DRAGON CAMPAIGN
CHAPTER 11
Destinies intertwined
Duvok ran as fast as he could. The treacherous footfalls and jagged edges tore at his boots and ripped at his clothing as the anxious man ran straight through the cavernous area of the secret mountain that housed the infamous Black Dragon. So anxious and desperate was he that he hadn't noticed the encompassing silence of the chamber as he finally reached his destination.
"Thulrax! Thulrax Are you here?"
Slowly, a low rumbling could be heard within one of the deeper partitions in the wide chamber area. The rumbling began to intensify to a point were Duvok could no longer stand. The Wingly grimaced at this minor nuisance. Fueled by anxiety, he propelled himself into the air, above the unstable grounds below.
An angry voice soon met the man's ears. "Who summons me?"
So loud was the voice that it continued to reverberate off the walls forcing Duvok to clench his ears in pain. Soon, Thulrax's dark nose protruded from the opening, sniffing the air to assess who it was.
"It's me, Duvok!" The anxious Wingly called out supportively. "I came to you with pressing matters of great importance!"
Thulrax slowly slid the rest of his form from out of the opening. Duvok soon realized that the dark Dragon had been sleeping, as his massive eyelids were half closed, and the familiar crustation's of sleep had developed around the edges of his sockets. Thulrax extended a singly claw, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He then narrowed them towards the now nervous Wingly. "Well? Speak! Why have you summoned me in such an early stage of my rest? Has the war begun sooner then expected?"
"No, not yet Thulrax. There is still some time yet before we begin and as expected, the Wingly still do not suspect." The Wingly quickly landed back towards the stone ground so as not to agitate the beast of darkness.
"Then why have you summoned me!?!" Thulrax boomed angrily. "I need my rest so that I mean regain sufficient strength to fight! Are you openly trying to hinder me?"
At this point the dark Dragon's nose was flaring with small sparks of fire and his eyes grew even more narrow as he glared daggers towards the smaller figure.
"No! Of course not! Look, I apologize for the disturbance but I have an urgent request to make of you? I need your help!"
"Help?" Now all traces of fatigue were gone from the darkness Dragon's eyes. He regarded the Wingly with surprise and a slight trace of amusement. "Why should I help a Wingly like you? I have already given you sufficient aid by allowing you to fight with us in the struggle to bring down the Wingly. There can be no other assistance then that. Do not forget, our people are at war, and because such, I have little trust for the likes of you."
Duvok gulped uncertainly. He had always known that Thulrax had no love for him yet in this time of desperation, he had no one else to turn to. "I … I understand all of this but please! Hear me out! I beg of you."
"Heh, so the time actually comes when a Wingly bows before a Dragon. Who would have thought such a day was possible… Very well Duvok. At the very least, you've sparked my curiosity. What is it you wish of me?"
The small trace of a smile graced Duvok's face as new confidence began to develop within him. He quickly tried to hide this however, as he was sure Thulrax would read this as a bad sign. "I have come… to request your aid in helping me find the third Signet Sphere."
"WHAT?!?!?!"
No longer were the traces of amusement evident in Thulrax's eyes. Instead, they were now fueled with the fires of anger and rage. "You dare!? What kind of a fool do you take me for Wingly?"
"No please! I do not intend treachery! You must believe me! Look, let me explain! Frahma has found and retrieved the first Signet Sphere located in the ocean depths of Taqualis. I am unsure but it is possible they could have already slain the Sea Dragon protecting it. In addition to that, they are currently trying to retrieve the second Signet Sphere situated in the Gurnatrast mountain region. As I am sure you are aware, Zanatos will give them more then a warm welcome when and if they actually by pass the lava pool. However, Frahma is restless. He wants the location of all the Signet Sphere's so that his conquest may be complete. He has chosen me to find the third and final Signet Sphere. If I don't find it within the three days in which he assigned me the order, I will be executed. It's already been two days! Please! I need your help! I cannot find it otherwise! You must tell me where the third Signet Sphere is!"
"Hmph!" Thulrax snorted derisively. "And why should I tell you? You are of little importance to me. If you are killed by the Wingly Emperor for your incompetence, it is of little concern to me!"
Duvok felt the beads of sweat beading down his face as Thulrax's words began to sink in. "B… but I've always been loyal to you and the other Dragons. I have never betrayed you and I have done as much as I could to fight for what you all believed in."
