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Prologue

Dark as the greatest voids was the sky, not a trace of the twin moons to be seen. Angry clouds churned overhead, diving the countryside below. The wind howled like a wounded beast, whipping through the swamp town of Gearmell, fluttering banners, flags and any loose clothing it could find. The sparse streets of cobbled together wood were empty, lit only by the dim blue-white glow of the firefly lanterns that dotted every bridge and corner. Not a living soul could be found, save one, a tiny kobold named Hurta.

Gasping for breath the lizard man stood no taller than a man’s waist, clutching tight a lantern within his green, scaly claw. Eyes of amber hidden by his goggles, snapped to each of the ramshackle like buildings, hoping in his panic, they didn’t come crashing down around him. His dirt brown cloak littered with holes fluttered behind him, a present from those he knew were hounding on his heels. He winced and clutched tight the wound his side, his attacker’s axe caring little for the leather armor he wore. He reminded himself he couldn’t stop now, not while the others remained ignorantly in the dark, they had to be told…Before it was too late.

When the wind blew next he seemed to be carried by it’s passing, turning what should have been a casual walk into a desperate sprint. He made his way through the maze of streets, over slickened bark and raised bridges, trying to lose himself within civilization’s shadow. He’d just managed to get to where he sought, throwing open the rain slickened door of the town’s tavern as a trio of red feathered arrows slammed in unison into it’s surface.

Slamming the door behind him he hurled his weary body inside, catching a draconic hiss calling for his head. The kobold nearly collapsed upon the ale-stained floor like some drunkard with one too many, but found the courage as the humans inside peered down at him, wondering why a kobold of all things had found its way into their company. He had no time to explain. Usually he would have found enjoyment in kicking back his feet and sipping a tankard of ale, enjoying the smell of tobacco as he laughed with the patrons, but not tonight. Pressing forward he called out a warning in the common tongue, giving these drunken fools the slim margins of chance. They might not do much, but they just might buy him enough time to do what he needed, get the message out.

Pain surged through his legs as he grazed the first step, adrenaline starting to fade, threatening to buckle his knees and send him crashing to the floor. He pressed on despite this, ignoring the sounds of his pursuers bursting through the inn’s entrance, hurling over tables and chairs, snarling their threats upon the air like their blades. By the sounds of the human’s screams below, the little lizard had only moments, he just hoped that it would be enough.

Whimpering, he hobbled down the empty hall, falling into every worn wall and leaving a bloody smear. Despite the training of years with the K.I.N, he’d never imagined for things to go as such. It was all he could do to not collapse as the hallway spun around him, he lost that battle as he opened his room’s door, slamming snout first with a defeated, weak grunt.

Of course, this would happen, Hurta growled, pulling back his claw to find it drenched in his blood. The wound was worse than he thought, even after the healing potion he’d ingested earlier. He grimaced; they must have laced their weapons with some sort of poison to stop it from working. Cursing under his breath he dragged himself across the floor towards his leather, painting the boards a grisly color beneath him.

Unbuckling the latch he rifled through his meager belongings, parchment, books, quills, various gadgets curtesy of the Kobold Information Network, tossing them uncaringly behind him. Of course, when the floor was a sea of scattered knickknacks Hurta found what he needed, a sphere of brown metal adorned in elven runes across its surface. He glared at it, chastising his foolishness in forgetting it this eve. As the heavy footfalls of his pursuers filled the hall, he fumbled with pressing the right runes in sequence, the wrong one would cause it to explode, and taking his life in the process.

He’d just managed to press the right sequence when a muscled siigonis stepped into the doorframe. The anthropomorphic alligator towered over him, reptilian eyes gleaming with ill intent. Certainly, it smelled blood in the air, it’s twisted mind relishing over the end of a thrilling hunt. Hurta fumbled with the device in his hands as the creature labored it’s way over to him, clutching tight a cruel axe held within it’s iron like grip.

With a delighted hiss the alligator man lifted the axe high above its head with powerful arms, bringing it down with terrifying speed. Nothing would stand within it’s path, not flesh, not bone, not wood, certainly not the cowering kobold within it’s path. Bones splintered, muscles severed, with a meaty thwack, Hurta’s head went rolling away from it’s body. The siigonis tossed back it’s head, thumping it’s blood stained chest as it unleased a bellow to turn any who heard it’s blood to ice.

It’s job complete, the beast crouched low, rifling curiously through Hurta’s things, finding nothing to hold it’s interest, save the bauble in which the kobold had so desperately clung. The lizard spun the sphere across his worn claws, pondering it in silence, even as his brethren began removing any witnesses from the rest of this eyesore of a town. Just as he was going to toss it away, considering it of little value, a spectral owl sprung from it’s metallic surface.

Unleashing a startled yell, the mighty warrior flung himself back against the wall, trembling at the sight of the turquoise, see through owl. Each movement that it made, followed by thin, wispy strands of mist that the siigonis was certain would curse him for the rest of his days. The creature fluttered around the room, paying the siigonis no mind, before wheeling around and passing through the walls as though it were not there.

Heaving a mighty sigh, the siigonis warrior slumped down, counting himself lucky he had not matched wits with a spirit this day. When the sounds of battle once more filled his ears, blood once more brimmed and boiled with battle lust to be had. He hurled himself down the tiny hall with a mighty roar, hoping his kin would wait for him to return. The spy had been slain by his hand, surely a reward would be had!

Across the night sky the spectral owl did soar, the last, fleeting hope of a doomed kobold. It’s light burning brilliantly against the sea of darkness, carrying its message to those that it could be of use. It didn’t look back, never wavered, nor listened to the cacophony of screams that ripped the darkness asunder with its passing. Without care it continued, guided by the currents towards whatever soul would answer its desperate plea.

Chapter 1

Cordenth passed through the murky water, his dark green scales all but blending into the thick deluge of slime clinging to the water’s edge. His dull frills that lined his spine from head to tail, resembled that of a hunting shark, which to his amusement was all too fitting. The dragon’s powerful paws carried him effortlessly through the watery domain of the siigonis people, while not as agile as that of the teal dragons, none were here to offer the comparison. Sunflower eyes able to catch things unseen to man, narrowed over his surroundings, catching the attention of a swarm of spider like creatures skating along the water’s surface, desperate to free themselves from the passing dragon.

