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Chapter 32

Cordenth found himself drifting in a warm, viscous liquid, surrounded on every side. It's caress massaged his scales, soothed his aching joints, pain was a distant memory. The dragon shifted, coiled upon himself, pressed in at all sides. He shifted a paw through the substance; It was dark, pitch black, even for excellent draconic eyes. Where was he? Wasn't he back on the uniter, about to touch the controls? How did he end up here? Thoughts fluttered away as he rested a paw against the soft wall before him, it was leathery and slick, and by the position of his body, spherelike and perfectly shaped to contain him. Why was this so familiar?

Without warning the prison had begun to shrink, ever slowly until his scales were pressed rather uncomfortably against the walls. Wherever he was he would have to escape before he was crushed! He grunted and groaned, scratching away with his snout at his walls, if there was no passage, he would have to make his own. Panic wove in his chest as sound came from beyond the wall, something excited and muffled.

Not just one sound however, but two. His jailors? Cordenth steeled himself, they would regret keeping a dragon like him prisoner. Soon as he escaped, he would give them a piece of his mind. Scraping against his prison's walls, the leathery walls gave way, it would work! As he continued, his dark confines were lit up by a fierce red light, as if seen through human flesh. The voices got louder, he got bolder, oh he would give them such a tongue lashing! Battering, scraping, snarling, his prison cracked under his assault. The dragon thrust his head out with a mighty snarl, taking in the morning air in which he found himself.

“Look there he is!" Came a black pointed mountain, thrust towards his snout, eyes like sunflowers dazzling with delight.

In defense he swatted such a towering thing, unphased by it's size. He was a dragon and would not show fear, especially in the face of such a monstrosity. The dragon hissed, claws doing nothing as they scratched across the hardened surface. Why was this giant monster laughing?

“He has quite the spirit." Laughed the giant beast, a combination of half eagle and tiger. It was a gryphon of snow-white feathers and fur, complete with white tiger like lower half. “Think he takes after you darling." The catbird nuzzled against a green snout like Cordenth's, dwarfing even the gryphon beast in size.

It was Ossai, his mother, he knew so in the deep parts of his being. Her scales were of the darkest emerald, painted with a honied hue from the morning sun. From her neck to her underside ran thicker scales of an enchanting gold, radiating with power. She was rather cordial all things considered, a pleased look across her snout. The ancient dragoness drew close to her nostril flaring son, resting but a paw stretch away. Lavender eyes of such grandiose power, with the ability to strike fear into all who searched them, instead were filled with utter joy. “Hello, my little Cordenth, I'm your mother. This is your…Caretaker Croesus."

Wait…He was hatching? Cordenth snarled at the two loving parents, batting the now chuckling dragoness right between her nostrils. It was like she didn't fear him at all! When it was clear he could do nothing in the face of such powerful enemies, the young dragon settled down, even letting the catbird pluck him up and swaddle him into a sea of white feathers, black sprinkled about them like snow.

“There, there little one." Cooed the gryphon, shifting him as he settled onto his haunches, “I have you, you're had quite the work out, haven't you?"

Now that his feathery jailor mentioned it, he had had an exhausting day. An ache traveled through each of his limbs, pulling the young dragon's snout open into an exceptional yawn. He hated to admit it, but this catbird wasn't half bad. The embrace around him was warm, soothing his tired limbs, he could sleep away right here, safe. Safe? How did he know he could be safe? The thought fluttered away to the sound of his mother's rumbling.

“Look at him Ossai, he has my eyes." The gryphon Croesus chirped, nuzzling his beak against the tiny dragon's nose, “He's absolutely precious."

“Lets just hope he doesn't have your rambunctious nature." Rumbled the dragoness, as she nuzzled along the gryphon's flank.

“You seemed to like it well enough." He leaned back, planting a gryphon kiss upon her snout.

“Don't get smart with me, it's far too early."

“I'll be smart whenever I darn please."

The gryphon squawked as Ossai subjected them both to long slurps of her tongue. Croesus tried to object, his ears pinned to his head, but the insistent dragoness merely claimed she was trying to clean the little one.

Was this all a dream? Cordenth shifted, eying where he'd come from. There was a black, leathery egg sitting around cushions that matched his mother's scales. Beside it was another one, just like his, wiggling and wobbling as though something were still within. His eyes widened; that was Lyyreth. How could this all be happening again; he was certain that it had! But that was impossible wasn't it, he was fresh out of the egg! The tiny dragon yawned a final time, nuzzling against his gryphon, he'd figure it out after he took a nap.

