FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Part 10: Siege

“So, it's decided; we're doing this between just the three of us," Tibor said and nodded. “I refuse to leave this town defenceless by taking any of my militia. Besides, a large group would be easy for them to spot."

Kayl nodded. “I had reservations in coordinating an attack with an unknown force anyway. But that just leaves how we're to lay siege to such a castle that's supposedly impossible to breach. Which is, in and of itself, impossible. There's no such thing."

Tibor scoffed, “oh, sure, every castle has some fool claim it's impenetrable, but this is Arbachol we're talking about. The man was brilliant beyond measure."

Kayl gave a sharp sniff and finished bandaging her arm. “The pride of man-kin is often their biggest flaw. There is always a weakness, and the better it is hidden, the greater its potential to be exploited. The most armoured body yields the softest skin,"

“Wax your philosophical jargon all you want, kobold," Tibor said with a sneer, “but if the armour cannot be breached, the point is moot."

Irven thumbed through one of Tibor's books concerning Brevshket's design philosophy on Jorsviek. It wasn't anything special or unique at its core; a small settlement within a castle, with a workshop, a plot of land for growing crops, barracks, stables and the like around a central tower, but each defensive element was painstakingly meshed with each other so the usual exploitable tactics were warded. Shield walls on all sides, rather than just the front. A three sectioned gatehouse, each replete with a barbican corridor lined with arrow ports and boiling pots above for sand or excess, used machine oil. Sometimes both.

Irven frowned. He didn't remember those when he escaped the castle. He squinted at the fine print in the corner and noticed the blueprints and notes were dated from almost ten years ago. He then shook his head, noted it wasn't likely to help, but continued studying the designs regardless. Every detail he gleaned now could save their lives and allow for better planning.

Despite how Brevshket died, even he recognised the threat the kobolds potentially posed. The machicolations were specifically designed with downward pointed prongs to resist such a small interlopers infiltration, similar to Werchid's own walls. Even if Kayl could get in, the walls were substantially higher.

The only vulnerability he could find was the moat, which Tibor noted from the few merchants that traded to castle Jorsviek directly; during the winter, it usually froze over, so that might give them access to the castle's hill, although the banks were always watched, so it was hardly a clear advantage.

The central tower was almost certainly where the Arcus cannon was housed if they were planning to use it to fire upon dragons, which already gave Irven deep concerns.

“Well, kobold? Philosophise away." Tibor leaned forward on the table. “Go on. I'm waiting. If our pride is such a vulnerability, and as the assassin that slew Arbachol, surely you're five manoeuvres ahead of us dullards and have already plotted a way in."

Kayl smirked. “For once, you're right." She turned to her mate. “Irven, what was it that you noticed first, back when we first met but before I confronted you?"

Irven's brow creased. Exactly the line of thought he feared. “You were flying a kite. I assume that was a star-sail. You had it roped up outside."

“Yes, my dragon. It was a ritual kite for my passing and a star-sail. I had planned to ride it into Jorsviek on a final attempt on Brevshket's life. Once it had lifted me over the wall, the kite would help guide my soul to the All-Dragon as it was taken by the winds. I had no intention of returning and was merely waiting for the blizzard to subside. In fact, that meal we shared contained the last of my spices and seasonings."

Irven slammed the book down. “No. It was a suicide mission then, it would be a suicide mission now. Besides, it's too obvious when we're this close to the clan grounds. If they don't have at least one marksman watching the skies all hours, they would be implausibly stupid. Caeris is better than that."

Tibor shrugged. “I honestly don't see any other option, Vinnie. However, I'm not going to sacrifice any allies when we are so few in number. We may not be able to glide like the kobolds, nor the experimental weaponry within Jorsviek, but we do have some of Brevshket's finished armoury!" He stood and opened a cabinet, revealing a large suit of armour.

That dark, lustreless metal... star-steel, and of a good grade too. It was closer to old fashioned plate armour, with a cuirass, a full helmet with a fierce, snarling dragon visage, heavy gauntlets and greaves. A full suit, and it even had a plush, bear fur winter cloak attached around the gorget.

“I've had enough of hiding from that blic." Tibor chortled and pulled the armour off of its mounting. “And if Praevadi is close to dying, then now is the time to act. I say Kayl flies in while we take the fight to them disloyal mercenary dogs! If we can get up close to the wall, we can avoid the Arcus cannon. Not to mention that, with your magic, we shall cause such a ruckus they won't be even thinking of looking at the skies! It will be a glorious battle!"

Irven smirked. “There's nothing glorious about combat. Even Master-General Kayd says warfare is a means to an end, and he's a kobold that relishes a challenging fight."

