A/N: And here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my original ideas.

Chapter 6: Discovery

I awoke the following morning with severe headache. As soon as I opened my eyes, I regretted it as the bright sunlight made me feel worse. Combine that with the fact that I was surrounded by soldiers in gleaming armor, and I knew I was going to have a bad day.

"Move, Wyrm, and you will perish," said the commander.

"Too early… wake me up when the sun's not so bright." I groaned.

"What?" said the commander, "what is the beast talking about?"

"You might want to stand back, sir," said a robed figure, "that dragon looks a bit ill".

Almost as if called by this, I felt my stomach churn, and I couldn't hold back as I vomited onto the grassy hill. The soldiers around raised their crossbows, leveling them at me.

"Water," I coughed.

"What did it say?" said one of the soldiers.

"Water, please," I said.

"I think we can fulfill that request," said the mage, "wouldn't you say commander?"

"…very well," said the commander, "get the dragon some water".

A small group of soldiers soon approached me, carrying a large bucket of water. They placed it in front of me, and retreated. I quickly lapped it up, feeling the refreshing coolness on down my throat. My head still hurt, but at least the poison was out.

"Thank you," I said, "that poison really did a number on me".

"Poison? What poison?" asked the mage.

"The poison the Drow had on their crossbow bolts," I said.

"What nonsense it this about Drow?" said the commander, "this is peaceful farming region… at least it will be once you're dealt with".

"Why? I've not harmed any here," I said, "what crime have I committed?"

"Crime? You know all too well, wyrm!" said the Commander, "you invade this lands, seeking harm to the people here, and you wish to know that crime you've committed!?"

"The only humanoids I've harmed are the Drow," I said, "I battled them a short distance south of here. They came out of the east, and were planning to attack the farmers".

"…And you must be in league with them!" said the commander, "how else would know what they were planning?"

"I listened in on them," I said, "While I don't know their language, I am familiar with Gnomish, and there are similarities".

"Enough of this nonsense!" said the commander, "Soldiers! Ready… Aim…"

"Hold!" said a new voice.

Everyone turned to look at the source. I saw a large armored figure. Then I realized that the armor saw part of its (his?) body. Embossed into the being's chest was a profile of a platinum-colored dragon, the symbol of Bahamut. I remembered what Baeshra had told me about one of his companions. It was a Warforged. In its gauntlet, it held the charred body of a Drow.

"Ah! Sir Barrik," said the Commander, "fear not, we will finish up with the monster soon enough".

"You may wish to rethink that," said the now identified Barrik, "if you'd been paying attention, I just brought confirmation of the dragon's story".

"Where did you find that?" said the mage.

"About half a mile to the south," said Barrik, "looks like he blasted them in passing. How are you feeling dragon?"

"Better now," I said, "by the way, you wouldn't happen to know a Lizardfolk named Baeshra, would you?"

"Now there's a name I've not heard in a while!" said Barrik, "How do you know him?"

"Do not ignore me wyrm!" said the commander, "you will answer for your crimes!"

"Do you have to keep shouting?" I said, "If I was going to try something, I'd have already done it".

"So you are planning something!" said the commander, "Archers…"

"Fevon! Are you mad?" Replied Barrik, "This may be a Chromatic, but you have no evidence of any wrongdoing on his part".

"Come now, you fought and slew beasts like this many times!" said Fevon, "you know how they are!"

"True, but I also know that some of the dragons which took part in that conflict were coerced into their roles," said Barrik, "I'm also fairly certain that this dragon is too young to have taken part in that conflict".

"You've gone soft, Barrik!" said Fevon, "you'd betray the people of the Realms for this… this monster!"

Barrik banged a fist against his chestplate, which simply clanked.

"My plating is still as strong as ever, Fevon," said Barrik, "as is my capacity for logic. This dragon has not made any hostile actions towards the good people of this land… in fact he has aided them, something worthy of a commendation, not repeated death threats".

"Can't you see it's getting ready to attack?" said Fevon, "Look at how tense its posture is!"

"That might have something to go with the sheer number of weapons you have pointed at it," said Barrik, "you've brought enough soldiers to kill this dragon about 20 times over. In any case, I'm certain we can get this all sorted out when General Knox gets here".

"K-Knox!?" said Fevon, "he's coming here!?"

"He is, I already sent him a massage of these events," said Barrik, "and I'm certain he'd like to know what you took such a large contingent of the Neverwinter Guard to deal with the presence of a dragon barely older than a Wyrmling"

"Is that so, Sir Barrik?" said a confident sounding man, "Allow me to speak with it".

A large very broad-shouldered, heavily armored man stepped forwards. As he did, the soldiers all snapped to attention.

"I see my message got though quickly," said Barrik.

"Indeed, I was on a routine inspection tour of our guard post in this area" said Knox, "If I may?"

Knox looked me over appraisingly, and then spoke up.

"So, tell me dragon, what are you doing here?" said General Knox.

"I was only travelling through the area," I said, "I had stopped to rest for the night in a small cave in the mountains to the east. I noticed a group of Drow approaching the farms. I approached them quietly, and recognized a few of their words. They were saying something about 'task', 'capture', and 'slaves'. I fought them, and drove the majority of them off".

"Lieutenant, what's the damage report?" said Knox, "anything out of place?"

"No Sir," said one of the soldiers, "none of the citizens appear to be missing, and neither is the livestock. The damage is localized to a small area of charred ground near one farm. Sir Barrik has recovered one of the Drow bodies found there".

"I see," said Knox, "What are you planning to do now, Dragon?"

"I was planning on leaving," I said, "I have no reason to remain here… and I'd prefer to not become a pincushion".

Knox glared at me for a moment, and then sudden broke into a bellowing laugh, before waving for the soldiers to lower their weapons. As they did, the tension throughout my body released. Knox ordered the majority of the soldiers to return to the city, as well as increasing the patrols around Rothe Valley. Whether they were for the Drow or me I don't know. As the soldiers dispersed to their tasks, Barrik stepped close again.

"You know, as long as you don't go around causing trouble you don't have to leave immediately," said Barrik, "You need to tell me how my old compatriot Baeshra is doing".

With that, the two of us set off across the valley, under the watchful eyes of the guards.

A/N: and there we go! As I mentioned in a previous chapter, Barrik, AKA Barrik the Lighthearted, is a character created my another player in my local gaming group. As well, the character of Knox is from the MMORPG Neverwinter, where he acts as the main quest-giver ('Protector's Enclave needs your help!'). Anyway, next time: Valignatirisk will find a new path to travel upon, and will find new allies on the path towards his future. See you then!