"And yet, you are still a Wingly. You forget little man, the only reason you remained alive in the past was because of Zanatos! It was he that allowed you to work with us and carry on with your spying duties with the Winglies. As I am sure you are aware, Zanatos is no longer in charge around here. The council overruled him."
Duvok felt a cold shiver run across his entire body. "Wha… what are you saying?"
"I am saying, Wingly scum, that there is little use for you anymore. You have served your purpose long ago. Zanatos may have other intentions however I still tend to cling to my own philosophy. The only good Wingly, is a dead one!"
By now, Duvok was shaking violently. He took a few tentative steps back. "This… this can't be…. A few months ago… in the council! You agreed with me then! You 'supported' me! Why this sudden change now?"
"Do not misunderstand. I never once 'supported' you, Wingly. It just so happened at the time, the two of us shared the same intentions. That is all! No more no less. You are nothing to me!"
"Wait! Wait! Perhaps we can use this to our advantage right? Look if you told me where the third sphere was, I could relay that to Frahma and more then likely he'll send his forces there right? But then we can stage our attack from that area then begin our war that way. It will catch Frahma completely off guard!"
Thulrax suddenly fell into a fit of chuckling. Duvok took even more steps back, convinced that the Dark Dragon was falling deeper into some stage of insanity.
Thulrax continued to chuckle until soon it became a tremendous roar of laughter. Duvok was completely at a loss for what to do. He struggled within himself, debating whether it would be better to leave now while the Darkness Dragon was distracted or remain resolved with his purpose for coming, to show his confidence towards the cynical beast.
Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity to decide as Thulrax's laughter came to an abrupt end. "You truly amuse me, Wingly. All of your race, you all think you're so high and mighty since creating continents in the skies. You believe, because you where the last of the beings created by Soa that you are something better then the rest of us. Yet when the chips are down, Scum like you are there to remind us that deep down inside, you still sink to the same low dirty levels as the rest of us mortals!"
Duvok definitely didn't like where Thulrax was taking this. He once again began to back up. "Wha, wha… what are you saying… I'm not like the rest of the Wingly! I've been trying to tell you from the very beginning! I want to end this unjust slavery!"
"Ha! Just like the Wingly! They are all full of lies! You make me sick. I only tolerated you because of my position in the council. Well Zanatos is gone now and guess what? I'm in charge now!"
Duvok didn't know what to say. He was completely appalled. In his desperation and anxiety he hadn't realized it… hell even if he weren't as anxious, he still would never have realized it, something as sinister and cruel as this. He faltered visibly, trying to make whatever amends he could. "Thulrax… I…"
"SILENCE! Any creature who openly betrays his people for the wants and wishes of another is no good to anyone, even himself! You are truly a disgusting sight Duvok! Go! Run to your Emperor! Tell him what you well! Make up stories about where you 'suspect' the Signet Sphere is!"
Duvok, not knowing what else to do quickly turned around.
"Yet you still don't know what to tell him do you?" Came Thulrax sly voice from the not too far distance. "You are even more trapped now. Trapped between the proverbial rock and a hard place. You, who have betrayed your own people and find that the one's you've defected to have little use of you anymore. You, you are completely alone and abandoned now, desperate for a way out… I can show you that way… I can make it so that you will never have to worry about being alone ever again!"
Duvok turned his terrified eyes towards the dark Dragon now, fear drenched with horror as he gazed into those evil slits.
Suddenly, before he could react, Thulrax moved at quick lightning speed, as he reared his massive head down with a speed not even the Virage could mimic. Duvok didn't even have the chance to scream before massive teeth clamped about his waist, severing him in two. Blood gurgled from the Wingly's throat while the Dragon tossed his severed halves up and caught his front portion in his mouth, grinding him down in his teeth. He then finished his lunch, chewing the remains of what once used to be his legs.
A loud burp escaped the Dragon's mouth as he turned and reared his massive form back into the cave he had previously been napping it. A content smiled was now splayed across his enlarged, scaly lips. "You no longer have anything to fear Duvok… Welcome, you will forever be a part of me now… your taste will most assuredly not be forgotten."
And with that, the Darkness Dragon found his slumber, in the content reality that he had taken the life of yet another despicable Wingly.
****
The room of the village chieftain was dark and cloudy. The air had a faint scent of burning oils and dried bark. Only three lights shown throughout the whole room however they served only to intensify the very presence of the Chieftain himself. The village elder sat very still on the small mat he was sitting on while the three candles surrounded him on both sides and to the front. His back was to them yet that didn't stop him from taking the sharp intake of breath at the sound of their presence.
