FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Scales and Honor: City of Light

Chapter 14: Quest Lost

"Do ya see da chest lass?" Merlia shouted loudly as Lyndis currently looked over the rows upon rows of organized chests.

The chests were arranged on numerous shelves lining the great stone walls. There were made of what appeared to be a mud brown wood, with hardly a scratch on the surface of their planks. The metal bindings on each one were shinning in the warm glow of the mana lanterns scattered on the walls. Lyndis was currently eyeing a section marked "Books" where there was a large bookcase filled to the brim with many multicolored spines. She glanced along the surface, but could not seem to find the one Veledar was looking for.

"I am looking for the bloody book first!" She shouted back, her eyes finally reaching the last spine. She gave a discouraged sigh, as the book did not appear to be here. Unless they for some reason stashed the book in a different section of this vault, and going against their organization system. Than it isn't here. She narrowed her eyes, I hope it is in the other two places then. The damned dragon deserves to get his book back. "Although it does not appear to be here!"

"Well keep yer eyes out for da chest den! "

"Don't worry, I focken wont forget about that!" replied Lyndis, as her eyes drifted to the other chests. It was times like this she wished she could see through the wood. It would make the whole gods damned thing easier. She laughed, looking for the sign that she figured would say amulets and or Rings. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end as she passed another section of the vault. She could not shake the feeling something was wrong, especially with the gryphons that had the pass without trace spell cast upon them. Her eyes caught glimpses of her friends preforming the search for the treasure as well, although she suspected Asterion was searching for diamonds instead. That is when she came across a small pedestal in the dead center of vault.

The pedestal was bone white, with many flowing edges until it flattened at the top. Sitting carefully on the top was a large opened book with writing scribbled on the pages inside, with a feathered quill resting on an open page.

What is this? Possibly a record of things in here? Lyndis carefully walked over to it, she could feel her curiosity grow with each of her careful steps towards the thing. She took a deep breath as she peered at the pages, glancing over the writing within. It did not seem to be anything out of the ordinary, just records of everything going in and out of the vault. She traced one of her fingers along the pages, trying to spy a chest full of rings and amulets. The items were dated and timed upon arrival and departure of the vault it seemed. "Found them!" She cried out, finding what she sought was under magical accessories. She narrowed her eyes, Who the heck would put them there?...Someone who wanted to just throw them together and be lazy that's who...

"Well spit it out lass! Where are dey!? Merlia shouted out, peaking her head out from around a corner. Ulga walked past her, heading towards the exit. "Oh were ya going? Ya bored?"

The panther just gave a swish of her tail as she took a seat by the entrance, and began to lick her front paws.

Lyndis quickly spat out where the chest was supposed to be located to Merlia, "And is it me or does someone sound lazy for putting it there?" she laughed, following the page further down.

"Well were else ya going ta stick um lass? Best ya just throw them together anyway!" Merlia chuckled, making her way towards that labeled section.

Might as well check out what else they have in here..Maybe they have some more good things.. She ran her finger further down the page. Well we have some potions...some scrolls...ooo is that a wand?......Well this is odd. She noticed a bunch of items grouped together suddenly. There was it seemed a bunch of armor and magical weapons missing, including some cloaks and other various items. Well at least not the chest we were looking for. She looked to the date and time they were taken out, and to her amazement they were all taken out today, and hours before their arrival. Well it looks like they were gearing something up for something big.....Maybe another attack? She shook her head. No that can't be right......wait... She heard Ulga suddenly let out a growl followed by a hiss. She felt a pit grow in her stomach as that feeling of uneasiness swelled within her. They know we were coming.... She jerked he head up, unsheathing her rapier in a single motion. How? Her brain yelled at her, as her eyes darted to every dark corner, every shadow, expecting eyes to suddenly go wide like the gryphon's before.

"It's a trap!" Lyndis shouted out, raising her left hand in preparation of the spell casting that was going to be at hand. She bolted towards the wall as Ulga let out a great roar, followed by the sound of energy crossbows snapping off their energy blasts.

"Shoot the panther!" Shouted a man from outside the vault. Most likely a Lumarian soldier.

"Ulga!" Merlia cried, stashing a sack full of jingling metal into her pack in a blur, than pulling out her bow. She had an arrow knocked before she got to the door. She quickly peaked her head out, and let loose an arrow. She ducked back behind the wall, as crimson cackling energy bolts flew passed her. "Deres like ten of dem!" Merlia shouted, "An two blazin adventurers as well! Deres one big siigonis fella with blue scales, an a scary lookin lady in black robes!'

Shite this is not good. Lyndis hugged the wall opposite of Merlia. They were stuck here in this vault, with only one way out currently guarded by ten of the soldiers, and two adventurers. "Merlia you keep them distracted with some arrow shots, I will sneak into their ranks and try to play havoc." She turned to Asterion, who was already scraping his hooves against the floor, his fur glowing blue from an armor spell. "You hit them hard ya?"

The bull snorted, as he charged out the door with a mighty roar. Merlia sprang forth behind him, letting out two arrows in rapid succession. The arrows struck cover near the men as they dove behind tables. The arrows than glowed a brilliant white moments before detonating, wrapping their targets in a great fire filled explosion. The dwarf quickly slid behind another table as she knocked her bow again.

Lyndis grabbed her clasp, speaking the activation words. She dove out from the door, smiling to herself as she bounded towards them, with no one the wiser. Who to go after? She asked herself, as she slipped behind the first guard. Ignoring him as he let loose another volley into her friends. She maneuvered passed another one, as she heard the first one get smacked aside by Asterion's hammer, the solider letting out a pained grunt.

"GET THE BULL!" came a hoarse cry from another soldier, followed by another pained roar from Ulga.

"There we go pusssh them back!" the large siigonis man came into view. He was around eight feet tall with strong sea blue scales. He wore simple garments of what looked like a warriors skirt, that was a dark grey. His strong tail flicked to the side as he moved his white claws, and throwing a large ball of fire towards his target.

"HA YA HAF TA DO BETTER DEN.......OH YA CAUGHT ME HAIR ON FIRE YA PRICK!" Merlia shouted out. "I'LL TEACH YA A LESSON YA WON'T SOON FORGET!"

The siigonis man rose his other claw as the dwarves arrows flew towards him. Within an instant the arrows were deflected upwards by a violent wave of air. He chuckled deep within his scaled throat, as Lyndis saw him avert his orange eyes towards the panther currently attacking one of the knights.

"Interesssssting." She heard him hiss, as he rose a hand to his snout.

