Omensent Dragons Falling

388

Omensent

Dragons Falling

Book six of the Dragon Lord Series

By Barry A. Gibbons

Omensent

Dragons Falling

Book Six of the Dragon Lord Series

By

Barry A. Gibbons

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © License Notes

Copyright©2015 Barry Gibbons All Rights Reserved

This Smashwords Edition eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Omensent

The Dragon Lord Series

Omensent

Birth of a Dragon Lord

Book one of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Rise of the Shadow Dragons

Book two of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Wrath of a Dragon God

Book three of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Revealing the Dragon

Book four of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Princess of Dragons

Book five of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Dragons Falling

Book six of the Dragon Lord Series

Prelude

My preparations are finally complete. The golden dragon murmured as it stared down at the world below from its place amongst the stars. After centuries of careful preparation, the time has finally come for our children to overthrow the mortals that have infested the lands, and take the world as their own. The hordes are assembled, and ready to strike. All they are waiting for is my command.

You sound confident. A second dragon, an enormous beast with iridescent scales, commented as it lounged nearby.

And why shouldn’t I be, Draco? The golden dragon asked pointedly. I have spent the last several centuries perfecting every single detail of my plan while you were busy bumbling about, wreaking chaos with your own ill-conceived ideas.

You could have warned me that my plans were flawed, Estheryal. Draco grumbled in an injured tone. Instead, you just sat back and watched as my plans came crashing down around me.

"I did try to warn you, but you refused to listen. You were convinced that your plans would succeed, and that the veiled dragons would be able to destroy the Dragon Lord and seize the Dragon Sword. She chuckled darkly. The only thing that you managed to do was enslave the veiled dragons to the Dragon Lord’s daughter. Now, she controls them, and her father still wields the dreaded sword."

You could have warned me that using the child’s blood would link our new children to his daughter. Draco muttered in an angry tone.

The flaws in your plans were obvious. The Dragon Mother told Him with a shrug. If you hadn’t been so determined to follow them through, you would have been able to see them yourself. So, after you refused to listen to reason, I decided to sit back and watch as the Dragon Lord brought your plans crashing down around you. The golden dragon chuckled. It was most amusing to witness.

I think that you did more than watch. Draco growled furiously. "I think that you helped the Dragon Lord foil my plans, using Gwynth of the Gods as your messenger, if I had to guess."

Do you? Estheryal asked in an amused tone. "I may have given the Dragon Lord a nudge in the right direction once or twice, but it made little difference. Your plans were already beginning to crumble around you."

"And what of your new children? The iridescent dragon asked acidly. You created them from dragonspawn; creatures befouled and corrupted by mortal magic. Your dreadspawn are nothing more than abominations. And they’re easily defeated, as the Dragon Lord’s daughter demonstrated."

The dreadspawn were created with a single purpose in mind. Estheryal snapped, staring at the Dragon God with flashing eyes. As long as the Dragon Lord possesses the Dragon Sword, he controls the scarlet dragons. He will surely use them to drive back the hordes to save his people. I do not wish to destroy our own children, so I created the dreadspawn to keep the scarlet dragons and the veiled dragons distracted, leaving the hordes free to overwhelm and destroy the humans.

That still leaves the Dragon Lord. Draco pointed out with a frown. He has the Dragon Sword, one of the most powerful objects in the world. As long as he possesses it, he will be virtually invincible.

He will not possess the fabled blade for much longer. The golden dragon assured Him with a smug smile. When the time comes, he will surrender the blade to me, sealing the fate of the mortal world.

What makes you think that the Dragon Lord will surrender the Dragon Sword to you? The iridescent dragon demanded with a snort of disbelief.

It’s simple. Once the Dragon Lord sees that the dragonspawn will not stop until they finally obtain the Dragon Sword, he will realize that his people will never be safe as long as he possesses it. With the human world being destroyed all around him, he will turn to me in hopes that I can bring your slaughter to an end.

"My slaughter? Draco asked in confusion. What do you mean, my slaughter?"

