(Disclaimer: Don't own anything except the following story)

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Return of the Dragon Slayer.

Chapter Thirteen.

Sam and Seth had raced towards the distant orange mountains, taking a clandestine route through to the Citadel. The 'supposed' trail had been hard going, the woods so thick in some places they'd had to dismount and lead the horses through. Conversation had been minimal; Jonas' men knew they'd have people out looking for Caleb and the patrols in the area had been increased.

They'd encountered one patrol on their way up the mountain; four men that had been taking a rest-break, their horses tied to nearby trees. Sam had watched as Seth had snuck up on them; for a man of his size he was surprisingly light on his feet and he'd moved silently towards them as they stood around smoking. Sam had watched as he'd run in quickly, slitting the throats of two of the men before drawing one of his swords and decapitating the other two. None of them had drawn their weapons, they'd never had the time. Seth had killed four men in under ten seconds. Sam had helped him hide the bodies in the undergrowth and Seth had taken a dagger from one of the men and given it to Sam. They led the four horses deeper into the mountain, hiding them from any other patrols that might be in the area.

They'd ridden for another hour before Seth had pulled them to a stop "We go on foot from here"

They'd dismounted and Sam had followed Seth through the woodlands. His mind was spinning, he was starting to understand that to get to Caleb, he might have to kill people… not demons or spirits…people. He wasn't sure if he had it in him…whether he could just sneak up on people like Seth had and kill them without forethought. He believed if he or Caleb were in danger then, yeah…he would…he shook his head, best just to keep focussed on finding his nephew first.

An hour after leaving the horses, he'd spotted the 'Citadel'…well glimpses of it and he was struck dumb; the place was enormous. High-stone walls with parapet and turrets surrounded what could only be a city. There were old stone buildings that looked like what could be a business district and at one side a huge stone building that looked like a fortified palace. There was a residential section on the near side and from what Sam could see a large area that looked like army barracks.

The parapets had guards strategically placed around them and flags bearing a large eagle carrying swords. Sam could see military types all through the Citadel, their dark-blue uniforms with red sleeves making them easily identifiable. He turned to Seth "Where will they be keeping Caleb?"

"The Palace" he pointed to the large building "He'll be in the cells"

"He's just a little kid! Why would they do that to him?" asked Sam incredulously.

"Because of who his parents are" he turned to Sam "You need to understand, Sam…Caleb is a threat to them but more than that, he knows where we are, where Finn and Dean are; so we need to get to him as quickly as possible"

Sam shook his head at the man "Yeah, wouldn't want him spilling his guts to save himself"

Seth glared at Sam "I love that boy like he was my own, I don't give a shit if he tells where we are. I want him out of there" he turned and Sam followed him towards the Citadel.

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Jude and Gabe were going over troop numbers when the tent flap opened and Seth walked in, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Gabe.

"Alright, a dragon, a griffin and now you Gabe" he shook his head as he shook Gabe's hand "What the hell is going on?"

"Where's Caleb?" asked Jude.

"Where's Finn?" asked Seth.

"Had to put her and Dean into a sleep to stop them going after Caleb. Where is he?" asked Jude.

"I need to speak with Finn. Where is she?"

"Aaah, the tent that has the dragon and griffin standing guard over it…surprisingly" said Jude.

Seth nodded and walked out, Gabe following him "Let me have Peluda tell the griffin you want to go in"

They stopped a few feet from the dragon and Seth watched as the dragon looked at Gabe and then turned to the griffin. The griffin turned its attention to Seth and lowered its head, putting it inches from his face. Seth stood his ground and waited; the griffin finally raised its head and settled back.

"Okay, you can go in" said Gabe.

Seth nodded and pushed the tent flap open. He saw Finn crashed out on one side of the tent, Dean on the other. He studied the man quickly before turning to Finn, he knelt next to her and put his hands gently to her head "Finn, time to wake up, honey" he said gently; her eyes snapped open "Easy now…"

"Seth…" she looked at him "Caleb's missing" she started to get up.

He made her sit "I need to talk to you first"

She shook her head "No. I need to get Caleb"

"He's who I need to speak to you about" said Seth softly.

"You know where he is?" she asked urgently.

He nodded "But before I tell you anything, I need you to trust me"

"Wake Dean"

"Finn…"

"Wake Dean. Caleb's his son, too" she said.

Seth looked at her before finally nodding and going over to Dean. Finn crouched next to Seth as he woke Dean.

Dean sat up quickly "What the fuck?" he looked at Seth "Who the hell are you?"

"Dean, this is Seth Carmichael…old friend" said Finn "He knows where Caleb is"

Dean looked at Seth "Good. Lets go get him" and he started to get to his feet.

"Not so fast, Dean. I need to explain something to you and Finn first" he sat and looked at Finn "Saw your big bird outside"

"Seth"

"Okay, I caught up with Sam and Eve about an hour after Wolf was killed. They've taken Caleb to the Citadel, he's in the underground cells beneath the Palace"

"You've see him?" asked Finn "Is he alright?"

"Not me, Finn but Christian is working there, looking after Gideon, he's seen Caleb" he took her hand.