How amusing, he thought as they scattered. That they could even consider in their diminutive heads that he a great beast as he was, would lower himself to dine upon their meager bodies. Their fear brought life anew to his paws however, forcing the green dragon to wheel around with a rumble, bearing down on these frightened insects once more. In their chitters of terror he warbled, relishing in how easy it had been. So was the right way in the world, those lesser creatures moving themselves out of the fated path of dragon kind.

Thoughts soon righted as he resumed his course, reminding him that he was to keep on task, for his companions back at camp were depending on what he caught for their evening meal! For even though they found themselves with the Tlantin marches tucked in the siigonis lands, dragons were still the greatest hunters around. Flaring his nostrils, the dragon dove beneath the green-blue waters, paddling his way down to the murky floor, where old, dead plants clung. Shadows clung to every nook and cranny like vicious ink, but did little to hide this domain to his draconic eye. With his third eyelid he glided through the water as the apex predator as he was.

He all but disappeared within this watery realm, his scales darkening naturally to the dwindling light. It allowed him to pass beneath rotted logs and broken branches, soon spying schools of fish nibbling upon algae. Plump and covered in silver scales, they were unaware of what had caught them within it’s gaze. Blood simmering with instinct, he silently stalked them, careful to not make any sudden moves and send them darting for cover within the thick flora around. When he got close enough, adrenaline flared, he shot himself to them like a lance.

Around and around he closed in on them, despite their desperate darts to avoid this rampaging predator behind them. They might have outswam a man, but for them it would be no contest at all. Closer and closer he drew, his maw opened, ready to sink into their plump flesh, but it was not to be. At the last moment came a thrusting spear, cleaving through the water with ease. It skewered the fish in a cloud of blood, only to be reeled in to the world above.

What audacity was this? His blood boiled as he whirled around, tail flicking behind him, summoning clouds of blinding dirt in his wake. That should have been his meal! To have it ripped from his jaws in his moment of triumph? That was an insult, a great slight against him that deserved a thorough tongue lashing to be sure! His pride slithered down his limbs like a corruptive plague, whispering in it’s terrible tongue for the dragon to get even, and so he shot to the surface with a savage growl.

Water scattered in all directions as he breached, unleashing a savage hiss of an agrivated dragon upon the air. His eyes flared with flames as they narrowed upon the source of his ire, the green scaled form of his siigonis companion, currently holding a spear, silver fish still wriggling upon it’s tip.

He was stoic, not seeming to mind the sizable dragon currently swimming it’s way over to him. Broxl as he was called was taller than an average human, with the muscular scaled body of one who’d spent his life within these marshes, hunting, swimming, and tracking all manner of great beasts. Water coiled like rivers down his scales, various shades of green. His gear was currently folded and left upon the drier shore, thankfully spared as Cordenth slapped the surface with his scaled tail, punctuated with a furious hiss that would have sent any human fleeing in terror. Broxl simply looked upon the panting dragon, meeting his flames with calm. With apathy in his voice, he ended the fish’s struggles with a sharpened knife before placing it in a wicker basket upon the shore, where an empty one for Cordenth resided. “What has you steaming now dragon? Have you got another splinter in your paw?”

“What? That only happened the single time!” He huffed, thrusting a wing towards the lizard’s weapon. “Has sight been robbed of you lizard? With your recklessness, I could have been skewered by your pointed stick!”

“Spear.”

“Call it what you want, but it’s a pointed stick. How am I supposed to catch anything if you keep stealing each catch that I find?”

“I thought we made an excellent team. I’ve almost filled my basket. Lyndis and Vishta will be pleased with our success.”

“You’ve filled the basket, riding upon my wings.” Cordenth whirled around with a huff, fluffing his wings, scattering what droplets clung to his lime green membranes in each direction. “This was supposed to be a contest of skill in the hunting art, figures you’d go cheating off a dragon’s success.”

“I was not cheating, and this isn’t a contest.” The lizard stated, rolling his spear within his grasp. Amber eyes flicked across the water’s surface, searching for the smallest glimmer of light. “And I wouldn’t have skewered you, this is not my first time.”

“You’ve nearly skewered a dragon before?” He approached, trying to intimidate the hunter with his size, even if he only stood a few feet taller at his full height.

“If you’d stayed out of my area, that would not have happened.”

“Oh, here we go with this again_.”_ Cordenth groaned, turning away to glare daggers at all the swamp around them. “I get it, this is your people’s land. Technically I can’t get out of your hunting area.”

The lizard shook his head, returning to the water. Of course, that was not what he’d meant. “You worry too much for a dragon. I’d never have hit you.”

“Hmmph…That remains to be seen. Next time, restrain yourself and let me secure my catch.”

“Your catch? I thought I was the one who skewered it.”

He growled, “Mere seconds before I was to get it.”

The lizard shrugged, “Perhaps if your wings were not so tired from the week’s travel, your senses would not be as dulled. You should have waited with the females as I suggested.”

“Dulled? You think my senses have been dulled?” Cordenth stomped his way to the lizard’s side, splashing him with copious amounts of water. “I’ll have you know my senses are as superior as ever. My wings are not my paws and jaws if you recall.”

The siigonis eyed the pile of fish at the shore, noting Cordenth had not a pile himself. “Evidence speaks to the contrary dragon.” He motioned for the dragon to shift to the left, and just as he complied, he hurled another spear into the marsh, skewering another fish for dinner.

“Are we not having a conversation!” Cordenth reared his head with a growl, “You dare ignore me and keep hunting? When a dragon speaks to you lizard, you’re supposed to shut up and pay attention!”

Reptillian eyes landed upon Cordenth’s snout as he reeled in his catch. Fear could not be seen within those amber fields, “I am hunting as I said. Just because you wish to waste the daylight with your wining-“

“I am not…” He slammed his tail upon the water, “Whining!” Out went his wings, his nostrils flared, blood burned with fury. “I’ll have you know, that I, Radiant Star, son of the Emerald Lady, bane of Lumara, toppler of dragons, crusher of madmen, future king of Drenedar, have more hunting ability in one of my holden horns than you have in your entire body.”

“It was not a contest.” Broxl stated bluntly, pinning down the frill that lined the back of his head and neck. “I’m doing my part for the others; you should be resting.”

“Bah.” He scoffed, waving a paw. “That’s exactly what you’d want me to do. Rest my snout while you do all the hunting, the providing, insist that I am incapable of doing so. Not while I draw breath, Lyndis will know that it is I that she can rely on for such things.”