Think about it, Draco. Estheryal told Him with a throaty chuckle. You have sent countless dragonspawn to their deaths in an attempt to destroy the Dragon Lord, abducted his only child from him and used her blood to create an entirely new species of dragon, and have tormented him at every turn. He already believes that you are planning a war against mankind, and this will confirm it. She smiled smugly. "I, on the other hand, have provided him aid on several occasions, including during his search for his daughter. When he finally realizes that he has no other choice but to give up the Dragon Sword, I will be the one who he will turn to in the hopes that I can save mankind from the hordes. Her expression was exultant. Then, once I possess the Dragon Sword, and the scarlet dragons are once again under my command, I will release them upon mankind, wiping them from the face of the earth once and for all."

"Your command?" Draco frowned, staring at Her suspiciously.

Our children will still be under the influence of the Dragon Sword. The golden dragon shrugged, staring down at the world below. As long as I am the one who possesses the fabled blade, the scarlet dragons will be under my control.

And the veiled dragons? Draco asked, still staring at Estheryal with distrust.

They will be free to join their brethren once the Dragon Lord’s daughter has been destroyed. Without her to influence their actions, they will be under our control once again.

Destroying the girl may prove more difficult than you think. The Dragon God warned her in a knowing tone. Her father is a menace, but the Princess of Dragons is a walking natural disaster. In many ways, she’s even more powerful than her father.

She is still just a mortal. Estheryal shrugged dismissively. Eventually she will fall, and the veiled dragons will be free to join their brethren as the rightful rulers of this world. She stared at the world below for another moment, then turned to face the iridescent dragon. Enough talk. It is time for me to set my final plan into motion. Her expression became smug. Watch closely, Draco, and perhaps you’ll learn something. She fixed him with a stern look. And make sure you keep your nose out of things. I do not need you blundering in at the wrong time and disrupting my plans. Just stay out of the way, and I will make sure that our children are freed from the Dragon Lord’s control. She stared at the iridescent dragon for another moment, then She suddenly shimmered and vanished, leaving Him to stare at the empty air with a frown.

Under your control? Draco murmured as He turned to stare down at the world below with a grim expression. We shall see, my dear Estheryal. We shall see.

Chapter 1

The tiny shadow slipped silently through the darkness, easily avoiding the pair of sleepy soldiers who were guarding the huge double doors which led in and out of the Dragon’s Keep. It continued quietly creeping through the dark shadows until it reached massive doors, then it reached out to take a hold of one of the handles, but froze as a deep voice suddenly echoed through the darkness of the empty hall.

Going somewhere?

The tiny shadow let out a muffled curse, then slowly turned to stare at a huge figure that was leaning against a wall in the darkness nearby. Hello, father. The tiny shadow stepped into the light of a nearby torch, revealing a young girl of about sixteen, with long flowing black hair, and glittering chestnut eyes. She was wearing an elaborate set of armor made up of small overlapping black scales that seemed to absorb the shadows around her, and held a beautifully crafted bow and a quiver of arrows lightly in one hand. I thought that you and mother had already turned in for the night. The young girl commented with a sigh of annoyance.

Your mother did, but I had some trade proposals that I wanted to look over before I joined her. The dark figure stepped into the light, revealing a giant of a man who stood nearly eight feet in height. His long brown hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, while his eyes, which were the same shade of chestnut as the young girl’s, glittered in the torchlight. Although he was extraordinarily large for a man, he appeared to be human in every way, save for a thick ridge of rusty-red scales which covered each brow, giving him a grim, almost menacing appearance. Where were you heading to at this time of night, Leia?

I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d go hunting. The young girl replied with a shrug. It’s the first clear night that we’ve had all spring, so there should be plenty of game about.

I don’t know if it’s wise for you to be out hunting alone. The huge man frowned worriedly. There have been more sightings of goblins lingering in the forest along the trade road.

I’m not worried. The young girl told him unconcernedly. Goblins always start running after a few of them take an arrow in the eye.

Her father stared at her closely for a moment. You’ve been having those nightmares again, haven’t you? He finally asked in a knowing tone.

Leia frowned, then nodded. They’ve been getting worse lately. It’s always the same thing. I’m staring down at the city of Sevria from one of the verandas on the upper levels of the castle, and the entire city completely engulfed in flames. Bodies are scattered everywhere that I look, while the screams of the dying echo through the night. Blood pours through the streets like crimson rivers, and the smell of death permeates the air, making it hard to breathe. Her eyes became lost as she thought back to the dream. Suddenly, bodies begin falling from the sky. Not human bodies, but dragon. Scarlet dragons, shadow dragons, veiled dragons, even dreadspawn, all crashing lifelessly to the ground. Then there is blinding flash of crimson light that forces me to look away, and when I finally look back, everything is in ruin.