“Bah!" Tibor patted Irven's shoulder, then said, “kobolds just don't understand passion. Think of it, lad! Like heroes of old, you and me against an enemy of our people, outnumbered some fifty to one! A fierce display of raw magical might and my spring-bolter prowess! You see this medal?" He rapidly tapped his own chest and pointed to a golden rhombus with a red ribbon. “I was already marksman back when crossbows were still the standard, and I earned this by turning my keen eye to Arbachol's bolters faster than any other soldier! The chime of my weapon's springs were like a prayer to the saint of battle!" He hollered a mighty, “ waaagh!" and raised triumphant fists.

Kayl tittered. “Letting loose this old hammer of war would definitely give me enough of a distraction to complete my task alone if he shouts like that all the while."

“Even better than that, Kayl!" Tibor chuckled and gestured to his music box. “I have a war-song box stored away! I helped design it after I retired as an idea on how to dull out spring-coil whine, to reduce the adverse effects." He looked distant and wild eyed as he licked his lips. “We'll be fighting under the moonlight to the dulcet tones of Heldanna's third symphony! It will be the stuff of legends!"

Irven cleared his throat and raised a hand. “Fine, we can take the fight to them while Kayl tries to infiltrate from the skies." He suddenly pointed at Kayl. “But no pursuing Caeris alone! I'd feel better if you were focused on opening a passage for us to get inside so we can fight as one."

“That man-kin drake-shit bather is worthy of respect," Kayl said, dipping into draconic as she tested the edge of her short sword with a fingertip. Satisfied, she sheathed it with a soft clack. “She's also worthy of a violent, lengthy and painful death if I have the opportunity. But so be it. I won't engage unless absolutely necessary."

Irven stared at his mate. He had been willing to overlook it so far because even he was worried about this mission, but even in this early planning phase, despite the banter, there was no warmth from her. No matronly tutorship or calming affection, just cold, iron focus. He needed to talk with her, but they needed to conclude this meeting.

He pulled aside a curtain and looked outside and looked skyward. It was getting colder once more and the wind was beginning to blow in from the east. After scratching the stubble on his chin, Irven said, “it's looking like a clear night and morning, with snow late tomorrow that will persist for some time; the final stretch of White-Soil, no doubt. That would give you the most cover as the sun goes down."

Kayl nodded and strapped on her sword. “Then I have no time to lose. Tibor, could I take some materials to build a star-sail?"

“Of course." Tibor pointed a thumb towards the door. “Head to the first warehouse on the left when you leave my home. We've got some exotic ochroma from Ardentiphe. I guarantee you won't find a better wood for a glider."

Kayl raised an eye-ridge. “What's ochroma?"

“Balsa wood," Irven answered, “it has the best strength to weight ratio of anything outside of drenda, and even that's only because drenda... well, drenda cheats."

He felt a poke in his side as Heun thorned him.

“Hey, it's true! You can repair yourself almost indefinitely. Anyway, we should get our things in order and rest; it's a day's journey to Jorsviek and it will be hard going in this settled snow."

“Heh," Tibor huffed, “they may be a pack of soft headed buffoons now, but when I was part of the Vliechoven pavisade crossbowmen, we would march two days straight and fight just as long without rest!"

“Maybe twenty years and about forty pounds ago," Kayl said with a smirk with a nod to Tibor's stomach. “Humans don't age well no matter how broad they get. It makes it easy to wait them out if they need gutting."

“She's got you there, uncle. She's a hundred and four, yet still nimble as a neonate."

Tibor tilted his head. “A what?"

“A young kobold, and he's exag..." Kayl tutted, then wagged her finger in the air, counting the syllables. “Ex-ag-ger-a-ting. Three clutches of eggs slows any female down by stretching the hips, but what I've lost in speed, I make up for in experience and the kobold matron's ability to take root to resist a charge with my wider stance. Now, if this briefing is finished, I should build my star-sail."

Tibor packed together his armour as Kayl left the room. He said, “I'd best make sure this is all fitted properly. Say, lad, how do you spell-slingers prepare for combat?"

Irven pursed his lips, then answered, “like anyone else? Maybe not... it's not like I have to draw magic in from the air and perform some sort of ritual like most wizards. Magic just bubbles up inside me and I bend it to my will."

“Oh, heh, well..." Tibor cleared his throat and patted Irven's back, then quietly said, “can I recommend the brothel down Cadak street. Fine girls there, and trust me on this, as a handsome, strapping lad of your age, you'll get one cheap. Maybe even a couple! No point 'bending it' alone, eh? It's the best way to prepare for a fight!" Tibor guffawed, elbowed Irven playfully in the side, then headed out as well.

