Omensent: Wrath of a Dragon God

by Barry Gibbons

  This new dragon was just as large as the dragon god, but its scales were the color of glistening gold, instead of the shifting iridescence of Draco's scales.

  "You have broken the accord!" The golden beast told the dragon god in a tone of extreme disapproval.

  "The accord?" Draco stared at the newcomer in confusion. "What..."

  "You have taken a direct hand against a mortal," The golden dragon gestured to Damion, who was paralyzed, unable to move a muscle. "You have broken the accord of the gods! How could you do this?"

  Draco stared at the golden beast in confusion for another moment, then his eyes suddenly widened in sudden realization, and he looked to Damion, who was still locked in place by some unseen power.

  "The other gods are now free to return, and the chaos that once threatened to destroy this world will surely return with them."

  "Estheryal..." The dragon god started, his tone suddenly desperate, but he was cut off by the Serpent Mother.

  "You have brought this world to the brink of destruction, Draco," The golden dragon rumbled, her quiet voice resounding throughout the highlands. "You have endangered them all, man, elf, dwarf, and dragon, in the blind pursuit of your designs."

  Draco flinched at her harsh words. "But..."

  "This ends now." Estheryal murmured, a note of finality in her voice. "I will not allow you to bring any more harm to this world. You have done enough damage with your single minded pursuit of glorifying our children." She reached out and gently scooped up the comatose child, then placed her before Damion. "Go now. Leave these mortals, and return to your place among the heavens."

  Draco stared at the golden dragon for several long moments, his expression unreadable, then looked down at Damion, who was still locked in place, unable to move. "It's seems that you have won this time, Dragonkin," He grumbled begrudgingly, a note of newfound respect in his voice. "I underestimated you and your resolve. I find myself feeling a small measure of pride, knowing that one of our children is capable of such monumental deeds. I have the feeling that we shall meet again." The dragon god's form suddenly wavered and vanished.

  The Serpent Mother sighed heavily, then slowly lowered her head and fixed her gaze upon Damion. "You have done well," She grumbled in a voice that was scarcely above a whisper, but which still resounded like an earthquake in his very soul. "You were able to frustrate him to the point that he forgot himself, taking a direct hand in the affairs of mortals, violating the accord between the gods, and allowing me to return and put a stop to his madness. You have saved your daughter, and quite possibly, mankind itself, but in doing so, you have set into motion something far worse. With the pact broken, the gods shall return. The destiny of all mortals has been irrevocably altered. The paths that fate had laid out for them is no longer visible to the gods, which means they shall return to guide their people, instead of merely watching from the heavens. This world shall never be the same, though I suspect this day was inevitable." She rose to her full height. "Know that I am pleased with you, my son," The air around her suddenly began to waver, then she vanished from sight. "and remember, I will be watching." Her voice trailed off into silence, but still reverberated through Damion's soul.

  The huge warrior was suddenly able to move, and it took him several seconds for him regain his senses. He looked around the deserted plaza, then down at Leia, who had snapped from her trance and now stood looking around in confusion. "Leia?"

  The young whirled around in surprise, her fists clenched and ready to fight, then her jaw dropped open as she saw her father towering over her. "Daddy?" She reached out with one finger and touched him as if she were afraid she might be dreaming. "Daddy!" She threw herself into him with a delighted squeal.

  "My Leia!" He scooped her up into his arms and embraced her tightly.

  They stood together in silence for several long moments, content in one another's embrace.

  Leia finally pushed herself back, and fixed her father with a stern look. "What took you so long?"

  "It doesn't matter." Damion laughed aloud, tears of happiness streaming from his eyes. "All that matters is that I'm here now, and you're safe."

  "Leia!" Raven suddenly came charging into view, followed closely by Damarius and Sly, then finally by then twins, all of whom looked exhausted. The young woman leapt from her saddle and rushed forward, tears streaming from her eyes. "My baby girl!" She took her daughter into her arms and embraced her tightly.

  They all took several minutes to welcome the young girl back into their fold, and introduced the twin knights, who had watched the reunion with wistful expressions.

  "So this is little Leia," Jacom smiled gently. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

  "Your parents have traveled all the way across the world to find you, little one," Jarom added, wearing an identical smile. "and never once gave up hope that they would find you."

  "What happened to the witch?" Damarius asked curiously.

  "She's dead." Damion told them with a shrug.

  "You killed her?" Raven asked in an accusing tone. "I wanted to be the one who killed that monster."

  "You wasn't anywhere nearby at the time. Besides," The huge warrior shrugged. "I'm wasn't the one who killed her."

  They all looked at him with puzzled expressions.

  "If you didn't kill her," Sly asked in confusion. "then who did?"

  Damion laughed, then nodded towards Leia, who had a slightly smug expression on her face.

  They all looked to the young girl in astonishment.