“And you could provide for her by resting. It’s a long journey ahead with your wings, without them, it would take a significant longer time.”

“Which brings me to my next point…Why insist on poking my scaled when you know I could leave you behind?” He lowered his snout with a smug grin, know he had the stern faced Siigonis. “That just seems rather, ill-conceived.”

“But who would get you within the Qu’ittax’s walls? My people at our capital may question the arrival of a dragon, but it would not be the lavish praise that you’re expecting.” He lined up another toss, hurling his javelin soon after. As it struck it’s mark, he could only turn to the dragon and return his smile, chuckling how the beast retracted his head and unleashed a startled gasp.

To this Cordenth slipped outside the Siigonis’ reach, pondering the welcome they might receive. He insisted they would not love him, but how could they not? The lizard was just playing with him, that had to be it. Besides, even if they didn’t, he could be very persuasive with his charming power. The siigonis would not be harder than the dwarves and humans he’d tested it on. With a chuckle he composed himself, give Broxl the impression he’d not been ruffled. “We’d find another way and your people would find me quite irresistible.”

“Is that so?”

“Indeed.” He puffed up his chest, already picturing them fawning over his paws, presenting him with treasures of all sorts, laying thick praises upon his pride. Every desire within his heart could be his, only but a question away. Oaths, minions, servents, land, even harems if he requested it. As the dragon imagined such things he couldn’t help but rumble at tantalizing displays, swaying tails in vigorous motions. It was all he could do to return his thoughts to the present, shaking his horned head. Lyndis was in need of him, she must have been starving!

Turning to Broxl he narrowed his gaze, not caring the siigonis paid him no heed. “Relish this slight lead in your hunting Broxl, for it will not last. When I return, it will be with a catch of no equal, you will know defeat by my scaled, viridian paws. Our companions, and more importantly, my love, will be in awe, question why we have one such as yourself with us.”

“To get us into Qu’ittax.” Broxl sighed.

Without paying any more mind, Cordenth hurled himself through the water, blood brimming with excitement. Even now he could picture Lyndis’ big eyes, fawning over how great his catch ways, applying kisses to his snout as Broxl stood defeated. As his tail slipped back into the watery realm, Cordenth could not hear the whispered prayer of his Siigonis companion, thanking Nutambar for the coming silence.

-

Through the swamp the dragon searched, gliding through the waters. His eyes traced over numerous creatures ashore, each no bigger than a human’s palm. Had the land restricted their size? He focused on the thick reeds and weed wrapped trees that dangled down with white and yellow flowers. Magic had surely gripped this land, kept the cold icy teeth of Drenedar’s winter at bay, leaving these wilds unspoiled, enshrouded in tropic like weather, perfect for their lizard inhabitants. No doubt druids were at work, that much was certain. But could they help control the animals as well with their spells? Guide and assist their kin, while hindering outsiders?

Cordenth stopped mid stroke, his growl startling a pair of yellow feathered birds to race towards the canopy above. Was that why Broxl was doing better than him? Oh, what a nefarious, deceitful thing to do! Especially when he’d given that ungrateful lizard the honor of riding on his back. Not just anyone was allowed to do that! It was only by Lyndis’ kind words and gentle touch did the hunter siigonis and his kobold cohort stand any hope of riding upon his wings. He shook his head, resuming his swim. No, that had to be crazy, he was grasping at splinters. While infuriating beyond belief in his blunt like nature, the siigonis hunter was not stupid. If such a deceit was found, surely he’d know that the dragon’s fury would fall upon his shoulders!

“So that just means he was in my way.” Cordenth grumbled to himself, at least taking solace in the fact the world made sense between his golden horns.

Sunlight filtered down in gentle shafts from the canopy above, bringing red-orange light to this shadow wrapped realm. Above, dull birds fluttered by, chirping their distant songs, while others blindly fell victim to giant spiderwebs that crisscrossed several branches. The dragon watched in a grim fashion as eight legged beasts the size of wolves crawled towards their helpless prey. As his claws found purchase in a rotted oak below his paws, he mused the idea of climbing up and plucking one of those beasts for the evening meal. It was certainly bigger than a meager fish! But then his snout wrinkled as he pictured it’s gamey flesh, the hardness of it’s carapace getting wedged in his teeth, he gagged. “Besides.” His nostrils flared, “A spider is ill suited to grace the maw of my love. Only fish or a sizable land beast will do.”

With pride flowing in his chest he found a rock jutting from the shore’s edge, weathered and covered with blue-green moss on one side. Up he crawled to perch upon it, letting the water slowly drip from him as he gazed out upon his hunting spot. There he found a statuesque alligator resting nearby, dull green scales blending in with it’s surroundings. They shared a look of understanding, the beast too scared to move or simply not minding the dragon’s presence.

“And it looks like I have company.” The dragon mused, resting upon his onyx scaled belly, scratching the few golden scales that adorned it, like tiny islands in a vast sea. He tilted his head to his still animal companion, curling his tail around the rock. “Don’t worry my friend, you’re safe.” He chortled in the draconic tongue.

The alligator didn’t answer.

Here a calm was reached, not a beast stirring around this place. The humid air swirled with hints of the sweet scent of decay, mixed with an inkling of salt, no doubt from the sea miles away. As he gazed out to the waters, searching for glints of light upon the scales of his prey, his mind drifted to places far removed from his calm surroundings. It whispered and slithered into the dragon’s mind, speaking of the swamp of shadows, that dwelled within the confines of these lands. All he knew was that it’s center was a mysterious place, that none returned from, and those that did, spoke not of it. He closed his mind and focused on the darkened trees he knew dwelled there, wrapped tight in the thickest fog. There he felt a tug upon his soul, beckoning the dragon to unfurl his wings and rush into the swamp’s waiting embrace.

His tail trembled as the air seemed to cool, the urge to listen only grew stronger with every mile they flew deeper into these lands. He’d kept it from Lyndis to keep her from worrying, but deep down he knew this was nothing to be concerned. His dreams had been free of his grandfather for the week, the great and terrible dragon Emperor. Either by skill or power, the green dragon had rid himself of such darkness with sure determination.

“Which was to be expected of course.” He mused with pride, twirling a paw to his swelling chest. “For I am such a marvelous beast, unrivaled in my commitment to be beloved and my friends. It would take far more than some twisted, dark specter to get a grip on my soul.” He tossed his maw back and laughed away, imagining the golden dragon’s great face, lips curled into a sneer as Cordenth paid him little fear.

