The dragon\u2019s wings beat through Shale\u2019s chest as it flew past the temple, then glided back toward the Keep. A bolt of lightning flew from its gaping maw and struck the side of the Keep, pulling free stone and releasing the distant cries and shouts of soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The six companions, an odd grouping of humans, half-elves, a tiefling and a tabaxi, all watched the destruction from afar. Enemy humans and kobolds were standing at the front of the temple, quickly hacking away the branches of a fallen tree to make a battering ram. On the side nearest them was another group of mixed enemies. \u201cI can put the fire out with a spell that commands water,\u201d Fillip whispered to the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shale nodded, \u201cthat\u2019s a good idea, but we have to move quickly. We don’t want to be heard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whisper looked around at the conversation and thrust a paw to the ground, releasing a mist of magic. The magic shot along the ground at an incredible speed, then swirled and coalesced around the five beings. Suddenly, one by one, all but one collapsed into the grass without another sound. They were asleep. Whisper stood and shot a fire bolt at the same moment as Fillip shot a stone and Shale released an arrow at the last remaining human. Shale\u2019s arrow struck home, and the man collapsed. Whisper ran up and made quick work of those who were unconscious. A swipe of sharp claws into exposed throats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shale ran up to retrieve her arrow, the others also ducking low and making their way to press themselves against the temple wall. Whisper dug into the stone and began to climb, disappearing over the roof of the building. Shale could hear him pulling at the thatched roof. Fillip crept along the wall and motioned for them to look at the group creating the battering ram. Nearby was a tall man in black plated armour issuing commands, and they bent to lift the large tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suddenly, a blast of fire flew from the roof and hit the battering ram, momentarily bathing the bark in flames. The men and kobolds threw it down and drew their weapons, eyes up. Fillip placed a stone in his sling and shot at the leader. The stone clanked off the man\u2019s armour. Another firebolt shot from the roof at the same man, who raised a plated arm, catching the brunt of the heat. Their hiding place now apparent, Keelan and Reverence rushed out as Shale shot an arrow at one of the humans, who ripped it free, causing blood to splatter across the ground. Before the human could react to Shale, Keelan crushed his skull with a blow from his warhammer. Keelan spun on his heel and struck at another human, who just barely managed to raise his shield in time. A kobold pulled out a dagger and stabbed it into Keelan\u2019s thigh as he pounded against the human\u2019s shield. Keelan nearly dropped his hammer as he turned to face his new attacker. The dagger was jammed hilt-deep into his leg, and he tore it out and cast it aside with a grunt, blood issuing from the gaping hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As this was happening, Reverence faced the man in the black armour, passing a flurry of mace and fist through the air. Fillip drew his scimitar and took his stance next to the tiefling, battering him. They were wearing the man down, but he was quick despite his heavy plated armour. The man was barking orders while defending against two opponents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shale saw another human run past the opposite side of the temple, disappearing from sight before she could take aim. Instead, she fired an arrow at the man in black, but his armour was thick and well-made, and it ricocheted off. She swore and found another mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oszaren ran into the fight, his body aglow with his writhing armour, and shot a blast of green energy at a group of kobolds, who scattered. Another bolt of fire shot down from the roof of the temple and hit one of the humans defending against Keelan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Around the opposite side of the building, three more kobolds appeared. The human that had run in that direction appeared a moment after his allies. The kobolds started flinging stones with their slings at a deadly speed. Fillip barely managed to dodge one as he swung his scimitar at the black armoured man, but another stone caught him in the shoulder, causing him to stumble back in surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keelan was surrounded. The human shouted something, shaking his warhammer at the circle of kobolds and humans, but they moved quickly. As a kobold feinted in his direction, the man in the black armour ran through Reverence and Fillip and slammed into Keelan, throwing him to the ground. The strongest of their group, Keelan, lay there, unmoving as the black armoured man stood over his unconscious form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reverence leaped after him and struck with his mace over and over again, cracking the man in the black armour over the head and sending his helmet flying. With a final punch to the head, Reverence took their leader to the ground. Another human ran up from the other side of the temple but froze when he saw his fallen leader. \u201cFall back!