Chapter 19
The Lady Arlena was supervising the removal of her tent when Gilthanas found her. He didn't dismount as he passed her the crumpled parchment, his eyes scanning around for signs they were being watched. He couldn't find any, but the tension in his shoulders didn't slacken. He could feel the eyes boring into his back.
Arlena read the note quickly before handing it back. "It will not change our plans. Be extra vigilant, my friend."
Gilthanas nodded curtly. "Watch your back, lady. If the warning is valid, you have more to fear than I." He spurred his horse away, moving to where the other scouts were waiting to get going.
Arlena watched him go, noting his manner with the other scouts, and shook her head once. He was giving orders like he was the commanding officer. Her smile was grudging; she'd always liked watching him give orders. Yet there was a temperance to his stance that hadn't been there before. He wasn't giving orders, from what she could tell, he was making suggestions. Forceful suggestions, but suggestions none-the-less. It was reassuring to see.
The reaction of her men, was not. They jumped to positions around the camp, their eyes scanning the surroundings as if looking for danger. Which they probably were. Knowing Gilthanas, he'd told them the truth about their advasary and sent them off prepared. No matter what the reaction among her troops would be.
Men!
"My Lady?"
She turned, finding her squire holding the reigns of her saddled horse. "Thank you. Tell the men we'll be moving fast today - we need to find that creature and rid our land of it."
The squire bowed, sending out the runners even as she mounted.
Watching her men form up was always thrilling for Arlena. She loved to see them jump into action - even when it was for such a simple drill.
With the least amount of fuss, the column formed, and she kicked her horse into a gallop, heading for the front.
Several hours later a scream of a dragon broke through the day's unnatural stillness. Birds and insects had disappeared as though sensing the presence of a malevolent creature. Their caution was warranted as the Knight column turned, almost as one, towards the scream. Half froze as the Dragon fear swept over them, the others fought to control their horses.
A young green, only slightly larger than a full grown Silver, dove on the column, opening its mouth to use its breath weapon.
Gilthanas, long since immune to Dragon Fear, managed to maintain control of his mount and kicked it into a sprint for Arlena.
The Lady Knight sat calmly on her horse, staring up at the oncoming green. "Disperse!" Her voice cracked like a whip, jarring the men and beasts into action as the green neared the end of its dive.
It pulled up sharply as the column scattered, screeching its protest at the well executed tactic.
Arlena hardly noticed when Gilthanas reached her side, so intent she was on the Green. "Lancers!"
There was the sound of scrambling as a long line of Knights scrambled to get into formation as the Green dove again. The sound of hooves on rock and sand was clear, even above the howling wind, as horses scattered in fear with ot without their masters.
The Knights lines up, even as the Green opened it's mouth and breathed on them. They held their breath, as they'd been taught, and kicked their steeds towards the low flying beast. Adam Wistan and several of his company never made it to the fighting as their horses breathed in the toxins and sent them to the ground.
Gilthanas shook his head as the steel lances bounced off the armored skin of the Green. "We can't win this on the ground, Lady. You know that!" he had to yell to be heard above the wind which was whipping around the battle filed.
Thankfully, that wind, which sent soldiers to their knees, also dispersed the poisons in the Green's breath weapon.
Arlena didn't even look at Gilthanas. "We cannot fight him in the air. It's not possible."
"One of your Knights carries a Dragonlance." he pointed towards where Arthur was assisting his father. "You know the power of those weapons, Lady. We need to use it."
"There are many ways to kill Dragons," she shot back, glaring at him. "One doesn't always have a Dragonlance handy!"
"But why take the hard way? This could be ended here and now."
"You invite more to come and kill me," her words were just barely audible as the Knights formed up to withstand the next attack of the Green. "If I fight him on Dragon's terms, I lose what anonymity I have. I will be known always as the Silver Dragon who fought. I want a life beyond that, Gilthanas!"
"At the expense of your men?"
She turned in time to see several of them scooped up, horses and all, in the claws of the Green, only to be dropped like rag dolls from the heights. Her jaw tightened. "They know the hazards of their profession; I can't save them all."
"Then perhaps you too have changed!" His words were harsh. "If you won't do anything, then I will."
"Gilthanas!" she shouted, only to be ignored as he kicked his horse into a gallop towards where Arthur and Adam were hoisting a lance. Foolish elf! She made to spur her horse but the green made another pass, the wind from its wings knocking her off balance and sending her to the ground. The green focused on her, the whirlwind buffeting her and keeping her close to the ground.
Gilthanas saw none of this as he reigned in next to the Knight. "Sir Wistan!"
The Knight turned, his visor still up. "My lord?"
"Your weapon is needed."
Adam shook his head. "I've tried to use it from the ground, Gilthanas. They work better in the air."
"We have to try; we'll all be killed otherwise."
Adam considered it. "Arthur, fetch the Dragonlance. We'll hold them off until you do."
Arthur nodded, sprinting away between fallen, screaming men and horses, towards the supply wagons. Wagons which were surprisingly intact.
Gilthanas nodded to the Knight's weapon. "Follow me."
Adam nodded, his visor slipping down into the ready position as they kicked their horses into a run. Gilthanas leaned over the side to grab the lance of a fallen Knight as he headed back towards Arlena's position.
"Arlena!" he finally saw the green advancing, the scream enough send a chill down his spine. "No! I haven't come this far to lose you."
Adam watched as the lightly dressed Elf lord pulled away, his lance aimed straight over Arlena's head where the Dragon's snout would be.