** * * * * * * * *

Years passed for the little green dragon, many seasons filled with learning and bedtime stories. He grew like a weed, the size of a wolf before he'd even reached his fifth hatchday. He'd been pleased by this, after all, he was to be the most handsome and powerful dragon, his momma told him so. He'd gained black under scales running the length of him, even some growing below his eyes. The dragon would occasionally ponder himself in the mirror, frilled tail flicking as he imagined the future that would be his. Where dragons would soar the skies without fear. It was troublesome that he hadn't a father dragon, but Croesus the caretaker suited the position well enough. The catbird had made sure to instill his respect for the two leggers in his mother's village, enjoy wiggling through overgrown grass, and even singing (although he couldn't quite match the gryphon's chirps). He'd spent many nights nuzzled up close, enjoying his company and warmth.

One morning in late spring he found himself strutting around his home, deep within the forest of despair. He knew better than to linger on the outskirts, just in case any peoples had wandered in. The young dragon was traversing moss covered stones, claws scratching the surfaces as he leaped to them with a look of determination on his face. He couldn't fall after all, that would be most embarrassing, even if he was alone.

He landed in a patch of grass so tall that only his head could be seen when he poked his head out. This part of the forest lacked the densely packed trees of the rest of it, letting the sunlight pour over the area with a pleasing glow, bringing with it a delightful warmth. Clouds drifted overhead, leaving the dragon to ponder what it would be like to caress them, mother wouldn't go into them when he clung to her back in flight. Did she think he was too small, too weak? He would show her, he thought, a rumble going through his throat and filling his chest with pride; today he was to defend her territory, like the brave big dragon he was.

From the rocks he scurried his way to dew slick logs, leaping up to get a better view of the area. There the young dragon would rest ever patiently, eyes searching across the sprawling green before him, waiting for even the slightest hint that something was amiss. Nothing would cross into their domain without his say so, and certainly not like that group of deers like last time. He strut a few paces, nearly slipping off with a surprised yelp. Claws dug in, wings flung out to get better balance, he caught himself. Cordenth searched around to make sure no one had seen such a blunder, thankfully there was not a soul around, he sighed, resetting himself.

He was brave, nothing could make him shiver, not even bears! The wrymling went still, listening to the bubbling brook that rested just out view, from there he heard a familiar cry. His head shot up, frills pinned to his snout, it was a voice, a voice he'd nearly forgotten. Sounds of buzzing insects and chirping birds faded away to nothing, the voice calling out his name again. Was it his mother?

Scampering over logs and brush, the green dragon eventually found his way to his favorite resting spot. Here there were large stones that dwelled in the afternoon sun, perfect for lazing upon and drifting off to a well-deserved nap. Orange flowers grew on the edge of this place, bumble bees drifting to each one without a care. His heart beat ever faster as he held still, why had this voice brought him here? He sniffed the air, perhaps this voice leaver would have a scent? He wrinkled his snout as nothing out of the ordinary came to him.

“Hello?" He called out, hesitation in his voice, “This is my…my mother's territory you know! We don't suffer any intruders!" He swelled his chest, fluffing his wings, surely such a statement would scare them off, his mother was the biggest most powerful dragon around!

The field did not answer him, it was as innocent as it had ever been. All that came was a gentle warm breeze, meant to sooth and relax the dragon now padding his way through the grass.

It wouldn't work, he couldn't rest, there was something here, he knew it in his pads. The wrymling crouched low and crept through the grass and bushes like a shadow, zipping from rock to rock with as much care as he could. He only stopped once, to rear up and rest his paws against the soothing rock, it's warmth trying to seduce him even now. He hissed at such a thing and shook his head, after would be the time to rest, not while his mother had an intruder running about!

There came a rustling of grass that caught his ear, his nostrils flared.

There had been an intruder! He nearly warbled at the thought. Now he could prove how brave and strong he was; maybe momma would let him touch the clouds! Like a being possessed he followed the sounds, eyes dilated as instinct took control of him. The young predator advanced, finding a small rabbit nibbling away at a flower of bright pink. The tiny creature hadn't noticed him.

Cordenth steadied himself, tail gently wiggling as he readied himself to pounce. When he did, he landed with a flare of his wings, giving this tiny beast the biggest roar that his lungs could muster. It was more than enough to send the fluffy tailed creature scurrying away for its life.

“That's right run!" He pridefully announced with a grin, watching the swaying grass where his prey had fled, “And don't come back!" Turning about, he sauntered off, head held high with a pleased swish in his tail. Wouldn't his parents be proud of him, fighting off an interloper like that!

Lost in the euphoria of his triumph, he frolicked joyfully in the clearing, relishing the memory of his grand adventure. With each breath, he growled, pounced, and embellished the tale to make it more exhilarating, painting the bunny as a colossal creature, breathed fire and needed his mighty roar to scare him off!

This bit of revelry ended when he found his patch in the field, a place where he'd worn down the grass. Today would be no exception, after such a defending work, he deserved a rest. The young dragon collapsed to the grass, rolled to his back, wiggling his whole body back and forth, his tail flicking about like a green snake. There he rumbled, and batted his paws on the air, basking in the warmth of the bright sun on his black scaled belly. Eventually he rested his eyes closed, but then came the voice again!