_ The robed one._ Lyndis smirked, as the form of a black robed man came into view. He was currently near the siigonis, with his hands risen. It seemed he was currently focusing on some sort of spell, if his eyes being closed and chanting to himself was any indication. She could see the concentration on his brow as she strode towards him without sound. She rose her rapier just as a bead of sweat dripped down his face and smacked against the carpet. Got Ya. She plunged the rapier right into the man's heart in a single thrust. He only managed to let out a surprised expression as Lyndis emerged in front of him. He gave out a gasp as she kicked him off her crimson stained rapier. She looked up to find her bout of success was short lived. For beyond the door their attackers had come in was a collection of more soldiers making their way towards them. They were clad in fullplate with more crossbows being held at the ready, with swords stowed in their scabbards. Twenty. She scowled, also spying some men with holy symbols and some with robes. Clerics and mages.. She dodged as a sword strike tried to slash into her.

The man stumbled forward, as she turned to flee. She rolled under the siigonis man, as he tried to slash at her with a great swipe of his claws encased in flames. She heard him curse as his claws graze her hair. Thankfully they did not set it ablaze like Merlia's. Although the dwarf must have been okay, you don't exactly keep fighting when your head is on fire. She hugged the tables as she quickly scrambled towards her friends. She past Asterion just as he tossed a column of golden flames towards the soldiers behind her, causing a collection of screams to ring out. "Good one!"She let out, ducking behind a table with a black urn. "We need to get out of here!"

Asterion was struck three times with bolts, which flowed off of him like nothing. However in the next instance the field faded and he ducked behind a different table. Energy bolts struck it, exploding chucks of wood, making him roll to safety behind a different table. "It is a glorious battle!" He shouted back, rising and tossing a bolt of magical holy energy at another knight.

"I would very much not like to bloody die here!" She shouted, her eyes looking for any other way out they could take. You could always turn invisible and leave them here. The thought was there for a moment but she knew it was ridiculous. She could not leave these people. No not people, her friends. "Is there another bloody way we could take? Like make our own?" She rose up, throwing a firebolt towards the siigonis man, who avoided it with a simple sidestep. The bolt struck a knight coming into the room's shield. It impacted, and dissipated with a puff of smoke.

"Arrrrrggg!" Asterion collapsed below his table, grasping at his shoulder that was smoking. Apparently a bolt had grazed him. "I could have us pass through stone one at a time!" He snorted, trying to hug the ground. "Live to fight again another day is also acceptable."

"Dat sounds like a plan lads!" Merlia shouted out, loosing two more arrows like the first. Except this time there were two men in robes, who with a casual flick of their wrists caused the magical arrows to suddenly vanish in thin air without a trace. "OH YA NEED A PAIR OF FINGER TWIDDLERS DO YA?!" she snarled, ducking back behind the frame. "YA CAN'T HANDLE ALL DIS DWARVEN FURY YERSELF?"

"PressSSS them further!" Shouted the siigonis with a snarl. "We almossssst have them, just a bit more!" He held out a claw towards Ulga, who was busy now with a different soldier than before. She apparently had just been pouncing to one after the other when they were focused on either Merlia or Asterion. "That issss a niccce ssssspirit you have there Dwarf!" He hissed, clenching his claws together. "It will be a nicccce thing to have!" From his arm flew a bright purple beam that reached out, and wrapped itself around the panther like a octopuses tentacle. Ulga let out a brief snarl, before being dragged forcefully with a whimper.

"ULGA!" Merlia shouted, rising up to loose a few more arrows, however a energy bolt struck her in the left leg, than another right to the shoulder. "AAAAHHH" She shouted, being thrown back to the ground groaning. Although as she hit the ground Lyndis could already see the white magic of healing covering her body.

Damn Asterion you are quick. She turned back towards Ulga as the panther gave out a final cry of pain. She watched as the panther's body was suddenly collapsing on itself as small cracks of white light shown through her pelt. Lyndis tried to let loose another firebolt, but several soldiers made her duck as energy bolts sailed right towards her. She heard them crack the table, as she tumbled to another one. She looked up again one last time to see that the siigonis man held Ulga's spirit form within his grasp, and she was not leaving it.

"Ssssee, sssspiritssss know where they belong...and it'sssss not with some dwarven ranger." He smiled. "If you ssssssurrender I will let you have the ssssssspirit back!"

"ULGA!" Merlia shouted, her voice cracking as she scrambled for cover. "I'M GOING TA MAKE YA SO FULL OF ARROWS YA GOING TA BE A BLEEDIN PIN CUSHION!" She screamed out, knocking arrows onto her bow. "DON'T WORRY ULGA I GOT YA."

"I suggest we leave now!" Asterion shouted, touching Merlia with one his glowing sea foam teal hands. "Now leave through that wall Merlia." He shouted, pointing to the wall behind Lyndis. "I have cast a spell that will allow you to pass through stone."

"Not without Ulga!" Merlia peaked slightly above her table, eyes tracing the large number of soldiers now present, with cleric and mage support. They seemed to be just there to cancel spells or heal when needed. "I haf ta try and get her back Asteiron!"

"Merlia!" Lyndis called out, as the soldiers began to advance, the air almost constantly being filling with every bolts now. "We have to leave!.....We... lost here!" She growled, the words making her want to vomit.

"No I....." Merlia's voice cracked, looking back to the siigonis man standing triumphantly, as the soldiers advanced steadily on their position. She lowered her head, her brow wrinkling up as she gripped her bow like steel. "Fine." She said through clenched teeth. "I jus haf ta run?"

"Right at the wall, yes."

"Ok, but I best not be hittin dat wall." She breathed, and bolted towards the wall. "YOU REMEMBER ME YA SIIGONIS PRICK!" She screamed. "I WILL BE BACK FOR ULGA..... YA COUNT YER BLAZIN TAIL ON IT.." She thrust a finger towards him, as she touched the wall and passed right through it, as if it were not there.

"They are getting away!" a voice shouted out, "Watch for runners lads and take aim!"

"Get clossssser!" The blue scaled siigonis shouted, gesturing to Lyndis with a claw. He flicked it at her, as a small bit of purple magic flowed from his them. She felt her body shiver for a moment, her finger locking up in place.

Oh no you don't! She screamed internally, shaking her head, and throwing off whatever spell he had cast on her. Oh your not getting me today. She reached up and grabbed the leaf on her cloak, speaking the words again. She felt Asterion grab her shoulder as she turned invisible.

"Run Lyndis. I will be right behind." said Asterion, turning his other hand to the soldiers. "Now go!"

Lyndis bolted towards the wall, not looking back as she saw several soldiers start making their way towards the cleric,

"We have him now!"

"Were did the other one go?"

"Get him!"

She did not look back, as she sprinted at full force towards the wall. For a split second she thought she was going to hit the wall, breaking her nose or something upon the surface, before falling on her arse. Wouldn't that just be focking great. She fought the urge to turn away and continued with her sprint. When she touched the stone she shut her eyes, just in cast it was not going to work. The next stride of her boots made the sounds of the battle vanish, as he body felt like it was freezing. Passing through stone is certainly strange. She kept her eyes tightly closed, and only opened them when the cold sensation vanished, the cold was replaced with the warm embrace of the air. She gave a deep breath, letting the air sit in her lungs for a moment before letting it go with a great exhale.

