“The POE-aligned senators and other politicians appeal to the worst part of the human mind. They capitalize on emotion and the inherent laziness of many. The fact that they all served at some point in time seems almost like a betrayal,” Mkel added with disgust.
“Yes, but this focus on shortsightedness will ensure they will always have some degree of popularity, and it explains why arbitrators are a key part of their movement. They tend to exploit these emotions of the weak minded, self centered, apathetic, and pseudo intellectual types. Their views are counterproductive at best and borderline treasonous at worst,” Jodem interjected.
“The one thing that you must remember, young dragonrider, is that wherever the Alliance flag flies, with its the circle of triangles, dragon symbol, hammer, and leaf, truth, honor, and unity reign, hope remains, and tyranny fears,” Colonel Sheer said. “Our banner brings strength, justice, and above all freedom. The Alliance is the light, the benevolent force in the world, which especially Gallanth and his fellow metallic dragons help uphold. We all bring men, dwarves, elves, dragons, and an assortment of others together to promote freedom. No other force on this planet fights for the rights of not only its own people, but also for others that are oppressed and threatened. This as well as us spreading the benevolent peace that the Creator and his spirit wish for all, have created an unprecedented prosperity since the Great War and have saved millions of lives.
“As far as anyone who doesn’t believe this or in the Alliance’s principles,” Colonel Sheer continued, “to hell with them! They bask in the very comfort and the light of freedom that the blood of dragons and Alliance soldiers shed to keep. They should be grateful for what they have and not denigrate or castigate the very institution and force that provides them the ability to enjoy their prosperity. These individuals should be grateful they are allowed to even espouse their dissent, for in other lands such as Shidan and Morgathia, they would be either executed or made slaves for their words. These persons who have somehow obtained political office should be held accountable for their words as well.”
“I agree and understand, sir. Being mind linked to a dragon gives one a distinct sense of proportionality,” Mkel answered earnestly.
“I envy you in that regard, Captain,” Colonel Sheer said, “but one only needs to look at that flag flying over the fort with the central embossment of Michenth’s head on the white banner to know what freedom means. The triangles, the very symbol of the trinity of the Creator, his earthly spirit, and the Draconic presence, mean order to the universe. For many, especially those who have fought for it, this symbolizes the freedom and the goodness that the Alliance stands for, and for all that who have served and sacrificed in the past.”
Mkel understood the colonel’s sentiment, for he too always felt pride when he saw the Alliance flag flying over the Weir or being carried by the garrison’s standard bearer. Colonel Sheer suddenly grabbed his seeing crystal.
“Sir, we’ve found their camp. its sixty miles due southeast of Handsdown at the beginning of the hill country,” the ranger said in a low tone.
“How many have returned from the battle?” Colonel Sheer asked.
“Not many, sir. I count only three manticores, less than ten of those dragon spawn creatures, and one orc-mounted hymenoid. A very small number of dire wolf and horse cavalry are arriving as well, less than a platoon. They do seem to be getting a slow but steady stream of reinforcements from the east, however,” the ranger finished.
“How many?” the colonel inquired.
“I see almost a battalion of orcs filing in from a pass in the hills to the south. There is a scattering of drow and about two companies of human medium infantry with Morgathian armor, but no standards. A troop or so of heavy cavalry with a squadron of manticores and hymenoids is also in the area, and at least a platoon of those spawn. Wait sir, my other scout says he has seen groups of gnolls and grummish with the cavalry, as well as dozens of ogres and at least ten common giants. There are also two or three beholders with the drow,” the ranger continued.
“It sounds like they are gathering their numbers, along with a host of other powerful creatures, for something other than a retreat. Keep us apprised of the situation and keep out of sight, especially from the beholders. They literally have eyes in the back of their head. Also let us know if any chromatic dragons arrive,” Colonel Sheer ordered.
“No problem, sir, our griffons are back a bit and we have a good hiding spot,” the ranger answered.