\u201d he yelled to the others, and the kobolds chattered in their strange, guttural language, a few stumbling away from the fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oszaren took out another enemy with his mace as he fled. Fillip placed a hand over his chest and a white light spread through him, healing his wounds as he parried a strike from a kobold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another blast of fire came from the roof and grazed the kobold where it stood, quickly followed by an arrow from Shale\u2019s bow. It hit the spine, and the kobold collapsed, its short sword thumping to the soft grass. The other fleeing enemies turned for one last bout of ranged attacks. A volley of stones flew from slings, hitting Fillip, Reverence and Oszaren where they stood and forcing them to hide their faces. Shale still hid in the shadows, and she couldn\u2019t see the enemies well enough to aim as they ran off into the darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A kobold jumped from seemingly nowhere and struck Fillip over the back of the head, and the druid went limp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reverence half ran, half-crawled to Keelan where he lay and turned him over. His dark hair was matted with blood. The monk whispered a spell over the man\u2019s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oszaren and Whisper were still casting spells at the fleeing enemies as Shale ran up to the unconscious Fillip and tried to diagnose his injuries. Reverence joined her on the ground and whispered a spell over Fillip, who seemed to breathe easier. Both Keelan and Fillip were still unconscious, however. \u201cWe need to get them inside,\u201d Shale told the tiefling, running for the barred temple doors. She knocked frantically. \u201cLet us in! We\u2019ve just taken out the enemies, and two of ours are injured!\u201d No response. \u201cPlease!\u201d She shouted, knocking more furiously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho are you? What do you want?\u201d A voice demanded from behind the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe were sent by Tarbaw and Escobert to free you. We did a really great job at killing all these humans and kobolds, but two of our people have been badly hurt. We need healers! And we need to get you all to safety!\u201d She couldn’t keep the frustration from her voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A moment passed, and Shale felt a flicker of panic. Then, there was the sound of something heavy being moved and the door was pulled open. Before her stood a tall, elderly half-elf in priestly robes. \u201cThank you,\u201d the man said, surveying the bodies strewn outside the temple. \u201cPlease, come in. Men, help them carry their injured!\u201d A few of the larger villagers rushed through the doors and assisted Reverence and Oszaren in carrying Fillip and Keelan into the temple. Whisper slipped in behind them, having climbed off the roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were at least twenty villagers inside the temple. Stone benches lined the long room and a huge shrine stood at the forefront of temple, displaying various artistic renderings of agriculture. Torches flickered in sconces along the walls. \u201cDo you have any healers?\u201d Shale asked the priest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot here,\u201d he said, hurrying to Fillip and Keelan\u2019s bodies, which had been lain on the floor side-by-side. He pressed a hand to each of their necks, checking for a pulse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shale put a hand on the priest\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe need to get you and all the villagers back to the Keep. We have the keys to a hidden tunnel that will bring us underneath the village. Hopefully we can find healers once we\u2019re there,\u201d when he nodded, she added, \u201cdo you think you could get a few of your strongest to help carry our companions? It will give us a chance to fight and defend you if need be.\u201d He nodded again, ushering the same villagers forward who had helped drag Keelan and Fillip into the temple. \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d She asked him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEadyen Falconmoon,\u201d the half-elf responded, sounding exhausted as he stood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whisper padded over to Shale. \u201cBack door,\u201d the tabaxi said, pointing to the opposite end of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oszaren had come up to them as well. \u201cWe should send a couple out ahead to scout the way. We\u2019ll go through the backdoor and run like nine hells for the tunnel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWho has the key?\u201d Shale asked, and Reverence produced a ring of keys from inside his robe. The tiefling was ragged, a huge gash on his forehead smearing blood across his orange skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you have any weapons?\u201d Oszaren asked the priest. \u201cWe need arms. As many as you can muster.\u201d Whisper produced an illusion before them of a pile of human arms stacked neatly on the floor. A few of the villagers jumped back and a young girl cried out in shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eadyen shook his head, looking around at the frightened villagers, confused by the display. \u201cN-no, not really. They\u2019re farmers, not fighters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oszaren nodded, his thoughts confirmed. \u201cWhisper,\u201d he said, and the tabaxi made his illusion disappear, eyeing the half-elf intently, \u201cyou and Shale will run ahead of the group. Take a torch,\u201d he pulled one from his bag and gestured it at the torches along the wall, \u201cand make sure the path is clear. If any enemies are nearby, we\u2019ll need you to draw them off and we can help you fight them. Our main priority is to get these villagers to safety.\u201d He looked at the tiefling. \u201cReverence and I will protect them from the back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Shale said, mustering a grim smile, \u201clet\u2019s do this.\u201d She ran over and lit the torch, joining Whisper by the back door while Oszaren explained his plan to the people. Eadyen unlocked the tiny door and they pushed it open, scanning the grounds around the temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Whisper whispered, and they shot off into the dark, the villagers trailing about ten feet behind them, flanked by Reverence and Oszaren. Shale held the torch tightly in one hand, the light guiding her footsteps forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They ran along the riverbank as quietly as they could, the torchlight dimmed by Reverence\u2019s spell so as to not draw too much attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a loud splash and a shout and Shale spun around to see an older man, one of the villagers, had slipped and fallen into the rushing water. A woman next to him hurriedly helped him to his feet and Oszaren held up his hand in the back to quiet them. They all paused, listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJerymie! Oi think oi heard somethin\u2019.