At least that was what Zieg thought as he pulled by the slightly rugged curtain of the hut located far towards the back of the Giganto village. Belzack followed close behind the shorter man, a dead serious expression written all over his face.
"Whew, it's the same scent as the last time I was here!" Zieg commented, plugging his nose. "Smells like burnt firewood in here."
The shorter man looked up towards his larger companion. Usually the big man would provide some sort of comment to his witty remarks, however this time it was different. It was almost as if the scene before him mesmerized the big man.
"Yo Bel! You with me there big fella?"
Belzack started suddenly then he glanced down at his shorter companion with an apologetic look. "Oh, sorry. I guess I was just too caught up in the moment… I'm fine."
Zieg gave him an unconvinced look. "Bel… there's something you're not telling me."
"Greetings, warriors of the floating city."
Both men quickly turned at the sudden voice. The village chieftain, still facing the wall, shifted his head. The flames flickered slightly in the darkness yet none of its occupants paid it any heed at the moment.
Belzack immediately took a seat on the floor where he previously stood. Zieg watched him with a perplexed expression on his face. When he saw that Belzack would not be turning his eyes in his direction any time soon, Zieg had little choice but to follow suit.
"Greetings chieftain." The big man responded meekly.
Zieg scratched his head nervously. He was beginning to feel completely out of place in this environment. Apparently, Belzack knew the customs in Giganto villages much better then he. "Err… Greetings again, great… Chieftain'ness."
This issued a low chuckle from the old village elder. "My my, you've developed a lot more respect since your last visit here my young warrior friend."
Zieg flushed slightly at this. When first he had met this chieftain, after Belzack was taken to the infirmary, to say that his fist impression was unkind would be an understatement. "Well, I apologize for that." He chuckled nervously. "But given the situation I was in at the time, you'll have to understand the reasoning for my behavior."
"Yes, fortunately I do. However, I am relieved that you have found the patience to offer me a more dignified greeting this time rather then before. However I must say your half Giganto companion over there has a little more skill on the subject then you I'm afraid."
Belzack's eyes widened in surprise. "How…?"
"How did I know you were half Giganto?" The elder man chuckled as he finally shifted in his position. He turned around slowly to face the two young warriors. Unlike most of the other Gigantos, the village chieftain was a rather short and scrawny man. Clearly he had devoted more time towards studies and the higher philosophies of the world rather then constricting himself to the labors and odorous tasks of his fellow village neighbors. Over that fragile form, he wore a deep brown robe that covered him from neck to ankles with a small hood collected around his shoulders.
Narrowing his eyes sagely, he offered Belzack a wan smile. "Young man, I could tell it in your voice. "When you're a village Chieftain for a Giganto village, you tend to pick up on these things quite easily. By the way you conducted yourself, I must say you've been well trained, despite your half-breed heritage."
Belzack smiled lightly as memories of his family flashed through his mind. "Yes… I was very fortunate. My late father would teach me many of the old Giganto customs, despite the extremely different culture we were living in at the time."
"I see. When you say 'late' father, I assume he past away. I am very sorry to hear that."
Belzack nodded sadly. "It's been over twenty years since then. I've learned to accept it. Nonetheless, thank you for your kind words."
"Indeed. However, After hearing from our smaller companion about the mission you two are currently embarking upon, I'm sure you have more pressing concerns on your mind at the moment then old Giganto customs."
"Indeed we have!" Zieg immediately sat up. "Chieftain, I'm very grateful for all that you've done for me and my friend but I was wondering if you could do us one more favor."
"What is it that you wish of me?"
"Currently were are headed towards Gurnatrast. I was wondering if you could tell us exactly how close we are to that particular city."
The elder's eyes widened slightly at this. "You seek to go to Gurnatrast? That would not be a wise choice at this time. You may not be aware of this but much is happening in that location at the time being. As I've heard, many slaves are being ruthlessly put to work, many more are even being killed."
"We are indeed aware of that situation Cheiftain." Belzack responded in a soft but firm voice. "That is partially why we seek to go there."
The Chieftain shook his head softly. "I do not know what the two of you have planned. I cannot phantom that two men could quell a revolution especially in an area as currently fortified as that one is at the time."
"At the time, the amount of slaves there is at its highest." Zieg cut in. "If we do stir up trouble, just maybe we might get the response we're looking for."
"That is still a very foolish and rash assumption my young friend. I do believe it would be wise if you took a little more time to think this over."