The huge man frowned. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. He told her with more conviction than he felt. It’s only a dream.

Maybe, The young girl murmured doubtfully. maybe not. It feels like it’s more than a dream. It almost feels like a warning.

A warning?

Leia nodded grimly. There is a sense of urgency that accompanies the dream which has been growing and growing for the last few months. It’s gotten so bad that I can even feel it while I’m awake now.

Maybe it… The huge warrior stopped as one of the massive doors suddenly popped opened, and a tired-looking elf wearing mud-splattered traveling clothes hurried into the hall.

Ah, Damion, The elf said with a weary smile. I’m glad I caught you before you retired for the evening.

Good evening, Brody. Damion greeted the elf pleasantly as Leia melted back into the shadows on silent feet. I’m surprised to see you back so soon. I thought you were still in Sierra negotiating a deal with the Merchant’s Guild for all of the furs that our hunters collected over the winter.

"You mean all of the furs that Leia collected over the winter. Brody chuckled. That girl is, by far, the best hunter that I have ever seen. He suddenly frowned. Don’t tell her I said that, though. She’d never let me forget it."

Too late! Leia exclaimed, stepping out of the darkness wearing a huge grin.

The elven man jumped backwards against the massive doors in surprise, then let out a string of curses. I wish you would stop doing that! He snarled in a furious tone.

Why? Leia asked with an impish grin. It’s funny!

Not to me, it isn’t! Brody growled angrily. I nearly wet myself every time you pop out of the darkness like that!

I know. The young girl giggled. That’s why it’s so funny.

So how did things go with the Merchant’s Guild? Damion asked, trying to conceal his amusement. Were you able to negotiate a good deal?

No, The elf replied, still glowering at Leia. "I was able to negotiate a great deal. The Merchant’s Guild claimed that the market was diluted with furs, and gave us an insultingly low offer, so I told them that I would just contact one of my colleagues on the Elven Island, and ship the furs to them where we can get a premium price."

What use would elves have for furs on a tropical island? Leia asked in confusion.

None, The elven man grinned wickedly. but they didn’t know that. And any hopes they may have had that I was bluffing were dashed when I thanked them for their time, and left.

You left? Damion asked in surprise. That a bit of a risky strategy, don’t you think?

Not really. Besides, it worked. I didn’t make it a hundred feet from the building before one of their servants chased me down and begged me to return. The elven man gave them a smug look. "In the end, we settled on three times what we got for furs last season, and the Merchant’s Guild is responsible for the costs of shipping them to Sierra. All things said, I believe it was a successful venture."

That’s great. Damion nodded approvingly. We can use it to help replenish the treasury. It’s going to take quite a bit of gold to replace the supplies we used over the winter.

Sadly, that’s not what I hurried back to tell you. Brody sighed heavily. There were some disturbing reports coming from the northern continent. It appears that the dragonspawn have been emerging from virtually every crack and crevice to attack isolated farms and villages. The people are in a complete panic.

We’ve been getting similar reports out of the east. The huge warrior frowned.

That’s not the worst of it, I’m afraid. Brody told him regretfully. It appears that all sorts of dark creatures have emerged from the shadows to join in the chaos. In my short time there, I heard stories of goblins, ogres, trolls, and even one about a flock of what the sailor swore were harpies, although I don’t see how that’s possible. The harpies were all killed centuries ago.

That’s not exactly true. Damion told him with a frown. There are a couple of flocks of harpies living in the Endless Forest in the south. They’re not very dangerous, though. Just really annoying.

If these reports are real, then it won’t be long before we start receiving more urgent pleas for assistance. Brody said with a worried frown. Some of them may even send emissaries to Sevria to beg for your help in person.

It won’t do them any good. Leia said with a shake of her head. Mother put her foot down and forbid father from running off to save the world after that last debacle on the Elven Island.

