Killing Monsters

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Killing Monsters Page 32

by R T Islington


  Nobody knows why the dragons left; however, a hunt began amongst warlords, kings, and queens to acquire dragon eggs that had been left behind. The dragons left their eggs behind which then allowed people to take these with hopes of hatching them and training dragons to obey their commands. Dragons now have become weapons of war rather than the magnificent peacekeepers of the lands they once were. As mass war broke out across Dragon’s Continent, battles were not raged just for dominion, dragon eggs became the bounty and had more value than gold and jewels, as with dragons came unbeatable power with kings and warlords dreaming of unleashing mighty dragons onto their foes.

  When dragon eggs are discovered they must be placed directly above ferocious fires in giant pits to help incubate them for many months until they hatch, with the eggs needing to be turned in different positions to ensure full incubation. Kings and warlords used slaves to do this as the process of keeping dragon eggs over mass fire was dangerous, many slaves fell to their fiery deaths or suffered horrific burns, the pits are dug very deep underground and the fire must be kept burning for many months. Dragon eggs take around 5 months to hatch if kept at the right temperatures and dragon incubation is a tough craft to master. Upon hatching, the bonding period starts in which the dragon imprints on the individual that contacts it first, the bond that is forged is unbreakable and the dragon hatchlings become inseparable from their masters. On rare occasions it has been recorded that some dragon eggs have hatched without incubation and the warmth of fire, though this is very rare and is considered an unexplainable miracle. Upon successful hatching of these great beasts those who have achieved this spend much time with their beloved dragons, feeding them, traveling with them, and training them to use their destructive power. It is said when a dragon allows their master to mount them and fly off together, this is a sign of a strong bond and loyalty. Those that have bonded with a dragon or multiple dragons are referred to as dragon riders. Dragons are usually fully grown within twenty years; however, their battle powers and abilities never stop improving with dragons seemingly becoming increasingly powerful with every battle and with age.

  Now we know more regarding dragon history we can start to list the dragons from Storm’s colony that were known of before their departure.

  Storm—The first and only grand dragon in his colony. Storm was the first dragon to arrive in Dragons Continent and ruled over the lands for many years. Storm introduced an oath that forebode any dragons interfering in the events of lesser life forms such as humans, elves, and dwarves. Storm wanted all races to prosper and evolve, feeling that multiple races developing their own cultures, ways of life and constructions would bring a natural prosperity to the lands, and he did not want his fellow dragons influencing the natural way of things. Storm was a huge dragon with a wingspan of one hundred and twenty meters long, gold scales and his blasts of fire were green. Storm also had two huge silver horns at the top of his skull.

  Umbra—Umbra was the mate of Storm and loyal to him. She was a beautiful dragon with diamond coloured scales that glistened and shone in the light. She had one horn on her skull much like a unicorn, and when she would breathe purple fire the diamond-like horn would glow. Umbra’s wingspan was said to be around seventy meters long and when her wings were open, the underside would reveal a majestic hint of gold. Umbra was said to be the quickest dragon in the sky and would be seen practising her aerial movements and agility regularly.

  Obsidian—Storms trusted friend, the mighty Obsidian! Obsidian’s body shone during the day and sparkled as if he was a giant walking gemstone. This dark dragon got his name due to the thick long scales all over his body that resembled the dark Volcanic obsidian stones themselves. His hide was solid, and his fire could melt boulders in seconds. Obsidian was said to be ferocious in combat, hence Storm’s request to make him guardian of Dwarven Peaks and the gemstones that resided there. As well as a respectable size, Obsidian also boasted a spiked tail which was used to shatter gigantic rocks, freeing the gemstones from inside of the boulders, much to the delight of the dwarves!

  Valentina—This charming young dragon was said to be only 120 years old. She was full of positivity and enjoyed engaging in conversations with humans, dwarves, and elves to help better understand the ways of the lands. Valentina was small and had blue scales, however the scales on her head and along her spine were of a light green colour with miniature green horns all over her skull, giving her a distinctive look. This dragon famously brought a young mage to Dragons Watch after witnessing the mages family murdered. Storm disapproved and would normally have punished such a deed, but upon looking into Valentina’s eyes and seeing a genuine effort to preserve innocence, he found himself feeling more admiration for her due to this deed. As time passed, the young mage she rescued grew to be powerful and created the mage homeland Aura Haven. Valentina would visit the mages regularly and the mage she rescued. Due to her green scales running along her spine and covering her head she was nicknamed ‘The Green Arrow’ and was said to be a symbol of saviour.