Alone, Irven sighed and paced about. Then closed his eyes, took a long, soothing breath, but sighed again, and finally followed after Kayl.

* *

Kayl thought back on what must have been hundreds of star-sails she had inspected, repaired or built over her many years as she settled into her work. Both as an apprentice, or when injured, she would cut them to shape, chiselled out the grooves and slots for the parts to assemble later, then gave them a primary layer of lacquer to protect the pieces from water. Usually one of many, but this time it didn't need to be much; just enough to endure one hard flight. The final flight, with luck.

An era was ending. Praevadi's peaceful passing loomed on the back of so much bloodshed. That it would come on kobold in flight, human in technological warfare, and the hybrid of sword and sorcery from her mate felt right. Fated, perhaps. Even if dealing with humans was something she hardly relished, but at least Irven softened the blow.

She had heard humans refer to seeing Star-sail's kites in a whimsical tone, like they were toys. Kayl had never understood this, but that's where kobold and human differed; drake-kin were, at their core, fiercely driven towards their tasks, where humans would act frivolously and in self-serving ways. That wasn't to say that kobolds didn't know how to enjoy themselves, but nothing came before their duties. They slept four hours a day, rested for two and worked the remainder almost without fail.

She had lost all but two of her young over the years to the everyday struggles of keeping the clan going with a vulnerable dragonlord. Now she had to make up for lost time, for how own failings and for struggling so long to accomplish everything Dragonlord Praevadi desired. The final victory was so close.

“I hope I'm not interrupting?"

She flinched and her hand went to Paet, realised the words were in draconic and turned to see Irven approach her. “No, my dragon, this isn't too complicated."

Irven sat down. “Can we talk?"

Kayl didn't stop working as she whittled down part of the tail assembly. “Of course, what's wrong?" She looked up at Irven for a moment and saw him scratch his left arm, something he did whenever he was worried.

“We've been together for a two and half years now." He ran his fingers through his hair. “I know that probably isn't a lot for a kobold, but still, it's given us time to... settle into things, I suppose you could say. Normalise."

“I felt we settled into our roles as exemplar and student quickly, yes."

“It feels like I went into this relationship with a different idea of where things would go. After the initial distrust, you were so caring, even to a complete stranger that I felt things would only draw us closer as time went on."

Kayl thought of that first and perceived final meal together and her plans on a solitary invasion on Castle Jorsviek. A final, suicidal attack. But this chance encounter with the young human had not only given her the perfect opportunity to slay Brevshket, and one which was successful, but she had gained another lease on life.

She sighed and put down her tools. “I can only express my gratitude so much, my dragon. And there will be time for personal pursuits later, but we are on a mission."

Irven nodded. “I get that, but it feels like we've spent every moment since our arrival just doggedly pursuing completion, even when we have time to spare."

“Yes. Time is of the essence, my dragon," Kayl leapt up and sat beside her mate. “Though if you desire affection, I should have some time once I've finished this star-sail."

He patted her on the head and rubbed his hand over her sleek horns, then stroked her neck. She smiled and indulged in the simple gesture for a time, but he suddenly stopped. “You make it sound so cut and dry. As if affection's as simple and quantifiable as eating or sleeping."

Kayl looked up at him. “That is the nature of being a mate. Not every waking moment should be spent with one another. I am the clan exemplar, and much is expected of me. You are my student, but you are also a soldier of clan Star-Sail. Our duties just so happen to be beside one another this time. When our task is done, we can afford to celebrate."

“Until the next task, you mean," Irven said and folded his arms. “And the one that follows that."

She gave a shrug. “Is that what this is about, my dragon? Have I not shown you enough affection lately?"

“Yes, I- no, it's not that. It's..." Irven chewed on his lip and took a deep breath. “You sound closer to self-sacrificing now than you did back then. I'm worried you'll always just throw yourself in harms way for the sake of the clan time after time until something goes wrong."

Kayl bared her teeth and narrowed her eyes. “That is my place, Irven; between threats to the clan and our dragonlord. I am the exemplar, it is my duty to succeed no matter the cost, to demonstrate the might of the clan and to inspire others who may one day take my place as they strive to improve themselves."

Irven leapt to his feet and stormed back and forth in front of her. “So you're replaceable? Expendable? Is that it? You just keep going until your death, and that's the end of it? No retirement, no achievement good enough to stop and just enjoy life? Is that what being an exemplar is!?"

“As required by the cla-"

“Forget about the clan! I need you!" Irven fell to his knees in front of Kayl and pulled her into a tight hug. “I love you, Kayl. And the idea of you flying into that castle by yourself is more frightening than confronting Brevshket or going into that crag-biter lair by myself! Both, even! It's worse than both! What if Caeris catches you before I can get there? What if they spot you before you get close enough?"