Course, even in such bravado, the kernels of doubt remain. As the dragon’s laugh petered out into mere chuckles, he couldn’t help but wonder if something had happened. Had his grandfather been distracted by his other terrible plan? Or was it as he said, defeated him with his power? The dragon’s heart stilled as a third option occurred to him, sending a terrifying shiver down his spine to his tail tip. He quivered, asking himself if it was possible the shadow of his emperor had already found away inside his mind?

He shook his head at such ridiculous thoughts. So, what if every time he used his charming power one of his scales shifted from their lovely ebony to a resplendent gold! That was just the aftereffects of the spell! If his mind where starting to shift, would he not be the first one to be aware of it? Again he laughed, this time for him being so foolish.

“Isn’t that right gator? I would know if I wasn’t me! I’m not crazy!” He tilted his snout to the gator, which eyed him without a sound. “I shouldn’t be worrying about such petty things anyway. I must focus on the hunt at paw, am I going to let that tricksy Siigonis best me? Tarnish my pride in front of my beloved Lyndis? Hell no!” As he conjured the image of the muscled hunter, the dragon couldn’t help but growl, the fires of competition being stroked once more. He knew what the lizard was trying to do, doing since they’d shared company. He was trying to steal Lyndis away from him, prove that he was a better mate than he. That would not stand.

“Not while I still draw breath!” He growled, “When I return with my catch, it shall put him back in his place, know that I am the dominant one in this hunting, and Lyndis will shower me with affections.” He rumbled at the thought of her resting against his scales, smooching at his snout, tenderly caressing his sensitive snout frills. With a flick of his tail, he resumed his hunt, diligently scanning over the surrounding area.

Eventually time passed, the sun had all but fallen onto the horizon. The swamp’s calm colors lay muted, wrapped thick in shadows. Violets could be seen bursting free on the red-orange sky, cascading across to reveal their stars beyond. Though Cordenth had been busy hunting and thinking to himself, there had not been a solitary prey he’d settled upon to be his catch. Which was most perplexing as now, time was running short to return to the camp.

How he grumbled upon his rock, excuse after excuse being laid upon his paws. Would he have to admit defeat to that Siigonis Hunter? Look like a fool in front of his beloved? Be worse a hunter than even Lyyreth, his brother? Cordenth shivered at the thought, recalling countless times he’d proven himself the superior twin in that regard. But it all made sense when he thought of it, Broxl must have tricked him, whisked him away from the good hunting ground, either by spell or words, Cordenth was certain something was afoot. When he returned, that Siigonis would be getting an earful, how dare he pull the wool over this dragon’s eyes.

He was just going to return to camp when he caught the Alligator from before, hugging the shore, sticking to the shadows. Freezing, he couldn’t help but smirk as the idea built between his horns. Perhaps he’d not been as unlucky as he thought. With a rumble he approached, it would seem fate had given him a gift, he would not return to the camp with empty paws.

*

He emerged from a pool just as the sun had all but faded, night’s shadow had certainly gripped the land, only broken by the sea of stars above. The soft land yielded to his heavy, scaled paws, squishing in the wetter strips of the marshland. The path snaked up to section of raised ground, a lone pillar against the tapestry of intermixing greens. Broken pillars lay scattered there, the remnants of some forgotten civilization, it’s corpse picked by the vultures of time. Here the ground was drier, the plants around it thick as a wall, their branches adorned with thousands of piercing thorns. He eyed it in the dwindling light, a grumble radiating down his throat as the smell almost drove him to sneeze as badly as his brother.

Lost in a cacophony of croaks and chirps of insects, his footfalls were all but lost to the night. His ears picked out a lively conversation from the camp, of lovely tales of adventure. Smoke curled up from their fire, twisting like a ribbon into the light dwindling sky. He minded his step as he spotted one of his companions at the base of this path, a kobold with brown scales, adorned in tight fitting leathers with far too many pouches than were practical. She jangled as she meandered about the area, spraying the bushes with a spraying contraption she claimed was an invention of her own. The smell was worse than the bushes themselves, a mixture that reminded the dragon of a skunk, mixed with thick aroma of a man who’d never showered in months. Even now he wanted to gag.

Cordenth groaned and tried to pass un-noticed, not wishing to be caught into one of her lectures about the different plants and animals that surrounded them. It was like having his brother around once more, in fact, they’d probably love each other to bits. Just as he beginning up the hill, confident he’d avoided another lecture, the goggle wearing kobold wheeled around, an energy hand crossbow held at the ready, in stern, uncompromising claws.

Her fingers wavered over the activation rune as it’s malevolent hum filled the air. Her goggles gleamed cruelly in it’s dim, blue light. “Where have your been?” She demanded sternly, “And why on earth is there an alligator in your jaws?”

He groaned and set the limp body of the creature down, licking his snout clean of the dried, metallic tasting blood. “What you see before you is dinner little Vishta. Some of us were doing useful things to pass the time, instead of tending to the plants for that abysmal excuse of a perfume.” He waved a wing infront of his snout, it did nothing to relieve him of it’s wretched scent.

She heavily sighed, waggling the bottle within her claws. “For the last time, it’s rustmonster oil, Rids us of a nightly visit by the Stirge.”

He cocked his head, his frills on either side of his head flickering. He regretted it immediately, as she must have misinterpreted that as interest.

She nearly squeeled in delight, clearing her throat as she nearly bounced on her scaled feet. “Stirge are these cat sized mosquito things, can drain a human of blood in a matter of minutes if in sizable numbers! See they have a most interesting breeding cycle that depends on the type of blood that-“

Oh how he yawned to put an end to this little lecture, even dramatically adding a waving of his paw. “Why would we need of it? You have a dragon in me to protect over your meager forms.”

She wrinkled her snout, adjusting her goggles, “Excuse me if I trust my own concoction instead of the ever-tiring senses of a dragon! Ever been bitten by one of those things? Worse than a blade between the rips, scratches for hours afterwords, ruins sleep, plus they can carry plenty of different diseases…Which I’m blanking on now, but they’re in one my books!” She continued on ranting, pacing back and forth, Cordenth almost forgotten. When he attempted to slink away in her angry haze, she whirled back to attention, weapon trained at his chest. “Not so fast dragon. You know the drill. If you are who you say you are.”