She was standing on a small flat section of a stone staircase, lit by a single mana lantern. There were ways to go up to her right, and steps leading down to her left. Standing right in front of her appeared to be a cell with iron bars, and a small lock. Merlia was already near the door, talking to someone it seemed. Lyndis took a deep breath once more, tasting the stale dry air, and letting out a cough. She turned backwards, staring at the dull stone there. Come on Asterion. She found herself thinking, as her heart started to beat a tad faster. She felt the grip on her rapier tighten as he did not appear for the first few seconds, leaving her in silence, her knuckles turning white under her gloves. Come on. She did not tear her sight away from the flat surface, as if her gaze could somehow help her friend return to her.

Suddenly Asterion came bounding through the wall, his breath heavy. He gasped for air before holding a hand to his chest, and healing himself with a flash of white light.

"Asterion!" She cried out, giving the bull the great big hug. "For a moment there I thought.."

"Takes more than that to kill me." He smiled, thumping his chest three times. "They will have to try harder than that next time we engage in battle."

"Can I be gettin a heal Asterion?" Merlia asked, turning her head towards them. Her face very much still filled with anger. "So we can get goin?"

"Merlia about...." Lyndis began, thoughts drifting to the little spirit that now was probably floating around that siigonis' claws. "How did he even..."

"I dun know lass.." Merlia growled deep in throat like a tiger. "But you can bet on yer momma's life dat I will be gettin her back. Ya can hold me to it. Besides...We haf ta get Matilda out of here anyway." Merlia thumbed behind her.

Lyndis peaked around the angry dwarf woman, to see Matilda standing there, giving her a slight wave. "Matilda!" she cried out. "What are you doing in here?"

"What I was just telling your dwarven friend there, was that they came to my place. Well the city guard that is. With a writ from the king requesting my arrest, based on treasonous actions." She placed her hands on her hips and her voice lowered as she hung her head. "They said I was too smart to be wasted on whatever was in store for the others."

"Who else was captured?" asked Lyndis, cocking her head slightly to the ground. She felt a pit start to grow in stomach, making her feel sick.

"Everyone Lyndis...Gus.....Krotos.....Swiftwing....Elizabeth." With each uttering of a name her voice grew lower.

Oh no. "Did you see where they were taken?" She looked left and right towards the staircases. Trying to picture which way her allies were taken.

"They were brought down from here." Matilda gestured to Lyndis' left. "By a whole group of guards, Elwin, and Arcturus' old friend Garroth." She growled. "Would you mind helping me get outta here?"

"Oh sorry, of course." Lyndis pulled out her lock picks and got to work on the fairy easy lock. It clicked open after a minute of prodding with her tools. I am honestly disappointed. She chuckled to herself as she swung the cell doors open. "Well we best get to the courtyard, that is where everyone should be heading if things go the way they have."

"Which should be a wee bit aways from here." Merlia said with a low voice pulling out the map and pointed to the parchment. "But I figure wit our spells we can make it without raising the alarm any further...de probably wonderin were it is we went."

"Speaking of which." Lyndis turned to Asterion and punched the bull on the shoulder. "That's for scaring me you furred idiot. Why did you have us do it one at a time?"

"I can only focus on one person at a time." Asterion stated, not reacting to the punch. "It was the best way."

Oh. "Well.....ok....thanks for the spell you really saved out focken arses from the fire there."

"Understood." he nodded with a snort.

"So wut are we waitin around 'ere for?" Matilda spoke up, her hands on her hips. "We best git to dis courtyard, and meet up wit everyone...Tell them wut happened....figure something out."

_ I think we will be lucky to make it out of here alive._ Lyndis grit her teeth. "We have to try." She waved to the others. "Come on, lets go." And hope there is not an army down these stairs ready to pounce on us.

* * * * *

How....could......he....was... Arcturus dropped to his knees before the pool of crimson at his boots. He stared in disbelief at the blood that had once been his oldest friend. One second he had been right in front of the paladin, healthy and full of life. The next he had melted right before his eyes, until nothing remained but this. His eyes fell to the mana crystal right in the center of his once friend. He felt his throat grow sore, as his mind screamed at him to get up. How could he though, after what had just happened. What would he tell Mary. What would he tell Gwen? He felt numb, as he saw Krotos grab him with his talons.

"MOVE ARCTURUS!" The gryphon roared at him. "I AM NOT LOSING TWO FRIENDS TODAY..GUS WOULD HAVE WANTED YOU TO LIVE!" he pulled Arcturus roughly to his feet.

"B-but K-Krotos.." he pointed to where his friend once stood. He could feel the icy grip of dread filling his body. He could almost see the face of his son reflected in the glistening red liquid.

"SNAP OUT OF IT!" Krotos smacked him across the helmet with a talon, with tears in his eyes. "NOW MOVE ARCTURUS, IT'S WHAT HE WOULD HAVE WANTED!" He roughly smacked the human again.

Arcturus shook his head, as his friend pulled him out of this hollow feeling within his heart. He remembered what had gotten him through the war, and what had gotten him through Selina and Geoffery. Swallow it down...grieve later...now you have to live. He nodded to Krotos, patting the gryphon on his feathers. "Thank you....now lets get out of here." He turned to see that his other companions had not been idle.

Shandalar had summoned forth a wall of stone from the very floor to take cover behind, as she was crouched below it to avoid the crossbow fire from a group of eight knights spread out. Arcturus knew the formation well, they were trying to deny the wizard her area of effect spells. He saw that Elizabeth had grabbed a crossbow, and was returning fire every so often when she peaked up above the rock formation she was using for cover. Swiftwing was crouched as low as he could hiding behind the stone. His muscles were tense, as his eyes did not stray from Elizabeth. Arcturus figured he was waiting for the right moment to pounce, and not get blasted several times before he got the chance to do anything.

He dashed to behind the sturdy stone walls that bore the cracks of magical tampering. Arcturus looked around, it appeared the king had managed to slip away in the excitement. His eyes tried to search for the other paladin, and his once friend, but they were gone too. Apparently Elwin fled with Garroth as well.

"You took well long enough captain!" Shandalar shouted. "There will be a time to grieve later, now is the time we must fight!" She rose up slightly, to throw a beam of magical ice towards one of the knights. He rose a shield, and the ray struck it pretty uselessly. "Damn't" she cursed, ducking her head back down.

"Why not use your stronger spells?" Arcturus asked, he quickly glanced to see the knights positions. They were hugging things for cover, or using their shields with hand crossbows. They were making sure there always at least three of them taking shots towards them.

"I do not know how much longer until we make it to the courtyard, or what we will find there." She frowned. "I need to save some spells just in case."

"Did you get the plans for the uniter?"

Shandalar gave him a slight grin. "I did captain, got them safely in my pack."

