Author's Note

Sorry it's been so long since an update, inspiration has been hard to come by, and the fact I lost the entire story didn't help much. Hopefully things will move on more smoothly, but I can only promise that I'll try.

Inheritance is a really good book, although it invalidates this story by confirming that Kialandi was MALE. I got my information originally from the Inheritance Wikipedia, which stated Kialandi was a female elven Rider. But I'm going to carry on as if Kialandi was a female elf.

Fate of the Forsworn

Chapter 12

Teamwork

Kyvoster flew on towards the hills the Urgal shaman had guided them too, his crimson scales glittering in the sunlight. On his back, Niev was dozing lightly, relishing the opportunity to get some rest. Beneath them, they passed mostly farmland, interspersed with the occasional village. Although war was not upon the land, many of the villages had decided to take no chances and had erected walls of dirt and rock. Kyvoster looked intently at one such wall, inwardly laughing at the height. Three metres would be woefully insufficient to stop a dragon of his size and age, regardless of how much more growth he had to do. It was mid-afternoon and pleasantly cool by the time the pair arrived at the low hills, and Kyvoster silently wished they had had more time to recuperate. Already he could see two of the twisted nightmares lumbering over the land. He mentally woke Niev and hovered at a distance.

What are we to do? Killing the entire nest is impractical without aid, and I doubt any other Riders apart from Caryn are within distance to aid us.

Niev yawned as he awoke from his nap and looked over the rugged hills. By now, they had been noticed, and another of the hunched creatures had emerged from its' lair to glower at the intruders. Kyvoster snarled warningly as one began to approach, then suddenly broke off his snarl. Niev shifted in the saddle and rubbed at his eyes.

"Land, Kyvoster. I'll deal with this one."

Before the red dragon could comply, a torrent of green flame engulfed the nearest beast. Although it had little effect beyond distracting the hellish monster, it drew attention away from the hybrid. Kyvoster and Niev both looked to see who it was. Approaching from the north-west were three other dragons and their riders. Soon, the small group had converged upon their target, and their dragons were engaged in raw physical combat with the enemy. Kyvoster flew forward, talons outstretched and jaw agape, when suddenly he contacted Niev.

Niev, those things are some variant of Lethrblaka! Look at them!

The Rider did so, and saw that Kyvoster was correct. Whilst not identical to their cousins, the monsters had several of their characteristics, including their thick skin, almost segmented eyes, and brittle claws. He spared a look towards the other Riders, who had slain the first beast and were on the ground, licking their wounds. Kyvoster flew towards them and landed nearby. Niev recognised all six present. The largest dragon, Miremel, was a brown female bonded to a saturnine elf male named Rellith. The two other riders were twin humans, Charl and Arisu, who Niev had been tutored with. Both women were blonde, tall, and carried their blades with a degree of uncertainty. Even after knowing them for nigh on eight decades, he could still barely tell them apart. Charl was bonded to a pearlescent cream female dragon named Nerene, and Arisu was bonded to an emerald female dragon named Karra. Rellith looked over at Niev and made the traditional elvish greeting, surprising Niev by making the first move. Charl and Arisu were less formal, and their dragons sniffed noses with Kyvoster. All three of the other dragons looked far more like how people imagined dragons to be, compared to Kyvoster. Rellith then spoke.

"Master Vrael sent us to accompany you in exterminating these verminous beasts. We left Vroengard just after you and were directed to this area. Niev, we have been given to understand you're the closest thing there is to an expert on these monstrosities. How do we stop them?"

Niev was suddenly uncomfortably aware of seven pairs of eyes watching him. He had never thought of himself as a leader of any sort, yet here he was giving instruction on how to kill grotesque nightmare beasts to fellow riders and dragons. Just as he began to speak, one of the beasts ran at a shambling run towards Miremel and Rellith. The female dragon roared and twisted to meet her attacker head on, spewing fire as a deterrent. Just as Arisu and Charl moved to assist, prompting Nerene and Karra to do so as well, a massive rock hit Nerene in the side, breaking several ribs as well as hurling the dragon onto her side. She screamed in rage and agony, a cry echoed by her Rider, who was nearly crushed by her dragon. Arisu's eyes narrowed, and even as she unsheathed her emerald blade, Karra roared deafeningly. Kyvoster was already moving as Niev shouted orders.

"We can't kill them all, there are dozens of these things! Everyone, help Nerene heal and get airborne."