Your mother understands that we can’t just sit back and watch as the world burns around us. Damion disagreed. If things become serious enough, she knows we may have to intervene.

Where were you two heading off to this late at night, anyway? Brody asked curiously.

I had just finished going over some trade proposals and had decided to head down to Sly’s tavern to have a drink, when I found our little Princess of Dragons here sneaking out for another midnight hunt. He gestured to his daughter, who rolled her eyes.

I’m not sure if it would be wise for you to be out hunting alone right now. Brody told Leia in a warning tone. I spotted numerous goblins lurking along the trade road on my way back from Sierra.

Goblins aren’t that much of a problem. Leia told him dismissively. "They’re pretty timid when compared to a wild boar. Now that’s a beast that will chase you down and rip you up the center if you’re not careful."

I think I’d still feel better if you weren’t out in the wilds alone. Her father murmured with a frown. Can’t you talk Slither into joining you?

Slither isn’t here. Leia informed him with a shake of her head. He said that he had something that he needed to take care of earlier this afternoon, then disappeared into the forest. He hasn’t returned yet.

That’s strange. Damion frowned. Did he say what it was he was doing?

His daughter shook her head again. He wouldn’t tell me. He just said that he would return soon, and then hurried off. She frowned. It’s not uncommon for him to disappear into the forest like that, but he’s been doing it a lot more than usual lately, and he’s always evasive about where he’s going.

That’s not like him. Damion murmured worriedly. How long has this been going on?

Several times a week for the last year or so. Leia shrugged. He’s usually gone for a couple of hours at a time, but sometimes it’s longer, and he always refuses to tell me where he was when he returns.

I’ll speak with him the next time that I see him. Damion promised, his expression still worried. I’m sure there’s a good reason for his disappearances.

Is there anyone else who can accompany Leia hunting? Brody asked as he tried to stifle a yawn.

You, Leia frowned. but it won’t be much of a hunting trip if I have to listen to you complain the entire time.

What about Sly? The elven man asked, ignoring her comment. He might enjoy a bit of fresh air.

Sly’s too busy overseeing the construction of his new brewery. The young girl told him. He swore that he won’t let it out of his sight until it’s completed.

Who would have thought that our own Sly would build a brewing empire? Damion chuckled in amusement.

It’s really not that surprising. Leia disagreed. He’s probably swilled down more ale than any other man alive. It was only a matter of time before he began brewing it as well, to satisfy his own needs, if nothing else. She sighed heavily. Well, the night won’t last forever. She turned and started towards the huge doors.

Leia… Her father started with a frown.

I’m not a little girl anymore, father! The young girl suddenly snapped, cutting him off. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself!

I know you are, Leia. I…

You and Mom can’t keep treating me like I’m a child forever. The young girl interrupted once again. At some point, you’re going to have to treat me like the strong, capable young woman that I have become.

I know, Leia. I…

I have been training since I was a little girl. She continued relentlessly. "Every single day, with both my weapons and my magic. I am more than capable of taking care of myself if any trouble arises."

I know you are, Leia. I…

"If you know I can take care of myself, then why won’t you let me go hunting?" Leia demanded crossly.

I’m not trying to stop you. Her father told her quickly. I was just going ask you to keep an eye out for some quail.

Quail? The young girl asked blankly.

Yes, quail. You know it’s your mother’s favorite, and I’m sure she would appreciate your efforts. It’s been a long winter, after all.

Quail. Leia repeated uncertainly. Of-Of course. I’ll try to take a few for the cooks to prepare for lunch.

I’m sure your mother would appreciate it. Her father told her, secretly taking pleasure in throwing his overconfident daughter off-balance. I’ll walk with you as far as Sly’s tavern. I wanted to get a look at his new brewery now that the exterior is nearly complete.

It is, by far, the ugliest building in the city. Leia told him with a roll of her eyes. I think Sly must have been drinking some of his own swill when he and Damarius came up with the blueprints.

Is it really that bad? The huge warrior asked with a frown.

Not if you enjoy ridiculously oversized buildings with an absurd number of arches and peaks, decorated with dozens of statues of dragons in various poses. The young girl replied with a shrug. If that’s what you like, you’ll love this place.