"Course my question is how they knew we were coming. It seems like they were all waiting for us."

"T-That would be out fault." Elizabeth shouted, ducking from the next wave of return fire. The bolts licking and cracking the stone before her.

"Do not take all the blame!" added Swiftwing, "They got the information out of both of us....Although we did manage to keep Crimson Sky's involvement a secret."

"That's only because they did not ask!" Elizabeth shot another round of bolts towards the knights. Than she ducked once again behind the stone, the vents on the crossbow smoking.

"It's ok.." Arcturus muttered, his fingers brushing his hand crossbow but he stopped it right before grabbing it. They are powered by people. How could I use these ever again? He thought to Gus, his flesh melting. His body shuttered, as he grabbed the weapon and tossed it away from him. It struck the floor and clattered away.

"What are you doing?" Swiftwing gasped, angrily ruffling his feathers best he could, "We could have used that!"

"Never again Swifty." His eyes hardened, as he touched his hand to his shield. "Spaan." The blue field surrounded him as he sprinted towards the knights firing volley after volley of energy bolts at them. He raised his shield, like a great bulwark against their fire. The bolts struck him, flowing off the magical barrier like water. With each step he could feel their death approaching. His thoughts flashed to Gus. I will make all of you pay. They were the enemy this day, and his friends needed to escape. There would be no time to try and disable them. With a tighter grip on the hilt of his sword he caught a knight in an unarmored portion of his chest, right at the underarm. He imagined Bahamut, and Gus. His blade exploded in holy energy, ripping right through the other knight's armor. He continued passed, as it seemed a fountain of crimson sprung forth from that man. The man collapsed gurgling as Arcturus heard the two gryphons behind give loud shrieking battle cries.

The remaining knights let cried out as they unsheathed their swords, adjusting to the fury filled paladin before them. They took defensive stances before him, retreating together like one great armored beast.

For Gus ...you monsters. "Strength Activate." He muttered, feeling the strength of a giant flowing back into his body. He lashed out with the fury of a man possessed. The knights attempted to block him, but magical blade met shield and easily cracked right through them with such force. Each time a knight was send sprawling backwards, armor split, blood soaking their torso. He felt no pity each time his blade plunged right through their armor. Each pained grunt or scream brought no reaction from him. The ones that did not get tossed aside from his blade were leaped upon by the gryphons in surprise. Within the next few seconds all the knights that had stood before them were laid out on the floor dead. Arcturus took a deep breath, trying to not focus on his shining armor now sullied with the blood.

"Perhaps if we kill more of them it will feel better." Krotos spat out, strutting by one of the corpses, and rolling it aside with his talons. "Till I feel this hole get filled."

"Than we are in agreement." Arcturus nodded to the once joyful gryphon. It looked like he was seething with anger by the way his body was shaking as he kept on walking. His eyes were filled with hate as he inspected each dead knight. "GRAAAH!" He exclaimed, violently shoving another dead knight away.

"So were do we head next Shandalar?" Swiftwing squawked lowering his beak. "We did not get a chance to disable the energy cannons like you wanted.

"We are sorry miss. They caught us before we could get but three disabled." Elizabeth added, striding over and giving the wizard a slight bow.

"It is fine, the first plan typically does not survive contact with the enemy. Is that not right captain?" Shandalar turned to him and raised one of eyebrows.

I wonder if the others are alright? If there was a trap set for me...Surely there were traps for the other? He thought to his dragon's roar. Why had you roared Veledar? He shivered, imagining his dragon melting before his eyes, his scales dropping to the ground as he thrashed in pain. I need to see him...I need to know hes okay. Without thinking he started walking back towards were Veledar had been.

"Captain, the courtyard is the other way."

"I need to get my dragon!" He growled, as Krotos grabbed him by the upper arm. "Let me go Krotos."

"No." the gryphon replied, tugging gently on him. "He will be fine, they will meet us at the courtyard."

"How do you know that?" he hissed, glaring at the gryphon through his helmet.

"Honestly?" Kroto's feathers ruffled lightly. "I do not know..However your friends mentioned that sometimes you have been getting spikes of emotion from the dragon?"

"Sometimes." Arcturus grumbled, trying to feel Veledar. Anything that would sway his fears.

"Well focus..Can you feel him now?"

Arcturus closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. He imagined reaching into his heart, and swishing around his hand within the warm thing. He imagined the feelings that Veledar had given to him. Joy, happiness, lust, and a myriad of others. It took only a few seconds, but there was a tiny spark of emotion. It was hard to describe, but there it was. "Hes alive!" He cried out, smile cracking his face.

"Good." Krotos tugged his arm. "Now lets get going and get out of here."

Arcturus gave him a nod as he pulled away easily. "I can manage Krotos."

"I know." The gryphon strolled closer to him. "When we get out of here I might need a drink....or ten....and someone to hold."

"I hope you don't mea-."

"In sorrow." Krotos hung his head. "Not like that Arcturus. I don't...I don't want that.."

Arcturus nodded. He could feel the numbness starting to set in again, as the thrill from combat dulled down. He could feel the crush on his heart, as his body felt weak.

"So will you be the one to hold me?"

"Don't you think Veledar will get jealous? How about Swiftwing and Elizabeth?"

"You knew him longer..."

"I can do that Krotos...Are you sure not Merlia?"

"I think she will too." Krotos let out a groan. "Please let there be something to fight...So I can think about anything else....Anything other than..." He clutched at his heart. "It's like a dagger."

Arcturus nodded, as he could feel the same thing encroaching on his own. Despite the armor, despite the magic, nothing could be done to protect the heart. Not from this. "Now lets get out of here and regroup with the others!" He shouted, holding up his shield, and picturing the way out already. "I think I have had enough of this place to last a lifetime."

"What about the king?" Swiftwing asked, cocking his head to the side. "Should we not give chase and bring him to justice? End his tyranny?

"No Swiftwing. The king has retreated with his guard, most likely to a safe place." Shandalar held up a hand and finger. "His daughter would most likely take over, and continue what he started....She always like to please him....and very gifted when it came to the magical arts... It is better if we flee with the plans..As the king said...Think of the war ahead...not of the battle.

"Than let us stop wasting time with talk and make haste!" Arcturus gestured, quickening his walk into nearly a jog. His thoughts went to Veledar yet again, waiting for him with a sly grin on his snout. He pictured the dragon with a book clasped within his claws, bragging on and on about how he got it. Please let that be how it happens. Please let nothing have happened to him. He picked up the pace once again, nearly to a run now. Everyone, please just be safe....

He led them down the hallways that had once filled him with pride, now filling him with a sour pit in his stomach. He fought the urge to knock over every suit of plate, burn every painting, knock over every urn. However they did not have the time as they quickly made their way through the numerous corridors. They only ran into what could be called a token resistance by pairs of guards along their way. To those that surrendered they were left stunned by Elizabeth and left propped up against the stone walls. Others resisted, and they were quickly brought down but the combined effort of the collected group. The passed the latest group of guards they had stunned when they started to hear the sound of energy crossbow fire coming from outside. Right where the courtyard was supposed to be.

