eyes found the wounded form of the dragon before them, there was no mercy for what these ingrates had done. What they got was a mere taste of what they deserved, but alas, he didn’t have the time to dwell upon his fancies.

“You’d think for ones doing such a horrific thing, they’d put up a stronger resistance.” He grunted upon his return, finding Broxl leaning upon a stone, bandaging where a druid had luckily sliced him across the arm. “It’s like they were asking to be culled like the wheat. Yet as my heart beats, I can’t help but dwell on our work undone.” He looked to the exit, knowing countless others walked among these walls, all helping share in this misguided belief. “These siigonis must be purged.”

“In this we are in agreement.” Replied the hunter softly, “They betrayed out trust. They’re no better than filth.”

“This is where great minds align.” Rumbled Cordenth with malevolent glee, “This is how they treat dragons, so be it. They want to act like animals, we’ll slaughter them like animals.”

“Just don’t let that cloud why we’re here. Evidence for the clans.”

“You think I haven’t? But look around, do you see a sign of a great big book?” He scoffed, “And perhaps you should remember where we are before you stop to bandage yourself, guards could return at any moment.”

“Next time, I’ll ask them politely to not slice me.”

“If we’re talking about next time, I suggest giving me a warning first, followed by not getting stabbed.”

“I’ll try harder next time.”

“There’s a good Siigonis. How else am I expected to brag to your kin about your accomplishments…Despite your meager status if you ruin it by getting skewered like a roast pig!”

“But more importantly Dragon, I found something as valuable as a book of spells.” He gestured to the bruised, beaten body of a siigonis male, sprawled out across the floor. While he looked a wretched mess, there were no marks on him, neither were his scales hewn apart or bloodied. In fact, the longer the more he swore the lizard twitched, he gasped as he spied the slightest rises of his chest. That druid was alive.

“Looks like you missed one!” He growled, rounding on Broxl with terrible speed. “Unhand him so that I might hasten his departure from this plane.”

“No, this one is going home with us.” Replied the hunter firmly, though fear lurked within his gaze. At the dragon’s heavy growl, he unsheathed a blade and held it aloft in his good arm. “A book is good, word of the cultists who did it? Even better. My people cannot ignore such things, we need him alive.”

But Cordenth would not be deterred. Each step was filled with menace, his tail lashing promising death. Eyes of gold flared to prominence, a fire that threatened to light the very air ablaze. Claws dug thick lines on the floor as he faced down this diminutive threat, he thought a mere sword would stop him? He batted the blade out of the Siigonis claw, “Don’t make me laugh, this filth deserves to die, let’s not add you to the pile in a misguided attempt to protect him. Take your bandages and slink off to tend to your wounds, I’ll handle this.”

But still the siigonis stood defiant, clearly knowing he had no chance against the raging storm that was the Radiant Star.

“If this is because you’re jealous I stole your thunder, so be it, thrust your blades into that whelp. But don’t you dare try to make me believe he deserves anything resembling mercy. People like him are why this world is as heartless as it is. Only thinking of themselves, even at the expense of others. We have to show others like him what happens when you do such things to a dragon.”

“Is all you can think about is your pride? Does it blind you to foolishness? You speak of one day being a king, but I pity those that fall under the misguided thoughts of such a dragon.

“Talk, talk, talk, excuses. I won’t make deals with their kind or those that harbor them. Look to their actions, what they’re capable. I don’t speak of pride, but the betterment of your species. Grah, why am I even bothering with this conversation? I could easily swat you aside.”

“Is that so?” Broxl’s eyes narrowed, issuing the challenge.

Like a chord had been snapped, Cordenth’s paw lashed out at lightning speed. With ease he sent Broxl careening to the stone, counting with grim amusement how many times he tumbled. With that little threat removed, he could return to putting an end to this little sect of the cult. Their dragon torturing days needed to be put to an end. What next would it be, wrymlings? He didn’t wish to find out. Nor would any dragon be forced to.

“Don’t you dare!” Broxl shouted with labored effort, spitting out blood as he rose on a shaking arm. “Mark my words, your beloved will hear about you sabotaging our efforts!”

“Will she now?” He stopped his paw mid descent, offering the still quivering siigonis a deathly gaze. It was to him he now slunk, letting each stride give its intended purpose, building the dread. Fluffing his wings, he towered over the hunched over hunter, letting him soak up the seriousness of his words. Imagine the consequences of challenging him. The air filled with his growl, lingering in the air like a terrible promise. “That’s under the assumption you survive this little exchange with such a brazen threat.”

Eyes went wide at the reveal of rows of sharpened teeth. There was no game, no semantics, only the cruel fact facing him down. “Dragon, I don’t want him to live. After we’re done with him, I’ll rip his heart out myself.”

Now that tilted the dragon’s snout. He didn’t wish to see this dragon torturer go free? Around the quivering siigonis he padded, unable to hide his pleased warble. “So, I was right, you do want your turn at him. Delay the gratification, you know, I might be growing more attached to you.” He stopped, searching the scuffed and bruised scales of Broxl himself. Would he talk regardless? Hold this over his head? It was in his people’s nature, just look around, see what they did with their own devices to an innocent dragon! That wouldn’t do, he couldn’t be trusted, there was only one way to be sure.

Broxl let loose a sigh of relief, “If that’s what saves this one then-“ He was slammed to the ground, trapped beneath the full weight of a dragon, staring into twin eyes that shown with the light of a terrible, golden sun. “What are you-“

“Agreeable as your response was, I can’t let you threaten my relations with my beloved. You should have stilled your wagging tongue.”

“I wouldn’t tell…Not if you let him live!”