“Best of luck, son,” Colonel Sheer answered as he put his crystal back onto his belt. “Well, gentlemen, we now have at least a small idea of what we are up against.”
“Do you think they are preparing for a second battle or just covering their withdrawal?” Mkel asked.
“Likely both, for with the varied types of forces being arrayed, it sounds like they are trying to cover a retreat with a hastily prepared attack,” Jodem suggested.
“Excellent conclusion, Master Wizard; if they brought in beholders and more giants, they obviously want those prisoners badly for some reason,” Colonel Sheer.
“Yes, but the real threat is still the chromatics,” Jodem said. “We can handle the beholders, but if any dragons show up, that will complicate matters. Gallanth and Mkel performed admirably today, but we were surprised by the strength of the blue dragon and the ferocity of that black, not to mention those new talon dragons. By the way, how are your land dragons?”
“One is seriously wounded but will recover. The healers got to it almost immediately. Two more suffered minor injuries, which were also treated quickly, and they will be ready to fight within a short time. I have men and land dragons moving the carcasses of the chromatic dragons back to the village at your request, Master Wizard. It will take two land dragons apiece to move them and another two to tow their wounded cousin back. How big a piece of dark crystal do you think is attached to that blue dragon’s heart?” Colonel Sheer asked.
“I don’t know, but it must be large just based on the substantially increased power in its breath weapon,” Jodem replied.
“Gallanth was victorious, but it fought with an incredible intensity. Its name was Evtrix, and he announced himself as a destroyer or demon dragon. His lightning breath weapon had almost double the power of a normal blue. This would have made it hard for a silver dragon to defeat this evil aberration, and if a red does the same, they will be at the least evenly matched,” Mkel exclaimed.
“Well, when the dragon and rider come from Draconia,” Jodem said, “we will inform them of the new development to take back to General Becknor and the Dragon Council. I will inform the Wizard’s Council of Thirteen upon the conclusion of the operation that will take place tomorrow. Captain Mkel and Colonel Lordan will inform all the Weirleaders and their dragons of this scenario as well.” Jodem sat down with a fresh bottle of wine he had just opened.
“Yes, the Weirs and the Dragon Council must be notified of these developments, but we need a tentative plan to rescue our men and attack this camp,” Colonel Sheer stated as he placed his seeing crystal on the center of the table. “Last image,” he commanded of the flat mirror-like quartz crystal, which immediately glowed and then projected an image of the terrain the rangers were observing above the table for all to see. “You see here, they have set up their camp at the foot of the hills in front of this winding path that leads back to wherever they have come from. You can see at least a thousand strong between the orcs, drow, grummish, and gnolls, not to mention the Morgathian infantry, cavalry, and aerial forces. Only a few survived our counterattack today, so the rest we see here must be fresh.”
“I think, sir, that I could insert my Weir’s council team, as well as your ranger strike team from Battle Point, behind that taller hill to the north of their encampment,” Mkel said. “Jodem can hide my large dragon friend with an illusion spell. The Battle Point rangers can maneuver around to the far s
ide of the camp, with my team coming in from the north. We will wait until you and all of the available men from the legion perform an attack from the southwest, which offers the best concealed route to the enemy, allowing the rangers a more direct egress line to your troops. My team and the rangers will be covered by Gallanth.”
“Who would cover the Battle Point troops?” asked Colonel Sheer.
“Sir, you said that a Capital Wing dragon and Colonel Lordan with Talonth will be here soon. Two silvers can make up for a gold,” Mkel said with a smile.
“Yes, Captain, I should have faith in Talonth and a Capital Wing silver,” Sheer answered. “I think the southern approach is the best. We can get the two silver dragons to teleport us in about a mile or so away in this lower ground here.” He pointed to an area in the crystal’s image.