Chapter 2

Isn’t that Sly over there? Leia asked her father a few minutes later as they made their way through the streets of the city. She pointed to a short scruffy-looking man with greasy hair and a scraggily beard who was standing in front of one of the local taverns angrily berating a pair of burly workmen.

It sure looks like him. Damion replied with a nod. And he doesn’t look very happy.

They hurried over to the scruffy little man’s side.

What’s the problem here? The huge warrior asked as they approached.

These two blockheads just dropped a cask of my finest ale! Sly snarled, gesturing to the workmen, who were inching away from Damion with fearful expressions. An entire cask of Dragon’s Reserve ruined because these two clumsy oafs couldn’t watch where they were going!

Damion let out a low whistle. That is an expensive mistake. How much is a cask going for these days?

Five hundred gold pieces. Sly muttered in disgust.

"Five hundred gold pieces?" Leia exclaimed in disbelief. Are you serious? That’s highway robbery!

The process used to brew my ale is very expensive. The scruffy little man said in an injured tone. Besides, the finest brew in the world demands a premium price.

Sly was one of Damion’s oldest and dearest friends. Though the disreputable little man appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary vagabond with an unwholesome obsession with ale, he was, in truth, a master swordsman with a cunning mind for both battle tactics and business.

How is the brewery coming? Damion asked curiously.

See for yourself. The scruffy little man gestured proudly to an enormous granite building that had been constructed in the center of an open pasture usually reserved for visiting caravans.

The building was surprisingly delicate-looking, with a huge arched entrance, and a massive domed roof made of stained glass. Four towering spires topped with gleaming copper tiles had been constructed around the massive building, making it appear more like a small fortress than a brewery. Numerous marble statues of dragons in various poses dotted the roofline, while an enormous marble fountain crowned with a pair of bronze dragons posed in the midst of battle stood before the arched entrance.

Impressive, isn’t it? Sly asked, staring at the huge building fondly. The stonework alone cost enough to fund a small kingdom, but it was worth it.

It’s quite nice, actually. Damion congratulated him in a surprised tone. From the description Leia provided, I was expecting a complete monstrosity.

It’s not quite finished, yet. The scruffy little man said with a frown. There are still quite a few things that need to be finished inside before I can begin brewing. In the meantime, I’m using one of the backrooms in the tavern as a base of operations. He gave the pair a curious look. What are you two doing out this late?

Father wanted to sample some of that swill that you’re peddling before you guzzle it all down, and pass out in the stables again. Leia told him in a mocking tone.

Ha, ha. Sly grumbled sarcastically. I’ll have you know that I haven’t woken up in the stables once since starting this enterprise. He suddenly frowned. I don’t really have the time for carousing anymore. There are always a dozen different problems to solve, and every time I take care of one, three more pop up. He looked to Leia. "And where do you think you’re going at this time of night?"

Hunting. The young girl replied with a shrug. It’s a beautiful night for it.

By yourself? The scruffy little man asked disapprovingly. Are you sure that’s wise?

I’ll fine, Sly. Leia sighed impatiently. There is nothing out there that I can’t take care of by myself.

Still, shouldn’t you take Slither along with you to watch your back? The scruffy little man asked in a reasonable tone.

Slither left earlier this afternoon, and has yet to return. Damion told him with a frown. You haven’t noticed him acting oddly, have you? Leia says that he has been disappearing a lot, and he refuses to tell her where he’s going.

"That is odd. Sly frowned. I’ve never known Slither to try and keep secrets from us. He thought about it for a moment. Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen him in the tavern much lately. He usually stops in every evening and attempts to drink everyone under the table, but he hasn’t been showing up much in the last few months."

I’ll speak with him the next time I see him. Damion promised. We should find out what the problem is, and make sure it isn’t something that we should all be concerned about.

Well, I’m not going to find any game strolling the streets of the city. Leia said as she turned to walk away. Don’t wait up for me.

Be home by breakfast so your mother doesn’t know you were out all night. Damion told her as she hurried away.

You’re not really going to let her go running off into the wild alone, are you? Sly asked in a disapproving tone.

Of course not. Damion replied as he turned to stare up at the looming Dragon’s Keep. Hey, Snowfeather, He called to his familiar silently. Could you come join us for a moment?

"Of course. I’ll be down in a moment."