Oh, this little detail. He’d almost forgotten. His eyes practically rolled out of his head as he released a tiresome groan. The alligator plopped to the ground as he set this diminutive humanoid with a narrowed stare, “Must we? I was not gone that long.”

“Yes, we must. Otherwise, any mage or shapeshifter could be trying to pose as you. If you recall your friends did the same trick in Lumara!”

“You think someone would have the audacity to pose as me?” He scoffed, rolling a paw to his chest. “I mean, I would be flattered, it would be obvious they were envious of my looks, but I wasn’t aware such powerful magicians could be plucked from the air like common cherries! If so, I think we have much more worrisome things to discuss!” When she didn’t budge he simply grabbed his catch, setting his sights for the camp, he was in no mood, and what was she going to do? Shoot him? He was her only way to get to siigonis capital of Qui’ttax in a timely manner. He chuckled at his boldness, flicking his tail mockingly at his adversary.

Vishta’s eyes narrowed as she squeezed tight her weapon, “Suit yourself, hard way it is.” She whispered. Instead of her crossbow she rummaged through her pack, procuring a spherical contraption made of steel and covered and runes. With a few presses across it’s surface she hurled it right to the dragon’s paws, close enough to draw his wandering eye. Before he could speak, a light as bright as the sun flared into life, burning any non-protected eyes it might find. The dragon reared with a hiss, dropping his catch and collapsing into a patch of exceptionally thorny bushes.

He thrashed and snarled, ripping up branches as they stung through his scales like bees. Sight was denied him, all that remained of the world was a scattered collage of blurred colors. “Again? You did that again? Mark my words Vishta, when I free myself, you are getting bit for such an affront!”

“Don’t take that tone with me mister, you’re not the first dragon to try and give me the business. Focus on how this could all have been avoided if you complied.”

“What did I tell you the last time you did this to me?” He ripped himself free of his thorny prison, righting himself with a resounding growl as tears dribbled down his cheeks from two bloodshot eyes that could kill.

“That you’d carry yourself with more respect and patience.” She shot back, seeming to shove whatever courage she had into wagging her finger before his eyes, “And yet, surprise surprise, you didn’t change and are acting like that intitled brute from before.” She crossed her arms with a mighty huff.

“Let’s see how polite and calm you are with people hurling blinding objects at you! What do you expect when you torment a dragon so?” He wheeled around, his scales a blur, nearly taking off the kobold’s head if she didn’t duck.

“Knock it off with the dramatics. Boo hoo your eyes hurt, you’re a dragon, they’ll recover, and good news it did what it was supposed to. Least I think anyway.” Vishta plucked the quiet sphere from the ground, thrusting it into her many pouches. “Besides, by the look of Broxl’s bounty, you weren’t exactly using your eyes anyway.”

“Hmmph.” He snorted harshly, stomping his way to his catch. “Blindness has afflicted you as well as he. Behold, this alligator is far superior to mere fish that your simpleton of a hunter stole from me.”

“At least he’s punctual.” Vishta gestured to the retreating sun, all but lost from this world.

His growl brought a silence to the air as he hovered over the alligator’s corpse. Eyes as sharp as a blade searched the kobold up and down, spotting how tense her muscles still were. Despite her calm, he could see the glimmer of fear within her, of him. “Vishta.” He said calmly, “Inflict such an embarrassing situation again upon my scales and prepare to be gut as easily as one of Broxl’s fish. Now excuse me, I have a queen to dazzle, have fun rolling around in your putrid stench.”

“At least make yourself smell of honeysuckles.” Vishta scoffed, “Lyndis will take one whiff of you and run for the hills.”

“That’s going to be a long swim through the marsh.”

“You smell.”

“No thanks to your spray.” He hissed, “Frankly I’m surprised you can smell anything after. But say I’m interested, what’s wrong with what I smell like now?” He coiled on himself, sniffing at his scales. To him, he smelled the same, what had gotten into this kobold?

Her arms crossed, holding her head with a deep sigh. “You smell like a rotted bog, if you’re looking for a romantic gesture, make yourself smell of honeysuckles. Their her favorite.”

How did she know that? Up went his head as he searched her with a skeptical look. One moment she was tossing blinding balls at him, the next offering him advice on his relationship? His head cocked to the side, “What’s your game?”

“Take my advice or not. Dragon knows best after all.”

“That…is true.” He tentatively wheeled around, returning to his alligator as the thought bounced around his skull. Before he snatched up his catch he flicked his tail, using magic to mask his smell. As Vistha chuckled at her apparent success, he whipped around with a growl. “Note that it was because I thought of it, not that you made me…Not at all.”

“Course not.” She shrugged, returning to her work, paying no more mind as Cordenth slipped up the path, a happy swish about his tail.

*

He could see it now, that wonderous smile upon her face, amber eyes lighting up with his return. How she’d flock to his side, lay praises, be impressed by how thoughtful and skilled of a mate that he was. They’d poke fun at Broxl’s meager offerings together before roasting this beast upon a fire, retiring to gaze out to the star speckled sky, cuddled up close with her held tenderly against his chest. They’d whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ears, wanting nothing else within this earth. So strongly was this vision that as he bounded up the path, a root nearly caught his paw and ruined his image right then and there. Thankfully he recovered and flared his wings at the top, letting his companions bask in his regal entrance.

Broxl paid him no mind as the dragon entered, the siigonis too busy reclining against a mushroom covered log, stoking a fire in one claw, the other nursing a lit pipe, letting the lizard’s troubles whisk themselves away with every lungful. Lyndis was opposite him, lively, regaling the siigonis with tales of her prior adventures. Currently she was leaping from imaginary foes around the firelight, stabbing back with a phantom blade with all the bluster of a heroine from stories of legend.

Gone was her leather armor, for it rested by her things, only to be replaced with a simple onyx tunic and trousers. But still Cordenth didn’t think any less of her, his eyes following her every movement as she seemed to dance across the campsite.

“And that’s when one eye’d Gerald scared the shit out of me.” Lyndis snickered, moving back her hair. “I wheeled around, sword in hand, almost turned him into blind Gerald….Broxl are you even listening?”

“Want some?” Broxl offered her the pipe, blowing a few smoke rings overhead. “Vishta had a good year.”

“Ahem.” Cordenth coughed, releasing his catch, letting it plop to the dirt floor with a resounding thud. “Good golly gosh I hope I’m not interrupting anything…I just slaved over a hunt all day to bring you this.”