\u201d It was a man’s voice. \u201cHere, by the river!\u201d They crouched down by the riverbank and Shale thrust the torch into the sand. Oszaren peeked over just as a human figure appeared. The half-elf shot a blast of green energy from his hand, the snake on his arm glowing. The blast hit the man in the chest and he stumbled, swearing. \u201cJerymie!\u201d He squealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the second man, Jerymie, appeared with a torch in hand, Shale shot an arrow through his neck, ending him. The other man stared at his fallen companion and swore again, turning to run. Whisper shot a fire bolt, but it sailed over the man\u2019s head as he ran. He rolled through the grass just as Reverence threw a dart at him, and Oszaren shot a final blast of green light at the man, hitting him as he tried to stand and forcing him to one knee. That momentary flash of light was all that Shale needed as she pointed and shot. Her arrow hit the man in the ear, burying itself deep in the side of his skull, dropping him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNice shot,\u201d Oszaren nodded approvingly as she headed back to the front of the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou too,\u201d she said. She retrieved the torch of the fallen men, which still burned slightly in the grass, and held it before them. \u201cI see the tunnel entrance,\u201d she said, and two-by-two, they ducked through the metal grate and into the damp tunnel. Once everyone was through, Whisper cast an illusion of a large boulder in place of where the door was. Shale splashed ahead through the tunnel, the flickering flames from her torchlight casting shadowed figures over the rugged stone walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Keep was crowded and filled with terrified villagers, bleeding men and women, and crying children. Groups of soldiers ran through the crowd asking for able bodied fighters. \u201cPlease, are there any healers?\u201d Shale called out as they emerged from the hidden passageway. The men that were carrying Keelan and Phillip placed them gently on the ground. \u201cHealers?\u201d Shale asked again, catching the eye of a young soldier as he passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUh, healers? Yes, yeah. We have some healing potions, but they\u2019re not very potent.\u201d He gestured to a middle-aged couple, a man and a woman both with dark hair and eyes. They rushed forward and bent to administer the healing potions to Keelan and Fillip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d Oszaren said as their two companions sputtered to consciousness. \u201cI know this is not the worth of a healing potion, but I hope this will help.\u201d He passed the woman a couple of large gold pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not necessary, sir,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, take it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She bowed her head and tucked the gold away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shale helped Keelan stand and Oszaren put out a hand to Fillip, who took it gratefully. They were alive, but just barely by the looks of it. Reverence found a spot on the floor and slid down the wall to sit. He looked to be in terrible shape, just barely clinging to consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The walls of the Keep shook, and a few pieces of dust fell from the ceiling. There was an all-encompassing ROAR again as the dragon above loosed a crackle of lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe need to get up there,\u201d Shale said, and Whisper nodded excitedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow are we supposed to fight a dragon?\u201d Oszaren demanded, wiping sweat from his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d she answered, \u201cbut there\u2019s no use staying down here. The three of us,\u201d she gestured to herself, Whisper and Oszaren, \u201ccan still fight. The way I see it, we can either die down here, or up there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI choose to die down here,\u201d Fillip mumbled, sitting down next to Reverence, who was half asleep already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to find the dwarf and ask him what their plan is, if they have one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oszaren shook his head, \u201cthey won\u2019t. They’re not organized enough for this assault.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen, friend,\u201d Shale said, patting the half-elf\u2019s arm as she passed him to go up the stairs, \u201cyou\u2019ll<\/em> have to come up with one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes. Good at plan,\u201d Whisper agreed, then bounded up the stairs past her. Shale ran to follow him, Oszaren just behind her, grumbling as they went.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale was grateful to have someone in their party who knew something about fighting. At least, Oszaren seemed to know a lot about it. He usually had some plan up his sleeve. She herself had never seen a proper battle. Nor had she fought a dragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Escobert stood at the top of the stairs handing out short bows to young men and women and sending them through the hatch. \u201cWe can<\/em> fight this dragon,\u201d the dwarf was saying, offering encouraging nods to those who passed. \u201cWe will defend Greenest. We will defend our people and our lands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat can you tell us about this dragon?\u201d Shale asked as they reached him. \u201cHave you any plans on how to fight it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dwarf rubbed a hand over his weary face. \u201cIt\u2019s a blue dragon. Fully grown, if I can guess it right. Our best strategy right now is to throw as much at it as we have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHave you found a weakness?