All three dragons poured their magic, guided by their riders, into Nerene's massive wounds. Whimpering, the pearlescent dragon got to her feet and took to the air as Miremel made her first kill. Nerene flew bravely, but soon fell from the sky and barely landed safely. Arisu was in a fury, and she and her dragon were in mortal combat with the nightmare beast that had thrown the rock at her twin. From the north-west came another roar, and Sarrarra's yellow form came into view, shining like the sun. Niev assessed the situation, and decided to call a retreat. Rellith and Miremel joined Sarrarra, Caryn, Nerene and Charl whilst Niev did his utmost to convince Arisu to pull back. The red dragon joined in her vicious attack, his serrated claws ripping through the beast's hide as if it were parchment. Niev tried reasoning with Arisu as Karra lunged for the beast's spinal cord.

"Arisu, if we stay, we'll get overwhelmed. Look at how dangerous these monsters are! We HAVE to pull back and make a decision on how to kill them all. I promise you can have your revenge, just not yet!"

Karra severed the beast's spinal cord, killing it. Arisu's eyes locked with Niev's, her sword stained with the enemy's blood.

"I will hold you to that, Niev. But don't go back on your word."

Karra and Kyvoster snapped at a venturesome beast smaller than the rest, and both dragons leapt to the air. Roars followed them as the beasts mingled around, unsure what to do. Soon, Karra, Arisu, Niev and Kyvoster had landed at their makeshift camp. Nerene was still in agony, and almost mewling at her wounds. Rellith had already used his magic to lift water from the ground, and was dabbing at Nerene's bloodied body. Relatively fresh, Sarrarra was keeping an eye on the beasts' lair, but fortunately none seemed eager to come any closer with four dragons and five angry riders so close at hand. Charl was mercifully unhurt, and crouched beside Nerene, muttering healing spells. Arisu looked from her twin to Nerene and then to the shambling beasts who had brought a dragon low in so little time. Niev dismounted Kyvoster and walked to where the pearlescent dragon lay, moaning in pain.

"We can't afford to stay here. Night is falling, we need to put about five miles between us and this place. Charl, will Nerene be able to make it?"

Charl looked up at the older Rider, her eyes waterlogged.

"Niev, Nerene is barely hanging on. One of the ribs punctured her lung; she's choking on her own blood."

Niev, Arisu, Caryn and Rellith all cursed on hearing how badly Nerene was hurt. Caryn approached, leaving Sarrarra to keep watch with Kyvoster, holding a book in her left hand.

"We may be able to heal her enough to get her to move. I know better than anyone how you feel, Charl. Don't forget what happened to me at Bullridge. But Niev's right. The further we are from here, the better chance Nerene has at healing fully. I may be able to do something for her in the meantime though. I need your permission to talk with Nerene."

Charl nodded and moved away from her dragon's side. Nerene growled, but soon acquiesed and lay still. Caryn drew her golden sword and began to draw on the energy stored in the topaz pommel stone. Catching on, Niev, Rellith and Miremel all funnelled what energy they could into Caryn's spell. Shutting her eyes, Caryn mentally probed Nerene's body for the crucial wound. She soon found what she was looking for; a three inch long tear in her right lung. Using the energy in Kuldr's stone, she fixed the cut and emptied the lung of the blood that had poured in. Finally, she withdrew from mental contact with Charl's dragon and almost collapsed onto Arisu. Charl hastily spoke with Nerene, then turned to an exhausted Caryn, beaming.

"You helped save my dragon's life, Caryn. I won't ever forget this."

Caryn smiled blearily and shook her head.

"Anything for a fellow Rider, within reason."

Arisu looked from Caryn to Niev in mild amusement.

"Exactly how long did Niev tutor you for before Ralforr was assigned to be your master? Only he is that sarcastic."

Caryn smiled again and walked back to Sarrarra. Kyvoster looked over at his Rider, fixing him with one huge red eye.

Will Nerene be able to move? Those beasts are pressing their luck, and I don't especially want to kill something like that again, they taste disgusting.

Niev sighed and shook his head.

"Typical, Kyvoster, always thinking with your stomach. Nerene is exhausted, and unless we all exhaust ourselves trying to get her to fly, we will have to stay put."

So I will not be getting fed tonight? I'll be standing guard all night long I assume?

"Not quite all night, no. But we need to sort things out."

Niev beckoned to Caryn, who joined the assembled group of Riders and dragons, and began to talk.

"We're not going to be able to do things the easy way after today's misfortune, and we'll have to camp right here. Rellith, can you stand guard for two hours after sunset?"

The elf nodded silently. Behind him, Miremel flexed her wings and yawned. Niev nodded in thanks.

"Can you also have Miremel join Sarrarra and Kyvoster? If those things see three dragons menacing them, they might reconsider attacking us. Arisu, I know you don't want to leave right now, but we need you to bring back any food you can get your hands on. There was an old farm about a mile south. Take Karra and see if you can negotiate for any supplies. Pay them whatever they ask for."