Gilthanas and the Dragon connected with a resounding impact. The dragon reared away, stung by the lance blow to the snout and without its target. Gilthanas was thrown backwards, off his horse and crashed to the ground a few feet away. He groaned, seeing the eyes of the green flash with malevolent intent as it turned its focus from the shape-changed Silver to Gilthanas.
A horse obscured his vision as Adam Wistan took up a position between the fallen Elf and the dragon, his lance aimed high to deter the creature. It hissed, circling above them, its gaze going from where Arlena was getting to her feet, to where the Elf who'd wounded him was still lying on the ground.
Arthur watched as much as he could as he ripped the wagons apart, looking for his father's lance. Finally, at the bottom of the second last wagon, the gleam of the lance, its spirit awakened by the presence of the evil dragon, caught his eye.
Arthur turned just as the dragon dove on his father, the black eyes flashing with rage at the puny human who would dare to challenge it.
Arthur watched, horrified, as his father struck the dragon on a soft spot, just below the jaw, only to be struck with the side of the dragon's jaw as it shook off the blow. Razor claws swung around and pierced the platinum armor of the Knight. "NO!"
Arthur couldn't tell if the word had been torn from his throat as he sprinted, Dragonlance in hand, towards the dragon and the body of his father. The dragon, having been forced to land to deal with the Knight and the resulting blows, was trying to push itself off the ground. "No, you're not getting away!" Arthur's sprint took him into range with the Dragonlance just as the green pushed itself into the air, the resulting wind throwing the enraged young man backwards. His eyes were caught on his father as the gleaming steel, now tarnished by blood, fell from the white claws of the green. He could feel angry tears sting his eyes as his father's body hit the ground, knowing, even as he pushed himself to his feet, that he would be dead.
The Dragonlance lay where he'd dropped it, several feet away, forgotten in the tragedy of death.
Gilthanas regained his wits as the Green became airborne once again, his own eyes focused on the body of the man who'd befriended him. He caught sight of Arthur even as Arlena came to his side, his heart going out to the young man who'd just lost his father.
"Gilthanas! Thank the gods you're alright."
"Arlena." He almost jumped when he was enfolded in a powerful hug. "My Lady, are you alright?"
She nodded. "Are you?"
He smiled faintly. "Bruised and battered. The green will return."
She looked up, her eyes drawn to where Arthur was kneeling over the body of his father, his head bowed, his face a mask of sorrowful rage. "What have I done?"
Gilthanas followed her gaze. "There are more than just that boy and his father here, Lady. Can't you see we cannot win this on the ground? How many more must suffer as he?"
She watched as Arthur continued to cry over the body of his father, his posture betraying the deepness of the injury. She swallowed hard. "I cannot reveal myself to the men. Come quickly; retrieve the lance."
He scrambled to his feet, looking to the sky to see the green circling again. "We don't have much time. Go; I will find you."
She looked at him, torn between insisting they stay together and the necessity of separation. "Be careful."
He smiled, his heart in his eyes. "You too."
She watched as he turned away, hopping over bodies and fallen weapons as he headed for the young man. She wrenched her gaze away, searching the area for the woods. There. She glanced at the sky briefly, taking a deep breath before sprinting for cover. The green, circling high above, saw them separate, and looked at each one with indecision. Finally, rational through got the better of it, and the massive wings folded back against its spine and he dove.
Gilthanas felt the pressure change as the green made its move, his eyes going directly to it. "Arlena!"
She didn't turn or slow, and showed no signs of hearing him.
He cupped his hands. "Arlena! Watch out!"
This time she ducked, diving to the ground and looking behind her. Even at a distance he saw her eyes go wide with surprise. He saw her roll out of the way as the green attempted to grab her with his claws. Bile rose in his throat and he choked it back, turning. "Arthur."
Arthur looked up from the body of his father to see the fury in the eyes of the Elf lord match his own. "What?"
"The Dragonlance. Where is it? Arlena's in trouble."
Arthur nodded a ways away, gently placing his father's hands on his chest. "Over there."
A scream from the dragon drew both their attention and they whirled in time to see a massive silver maw close around its neck.
Arthur took a step back. "A Silver..."
Gilthanas turned back to him. "The lance, boy. We need it fast!"
Arthur nodded, shaking off the urge to shout with renewed hope. "I'll get it."
Gilthanas watched him run for the lance and unsheathed his sword as he turned to face the green and silver serpents. His mouth went dry as he watched Silvara fight the green, ice forming around her jaws as she breathed directly onto the scaly leviathan.
The green screamed again and Gilthanas raced for the battle, his sword flashing in the light.
The green somehow managed to shake off the powerful jaws of the Silver, its claws drawing red lines down the chest of the good dragon.
Silvara's wings were folded tightly against her back, using only her tail for balance as she barreled into the green, barely avoiding a bite to the neck.
Movement out of the corner of her eye distracted her and the green came back again, this time successfully latching onto the shining scales. She threw her head back, trying to dislodge him.
Gilthanas jumped on the back of the green as it was intent on his love's neck, racing with elven agility up its back, right between the wings. He spun the blade around and drove it downwards. "Let her go!"
His shout and the sting of the keen, elven steel sliding between two scales was enough to startle the green. Its jaws loosened for an instant and Silvara hopped away.
The green turned its head back as Gilthanas pulled the sword, dripping with ichor, from its hide.
"Gilthanas! Look out!" the Silver's warning almost came too late.
He looked up just as the jaws came down, and managed to throw himself off, the blade-like teeth grazing his sword arm and his back. He gritted his teeth as he landed, rolling with the impact as he felt the jaws come at him again.
The squeal of the green informed him that Silvara had come to his rescue and he stopped rolling,. She had pounced on the green, driving it to the ground as she rendered its back with teeth and talon.