“Your pleas fall on deaf ears, the threat leaves only one choice of action, Broxl, you’ve brought this upon yourself.” Growled Cordenth, letting his power flare to prominence within his blood. Gazing deep into the siigonis eyes he held him in sway, easy pickings for Cordenth’s overpowering will. “Hear this Broxl, it was I, Radiant Star that found this prized whelp we wish to save, he might sway the other clans with what he knows. Once he’s done, we are to kill him for his crimes. Your injuries were caused by the battle we fought, one which you were the instigator of. Which if not for my presence and graceful speed, you would have perished by their cruel blades. But I delivered you to safety, bested these heathens and assured us victory.” That sounded rather fitting did it not? He warbled softly as the trapped siigonis repeated his everywhere in a monotone fashion, the demand taking hold.

With a snort he freed Broxl, letting the hunter rise and shake off his momentary confusion. As thanks for his rescue slithered from the siigonis’ maw, Cordenth couldn’t help but bask in this praise, even if forced. Yet, something hounded at his thoughts, as if he’d forgotten…The dragon! How could it have slipped his mind in all the excitement? Clearing his throat he advanced upon the stairs with a confident swagger, befitting that of a king. With a loud, brassy voice he announced his arrival.

“Apologies dearest elder, we were taking care of those that harmed you! I know pain must stab at you like the screeching of thousands of gryphons, but take heart, it is I, the Radiant Star and his…Pet Siigonis that expedited your freedom this day!”

The voice that came from the wounded dragon was shaky and weak, his all but butchered head gently pulling against his steel and leather bindings. “Mirrel is that you?” Amber eyes lit up in the darkened hall, a sliver of hope within. He gave a heavy snort, shifted away, lightly tapping his tail. “Cause that’s a dreadful dragon disguise, yellow and green? Dreadful colors. You should have dashed copper in there like myself. Whoever got that for you needs to be fined and jailed.”

“Mirrel? No, I am certainly a dragon.” Shot back Cordenth, “We’ve come to rescue you!”

“Rescue me? That’s good, I’ve been here far too long. They didn’t even use sanitary blades; can you believe that?” The dragon coughed at the indignity of it all, “I hope you brought a legion of knights with you? Mages? Adventurers? Otherwise, this isn’t going to a grant story at all!”

“Is not being rescued by a fellow dragon well enough for a story?”

The great green dragon gave an exasperated sigh, disappointment clear with every word, “At least tell me you smuggled in some mulled wine to drown my thirst.”

“Fresh out.” Replied Cordenth, wiggling his snout. This dragon certainly wasn’t what he expected. “What services did you expect? This is a rescue not a cruise.”

“Well, it should be, I’ve been dying for a swim.”

He padded around the wounded beast, eyes lingering on his ghastly, glistening wounds. He caught flickers of copper scales among the green, which might have been handsome, if not for the exposed flesh resting beside them. He couldn’t help but shiver and twist, revolt against such treatment, especially to a wise and intelligent dragon such as this! “Such patience you have elder, for if I were in your paws, I’d be far more cross.”

“You learn to be patience in your twilight years young human, like for instance, to handle the disappointment of not being on a cruise. You see, cause there, there would be mulled wine, dancing, I do love the dancing, baths, maybe scrubbed down by a trio of Portunga clerics, now that would be a night worth remembering. But if you’re not a cruise and you’ve come to rescue me, at least tell me you’ve brought a fair maiden for which I might trade a few barbs? It’s never an adventure without a fair, albeit spunky maiden to cross the tongue with, sometimes more ways than one!”

“She’s more than just a maiden, she’s a queen.” He replied, chest swelling with pride. “And quite the catch if I do so say myself.”

“Is she perhaps of the drag variety? Those I’ve learned are not royalty, you’d have thought I’d have learned it the first time. They are packing an extra lance if you catch my meaning.”

His frills flickered in protest as he stomped his paw down. “My dearest Lyndis is not one of these queens of drag or…Packing an extra lance, I’d have noticed!”

“See you think that, but who knows these days?” Slumped the great green with a sigh, “Always get the genders of non-dragons confused. Today is not the day for a lecture, course then again, when in Sethera is it? Not all of us are reclusive librarians of Nearon you know!”

“You’re quite chatty for such a state.” Said Broxl, wincing as he looked over the dragon’s wounded form, blood dribbling down to the floor painted in layers of crimson. “What may we call you great one?”

“Great one? I like the sound of that.” Coughed the bound dragon, “But some call me the Resplendent Overlord, which I thought was strange, because I’ve not overlorded over anything in decades. But I see you’re in no mood for a history lesson, shame, I’m quite good at them, you may call me Ravaramek.”

“But that doesn’t answer why so chatty.” Replied Broxl, already getting to work, cutting what leather portions he could find. It would be slow work, but it needed to be done. “Your skin is like a peeled onion, how are you this alert?”

“I did try and groan and be brooding when it occurred, but what good did that do me?” He sighed, “Stakes jabbed deeper into my flesh, pain like you wouldn’t believe. Breaking out didn’t work, so I was left waiting, hoping that the story would relieve me from this horrific fate. Which, might I add, wasn’t the fault of the priests, no matter what you perceive of it.”

“Really? You hold no ire? You’ve got to be joking.” Cordenth rebuffed the idea, leaving Rev with a heavy snort of derision.

“How could I be? I look to these siigonis and see the antics of children, successors and their faults.” For the first time since their speaking, the green dragon seemed to slump, his spirit dim, matching the grim surroundings. “They only did out of fear of what she might do. I should have been faster, stronger, seen how far she would have gone. Hundred years ago this wouldn’t have gotten me, that sultry swaying tail.” He gnashed his teeth, “None of this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Her?” Cordenth’s question was soft, checking the door for any sign of movement. “Emerald Lady?”