Kayl wrapped her arms around Irven's back and held him as hard as she could. “That is why we practice and perfect our skills. Hone them, until you can conjure fields that can stop even their strongest weapons, just like you did when Tibor tried to attack me. I'm proud of you, Irven. You are there to protect me, and I am there to protect you, my dragon. As a kobold should. As I... once failed to do to others who I once held so close to my heart. It was a lesson I had to learn the hard way, and my gift to you now is I will do my best to never take you for granted, but we cannot flee from our duties."

She pushed herself away and put her hand on his cheek, caressed it, felt the little hairs that had grown in just a couple of days since his last shave. “Once this siege is over, I promise, Irven, I will give you all that I am, for as long as I can. But we cannot just ignore our places in this world. Perhaps when we both pass on, we shall be rewarded by the All-Dragon to be beside one another again as we're re-spun, but until then, we fight. As a kobold only can; through trickery, through planning, through the power the All-Dragon affords us for our loyalty."

Irven looked down, but Kayl could tell he was looking within himself. He gulped, and pulled her closer again, and kissed her. His rounder, thicker tongue pushed deep into her maw, grazed against her teeth, licked her palate.

Kayl tasted her mate in turn and indulged in all the little human aspects of his form. The softness of his lips, so unlike the harder, taut flesh of another kobold, but so much more invigorating to feel. She felt the power inside of him engulf her, like a great and overwhelming storm. It tingled through her and made her heart race until the pressure was too much, and pushed even deeper still. She felt immortal, as if she was a dragon herself. It was only when they broke apart that Kayl felt the great void within her as his influence retreated. It was too much. She had to act.

“I need you," she panted. “I need you..."

Irven smiled and his eyes glistened. He lifted Kayl up as they left her star-sail incomplete.

It could wait.

* *

Irven ran back to the hotel. Claws clung into his shoulders, a pointed tongue lapped at his back, cool scales pressed against his skin and a thick, powerful tail snaked between his legs, and up, grazing his erect cock and gently tugged against his balls. He stumbled and drew a few stares, but didn't pay them any attention.

Tibor had offered a room, but Irven couldn't risk him overhearing what he had planned. He needed her ice to quell his flame. A need beyond all measure. Nothing else mattered right now.

He reached the hotel, almost knocked over a poor serving girl as he leapt up the stairs three steps at a time in a sprint, fumbled with the key and lock, flung it open and entered, then slammed it closed with a wave of his hand.

Kayl dropped out from his coat and tugged on his sleeve as Irven pulled his arms free. She leapt up his back, grabbed his head and threw her bodyweight forward and he stumbled and fell onto the bed. A technique to bring down a foe, used in play. Everything she knew, techniques to fight off impossible foes, used for fun and frolic.

Irven rolled onto his back as she peeled his trousers away, and he removed his shirt. Kayl leapt onto his chest. She plucked her thick, powerful legs and tail free from her pants while biting and tugging free her silken vest with his teeth.

The prize above him kept his gaze: the deep and lustrous dual toned blue scales, the corded muscles beneath the surface. He then kissed her chest, the pectoral flexing as she cooed. The thick roundness of her hips and the corded muscles that ran around them to control her wriggling tail. The gentle yet rapid hammer of her heart. He felt it not through his fingers, but something deeper inside. Their hearts beat as one as the same power in the blood that bound them together. It was just as enthralling as it had been when they first met and protected one another.

Irven stared into those gorgeous golden eyes, her narrow pupils thinning more from the adrenaline. Irven knew his power could influence her, to bend her to his will. It wanted her so badly, but he kept it in check. He was in command.

He should have learned by then it was never that simple. Not with Kayl.

She pressed her muzzle against his lips once more. The deep, overbearing passion that had been lacking surged forth. The feel of her smooth scales against his chest, cool but vibrant and alive. Her clawed feet stroked against his thighs before a toe teased against his groin with the blunt of a claw.

Irven bit his lip as the meagre touch gave way to her tail. The powerful limb looped under his testicles as they slithered and tugged, then snaked between his erect cock and twitched against it.

He gasped and flinched, but Kayl giggled and persisted in lashing his tongue with her own, all the while teasing his dick with the tip of her tail, the sudden flicks and strokes of the tips small, finer scales ticked. The draconic instinct inside wanted to take charge, changing from a simple desire to an obsession. A need.

Irven growled and called on his magic, and Kayl yelped as she was lifted in the air.

“Enough play," Irven said and licked his lips. He pinned her to the bed with a flourish of his hand, and mounted her.