They thrashed together, the green throwing the Silver off with difficulty. Ichor dripped from many shallow wounds in its back as it propelled itself upwards, looking to gain an advantage.
Gilthanas forced himself into a sitting position, cradling the wounds on his arm. He couldn't wield the Dragonlance; there was too much pain.
Arthur slid to a stop beside the fallen elf lord, sucking wind as the Silver kept an eye on the green, hissing menacingly whenever it made to dive. "Gilthanas!"
The elf smiled faintly. "I'm afraid I'm done for the day, Arthur. The green got me good. Help her; use the lance as you've been taught and remove that creature from the sky!"
Arthur looked at the Silver uncertainly. "But... that was practice and I've never ridden a dragon..."
Gilthanas grabbed his collar with his uninjured hand and forced the young man to look at him. "She won't let you fall. Avenge your Father and his comrades, lad. All you have to do is hang on; she'll do most of the work."
Arthur still looked nervous and Gilthanas released him. "Arlena!"
Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as the Silver turned her head, coming down to place her head next to the elf lord. The deep, shimmering orbs were awash with concern.
Gilthanas placed his good hand on the curve of her jaw. "I'm done my love. I cannot fight this fight with you. Arthur is said to be a master lanceman and he wishes to avenge his father."
The silver turned her head to look at the young man. "Adam Wistan was an honorable man. I would be flattered to fight such a battle with his son. Rest, Gilthanas. We will return once the green has been vanquished."
Gilthanas pushed himself as far up as he could go, placing a gentle kiss on the muzzle of the Silver. "Be careful."
She nodded once, dropping her shoulder to the squire even as she pulled away from him. "Be at ease, my love; I will return."
Gilthanas said nothing as Arthur followed the Silver's instructions with an almost mechanical movement. His skill with the lance, however, was evident in the way he held it, even in shock.
A rush of wind and the screech of the Green followed by the angry bugle of the Silver followed Gilthanas' head to the clearing floor. Heart sick and terrified to be left on the ground while his love went into battle, he couldn't find the strength to pull his eyes away.
Arthur felt the wind snapping at his hair, the rush of it against his skin, as the Silver sped towards the hissing green.
They dove sharply, and he grabbed by instinct the ridges in font of him, unconscious of the pinching sensation on his thighs. He didn't want to fall off. Thankfully, the Dragonlance was secure in his hand and felt as light as a feather. His head snapped back with the movement and he could see the cloud of noxious gas the Silver had ducked to avoid.
"Are you well, Master Wistan?"
He blinked as the words of the Dragon came back to him. "I'll manage. Let's kill this vile creature."
She appeared to nod once before he felt her body elongate. She stretched out, dagger like, her teeth barred to the green. Yet as they approached, she swerved, opening her mouth to breathe ice on the jade scales.
The green made to manuver, but was caught on the rear, its hindlegs going numb as the full force of the Silver's breath came to bear. Both dragons were slightly unbalanced; neither had fought one of their own kind in a long time.
They were cautious, circling each other as Arthur tried to get the lance into a comfortable, useable position. He fumbled, barely catching the haft as it slipped from his grip, and righted it. He rubbed his hands, first one, then the other, on his pants and grasped the shaft tightly. He couldn't risk dropping their hope for victory.
The Silver set herself into a position, much like a horse in a jousting match, and dove at the green.
Arthur bent low over the lance, keeping it straight as they bore in on the green, a brilliant light reflecting off the well polished surface. "Paladine!" his worse were ripped from his lips, but he didn't care. "Paladine! God of Good, help me strike true and avenge my father! Give me the strength to vanquish this foe!"
Arthur knew the old gods were gone, knew that the god of his faith had left Krynn with the rest, yet he felt stronger, more able to wield this lance which he'd never drempt to carry a-dragonback. He felt courage and resolve fill him with a certainty that this was the right course of action and, as they neared the green, felt time slow to a crawl.
He saw the eyes on the green focus on the shaft of his lance with contempt. Yet, as they neared, that contempt turn to puzzlement and then fear as the Dragon saw its own doom in the form of a lance. Arthur saw the green try to tuck its wings in and duck away, but the Silver wouldn't allow it.
The impact of the lance, set firmly against his body, threw him backwards, into the up-stroking wings of the Silver, yet he hung on as the lance fought to pierce the skin of the beast.
And pierce it did after the moment's rsistance, sinking down to the haft.
Ichor sprayed across the shining scales of the Silver, darkening them to an almost iridescent black.
The Silver pulled away quickly after the first blow, having no interest in being caught in the green's death throws. She knew, just by looking, that the lance had struck true and the green didn't hav long to live. But even as she pulled away, she felt the squire who rode her go, too. She caught him in her front claws as he passed beyond her neck, the lance still firmly held in his hands.
"Let it go."
Arthur shook his head. "I can't. My father..."
"Your father is dead, Arthur, and so will you be if you hold on. He would want you to live! Let go!"
Arthur argued only once more with the Silver before she threatened to leave him, ducking under the thrashing of the green with little success. The green would succumb to gravity soon enough and they had to be away from here.
Arthur finally let go, and, as he released the lance, whatever had been holding the green in place, lost its power.
The green plummetted to the earth like a stone.
The Silver watched dispassionately as the green connected with the stones below, its back broken, the lance sticking out from its side the obvious evidence of its deminse. Arthur grasped her claws quietly, saying nothing, as the Silver turned back to where Gilthanas lay. Only then did she notice what she'd been clawed.
Large furrows curved their way down over her right shoulder and down her lower side. Ichor coated the silver scales, turning them a dull gray as she landed next to the elf lord. Arthur was set down gently, but he collapsed anyway. The starch in his knees vanished as he sank to the ground.