Arisu got up silently and mounted the green dragon. In mere seconds, the two were airborne and flying towards the farm nearby. Rellith lit a fire with a spell, and Charl and Caryn continued doing their utmost to heal Nerene. Soon, the pearlescent dragon was nearly fully healed, but totally exhausted and unable to do more than raise her head. Niev walked over to Kyvoster, Sarrarra and Miremel, and watched as the light dimmed in a fiery sunset. As it got dark, the beasts became more and more active. Arisu returned with Karra, the dragoness gripping several dead deer in her talons. On smelling the food, the three dragons on watch looked over before resuming their vigil. Surprisngly, Kyvoster nudged Niev's mind.

Offer to season Nerene's food for her. It may help her, even if I can't eat. When this mission is over, we are returning to Gil'ead and you, my Rider, are going to show me exactly how good your talent at cooking is.

Smiling, Niev approached Karra, Arisu, Charl and Nerene. The emerald dragoness had been considerate enough to skin the carcasses. Not surprisingly, Rellith had opted to move to another part of the camp to be away from the raw meat. Just as Nerene was starting on her first deer, Niev held up a hand.

"Charl, please ask Nerene if she'd like me to season her food for her. I always do it for Kyvoster, and he loves it."

Charl looked at the older Rider in some confusion, but complied regardless. Moments later she looked up after conversing with her dragon.

"She says to do it on one of the carcasses if you want to, but not to take long about it."

Niev nodded, and soon had several dried herbs stuffed into one of the deer carcasses. By the time he was finished, he was covered in gore up to his elbows and Nerene had almost finished eating. Rellith looked up at the hills nearby, his hand resting on his sword. Nerene looked at the carcass Niev had prepared, and sniffed it quizzically. She began to eat the raw venison, and had soon finished. Niev had turned away in the meantime to wash himself, and was soon approached by Charl. He looked up as he released the spell to levitate water.

"Nerene thanks you for your concern, she enjoyed that."

Niev smiled.

"Anything for a friend, within reason."

Charl gave a chuckle and turned to sit with her dragon. Already, Nerene was fast asleep. The leftovers from her meal were divided among the other four dragons equally. Miremel and Karra both ate their frugal meal without preamble, but Kyvoster and Sarrarra were almost romantic with the way one dragon would feed the other, similar to how a mother hawk would feed a chick. Rellith and Arisu watched the two, much to Caryn's embarrassment. It was no big secret that she harboured some romantic feelings towards Niev, who had saved her life multiple times, but she had never suspected Sarrarra's emotions would reflect hers. As the light faded entirely, the dragons' play died off as terror set in. Despite Rellith's ability to see in the dark, a trait that the human riders also possessed, the beasts had made it a habit to lunge at one side of the camp and even throw smaller rocks towards the assembled dragons. Nerene had long since been roused, and was not healing as well as hoped by the constant interruptions. Kyvoster and Karra's tempers were both at breaking point, and at one point the two dragons had floored one of the beasts in a vicious brawl. Neither dragon had killed the monster, but four gouges in its' chest proved that it had not been for lack of trying. Eventually, around midnight, Rellith, Arisu and Charl used a spell over the camp to silence any noise not made by a human to give Nerene some peace. The pearly-white dragon finally dozed off, but the night-time harrassment continued until a shower of rain broke out some two hours later. The beasts retreated to their lairs, and Niev and Caryn casted a second spell to shield them from the downpour. A damp chill pervaded the air as the temperature dropped rapidly, waking those who had risked a nap. Although Charl, Arisu, Karra and Miremel soon fell asleep again, Sarrarra was more than irate with the inclement conditions and being unable to do anything. Rellith sat with Niev as Caryn dozed beneath Miremel's wings, quietly discussing the order's plans on what to do with a sect of cultists who had emerged near Dras-Leona. Thus far the cultists had done little more than build a bizarre obsidian cathedral, but word from spies had suggested they worshipped the hideous mountain Helgrind, and were abducting people for sacrifices every full moon. Also, a Lethrblaka nest that had been discovered in the vicinity, containing no less than five eggs, had been emptied by the cultists. The idea that humans could willingly feed others to Ra'zac was a horrific idea, but hopefully if it was culled in time, it would not become a proper religion.

Dawn broke over the camp, the sun shrouded in grey rain clouds. Kyvoster and Sarrarra alone remained awake, each looking at the hills with expressions of ferocity. Charl got up and shifted closer to the dying fire, muttering to make it flare up again. The fire flared white, and resumed burning. She looked over at her sleeping dragon, and silently wondered if a night's sleep would be enough. Nerene opened one blue eye and looked right at Charl.