  "She stabbed the witch in the eye with a dagger." He told them proudly. "She stiffed up like a plank, and fell into the fire. I don't think she'll bother us anymore."

  He went on to tell them of his confrontation with the dragon god, and the timely arrival the Estheryal. "Apparently, when Draco took direct action against me, He broke the accord between the gods, allowing Estheryal to return to the world."

  "Doesn't that leave the door open for other gods to return to the world as well?" Damarius asked, scratching his head thoughtfully.

  Damion nodded. "Estheryal said that the destiny of all mortals has been altered. The gods can no longer see the paths laid out before their followers, and will surely return to guide their people."

  It had grown late, and the sun began to set, bringing with it a cold wind from north.

  "We should probably set up camp for the evening." Jacom told everyone, sniffing at the air delicately.

  "Winter comes early here in the highlands," Jarom continued. "and it smells like we may be in for a little snow."

  "We can hole up in one of these outbuildings on the outskirts of the complex." Sly suggested reasonably. "We've already disposed of the remaining witches, so it should be safe enough to use one for the night."

  They slowly made their way to the outskirts of town and located a suitable building in which to stay for the night, then set about making themselves comfortable.

  Damion and Damarius unloaded their packs and saw to the horses, while Raven and Leia set about cooking a large celebratory meal from their supplies. Sly and the twins disappeared to plunder the temples of whatever valuables they could find, then, exhausted from their trials, they all finally settled down for the night.

  After an hour or so of tossing and turning, Damion finally gave up on sleep, and quietly slipped outside, where he found Snowfeather silently circling overhead.

  "You'll be happy to hear that Scale is okay." The huge owl hooted, dropping from the sky and settling on one of the warrior's broad shoulders. "Other than a few minors bumps and scratches, he appears to be unharmed. He settled down near the mouth of the trail that leads into the temple complex."

  "That's good news." Damion had forgotten about the huge beast that had laid its life on the line to help them rescue his daughter. "I'm happy to hear he wasn't seriously injured. I'll have to thank him for everything he has done to help us."

  "Are you having trouble sleeping? I would have thought that all would be right with the wor
ld now that you have Leia back."

  "I'm a bit troubled by what Estheryal had to say." Damion admitted to his familiar. "It appears by refusing to give up our search, Draco grew frustrated enough to break the accord between the gods, changing the destiny of all mortals, and leaving the door open for other gods to return to the world."

  "It couldn't be helped." The huge owl chirped, fluffing his feathers to ward off the cool breeze. "It was the only way you could save Leia. If the dragon god had succeeded in his plans, the mortal world would have been doomed. At least now mankind has a fighting chance."

  Damion didn't reply. Instead, he looked up into the night's sky, noticing with some surprise that the constellation of Draco had returned to its place in the heavens and now glittered brightly as it peeked through the gathering clouds.

  He stared at he constellation until the clouds from the incoming snowstorm had completely obscured it from view, then he quietly made his way back inside of the building and settled down next to his wife and child, leaving Snowfeather to watch over them during the night.

  Chapter 21

  They rose the next morning to find a light dusting of snow covering the temple complex. After lingering long enough to enjoy a hot breakfast to help fend off the cold, they gathered their belongings and set off with Leia happily leading the way, riding high atop Storm with her father.

  They quickly made their way out of the complex, and along the narrow trail that led between the enormous granite formations that surrounded the temples. They found Scale still resting just outside, lounging contentedly against the cold granite, sending twin puffs of smoke drifting out of her nostrils with every noisy snore.

  "Good morning, Scale," Damion greeted the great beast, who opened an eye as they approached. "I'm happy to see your brush with the witch didn't leave you in too bad of shape."

  "It'll take a lot more than a highland witch to hurt me, Dragon Lord." Scale rumbled, lifting his head and leaning in close to see little Leia, who stared back at the massive beast fearlessly. "Is this the child?"

  "It is," Damion smiled proudly. "This is my daughter, Leia," He leaned forward in the saddle and whispered in the young girl's ear. "This is Scale. He helped us find you."

  "Hello, Scale." Leia smiled warmly. "Thank you for helping my father save me."

  "It was my honor, little one." The great beast told her, bowing his head in respect.

  "Is there anything I can do to thank you for everything you have done for us?" Damion asked in gratitude.

  "There is no need to thank me, Dragon Lord," Scale told him. "With everything you have done for my brethren, it was the least I could do."

  They all watched as the great beast unfurled his wings and leapt into air, quickly disappearing towards the south, then they slowly began the long trek home.

  It took them nearly a week to make their way out of the highlands, moving much more cautiously now that there was no real reason to hurry. Snowfeather, gliding effortlessly on the cool breeze, easily guided them through the seemingly endless maze of granite formations, until the Teirsian city of Teir finally came into view.