The Silver flexed her wing, a flash of pain lancing down her side and causing an inadvertant moan. Gilthanas pushed himself to his feet, stumbling to her side even as she pressed herself closer to the ground.
The moans and screams of injured and dying men and horses could be heard clearly as the wind died. Gilthanas winced, unwilling to add his own voice to that of the other men. They had fought valliantly against a foe they'd had little chance in beating. The Silver lowered her head to where he stood, surveying the field even as he approached her. She nudged him, just enough to halt his progress.
Gilthanas turned his gaze to hers. "You should be proud of them - they fought well."
She sudged him gently. "I'm proud of all of them. Arthur and you most of all."
Gilthanas' brow drew together with concern as he heard the shadow of pain in her voice. "Are you alright?"
A draconic smile crossed her face. "Nothing a few days won't heal. How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been through the meat grinder. I-" he stopped as the sound of beating wings brought his head up.
Khellendros hoved in the sky above, his serpentine eyes taking in the carnage below before he alighted next to the body of the green. The ichor still ran, the tail still twitched, even so the blue lowered his head and appeared to suck the remaining force from the frame. The green scales moved, undulating under the power as the substance inside was drawn away. Khellendros made a couple of quick slashing movements, evicerating the body, before moving back. His gaze turned to where Gilthanas and the Silver stood.
The field lay between the two yet, as Kitiara, his ride, lifted her hand in salute, the Blue bowed his head in acknowledgement. The movement was unexpected, as unexpected as the triumphant bellow which shattered the morning and drew all eyes as he spread his wings. His font legs gathered the green's carcass under the wing joints as they all watched.
Gilthanas felt the weight of the Silver's head disappear from his side and turned, just in time, to see her draconic form melt away to be replaced by Arlena. He moved to her side, feeling the blue launch himself from the ground, his talons holding the carcass of the green as he flew away over the mountain ridge. She slid her hand into his as the blue disappeared from sight.
"You're secret's out."
She nodded. "I know."
"Lady Arlena!"
They both turned to see several of her Knights staring at her in awe. Gilthanas squeezed her hand as she stepped forward. "Sir Baldwin?"
"It is true. The stories, the rumors... You are a Silver Dragon!"
Gilthanas felt her tense and moved quietly to her side, standing beside her now as he couldn't have before.
"I am. Does this displease you, Sir Baldwin?"
The Knight blinked as if he'd been sucker punched. "Displease? Never my lady, never! I am proud to be one of your Knights. Prouder still that you take such a humble shape for your day to day dealings and only use your true form when there is no other choise. I am honored to be one of your Knights."
The Knights around him nodded as one, saluting her with their swords as she finally began to relax. "Thank you, Sir Baldwin. All of you, you have no idea the stress you've taken from my shoulders. Come, we must tend our wounded comrades."
Sir Baldwin bowed to her. "As you wish, my lady. The lads will be filled with hope once they see your face. Arthur!"
The squire turned his head, his face blank. "Yes, sir?"
"Come lad, that's no way for the Hero of the day to act. Be proud, hold your head high, you've earned a place in the Knighthood this day!"
Arthur blinked as the unspoken sponsorship pledge sank into his brain. "Truly?" his voice was soft, his gaze moving to where his father's body lay."
Sir Baldwin moved to the boy's side and clasped him on the shoulder. "Aye, lad. Your father would be proud. Come, we must see to the others; he is beyond now."
Arthur nodded, moving to follow the other Knight as Arlena and Gilthanas moved towards the supply wagons. They'd somehow come through the battle intact - though several of the horses had been caught in the noxious fumes of the green's breath and would never pull another cart.
Arlena guided Gilthanas to the wagon with the medical supplies and bade him collect the remaining cart horses so that they could more easily distribute the supplies
The remaining Knights worked slowly gathering their fallen comerades. The solemn duty was not taken lightly and they worked well into the darkness, exhausted men becoming almost mechanical in movement as they collected each body. Arthur helped, his gaze straying back to where the body of his father lay, draped in his cloak, the form undisturbed. And so it remained, even as the sun climbed over the horizon once again. The men didn't pause, even to break their fast, determined to be on the road by mid-day.
Arlena and Gilthanas assisted the wounded. They bound wound after wound, cauterizing those that refused to stop bleeding, and encouraged the men to rest. None, not even those barely able to hold their own weight, heeded their advice. To a man, the Knights wanted to honor their dead and return home.
The last of the bodies were piled on the emptied supply carts shortly before noon, the remaining horses gathered and the wounded, who couldn't walk, piled into what space was left. They beseeched Arlena to preserve the bodies on the carts - which she did, blowing ice to coat the bodies and keep them from decomposing prematurely. Those which had thought the Silver Dragon to be a dream, now knew better and could only watch her with a heavy hearted awe.
They left on the field only that which they had no room to move, yet the carcasses of the fallen steeds, stripped of mail and protection, seemed a dishonor. But one they hadn't the resources to rectify. Only then did the slow procession back to the keep begin.
All of the Knights who remained able-bodied, walked. The chinking sound of mail and plate filled the air even as the horses, roped six to a wagon, struggled to pull their loads. Arlena walked with her men, the wounds in her back a minor irritation to the heaviness which filled her heart. She'd led these men into a battle ill-prepared, yet they'd not seen it that way. But she knew better. Once they arrived home, she would have to send word to the Solamnic council and explain the events. A chore she wasn't looking forward to.
Author's Note: I don't currently have a spell checker on my computer, so I apologize for any and all spelling and gramatical mistakes. Bear with me, I'll try and fix it in the future. Thanks for reading!