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He shook his head. \u201cArrows barely pierce the thing. It has hide thick as a wall and it’s hardly engaging us except to keep us down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDoes it shoot anything other than lightning?\u201d Oszaren asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot as far as we\u2019ve seen,\u201d Escobert told him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ll help as much as we can,\u201d Shale said, and he gave them a grim smile. They thanked him and followed where the other soldiers had just disappeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oszaren grabbed Shale\u2019s arm, pulling her back. \u201cThis is madness. We can\u2019t go up there. The dragon will kill us in one hit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale pulled her arm free, \u201cWhat do you propose we do, then? Let all those people die?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He sighed. \u201cNo. I don\u2019t know. There must be a right way to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnlighten me,\u201d Shale said, \u201cbecause I know nothing about dragons. All I know is that I\u2019m going to aim for its weak points.\u201d With that, she took her bow in her hand and held it up. \u201cWhat do you know about dragons? Please, tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot much,\u201d the half-elf said, looking down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale turned and followed the tabaxi, who was watching them from the ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gods, this won\u2019t be easy,<\/em> Shale thought as Whisper pushed open the hatch to the rooftop just as a blinding flash of light crackled through the air with scorching heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spears Oszaren had placed in the four corners of the Keep\u2019s rooftop stood twice the height of anyone standing on it. He suggested they might draw some of the lightning away from the people, like how a tree or tall building attracts lightning in a storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dragon was currently soaring over the rest of the village as men and kobolds ransacked houses and put thatched rooves to the torch. Whisper leaned over the edge of the Keep wall, watching the dragon. Then, the tabaxi roared<\/em> like a dragon, light cascading around his voice to enhance the sound and send it echoing over the village. The massive dragon turned its head in the direction of the Keep, banked lazily, and beat its wings to bring it higher in the air. It was coming right for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cControl your pet!\u201d Oszaren swore, his writhing armour glowing over his chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s not my pet,\u201d Shale yelled back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTake cover!\u201d The half-elf yelled as a streak of lightning issued from the dragon\u2019s mouth and struck the stone. Forks of lightning hit a few soldiers and fried them instantly. One man was thrown backwards by the force of the strike and stumbled to his feet a moment later, looking scorched but alive. Men and women loosed arrows at the beast as it rose up before them. Shale held her arrow, waiting for a weak point as the dragon turned its head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She released her breath and her arrow, and it hit exactly where she had hoped. The dragon shrieked as it flew off, a long arrow protruding from a chink in its scaled neck. Whisper and Oszaren\u2019s spells seemed to have no effect as they burst over its body and dissipated. They shot more at it, but they didn\u2019t even leave a mark. Shale drew another arrow and, just before it flew out of range, she shot another long arrow that lodged in the back of its head. A smattering of cheers broke out from the people on the roof, and Shale gave them all an encouraging grin. The dragon had a half dozen arrows stuck in its hide. It wasn\u2019t impervious to wounds, and that was enough for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whisper roared<\/em> again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWill you stop that!\u201d Oszaren shouted at the tabaxi wizard, who only blinked back at him and readied a firebolt in his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dragon ignored Whisper this time, instead swinging low over the village in a looping dive. \u201cDo you know anything about blue dragons?\u201d Oszaren asked the people around them. \u201cHave you read anything? Heard stories?\u201d The soldiers around them shrugged or shook their heads. The half-elf looked terrified and his hands were shaking. His spells weren\u2019t working, and without those, how could he fight? A mace would do very little against a flying beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve hurt it,\u201d Shale said reassuringly, \u201cwe just need to keep doing what we\u2019re doing. One thing I\u2019m not sure about,\u201d she paused, looking around at the other soldiers and lowering her voice, \u201cis why it keeps coming back for more. It’s distracting us. It must know we can’t beat it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that, the dragon flapped its wings and turned back to the Keep. Shale nocked another arrow and waited. As soon as it was near enough, she shot again. Her arrow soared, followed by the smaller arrows of a dozen shortbows, and hers and a few others stuck while others clattered away, bouncing off the scaled armour of the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of shooting more lightning, the dragon twisted and flew up and up into the dark sky until it disappeared in the low hanging clouds. Oszaren hit its tail with a burst of green magic as it moved out of sight and Shale held an arrow, waiting for its descent. Giant drops of blood splashed down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The descent didn\u2019t come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A moment passed, then another, and finally they heard the distant screech of the dragon as it flew past the town of Greenest and struck out to the East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt has fled!