“Oh, come on!" Groaned the young dragon, rolling to his belly, snout wrinkled and eyes steeled, “I thought I got it!"

Grumbling, the young dragon rose, he still had a job to do. Was it someone he knew? Frills fluttered after his first few paces, unease sinking into his paws. It sounded like one of those people things his momma taught him about, but that couldn't be right, the peoples didn't come this deep! Well, unless they were his mother's peoples back in the town. The voice sounded again, perking his head, this people, whomever it was knew of him, even said his name! What madness was this?

“Come out if you know what's good for you!" Growled the young dragon, lashing his tail as he adopted a threatening stance, “It's not nice to go shouting a dragon's name randomly about, peoples aren't supposed to know it!"

Nothing but chirping birds and buzzing of cicada came to his young ears. Was it all in his imagination? Maybe he was dehydrated, a lack of water dulling his senses, yes that had to be it. He licked his paw; it was rather dry. With a shrug he left this clearing behind, setting his sights for his favorite spot to drink, a lake deep within the forest.

This lake was at the bottom of a towering waterfall, it's sparkling water thunderous as crashed down. Cordenth lingered upon the mountains that overlooked it, snowy topped and rocky, cold his mother had said, he hated cold. That was where Veledar's mother had lived.

Veledar's mother?

The young dragon crumpled to the ground, his body convulsing with searing agony that tore through his chest like a savage spear piercing his scales and sinking deep into his vulnerable flesh. A gut-wrenching cry escaped his trembling jaws as his paws shook uncontrollably, unable to provide any relief from the torment. Amidst the excruciating pain, a vivid vision materialized within his mind—a crimson snout of another dragon, a face he thought he knew. The blue-eyed creature spoke of his own childhood, reminiscing about a mother with shimmering silver scales. The imagery shifted, morphing into a haunting memory of himself locked in a deadly struggle against a metallic spherical beast. The assailant drove a harpoon mercilessly through his chest, causing him to collapse in anguish, blood staining his maw. As the tendrils of pain tightened their grip, a faint yet poignant female voice called out to him from beyond the ethereal veil.

Abruptly, the overwhelming experience dissipated, vanishing as swiftly as it had arrived, leaving Cordenth gasping for breath, his tail twitching involuntarily. He scanned his scales meticulously, searching for any signs of injury or disturbance, but found nothing amiss. Confusion furrowed his brow as he emitted a disgruntled snort, contemplating whether he had inadvertently stumbled into a patch of dragonbane bushes. With a determined gesture, he pushed down a paw, directing his gaze towards the serene lake that lay ahead. Its tranquil presence had a calming effect on his mind, soothing his muscles and easing his racing thoughts. From this came images of a woman, the spitting image of adventure and a free spirit.

Lyndis stood before him, a vision of beauty that transcended the limitations of her warm-blooded form. Her eyes sparkled with an inner radiance that captivated Cordenth, rendering him powerless in her presence. The sheer force of her being stirred a deep longing within him, igniting an overwhelming desire to hold her close and shield her from the world. In her untamed spirit, he found a kindred soul, one that awakened dormant emotions and breathed purpose into his existence. A low rumble emanated from deep within him, a mixture of astonishment and awe at the intensity of these newfound emotions. It was a profound connection he had never imagined possible, a bond that whispered of shared adventures, joyous laughter, and stolen moments of serenity by the glistening shores of the lake.

When had he done this? Were they all but dreams? It left the young dragon shaking his head, pressure at his skull. It seemed so real, vibrant, the tastes, the sounds, the smell of the crisp night air, it was overpowering to say the least. There was no denying the satisfaction that it gave the vision of himself, the delight, the urge to be better, stronger, more than what he was, all for the sake of that puny ape.

He stared at his paws, onyx claws digging through the soft earth, so young, so new. Was he five or one hundred and twenty-five?

That's when a growl sounded behind him, drawing the young dragon's mind from his contemplation. Out from the underbrush came a green scaled arrow, a dragon that looked exactly like him to the untrained eye. The young one tackled Cordenth to the ground, nipping at his scales. Paws batted across his snout, Cordenth was forced to do the same to stop his brother from chomping down on his limbs. Together they hissed and rolled about the grass, snapping their jaws at one another.

“That was a low blow!" Cordenth snarled as his brother chomped his tail.

Mischief gleamed in Lyyreth's eye as he grinned, not relinquishing his prize.

“You better let it go!" He stood, trying to pull free, but his brother held firm. Oh, if he was going to play this way, there was only one thing to do. Cordenth wheeled about with a hiss and grabbed his brother's tail. Teeth sank into green scales, holding him firm, trapping them both.

“So…what now?" Asked Lyyreth with a growl through his teeth.

“You let go, and I let go…Deal?" Grumbled Cordenth.

“How do I know you're telling the truth?"