The huge warrior continued to stare up at the castle until a huge white owl appeared from the battlements and dropped down to circle overhead.

"What can I do for you?" Snowfeather asked politely as he settled down on one of Damion’s broad shoulders.

Leia decided she was going to sneak off to go hunting again. The huge warrior informed the huge owl aloud. Do you think that you can go keep an eye on her, and let me know if she gets herself into any trouble?

"Of course," Snowfeather agreed immediately. I was just on my way out to hunt up a bit of dinner for myself, anyway. I just hope I can find her. That shadow-scale armor of hers makes her exceedingly difficult to locate at night, even for me.

Just do your best. And make sure that she doesn’t see you this time. She refused to talk to me for a week after the last time she spotted you following her.

"I’m not making any promises." Snowfeather hooted as he launched himself into the air once again. Leia is more skilled than any shadowspawn when it comes to remaining hidden in the darkness, and deadlier, too.

They watched as Snowfeather disappeared into the darkness, then Sly turned and led the way into the crowded tavern.

Go find us a table while I see to the refreshments. The scruffy little man told him, shoving a drunken merchant out of his way as he made his way to the back.

Damion slowly made his way through the crowded common room until he reached a table that was hastily abandoned by a group of Deirian travelers.

Sly reappeared a few moments later leading the same pair of burly workmen who were carrying a large cask between them. Just sit that there next to the table. The scruffy little man ordered the men shortly. And be careful this time. If you break another cask, I’ll have Damion here feed you to one of the scarlet dragons.

Don’t worry, Damion reassured the workmen, who were staring at him with terrified expressions. I already fed the scarlet dragons today. They won’t be hungry again for a couple of hours, at least.

The workers carefully sat the cask next to the table, then used a pry bar to remove the lid.

Tell one of the serving girls to bring us food. Sly told the workmen as he filled a pair of tankards with the foaming ale. He slid one of the tankards to Damion, then slowly sank down into his chair with an audible sigh. This is the first time that I’ve sat down all day.

Have you really been that busy? The huge warrior asked with some surprise.

It’s those damned masons. The scruffy little man muttered in a sour tone. They’re constantly trying to cut corners to save time. I’ve told them repeatedly that I will not stand for that sort of shoddy workmanship, but I’m still forced to watch them like a hawk! He took a long drink from his tankard, then sighed heavily. I’d better not have that sort of problem with the carpenters. He suddenly looked thoughtful. Maybe I should cut off a few fingers from the next workman that I catch trying to cut corners. That should let the others know that I’m serious when I say that I only want the highest quality of work.

You can’t do that. Damion chuckled in amusement. The workmen would come to me demanding your head.

Well, I’m going to have to do something. Sly complained sourly. I’m going to drop dead from exhaustion at this rate.

All of the gold that you’re raking in should make up for the loss of sleep. Damion commented as he drained his tankard and slid it back for a refill.

That it does, my friend. Sly grinned. I spent a fortune having the brewery constructed, of course, but I consider it an investment towards the future.

There was a sudden disturbance as a large black-scaled creature walked into the room and looked around. It was huge, nearly eight feet in height, with spiraling horns that sprouted out from behind its jutting brow. It had a powerful body rippling with thick ropey muscle, and a long whip-like tail that lashed back and forth restlessly as it stood looking about the common room with interest.

There’s Slither. Damion said, waving the vicious-looking beast over. Maybe we can get some answers on why he has been acting so suspiciously lately.

The huge beast quickly made its way over to their table. Good evening, Damion. It hissed, nodding to the huge warrior politely. SSSlither isss sssurprisssed to find you out thisss late.

I decided to sneak out for a few drinks before turning in. The huge warrior explained with a grin. Have a seat and join us.

Once an enemy sent by the Dragon God to kill Damion and recover the Dragon Sword, the vicious-looking shadowspawn had become one of the huge warrior’s most trusted allies, and had even been accepted by the people of Sevria as one of their own.

The shadowy beast settled down in an empty chair and accepted a foaming tankard of ale from Sly with a grunt of thanks.

Leia and I were looking for you earlier. Damion informed the reptilian beast in a conversational tone.

Oh?

Leia decided she wanted to sneak off again to do a bit of hunting, but I didn’t want her to go alone. I was going to ask you to go with her to watch her back, but Leia said that you disappeared into the forest earlier, and hadn’t returned.