What is it that troubles you?

Charl sighed and stretched, yawning.

"It's everything. We can't abandon this mission, you're hurt, these beasts are impervious to magic and your fire. We're against monsters that are close to our equal. Also, I don't think they came about naturally. No scroll ever suggests such monsters exist."

Nerene flexed her white wings and yawned, scratching at the dirt she lay on. For some time she was silent before speaking again.

Study our foes for us all, Charl, and we will find their weakness.

Rellith awoke and got up, and began to murmur healing spells to Nerene. The white dragoness stayed totally still as Rellith's healing spells took effect, and slowly eased her aches and pains. Charl frowned as she considered what her dragon had said, and suddenly an idea hit her. Ignoring the fact it was still early, she went and shook the other Riders awake. None looked too happy on being awoken so early. Niev yawned and looked at her.

"What is it Charl? Is Nerene in more pain?"

Charl shook her head.

"No, but thank you all for what you've done for us. I think I may have a weakness to use against those beasts."

Instantly, she had the attention of everyone, human, elf and dragon, in the camp. Rellith broke the silence.

"We all tried magic when we killed that first beast yesterday. It didn't work."

Charl smiled inexplicably.

"No, it didn't, but while those things are immune to magic directly, what about things we can do indirectly? For example, did anyone notice when they retreated in the night?"

Caryn's yellow eyes widened as the others spoke among themselves.

"Are you saying that strange monsters who can wound even mighty dragons are scared of getting wet?"

Charl nodded.

"Exactly. Niev told us all that they are at least part-Lethrblaka. They have their weaknesses too."

Niev coughed slightly, drawing attention to him.

"I'm not doubting what you say Charl, but there is one fault in this plan. There's little water around here; we probably took up most of it when making camp. And I doubt even all of us together," He gestured at all of them, "can pin down one of those things to drown it."

Arisu shook her head.

"Maybe we can, maybe we can't. But what if we were to use magic to hold water in the air, and do to them what they did to Nerene? Force the water into their lungs. Whilst they choke, they'll be unable to fight back, and then we can strike back."

Instantly there was a buzz of approval in the camp, coming from both Riders and dragons. Sarrarra loped over to the camp, nudged Karra, who had fared best of all during the night, and promptly fell asleep. The emerald dragoness rose and shook herself, and turned to face Kyvoster, who had stubbornly stayed up all night. Charl turned to her fellow Riders with a smile.

"So shall we try it then?"

All four of the Riders agreed. Niev quickly mounted Kyvoster, just as Arisu climbed onto Karra. Although the red dragon seemed more than slightly weary, Karra was eager to begin. Charl made to climb up behind her sister when a mental nudge from Nerene prompted her to stop. Yawning, the pearlescent dragoness poured strength into the diamond that rested in Charl's silver blade. Unusually for a Rider, Charl's blade was mounted on a pole, not unlike a dwarven huthvir. Rellith conversed quietly with Miremel, his longsword clutched in one hand. The brown dragoness leapt into the air suddenly, hovering majestically over the hills. One of the beasts had ventured close to the camp, and silently Charl gave the sign to attack. All five Riders moved in perfect synchrony. Caryn and Rellith yelled in tandem as the brown dragon dived for her prey.

"Adurna reisa!"

Two orbs of water almost a foot across rose out the ground, clumps of dirt and grass visible within them. Miremel collided with the shambling beast and knocked it flat on its' chest. Caryn took a deep breath as Karra also took to the air.

"Ganga fraka!"

Her water orb smashed into the nightmare beast. The effect was instant. The beast roared in agony as it felt the water on its thick hide. Caryn frowned and focused on not only splitting the orb, but forcing each half to go down the creature's nostrils. Karra had lured out a second beast, which was being forcibly restrained by Miremel whilst Rellith coolly dispatched it. Caryn inexorably forced the divided orb into the creature's snout, watching with a somewhat troubled air as the water drowned it from the inside. With a last roar, the beast ceased its clawing, twitched twice and moved no more.

Throughout the rest of the morning, the five Riders eliminated nearly all of the beasts. Sarrarra joined in at mid-morning, allowing Kyvoster to take a rest, although Karra and Miremel kept on going. Finally, only one of the beasts remained. Three times the size of the others, it was physically a match even for Miremel. Niev and Charl stood by their sleeping dragons as the titanic monster glowered at them all. It raised a fist into the air and slammed it into the ground, seemingly feeling no pain. The tremor from the impact woke Kyvoster and Nerene, and a sense of foreboding fell over the Riders as the ultimate challenge lunged for them.