“Gods no, why would I welcome that one into my home?” Scoffed the dragon, “I’m not crazy you know!”

“But you welcomed the vampire lord into your home?” Broxl raised a brow, “That wasn’t crazy?”

Revaramek shifted uncomfortably, “Well, you didn’t see her, nor talk to her. Her words were sweet like candy, unfortunately she was filled with poison. The second worst thing a female can be filled with.”

Cordenth sniffed the metal skewers planted deep into Revaremek’s flank, copper, covered in runes. Removing them would be incredibly painful. “Even if these skewers can be removed, will you be able to walk? Fly?” His spirits darkened, taking in the wretched state of Revaremek’s wings. They resembled that of sheets, reduced to ribbons by an overzealous knife.

“Now you’re concerned about it.” Groaned Revaramek, “That part vampire, part dragon, total bitch figured I needed them to prevent me from escaping. I of course struck back with a few choice scathing remarks, I think that earned me a few more than needed.” He sighed, “Curse my natural charisma and in your face attitude.”

Broxl sawed through one binding, moving onto the next. “You know if the dragon removes those, it will hurt beyond comprehension. They look to be down to the bone.”

“Touching it actually.” Replied the green with a pained hiss, “I was there for their insertion remember. To think she’d be so offended by a simple refusal of her plans? Who does that? An absolute jerk, that’s who.”

“Refusal of her plans?” Cordenth tapped the copper spike, it felt solid, why was such a thing needed? He was already bound and chained. Perhaps the elder wasn’t telling them everything. “What could she want with a group of druids that don’t even have the decency to eat meat? That’s just not natural.”

“I’ll admit it takes some getting used to, but I have dozens of recipes that taste almost like meat-“

“The plans, what were they?”

“Of course, it was never about the siigonis at first. After we spent a night of passion, the Eternal Flame queen could only think of a single thing, that darned swamp of darkness. Day in and out, she was obsessed with getting through those confounded mists. You see, they keep out everyone of ill heart and intentions. Granted they don’t kill you, friend of mine wouldn’t stand for that, but it does a fabulous job of wasting your gods damned time.”

“And how does that involve the siigonis? What made them turn on you?”

He sighed, “She offered gifts of course, isn’t that how everyone is swayed? Instead of using treasure, trinkets or magical items, she gave them enchantments for their people, all for the exchange of their betrayal, and their eggs.”

Broxl paused mid cut to let out a deep growl through his throat, eyes catching flame anew. “Eggs for enchanting their warriors?”

“No, their children.” Coughed Revaramek, “With sections cut from me, I’m making the next siigonis generation stronger, more durable, swifter, I’d almost be proud of them having part of me in them if not for the way in which she did it.”

“And the eggs?”

“Fuel for her spell, something to try and trick my friend’s mists. Which will never work, the unicorn is too crafty for the dusted mind of some pale, blood thirsty concubine.”

Cordenth could only shake his head, paws trembling with an inner fire. Flashes of what he did before came to mind, wishing he could do it all over again. “And you can say what they did to you and not be seething with rage?” His voice was low, dripping with menace. “Look at what they did to you! There should be no excuse!”

But Revaramek only searched back to the younger green’s gaze, gifting him not hate or distain, but understanding. He took a labored breath, “Have you not loved something unconditionally? Does it matter that they betrayed me? You think I care so little that it would make a difference? Pah, my kind dear human has a greater hold over ourselves. The only ire I have is for the vampire who placed me here.”

He clamped tight his maw, looking over the gruesome field he’d produced. Either the dragon had not seen or heard what transpired, otherwise he might not be as agreeable as he was now. “So back to walking, can you do that should we pull out these spikes? What do they even do anyway?”

“Keep me from casting spells.” He grimaced, “She learned of the failsafe this temple, that should I come to ample harm, my body whisks itself away to a safe area of my choosing. Where, I can, undisturbed, heal. Then, once that suited, will retake my temple.”

“And the siigonis that betrayed you?” Cordenth ground his teeth, “You’d spare them?”

“How could I not? I’ve seen them be birthed and hatched, imprinted on so many generations. I’ve seen them grow, prosper, delight the spaces they’ve dwelled. With every decade I count so many on my scales, stories that I will cherish long since they were gone. Human, siigonis, wolven, elf, they are all cherished within my heart.”

It almost brought a tear to Cordenth’s eye, seeing the warmth in which Revaramek spoke. It truly was an example of what he hoped for one day. But he could only focus on the chains, bindings and blood of the now, his good cheer souring and burning with but a breath.

“See, there was a girl in Gearmel. Such a fire sprite, I adored her more than most. Even when she was small, fear was not something she possessed. At only a year she waddled out as I visited the town, hollering and shouting dragon at the top of her little lungs. As I leaned in to inspect this brave tot, she grabbed fast my snout by the nostrils, giggling as though she was mad. The mother naturally apologized as I stood, transfixed by the rawness of this moment, cherishing this little whelp’s delighted screams. How could I ever hate such creatures dear to my heart?” Revaramek growled, his eyes narrowing into slits, “It’s that wretched woman that’s to blame.”

Gearmell? Cordenth stuttered, a cold slither going down his spine. “It…was destroyed, everyone missing or dead.”

Revaramek stilled, silence soon gripping him tight. He didn’t meet their eyes as he stared off into the darkened halls, drifting to days gone past. “The list of who I let down grows ever longer. To think it was all as easy as insisting we go to a brothel.” His eyes closed and he asked them to remove the spears, “I am ready…But when they are gone…You must flee out of here.”