The shadowspawn suddenly looked uncomfortable. Aye. SSSlither hasss been hearing rumorsss of dragonssspawn being ssseen lurking in the area. SSSlither went out to sssee if there were any truth to thessse rumorsss, but wasss unable to find anything.

Is that right? Damion asked in an unconvinced tone. According to Leia, you have been disappearing into the forest a lot lately, and have been refusing to tell her where you’re going.

The huge shadowspawn began to fidget uncomfortably, but didn’t reply.

Is there something going on that we should know about?

Nay. Slither hissed unconvincingly. There isss nothing.

Damion frowned. Something is going on. That much is obvious. Now, what’s the problem?

SSSlither cannot sssay. Slither told him with a frown.

What do you mean? Sly asked in confusion. What can’t you say?

SSSlither cannot sssay. The huge shadowspawn hissed again in a frustrated tone.

Damion gave Slither a penetrating look. Is something going on with the dragonspawn that we should know about? Is the Dragon God gathering another horde to attack the city?

The shadowy beast shook its horned head. Nay. It isss nothing like that. It isss sssomething far, far worssse.

The huge warrior frowned. Are the people of Sevria in danger?

Slither suddenly started to chuckle. Nay. SSSlither’sss problem doesss not involve the people of SSSevria. SSSlither’sss problem isss… isss… The huge shadowspawn stared at them helplessly. It isss persssonal.

We’re all family here, Slither. Sly told the shadowspawn reassuringly. You can tell us if you’re having trouble with something.

SSSlither cannot sssay. The shadowspawn repeated in a miserable tone. SSSlither wantsss to tell you, but SSSlither cannot.

Damion stared at the scaly beast for a long moment, then finally nodded. As you wish. If you do not want to reveal your problem to us, then we will not pry any further. Just know that if you ever need us, we’ll be there for you.

The huge shadowspawn nodded once, then drained its tankard and slid it back to Sly for a refill, a miserable look upon its face.

Chapter 3

For the next several weeks, reports began to trickle in of more towns and cities being attacked by rampaging hordes of dragonspawn, shadowspawn, and dreadspawn, followed by numerous requests for aid from nearly every kingdom in the world.

These pleas for assistance are becoming more desperate every day. Damion grumbled to Sly as he and the scruffy little man sat in huge warrior’s office high up on one of the upper floors of the Serpent’s Keep. It won’t be long before we begin receiving envoys hoping to convince me to rush to their aid.

Does this mean that you’ll be rushing off to save the world again? Sly asked in an exasperated tone.

Not a chance. The huge warrior said with a shake of his head. We have enough problems of our own right here. He held up a small piece of parchment. We received a report from the Bativa yesterday. Apparently, the grasslands have suddenly become infested with dragonspawn again. They have slaughtered hundreds of their livestock, and you know how the Deola hate that. Worse yet, the tribesmen have had numerous encounters with roving bands of goblins that have come down from the mountains, and several troll packs that have come up from the south.

I’m not surprised. Sly grunted. Dark creatures are drawn to conflict like moths to a flame. If the dragonspawn are causing mayhem, you can bet that the goblins and trolls will want to join in the fun.

A strikingly beautiful young woman with long flowing black hair suddenly hurried into the room, followed a small group of travelers dressed in mud-splattered clothing.

Look who I found wandering through town. The young woman said, gesturing to the leader of the group, a dangerously gaunt-looking fellow with grey hair, and a weary expression on his face.

Fedrio! Damion exclaimed with a smile. I’m surprised to see you in Sevria. I would think that keeping Sierra running smoothly would keep you too busy for making social calls.

It does. The gaunt man sighed in a tired voice. I have an average of a hundred ships moving in and out of the port every day, most of them carrying goods destined for the Deolan city of Mercedia, or further south to Kainpre. That means I have hundreds of caravans moving through my city at any given time, and it’s my job to make sure that each and every one of them pay their taxes and dock fees.

That’s what happens when you become the lord of an entire city. The dark-haired young woman told him with a smile.