"WE SHOULD BE GETTIN INSIDE LASS, DEY BE MORE OF DEM DEN KOBOLDS AT AN ORGY!" Merlia's shouts echoing down the hall.

Merlia! Arcturus willed himself into a sprint down the corridor, his armor rustling the entire way alerting anyone he was coming. He rounded the corner in several steps as he heard Krotos let out an angry squawk, a similar sound to when they tried to save Gus. I guess he actually does like her. With a loud thud Arcturus parted the wooden doors that stood in his path with a single forceful kick. His friends were scattered around the courtyard, taking cover behind the numerous stone statues or small buildings of stone that were placed around the grassy field.

Across the way from them, clinging to the building were knights of Lumara with crossbows held firm, raining energy fire into his friends positions, lighting the dark field with a bright red glow. Arcturus counted fifteen in total, hiding behind various pillars, statues, or stone walls. The snaps of their shots were being drowned out by the constant shouting by Merlia, Lyndis, or Asterion. All of them appeared to be scuffed up slightly, as they took shots back at the collection of knights before them. His heart brightened at the sigh of Matilda, taking cover behind a small stone building with a fine wooden roof.

"WELL ITS GOOD TA SEE YA LAD!" Merlia growled poking out, and loosing an exploding arrow that detonated, sending three knights flying to the ground. "WE BEEN HAVIN BEEN HAVIN A DISAGREEMENT WITH DESE FOLKS!"

"SHANDALAR!" Lyndis shouted out, pointing to the rooftops. "THEY HAVE CANNONS UP THERE!"

Arcturus scrambled for cover as quickly as his legs could carry him, shots licked the ground around him, throwing up clouds of dirt with each impact. He imagined if the knights had been any closer the shots would have been able to hit him easily. He rested behind a statue of a naked woman, holding aloft a great sword towards the heavens. His eyes glanced up towards the image of six energy cannons placed on the top of the courtyard. He could see their metallic frames shining in the moonlight, with gunners sitting right in their seats, with hands on the trigger mechanisms. However despite having perfect shots there not taking them at the group. They are waiting. His eyes narrowed. They know they have us right were they want us.

"Don't worry I have it!" Shandalar shouted, loosing a fireball towards one of the cannons. It flew through the air for several moments, before it instantly faded from existence.

He heard Shandalar curse something about other mages, when his eyes traced the cloaked figures of humanoids by each of the cannons. They are there just to disable any spell we throw at them.

"Come on lads there are more of us then them!" Came a shout from the knights.

"Lets go get them!" A man clad in full plate charged out, sword and shield in hand. He was followed by twenty others with various weapons. They even had three constructs with them, holding twin great swords in their four arms, with large spear launchers in the middle.

Arcturus readied his shield, and placed a shield of protection spell on it. Letting the blue field surround him in its shimmering embrace. He gripped his sword tight as white magic sprung forth, ready to slice through the collection of soldiers charging at them. His mind drifted to Gus, the pained sputtering, the melting. They fueled the burning fire within his heart. He could not wait to strike back at the foes that had wounded him so deeply. However with all their next steps Arcturus would not get that chance.

The man leading the charge stumbled at first, struggling to place his foot on the earth below him. He than could not place the other. "Whats going on?!" he shouted in disbelief, as he was lifted off of the ground. He glanced back and forth, flailing to try and get back to the ground below them, but he and all the men around him had flown higher and higher until they were floating comfortably at possibly ten of Veledar's height.

"IT'S THE BLOODY WIZARD!" came a cry from above.

"SHOOT HER TO DEATH!"

"YEA BURN THAT FOCKEN BITCH!"

Arcturus had to duck from another volley of crossbow fire coming from the courtyards edge. It seemed even with the current force floating in the air, they had plenty of others to fill the gap. He looked to Shandalar, who had her eyes focused on the soldiers, her arms outstretched as if trying to give them a wide hug.

Shandalar than lowered her hands slowly, and muttered quietly "Fall."

The collection of soldiers above let out a scream of terror into the night air as they started plummeting to their death. Each one struck the ground with a dull thud, thankfully their armor keeping them from exploding every which way upon impact. Instead they indented the ground, and left dark stains of crimson on the grass. The Constructs hit the ground hard, but with a quick shove of their mechanical arms, they were back on their feet.

"REMIND ME TA NEVER PISS YA OFF!" Merlia shouted, "OR AT LEAST HAVE A ROOF OVER ME HEAD!"

"If you have any more of those we might have this in the sack!" Arcturus called out to her, than turning to let loose three eldritch bolts towards the cover of the knights.

"I only have one of those a day." Shandalar growled, taking cover once again as shots starting impacting all around them.

"Shoot the flare then!"He pointed towards the stars above. "We need the ship now!"

"I cannot!" Shandalar patted the flare strapped to her belt. "If we are to die this day, than the ship must remain a mystery to them. It could very well be our only chance at doing anything against them." She pointed to the cannons, "Without Elizabeth disabling the cannons, they will light the destiny up with their fire, and tear the thing to shreds."

"OUT OF ARROWS!" Merlia shouted out, stowing the bow onto her back. "YA PRICKS ACTUALLY MADE ME RUN OUTTA DEM." She picked up a crossbow as if it were a piece of garbage, and let out her tongue in disgust. "I don't like dese, but I'tll haf ta do." She spun back around, letting loose a volley of energy bolts out towards the knights. They were struck in the torso before they could block the shots with their shields, or duck for cover. "Ok I like dis a wee bit." She crouched behind a statue, who lost his arm and head from loud snaps of return fire. "But it aint as quick or good as me bow!"

The three towering constructs stomped their way towards them, blades spinning wildly through the air. Their red glowing eyes taking on an entire new meaning for Arcturus, as they advanced on him.

He held his sword out, as Asterion joined right beside him. The bull was shimmering the same blue he was, the crossbows would not bother them for the time being. With a cry of battle he met the constructs half way, his sword easily slicing through the greatswords they carried with an explosion of holy energy. With his next slice he cut right through one of them, spun and sliced through the other one. With two more explosions of white holy magic they collapsed a heaping pile of scrap metal. If only everyone had these things. He grinned inside his helmet.

"For KORD!" Asterion shouted, smashing his mace into the metal body of the one he was facing. With a brilliant cerulean light, sparks flew along the thing's surface. The bull ducked from a sword swing, before bringing his mace in an upward motion. The metallic head smashing with another flash of light, shattering the thing to pieces. They flew backwards, and scattered on the grass. "GOOD FIGHTING!" the bull ducked, and pounded his chest two times. "BAHAMUT WOULD BE PROUD!"

