The next morning, Calder kept watch on the battlements. Most of the town watch had returned within the keep to rest and enjoyed in the early morning celebrations. Let them have their victory over the dragon. The flames within Greenest had finally died down and there were only a handful of raiders and kobolds left, all separated from each other. Even though Greenest looked like it was saved, Calder knew better than to let his guard down. The dragon could return at any moment and strike at the keep or the raiders could set fire to the town once more.
Calder was left to his own questions while keeping watch over the ruined town. Why did his father want to come here? What was there that he was not seeing?There had to have been a purpose as to why he came so far from home to make it here of all places. What was so important about Greenest that he had to leave his home to come here. These would be questions he struggled with for the coming days, he was sure. Lost to his thoughts in the early day, he was surprised to see Skylar approaching.
"You should come down and celebrate with us," Skylar smiled at him. "It's like a festival down there, and say what you will of him, but Zavier is certainly a good musician."
"The conflict can't be over, not yet," Calder shook his head. "My father brought us out here for a reason: to face the Cult of the Dragon."
"And we did that," Skylar told him. "Those raiders had to be related with the Cult, and we drove them off."
"Why?" Calder questioned. "Why are they raiding villages? Why are they going to such great lengths to disguise their efforts?"
"I don't know," Skylar shrugged. "What I do know is we fought a dragon off and forced it to retreat. Take some pride in that."
"For now," Calder sighed.
"You can take a break, Cal," Skylar suggested. "You've done a lot as it was already. I'm honestly surprised that you're just sticking to yourself."
"How so?" Calder turned to face her, confused.
"You never left your homeland, yes?" Skylar pointed out. "The arctic north."
"Yes," Calder nodded.
"I just thought you would want to see the sights some more," Skylar pointed out. "How many things have you seen in the past two days that you haven't seen before in your life?"
"I lost count," Calder chuckled.
"It's rather brave of you to take up the fight, one that you have never been involved in, simply because it's the right thing to do," Skylar explained. "But you should see the sights while you're at it. Eat. Dance. Meet new people. A few of the ladies have been talking about you."
"Now I know you're joking," Calder smiled, returning his gaze to the field.
"You'll never find out if you stick here by yourself," Skylar stepped forward, standing by his side. "But, if you're so insistent, I shall stand with you."
"You don't have to," Calder told her.
"That's what friends are for."
Calder smiled at her words, relaxing a little. Back with his people, he never really had friends as an outcast. There was Manning and a few other exceptions, but otherwise, he was left to himself. Now, he had true friends, one who would fight by his side. Skylar, Fargrim, and even Zavier. He was surprised to find himself leading the fight against the Cult of the Dragon with such companions. Together, he was certain that they would solve whatever mystery hid their plans and foil them.
Robert passed by them, fully armored and crossbow at. The soldier had been up all morning, keeping an eye out of Greenest. Unlike Calder, who looked out for potential threats, he was looking for his sister and her children. The ranger learned from Falconmoon of the missing family. He also learned from Governor Nighthill there were more missing citizens and that no one knew where they were. Just another piece of the puzzle they were missing. That would have to be the next step they took. Not only would it benefit Greenest to have its missing people returned, but it would strike another blow against the Cult of the Dragon.
"You've seen anything yet?" Robert asked. "And of my sister?"
"Not yet," Calder answered. "I am sorry."
"It's fine," Robert kept walking by. "I'll keep looking for her."
"And I hope you find your sister," Calder replied, although he received no answer.
"Do you miss your family at all?" Skylar asked.
"I do," Calder nodded. "My mother and my elder brother Manning. But I know that I'll meet with them one day. What of your family?"
"I… don't think I ever really had a family," Skylar shrugged. "I remember glimpses of a man during my childhood, someone who took care of me, but I don't know who he was."
"You don't sound attached to him," Calder noted.
"I don't really remember anything, but he was there," Skylar told him. "My memory jumps around a little. I think it has a lot to do with my powers."
"And how did someone as strong as you come about to being forced to serve on that ship?" Calder questioned. "You did the most damage to that dragon."
"It was your father who asked that I come along," Skylar revealed. "He needed someone to tend to him during the voyage."
"Calder!" Robert called out. "We have trouble coming towards the front gates!"