It wasn’t by choice, Raven, my dear. Fedrio smiled sadly. "When the former lords of the city decided to abandon Sierra to the invading Etazk army, someone had to step in and take charge, and the few people who remained behind decided that would be me. He suddenly frowned. Sometimes I wish that they had chosen someone else for the job, though. The hours are killing me."

Who are your friends? Sly asked in a curious tone.

This is Lana, my new assistant. The gaunt-looking man said, gesturing to a young woman with pale skin and fiery-red hair. I hired her to help me keep Sierra running smoothly. She’s been a lifesaver when it comes to dealing with the ship captains who attempt to avoid paying the dock fees.

They’re not s’ hard t’ deal with. The young woman said in a thick brogue. Th’ suggestion o’ a wee bonfire on their ship’s deck is usually enough t’ bring’em right ‘round t’ our way o’ thinkin’.

This, Fedrio continued, gesturing towards a large fellow with dark hair who was dressed in a heavy-looking set of plate armor. is our new friend, Drake. He volunteered to escort us when he heard that we were coming to speak with the Dragon Lord.

The dark-haired man performed a surprisingly graceful bow. It is an honor to meet you, Dragon Lord. He said to Damion in a quiet voice. I have been hoping that I would have the opportunity to meet you for some time now. Stories of your exploits have become legendary.

I’ve heard the stories. Damion chuckled ruefully. Most of them are complete fairytales.

And this, Fedrio said, gesturing towards a tiny little creature with green skin and sagging jowls. is Jorri of Sherish. He arrived in Sierra a year or so ago and has since proven himself to be a loyal and trusted friend.

The tiny little creature bowed to them respectfully. It is an honor to meet you, Dragon Lord. It squeaked to the huge warrior in a nervous voice. I have heard many stories about you over the years, but never expected to actually meet you.

It is nice to meet you, Jorri. Damion nodded politely. I’m a bit surprised to see a gnome this far from his Sherish. I hope you are finding Sevria to your liking.

It’s quite pleasant, Dragon Lord. The gnome replied. This castle is amazing! Is it really true that it was carved from the mountainside by dragons?

It was. The huge warrior nodded. It was their way of repaying me for freeing them from the Dragon Gem. And please, just call me Damion.

I would be honored, Damion. The gnome smiled happily.

How are things in Sierra? Sly asked Fedrio curiously. I heard that you had begun construction on a wall to protect the city from any attacks from the dragonspawn.

That is true. The dangerously-skinny man nodded. In fact, it’s nearly complete. Jorri here has been finishing up a number of defensive weapons that he designed to help repel any attackers.

You allowed a gnome to build your battlement defenses? Sly asked in disbelief. Are you insane? Gnomes aren’t exactly known for quality work, you know. He suddenly frowned, then looked towards their visitor. No offense intended, Jorri.

None taken. The tiny creature squeaked. I’ve tried many times to explain to my colleagues that they should try producing more quality goods, but they all seem to think that mass production is the way to go. He shook his head, causing his jowls to flop back and forth unpleasantly. They give the rest of us a bad name.

Jorri’s designs are all quite sound. Fedrio assured him. I looked them over myself. Most of them are fairly simple, although a few would give Damarius’s siege machines a run for their money with their complexity.

Lunch should be just about ready. Raven informed their visitors. Would you care to join us?

Will there be ale? Lana asked bluntly. Tis been three days since a drop last passed me lips, and I’m beginning t’ feel a bit out o’ sorts, don’t y’ know.

Raven smiled in amusement. I’m sure that we can convince Sly to send down for a barrel. She nodded to the scruffy little man, who was staring at their visitor with surprised interest.

We would be happy to join you. Fedrio said with a nod. We’ve only had travelers’ rations to eat for the last three days. A proper meal would be quite welcome. Besides, there have been some disturbing developments that I believe you and your husband need to know about.

That sounds ominous. Damion frowned. It must be pretty serious if it made you come visit us in person.

It is. The gaunt man assured him grimly. We wouldn’t have come all this way if it wasn’t.

They all made their way to the huge dining hall where they found Leia, Slither, and Brody already awaiting their arrival.

It’s about time everyone got here. Leia commented through a mouthful of roasted quail. I was just about to start without you.

I’m glad you decided to wait. Damion chuckled in amusement. Where are Aunt Skie and Shirk?

"With the