“Why is that?” Cordenth’s brow rose.

“When I depart…I shall let loose this place from my mind. What suspends it here in the marsh will collapse, it will descend into the muck, down in the depths of which it was raised. Let this putrid queen rule over a sinkhole, my halls devoid of her corrupted magics. Hopefully with this place gone, my children can flee, be removed of her influence.”

“How long will we have?” Broxl asked, “We have a companion and this dragon’s love within these halls.”

“And I don’t wish her killed.” Growled Cordenth, lashing his tail, “Even your revenge isn’t worth that.”

Revaramek laughed, enough to spit up blood. “Dragon and a mortal? Falling in love? Inevitable tragedy. How scandalous, fear not, you should have minutes to do so. Though I recommend you free me with expediency, our evil mistress is on her way, I can feel her paws through the stone.” His muzzle wrinkled, eyes narrowed, “With such haste she slithers, far faster than anything with me! I’ve just the tongue to give her another right for!” Seeing their expressions he sighed, “But now is not the day for my prodigious skills of the tongue. Today is the day for retreat and taking all my shit with me.”

With slight hesitation, Cordenth grabbed hold the copper skewers between his paws. Even now he could feel how tight they were, this was going to hurt. He stilled his heart with deep breaths, waiting for the larger green dragon’s say so. On command he held firm, planted his hinds and pulled with all his might. At first nothing came but grunts and groans from Revaramek, each filled with pain. But with a flick of Cordenth’s tail, swelling of his breast, and recitation of a spell of strength, they proved little match for his enhanced muscles. They emerged with sickening pops one after the other, clanging to the stone, hiding the pained squeals running forth from Revaramek’s throat.

Before he could even issue his thanks, Revaramek’s eyes closed, scales draining of all color. His corporeal form began to waver and twist, shifting to the consistency of a fog. There he whisked himself up and out of his resting place as if caught in a phantom wind. In the next moment he was gone, leaving nothing but the grim atmosphere to keep them company. But that too changed, when the very walls began to quake and churn.

Stone crashed against stone in a violent cacophony of thunder. It spread through the temple, touching every floor with it’s terrible vow. If one valued their life, they’d flee, lest be destroyed with this place’s passing. Dust scattered as loose stones careened and shattered against the floor, lighting a fire beneath Cordenth’s paws.

“Run!” Broxl shouted, throwing his captive siigonis over his shoulder and sprinting for the exit.

“You don’t need to tell me twice!” Cordenth shot back, closing the distance between them. They narrowly slipped through the entryway, avoiding the falling architecture, sealing close the room behind them for all time. The dragon didn’t look back in his haste, merely hoping Lyndis would head for the surface as well.

*

Mistress of death in all it’s forms, the Queen of Eternal flame confidently strode through the ancient halls, her steps echoing off the walls. Those that beheld her averted their eyes, not daring to question her authority, this was their place, this was hers. Hands tucked neatly behind her, the idea of her sister’s presence all too intriguing to not let fester between her ears. Even with their years apart, the thrill of their endless game never dulled in all this time. It was still there, ever presence, the need to be the better of the siblings for dearest father. Her gaze hardened; he always did love her best.

Just as she came to the intersection, leading to Revaremek’s quarters, the entire structure around her quivered and shook. Stone ground against themselves in a great cacophony, damaging to the ear of all who heard it. Her eyes widened as her siigonis servant winced, clutching his eyes as he hissed his displeasure. “Even now, surprise follows you as though a shadow.” She’d freed the insufferable green dragon? What good would that possibly do her? The beast was worse than anything slithering out Bahamut’s maw. Didn’t she know it would bring this entire place crashing down around them? Course she did. The embarrassment was the point, she grit her teeth, flames flickering within her gut.

“We have to get out of here!” Her servant blathered, grabbing hold her pale arm and trying to tug her away, but he well as have been moving a mountain. “Before we buried alive!”

“You dare touch me?” She rounded on him in a cold fury, her safety the least of her concerns.

“The temple! It will sink, mistress will be crushed to death!”

“No longer do such things trouble me.” She yanked herself free, “Death waits for you, but not for me. Pick yourself up and rid yourself of my presence, your meekness sickens me.” Without casting him another glance she left him where he fell. He called to her of what she would do if the place collapsed, how would she escape? There was no time to insist there were a multitude of ways, those her sister would no doubt know and have planned in advance. Even now, in her haste, she wasn’t certain she would catch the clever green ness that troubled her for so long. With every breath she hastened her stride, forcing herself to glide through the halls, avoiding falling rocks that shattered at her feet.

When she came to Revaramek’s hall, it was a putrid affair, a grim piece of artwork that only a psychopath would enjoy. Patient eyes scanned over all the corpses, the scattered flesh, the crimson coating everything had endured. There was nothing left, only the shaking of the rocks, the metal smell of the blood, the aura of death that gripped her. Her heart quickened as invisible threads tied themselves to her limbs, begging for her to bring life to such tattered things. But she shoved that down to focus, Revaramek was gone.

“Of course, you’d actually do it. No doubt to further your own plans.” She scowled, taking a simple step and avoiding a bolder meant to crush her beneath its bulk. “Here I thought we would discuss it like civilized dragons, but no, you couldn’t help yourself.” Pressing her hand to her forehead she let her natural magic flow, ridding herself of this simple disguise.

Her skin ripped apart in a gruesome display, splattering blood like that of ink upon the stone. From it thrust forth twin wings, grey and white, drooling red. Her body lengthened and grew in size, scales of lead grey sprouting from her flesh like grass. They curled around every limb, across her face, running down as a tail thrust itself free. Glowing eyes of the brightest blue flickered to life, brimming with cruelty that none could match. Frills lined her from the top of her snout to her tail tip, white-blue, reminiscent of ice itself. She was massive, larger than most dragons of her size. She was of the Emperor’s blood, and none would ever compare to her.

