Chapter 2: Preparations
The island used to be a mountain surrounded by lush forest, but after the resurrection of Lord Sartan it turned into a decrepit and barren wasteland covered with a malicious red fog which destroys all beneficial plant life. Dariel stepped onto the infertile soil of the island and was instantly hit with a longing feeling of nostalgia. Of course, if he succeeded in his mission, he could probably make his way back into the favor of the city and of Lord Sartan. That was all that mattered to him now.
Dariel marched defiantly to the rendezvous point, but he could feel the demoralizing eyes staring at him from the shadows. The citizens of Mhaldor knew of Sartan's defense plan, but they still did not approve of Dariel. Of course, what was released to the public was just that Dariel had slain their Tyrannus, and the citizens certainly did not appreciate that their Lord still trusted a traitor like Dariel. The actual happenings were left in the dark on purpose, for Mhaldor needed a scapegoat to blame its problems on.
Finally reaching the camp, Dariel was led into a large tent by two armored guards. The Tyrannus turned around, smiled, and saluted Dariel with gusto. Dariel recognized the Tyrannus instantly, and knew him only as The High Lord Malifecence, Khoraji, guild master of the Maldaathi.
"I have been expecting you, Sir Dariel. Normally, Mhaldor would not need you…but under the circumstances…" Khoraji closed his eyes and smiled. "Shallam's mages have summoned the holy dragon, Karuxal. Unfortunately, our spies do not know the present location of him as he took off immediately after the summoning. But we do know that Shallam will definitely use him in their war efforts. Be warned that he could show up anytime during the siege. You and you alone will face him. Lord Sartan has wished it to be this way, and neither of us will defy his wishes."
Dariel nodded, not even questioning Sartan's reasoning in his mind. This situation wasn't new to him; he had offered many corpses of lesser dragons to Lord Sartan. However, Karuxal was a greater dragon lord, meaning his power was immense beyond measure. Dariel figured he had only a slim chance at defeating Karuxal, but he would need to find a way to do so to prove himself to Lord Sartan.
"Dariel, I will leave Karuxal to you. While you wait for his arrival, I need you to help the citizens of Mhaldor defend our great city against the attack. When the dragon arrives, we will hold off the Shallamese as long as we can, but it will not be forever. Do not fool around; kill as quickly as possible. Once the dragon falls, Shallam will run, just like the cowards they are."
"I understand, my liege."
Dariel made his way out of then tent and watched the eastern horizon. He could feel it; there was going to be much blood in the air.