“As long as Colonel Lordan and the Capital Wing dragonrider agree, they can lead your hippogriffs into the aerial battle. Gallanth will lie in hiding if any other chromatics appear and ambush them from the rear as they engage the silvers, hopefully after either my team or the rangers have recovered the prisoners,” Mkel added.
“You have a lot of faith that the silver dragon and rider from Draconia will cooperate with your plan,” Colonel Sheer stated, with a small measure of doubt.
“Yes Colonel,” Jodem interjected, “but remember the other dragons have a great deference for Gallanth, even though they ultimately answer to Valianth. There is a slight bit of competition between these two mighty golds, but not animosity. Even though Valianth is the oldest gold dragon in the Alliance, Gallanth was offered the lead of the Capital Wing after the Great War and turned it down to stay at Keystone Weir, in spite of Valianth’s wounds.”
“I had heard this as a rumor, for it did happen almost thirty ago and I was in the ranks at that time, not privy to such undertakings. I thought metallic dragons were free from these emotions,” Colonel Sheer replied.
“For the most part they are, sir, but there are still small quirks from time to time in their dealings with one another,” Mkel explained. “It is complicated dance between the Alliance dragon species and riders from time to time, but from an outsider’s perspective, it seems seamless. Even riders and those close to them do not see things such as this, for the dragons strongly discourage it. This is a trait they get from us from the bonding.”
“Well, hopefully this will not be the case here, my good dragonrider,” Colonel Sheer stated, tilting his head in a sideways glance.
“Don’t worry, sir, I have faith that the plan will come together,” Mkel answered.
“The Keystone Weir council leaders are a powerful group, Colonel, and luck does travel with us,” Jodem stated, referring to the half myth, half truth that gold dragons bring luck to those around them. “You will have powerful friends for this fight, and we can bring more if you desire.”
“We will see what General Daddonan brings tonight, my good wizard, and then go from there,” Colonel Sheer said. “I think we have done all we can do here for now. We’ll get back together later when the Battle Point legionnaires arrive. I think that today’s victory inflicted a great deal of damage to the enemy, with many thanks owed to you two and Gallanth. General Daddonan will also have a say in what will be implemented for the rescue mission. Captain, go to your dragon and get some rest, for we will all need it tomorrow. That is more of an order than a request, even though I know you are somewhat of an independent operator. I will call you on your crystal when we gather again tonight, for I must let my company commanders and staff know of our plan to give them time to prepare in case General Daddonan wants us for the fight.”
“Yes sir,” Mkel answered, as even then his knee was still stiff from the healing Gallanth had given him. “Jodem, are you coming?” he asked of his wizard mentor.
“I will be out shortly. I just have a few matters to discuss with Colonel Sheer regarding Andellion,” the portly wizard answered.
“See you soon. We still have to talk about the fight today, our own after-battle review,” Mkel said on his way out of the room to the large keep door. He walked out of the small wooden fort and onto the gravel roadway that lay beside it, toward the sleeping gold dragon. Several soldiers approached him to give him a salute and to thank him for what Gallanth did in protecting them today. As always, he took the thanks with pride in his dragon and small warmth in knowing that he and Gallanth were appreciated. I must be the luckiest man in the world to be his rider, Mkel thought to himself.
He reached Gallanth, who opened his outer eyelid to give him a quick look.
“Go back to sleep, you big lizard,” Mkel said, lightly scolding his dragon mate. I am looking forward to seeing Talonth, Gallanth said to him telepathically. “You must sleep first, we will likely be in battle tomorrow,” Mkel replied. I am not worried, my young rider. “Go to sleep. I have to call Toderan and Lupek to give them as much time as I can, so they can prepare.”
CHAPTER V
The Gatherings
Lupek and Deless had been skirting around the mountainside all night. The elf scout had been in the lead, for in spite of the senior ranger’s woodland skills, elves had superior vision and hearing. This was especially true in the dark, even with the night seeing crystal lenses, which gave the ranger the ability to see in even total blackness. They rounded the last turn to come off of the small ledge, taking care to stop and watch for any enemy presence and not silhouette themselves from anyone in the valley below; they finally saw the large Smoking Mountain rising up over the valley in the predawn light.