Powerful nostrils flared, taking in the metallic air, trying to sift through the various smells. Stone broke against her, some tumbled to her scales, but they were little concerns as she found what she was looking for. It was familiar of course, how it was supposed to be, of pine, mixed with that of dragon. But there was something else buried within, a new sliver that changed the context of this encounter. She rumbled deep and terrible in her throat, tail curling in interest. Eyes suddenly widened; this wasn’t her sister at all. It was instead a male. It must have been one of her sister’s little whelps!

“But why would one of them come here? Working at the behest of mother dearest?” She gazed around at his handiwork, savage, brutal, some might have been proud of it. “Or were they venting their frustrations on these poor wretches?” Amusement marked her tail flick as she avoided another falling stone, following the path the male had left, clearly heading for the hall opposite of this one. Her pace quickened, could they be swayed from their mother’s influence? Or would he have to be something to crush or break beneath her paws? She smiled, already picturing the look upon her sister’s face as she presented the young dragon, clearly preferring her company. As she passed beneath the stone archway leading out, she couldn’t wait to have a little chat.

*

“What did you do?” Lyndis was quick to ask, eyes of fire as she and the others met together at the base of the stairs leading up. They were not two steps up when a crack fragmented the ceiling, crashing down in a network of stones, threatening to swallow them up. Even now, they were squeezing their way through, coughing on the dust.

“Why must it be my fault?” Countered Cordenth, cursing the size of his siigonis form as he grunted, rubbing his scales to burn against the stone. “I didn’t do anything! All we did was free a dragon…Who may or may not have vowed to sink this entire place into the earth. But hey, you have blood on your cheek, why do you have blood on your cheek?’

Her cheeks reddened, “This is your fault? What did we talk about touching things? Especially things that can bring entire temples down around us?”

“We didn’t have that particular conversation, I’d have remembered. Besides, he really needed saving. The entire operation was terrible, Lumara fort terrible.”

“Can we not bicker about how Cordenth fucked up and get out of here?” Vishta yelped, claws pressing against a stone that threatened to smush her against the wall. She just managed to escape it, the mass slamming shut. “Before we become permanent residence preferably.”

“But why does she have the blood on her cheek?” He gestured as they practically sprinted up the crumbling hall, Broxl forced to pluck Vishta up to ensure she didn’t fall behind.

“Must we?” Lyndis groaned, taking the lead.

“Indulge me. It helped keep my mind off being crushed alive.”

“I to would like to inquire about the blood on your cheek.” Added Broxl, “For narrative purposes.”

“What bloody narrative would that be?”

“The one we tell the clan elders when we tell them why and what happened during us sinking a holy temple of Nutambar.”

“I got one for it.” Said Vishta, “Lyndis has really good piercing stares, practically as sharp as a dagger to the eye. Secondly, I have legs you know, I can walk.”

“Want to test that?” Her silence spoke volumes as the reached the next level at the most fortuitous moment, the passageway sealed itself shut, trapping a trio of siigonis further down.

“You may proceed.”

“That’s what I thought.”

The next levels were no better than the first, each passageway was the same state of chaos of the rest. Rooms that had stood for centuries were collapsing in on themselves, stone cracking into disorderly piles. People screamed, trapped, begging for them to stop and help them. Their pleas fell upon deaf ears, icy claws dragging across their hearts. There was no time, not for them, and not for the trapped. Lyndis’ face, drained of color as they were forced to double back several times, trying to find a path that wasn’t blocked by rubble. At this rate, they were never going to make it to the surface.

“We’re running out of room here people.” Panted Lyndis as slab of solid stone crashed between them, shattering into hundreds of pieces, and coating them in a layer of fine sand. “Hate to say it, think we’re not going to make it. Not without some insane luck.”

“Luck?” Cordenth scoffed, looking over the fear swirling in each of the eyes of his companions. “We can leave the way we came in no?”

There was a moment of concerned looks, broken by the sound of breaking stone.

“Sure, there’s a little infestation problem, but that’s why you have me.” He grinned, but it did little to sway the aura of fear that’d gripped them. “Oh come, what choices do we have? Cause I’m most certainly not waiting around her to get crushed to death or choke for air.”

“He’s got a point.” Lyndis remarked begrudgingly, “Besides, its something to add to the history books no?”

“If we survive.” Growled Vishta, “Which the bugs will be active now…I’m not thrilled with our chances.”

“Better than we will against this deathtrap.” Cordenth remarked, tapping a wall, “Choose your poison.”

“You’re asking if I’d rather be crushed to death, or my guts eaten out by some insect’s children!”

“Hey, you were the one so fascinated with it earlier.” With a grin he whisked the others away, right on his heels, leaving one death sentence for another. Though fear had a strong grip on their minds, he would be the brilliant sun for which they could cling to. Yes, that would be perfect. He warbled at the idea, bristling with delight as the hallways crumbled around them.

*

With adrenaline pumping through their veins, and luck to shroud their efforts, the group managed to find their way back whence they came. Dust covered every inch of their panting forms, sticking to what blood seeped from their wounds. The hall before the insect caverns was calm and quiet, a sturdy place instead of the remains of the temple. They’d only managed to just slip free of it’s last death throes, the passage behind them cluttered with rubble and debris, a poignant end to their escapades. There would be no way back, only the fluttering danger that waited beyond, even from here they could hear the constant thrumming of a thousand wingbeats singing their threat upon the wind.