“You're the untrustworthy tail biter."

The young dragon said nothing as they growled, each unwilling to make the first move. Finally, it was settled by Lyyreth to be a count down.

“On the count of three…" Lyyreth began, “One…Two…Three!"

His brother let go, but Cordenth did not. He grinned and lashed his tail out of his brother's grip.

“Hey, no fair! You agreed!" Lyyreth hissed.

He cared not for his brother's protests as he dragged him away by the tail. “Nu-uh." He chuckled, proving himself the stronger as Lyyreth tried to wiggle away. “This is what you get for sneaking up on dragons."

Paws fell to the ground as his brother whined, “But you do it all the time!"

“Well, you need to get better!" He dragged Lyyreth, despite his claws and hissing to the water.

“No!" The young dragon shrieked, flailing about. “There could be alligators in there! They don't respect momma's domain, they'll eat me!"

“There isn't no gators, she'd have eaten them already." He rolled his eyes, dragging he and his brothers into the frigid waters. He sauntered out until he could no longer feel the bottom beneath his paws. Icy daggers bit his scales and frill membranes, but it was worth the discomfort to hear his brother shriek and curse at the experience. He released him as the young dragon began to flail and splash.

“You bastard!" Lyyreth roared, spasming like a drowning cat before starting to paddle his way to shore.

“Oooo…You swore…Where did you learn that?" He followed with interest.

“Croesus." Lyyreth pinned his ears, “But don't tell Momma."

“Only if you teach me more."

“After dunking me in the water? No way, you can go get mounted."

“That doesn't make any sense as an insult." Cordenth reached the shallows, enough so he could stand and let the water drool off his scales.

“It must make sense; I've heard him say it to momma!"

“Pfff, you crazy." He grumbled, no one was insane enough to do that to his mother. “If it was an insult and he did say it, he would have been turned to stone, you're making it up!"

Lyyreth stomped a paw with a threatening snarl as Cordenth slunk around him, “I'm not making it up!"

“Whatever." He crawled back to land to dry himself off, shaking the water free of his scales like a wolf. He paused as his brother flopped into the grass beside him, eyes sharp as his claws. A sense of unease crept into the young dragon's paws, made his snout twitch. “Brother?" His voice went soft as he stared at his digits, “Have we always been this way?"

“How do you mean?" Lyyreth cocked his head.

“Like…Little."

“Course we have been." His snout wrinkled, paw thumping the ground, “Now you're starting to sound crazy."

“Say that again and get water." He snarled, resting a paw above the water's edge, ready to splash his brother yet again.

However, before him was not the mirror of the sky and forest, but of a portal to another place. Beyond the shifting surface was a floating castle, drifting carefully through the clouds.

“The uniter." He whispered to himself, as cold gripped deep within his chest. Before he could bring voice or concerns, he found himself crushed, tossed into the water by his brother's vengeful charge. Cold stabbed at him from every angle as his brother's laughter filled the air. Any thought on the strange floating castle was gone, he was going to kill him!

By the time he made it back to shore, Lyyreth had already bolted away in a fit of laughter, insisting he'd never be caught.

“You'll pay for that!" Roared Cordenth, hot upon his brother's hinds.

** * * * * * * * *

So went the seasons which turned to years, the youthful wrymling growing into adulthood over the century. He'd shed his childish ways for more purpose and responsibility, his title known throughout the land to bring peace and stability to the realm. Where once he nipped at the heels of the mortals within his mother's town, he now towered over them at least three times. For numerous years he had been their caretaker, their champion, a benevolent overlord beloved by all.

His days were spent with training his body and mind, practicing spells that might tear apart any lesser dragon if they attempted it. He'd learned so much beyond the confines of his mother's forest, set his sights to the lands beyond and done what he'd set out to. With his caring paw they'd returned dragon kind to its rightful place, bringing peace and stability they had so wanted in his youth. Now, in his two hundredth year of life, he reclined on his old resting rock, deep within his home.

He stared at the night sky ever filled with life, watching the twinkling lights that teased him so. He could feel the ancient dragons that were said to dwell there, proud that his kind would no longer feel extinction at the end of a mortal's spear. Behind him he could hear the mortals that had accompanied him, preparing his evening meal. Sure, he'd like to hunt like any dragon, but often he'd rather be waited on paw and wing, slurping down tea while having an engaging conversation. These of course would lead to husky words, hooded eyes, and he'd take one of the servants to his quarters. There he would show them the perks of being his most trusted servants, and reward them with pleasures like no other.

Tonight, however, his paws quivered with anticipation, for he was meeting a dragon of legend. One that he had once thought a fairy tale meant for small wrymlings.

“How is my favorite grandson doing this fine evening, wondering how he can better serve his treasured pets?" A gold dragon of tremendous stature landed within his clearing, even dwarfing Cordenth in size. As he pinned his wings and approached, what servants there were spirited themselves out of his reach.