Kayl's legs spread and hooked at his sides, her pale blue ventral scales already parted but spread further, her tender indigo flesh eager, her golden eyes lidded, hungry. “Take me," she said, barely a whisper. “Breed me."

Irven pulled her head against his chest. They knew exactly where they needed to be, knew each other perfectly without seeing or thinking. He pushed his dick into her slowly, the gentle clench of her outer muscles of her cloaca, the way she gasped, almost made him rush, desperate and eager, but he had to maintain control.

He stroked her cheek as she rubbed the other against his body. He then gripped her horn and grunted as he found her mating passage; the tighter, sensitive muscular ring inside. At the lightest touch, she whimpered and wriggled. Then the instinct took hold, and he pushed in hard, slamming his hips against hers, and growled at the pressure of her small cloacal passage against his much larger dick. Such delicious dominance.

As Irven pulled out, Kayl's surprised squeal even caught Irven off guard. He almost considered looking at the door, or listening just in case anyone had heard. But he didn't care. He made her cry out again as he pushed back in even harder, snarled from the tickle of pain. Irven growled and his heart raced. A primal part of him never grew tired of this feeling. His mentor as his willing and dominated plaything. There was something decadent about it. Something that quickened the blood and Irven could never quite put his finger on what. That someone so dangerous was his to play with.

A memory flickered within him, but Irven buried it in the sensation of continuing to make love to his mate as he pulled back and thrusted into Kayl again. Her gasp was just as musical, just as thrilling.

“Harder," she panted.

Irven chuckled and obliged. There was no point toying around now. He bucked against her, firmer, faster, more determined. His breathing grew frantic as she struggled to even take in air as she loosed a long, rising moan. Her golden eyes watered as she squinted from the discomfort, then closed, but any worry was dismissed as her smile grew wider, her sharp teeth forcing her sharp, short breaths as high hisses. Her indigo tongue lashed and flailed about as she drank in the feeling and moaned louder and louder.

Kayl's scales began to flex ever so slightly outward as she wriggled and pushed her own wide hips up and against him. Her claws tugged and tore at the bedding. Her tail thrashed and slapped against his legs so hard that it stung. She babbled, her eyes opened again but were unfocused and her tongue drooped out of her mouth.

She was so far from Irven's stern instructor, now merely his toy as she just gave in to her lust, and it made Irven go even harder still. So fast and firmly that it exhausted even his well honed stamina.

There was a knock on the door, but Irven ignored it.

After a few moments, a voice called, “is everything alright in-"

“It's fine, leave me," Irven commanded, and didn't slow his rhythm. He didn't even listen out for if he heard footsteps heading away. This was all he desired.

Kayl couldn't hold back the long, powerful squeal as she clenched, and Irven groaned at the pinch on his dick as her egg passage clamped down on his cock. She seized up, twitching as her back arched for several seconds and wriggled as she rode the climax, before she sighed and exhaled. Her cloacal fluids gushed out around Irven's groin as she went slack for a moment, but then trembled and rode out her orgasmic aftershocks.

As she loosened her mating passage's grip, Irven resumed his thrusts, and loosed a low, bestial growl as he finished inside her. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he rode the pleasure, felt himself clench up and rumbled low and steady. His cum flooded into her cloaca, the already sopping wet ventral slit pooling as their lovemaking flooded out of her and soaked the bed, before Irven fell to the side and breathed hard and steady.

Just side by side. Mate and mate. He took her hand and they both squeezed.

Kayl finally recovered and her wandering eyes focused at the ceiling, then at Irven. She eyed him with admiration as he stared back, and she crawled up into his arm, then rested her head on his chest.

“That... that is why we fight, my mate," she purred. “So we can soon spend every day like this... just one final push, and I swear, I'm yours."

Irven stared down at her, but nodded and just held her close until he could feel the still fast but slowing pace of her heartbeat through her softer chest scales.

And only then did he hear footsteps out the door, moving away.

Yet he still didn't care about that, nor being discovered, and kissed Kayl on the top of her head, and relaxed with her in tender bliss. For these moments, he would destroy the world if so needed.

* *

Kayl hurried in her preparation. Hurrying gave form to mistakes, where things fell apart. Hurrying now meant any number of circumstances couldn't be predicted, and improvisation was the last resort. It wasn't what an exemplar should do. It was one of the very things that got her exiled.

For this, she was angry at herself. This was a result of not taking her duties seriously. The exemplar inside of her should not have taken such a foolish distraction.

But Kayl had other obligations, and her heart insisted this was the best course of action. Diminish her own focus to enhance the focus of her team. By allowing Irven his sense of fulfilment, he would be a better ally to Tibor. It was both a personal indulgence, and a strategic move.