Cordenth assumed his natural form, flaring his wings as he took a deep breath of the stale air. Within his chest beat the sun of confidence and dragon spirit, victory was just within their grasp. Even now he felt as though he could sprint to the heavens themselves, but would he have to drag the others? They were nibbling on what food they had, downing waterskins to keep up their strength. To his wrinkling snout, Vishta was pulling out the tube to apply her home-made bug spray.

“You’re not getting me with that.” He growled, flaring his frills, and attempting to swat the nefarious contraption out of her claws. She was too swift, ducking and scampering to hide behind Lyndis.

“Course I will, everyone needs it! Can’t you hear them? It’s like thunder!” Insisted Vishta, adjusting her goggles. “I didn’t think they’d be so loud!”

“Terrible storm if that’s the case.” Broxl grunted, checking the pulse of their captive. “It smells of a dwarf’s ass, but I’d rather suffer it than have my innards nibbled upon for a snack.”

“Again about your innerds.” Hissed Cordenth, stomping his around their limited enclosure. “It’s like you treasure them or something. Face it kobold, you only wish to make me smell and ruin my image.”

“Yea, cause my world revolves around you.” She rolled her eyes, spraying Broxl’s outstretched limbs with the noxious cloud. Cordenth was forced to retreat, threatening to gag as she practically drenched the siigonis in the stuff.

“Come on sweety, it isn’t that bad.” Lyndis nudged at his scales, “Think of it just enhancing the story, adding to the hardships, we, the heroes had to endure to reach our goal.”

Cordenth shifted on his paws as Broxl finished, Vishta turned eying them both. “Can’t we have a better story? One where the dragon tells the kobold to get mounted and we go on anyway? I’d rather not smell like a dwarf’s ass, they’re the worst kind…I imagine.”

She trapped his head with a playful chuckle, holding him close against her chest. When he whined she caressed his cheeks with a heavy sigh, “Yea but you’d be my dwarf’s ass. Can’t hurt can it?”

“Lyndis, my eyes are begging to bleed from the smell, I can’t imagine how it helps.”

“Crazy new thing, it’s called not dying. Heard of it?”

His eyes narrowed, “But there’s got to be a better way, one where my pride stays intact.”

“Probably. But we’re not really dripping with options. How bout this, we get all slathered in this gunk, I’ll scrub you till we’re troubled by it no longer. Deal?”

Now wasn’t that the appealing offer. It brought a smirk to his snout, not hiding his approval of the suggestion in the slightest. When it was his turn to get his application of the spray, he did so, but not without offering his protest in the form of heavy snorts and fluffing frills. He almost vomited at the stench billowing off them, like that of a barge of decaying fish out in the afternoon sun. But with that hurdle leaped over they pressed forth into the caverns, letting Cordenth lead the way to freedom.

Sight of the obstacle that would belay their path didn’t take long, a mere rounding of a passage was enough time to reveal the mass of chitin and wings that was the Vrak Jimo. They covered every wall practically from base to ceiling, their bodies armored with a hardened carapace of putrid green and orange. Mandibles clamped together with malevolent purpose as thousands of eyes watched them tentatively walk along the path. The size of wolves they clambered around on their six limbs, never staying still for a moment at a time. Either by Vishta’s spray or by uncertainty of the dragon within their midst, the Vrak Jimo didn’t dare make a move.

“See?” He rumbled, wings spread to keep his warry companions close against his scales. “They tremble at my presence, don’t dare approach, you’re safe with me with-“ His head started to feel all fuzzy, the world twisting like a thread below his paws. For a fleeting moment no breath came, the sounds all around went silent. Colors drained from the darkened hall, leaving Cordenth nothing but a hallow shell. Yet in this state he sensed a familiar presence, a light within this dark. It was his mother.

“You alright?” Lyndis was at his snout, evidently Cordenth had stumbled sending the Vrak Jimo into a frenzy, flying into the air in alarm.

Cordenth shook his head as the others watched the mass of insects cross above, still keeping their distance. “We have to hurry.” He groaned, pushing himself to all four. “Mother doesn’t know to leave well enough alone.”

“Queen of Eternal flame AND your mother? Great, could the day get any worse?”

“Its working on it.” Hissed Broxl, undoing his bow from his back and knocking an arrow. “Natives grow restless, they hunger.”

“Would the Emerald Lady be up to getting us out of here?” Asked Vishta, pulling free her energy crossbow. “Even if we have to pay coin or something, I’m voting it’s worth it.”

He shook his head with a snarl, “I’m not crawling back to her. Nor would I put it past her from working with the queen. It is her sister.”

There was a sudden stillness in the air as the statement rested like a cloud. Lyndis was the first to raise a brow, “Your mother has siblings running around? If you’re trying to make the day worse, think you might have just won the game.”

“I’ll be sure to spread the message. But I think we have more pressing matters.” Cordenth curled around the others like a protective wall, loosing a cone of concentrated poison upon the air, thicker than pea soup. Those Vrak Jimo that were caught within shuttered and stopped, their motor functions leaving them as they careened towards the ground. There they crashed, not to rise, only twitching for a few, fleeting last moments of their life. The green dragon rumbled in amusement, offering Vishta a smug grin, “Looks like my spray is superior.”

“Good!” The kobold threw up her claws, “Now keep dousing them in it so we can get out of here, you win!”