  Freya—Guardian of forests and nature, this dragon was beautiful. Freya was completely covered in green scales that shined so bright they appeared to look more like emeralds then scales. Freya’s eyes, claws and teeth were ruby red and would glow when she breathed fire! The underside of Freya’s wings were dark orange, however she did not fly often, preferring to live in peace amongst the seclusion of vast forests. The woodlanders who were also able to bond with nature developed a close bond with this dragon and shared the forest peacefully with Freya, she regularly passed down her knowledge of nature and all living things to the woodlanders. These dragons along with many more took flight with Storm in the year 375 and were never seen again. Stories of their beauty and power are still told, and though long gone we find ourselves now in the year 417 with new dragons to revere! There are sixteen known dragons with four reaching grand dragon status.

  Calista—This dragon is native to the seafarer’s village, Oceans Kiss south of Centre Plate. Calista can be seen flying over ships warning them of impending storms and protecting ships that leave the sailors village on exploration. Calista’s scales are dark blue mimicking the ocean itself with her wings turning jet black, and she prefers living underwater as opposed to land. Calista is small, and of a slender build which suits the dragon of the water, enabling her to swim as proficiently as she flies. Calista has not bonded with a dragon rider, though she remains protective of her people and her seafaring town. Calista will often surface to speak with the brave sea men and women of this town.

  Davorin—This mighty dragon is a symbol of war and combat. Davorin lives on Swordsman Shores and is the guardian of this island, bringing death upon those who are not swordsmen and are caught trespassing on this island! Davorin despises the weak and only allows those who wish to dedicate their lives to combat on Swordsman Shores safe passage to the island. Davorin is one of the biggest dragons known and has an impressive set of green wings, dark burgundy scales, and sharp yellow eyes. Davorin has one curved horn at the top of his skull which resembles a katana sword. Davorin has not bonded with a dragon rider.

  Elwin—The king of forests is a mighty green dragon. Elwin hatched shortly after Storm’s colony disappeared and is thought to be the offspring of the previous forest dragon Freya! Elwin takes after his mother and is completely green with a dark orange complexion on the underside of his wings. He’s eyes, teeth and claws are jet black and seem to shine constantly. Elwin has not bonded with a dragon rider but seems to have bonded with nature, protecting all living things. He resides with the woodlanders in The Forest of Deep Green.

  Lycidas—The mighty Lycidas is the protector of the wolfmen and has bonded with the leader of the wolfmen, Lord Salem. Salem leads the wolfmen and hatched Lycidas leading to a bond between the two of them. Lycidas has jet black wings and silver scales. He’s a respectable size and can be seen soaring through the sky with Salem riding him, together they protect their home of Wolf Head Rock. Lycidas’s fire blasts are sil
ver, creating an amazing spectacle when attacking!

  Velika—This dragon has bonded with a dragon tamer and forged an unbreakable bond and loyalty with a human. Velika is the guardian of the blood maidens and has also bonded with their leader, Queen Anastacia. Velika has a yellow underbelly, purple body, and dark green wings. Her set of unusual colours glow during the night when she is seen using her impressive speed and aerial capabilities. Anastacia and Velika are seen regularly out on patrol together, soaring through the skies to fend off any unwanted intruders moving in the direction of the blood maiden’s settlement ‘Widows spear’

  Gawain—There is a town called Ronin keep which has been known to produce some of the finest warriors and swordsman Dragons Continent has ever seen so it’s only fitting there is a dragon that resides here of equal might. Gawain is one of the biggest known dragons! Gawain’s scales are blood red, much like his wings, and he has a piercing orange underbelly, equally as impressive is his dragon fire which is more of a dark red than traditional fire. Gawain has not bonded with anyone but protects his people of Ronin Keep fiercely!