“Grandfather Tiamat." Cordenth rumbled, bowing his head out of respect. When he rose it, he met those fierce, golden eyes, ones that saw the world as theirs. “How goes the talks with Corvania?"

“The Leonin are stubborn as always." The dragon groaned, flopping down upon his belly. “I think they conspire with minotaur to resist us. Even now, flying ships gather with dragon slaying weapons." His whiskers quivered as they always did when he was frustrated. “But nothing beyond our power to overcome, you remember Drenedar's Elizabeth, don't you?"

How could he not? The woman's fiery temper and untamed spirit was more than enough trouble for the dragons back in the day. Despite them trying to instill upon her the perks of unifying her country with dragon kind, she had been stubborn, dwarf like some might say. “Yes, but I remember that she saw the light in the end, even shared your bed chambers more than once."

“That she did." Tiamat settled his head onto his paws, eyes closed as he remembered those pleasing times, “She was a remarkable woman, shame their lives are ever so fleeting. It just gets ever so tiresome." He flopped to his side with a deep sigh, “Running everything day in and out. I envy you grandson, out here in the countryside."

“Oh, is that an offer for your job?" He rose a brow, giving the elder dragon a playful growl. “If you wish to retire, I'd not say no."

“Don't be so swift to count me out yet." Tiamat snapped at him, returning the growl, “I have many years before I need you to take over. Are you not satisfied with your position over Sethera? Most dragons would kill to have what you do."

“True as that might be, I always desire more, after all, am I not of your blood?" He grinned as the elder dragon chuckled, “No matter, when you retire, I shall endeavor to improve, mark my words, the world will speak higher of me than they ever did of you."

“And any other dragon that would have said that would find themselves with my jaws around their throat."

“Mind the temper, you'll scare the servants." The green dragon gestured to the mortals over by their carts, waiting with pots and tankards of adequate size. “But I do appreciate the honor I have."

Tiamat chuckled, thumping his tail before shifting to look Cordenth straight in the eye, “And I do appreciate you grandson. For you, as the last of my blood will ensure this world never forgets us. That the heartbeat of dragonkind persists till the end of days. Which, I am glad that you have finally recovered, after the loss of your mother and brother I feared you would be too damaged to continue."

His heart skipped a beat, his mother and Lyyreth were dead? An ache scratched down his chest as he pondered the thought, but it didn't make sense. He had no memory of what should have been such a traumatic event, how could that be? Swallowing the lump now forming in his throat he asked, “What happened to them?"

“Do you not remember?" Tiamat rose a brow, his whiskers twisting like snakes on the air, “How could you not?"

“I've been feeling…under the weather." He pretended to cough, “Could you just humor me?"

“Of course. It was thanks to the troublesome meddling of that Lund. The dastardly Arcturus and his dragon slaying ilk."

Arcturus Lund? All sense slipped away from him, recalling past images of that bearded man, the deceptive innocence of his demeanor. The clearing around him grew dull, devoid of color as a cold weight settled into his belly. Had it been that man oh so long ago? Had he not been friends with him? It twisted in his gut.

“I know Cordenth, their loss troubled me equally over these decades." Tiamat rose, brushing his snout against the smaller dragon's cheek. “But that wretched man is gone and buried, his entire line burned away from his world. It's astonishing that you can hold it together after their loss, I could not ask for a better heir."

Tears welled up within him, cascading down his emerald cheeks. Though it had happened so long ago, the wounds were as fresh as the day it had happened. He nodded with a sniff, doing his best to keep his composure.

“Do and try and enjoy the rest of your night, I only stopped by for a quick visit." Tiamat added sternly, padding his way to clearing center and extending his feathery wings, “I have complete faith in your Cordenth to keep a tender paw upon the land."

With a fluttering of his wings, the golden dragon was gone, leaving Cordenth to tremble and quiver as though he were a wrymling again. He was not ashamed to know that he whimpered and cried in front of his servants, they were the only ones gifted that honor of being so intimate. They came to him with towels and kind words, offering tender strokes of his scales and ego. He was given his nightly tea, some nightshade from Rothdell, poisonous to many others, but delightful to him.

That night he nuzzled against the most treasured servant among the bunch, a half-elven woman by the name of Lynalla. She had massaged his scales in just the right manner, lifting his spirits with pleasing tales of fancy. Her magnificence reminded him of someone long ago, one that held his captivation so powerfully he thought himself weak. He sang to her that night, held her close and shared what passions that he could provide. Both fell asleep upon one another, satisfied beyond measure.

** * * * * *

The centuries passed for Cordenth like a dream, watching the rise and fall of kingdoms far and wide. While places shifted, he did not, being the one constant in the world. He grew, exceptionally so, rivaling his grandfather in size. He was the prince of the world for quite some time, after Tiamat had brought everything underneath his paws. Unfortunately, in his arrogance the golden dragon had not been as vigilant as he'd thought, brought low by someone of the Lund's bloodline.