“Hey, look whose back!” Lyndis turned, a smile on her face, practically leaping to the dragon’s side. “And oh my gods, look at this! Broxl, look at the size of this thing! He caught a whole focking alligator! That’s bloody better than anything you caught!”

The dragon grinned, holding his head high as the siigonis merely scoffed and averted his gaze. How her words warmed his heart, stilled the anger, he even forgot to mention that Broxl had dastardly stolen all his catch. He pulled her close with a paw, she caressed his jaw. As he purred their lips met, each other relishing the closeness as they lost themselves in each other. When they parted he teasingly nibbled at her neck, delighting in her laughing screech as she clung to him for dear life.

“And Broxl, you thought he was going to get lost. Sure showed you didn’t he?” Lyndis slyly grinned, extending a palm. “Pay up big guy.”

“Bah. What do you even need with coin?” The lizard mused, “Unless Drenedar is far poorer than I believed.”

“Oh, don’t start with that, it’s the principle of the matter.”

“You thought I would get lost?” Cordenth pulled back his head with a growl, “Of all the insulting…Aggravating…petty…-“ His thoughts drifted as Lyndis rolled her eyes and scratched around his neck, the temptress knowing his weakness far more than he’d have liked. With a swift snort to look as though he was being the bigger creature, he coiled on Lyndis, a smile upon his snout. “Curse you Lyndis, how am I supposed to concoct a scathing rebuttal with you around?”

“You don’t know?” She playfully gasped, dramatically turning away as if his scales had burned her. “To think I thought you were a clever dragon, for shame. But if you’re looking for an insult, might I suggest bell-end, twat, or my favorite, a dumb cow.”

“Ah yea, how fitting.” Cordenth mused, a childish smirk on his snout as the siigonis blew them off with a roll of his eyes. “Should I apply a spell to make him look as such?”

“Do so and find out how sharp my blades are dragon.” Broxl grumbled.

Lyndis joined the dragon in juvenile giggles, stepping over the alligator’s corpse and wrapping her arms around his offered snout. He leaned softly against her, she pressed her cheek into his scales. A silence fell between them as they simply enjoyed the other’s closeness. Her eyes closed in time with his, but hers were the first to shoot open, “Since when do you smell of flowers?”

“Just something I thought I’d try out.” He replied non chalantly, dusting off his claws against his chest. “definitely didn’t take the advice of someone else on the matter.”

“Uh-huh. I know better than to question that.”

“Do you…like it?” He cocked his head away, keeping an eye upon her. Though her arms were crossed, a smirk was clear as day upon her lips.

She shrugged, “If that’s what you want to smell like, I’m not going to question it.”

His neck sunk, he let loose a great huff, only for her to teasingly kiss him on the cheek.

“Course I love it stupid, it’s my favorite.” She pulled him tightly against her chest, earning herself another round of purring nuzzles that caused their siigonis companion to unleash an aggravated groan.

Cordenth couldn’t have been happier as his neck retreated, his wings tucking to his back. He assumed a regal pose, quite fitting of his station as he gestured to his catch. “Behold what I bring for you my love. Dinner of the greatest quality. I know it’s not the fish that we agreed upon, but someone kept stealing from me.”

He curled his head to see the delight upon her face, but it was slow to grow. Infact, she appeared not to be thrilled at all! She was chuckling to herself, blood ever rushing to her cheeks. As his frills flickered in curiosity, she had already started to rub the back of her neck and shift most uncomfortably. Had he done something wrong?

“Oh of course silly me.” He buried his snout into an extended wing. “You can’t eat raw meat such as this! Curse your inferior human stomach!”

“Oh…it’s not that.” She smiled awkwardly, “It’s just-“

“Is it the wrong color?” He strolled around the alligator, inspecting it’s dulling green scales for good measure. “I assure you it has no effect on the taste…No wait don’t tell me-“ He flicked his tail as he eyed her up and down, “You’re allergic!”

“She’s trying to tell you we already ate.” Grunted Broxl, patting his belly and gesturing to a few skewers thrust into the ground, the remains of half-eaten fish still clinging to them.

How Lyndis laughed as Cordenth turned to her, a look of betrayal upon his snout. “What were we supposed to do my love? You were taking so focking long, and I was ever so hungry! Hey, I know you probably don’t care, but he got you a smattering of fish as well!”

“Even if you were not the worst hunter I’ve ever seen.”

“What was that you overgrown lizard?” Cordenth surged forward, eyes a flame, his entire body tensing in the blink of an eye. He shoved Lyndis aside with a deep growl, looming over the seated siigonis, who, unlike his confrontational comment, seemed confused by the dragon’s gaze.

“That you were not the worst hunter I’ve ever seen?” He titled his head, “The worst was a human, fancy humany clothes, wore a feathery hat-“

“You insulted me!” He slammed down his paw.

“Lyndis…Has something enchanted the mind of your dragon? I said he was not the worst, does that mean something else to dragon kind?”

“That’s you’re idea of a compliment?” He rose back his head with a heavy snort, tossing his neck. “I’d hate to see your insults!”

Lyndis pushed herself between the two males, her narrowed gaze like a blade. “Alright. Don’t know what’s gotten into you two, but we are nipping it in the bud. Cordenth, sit over there, leave Broxl alone, Broxl, we’re going to have an intimate chat about backhanded compliments.”

“But-”

“No buts!” She snapped to the dragon, “Got plenty of other problems lurking around than to have you two butting heads like a pair of bloody teenagers.”

Grumbling, and not willing to chastise the woman who had his heart, Cordenth slunk to the camp’s edge, but remained at least within the siibonis’ line of view. He plopped down with his meal, “And let it be known that Broxl cannot partake of which will no doubt be a delicious meal.” To his pleasure, it seemed as though the lizard was doing all he could to hide his envy. As Lyndis and he resumed their chat, Cordenth lunged into the alligator’s flesh with an invigorated fury, tearing through scale and flesh like butter. He overexaggerated his enjoyment of this juicy delicacy, letting the blood pour down his jaw. With punctuated slurps he tore bones apart, peeling tendons and muscle straight off them. Though this meal might have been better enjoyed cooked and seasoned, his blood simmered with an instinctual fury that he couldn’t deny was intoxicating.