  Bernia—The twin sister of Crimson and bonded to the mage dragon rider, King Ezekiel. The mages were lucky enough to have hatched two dragons! Bernia’s body scales are of a light pink and she has rose red wings and matching red hind legs. Bernia and crimson coordinate their attacks when in the sky as both seem to be perfectly in-sync with one another.

  Crimson—Twin sister to Bernia and bonded to a mage dragon rider, Queen Hazel. Like all identical twins, Crimson’s body mirrors her sisters pink and rose red complexions. They are unbeatable in the air with superior coordinated attacks and their dragon fire is pink and white which aluminates battlefields.

  Saber—Hatched and bonded with a brash and gusty dwarf, King Tordek, Saber is a grand dragon! Saber’s wingspan easily surpasses one hundred meters in length and is one of four currently known grand dragons. The dwarves, reeling from the loss of their friend and protector, the mighty dragon Obsidian who took off with Storm, felt they would never be able to protect their famed gemstones with the help of dragons ever again, until after frantically looking for dragon eggs they came across one. Five months passed of careful incubation using the very best of dwarven craftsmanship and planning to hatch the egg. Saber hatched and bonded with the dwarven king growing into a mighty grand dragon. Saber’s scales are an eye-catching turquoise with matching turquoise wings. The underside of Saber’s wings are jet black and his hind legs are also both jet black. Saber has a unique distinctive feature, two razor-sharp black Saber teeth either side of his mouth and his fire is of a blinding white colour, no different to lightning blasts. Jet black spikes run down Saber’s spine, all the way down to his tail. Saber protects Dwarven Peaks and all the riches that it holds. Tordek and Saber are best friends and are rarely seen apart.

  Black—Very few dragons can make people tremble with fear with just the mention of their name, however Black is one of those exceptions. Black is a mighty grand dragon that serves the evil King Marius who rules over the northern side of Eastern Plate. Marius’s evil must have spread to Black, as this evil dragon is responsible for many atrocities and massacres. Black is named after his appearance and is also referred to by many as ‘Black Death’ This dragon is completely covered in black scales; his teeth and claws are also black and he has one giant black horn on the centre of his skull. Black’s eyes glow green, with many saying at night, it’s the menacing green eyes that are only seen as death follows quickly. Black’s giant wingspan is a sight to behold and he is said to be the second biggest grand dragon known. The wicked King Marius has tamed Black and bonded with him resulting in a partnership of true evil. Marius is known to take pleasure in feeding prisoners and enemies to Black whilst delighting in hearing their screams. Marius regularly invades the southern side of Eastern Plate to burn and destroy villages and settlements, Black’s fire is said to be a mix of dark red and black and it’s reported this fire cannot be put out as easily as other dragon fire!

  Yama—The mighty grand dragon Yama has bonded with, and serves the second evil king of Eastern Plate, King Zolom. Zolom and Marius are locked into a fearsome war for dominance of the entire Eastern Plate, with Zolom ruling the southern side of Eastern Plate whose main castle backs onto the roaring ocean, and it’s thought this is why Yama tends to spend most of his time underwater only ever coming out when summoned to bring death and genocide to Zolom’s enemies. Yama has a mixture of multi coloured blue scales of different shades. Yama’s tail is long and slender, which aids him in swimming through the oceans, and the tip of his tail ends with three razor sharp spikes much like a trident. Yama’s eyes are blue which matches his glorious blasts of blue dragon fire. Yama frequently patrols the oceans destroying any fleets of ships at the command of Zolom who rides him. Yama is the third biggest known grand dragon.

  Silence—This Dragon has bonded with an elf, King Ballamaegon. Silence is the smallest known dragon and one of three dragons that the elves have bonded with. Due to Silence’s small size, she can soar through the skies higher than any other known dragons. Upon reaching unmatchable heights, she scorches foes and armies with her radiant dragon fire. Silence gets her name from the fact she is never heard nor are noises made when in flight, she is a silent conqueror of foes and very close to her rider Ballamaegon. Due to her small size, light frame, and slender wings, she flies through the sky without a sound, and has earned the nickname ‘The Elven Ghost’ due to her silent and prolific attacks. Silence’s body boasts multi coloured light scales consisting of whites and greys with snake like patterns. Her eyes are black, and though small, her wingspan is unusually large which when combined with her small and light body assures silent movements in flight and combat. Silence has one large horn on her head which glows red when in combat and is said to be an extra weapon she uses which grants her the ability to sense her targets whereabouts and alert her of incoming danger.