\u201d The man who had been struck by lightning shouted, and a cry rose up from the soldiers. Cheers and whoops filled the night air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oszaren withdrew a vial of lamp oil and emptied it on the ground, scooping the quickly drying blood of the dragon into the now-empty glass. He corked it and stowed it inside his coat. \u201cCould be useful,\u201d he told Shale and Whisper as he walked to the hatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale went around clapping soldiers on the backs and congratulating them on their efforts. She helped them drag the blackened bodies of fallen soldiers into a line near the hatch, so they could be taken later and buried. The living headed downstairs into the Keep and were greeted by Escobert and Tarbaw. Tarbaw, the governor of Greenest, was dead on his feet. He had fresh wounds since last she\u2019d seen him. \u201cThank you again,\u201d he sighed, smiling at Whisper, Oszaren and Shale. \u201cTell me, how did you fare at the temple?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe killed as many as we could and brought everyone back,\u201d Shale told him, and he took her hand gratefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt seems Greenest is in your debt twice-over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are happy to fight,\u201d Shale said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy did the dragon attack your village?\u201d Oszaren asked softly. The fear that had cast over his face before was now gone as he was drawn back to purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Tarbaw said, looking troubled. \u201cWe\u2019re a very wealthy town. Perhaps that’s why they attacked. Their goal didn\u2019t seem to be reckless killing. They mostly only killed those who fought back or got in their way. They\u2019re going through our homes, stealing our gold and our heirlooms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat did they want from the temple?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe offer a great many donations to the temple,\u201d he shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fillip, Reverence and Keelan made their way slowly up the stairs to join them. \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Oszaren asked them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSwell,\u201d Fillip said, smiling. His colour had returned to his face, but he still looked weary. Reverence\u2019s head had been bandaged, and Keelan was wincing and rubbing the back of his head, where a giant lump had likely formed. \u201cWhat did we miss?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe dragon flew East,\u201d Oszaren told him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt seems I was wrong not to listen to your warnings,\u201d Tarbaw said, looking at Reverence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tiefling raised his chin. \u201cIndeed, you were.\u201d Shale wasn\u2019t sure what they were talking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPEOPLE OF GREENEST,\u201d a loud voice boomed from outside the Keep. Whisper started barking and Oszaren summoned a ball of yarn, which he handed to the tabaxi to quiet him. \u201cHEAR US NOW.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They glanced around at each other, then ran for the stairs, Whisper lagging behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top of the Keep, they gazed out and saw two hundred people gathered in front of the tall stone building, a mix of humans and kobolds. They stood out of archer range. At their forefront stood two impressive figures in the dawning light of the morning: A woman with deep purple robes, dark black hair, and holding a massive glaive, which she leaned on lazily. Next to her stood an eight-foot tall, blue scaled figure with a reptilian face. His fearsome size was larger than any dragonborn Shale had encountered. What was this creature? He wore full plate armour and was draped with the same, deep purple robes trimmed with golden thread. Despite their distance from the Keep, Shale drew in every detail of their appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTHIS HAS BEEN A SUCCESSFUL NIGHT, AND I\u2019M FEELING GENEROUS,\u201d the scaled man\u2019s voice boomed, enhanced by some magical means. \u201cBRING FORTH THE PRISONERS.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A group of kobolds dragged four people forward and threw them on the ground before the Keep. There were two young children, a teenage boy and a young woman. They were clutching each other and looking up at the people in the Keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s my sister!\u201d A man cried. Shale turned and saw the one who was previously struck by lightning. He was rushing forward and two of his comrades were holding him back. \u201cLet go of me! They have my sister!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSUMMON A CHAMPION TO FIGHT ME, ONE AGAINST ONE. FIGHT ME, AND I WILL RELEASE THE PRISONERS. FIGHT ME, AND WE WILL LEAVE.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They all looked around and Tarbaw clutched his injured arm, wincing. \u201cDo you have anyone who could fight him?\u201d Oszaren asked the governor. \u201cA champion?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Escobert, the dwarf, joined them. \u201cWe are barely soldiers. That beast down there is a fearsome one. I don\u2019t know anyone who could fight that and win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you all cowards?\u201d The man whose sister had been taken demanded of the soldiers on the roof. \u201cLet me<\/em> fight him!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ll not fight him,\u201d Escobert growled at the young man. \u201cYou\u2019re barely on your feet, lad. That blue beast will strike you down before you can shit your pants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI won\u2019t let her die<\/em>,\u201d he said, his arms still being held back as tears streaked down his dirty cheeks. \u201cI’m responsible for her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWould it be shameful for me to ask for one more favour?