“Cover!” Deless forcefully whispered as he dove into a small patch of undergrowth, and Lupek then immediately followed. Both of them quickly covered themselves with their elven cloaks, which turned the same color as the surrounding ground and masked their body heat. Within seconds, a medium-sized green dragon flew over them a couple hundred feet in the air, filling the valley with the bass-like poundings of its fifty-yard-wide wingspan. It sailed past them at a leisure pace, unaware of their presence.
“That was close, Deless. You didn’t hear it coming sooner?” Lupek whispered, curious, as they slowly pulled the elven cloaks from their heads. The cloaks were made of a unique blend of special fibers, supposedly spun with a little bit of elf blood. The unique garments will chameleon color change to match the surroundings.
“Green dragons have a special skill at hunting elves, but we have developed an almost sixth sense in feeling their presence,” the elf answered. “It comes down to know when they are around or die. Dawn and dusk are the times when dragon sight is more hampered.”
“We’ve got to go,” Lupek whispered, “we have to make it down the other side of the valley before full sunrise.”
They both slipped down into the wooded valley, but their pace slowed as the trees became less dense and they neared the edge of the plateau that lay before the Smoking Mountain. As they crouched down behind a large tree and a bit of undergrowth, they spotted a small outcropping of rock about fifty yards to the right of their position on the edge of the wood line. They then heard a metal clank of chain mail and quickly crawled to the outcropping.
An orc emerged from the far side of the rock outcropping and peered around, not taking too careful a look into the forest. It did not appear to be very alert or concerned about its mission as a sentry. The orc then turned around at the sound of a war horn announcing the arrival a new battalion of orcs from the southern pass through the mountains. Lupek and Deless slipped from the underbrush and quickly but deftly made their way over to the near side of the large rock.
Lupek nodded at Deless and made a motion to go to the right, and they immediately moved past each other as Lupek drew a hand axe from his belt. Deless nimbly ran to the lower part of the rock and paused. Lupek snuck around to the opposite side of the large boulder and froze. The elven ranger then tossed a small rock to the front and side of the orc, who turned his grotesque br
ownish red face toward the sound, his yellowish chitin teeth apparent as he snarled.
As the orc lowered his spear to move over to investigate, Lupek emerged from behind the rock face and hurled his hand axe, which was sent twirling through the air. It found its mark, burying itself deep in the back of the orc’s neck, killing it instantly. It fell backward, and Lupek and Deless caught it before it hit the ground, to prevent any unnecessary noise from alerting his companions.
They sat the orc down and propped it up with its sword, lashing its spear to its hand. Lupek pried the axe from the back of the orc’s neck and wiped the black-grayish blood on its tunic.
“Disgusting creatures,” Deless whispered to Lupek.
“Like termites, only much less useful and much more dangerous,” Lupek answered as he slid down the back side of the rock to put his body out of view from the gathering armies several hundred yards below at the base of the mountain. Deless slid down on the other side of the dead orc to hide behind the rock as much as possible. Lupek pulled out the two small glass lenses wrapped in a leather tube to get a magnified look at the forces gathering below. Deless did not need this visual assistance, given his enhanced vision.
“Looks like at least ten thousand orcs from three or four tribes,” Lupek whispered to his elven comrade.
“Yes and roughly two thousand Morgathian cavalry, and one to two battalions of grummish,” Deless continued as Lupek marked the forces they observed in his small log book and the elf captured the scene on his bow’s dragonstone. “I see at least four beholders as well, in front of a battalion of drow. They are far from Shanaris. It must be something extraordinary to bring the fallen elves into the sunlight so far from home.” He had more than a slight hint of disgust in his voice.
Dragon Alliance: Rise Against Shadow Page 28