Regardless, the empire persisted with Cordenth at it's head, touching upon every continent. He rumbled at the saying that the sun never set on his empire. As it was, dragon kind was now flourishing, the order his grandfather spoke about instilled upon everyday life. Not a mortal soul now lived could remember how things used to be. Dragons guided every aspect of their life, becoming tender shepherds to their every growing flock.

Cordenth had a loving mate, numerous children, a vast home that was the envy of all others. He had it constructed at the heart of his once forest of despair, instead naming it the forest of hope. He knew that he might not have been the greatest father, he was often distant, keeping to himself, but he managed to give his wrymlings the world that he'd wanted, one where dragons never had to worry about being hunted or slain.

It was a day like any, in his two thousandth year of life, the sun was shining high, the cloud filled sky full of dragons. The ancient green watched from his perch atop his castle, one constructed out of dwarven stone and carved with many symbols of dragons in flight, a gift from the many denizens of the foggy mountains. Cordenth was adorned in various golden anklets, horn rings and jewelry, complete with a lone blue scarf around his neck. It was almost as old as he was, preserved only thanks to magic. The thing had fading blue material, with white diamonds stitched into the surface. Why he held onto it was a mystery, others said it looked tacky, but it gave him a sense of hope that kept him going. Besides, one snarl from him was more than enough to send any questioning dragon scurrying away.

He gazed down at the courtyard of his domain, where once his mother had filled with frozen stone statues of her victims. Instead it was filled with countless artistic creations, of statues and shapes crafted out of too many flowers and plants to count. There he watched his countless mortal servants work, tending to not only that but the walls of his mighty fortress. Beyond that he could spy the numerous paths that snaked along the green countryside to his domain, tiny spots of traveling caravans catching his eye.

Pleasure wove around deep within his scales, a job well done, a thankful world. Thanks to him, mortals were not treated like the playthings that his grandfather had insisted on, but instead they were treasured servants and pets to his people. They had a purpose to support their dragons, learn from them, that was their place in this world. For that the world had been at peace, no war, no disease, famine, or hardship, it was a wonderland of no equal. This was the world his mother had wanted, he just wished that she'd lived to see it come to fruition.

Yet as the green beast flicked his large tail, something still lurked deep within his black scaled chest. There was a sense of something missing, that this world was wrong. Many years he'd experienced such sensations, trickles down his spine, he'd drowned them in spirits and mating, but it would always return. His dreams would be troubled by an old face, an old love that much he was certain. He knew it was a two legger, it would explain why he'd shared his life with so many mortals over the years, other dragons teased him he adored their kind of his own. What had that woman's name been?

It was Lyndis.

The thought stilled his heart, rocked the great beast to his core. That was her name, wasn't it? The dashing rogue that had stolen not only treasure for her life, but his heart as well.

“CORDENTH! I know you're in there!" Her voice thundered across the sky, shaking the very foundations of his castle.

Despite how the world trembled at such a proclamation, it seemed far more real than anything else around him. But how could that be? He cocked his head, frills of his snout pinning to his scales. Her voice had been ages ago, why was it troubling him now?

Pain lanced through his head, all consuming and hungry. It forced the great dragon to coil and hiss, lose all sense of his surroundings. He fell forward, off his mighty tower, tumbling upon himself with no hope of catching himself. Agonizing as this all was, he had to catch himself with a spell, how embarrassing to be done in by a simple fall! However, he could not find the strength as the debilitating sensations continued to ravage him. To his luck the ground beneath him splintered at his touch, shattering into millions of fragments with an overpowering shriek.

His heart was a stampeding herd of horses, desperate to escape as he continued to tumble. Gone was the air to batter his snout, no up or down as he was consumed on all sides by darkness. He yelled as the pain started to dull, uncertain where exactly he was. The dragon tried to reorient himself and beat his wings, but it didn't matter, there was nothing to push against. Still, he continued to fall, a sickening sensation in his belly. Was he finally going mad after all these years?

The journey came to an end as he crashed into something soft and wet. Where was the pain, the fragmenting of his bones, his death? Cordenth was left to shake his snout, shifting about the moldable ground that had saved him. Opening his eyes revealed a most strange sight, not the realm of infinite darkness that he had just seen, but the clearing of his youth, the lake by the waterfall before him.

How did he get here? The dragon rose to all fours, searching the star filled sky above him. There the twin moons shone down on him with sympathy, painting his scales in various shades of white and purple. The air here was calm and soothing, caressing his scales and bringing the nostalgic scents that eased his rapidly beating heart. The lake before him was a reflection of the sky itself, beautiful and captivating. The dragon found himself approaching, drawn as if by an invisible string.