The conversation that was shared between his beloved Lyndis and the aggravating Broxl was nothing too interesting to turn the dragon’s head, but he did manage to catch a few sentences here and there, more so when Lyndis was talking. They spoke of meeting the siigonis clan leaders, who held sway over the others through this land. It was here that the Lyndis’ fire seemed to dim, as doubt clouded her thoughts. Her voice grew timid and soft as she pondering what words could sway these lizards to join their army.

“Is that all we can offer in trade, our friendship?” She asked Broxl, “We’d be asking them to risk everything by helping us against the undead hordes.”

“That may be true.” Broxl shifted, taking another drag of his pipe, “But those hordes are their foe whether they want to acknowledge it or not. For rumor speaks of a grand vampire that leads them, a dark queen of no equal. No one knows of her name, but whispers of her title. She is known as the Queen of Eternal Flame. They must understand that her shadow will spread from Drenedar to them, corrupting plants and animals, the very earth beneath our claw. The living are their enemy, and they shall not rest until they count us among their ranks. Only together can we even hope to hurl them aside.”

“But will that be enough?” She looked high to the curling smoke, staring off into the void of space, hungering for an answer they couldn’t provide.

In time silence took them, only broken by the sounds of the swamp calling in the distance, or the gentle hum of one of Broxl’s throat songs. Lyndis had taken to hurling blades at a nearby stump as Cordenth finished with the alligator. He’d only eaten half the creature, he’d have saved the rest for later if they had the time, but alas, come morning they’d begin travel anew. With a reluctant groan he hurled the remains back into the marsh, scowling that some lesser beast than he would feast on an underserving meal. When his blood had simmered he cast his gaze out to the thousands of stars overhead, winking and watching. For a fleeting moment he felt ever so small, dwarfed by their majesty. He shook his head, thoughts drifting to his friends back in Struport, wondering if they would be alright.

He peered to the camp, just as Vishta was coming back in, changing shifts with Broxl for the night.

“Watch out for the tripwires and screamers.” She proudly tapped her belt. “Otherwise, we’re not going to be getting an ounce of sleep.” As the siigonis departed she plopped herself to her bedroll, rolling out a map and best figuring out their remaining flight to the capital.

The dragon chuckled to himself as he saw her tail tap in interest, oblivious to his stealthy passing. What delusions she had herself under, to think that she had any control in how they proceeded? Did she not know that his wings were what they depended on? He mused over what she’d ask, how he would punctuate his refusal, harsh or long and drawn out? He snickered to himself, knowing the only real way would be to get Lyndis to ask him. Speaking of which, where did she go? He flared his nostrils, taking in the damp scents until he caught wind of her. Guided as if by a thread, he tracked her to the outskirts of their camp.

Dead-end. He looked around in the moonlight, seeing an end to her foot prints. Why had she slipped away? He gently sat, captivated by the countryside, enchanted with a pale-white glow. Still waters sparkled like gems, perfect mirrors of the nightsky. Along the tree tops he followed the mists, their vaporous forms wrapped around trees like a thick cloak. Bat like creatures darted across the air, calling to another as they feasted upon the many insects of the night. He took a deep breath and stilled his heart, enjoying the serenity. Then his stomach rumbled and gurgled, he was unable to contain a boisterous burp that echoed into the night.

“Quite the charming sound you’ve made.” Lyndis said with a smirk, resting against his scales as she appeared out of thin air. “One wonders with such princely talent, you’re not beating the woman away with your tail.”

“Ah, but no mere woman could win my heart.” He chuckled, “Though if it pleased you, I would pummel a thousand different woman in your name.”

“Now he tries to swoon me with battery of woman.” Lyndis rolled her eyes, “You have such a way with words.”

“Only to win your affections of course.” He curled his neck around her with a draconic grin, “And if you were so amused with my princely sound, you should hear what else I can do with my body’s gas.”

“For the love of the gods, don’t tell me you just make a comment about your ass.” Her face went into her palms.

He scoffed at her laugher, retreating and rolling a paw to his chest. “Get your mind out of the stables Lyndis! How could you mistake my hinting of my burps for something so vulgar!” Opening his maw, he exhaled his breath into the night. With a twist of his claw, the gas that escaped shifted it’s form, taking on the appearance of a dragon in flight. “See? Pure art.”

“I call it, in desperate need of a mint.” She held her nose, waving around a finger, casting a simple spell. With a burst of light, the dragon’s snout was bombarded with shimmering sparks, what horrid stench he had vanishing into the ether. “There we are!”

He licked his teeth, getting a slight after taste of mint. “ You’re aware I’m not some doll for you to wash and pamper.”

“I don’t know if that’s true.” She pulled from her back his blue scarf, white diamonds stitched into the cloth. When he lowered his neck she draped it over him, “Here I am dressing you. So I think you might need to rethink your statement.”

“Ah but this is different.” He swelled his chest, grinning, “It’s a symbol of your undying love. It gives me strength, fills my heart with hope. All who see it grow envious, that I have the most beautiful woman in the land’s eye.” As she blushed he couldn’t help but rumble, “And I couldn’t ask for anything more.” He leaned in, pressing close against her chest. She was warm, captivating, when she caressed his snout, he was in a state of bliss that none could equal. “When they look at me that will say-“

“I say ole chap, that dragon has a cute scarf!”

His frills pinned as she giggled, “Don’t be preposterous Lyndis, they’d be far too busy complimenting me on how lovely it is, and the person who gave it to me!”

“Is that the only reason?” Her brow rose, hands finding her waist.

“Course not.” He clicked his tongue, “And you very well know that.”

They drew close to one another, held in each other’s sway. Her hands caressed tenderly up his snout, unleashing a steady rumble. He nuzzled back in response making her giggle, only drawing them closer as she spasmed. They collapsed together in a pleased heap; heads pressed together. Their eyes closed, focusing on their breathing, enjoying the closeness that they shared. Her fingers graced his frills, softly brushing, he did the same to her hair, with a softness that no creature would swear he had.

She gasped, retreating. “You were lying!”

“Me? Lie?” He rolled his eyes, paw going to his onyx chest. “Nonsense. I hold my pride to a higher regard! I’d not belittle myself by talking about my farts.”

“Uh-huh.” She slipped from his grasp, only to clamber her way onto his back, careful to not press down upon his frills. She grabbed his neck tight, laying on her chest, wistfully staring off to the sky beyond. “And yet, here I lay, unconvinced. We have to teach you to lie better.”