Maybe Irven was right... why was she thinking of their relationship as a quantifiable thing, like a resource or humans and their currency? Something to be bartered and integrated into a plan?

Because she was a scout, an exemplar and a kobold, that's why. It was only natural...

Kayl growled at herself, and focused on her work. This wasn't the time for such distractions.

She sighed as she looked over her star-sail again. It seemed ready.

It probably wasn't. The sail was poorly glued along the main wing. It would cause excessive drag that would make landing a major hazard. It could split in flight and send her falling, or the high winds would blow her off course. It had to be perfect, precise. She tore the sail from the frame and began all over again.

The faint sound of creaking made her flinch. Kayl broke from her meditation and she bared her teeth.

She barked, “what?"

Paet, who was leaning against a nearby table, straightened out.

“Shut up," she insisted.

He twisted. His leaves bristled.

“No, I'm not being ridiculous. You know as well as I that this mission is vital!"

Paet crooked one end back and forth.

“I don't care if improvising worked on Brevshket. And anyway, he still exists. I'd hardly call that a success."

He paused, then wriggled onto the table, coiling in a circle.

“That does it!" Kayl snarled, leapt over to Paet's table and threw him across the workshop with a clatter of loose timber.

After an indignant huff, she gasped, wrung her clawed fingers and called out, “Paet, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do that! Where are you?"

Kayl hopped off the table and ran in the direction she had flung her drenda, and found him amidst a pile of ordinary wooden poles. He remained still as she knelt and scooped him up, but he remained rigid and motionless.

“Oh, Paet... I don't even know what came over me," she said as she hugged the staff and winced as, again, he seemed dormant. “This whole situation is just bizarre... working with humans, assaulting Jorsviek castle, everything with Irven. Please don't be upset with me. I'm sorry."

Paet finally relented, coiled over her shoulder, and she smiled.

“I suppose we should embrace the changes to our lives; each turn, the All-Dragon has steered us to where we needed to be. We couldn't not strike down Brevshket as we were, and had to be brought low, to reforge ourselves. Not to mention we needed to meet my precious mate. We needed him then, we need him now. We must sacrifice the old aspects of ourselves and be born anew, respun as if reincarnated by the All-Dragon yet within this lifespan. And all shall become clear; Dragonlord Praevadi must know this as well."

Kayl stood and returned to her star-sail and meticulously glued and sealed down the errant wing, then left to get something to eat.

“We must persist in our faith," she whispered, to Paet as much as herself. “Not just for the All-Dragon, but for my dragon. Especially for him. For us."

* *

A merciful sun clashed with the defiant cold. The wide expanse of blue sky would have seemed a blessing, but Irven knew kobolds abhorred clear weather as an ill omen and couldn't help but be keenly aware of his twitching eye. Fortunately, the far horizon bore an impenetrable blanket of black and grey clouds; the coming snow, the cover that would obscure their approach, and it was going to come in hard and heavy.

Kayl, in her full winter-wear so only the tip of her muzzle was exposed, looked about every few seconds, peering into the snowdrifts and trees for long stretches; daylight hours and exposure to a human road seemed to distress her more than the idea of flying into a fortress filled with mercenaries and the very woman that almost ended her life. Her star-sail was in two pieces and strapped to her back by Paet.

Tibor, visor up and dressed in his star-metal armour as comfortably as a second skin, grumbled. “Would you stop with your constant glances, kobold? You're safe. These are my roads, and patrols will not question me. If they do, I'll have their arses sweeping the roads of snow for weeks as punishment."

Kayl glanced at him. It was hard to read her expression through her dark tinted goggles and fur lined hood, though her tail whipped the ground behind her and scattered pebbles into a tree.

“You speak of your past glories as if they were just yesterday, man-kin. You fought beside others, so you may not know how vulnerable our number are, but a scout often travels only under favourable, dark conditions unless it's an emergency because that protects us. This feels wrong on every level as much as I bet walking alone, at night, without a light and through the woods does with you."

Tibor replied, “and yet your paranoia is going to cost us time and make us all twitchy, kobold. Jumpy new recruits were the worst to travel with. But I suppose know-it-all lizards are just as bad."

“It's a wonder how man-kin get anything done sometimes," Kayl growled. “I am performing an important duty, and yet all I hear is overcave babble and lip flapping. You're making me worse at my task. It's wonder how you survived this long."

Irven sucked in a harsh breath and barked, “must we do this? Really? I'm the youngest one here by far, yet apparently it's up to me to take charge."

A haze filled Irven's mind.

As it should be, and as I keep saying. You were born to lead!