\u201d Tarbaw asked desperately, looking back at the young soldier and wringing his hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keelan grunted from where he leaned against the stone. \u201cI\u2019m strong. Perhaps I can take him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can hardly stand,\u201d Shale said, looking at him. It was true. He needed to rest, not go up against a massive beast in hand-to-hand combat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?\u201d The voice came again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need to come up with a plan. Now, before anyone else is killed,\u201d Oszaren said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d Shale called out over the Keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cARE YOU THE NAMED CHAMPION?\u201d He called back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI might be,\u201d she shouted. \u201cSo, what\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He shook his head. \u201cJOIN ME ON THIS FIELD AND I WILL TELL YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ve beaten us already,\u201d Oszaren shouted. \u201cWhy give us this chance? Why not just take the Keep and be done with it? You have enough men.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The creature laughed a low, booming laugh. \u201cIT IS NOT BLOOD I WANT. I WANT A GOOD FIGHT.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI fight?\u201d Whisper asked quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you a good fighter, Whisper?\u201d Shale asked doubtfully. Sure, he had magic, but what if this creature was impervious to magic? Could she let the tabaxi die for this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whisper shrugged in response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo,\u201d Shale said, scratching him behind the ear. \u201cNo,\u201d she said more firmly, looking around at her beleaguered companions. \u201cI will fight him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou?\u201d Oszaren asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d and she added quickly, \u201cbut I won\u2019t last long, so you had better come up with a few tricks to get me out of this. Magic or something. And, get the hostages out first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oszaren nodded thoughtfully. \u201cVery well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They all looked dazed, as though they couldn\u2019t believe the events of that long night had just occurred. \u201cIt\u2019s not over yet,\u201d Shale told them. \u201cCome on.\u201d She went over to the edge of the roof and shouted back. \u201cI\u2019M COMING DOWN.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her opponent nodded, and before she could let her proclamation truly sink in, she ran for the hatch and descended the stairs, her new companions following her down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood luck,\u201d Oszaren sighed, and Shale nodded as Reverence swung the Keep doors wide open. She stepped out into the morning sun and approached her certain doom. What little trust she held for these strangers whom she had fought out the night with, she hoped to the gods that they would figure something out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whisper spoke draconic fluently and seemed to be arguing with the eight-foot tall, blue scaled man. He gestured at the woman and said something, which seemed to anger the man. The discussion lasted for a full minute in a language Shale didn\u2019t know before the scaled man waved Whisper off and drew his massive greatsword from behind his back. The blade flashed in the morning sunlight, of a height to Shale. She eyed its sharp edge and lost her breath for a moment, fear flashing through every limb and holding her there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale looked over at her companions. The soldiers in the Keep had filed out of the large doors and now stood in a semicircle across from the two hundred invaders. Fillip pointed a finger at his chin and mouthed the words \u201cweak spot\u201d. She nodded back, licking her lips, which were dry. When was the last time she\u2019d drank some water? It must\u2019ve been the night before, with supper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale cleared her throat, looking up at her competition. He was nearly three feet taller and standing a dozen steps away with the point of his greatsword resting in the dirt. \u201cRelease the prisoners,\u201d she said, her voice sounding much braver than she felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A smile touched the edge of his scaled lips. \u201cWe will release the youngest prisoners.\u201d He gestured to the group of kobolds holding them. \u201cRelease the three children. The girl stays with us until the fight is done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two children and teenager were released, and the older boy rushed by them as fast as he could through the crowd and back to the Keep. Shale nodded to Oszaren, who had just whispered down to Escobert. He cast his writhing armour over his body and gave her the slightest of nods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat is the name of the person I am to fight?\u201d Shale asked, turning back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am Langdedrosa Cyanwrath.\u201d He bowed his head. \u201cThank you for accepting this noble challenge. May the best man win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale returned the bow slowly, nervously. \u201cMay the best person<\/em> win,\u201d she said. She drew the two swords from her back and held them aloft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Langdedrosa raised his greatsword, and they began to circle one another with cautious footsteps. How was she going to reach his chin? His reach was far longer than hers, his armour much thicker, and he moved with a deftness one would not expect from someone so large. Shale had never fought in a duel. Sure, she had fought before, plenty of times. But nothing like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s okay,<\/em> she thought to herself reassuringly, heart pounding in her chest. All you need to do is stall until your friends can stop this madness.