Calder cut their conversation short and followed after where Robert called out. Skylar went after him and the trio had a clear view of what was coming their way. A dozen kobolds were marching, prodding four prisoners with their spears. There was a woman, a young boy covered in dried blood, and two children. They were brought to their knees a good distance away from the castle. Robert gasped, his grip on his crossbow growing tighter. Calder could only assume that he had finally found his family.
Breaking through the kobold's ranks was a creature Calder had never seen before. From a distance, he looked like a human, but the ranger's eyes could make out more obvious details. He stood taller than a normal human with blue scales for skin, twisted claws for fingers, and a jaw shaped like that of a lizard with reptilian eyes. He wore powerful armor and carried a longsword in his hands. Calder thought there were similarities between this new commander and the dragon they drove off just last night.
The message of the raiders returning had been passed along. Governor Nighthill and Escobert the Red were quick to join the group, followed shortly by Zavier and Fargrim. The situation was tense. Calder calculated that they were about eighty yards between the gate and the raiders. He was a good archer and had a clear shot, but he was not going to be able to save the civilians. He would watch for now, listen to whatever demands this warrior made.
"Defenders of Greenest!" the draconic warrior called out. "I am Langdedrosa Cyanwrath. This has been a successful raid, and I am feeling mighty generous." Cyanwrath pointed his longsword at the throat of the woman. "Do you see these four pitiful and useless prisoners? We have no need of them, so I will trade them back to you."
"Grah!" Robert pulled out his sword. "I'll cut that bastard down! That's my sister and her children!"
"Sergeant Markguth, hold!" Escobert ordered with him, Zavier, and Calder holding the guard back.
"Speak your demand, vile beast!" Governor Nighthill shot back.
"Send your best warrior out to fight me," Cyanwrath demanded. "I shall release these four if you do so."
"Let me at him!" Markguth snarled. "I'll be able to strike him down."
"Lad, ye just picked up a sword this week!" Escobert argued.
"My friends," Nighthill turned to face the group. "You've demonstrated prowess throughout the raid. I realize this is an awful burden to ask you to bear, but any of you has a better chance of defeating that horror than my militia."
"Say no more," Calder pulled out his bow. "I can fight him."
"Cal, you can't exactly fight in a duel with your bow," Skylar pointed out, then looked towards Nighthill. "He's still new to such techniques."
"What is a duel?" Calder asked.
"A one on one fight between two men of honor to prove who is superior," Zavier explained. "Bringing a bow to a sword fight breaks the purpose of that duel."
"Likewise, my magic won't be accepted," Skylar sighed. "Not that I think I could beat him."
"That leaves you two," Nighthill turned to Zavier and Fargrim. "Zavier, my men speak of the tales where you faced mighty dragons within their own lair. Surely, such a beast is beneath your power that you can fell him with one blow."
"Of course!" Robert exclaimed. "Send him! He can stop Cyanwrath and his minions."
"I can?" Zavier gasped, quickly regaining his composure. "Uh, I mean, of course I can!"
"Master Blackhood, ye should send me te fight," Fargrim volunteered, pulling out his greataxe. "I can smell th' dragon on that warrior from here. Let this be another one o' my tests te show that I can slay dragons just as well as ye can!"
"Of course!" Zavier quickly nodded in agreement. "My pupil, Fargrim Torun, will fight. I shall serve as his second, in case that pitiful dragon or those measly kobolds try to double cross us!"
"Then do so," Governor Nighthill declared. "All of Greenest shall be watching."
Calder let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he was worried that they were going to be depending on Zavier to save the day. At least with Fargrim taking his spot in the duel, the ranger believed they had a shot at victory. Fargrim had proven himself time and time again as a martial warrior. If there was anyone who had a chance of beating Cyanwrath in a duel (a concept Calder tried to wrap his head around), it would be him.
Word quickly spread of the duel with many townspeople and guards coming up to the battlements. No longer were they afraid of the raiders. They were excited to see them defeated once and for all. Skylar stood to his right and Robert, calmed down slightly, took a spot at his left. Although he did not like playing the role of a spectator, Calder was interested to see how this final battle would play out.
A/N: After an unannounced hiatus, I have returned to continue my stories. I have adjusted well enough to college to get back onto my writing schedule. Next time, we'll see the duel between Fargrim and Cyanwrath unfold.
Until next time.