The Lady Arlena was supervising the removal of her tent when Gilthanas found her. He didn't dismount as he passed her the crumpled parchment, his eyes scanning around for signs they were being watched. He couldn't find any, but the tension in his shoulders didn't slacken. He could feel the eyes boring into his back.
Arlena read the note quickly before handing it back. "It will not change our plans. Be extra vigilant, my friend."
Gilthanas nodded curtly. "Watch your back, lady. If the warning is valid, you have more to fear than I." He spurred his horse away, moving to where the other scouts were waiting to get going.
Arlena watched him go, noting his manner with the other scouts, and shook her head once. He was giving orders like he was the commanding officer. Her smile was grudging; she'd always liked watching him give orders. Yet there was a temperance to his stance that hadn't been there before. He wasn't giving orders, from what she could tell, he was making suggestions. Forceful suggestions, but suggestions none-the-less. It was reassuring to see.
The reaction of her men, was not. They jumped to positions around the camp, their eyes scanning the surroundings as if looking for danger. Which they probably were. Knowing Gilthanas, he'd told them the truth about their advasary and sent them off prepared. No matter what the reaction among her troops would be.
Men!
"My Lady?"
She turned, finding her squire holding the reigns of her saddled horse. "Thank you. Tell the men we'll be moving fast today - we need to find that creature and rid our land of it."
The squire bowed, sending out the runners even as she mounted.
Watching her men form up was always thrilling for Arlena. She loved to see them jump into action - even when it was for such a simple drill.
With the least amount of fuss, the column formed, and she kicked her horse into a gallop, heading for the front.
Several hours later a scream of a dragon broke through the day's unnatural stillness. Birds and insects had disappeared as though sensing the presence of a malevolent creature. Their caution was warranted as the Knight column turned, almost as one, towards the scream. Half froze as the Dragon fear swept over them, the others fought to control their horses.
A young green, only slightly larger than a full grown Silver, dove on the column, opening its mouth to use its breath weapon.
Gilthanas, long since immune to Dragon Fear, managed to maintain control of his mount and kicked it into a sprint for Arlena.
The Lady Knight sat calmly on her horse, staring up at the oncoming green. "Disperse!" Her voice cracked like a whip, jarring the men and beasts into action as the green neared the end of its dive.
It pulled up sharply as the column scattered, screeching its protest at the well executed tactic.
Arlena hardly noticed when Gilthanas reached her side, so intent she was on the Green. "Lancers!"
There was the sound of scrambling as a long line of Knights scrambled to get into formation as the Green dove again. The sound of hooves on rock and sand was clear, even above the howling wind, as horses scattered in fear with ot without their masters.
The Knights lines up, even as the Green opened it's mouth and breathed on them. They held their breath, as they'd been taught, and kicked their steeds towards the low flying beast. Adam Wistan and several of his company never made it to the fighting as their horses breathed in the toxins and sent them to the ground.
Gilthanas shook his head as the steel lances bounced off the armored skin of the Green. "We can't win this on the ground, Lady. You know that!" he had to yell to be heard above the wind which was whipping around the battle filed.
Thankfully, that wind, which sent soldiers to their knees, also dispersed the poisons in the Green's breath weapon.
Arlena didn't even look at Gilthanas. "We cannot fight him in the air. It's not possible."
"One of your Knights carries a Dragonlance." he pointed towards where Arthur was assisting his father. "You know the power of those weapons, Lady. We need to use it."
"There are many ways to kill Dragons," she shot back, glaring at him. "One doesn't always have a Dragonlance handy!"
"But why take the hard way? This could be ended here and now."
"You invite more to come and kill me," her words were just barely audible as the Knights formed up to withstand the next attack of the Green. "If I fight him on Dragon's terms, I lose what anonymity I have. I will be known always as the Silver Dragon who fought. I want a life beyond that, Gilthanas!"
"At the expense of your men?"
She turned in time to see several of them scooped up, horses and all, in the claws of the Green, only to be dropped like rag dolls from the heights. Her jaw tightened. "They know the hazards of their profession; I can't save them all."
"Then perhaps you too have changed!" His words were harsh. "If you won't do anything, then I will."
"Gilthanas!" she shouted, only to be ignored as he kicked his horse into a gallop towards where Arthur and Adam were hoisting a lance. Foolish elf! She made to spur her horse but the green made another pass, the wind from its wings knocking her off balance and sending her to the ground. The green focused on her, the whirlwind buffeting her and keeping her close to the ground.
Gilthanas saw none of this as he reigned in next to the Knight. "Sir Wistan!"
The Knight turned, his visor still up. "My lord?"
"Your weapon is needed."
Adam shook his head. "I've tried to use it from the ground, Gilthanas. They work better in the air."
"We have to try; we'll all be killed otherwise."
Adam considered it. "Arthur, fetch the Dragonlance. We'll hold them off until you do."
Arthur nodded, sprinting away between fallen, screaming men and horses, towards the supply wagons. Wagons which were surprisingly intact.
Gilthanas nodded to the Knight's weapon. "Follow me."
Adam nodded, his visor slipping down into the ready position as they kicked their horses into a run. Gilthanas leaned over the side to grab the lance of a fallen Knight as he headed back towards Arlena's position.
"Arlena!" he finally saw the green advancing, the scream enough send a chill down his spine. "No! I haven't come this far to lose you."
Adam watched as the lightly dressed Elf lord pulled away, his lance aimed straight over Arlena's head where the Dragon's snout would be.
Gilthanas and the Dragon connected with a resounding impact. The dragon reared away, stung by the lance blow to the snout and without its target. Gilthanas was thrown backwards, off his horse and crashed to the ground a few feet away. He groaned, seeing the eyes of the green flash with malevolent intent as it turned its focus from the shape-changed Silver to Gilthanas.