“This place is wrong." He spoke softly, resting above the water's edge. In the distance he could see the waterfall that filled this place was frozen. The surface of the lake proved no better to ease his mind, gone was the sky, replaced with all consuming darkness. It seemed to stare back at him, sending a shiver down his spine.

“Cordenth, I need you to come back. Please, hear me." Lyndis' voice came from beyond the lake, cracked and filled with so much misery.

“Lyndis? How can this be, you were oh so long ago." Despite this, the lake before him swelled to life, recreating an image of her. It seemed to be yelling something to him in defiance, were those insults? She looked exhausted, weary beyond measure, at the end of her rope. Slowly he reached a paw out towards her, she was the only part that was real. When he touched her it all became clear to him. This was all fake, he had been on the uniter, where had had touched the crystal and been consumed.

At that revelation he collapsed to his belly, agony swelling up in his bones as if maggots were gnawing right through them.

“So, you keep getting drawn to her…amusing." Tiamat strolled to his side as blackened tendrils sprouted from the grass to curl and twist around Cordenth's limbs. “She thinks she can save you…but we know better, don't we?" He grinned as Cordenth coughed, squirming against the appendages. “You belong here…with me…nothing more than a fragment of my mind with delusions of sapience."

“No…" He groaned, finding his strength departing, like it was being drained right out of him. Upon the water's surface he could see a cloud overtaking Lyndis, green and terrible, his breath. Cold ate him inside, fear consuming every inch of him. He grit his teeth as he tried to free himself, only to find these tendrils matched his strength. “You…are nothing…nothing more than the nightmare from my youth."

“And yet I persist throughout all time!" Tiamat lowered his head with a wicked laugh, as the surroundings melted around him. “It is over Cordenth, it doesn't matter what happens here. I have won this day, your friends will be bound to my will, your brother my trustworthy servant, Lyndis will be my consort."

The words were powerful, an overpowering storm of a will that threatened to bend Cordenth to it's demand. He struggled and tugged against his bindings until it ached, this could not be the end! Even now he could feel the despair from Lyndis, he had to get to her!

Tiamat turned, offering a dismissive snort, “What life could you have with her anyway? She's but a mortal, one with a finite life. You Cordenth will persist for centuries, eons, you struggle for what will amount to a drop in your life?"

“And it would have been worth every second." He snarled as his paws began to sink into the ravenous ground. He tugged but it was no use, all he could manage was to delay his descent by seconds.

“How so Cordenth? In time you would have tired of her."

“Not true." Pain lanced through his paws as he strained himself, unwilling to go out quietly, not while he could hear her cry. “Lyndis!"

“Lie to yourself but not to be boy. I saw what you did with power." Tiamat tapped his skull, “Remember her mother? Broxl? All those lives that stood before you? You warped them to your demands, robbed them of thought. So too would you have taken her will from her."

He sank a great deal further as he struggled, feeling the guilt of every soul mentioned. “I wouldn't have!"

“But you did."

The landscape shook with tremendous force, a lance of lightning cracking open the blackened sky. Clouds swelled into prominence, terrible and wicked, resembling wretched visages of the gold dragon before him. Cold filled Cordenth's heart as Tiamat strolled around him, confidence and cruelty drooling from every paw. The green dragon grit his teeth, haunted by the pleading faces of all the lives he'd twisted, would they be ok? He deserved this didn't he, for wielding such power so carelessly. He sank a great deal more at that thought, right up the base of his neck.

“That's right young one. You've realized it, that you are me, it would only have been a matter of time. For the roads you have flown, they were mind eons ago, when the world was new."

Frills pinned as those golden eyes game inches from his own, terrifying delight reflected within them. The beast that had defeated Bahamut, what chance did he have in the face of that?

“It is over Cordenth, it time that you were forgotten."

“No." He hissed, trying to shake his head, but finding himself weak, drained. This was it, his last defiant breath before he was utterly consumed.

“Cordenth!" Lyndis voice cut through the cold like the sun, her face appearing in the distance, taking up the sky. By this perspective she was just above his snout, eyes red as tears flowed down her cheeks.

“Lyndis." His eyes widened; she'd not yet given up.

“How noble of her." Tiamat scoffed, “She is quite the catch, I'll enjoy taming her."

“Oh gods, whoever is listening." She continued to sob, “Please give him the strength, that's all I ask. Cordenth…If you can hear me, I love you with all my heart. I know I was afraid to say it before, but I'm not anymore. If you pull through, I promise you will never doubt that I do. Please, come back to me."

How could he let her down, not after hearing such a desperate plea? The green dragon steeled his nerves and gave it all, grunting and pawing for any holding to free himself. Even as pain stabbed at his sides he managed, slowly but surely dragging his entire body from the muck. With every inch warmth came, filling him with strength, he would be free, she was waiting for him.

“How are you doing that?" Tiamat wheeled around to him, for the first time, fear in his voice. “Stay down!"