  They were greeted as they approached by a huge honor guard of armored soldiers led by King Grediff. The scar faced old battle master wore an elaborate suit of polished armor with a matching helm which had a golden crown mounted securely above the visor. He rode a beautiful black mare whose mane and tail had been twisted into elegant braids, and was fitted with a expensive looking saddle that had been trimmed in silver and gold.

  "It's about time!" The old king roared with gruff laugh. "I was just preparing to send out a search party to try to find you." He looked to Leia, who was still riding upon Storm with her father. "I'm guessing this is the lovely little Leia." He smiled at her gently. "How are you, little one?"

  "I'm a little cold." She replied, pulling a blanket around her tightly.

  "Well," The old king looked at Damion in mock exasperation. "you heard the young lady, let's go find someplace she can warm her toes by the fire!"

  Damion laughed. "As your Majesty wishes."

  They followed Grediff and his soldiers through the streets until they reached a substantial looking inn, then followed him inside, leaving their horses in the care of a nearby livery.

  They enjoyed a lavish meal while they filled the gruff old man in on the events that had transpired in the highlands, leaving him staring at them in amazement. "The gods are returning? All of them?"

  "It looks that way." Damion shrugged helplessly. "Draco broke the accord between the gods. There's nothing keeping the others from returning now."

  "Add that to the fact they can no longer keep tabs on their followers since everyone's destinies have been altered," Damarius added, stroking his beard wisely. "they are almost certain to return."

  "I have the feeling that I should have never gotten involved with you people." The Teirsian king mumbled in shock.

  "It's too late now." Sly snorted, waving his empty tankard in the air in an effort to gain the serving girl's attention.

  "What happened to the witch?"

  "Leia took matters into her own hands." Jacom laughed, winking at the young girl who was curled up in her mom's arms trying valiantly to stay awake.

  "She drove a dagger directly into the witch's eye, then shoved her into a fire." Jarom chortled. "I don't think she'll be causing anymore problems for anyone."

  The gruff old king looked to Leia in surprise. "You killed the witch?"

  Leia yawned, then nodded sleepily. "I really didn't like her."

  Raven giggled, then pulled her daughter close. "She's a lot like her father."

  "So I see." Grediff looked back to Damion. "What do you plan to do now that you have Leia back?"

  Damion shrugged. "Go home."

  "So quickly?" The old man looked disappointed. "I was hoping you would hang around for a few months, you know, help me get the hang of ruling a country."

  "I'm afraid we can't." The huge warrior told him regretfully. "We still have responsibilities awaiting us when we return to Sevria. We have been gone for too long already, and it's a long way from Teir to the Godstear Mountains."

  The Teirsian king looked crestfallen. "You can at least stay for a day or two at the palace to rest up before you leave, right?"

  Damion looked to the others, who shrugged, then back to the old battle master. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to linger a day or two."

  "Excellent! I'll send word ahead to have a feast prepared in your honor." He smiled a huge smile. "We're going give you a proper send off!"

  They lingered at the palace-arena for two days, most of which was filled with parties, banquets, and celebrations, all held in their honor. The whole city of Teir joined in the festivities, cavorting through the streets happily, and cheering whenever one of them happened to pass.

  They finally bid Grediff a regretful farewell, then set off towards the south, bundled up in several layers of soft fur to ward off the growing chill of winter. They reached the border between Teirsia and Alioon two weeks later, and after a brief stop to rest and resupply, they hurried on, eager to put as much distance behind them as they could before the snows reached the lowlands.

  When the snow finally began to fall, they did their best to ignore it and pressed on, though it slowed their progress considerably as they continued through the open meadows of Alioon.

  It took them nearly two months to push their way through the hip deep snow that blanketed the countryside, then finally, the gnomish city of Sherish appeared in the distance.

  They hurried into the city, thankful to finally be back in civilization, then did their best to push their way through the streets crowded with hordes of the tiny little gnomes. They finally stopped that night at one of the nicer inns that they could locate, completely exhausted from their long journey. They set off again early the next morning, eager to be off before the crowds returned to pack the streets.

  "Do you think Captain Harper is still waiting for us to return?" Sly asked, huddling d
eeper into his heavy fur cape.

  "He'll still be there." Damion assured him with a smile. "I know he may seem a little eccentric, but the captain is a man of his word."

  "Let's hope so." The little man murmured. "It's a long swim from Naquia to Sierra."

  They finally reached the port city of Naquia two days later. They followed the twin knights towards the city, then slowed to a halt just outside the city limits when the two men suddenly reined in their horses and wheeled them around to face the companions.

  "This is where we must part." Jacom sighed, staring at the others sadly.

  "Our job is now finished, and your daughter safe." Jarom continued with a heavy sigh. "It is time for us to move on to others that are in need of our assistance."