That’s all he wanted to hear. For them he forged a path that no one else would have been able to achieve. His breath shattered the Vrak Jimo’s ranks like a sledgehammer, building a road of corpses for them to stride across. Some of the bugs grew brave enough to approach his scales, but they were brought low by a combined armed force of his companions. Arrows were looses, energy bolts fired, spells loosed, none touched his emerald flanks for long. With a steady pace they followed the chittering passageways, silencing them forever with spell, weapon and breath. They had to have laid low hundreds by the time the dim surroundings opened into a sprawling cavern that seemed descend for miles below. Signs of the bridge they’d crossed mere hours before remained, nothing more than crumbled stumps.

“The bridge is gone! What do we do now?” Vishta hissed above the near deafening cacophony around them. “I don’t imagine the locals will provide us with a map!”

“We could go back the way we came!” Replied Broxl, pulling back his bow and ending a Vrak that drew too close. “Perhaps another cavern will show us the way out!”

Cordenth peered over the edge as the others kept the buzzing pests at bay. Though his companions would not survive the fall, nor have the strength to leap across this chasm, he was of just the right size and ability to do so. He fluffed his wings, calculating the speed and when he would have to jump, perhaps use what little he could of his wings. It would be close, but yes, he could do it. He put an end to a mass of bugs before turning to the others, “Alright, I have an idea, might be a tad mad, but, its par for the course.”

The reptiles exchanged concerned looks, but Lyndis smirked. “Alright, shoot, Can’t be worse than turning into a bug and getting us out of here.”

“I’d like to jump-“

“Oh lord.” She groaned, “I meant an idea for us to live.”

“Across the chasm! The lot of you can hold onto my back as I carry us to safety!”

“And you can do that?” Broxl said, “No problems?”

“Well-” Cordenth rolled a paw, “I can guarantee Lyndis gets out alright.”

“Really? That’s it?” Vishta growled, “That’s the best you can do?”

“Well, I mean, I love her, so I’d try harder to save her, you understand.” He pressed a paw to his chest, loosing a storm of viridian death upon the buzzing hive. “You should be honored I’m even offering to save you.”

“Why of all the stuck up, selfish-“

Lyndis cut her off, “What he means to say, is that the situation is getting rather out of hand. You’d think a dragon and whole other means of death would strike fear into them!” She skewered a Vrak that got too close, coating her blade in it’s viscous, putrid green blood. “But no, of course their stupid little insect brains don’t care. You’ve got to admire their tenacity.”

Swatting a bolder pair aside, Cordenth hissed until his companions were forced to comply. Not a plan was better hatched to get them across, illusion spells they cast didn’t seem to draw the insect’s eye, they must have had a way to see through the deception. Vishta was all too impressed, but now wasn’t the time. With bitten lips the mortals clung to the dragon’s harness with one hand, their other fighting for their lives. Though the Vrak’s attacks were pitiful to Cordenth’s scales, the others were not willing to test to see if their own armors might hold.

He cleared the path with his noxious breath, crouching low as he readied himself for the galloping that he’d require. Eyes dilated, his breaths grew short as the moment weighed heavily between the dragon’s horns. He cast away the sounds of spells, dying Vrak, the constant pounding of their wings, only one thing mattered, getting himself to the other side of this cavern. When the others insisted they were ready, he sped like a loosed arrow across the pathway.

The distance came all too fast, falling upon him like a wave. One moment he was galloping over the stone, the next he was shoving what strength he possessed into his hinds. Through the chitin filled air he soared, hardly able to unfurl his wings. He passed through the insect filled air as though they weren’t even there, careening towards the cavern wall. Some were wise enough to dart away, saving themselves, but others were caught beneath his bulk, trying to get one jab of desperation into his underside. Their stingers found his scales like steel, uselessly scraping against them before the Vrak themselves were crushed beneath the dragon’s bulk.

Though what reprieve they sought across the way was not to be had. As just as the insects were ill prepared for a dragon’s weight, so too was the cavern walls. As his sharpened claws tried to find a hold, the surface crumbled in the face of his momentum. He found himself slipping, frantically flailing, desperate for it to yield to his will. As the others screamed, his muscles burned, this was not how it was going to end! With a resounding roar of anguish, he managed to find what he’d hoped. With a sudden jerk they were saved, only for the other’s grip to be tested.

Vishta slipped from her seat with a startled gasp, her claws scrambling to find a hold against the dragon’s scales and failing. Before she could slip free of his presence and plummet to her doom, Lyndis had let herself fall, managing to snatch the lizard right out of the air.

“Oi, no getting out of this ya here? We all have to suffer together!”

Panting, Cordenth peered back, ice all but gripping his heart. He couldn’t reach her, not with his tail, or with his paws, else he and the others would begin their fall anew. He was helpless as she clung to a leather binding, swaying gently back and forth, her strength clearly strained. He didn’t dare move, lest his sudden motions make her fall.

“What’s with the sudden halt?” Lyndis shouted in jest, “Not to burst your bubble, but I doubt the locals are going to let us linger her for very long!”

Sure enough, the Vrak were drawing closer. Either their boldness was growing since before, or they knew how helpless the dragon and the others were right now. All he could do was kill some with his breath, and Broxl only had a sword drawn and was wildly swinging it to keep others away. He was frozen, but when he looked to Lyndis, her amber eyes filled with trust for him, it brought warmth to his limbs again. He could do this. For her.

With great effort he rose a paw, testing the stone beneath. It yielded to his claws, allowing him to make a hold, yet didn’t crumble like before. He shifted weight, it held, growing his courage to try another. He peered back, as his grip had held, so did that of his beloved. With a nod he carried on, continuing his success onto the next, then pushing it forth paw after paw, until he was moving with what haste he could muster. Even though his limbs were burning, dragons were not made for this, he wouldn’t stop, he couldn’t stop. Even when the Vrak drew in close, lingering only an arm’s length away.