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Langdedrosa struck first, his massive blade cutting through the air with incredible agility. Shale ducked under the first cut, which narrowly missed taking off her head. As she ducked, her boot caught in the dirt and she stumbled, just barely, but it was enough to give her opponent the advantage. He backhanded the pommel of his sword into her chest, and she felt the breath leave her and heard the crack of ribs. She fell back, gasping for air and feeling blood in her throat. She coughed and spit into the dirt, leaving behind a red stain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her opponent gave her the chance to stand, and she moved quicker now, the pain disappearing with the adrenaline. She twisted her blades in her hands, looking for an opening as they circled each other once again. Shale saw the flash of an illusion in front of her eyes and heard someone yell from the crowd. \u201cNo funny business!\u201d She didn\u2019t dare look to see what had happened. What were her friends doing? Were they doing anything? How na\u00efve was she, putting her life in their unsteady hands, when she’d known most of them for less than twelve hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was more noise on the edge of the circle, and Shale spared a glance to see Oszaren pushing at the group of kobolds holding the young woman hostage. He was trying to tackle the prisoner free, but they pushed him away, daggers raised at the half-elf. Two struck at him simultaneously and, when they hit his flashing armour, they turned to ice and exploded. \u201cDoes no one fight with honour?\u201d Langdedrosa growled, looking over to the commotion. He turned back to Shale. \u201cWe are the only ones who fight honourably.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She leaped forward to attack. Her first blade, wielded by her dominant hand, slashed across his neck and left a streak of red, but the cut was shallow. He had jumped back just in time. Her other sword slammed against his armour and made her hand ring with numbness. She hopped back, holding a defensive stance. She tried to catch her breath, and her chest burned. Her mouth tasted like iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Langdedrosa attacked again, and she parried the blow, but the strength of her foe brought her to one knee as she tried desperately to defend herself. He pulled his massive blade from her crossed ones, throwing her off balance as she tried to stand again. The greatsword arched down in a flash of steel, cutting into her shoulder. The blade stuck firmly in her flesh and she gasped in surprise, blood pouring from her open shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Langdedrosa looked down at her with pity and ripped the greatsword free. Without his blade holding her up, her legs lost their purpose and she felt herself fall backwards into the dirt. Gasping for breath, Shale stared up at the faded blue sky and the large, blue-scaled man who stood over her, her lifeblood streaming out, sucked in by the thirsty ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was an honour fighting you,\u201d he said, and thrust the greatsword into her chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It only took a heartbeat. One heartbeat. Cold and darkness washed over her body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kelek? Where are the children? What\u2014what\u2019s happened?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I give you the Hunter\u2019s Mark, Shale. Use it to avenge them. <\/em>That was not Kelek’s voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hunter\u2019s Mark? What does that mean?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You were already strong, Shale. But you will need to get stronger. To find your vengeance, you must first defeat Tiamat.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale awoke to the sound of voices and hurried footsteps all around her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShale? Are you awake?\u201d Whose voice was that? \u201cHey, I think she\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale opened her eyes a crack and saw Keelan\u2019s face looking at her. She was lying in a cot, still inside the Keep. She raised a hand slowly and touched her chest, feeling for broken ribs. There were none. She felt the rip in her shirt and touched the fabric where it had been sliced open by a greatsword. \u201cHey, fighter, you nearly died. Maybe next time you should let me do the fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon’t get yourself knocked in the head next time, then,\u201d she croaked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She sat up suddenly, her head pounding, and nearly fell back, dizzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTake it easy, alright? Reverence healed you enough to keep you breathing, but there\u2019s still some recovery time. Ah,\u201d Keelan said as she looked down at her shoulder, where a thick scar now cut across her black skin from collarbone to armpit, \u201cthat is permanent, I\u2019m afraid. You\u2019re lucky you kept your arm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She ran a finger along the scar where, only hours before, there had been a gaping wound. \u201cI kind of like it,\u201d she said, nodding to affirm it. \u201cIt reminds me that I\u2019m not invincible.\u201d Her voice cracked and Keelan handed her a waterskin, which she took a swig of gratefully, coughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAlive,\u201d Whisper purred, bounding up to her. She smiled and scratched him behind the ear, which only intensified the purring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat\u2019s happened? How long was I out?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve all been sleeping,\u201d Keelan told her, standing up from the cot\u2019s edge. \u201cAfter that first fight, we all needed a rest. It’s late afternoon. Come on, we were just about to talk to Governor Tarbaw.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale stood with the help of the tabaxi and followed behind the human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGlad to see you\u2019re awake,\u201d Oszaren nodded. \u201cLook, I, uh\u2014\u201d he paused, looking embarrassed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about what happened. I tried to free the girl.