“Not you as well," Irven hissed and rubbed his brow.

Tibor cocked a bushy eyebrow. “What was that, Vinnie?"

Irven threw his hands up. “Enough! Shut up, all of you!"

“Forgive me, Irven," Kayl said and sighed. “I suppose you are the most nervous of us all, having the least experience."

“Aye. It's just banter, lad," Tibor said with a nod. “No harm in it. Keeps the mind active but stops the blooded tempers boiling over."

They silently continued for a time, interrupted only by Tibor checking his weapon by removing the box magazine, ejecting the current bolt, catching it and replacing the projectile back into the box and reloading the bolter.

Irven asked, “something wrong with that thing?"

“Third rule of bolter use," Tibor said, shouldering his weapon. “When anticipating a fight, it's worth cycling the mechanism every so often. These aren't like the olden days, when you could see the bolt or arrow nocked on the string. Internal mechanisms, as trustworthy as they are with proper maintenance, have a way of making you doubt whether it's actually loaded and that the drive coil is still wound. I knew it was loaded, but sometimes I get itchy fingers and enjoy indulging in the old drills."

“You'll have to let me try one of those some time," Irven said, grinning. “Why not add bolter use to my expanding repertoire of talents?"

“Hah! Like the list you gave to my guards? What was it again? Alchemist, herbologist, sellsword..."

“All true," Irven chuckled, “and more."

Kayl sighed. “Now who's bantering?"

Irven shrugged. “What? It's a legitimate request."

“And is it truly important now? We haven't got the time." She folded her arms. “When we are half a day away from where we split up to conduct our attack? Focus. Go over the plan in your minds. Ensure we have every detail firmly in place, and imagine every potential outcome so you can respond with less panicked thought and instead act more in a way that's more conjuicy to our mission's success?"

Tibor rattled off a cough that transformed into a low laugh. “Conjuicy?"

“Conducive," Irven corrected for her and sighed. “Alright, point made."

“Bah, you can't plan for every outcome, lizard. But whatever makes you stop squawking." Tibor patted Irven's shoulder. “After we succeed, lad, I'll let you have all the practice you could want. Heh, we might even begin fashioning smaller bolters for the kobolds, eh? Set our alliance more ironclad than St. Dastor's works. What say you, kobold?"

“I won't repeat myself, man-kin."

With a roll of Tibor's eyes, they continued on in silence.

* *

Kayl made her way up a hillock. The tall trees at the top would be a perfect launch platform, but she would need assistance.

Not from Irven, though. He was now trekking through the woods on the approach to Castle Jorsviek. There was something else.

So she took an iron nail with a strand of blue twine trailing from the head, hammered it into a nearby tree with a rock, then hooked a loose pine branch over it for concealment. Kayl then scampered into the brush nearby, and waited.

It was deathly still. The low whisper of wind in the trees and bushes. The faint sound of trickling water as a light thaw set in from the melting snow. Minutes passed.

There... a soft crunch in the powder. A hushed exhalation in time with another gust. A tiny patter of soft padding on the dirt as a figure came into view. Short, like she was, clad in the same winter garb, only this one had patches of twigs, covered in white powder to imitate snow.

It paused and looked at the covered nail.

Kayl crept from the brush. Her feet didn't impact the snow as her magic made it as strong as stone to her touch, and she brought the bladed arm of her spear around the figure's neck, and whispered, “you're exposed."

There was no answer. No movement.

Her ankles were pulled from beneath her. She fell back, but used her tail to start to spin and land on her side, to scramble for distance. Her attacker was relentless. It pinned one leg by standing on her calf, gripped Kayl's tail, halted her movement. It was strong, assured. Swift, reading her every countermeasure.

Kayl was then pinned, and she felt a blade press against her cheek.

“Please, mother," said Kayl's attacker, “give me some credit."

She was released, and helped to her feet by Roat, wearing a thinner set of furs over his armour, and Kayl glanced at the still-standing figure she had threatened. Scales as deep blue as her own.

Kayl asked, “impressive, my son. A new trick?"

Roat smirked and nodded. “A series of wires line the inside that can be made stiff. I can leave the cloak standing while crawling away or ducking low and crawling out the lower trim. Great to use as a lure if spotted, a smoke pellet to obscure and then flee or ambush as necessary."

He climbed into his camouflaged outer cloak, and after a moment, the stiff cloak adhered more naturally to his shape.

“It's no cast-off-scale duplicate magic like yours," he continued, “but it works. My own design."

Kayl nodded, then brought her son into a hug. “As I should have expected." She released him and turned serious. “Come, I need your aid." She pulled out the nail from the tree, and led the way farther up the hill.