A horse obscured his vision as Adam Wistan took up a position between the fallen Elf and the dragon, his lance aimed high to deter the creature. It hissed, circling above them, its gaze going from where Arlena was getting to her feet, to where the Elf who'd wounded him was still lying on the ground.
Arthur watched as much as he could as he ripped the wagons apart, looking for his father's lance. Finally, at the bottom of the second last wagon, the gleam of the lance, its spirit awakened by the presence of the evil dragon, caught his eye.
Arthur turned just as the dragon dove on his father, the black eyes flashing with rage at the puny human who would dare to challenge it.
Arthur watched, horrified, as his father struck the dragon on a soft spot, just below the jaw, only to be struck with the side of the dragon's jaw as it shook off the blow. Razor claws swung around and pierced the platinum armor of the Knight. "NO!"
Arthur couldn't tell if the word had been torn from his throat as he sprinted, Dragonlance in hand, towards the dragon and the body of his father. The dragon, having been forced to land to deal with the Knight and the resulting blows, was trying to push itself off the ground. "No, you're not getting away!" Arthur's sprint took him into range with the Dragonlance just as the green pushed itself into the air, the resulting wind throwing the enraged young man backwards. His eyes were caught on his father as the gleaming steel, now tarnished by blood, fell from the white claws of the green. He could feel angry tears sting his eyes as his father's body hit the ground, knowing, even as he pushed himself to his feet, that he would be dead.
The Dragonlance lay where he'd dropped it, several feet away, forgotten in the tragedy of death.
Gilthanas regained his wits as the Green became airborne once again, his own eyes focused on the body of the man who'd befriended him. He caught sight of Arthur even as Arlena came to his side, his heart going out to the young man who'd just lost his father.
"Gilthanas! Thank the gods you're alright."
"Arlena." He almost jumped when he was enfolded in a powerful hug. "My Lady, are you alright?"
She nodded. "Are you?"
He smiled faintly. "Bruised and battered. The green will return."
She looked up, her eyes drawn to where Arthur was kneeling over the body of his father, his head bowed, his face a mask of sorrowful rage. "What have I done?"
Gilthanas followed her gaze. "There are more than just that boy and his father here, Lady. Can't you see we cannot win this on the ground? How many more must suffer as he?"
She watched as Arthur continued to cry over the body of his father, his posture betraying the deepness of the injury. She swallowed hard. "I cannot reveal myself to the men. Come quickly; retrieve the lance."
He scrambled to his feet, looking to the sky to see the green circling again. "We don't have much time. Go; I will find you."
She looked at him, torn between insisting they stay together and the necessity of separation. "Be careful."
He smiled, his heart in his eyes. "You too."
She watched as he turned away, hopping over bodies and fallen weapons as he headed for the young man. She wrenched her gaze away, searching the area for the woods. There. She glanced at the sky briefly, taking a deep breath before sprinting for cover. The green, circling high above, saw them separate, and looked at each one with indecision. Finally, rational through got the better of it, and the massive wings folded back against its spine and he dove.
Gilthanas felt the pressure change as the green made its move, his eyes going directly to it. "Arlena!"
She didn't turn or slow, and showed no signs of hearing him.
He cupped his hands. "Arlena! Watch out!"
This time she ducked, diving to the ground and looking behind her. Even at a distance he saw her eyes go wide with surprise. He saw her roll out of the way as the green attempted to grab her with his claws. Bile rose in his throat and he choked it back, turning. "Arthur."
Arthur looked up from the body of his father to see the fury in the eyes of the Elf lord match his own. "What?"
"The Dragonlance. Where is it? Arlena's in trouble."
Arthur nodded a ways away, gently placing his father's hands on his chest. "Over there."
A scream from the dragon drew both their attention and they whirled in time to see a massive silver maw close around its neck.
Arthur took a step back. "A Silver..."
Gilthanas turned back to him. "The lance, boy. We need it fast!"
Arthur nodded, shaking off the urge to shout with renewed hope. "I'll get it."
Gilthanas watched him run for the lance and unsheathed his sword as he turned to face the green and silver serpents. His mouth went dry as he watched Silvara fight the green, ice forming around her jaws as she breathed directly onto the scaly leviathan.
The green screamed again and Gilthanas raced for the battle, his sword flashing in the light.
The green somehow managed to shake off the powerful jaws of the Silver, its claws drawing red lines down the chest of the good dragon.
Silvara's wings were folded tightly against her back, using only her tail for balance as she barreled into the green, barely avoiding a bite to the neck.
Movement out of the corner of her eye distracted her and the green came back again, this time successfully latching onto the shining scales. She threw her head back, trying to dislodge him.
Gilthanas jumped on the back of the green as it was intent on his love's neck, racing with elven agility up its back, right between the wings. He spun the blade around and drove it downwards. "Let her go!"
His shout and the sting of the keen, elven steel sliding between two scales was enough to startle the green. Its jaws loosened for an instant and Silvara hopped away.
The green turned its head back as Gilthanas pulled the sword, dripping with ichor, from its hide.
"Gilthanas! Look out!" the Silver's warning almost came too late.
He looked up just as the jaws came down, and managed to throw himself off, the blade-like teeth grazing his sword arm and his back. He gritted his teeth as he landed, rolling with the impact as he felt the jaws come at him again.
The squeal of the green informed him that Silvara had come to his rescue and he stopped rolling,. She had pounced on the green, driving it to the ground as she rendered its back with teeth and talon.