  Ulva—Her purple scales shine like gemstones, her piercing green eyes glow in the night, her green wingspan aluminates the dark with their glow and her green fire has protected the elven island for many years. Ulva has earned the nickname ‘The Purple Defender’ tenfold, due to her achievements in combat. She has bonded with the elven, Queen Allastaniel and serves her rider with pride. Slightly bigger than her sister Silence, Ulva very rarely lands in combat, preferring to hover and reign down green fire on the foes of the elven people.

  Silva—The elves could not be luckier could they! A third tamed dragon resides here and has bonded with a fearsome elven warrior, Vanya! Vanya hatched Silva and bonded with him immediately, and as time passed the two were inseparable. As a child Vanya was one of few elves sent to train on Swordsman Shores where she mastered swordplay techniques with katana’s, claymore swords, cutlasses, and broadswords, before throwing herself into combat and leading military missions for the king and queen. After one fateful mission, she came across a dragon egg and upon returning to the elven island, the king and queen gifted her the egg hoping she could raise a dragon to inherit her battle skills, Silva did not disappoint! Silva grew into the biggest dragon the elves command. Silva’s body is covered in silver scales that never lose their shine and his hind legs, head and neck are black scaled. Silva’s fire is also black, and his body is hardened with scales thicker than most other dragons. Even with his dragon fire, much like his rider Vanya, Silva prefers to crash into combat and use his physical power to destroy enemies with his thick scales, deflecting spears, swords, and arrows. Never has Silva been cut or his thick hide damaged in battle with enemies fleeing in fear at the sight of this gigantic silver juggernaut.

  Zen—The fourth and biggest grand dragon in all the lands, the mighty Zen! Nothing is known about Zen’s master apart from the fact he’s a lone swordsman, but the lands do know of Zen’s power and destructive force due to recorded sightings. Zen has a wingspan of one hundred and ten meters, with only the legendary Storm allegedly being bigger who has long since mysteriously disappeared. Ze
n’s scales are of a snake like pattern with multi circular colours. The core colour of Zen’s scales are black, but there are also circular gold, red and green patterns throughout his body. The gigantic wings on Zen are red and when Zen blasts matching red fire, his wings are said to glow. Zen’s eyes are red, and he has a trio of horns at the top of his skull which glow different colours depending on his mood. Zen is often seen soaring through the sky and his roars are said to be as loud as thunder! The lone swordsman who has bonded with Zen is said to be a sword for hire who pursues certain customers. The stories tell of this swordsman offering his services to hunt down and kill evil warlords, rapists, murderers, and child abusers. Nobody knows the swordsman’s name, but he does fly across the lands unleashing Zen’s dragon fire on the wicked and evil, and if he senses the foes have respectable combat ability, he calls off Zen and seeks to end their lives via sword duels to the death, seemingly testing his own swordsmanship. It’s not known what this swordsman desires.

  Thunder—The last known dragon throughout the lands has bonded with a young swordsman called Hiroki. The young swordsman is twenty-one years old but is a very skilled swordsman and a member of a clan of mighty traveling warriors called War Hogs. The story that has been told is Hiroki found the dormant egg on a mountain range during the year 406 whilst exploring when he was ten. The egg looked dead, but Hiroki sensed something from within. Hiroki kept the egg by his side and was laughed at and mocked by his clan members. Dragon eggs take months to hatch and Hiroki had kept this egg for three years, as over time he could sense a lifeforce growing stronger and stronger from within the egg. Six years passed, and one day the dull grey egg began beaming a radiant gold much to everyone’s shock, and then one night when the War Hogs were sleeping a magnificent thunderstorm erupted with bolts of lightning striking the ground around their camp. Hiroki felt the egg vibrate after every sound of thunder as if the thunder was calling to the egg and demanding it to hatch. The thunderstorm lasted into the morning and when the storm subsided, and the morning sun rose the dragon hatched into a magnificent golden baby dragon. The dragon bonded with Hiroki instantly, as if by some miracle the dragon knew Hiroki had protected its egg for six years and the pair have been soul mates ever since!

 

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