Well I don't know about slicing constructs apart. But I figure she would be proud of me telling the king to shove it. He slunk behind a building, as the men continued to scream and pour energy shots towards them. He looked back to the way they had come, that was probably the best way now. "Shandalar lets head back the--"

From the doorway he had busted open, came fifteen more knights in fullplate, hand energy crossbows held firmly, with shields aloft, and swords in their scabbards. Behind them were several minotaurs wearing symbols of Kord, while being flanked by two elven women in brown robes with golden arcane symbols. They brought a gods damn battle group. "TAKE COVER!" He shouted out, although he knew not where they could run when being flanked on by both sides as they were.

"I have this!" Shandalar shouted, and with a raising of her hands made a large circle of stone rise from the ground. Like a maze it rose to circle them, and funnel any men that would dare to try and rush them with melee weapons. It was several feet high, that would allow for them to shoot over it, just like in the throne room.

Arcturus ducked behind some of the stone, letting loose some eldrith blasts. Some of the dragon bolts hit the knights shoulders, but were not strong enough to get through the armor. He saw them stumble slightly, before resuming their steady march towards them. No need to rush after all...they have us. He peered at the night sky for a moment as the sounds of battle raged around him. He almost expected Veledar to swoop in, wings spread, maw spouting fiery death in an attempt to save them. _Just stay away from here....or they will kill you too. _ He saw Merlia get thrown back towards the stone. She had smoking parts of her leather armor when Asterion grabbed her, and started to heal her gasping body. He heard Lyndis cry out, crumpling and clutching her shoulder in gasps of pain.

"Shandalar, Lyndis!" He called out, "Turn invisible, take the plans and get out of here...." He glanced back, letting lose some more shots. "We will keep them busy." It was not a great plan, he did not like the idea of dying right here, surrounded by guards, and without Veledar, but the plans were more important. Gus died for those plans...It's only fair and fitting that I do the same... He closed his eyes for a moment. I am sorry Veledar....for waiting so long. He tried to not think about the ache the dragon would suffer with his passing. He shook his head.

"I will not....leave you guys." Lyndis gasped, grasping her shoulder tight, as with a large pained gasp Asterion finished healing Merlia.

"Ugh....did I ever tell ya dose energy bolts hurt worse than a gryphon missing the holes he supposed to go in?" She rubbed her shoulder, continuing to slump against the stone. "If dis be da end...den we make it a tale worth of song!" She rose up to fire off several more cracks of the crossbow. "TAKE THAT YA CLANKY BASTARDS....MERLIA HAS SOME PRESENTS TA HAND OUT TA YA.....YOU GET A BOLT.....YOU GET A BOLT.....YOU GET A BOLT!" She creamed out, with a large grin. It was like she was laughing at death itself in these last moments.

"Arcturus before I do what you asked I would like to try one last thing." Shandalar made her way to his position and placed a hand on his shoulder. "The bond you share with the dragon. I need it to progress a bit further than it has done."

"How do you get it to progress further? Even we don't know how it's forming." He took another shot at a knight, it uselessly flowing off their armor. He narrowed his eyes as it looked like the cleric had started to cast shimmering blue fields on the knights. They are readying for a final charge on us.

"I can feel this magical aura that you two are calling a bond. Perhaps if I help guide it along you can send a message of sorts to him...Get him to come help.." Her face darkened. "If he can get rid of those cannons, we can call in the ship...and get away."

Arcturus nodded, "How do I go about doing this? It has mostly been by accident before that he has felt my emotions."

"I need you to focus on him right now. I want you to picture him clearly in your mind." She closed her eyes briefly. "I need you to let everything fall away from your thoughts, nothing else matters save the dragon. Focus on your need for him...Our need for him....Than maybe we might be saved."

"COME ON YA BASTARDS!" Merlia shouted out, before turning her head slightly. "IF YA LADS HAVE A PLAN YA BEST GET TO IT!"

Arcturus saw Lyndis and Asterion take up positions, throwing out some weaker spells at the no doubt approaching army. He imagined they were throwing up anything to slow them down, just to buy them the time they needed. He closed his eyes, as he could feel Shandalar move her hand to his cheek. He pictured Veledar's crimson scales as they moved with his muscular frame. He imagined his tan armored chest, raising and falling with every breath as Arcturus' placed his cheek upon it. He remembered his great wings flapping against the air as he carried them both to the heavens. He relished the memory of the dragon placing multiple kisses on his mouth, caressing him tenderly within his paws. He opened his eyes to see all his friends struggling, he heard Krotos give out a screech, echoed by Swiftwing as they started to no doubt defend the entrance to the stone maze, even Matilda had found a crossbow and was taking shots off.

Please... He found himself thinking, almost like a beg. Veledar....we are all fighting for our very lives right now....we.....I...need you to come save the day.....Please my great dragon....your paladin needs you right now...more than I have ever before.... He opened his eyes as parts of the wall started to break away, and Shandalar was forced to raise up more walls of stone before his very eyes. This time they were taller, shielding them from the army outside.

"I hope your dragon heard that Arcturus." she spat out, than throwing a fireball at pointblank range of some knights attacking Krotos. They died instantly as the fires burned them away. "Or else we are all finished here."

Arcturus took a spot beside Swiftwing and Elizabeth, who were guarding one of the entrances with a flurry talons and snaps of crossbows. His gaze fell to the large collection of soldiers still making their way towards them, avoiding large sections of earth that were covered in hovering, magical slashing swords. He found himself glancing up at the sky one last time before taking a defensive stance. With his shield held high, tight in his grip. Please Veledar.....Please....I need you..

* * * * * *

Veledar let out another roar as his body spasmed in pain. Each of his nerves lit up in agony as white hot electricity danced around his paws, than arcing to his armored torso. He let out another cry as he placed his right paw down onto the stone, his claws twitching as they scraped the floor.

Just keep walking! Came the voice of his brother screaming to him over the sound of his roar.

Veledar's limbs wobbled as his tail twitched behind him. His vision lit up with lights as he took a few more slow, strained steps forward. He grit his teeth as each one of them was an agonizing slow ordeal, that seemed to take an eternity.

Come on Veledar! His mother's voice sweet voice called to him.

He collapsed upon the stone, his vision starting to blur around the edges. He let out a groan as sparks jumped onto his snout, stabbing into his hide.

You can do this! His brother yelled again at him.

Veledar closed his eyes and weakly started to drag himself across the stone. Come on! He willed himself to keep crawling towards his book. He let out a whimper of pain as every continued drag brought even more shocks of pain through his body.

I know you won't let me down. His brother whispered into his ear with his next pained pull of his paw.

Veledar focused on his brothers voice, and finding the strength to once more bring himself to stand back up. For you. He bit down harder and took another step forward. He felt another flash of intense pain that made his body convulse for a moment, but he fought through it and continued onward.

You can do it my little Crimson! He heard his mother cheer as he picked up his pace.