They thrashed together, the green throwing the Silver off with difficulty. Ichor dripped from many shallow wounds in its back as it propelled itself upwards, looking to gain an advantage.
Gilthanas forced himself into a sitting position, cradling the wounds on his arm. He couldn't wield the Dragonlance; there was too much pain.
Arthur slid to a stop beside the fallen elf lord, sucking wind as the Silver kept an eye on the green, hissing menacingly whenever it made to dive. "Gilthanas!"
The elf smiled faintly. "I'm afraid I'm done for the day, Arthur. The green got me good. Help her; use the lance as you've been taught and remove that creature from the sky!"
Arthur looked at the Silver uncertainly. "But... that was practice and I've never ridden a dragon..."
Gilthanas grabbed his collar with his uninjured hand and forced the young man to look at him. "She won't let you fall. Avenge your Father and his comrades, lad. All you have to do is hang on; she'll do most of the work."
Arthur still looked nervous and Gilthanas released him. "Arlena!"
Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as the Silver turned her head, coming down to place her head next to the elf lord. The deep, shimmering orbs were awash with concern.
Gilthanas placed his good hand on the curve of her jaw. "I'm done my love. I cannot fight this fight with you. Arthur is said to be a master lanceman and he wishes to avenge his father."
The silver turned her head to look at the young man. "Adam Wistan was an honorable man. I would be flattered to fight such a battle with his son. Rest, Gilthanas. We will return once the green has been vanquished."
Gilthanas pushed himself as far up as he could go, placing a gentle kiss on the muzzle of the Silver. "Be careful."
She nodded once, dropping her shoulder to the squire even as she pulled away from him. "Be at ease, my love; I will return."
Gilthanas said nothing as Arthur followed the Silver's instructions with an almost mechanical movement. His skill with the lance, however, was evident in the way he held it, even in shock.
A rush of wind and the screech of the Green followed by the angry bugle of the Silver followed Gilthanas' head to the clearing floor. Heart sick and terrified to be left on the ground while his love went into battle, he couldn't find the strength to pull his eyes away.
Arthur felt the wind snapping at his hair, the rush of it against his skin, as the Silver sped towards the hissing green.
They dove sharply, and he grabbed by instinct the ridges in font of him, unconscious of the pinching sensation on his thighs. He didn't want to fall off. Thankfully, the Dragonlance was secure in his hand and felt as light as a feather. His head snapped back with the movement and he could see the cloud of noxious gas the Silver had ducked to avoid.
"Are you well, Master Wistan?"
He blinked as the words of the Dragon came back to him. "I'll manage. Let's kill this vile creature."
She appeared to nod once before he felt her body elongate. She stretched out, dagger like, her teeth barred to the green. Yet as they approached, she swerved, opening her mouth to breathe ice on the jade scales.
The green made to manuver, but was caught on the rear, its hindlegs going numb as the full force of the Silver's breath came to bear. Both dragons were slightly unbalanced; neither had fought one of their own kind in a long time.
They were cautious, circling each other as Arthur tried to get the lance into a comfortable, useable position. He fumbled, barely catching the haft as it slipped from his grip, and righted it. He rubbed his hands, first one, then the other, on his pants and grasped the shaft tightly. He couldn't risk dropping their hope for victory.
The Silver set herself into a position, much like a horse in a jousting match, and dove at the green.
Arthur bent low over the lance, keeping it straight as they bore in on the green, a brilliant light reflecting off the well polished surface. "Paladine!" his worse were ripped from his lips, but he didn't care. "Paladine! God of Good, help me strike true and avenge my father! Give me the strength to vanquish this foe!"
Arthur knew the old gods were gone, knew that the god of his faith had left Krynn with the rest, yet he felt stronger, more able to wield this lance which he'd never drempt to carry a-dragonback. He felt courage and resolve fill him with a certainty that this was the right course of action and, as they neared the green, felt time slow to a crawl.
He saw the eyes on the green focus on the shaft of his lance with contempt. Yet, as they neared, that contempt turn to puzzlement and then fear as the Dragon saw its own doom in the form of a lance. Arthur saw the green try to tuck its wings in and duck away, but the Silver wouldn't allow it.
The impact of the lance, set firmly against his body, threw him backwards, into the up-stroking wings of the Silver, yet he hung on as the lance fought to pierce the skin of the beast.
And pierce it did after the moment's rsistance, sinking down to the haft.
Ichor sprayed across the shining scales of the Silver, darkening them to an almost iridescent black.
The Silver pulled away quickly after the first blow, having no interest in being caught in the green's death throws. She knew, just by looking, that the lance had struck true and the green didn't hav long to live. But even as she pulled away, she felt the squire who rode her go, too. She caught him in her front claws as he passed beyond her neck, the lance still firmly held in his hands.
"Let it go."
Arthur shook his head. "I can't. My father..."
"Your father is dead, Arthur, and so will you be if you hold on. He would want you to live! Let go!"
Arthur argued only once more with the Silver before she threatened to leave him, ducking under the thrashing of the green with little success. The green would succumb to gravity soon enough and they had to be away from here.
Arthur finally let go, and, as he released the lance, whatever had been holding the green in place, lost its power.
The green plummetted to the earth like a stone.
The Silver watched dispassionately as the green connected with the stones below, its back broken, the lance sticking out from its side the obvious evidence of its deminse. Arthur grasped her claws quietly, saying nothing, as the Silver turned back to where Gilthanas lay. Only then did she notice what she'd been clawed.
Large furrows curved their way down over her right shoulder and down her lower side. Ichor coated the silver scales, turning them a dull gray as she landed next to the elf lord. Arthur was set down gently, but he collapsed anyway. The starch in his knees vanished as he sank to the ground.