The air was a flurry of wings and blades, the occasional shot of an energy crossbow as Vishta dangled in Lyndis’ grip. They held their ground on the dragon’s back, adrenaline coursing through their veins. Limbs were severed, blood drawn, yet still their foe pressed forward, undeterred by their loses. To their horror one latched onto Lyndis, skewering her with it’s stinger, injecting the debilitating poison straight into her.

Cordenth barely heard their desperation filled cries, using it as fuel to carry him upwards. Yet when they called out for Lyndis, what fire he had was snuffed out, leaving him a frigid mass of scales. He peered back to see her go limp, what grip she had lost. Without a sound she fell, face peaceful, unaware what awaited her. Panic gripping him he scrambled to catch her with his frilled tail, perhaps fate would be kind. But without consciousness to aid her, he did little but adjust her descent.

Time slowed for him as Broxl fought for his life, struggling with three of the Vrak clambering around him. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from her face, the urge to plummet all but overpowering between his horns. If he did, they would surely die, if not from the bugs, but the fall itself. This wasn’t supposed to happen, not to him, not to any dragon that was for certain. He was greater than this, surely he had the power to solve this predicament? That’s when a voice slithered in the back of his mind, the answer all but obvious.

All around him were the puny minds of these simple creatures, lesser beasts before the majesty that was, he. If he could enchant the thoughts of humans and dwarves, surely these would be mere child’s play in comparison. He just had to reach out, and he’d have thousands of servants to get them out of here. What was the alternative? To have them all perish? To let Lyndis die? Unthinkable. With a mere thought he let his practiced powers radiate through his very being, let heat flow where once been cold fear. He would save them all.

With a powerful voice his presence rippled through the hive like a terrible wave. Gone was the ice that had gripped his being, replaced with the radiance of a star. In the blink of an eye, countless minds were tethered to his own, mindless chatter to the symphony that was his will. He boiled away their desires, peeled away their instincts, instilling in them the need to serve, to obey. He was their master, and there would be nothing they could do to resist.

Golden light burst free of his under scales, bringing light into these darkened halls. It burned away all the shadows, enveloping every corner with such brilliance that it would be painful to the eye. The Vrak Jimo that had plagued them so, froze for a mere moment at a time, lost within the dragon’s overpowering command. When he gestured with a paw they zoomed towards the plummeting mortals, snatching them out of thin air. Cordenth chuckled, his eyes glowing bright as Vishta struggled and screamed, not comprehending she was saved.

He resumed his climb, unburdened with silly things such as death, finally coming to the other side of the cavern that had caused them such trouble. He planted himself down for a well deserved rest, curling his tail around his paws as an unconscious and wide eyed Vishta were placed softly down upon the stone.

“What have you gone and done?” The kobold stuttered, pinching her scales. “This can’t be real, you went and commanded an entire hive”

“Indeed little mortal.” Replied Cordenth in a booming voice, offering the little lizard a smug grin. “They should bother us no longer, behold.” He moved a paw through the air, the Vrak Jimo followed suit, guided on invisible strings. He chuckled deep in his throat, “They live to serve now.”

She stood dumbstruck as Broxl marveled, maw open at the coordinated movements all around them. “So, you what, turned them all into your slaves?” She kneeled and checked Lyndis’ pulse, sighing in relief.

“Isn’t it wonderous?” Broxl asked softly, eyes dazzled by the spell. “He saved us.”

“Slaves?” Cordenth snorted dismissing the kobold’s critical eye. “Did Drenedar turn the dire wolves to slaves? Or the Lumarians to the horses? I have tamed the beasts Vishta, don’t go and sullying my feats with your crude descriptions. Leave them as they are, wonderous feats that one should marvel over. After all-“ He dusted his paw off against the golden scales of his underside. “I did go and snatch you from the cruel fate that awaited you.”

She turned away from him, arms crossed as she searched across the swarm of chitin, “And they’d do whatever you wished?”

He nodded in amusement, “They’d drown themselves in the marsh if I wished. They live only for my demands now.”

“That’s…” Vishta’s snout wrinkled, “Quite…Interesting.”

“I thought so. But see this? We want the exit, look no further.” He willed the bugs to show them the way, and so they did, forming a hovering line of their brethren. He and the others climbed to another ledge, finally able to drop back down to a stroll. With a pair in toe, he swanned off, his beloved fashioned to his back. When she came too, she’d marvel at their escape, astounded that it had been he that’d rescued them. He warbled in amusement, tail sliding against the walls, totally full of himself. Perhaps she’d reward him. But what if she were upset?

“Do you think she’ll be upset?” He turned to ask the others, ‘For using my powers to save us?”

“It’s perfect in my book.” Broxl nodded with a smile.

“Well…” Vishta bit her lip, squirming under Cordenth’s gaze. When he asked her again, she gave only a nervous laugh, “How could she be? You saved us!”

He paused, tilting his head. Was she being truthful, or only telling him what he wished to hear? Power swelled in his horns with a golden light. “Fantastic!” He warbled, head pulling up, marching along with a bounce in his paws. It was silly of him to think of such things, she was such an understanding and loving mate, how could she not be proud? “How delightful that you lot had me here to save your hides.”

“I know, lucky us.” Vishta replied softly.

The dragon turned with a devilish grin, “And don’t ever forget.”

*

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

Thank you all for tagging along in this adventure as we follow along with Cordenth, Lyndis, Broxl and Vishta. If you like it, don't forget to favorite and vote it a few stars. If you feel like being awesome, leave a comment below, I certainly read them and respond!

If you like the content and help support it, my patreon can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=371744

Feel like chatting and hanging out with us on telegram? The group can be found here: https://t.me/joinchat/6Qc64-7LrtlkMWM5