"What are they doing to him?"

"Finn…"

"WHAT!"

"Dude, you better tell us what they're doing to our son or …you see that dragon out there?"

Seth glared at Dean "I don't give a shit who you are…you threaten me again and I'll…."

"Seth! Tell me!" said Finn.

Seth looked at her "I couldn't get to him, Finn. I tried, me and Sam, we both tried but he's too well guarded"

"So you left him?" she asked "You left him alone in that place? He's five! " she shook her head "You said you loved him!"

"I do and I didn't leave him alone…" he looked at Dean "Sam's with him"

"WHAT?" yelled Dean.

"It was the only way" he raised his hand "Just hear me out. If I'd have gone in, they'd have killed me on the spot and then Caleb would have had no-one watching over him. They won't kill, Sam and Christian will make sure he gets to Caleb"

"You don't know that" said Dean as he stood, he pulled Finn to her feet "Lets go, Finn"

Finn nodded "There are maps of the palace in the main tent"

Seth stood at the tent flap, blocking them "Listen to me. I didn't force Sam into doing this, he volunteered for it, he feels guilty about not watching out for Caleb while you were gone" he looked at Finn "Do you really think I'd have let him do this if I didn't have a plan? Come on, Finn…you know me"

She stared at him for a long time "Tell me"

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Sam sat up and Caleb threw his arms around his neck and cried "Hey, shhh…it's gonna be alright, Caleb, I promise"

"Wolf…"

"I know, buddy. He tried to save you didn't he?" and Caleb nodded against his shoulder "He was a brave wolf" he sat Caleb in his lap and looked at him, his anger rising as he saw the bruises on his face and neck "What did they do to you?" he asked softly.

"Doesn't matter. I didn't tell anything" he said proudly.

Sam smiled at him and opened his shirt, his ribs were bruised as well "Who did this to you?"

"Some bad men. The ones that bring you here" he frowned "Why you come here, Uncle Sam?"

Sam smiled "Came to rescue you"

Caleb smiled "You're not doing a good job. We supposed to be outside if you rescue me"

"Aaah, but I have a plan, Caleb" said Sam.

"Is my Mamma here?" he asked hopefully.

"No, Caleb. Just me" he smiled at the boy "But…" he reached under his shirt and pulled out a necklace "Seth told me to give this to you. Said you'd know what to do" he passed the necklace to him.

Caleb took it and smiled "Seth's here?"

"No, he's gone back to talk to your Mom and your Dad"

"Dean" said Caleb as he slipped the necklace over his head.

"Caleb, listen to me. I know Dean has been a little…strange around you but trust me when I say he cares for you"

Caleb shook his head "No, he don't like me, not like you do" he looked at Sam "Why? I'm a good boy, I listen to my Mamma, I'm not naughty…not a lot anyway and I try real hard to be good with my sword" he hung his head "like him" he whispered.

"Caleb, look at me" he raised his nephews head "Your Dad didn't know about you, so he was …surprised, that's all. He does like you, a lot. I know he does…he watches you all the time, he just doesn't know how to tell you"

"You sure?"

Sam nodded "I promise. Now …" he looked at his watch "Shouldn't be long until…" he stopped when he heard the far door open. He stood and put Caleb behind him as two men came quickly to the cell.

Caleb ran past Sam and to the bars "Uncle Gideon"

Sam watched as a badly beaten man crouched and hugged Caleb through the cell bars "Hey, Caleb" he kissed his forehead "They hurt you, little guy?"

"I'm alright. They hurt you more"

Gideon smiled "Don't you worry about me. How's your Mamma?"

"She alright. She worried about you, you and he little dragon" he took the necklace out and snapped the medallion in half, passing it to Gideon "This bit for you"

"Thanks" said Gideon. He looked up as Sam came over "Hello again, Sam" he shook his hand.

"Gideon, first time meeting for me…memory theft and all" he smiled awkwardly.

Gideon nodded "Seth's here?" Sam nodded "Good. Plan?"

"Caleb will use the necklace to get us outside the Palace, can't go too far with it apparently, Seth said, they'll know where we are and come get us" he looked at Gideon "Gideon…we…"

Gideon smiled at him "I can't go, Sam. I know that, I have to stay with the fledgling"

"Dean's gone to see the dragons, Finn went with him"

"Good" he paused "Is he really pissed at her?"

Sam smiled "It's been an interesting couple of days"

"Well now Seth's here, it's gonna get more interesting" he laughed softly "Okay, I gotta get back" he hugged Caleb "You listen to Sam and do as he says, he'll get you out of here, okay?"

Caleb nodded "We come get you and the little dragon later"

Gideon smiled at him "You just take care of yourself, alright?" he kissed his forehead "You tell your Mamma I'm fine and I love her"

"Okay, Uncle Gideon" he kissed his cheek.

Gideon rose, shook Sam's hand "Good luck. And watch our for my…our nephew"

Sam nodded "Watch your back"

Gideon smiled and he and Christian hurried away. Sam crouched in front of Caleb "So, we ready to do this?"

Caleb nodded "I let them know first" he put his hands over his half of the medallion and closed his eyes.