“What would the others think? Lyndis, captivated by the ass of her beloved? Though I wouldn’t be surprised, I’m quite the piece of meat.” He grinned, happily swishing his tail.

Back and forth they went, trading false insults against one another. To the outsider they would be viewed as scornful, hateful, but not in the mind of this pair. They blushed and continued, laughing loudly into the night. It only ended as Lyndis collapsed, nearly sliding off his neck, saved by his diligent paw.

“Thanks.” She brushed herself off, then catching his head in her embrace when he snaked forward. She applied a gentle kiss, his eyes tenderly closed, accompanied with a gentle, muffled, warble. Her cheeks blushed as she laughed, “Where was this Cordenth.” She flared her nostrils, taking in his scent. “Especially the one who smells of flowers…and laughs…Instead of insulting our friends with death.”

“Friends?” He huffed, “I’d hardly call them that. They’re more like acquaintances. Arcturus and the others are friends. Now, these are worse than that, they’re like work colleagues.”

“And that justifies threatening them?” Her hands retreated. “Gut them like a fish I think it was?”

So, they told her about that huh? Cordenth averted his gaze, flickers of fire running through his belly. “Oh that?” He shrugged his wings, “I bet they failed to mention the parts where they provoked me.”

“Provoked you? You’re a dragon twice their size…At least!”

He hung his head, dramatically covering it with his wing as he pretended to wail. “There I was, minding my business as I do, when what should happen? I was assailed by cruel words and blinding devices most foul. How else was I supposed to respond to respond my dear? They should know better than to mess with a dragon, as the saying goes, we have stuff going on, plus it’s rather rude. Hell, it might be a compliment to my restraint that it was mere words that I assailed their thin scales with.” He glared at the innocent looking kobold, still thumbing across her map. “And not physical…Painful…Action.”

“Be that as it may.” Lyndis curled her hand up the dragon’s neck, tracing the pebbly scales that lined it. The growl that had come was dulled, blunted with a glance in her eye. Moonlight shimmered across her amber pools, beautiful, enchanting, what anger he had faded, drifting off into the star dotted sky, “And friend or no, we sort of need them to secure this alliance with the siigonis. Lets not go blundering this up like a brute, you know…Like Vele-“

“Oh, gods above, don’t tell me you’re going to compare me to that buffoon’s antics.”

The rogue just winked, sliding an arm around his neck, “Then let’s do our best to not have it come to that shall we? Let’s keep our angers in check and compromise with these people. Then you never have to see them again.”

Was it that simple? “Why must it always be us that makes the compromise? Dragons that need to be fit into the other societies? Why can’t it be them that makes the compromises for a change?” To Vishta and Broxl his eyes traveled, lingering on the two beings for quite a time, his blood warming. “Our scales must endure the slings and arrows of their kind, for what? To be driven out wherever we call home.”

“That was pretty dour. But I suppose that only builds upon why you’re out here right? To help heal and mend those little grievances.” She nudged at his side, “What sort of thing would you want to compromise? I’ll have you know, having everyone without clothing might be funny at first, but would quickly evolve into something terrible.”

What shadow had gripped him parted, only to be replaced with her warmth. He rumbled and nuzzled at her, sharing her closeness as they stared out into the countryside. In silence they rested, holding each other tight. In the passing moments what words and actions were had against him seemed trivial, that his anger was a petty and an unjustified thing. All that mattered was her. As he nuzzled her again, it was she that caressed him, and broke the silence.

“But am I doing the right thing?”

“By kissing me?” He chuckled, “I do believe I think it is.”

“Not that.” She gently smacked his nose, “But being out here. I could have trusted you and them to get the siigonis to join us, but no. I had to come along like always. Part of me thinks I should be back in the Tregaron, helping Keerla and Jeriah build up our forces.” Her gaze shifted to the lavender moon, holding the rogue in sway. Out into oblivion she stared, only warmed by the dragon now holding her close.

“It’s just how you do things, if you don’t mind me saying.”

“How you figure?”

“Well, you saw the greatest of need. That was to get these lizards to join us. Going in person is more intimate, shows you’re willing to go that extra mile. You’re people will understand, the question is do you think that pair can manage with your absence?” He rose a brow, already picturing the elven woman and human berating the gathered knights and lords.

Lyndis smiled, “Everything is so simple through your eyes.”

“That’s cause it is.” He rumbled, “And in the time it takes to get there, you’ll think of something. Though, I admit that getting eaten by undead is a great motivator, I suggest starting with that, really play up into their gnawing teeth. Besides, if they really say no. I can always enchant them to make them join us. So you really shouldn’t be-“

“We can’t do that!” Lyndis looked horrified, “Look, no matter what happens we can’t just be commanding people like thralls.”

“I mean, I can…It’s proven we can.”

“The we shouldn’t. What alliance could be built on a lie? If someone ever found out about it, what we have would crumble. It might even be worse than before.”

“Then we’d just make sure no one found out.” He scratched his head with a wing-talon. “Was it not you that said we should use every tool at our disposal? For the way you fight, you’re far more honorable than I thought. Are you certain you’re not Arcturus in disguise or something?”

She blushed; she had said something along those lines. “I know for a smattering of things that’s the case, but not in this. Look, it was thanks to that power you have that I’m queen, my mother dethroned. Who knows what could happen if we use it so haphazardly?” She pulled his snout to her, a look of concern painted on her face. “We must get this bloody right, you know that well as I. Promise me you won’t use it if at first we don’t succeed.”

“But we’d be tying up our paws for no more reason than morals.” He flared his nostrils, “Are our morals more important than the rest of your people, our friends?”

“Cordenth…Please.”

The look she gave could stall the most stalwart of warriors, have their weapons slip from their grasp. Even the dragon was moved by her look. Was it a ploy or manipulation? Either way it slid beneath his scales and crumbled his dedication.

“Alright, I won’t use it.” He dramatically tossed his head with a grumble. The only solace he received was a tight hug and gentle kiss to ease the sting of this defeat.

“You’re the greatest dragon I know.”

Now wasn’t that the most charming way to disarm a dragon’s disappointment. He practically melted into her lap, filling the air with gentle warbles.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hope everyone has been doing good since my last upload. Have been trying to get the patreon sections further ahead than the ones here! Yes I am still alive and kicking, writing away even as life seems to change around me. I'm thankful for those of you who continue to read, enjoying the adventures of these characters.

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