The Silver flexed her wing, a flash of pain lancing down her side and causing an inadvertant moan. Gilthanas pushed himself to his feet, stumbling to her side even as she pressed herself closer to the ground.
The moans and screams of injured and dying men and horses could be heard clearly as the wind died. Gilthanas winced, unwilling to add his own voice to that of the other men. They had fought valliantly against a foe they'd had little chance in beating. The Silver lowered her head to where he stood, surveying the field even as he approached her. She nudged him, just enough to halt his progress.
Gilthanas turned his gaze to hers. "You should be proud of them - they fought well."
She sudged him gently. "I'm proud of all of them. Arthur and you most of all."
Gilthanas' brow drew together with concern as he heard the shadow of pain in her voice. "Are you alright?"
A draconic smile crossed her face. "Nothing a few days won't heal. How are you feeling?"
"Like I've been through the meat grinder. I-" he stopped as the sound of beating wings brought his head up.
Khellendros hoved in the sky above, his serpentine eyes taking in the carnage below before he alighted next to the body of the green. The ichor still ran, the tail still twitched, even so the blue lowered his head and appeared to suck the remaining force from the frame. The green scales moved, undulating under the power as the substance inside was drawn away. Khellendros made a couple of quick slashing movements, evicerating the body, before moving back. His gaze turned to where Gilthanas and the Silver stood.
The field lay between the two yet, as Kitiara, his ride, lifted her hand in salute, the Blue bowed his head in acknowledgement. The movement was unexpected, as unexpected as the triumphant bellow which shattered the morning and drew all eyes as he spread his wings. His font legs gathered the green's carcass under the wing joints as they all watched.
Gilthanas felt the weight of the Silver's head disappear from his side and turned, just in time, to see her draconic form melt away to be replaced by Arlena. He moved to her side, feeling the blue launch himself from the ground, his talons holding the carcass of the green as he flew away over the mountain ridge. She slid her hand into his as the blue disappeared from sight.
"You're secret's out."
She nodded. "I know."
"Lady Arlena!"
They both turned to see several of her Knights staring at her in awe. Gilthanas squeezed her hand as she stepped forward. "Sir Baldwin?"
"It is true. The stories, the rumors... You are a Silver Dragon!"
Gilthanas felt her tense and moved quietly to her side, standing beside her now as he couldn't have before.
"I am. Does this displease you, Sir Baldwin?"
The Knight blinked as if he'd been sucker punched. "Displease? Never my lady, never! I am proud to be one of your Knights. Prouder still that you take such a humble shape for your day to day dealings and only use your true form when there is no other choise. I am honored to be one of your Knights."
The Knights around him nodded as one, saluting her with their swords as she finally began to relax. "Thank you, Sir Baldwin. All of you, you have no idea the stress you've taken from my shoulders. Come, we must tend our wounded comrades."
Sir Baldwin bowed to her. "As you wish, my lady. The lads will be filled with hope once they see your face. Arthur!"
The squire turned his head, his face blank. "Yes, sir?"
"Come lad, that's no way for the Hero of the day to act. Be proud, hold your head high, you've earned a place in the Knighthood this day!"
Arthur blinked as the unspoken sponsorship pledge sank into his brain. "Truly?" his voice was soft, his gaze moving to where his father's body lay."
Sir Baldwin moved to the boy's side and clasped him on the shoulder. "Aye, lad. Your father would be proud. Come, we must see to the others; he is beyond now."
Arthur nodded, moving to follow the other Knight as Arlena and Gilthanas moved towards the supply wagons. They'd somehow come through the battle intact - though several of the horses had been caught in the noxious fumes of the green's breath and would never pull another cart.
Arlena guided Gilthanas to the wagon with the medical supplies and bade him collect the remaining cart horses so that they could more easily distribute the supplies
The remaining Knights worked slowly gathering their fallen comerades. The solemn duty was not taken lightly and they worked well into the darkness, exhausted men becoming almost mechanical in movement as they collected each body. Arthur helped, his gaze straying back to where the body of his father lay, draped in his cloak, the form undisturbed. And so it remained, even as the sun climbed over the horizon once again. The men didn't pause, even to break their fast, determined to be on the road by mid-day.
Arlena and Gilthanas assisted the wounded. They bound wound after wound, cauterizing those that refused to stop bleeding, and encouraged the men to rest. None, not even those barely able to hold their own weight, heeded their advice. To a man, the Knights wanted to honor their dead and return home.
The last of the bodies were piled on the emptied supply carts shortly before noon, the remaining horses gathered and the wounded, who couldn't walk, piled into what space was left. They beseeched Arlena to preserve the bodies on the carts - which she did, blowing ice to coat the bodies and keep them from decomposing prematurely. Those which had thought the Silver Dragon to be a dream, now knew better and could only watch her with a heavy hearted awe.
They left on the field only that which they had no room to move, yet the carcasses of the fallen steeds, stripped of mail and protection, seemed a dishonor. But one they hadn't the resources to rectify. Only then did the slow procession back to the keep begin.
All of the Knights who remained able-bodied, walked. The chinking sound of mail and plate filled the air even as the horses, roped six to a wagon, struggled to pull their loads. Arlena walked with her men, the wounds in her back a minor irritation to the heaviness which filled her heart. She'd led these men into a battle ill-prepared, yet they'd not seen it that way. But she knew better. Once they arrived home, she would have to send word to the Solamnic council and explain the events. A chore she wasn't looking forward to.
Author's Note: I don't currently have a spell checker on my computer, so I apologize for any and all spelling and gramatical mistakes. Bear with me, I'll try and fix it in the future. Thanks for reading!