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"This is bullshit!" said Dean as he paced the tent.

"It's not bullshit" said Seth "Caleb knows how to use the necklace, he'll let us know when he and Sam are outside and we go and get them"

Dean stood in front of him "No, I will go and get my son and my brother"

Seth laughed "By yourself?"

"In case you didn't notice, I have a dragon outside. I don't need your help. Peluda knows his way around …" he turned as the dragon stuck his head into the tent; he nodded at Peluda and turned back "We'll go get him, Peluda's told him"

"He's okay?" Finn asked Peluda.

Dean turned to the dragon then to Finn and smiled "He said he's fine. He's seen Gideon"

"Alright, lets go then" said Finn.

Dean shook his head "No, you stay here. You don't go anywhere near the Citadel until its time to go get Gideon and the fledgling'

Finn shook her head "No, I'm going to get …" she stopped, frowned and walked out.

Dean and Seth followed and found her standing in front of Raja; the griffin had its head lowered and Finn had her hand on its beak. She closed her eyes and then opened them slowly, looking at Dean "You get my son, back"

He nodded "Our son, and I won't come back without him" he went and got his swords and came out "Peluda says he'll get some dragons to run interference when we get there…but we have to go now" she nodded "Finn…" he went to her "I'll bring him back" he grinned "besides, you still have to hold to your side of the bet" she gave him a small smile "Almost" he kissed her and went to Peluda, scaling him quickly "Back in a bit" and the dragon shot to the sky.

Seth went over to Finn and put his arm around her shoulders "I don't like him"

Finn smiled "He doesn't like you either"

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Dean and Peluda rose high in the sky and raced towards the Citadel, he could see the distant forms of dragons rising over the mountains and heading towards the city. Caleb had told Peluda where he and Sam were going to be, the other dragons would fly low over the Citadel, panicking the inhabitants and he would fly in and grab Caleb and Sam. It seemed like a failsafe plan…he just hoped it was.

They are in position, Slayer

"You know where they are? Exactly?"

Yes, they are in position.

"Then tell the others to start the fly-bys"

Dean watched as the other dragons swooped on the Citadel, he heard panicked screams as the dragons flew down, scattering people left and right, before shooting out of the city and circling back.

"Alright, lets get them" and Peluda folded his wings against his body and speared towards the Citadel. He raced through, staying just above the buildings, keeping his wings close to him.

We must hurry, the enemy are readying their weapons.

"But we're not firing on them!"

That does not matter, they are readying their weapons

"Tell the dragons to get out of here" said Dean as he looked around for Caleb and Sam.

They will leave once we have retrieved the boy and the man.

"Where are they?"

At the square up ahead on your right.

Dean looked and saw Sam and Caleb in the mass of screaming, terrified people, scattering in all directions as they saw Peluda heading towards them. He saw Sam point and Caleb turn his head and smile when he saw them.

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Sam was turning left and right, looking for Dean. He saw a dragon heading towards them and grinned when he saw his brother on its back. He turned to Caleb and pointed then bent to pick Caleb up when he was tackled from behind.

"RUN, CALEB!" he yelled.

"UNCLE SAM!"

"RUN!"

Caleb turned and ran as Sam was grabbed by five men and held down. Caleb hadn't got very far when he was grabbed from behind; he screamed as he was picked up and bent down and bit one of the hands that held him. He heard the man swear and then felt a smack to the side of his head.

Dean watched as Sam was tackled and held to the ground by a group of soldiers, he heard Sam yell at Caleb to run and he watched as Caleb hesitated before taking off in the other direction. "COME ON, PELUDA!"

The dragon dropped low to the ground and Dean watched as Caleb was grabbed by another soldier who then hit his son and his anger boiled over.

"GET CALEB!" he heard Sam yell.

"SAMMY!"

"GET HIM!" Sam yelled.

Slayer…we can save only one.

Dean looked at Sam then towards Caleb; he saw Caleb look over the soldiers shoulder at him, trying to fight against the man that was stealing him away.

"DAAADDDDDEEEEE!!"

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Jonas watched from the Palace window as the dragons wreaked havoc on his city…his city. He gripped the windowsill tight, his muscles taut as he watched his subjects scatter, watched some of his soldiers scatter as well. These ...abominations had come into his Citadel, mocking him as they flew past his window, showing him their scaly bellies, their serpent eyes. His rage was incalculable but when he saw the man …the Slayer riding though his home, the home he had been building since he'd manouevered himself into this position and he snapped. He grabbed his sword and hacked at anything he could find. Destroying everything in the room and when one of his Royal Guard had stuck his head in to see what was happening, Jonas had destroyed him too.

When he'd vented his rage he turned back to the window; the dragons were gone and his city lay in ruins. The dragons hadn't destroyed any buildings, hadn't done any damage at all, but the panic that had ensued at their arrival and the missed shots of his soldiers weapons were laid out clearly in front of him.

His rage grew, his rage at the bitch who he knew had organised this and his rage at the Dragon Slayer for invading his city. Oh, they would pay…they would pay more dearly than they realised.

To be continued…