Chieftain, we've been thinking it over for two months now." Belzack quickly interjected. "I agree that it is a rather rash action to pursue however there is a two fold plan that we have in mind. Apparently the Wingly are mining for something big down there. Our plan is to thwart off whatever they hope to find."
Zieg grinned wickedly. "In other words, whatever they hope to find, we're gonna find first."
Once again, the Chieftain sighed. "I still believe what you two young souls are trying to do is extremely dangerous. And yet, I can see in your eyes that the two of you are already aware of the consequences. Very well… I will tell you what you need to know. Unfortunately, even though we all respect what the two of you are doing, I cannot allow you to take any of our men with you. Please understand, if we were to be discovered the consequences for us would be disastrous."
Belzack nodded his head in understanding. "We are aware of what you and your villagers are doing here and thus we were prepared for this answer. Trust me, we understand you completely."
The Chieftain lowered his head in approval then turned his eyes towards Zieg. "To think, in a land where people of different races hate each other more often then not… it is relieving to see that a man such as yourself can be so accepting of your companions heritage."
"It's never been a problem before." Zeig replied. "Besides, in this hell hole we are living in now, I think it would be best if all this racial infighting came to an end and our people started working together. That is the only way we can ever hope to escape the oppressive rule of the Wingly."
The elder man smiled kindly. "My young friend, truer words have never been spoken. Gurnatrast is worth a three day travel from here. If you continue north and follow the oak wood trail, it should lead you right to it. It can be a rough travel at night so I'd highly advise that the two of you rest here for the night until morning before continuing on your quest."
Both companions nodded their heads in thanks.
"We appreciate your help Chieftain." Belzack replied. "And I agree that it would be wise we wait the night out. Once again I think I speak on behalf of my companion as well as myself when I say we are thankful for all that you have offered us. If there is every any way to repay you…"
The elder man simply chuckled lightly. "Do not worry about it. If you want to find some way to repay us then repay us by winning the war and ending the oppressive rule of the Winglies."
****
"Whip smack!" Rose called out as she ripped her blade horizontally towards her red haired opponent. Shirley flipped away at the last possible second, effectively evading her last attack, albeit barley.
Rose narrowed her eyes in concentration then charged in once more, delivering a low sweep. Shirley gracefully back flipped over this attack then fired an arrow towards the dark haired woman.
Rose caught sight of the speeding projectile and quickly rolled out of the way. Shirley charged in, bringing out her sword. A wicked grin made its way across Rose lips as she too brandished her sword. In a matter of seconds, the loud clangs of connecting blades rang throughout the air. Neither opponent gave any leeway as they attacked each other furiously.
Finally after what seemed like hours, Shirley ducked under an overhead strike then brought her knee to Rose mid-section, draining the wind from her lungs. Rose fell to the ground in pain and exhaustion, fighting to regain her composure. Unfortunately it was too late. Shirley extended the tip of her blade directly at the dark haired woman.
Rose gave a wicked grin as she tossed her sword to the side. "I almost had you that time Shirley."
Shirley smiled then sheathed her sword and extending her hand to help her up. "That you did Rose. I am surprised at how fast you are adapting to your training. Before long, I'm sure you'll easily defeat me."
Rose grinned as she wiped the perspiring sweat from her brow. "Yeah, I'm getting there. In any case, how's the situation going with the Dragon Council? You recently told me you were going to converse with your mother about it. Has there been any change?"
Shirley sighed heavily folding her arms across her chest in a brooding fashion. Rose immediately noticed the slight frown developing on her friend's face and suddenly she wished she hadn't brought it up.
Surprisingly however, Shirley took a few light steps towards a nearby bench and sat down. "Unfortunately, things do not bode well within the Council of Dragons. My last conversation with my mother was troubling to say the least. It seems the Dragons are still very adamant about their attack…"
"I see…" Rose replied demurely. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's ok… it's just… with all this stuff going on, it makes me fearful of my mothers own safety. As you know, she is the daughter of the legendary white dragon of the past so there is much pressure put upon her. I just hope they don't try to involve her in any of this."
Rose saw the agonized look in Shirley's eyes and couldn't help but respond to it. "I still don't understand exactly why the Dragon's are making such a foolish attack. Why are they planning a war when they know that the Winglys vastly outnumber them?"
Shirley chuckled lightly at this. "That is the magic question my mother herself continues to ask the Dragons. Unfortunately, Zanatos has conceded to the decision via unanimous decision. Apparently the Wingly are finally after the Signet Spheres. My mother's greatest fears are being realized. Thulrax the Darkness Dragon believes the only way to avert this tragedy is by dying in glorious flaming death. He fails to see the importance of why Dragons should continue to live, more so now then ever. Zanatos tried to tell this to the council but their pride prevented them from listening to reason."