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI saw,\u201d she nodded. \u201cWhat happened after I was struck down?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, they handed the girl over, then packed up and headed South.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSouth? Not East?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He shook his head. \u201cThey didn\u2019t follow the dragon. We\u2019re not sure why.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh, Shale,\u201d Tarbaw said as they approached him in his small study. He stood and took her hand, bowing. \u201cThank you for what you\u2019ve done.\u201d He looked at them each in turn: Reverence, Keelan, Whisper, Oszaren, Fillip and, finally, back to Shale. \u201cThanks to all of you. You saved this town. You saved our people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe were happy to do so,\u201d Oszaren said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have asked a lot of favours from you six in the last twelve hours, and I\u2019m afraid I have to ask one more.\u201d He glanced around uncertainly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGo on, then,\u201d Fillip said, folding his arms and grimacing back at the governor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarbaw clutched his hands together nervously. \u201cIf you can follow these raiders and find out where they are going and why they attacked us, we would be forever in your debt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s for sure,\u201d Fillip agreed, \u201cwhat makes you think we would risk our lives for that kind of information?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think\u2014what he\u2019s trying\u2014to ask,\u201d Reverence began, \u201cis\u2014how much will we\u2014be paid?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, of course,\u201d Tarbaw nodded. \u201cWe would pay you two hundred gold. Each.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shale rubbed her shoulder as her companions considered. She had something she needed to do. She didn\u2019t have time to waste on this. Then again, these raiders were going around killing people and stealing their livelihoods. She couldn\u2019t stand for that, could she? Plus, there\u2019d been that voice just before she thought she\u2019d die. Two hundred gold was a fortune to her. Imagine what she could accomplish with that. Besides, what information could she glean while travelling with these people? She had to admit, travelling alone was wearisome, not to mention dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd what about our payment for the night\u2019s events?\u201d Fillip asked, cutting into Shale\u2019s reflective thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, yes,\u201d Tarbaw walked around the room to his desk, inserting a key into one of the drawers and counting out a stack of gold pieces. \u201cTwenty-five gold, to set you on your way?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They looked at each other, then back at the governor. Fillip nodded. \u201cAlright, I think that will suffice.\u201d Tarbaw handed out the gold without another word. Shale filled her pouch, surprised by the new weight of it at her side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou need to build better defenses,\u201d Oszaren was saying, but Shale was finished with the conversation. \u201cYou\u2019ll need to hire more men and women for your army\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She was tired. As Oszaren continued his lecture, she exited the room and leaned against the cold stone wall, closing her eyes in exhaustion, one hand on her chest. There was her heart, steadily pumping away. It was like a bad dream had just passed, and she narrowly escaped the eternal nightmare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShale! Shale!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her eyes flew open, and she saw Nazim, one of the monk students, pushing through the crowd of civilians and rushing to her. His black hair was plastered to his face, and he was limping. \u201cShale!\u201d He said again, breathing hard as he stopped in front of her. \u201cSomething\u2019s happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d she demanded, straightening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLeosin\u2014he\u2019s been taken.\u201d Nazim held up two broken pieces of their monk teacher\u2019s staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTaken? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He sighed, arms dropping to his side. \u201cI have a lot to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The dragon\u2019s wings beat through Shale\u2019s chest as it flew past the temple, then glided back toward the Keep. A bolt of lightning flew from its gaping maw and struck the side of the Keep, pulling free stone and releasing the distant cries and shouts of soldiers. The six companions, an odd grouping of humans,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"series":[],"class_list":["post-678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wings-of-chaos-dungeons-and-dragons-series"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Giant_s-Gamble-Blog-PhotosArtboard-1-copy.png","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"amazon":{"key":"amazon","url":"https:\/\/music.amazon.ca\/podcasts\/09c34bbc-b359-49af-a286-31830ed5634c\/short-stories","label":"Amazon","class":"amazon","icon":"amazon.png"},"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"google_play":{"key":"google_play","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Play","class":"google_play","icon":"google-play.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0lcQCRs52MfYlKs35lVX4K","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"},"itunes":{"key":"itunes","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"iTunes","class":"itunes","icon":"itunes.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/feed\/podcast\/default-podcast","embedCode":"Chapter Three: A Scar to Be Remembered<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wings of Chaos: Chapter 2-3<\/a><\/blockquote>