But he wouldn't, not with her words burning in his heart. With a breath flames came off his scales, bubbling and boiling away what darkness had him bound. Spreading his wings he took flight to her, knowing he would not get another chance. He left the bewildered demigod in the dust.

“You can't, you're a part of me!"

Memories flashed all around him, holding tenderly close to his scales, gazing at the stars, how her smile made him want to do anything for her. Another memory, they laughed together, chasing one another around her snowy estate, he getting snowballs to the snout. There were hisses of delight, raw emotion twisting around him, filling every pound of his wings with purpose. He lingered on flashes of Veledar and he dueling, Arcturus and he trading barbs, even amusement as the kobold Feku tended to his wounds. He could see a shimmering light in the distance, Lyndis kneeling over his panting body. He had to get to her.

“What is this, what have you done?" Tiamat roared, lightning crackling below his paws as the great gold beast leaped into the air after him. The dragon surged forth like a demon, faster than any creature had the right to be. Every flap of his wings ripped apart the very fabric of reality, exposing slithering blue lights that pulsed with life. With his eyes burning, the dragon's form shifted to a great monster of five different draconic heads. Each resembled the color of his children, with one nothing more than rotted flesh and sinew clinging to bleached bone. “You will never be free of me!"

Cordenth had to tilt his wings, shoot downward to avoid the coming claws of the rampaging abomination of dragon kind. Right through the sharpened things he slipped, weaving back and forth no matter what was swatted at him. He couldn't fail Lyndis, not now, not when he was so close, the green focused on her, aware that any slight mistake could cost him his soul in these final moments.

“Who do you think you even are?" Tiamat's voice cracked through the air, a ghost of it's former self, pained and aged. “You are nothing!"

“Cordenth." The dragon growled, turning to offer the pursuing beast a satisfied grin before he passed through the shimmering veil, “Get mounted."

** * * * * * * * *

Cordenth's eyes fluttered open, the gold around them fading back to the sunflower yellow that belonged there. Trembling, the emerald beast began to shrink, bit by bit, the emperor's enhancements reversed. Onyx scales burst across the golden sea of his under scales, consuming them like an overwhelming flame. He was left panting, held in Lyndis' arms, disbelief painted across his snout.

“Lyndis?" he asked softly, voice pained and cracking, like he'd strode thousands of miles with no rest.

“Cordenth!" She shrieked, grabbing hold of his snout, and squeezing it with all her strength in her arms. “Cordenth!" Relief took hold, had her sob, wailing against his scales. She shook, thanking the gods for hearing her prayer.

“I'm back?" He breathed, still blinking, a trembling paw pressing against the rogue's back. “I'm back."

She pulled back with a sniff, gaining composure over herself as she searched the green dragon's face from nose to horn. She lingered on the thorned crown Ossai had given her, there was still a bit of gold above where it clung. Was the Emperor still locked within? Or was this him pretending? She had to be sure.

“Tell me something only Cordenth would know."

“Didn't…he know what I knew?"

Right, it would have to be something else. “What do you think of this bunny?" She whirled up an illusion of a rabbit in her palms, small, brown furred with a twitching pink nose. She held it up to his gaze, “Well?"

Cordenth gave a tired rumble, “That I find it cute and amusing? Lyndis I'm much too tired to squeal and sniff at it like a wrymling."

“You're back!" She cast the illusion away, giving the dragon a kiss between the nose, “Never doubted you for a bloody second!"

There were no more words to be had, Cordenth pressed himself into her embrace, warbling softly as she stroked him. Together they laid on one another, letting out the emotions that had been so high strung these past few days. He shook, holding her close as she did the same, tears of joy running until they could not come. They kissed, laughed, disregarding the now shaking of the uniter around them. Their concerns were gone, nothing else mattered, the Emperor had truly lost.

** * * * * * * * *

A cataclysmic event unfolded from the Uniter, a surge of mystical energy, vibrant and raw, erupting from its surface, it consumed not only itself but the city of Struport in a cascade of shimmering colors. Buildings shattered like glass before it, foundations that had stood for hundreds of years were crumbled under it’s pure arcane force. Streets were ripped open, swallowing whole sections of the city into an abyssal void. Brilliant arcs of energy danced through the air, crackling with immense power. For miles the sea that had once held the playful dance of Fremra and her children was vaporized, taking every ship and animal with it.

In an instant, all that remained of the once vibrant city was a smoking crater, the only evidence it and the surrounding countryside had even existed. The sky was now a darkened mass of clouds, with thick lines that stretched out to the ends of the horizon. Within these lines were tangled strands of turquoise energy, the weave of the world exposed for all to see. These threads stretched out with a ghostly light, like gnarled branches in the air.

All that remained of this disaster was a solitary stretch of land, floating where the city had once stood. Around it was a shimmering blue shield of light, crackling with arcane might. Within it were the only survivors of this tragedy, a minotaur, two kobolds and an elderly looking man with blue robes.