I can do it. He thrashed his tail as he was walking at a normal pace. He found himself able to ignore the stabbing of pain under his scales. I wonder on my return will I have to face the same pain once mor.- "AHHHHHH" He screamed as the pain increased inside of him. He felt all his limbs suddenly grow heavy as if the very stone beneath him was threatening to drag him down to his demise.

Veledar! His mother and brother both screamed at him. They were now standing beside his book. He knew them to be illusions but he did not care.

"I will get my book!" He roared out, forcing himself onward with only the strength and will a dragon could possess in that moment. "Your traps will not stop me!" He roared out again, his claws scrapping across the floor. His eyes widened in horror at what he saw next. Purple and green flames suddenly sprung up around the book.

"Unauthorized entry. Activating disposal sequence." came a monotone voice from all directions that reminded him of Auron back in his cave.

NO! His mind screamed, as he took another step forward. How long has it been? Time seemed to be taking forever in this place. He was so close now, he was almost there, but so were the magical flames that threatened to destroy the reason for his quest. He had a sneaking suspicion that his fire proof book would not be able to survive the magical flames that were starting to lick the base of the cover. I can do it! He let out another roar. He could almost smile if not for the pain still itching across his body. He was just two body lengths away now. He just had to press on and.. Another wave of pain washed over him, much stronger than before. However it was only a brief thing, as another feeling was mixed within it. He could feel Arcturus.

It was a deep sense of need for him, mixed with desperation. The human was in trouble, and not just any type of trouble. The kind of trouble that meant life or death, he could just feel it in his bones. He fought the urge to turn back, his gaze still very much locked on his book. If I turn back now.. He looked to the flames rising higher towards his book. The book will be lost forever. He wrinkled his snout, forgetting the shocks on his scales. I can't have come this far just to turn back now..

He felt Arcturus again. The same desperation, the pleading. He almost turned back instantly, leaving his book behind. Hold on Arcturus...I almost have my book...surely you can hold out a bit longer? He stepped closer towards the forms of his brother and mother whom were currently around the book. Their silver scales were shimmering from the lightning still sparking off of him.

You can do it Veledar! Cheered his brother.

That's the way little Crimson! You were always the strongest! His mother smiled.

VELEDAR! Arcturus voice screamed into his mind like thunder, making the dragon shiver from snout to tail. His heart pounded as he felt an icy grip take hold of it. He could feel the human's adrenaline coursing through his body with each swing of his onyx sword. The rising terror in his chest, as his breaths were starting to become ragged. Veledar arced his neck to peak back the way he had came, than quickly back to the forms of his dead family members.

_ Come on Veledar, he can hold off a minute longer....Come on.._ His brother gestured to the book with one of his midnight black claws.

No. Veledar snarled, already hating himself. No. He turned around, his tail whipping violently behind him. He snorted a plume of smoke in anger from his snout.

Veledar! His mother screamed out to him, but he ignored her.

The book will be destroyed! His brother roared out, his voice cracking.

Veledar shook his head, and breathed in deep. With each step towards the way he came he felt his strength returning, and the warm sensation of healing magic coursing through his crimson hide. "I know it will." He growled deep in his throat, thrashing his tail on the stone. He could hardly believe what he was doing right now. Here he was, throwing the most treasured item in his hoard away.

Your letting the book be destroyed over a few mortals? His brother roared. What about me? What about mother?

Veledar closed his eyes, the memories coming to the forefront of his mind. The late nights with his brother as they cuddled close, snouts pressed close against the pages. Their eyes racing across the literature, and lighting up at all the pictures of heroic dragons. He remembered laughing with him as they chased one another through the grass, re-enacting the tales. He imagined himself once again darting through the air, circling his brother.

How about mother? His brother asked. His voice still ringing within Veledar's head.

The dragon almost turned back towards his book in that instant, as he remembered her warm scales, her loving voice, her strength to carry on, and her love for him. His limbs froze as the memories threatened to consume him. Her scent, her laugh, his brothers cries for joy, his playful tackles. He felt himself starting to turn around once again.

VELEDAR! Arcturus' voice screamed within his mind once more, snapping him away from the old memories. He pictured the human wounded instead. Holding his armored side as he was slumped on the ground. He breath was ragged as he started to draw his last breaths. Veledar shook his head.

ONLY A MORTAL! His brother shouted once more as Veledar neared the staircase to the floor above.

"Not just any mortal." Veledar said softly, not daring to face his brother. "My mortal." He breathed a great sigh before bounding up the stairs. His claws clicked on the stone as he passed multiple stairs at once. He scraped the stairs as he quickened his breath and pace. How long was I down there? He thought as he heard the sound of explosions, and the snaps of energy crossbow fire. There was no battle raging outside when I went down there. His eyes narrowed as he entered the room from before and glanced out the window. He saw his friends gathered in the middle of the vast courtyard. They were backed into a large maze of stone walls to funnel the large number of Lumara soldiers that were closing in on their position.

Don't worry my friends....I am here. He changed size so that he could easily leap out the window, stretching his wings and flying into the night air. He only took three flaps of his wings before he changed shape back once more to his full size. He pounded the air with his wings as he gained altitude, and searched for his target. Where he could best apply himself and do the most good to his friend's struggling plight. He dipped a wing to start circling the shrinking perimeter of his friends. He saw that Asterion was on the ground with Merlia pressing her glowing hands to his chest, clearing healing the wounded minotaur. He scanned them, counting all of his friends. Were are you? He found Arcturus side by side to Krotos, as they were fighting three knights together. The glowing sword of his human, and the gryphon were almost a blur of talons, sword slashes, and shield bashes.

Crimson Sky. Came the flat voice of Shandalar in his mind. I am sending a message to you via spell. We need the cannons scattered around the edge of this courtyard brought down. Than I can call in the airship to get us out of here.

He looked to the silver cannons just sitting there, unaware of his presence. They were easy prey to one such as himself. A great grin came to his snout, as he flicked out a claw and twitched his tail. From his form came a second copy of himself, a near perfect illusion that you would have to study to figure out what was different. Distract He thought, mentally ordering it to fly around the battle field, close enough to draw the attention of all the gathered men there. So it did so with a mighty roar. Veledar dipped his wing and started his attack on the cannons as there was a chorus of shouts.

"Dragon!"

"FIRE AT THE BASTARD!"

"BIG"

"RED!"

"GET IT!"

The cannons suddenly came to life as they fired great blue beams of magical energy towards the flying illusion, who dodged them with a quick change of direction. Veledar swooped in on the first cannon, easily plucking the gunner from his seat and dropping him to the ground far below. With his next wing flap he was closing on the second cannon. He flew by and with a crush of his mighty teeth the man was dead within his grasp in a matter of moments. Veledar flung his body to the side as he carried himself to the next target.

"THERE'S TWO OF THEM!" Came a shout from somewhere.

"QUICK REPOSITION THE CANNONS!"