“I see you left Kreshger alive," Roat said.

“He is not a threat," Kayl replied.

Roat chuckled. “Few of the list were without The Corrupted One's influence, but they were destined to die all the same."

With a huff, Kayl began eyeing her son. “Nonetheless, he could be useful for when we once more are forced to barter with the surfacers."

“Those weren't our orders. Both these humans must die."

Kayl spun and pulled Roat to face her. “Are you questioning your exemplar?"

Roat shrugged. “Never said that. Simply reminding you of what is expected of you."

“Then let the dragonlord punish me for disobeying. You of all kobolds should know the mission changes on a whim. It may flow as the river, from source to its terminus, but no-one can tell where the pebbles beneath shall rest, nor what awaits under the surface, yet crossing it makes these details of the highest import."

Roat pulled off his goggles and narrowed his green eyes, as much to squint to the waning daylight to judge the time as to scrutinise her. “And you of all kobolds should know it's a scout-master's place to act beyond the demands of the dragonlord, as long as it benefits the clan." He replaced his goggles. “You can relax, I was just making sure you, nor the biggun, weren't just deviating from the mission. Besides, having a compliant overcave lackey cut from The Corrupted One's own group may prove useful."

Kayl sighed and continued on. “Planning over our success already?"

“Naturally," Roat said with a snicker. “You would be foolish to fall to the same foe twice, and Irven's growing in power by the day. Plus you have a human shield in the form of Kreshger and his star-steel armour, no doubt parading and hollering and playing that noise box."

“How did you know about that?" Kayl squinted at Roat, then gasped. “... you infiltrated Werchid? You were supposed to keep watch from the outside!"

Roat just smirked.

Kayl squinted harder. “... what else did you witness?"

Roat now bared the edges of his mouth in a broad grin, yet remained infuriatingly silent.

“Bah, fine," Kayl grumbled. “Act as you will, but I still need your help."

Roat glanced at the star-sail, then upward, then licked his teeth. “Attacking by air? Is that wise?"

“We have no choice. They have a weapon that threatens the whole region and an overt attack risks its use. That's why I'll need all the altitude we can muster." Kayl grinned back at her son. “Looks like you didn't catch everything."

“I was just there in case anything went wrong, honest!"

They soon reached the peak as the sky grew yet darker and the clouds rolled in, heavy with their wintery burden. Kayl put together the parts of her star-sail as Roat climbed the tree while fixing some looped pitons, threading the rope through each. They then hoisted the glider to the treetop, and both climbed up as well.

Kayl extended her pointed tongue skyward for a few moments to feel the breeze. “Should be ideal conditions, and soon: the wind's pushing away from Jorsviek should be light enough to reach the central spire. Here, take these; I need to go in as light as possible to ensure I have as much manoeuvrability as I can muster."

Kayl handed over her distraction poppers and smoke pellets. By themselves, they weren't terribly heavy, but they had to be packed in padded bags to protect them. Every errant bit of weight had to be sacrificed.

Roat tutted as he took the tools. “Really? Landing there first? Too obvious, and you know it."

“Obviously," Kayl said, “but I don't have time to explain. Ready your magic."

Roat grimaced, but sucked in a breath and clapped his hands together. The air around him rippled as he carefully stood and wrapped his tail around the branch on which he stood, then he nodded.

Kayl rested her arms on the crossbar of the glider, then lifted her legs into the hammock at the back before Paet wrapped under her belly and into a gap in the frame and drew tight around her. Finally, she threaded her tail into the sleeve and wagged it, with the rudder responding in turn.

Tiny flecks of snow began to dance and flitter by.

“All-Dragon guide me," Kayl whispered, then ordered, “do it."

Roat thrust his arms above his head. Pine needles, strips of loose bark, insects and errant feathers flew skyward as the star-sails fabric was pressed taut, and with a grunt of effort from Roat, Kayl took to the air, the rope trailing behind. The winds soon whistled past her as the flakes began to fall thicker and faster.

Kayl released the bar, still supported by Paet, and summoned her own magic with a splaying of her fingers and stretched out her arms as she closed her eyes. The scatter of snow around her weaved and swirled beneath the star-sail, and Kayl's brow furrowed as she forced the ice to shatter and mingle with the air as a fine mist.

As the air grew saturated with the icy dust, even the air between the particles became an extension of Kayl's will. She pulled her arms toward her chest and clenched her fists, and the fine frozen dust in the air surged upward and filled the gliders wings in a monstrous gale.

Kayl screamed, “now!!"

Roat severed the rope and, with a trail of shining silver specks that fluttered outward in the shape of a great dragon's wings, Kayl launched up into the clouds, and out of sight.

* * *