Rose silently cupped her chin in thought. "So then, from what I understand, the true problem lies in the Wingly's pursuit of the Signet Sphere's, whatever those may be."
"Correct. From what the Wingly spy has told the Dragon Council, Melbu Frahma wishes to ascend to even greater power by acquiring these spheres."
Rose face immediately shifted to a more angry expression. She had definitely not forgotten the cruel actions of the Wingly Emperor nor would she ever forgive. Her hands shook with barely suppressed rage. "So then… in other words… If the Wingly were thwarted from finding their precious Sphere's, all of this death and pain can be avoided right?"
"Well… I'm not sure exactly but that seems to be a valid assumption, yes."
Rose grinned lightly, tightening the grip of her leather gloves on her right hand. "Well then, why don't we make that difference Shirley?"
"What?" The red haired woman's eyes widened in surprise at her companion's sudden words. "Rose you can't be serious!"
"I'm deadly serious! I mean look, why are we fretting around here if you're so worried about your mother? Shouldn't we, as part of the Dragon Thorn clan, do what little we can to aid them as much as possible?"
"Rose, most Dragons will definitely not consider us as one of their own. And aside from that, have you thought about the severity of what you are trying to propose?!? The Wingly are pulling out all the stops to find those Spheres! What makes you think we will come out of this alive!?"
"We have to start fighting some time Shirley! Haven't you ever wanted to make a difference? Haven't you ever wanted to finally put an end to the constant struggling? Surely you can't be content with remaining here for the rest of your life!"
"Rose… that's not the point."
"THEN WHAT 'IS' THE POINT SHIRLEY!?!" By now Rose was adamant as she shook her fists with every word. "People are dying all around us ever day. Thanks to you, you helped to open my eyes to this. What is the use of all the training you have subjected me to if we're never going to use any of it? Why are we here? Are we just going to hide away for the rest of our lives until someone comes around and ends it all? Are we those kinds of cowards?"
"Rose!" Shirley sighed in frustration as she ran her fingers through a few strands of red hair. "I want to fight too. Believe me! But you have to be realistic here! What you're proposing is a little too far fetched."
"How is it far fetched? You told me once before that Zanatos is the keeper of one of the Spheres. If I'm not mistaken, he lives in the mountains of Gurnatrast correct?"
"Yes, but-"
"Fine! We can take one of the transportation shells you have in the main room and teleport there!"
"Rose listen to me! How do you intend to avoid Wingly detection? We're good, yes but we aren't that good! We can't defeat a whole Wingly army!"
"Well it's about time we started trying 'something' Shirley! It's about time somebody made the difference! Look I 'know' you want to do this! I can see it in your eyes! Please! Just agree with me! If we're careful we can do this without a hitch! It's not like I'm proposing we destroy the Wingly. All I'm saying is that we collect the Spheres stealthily so that the Wingly will never get there hands on them!"
Shirley was silent for a bit, brooding the issue over in her mind."… You promise… no senseless fighting?"
"Unless there is a need to, I have no reason to spill blood."
The red haired woman sighed heavily, crossing her shoulders. "…Ok, fine. We'll try it your way. We can use the main portal to get at least three miles outside of Gurnatrast territory. Since we have no idea what so ever what kind of fortification they have going there, it would be wiser if we played the better part of stealth instead of valor."
Rose nodded her head in understanding. She flashed an anxious grin towards her companion as she knelt down to retrieve her sword. "Finally! It's about time we put our training to use. If we work together, I know we can do this."
Shirley turned around towards her own discarded bow. "We'll leave in two hours after we've freshened up and all. I'm pretty sure mom won't like this crazy idea any better then I do so we won't bother to inform her just yet…"
"Sure thing." Rose replied nonchalantly, making her way towards one of the far wall partitions leading to one of the bathing areas. "I'll be waiting for you here in two hours then."
Shirley nodded and continued to walk towards her own private quarters. Silently she shook her head as the intensity of this new revelation made its way to her head. "Who needs to worry about the Wingly?" She mumbled to herself in a depressed tone of voice. "…When mom finds out, she's gonna kill me!"
::::::::::To Be Continued::::::::::
Author's note: Thanks for reading and sorry it took so long. Lots of things going on right now but I'm back at it again. please stay tuned for chapter 12.