Oh it's too late for that. He held out his claw, letting lighting flow around it, just like the kind that had been stabbing into him earlier. He passed by the cannon as he let it fly out, the lightning striking the metallic surface and exploding in a shower of white sparks.

The gunner twitched and thrashed in his seat as the lightning coursed through him, and when it had faded he slumped over in his seat, than fell to the stone roof below.

Veledar pounded his wings against the air once again, and quickly dipped them as a blue lance shot out towards him. He flipped his body over the beam, it passing harmlessly below him as he opened his mouth. He took a deep breath in the cool night air, and let forth a red-orange wave of fiery death upon the cannon's gunner. They ignited almost instantly and fell from their seat, screaming into the night air when he passed by them. His eyes narrowed on his final target, the last cannon still present here. He tried to toss a fireball with a flick of his paw, but found there was a robed figure there who easily deflected the projectile with a mere wave of their hand. Oh that is certainly annoying! He had to swerve as another lance of blue energy nearly struck his scales. He circled the last cannon, taking in another deep breath as the gunner traced him with the barrel. I know you have to recharge your little metal stick there mortal....Your going to lose this.. He let loose another torrent of flames before the gunner could fire again. He heard another scream, followed by the cannon suddenly lighting up with blue energy as it fired in the gunner's death throes. Veledar smirked as he easily dodged the soldier's final wild shot. He spun around, his tail smacking the robed figure off the roof and sending them falling to the ground below.

"THE DRAGON GOT THE CANNONS!"

There was a sudden shot of bright light that lanced skyward from his friends. It flew high above the castle, until it explored into three bright red lights that lingered in the air. Veledar soon joined his illusion, letting out another wave of fire at the huddled soldiers below. He tried to not feel to happy as they let out their last cries as his breath incinerated them. You brought this upon yourselves...You attacked my human.....and my friends. He felt energy crossbow shots strike him but they bounced uselessly off of him. He chuckled deep in his throat as he glanced briefly at the silver ring around one of his digits. Thank you magical ring. He circled them like the great predator he was, eyeing them like they were mere prey scattered before him.

He saw his friends despite his success were being pushed back into their labyrinth of stone, now all huddled around each other. Practically fighting back to back from the collection of sword wielding soldiers. He could see that Arcturus was caught in the thick of it, suddenly his sword changed to white flames, as he continued to slice into the soldiers. Veledar looked down to find his own claws wrapped in red flames of their very own. I really do love us sharing spells. He swooped down onto the stone walls, slashing some soldiers along the way. His claws slicing just the right way to take their heads right off their bodies as he did so. He let out a great roar to let his friends know he was their, as he let loose another wave of fire towards the entrances of their defensive perimeter.

"Veledar!" Screamed Arcturus in joy, as he pushed back a soldier fighting him. He brought his sword down firmly and ended the prone man, before deflecting another attack with his shield.

"ABOUT TIME YA BEAUTIFUL BEAST YOU!" Merlia yelled out, taking a few more shots out with the crossbow she was wielding.

Veledar just grinned as he joined his friends in their fight for their lives. Although he did not have to do so for long, for as he started slicing into the soldiers who dared to step closer to his friends something descended into the courtyard with beams of blue magic ripping apart whole lines of soldiers still taking cover around the courtyard.

It was an airship painted with the brown and golds of Lumara on it's hull. Right at the front where a mural of a gryphon rested were the letters spelling out the RLA DESTINY B. It let up gusts of wind as the thing settled down, the cannons covering the ships descent. A plank was extended from the upper deck, as soldiers wearing dark green and browns emerged wielding crossbows of their very own. Along side them were the elemental warriors from Shandalar's lab, tossing bolts of their element towards the surprised soldiers below. There was even Feku carrying a hand-crossbow in both of her little claws, firing out red bolts of energy.

"GET DOWNSTAIRS!" she screamed into the night air, as Veledar started clearing a path for his friends. She fired off a few more rounds, "COME ON!"

Arcturus and the others followed right behind him as quickly as they could, as the shots from the airship covered their escape. Once they were half-way Veledar took position near the back, spreading his wings wide to catch any of the energy shots being fired their way. Take that you bastards. He growled, remembering what this rescue had cost him. Once this was all over he was certainly going to have a few words for his friends. However for right now, their safety running up the plank soothed his rising anger.

"Come on Crimson Sky!" Feku yelled out to him, as the airship started to take flight into the air. Several soldiers fired uselessly up at the ship's frame. Their bolts just impacting on the hull.

Veledar needed no more encouragement, He spread his wings and bounded into the air with a mighty flap. He dove under the ship as it rose into the sky before swooping up and onto the other side. Who would have thought the thing that had taken him from his home was now the thing he was thankful to be seeing right now. He extended his hind legs, and with a quick backwing he landed softly onto the wooden deck. He heard the sounds of the six cannons still firing at enemies as the ship carried them away from the castle. And away from the ashes of my book.

Arcturus ran to him, and nearly tackled the surprised dragon with a tight hug. "You came! You came! Your glorious red scaled son of a wyvern!" He had a great big smile on his face, he must have stashed his helmet somewhere for the time being.

He felt the human pull him tighter as he draped his head over the him. He sat down onto his haunches, placed his tail onto the deck and curled it around them. He snatched the human up in his paws and hugged him back.

"Thank you Veledar...thank you." Arcturus whispered, not releasing his hug. "One thousand times thank you." the human pressed his cheek firmly against his scaled chest.

He was going to tell Arcturus right then what this rescue has cost him. My book burned. He wanted to say to him, but he only let out a snort as he returned the hug. He looked around to see that Asterion was busy going to all his friends and healing them with glowing hands. Besides the dirt, dried blood, and tired faces, they all appeared to be in fine condition. All because of my rescue. He smiled to himself, finally letting Arcturus fall from his grasp. His friends gathered around him with more praises, touching his scales, and letting out cheers of pure joy. He tapped his tail, held his head high, and let out a pleasured croon.

Veledar looked down from the decks towards the shrinking form of the castle, and that of the very city that held his anger for the entirety of his journey. He wrinkled his snout and narrowed his eyes as he pictured the ashes of his book piled onto the floor of that room.

Although with all his friends around him still laughing at how they had been snatched from the maw of defeat by their great and mighty dragon, he could not help dismiss it from his mind for the moment. Where is Gus? The thought popped into his head as he counted his friends. It appeared that everyone that had helped them from within the city was here, except for that portly guard. He was about to ask Arcturus when suddenly the ship rocked violently, and wood exploded with a thunderous crack.

"ENEMY SHIP CLOSING!" Yelled a deck hand, as from the dark night sky came more lances of brilliant blue energy that with the sound of cracking wood, ripped through the starboard hull of the ship.

Veledar turned his snout to see the large form of the RLA Indomitous flying towards them like a great predator of the sky. He bared his teeth, it looked like they were not out of this yet.