by Umut Ersezer
Volare slid off Ferox and approached the metal gates, making sure not to stand on them directly. The last thing he wanted was to fall into it.
“Can you open it?” Volare asked.
“I cannot, I tried to will the gates open from above and now on the ground, but they will not respond. It is unusual that two sleeping chambers now don’t respond to my commands.”
“Can you sense Zelogh below?”
“I cannot, also troubling.”
Volare pushed his hand underneath his shirt, gripping the keystone. It was hot to the touch, just like when he discovered Ferox’ chamber.
He willed the gates to open, the keystone glowing blue in response. The symbols on the gates started to pulse blue.
“Is it supposed to do that?” asked Volare.
“No…”
Volare could hear gears and other contraptions beneath the surface trying to operate but seemed to be stuck, jarring against each other.
“We must get in,” said Ferox with a determined tone.
He stepped onto the gates and rammed his talons into the seam where the two sides of the gate met. He pushed hard into it, prying it ajar. He slammed his other set of talons in, flexing his tremendous shoulders, forcing the gates open in a screech.
Volare was left stunned watching the dragon demonstrate such sheer strength. The gate was finally now open. Volare stopped trying to will it open, the blue glow of his keystone and symbols on the door dissipating. Without another word, Ferox dove headfirst into the chambers, rapidly descending the stairs.
Volare peered into the darkness below. There was sand already piled up on the steps as if it had been opened before. Strange Volare thought.
He followed Ferox down into the depths, the symbols on the walls coming alive in response to his desire for light. The next second, there was a ferocious roar from within the depths. Volare rushed deeper, trying to catch up with Ferox, who appeared to have already made it to the sleeping chamber itself.
Volare ran down the corridor, his sapphire studded boots lending him what seemed to be an unnatural speed. Volare gasped at his swiftness as he ran down the corridor.
Ferox now in his sights was looking down at something. As Volare approached, he could see another body, another dragon, lying upon the floor. The smell of decaying now filling Volare’s nostrils. There was a great pool of blood on the ground beneath the dragon. The dragon lay motionless, not breathing. It had striking crimson scales, similar in layout to Ferox. This dragon was much bigger, however.
“Is it dead?” Volare asked with a sombre tone.
“The ‘it’ you refer to Volare, is the mighty Zelogh, god dragon of humans,” Ferox responded coldly. “It is through His power and Koralinth, that you and all humans exist today.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to…I didn’t know…sorry,” Volare stammered while looking at Zelogh wide-eyed.
Ferox let out a deep grumble from within his throat, once again similar to that of a cat, but much more ominous.
“Mirardos is responsible for this. He is responsible for too much. We have to find a way to end this Volare.”
“How did he kill…Zelogh?” asked Volare.
Ferox gripped a large black spear between his talons, pulling it out from Zelogh’s side.
“This weapon is the creation of Mirardos, known as the Fodico Spear. It carries magic strong enough to pierce scales and poison corrosive enough to stop even the mightiest of hearts. This weaponry is responsible for the death of many dragons, too many,” said Ferox while looking at the spear disdainfully.
He threw it to the floor, the spear clattering to a stop near to Volare. It was bigger than he was, simple in shape with no apparent markings. The most telling feature of it was its ability to swallow light, appearing pure black. The spear immediately dissolved into black gas, evaporating into the air.
“Volare, we must reach Peritus before it’s too late.”
“That’s the dragon god of the dwarves, right? Confirmed Volare.
“Yes. We will head towards Nni, immediately. Before we set off, however, I sense something hidden here. Behind the walls.”
Volare looked around curiously, the chamber looked identical to the one he found Ferox slumbering in. Rocky in nature, with strata showing the age of its depths. There were symbols carved into the walls here too but glowed only faintly. This chamber had been tampered with.
“Over here Volare, come,” directed Ferox.
Volare walked around the dragon to the back of the chamber. Ferox was peering at the wall, but Volare couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Just a rocky wall.
“There is a chamber behind here, I can sense it. Something powerful stirs within. It remains undiscovered by the intruders. Try to open it.”
Volare stepped up to the wall, almost trying to see through the rocks themselves. He held onto his keystone tightly, willing the rocks to open for him. He noticed his amethyst also glowing, giving him clarity of mind.
The symbols on the wall began pulsing, but nothing moved. Volare placed his hand upon the wall, the rocks themselves felt as warm as his keystone and amethyst. He felt vibrations streaming into his fingers.
Open he thought, trying to give the rocks life. The vibrations grew, as gears and levers activated. Smaller loose pebbles shook themselves free in the vibration, falling to Volare’s feet.
With a sudden crack, the rock wall split itself unevenly, creating a fissure in front of Volare. The rock gates pulled themselves apart with the sound of crushing stones.
A much smaller chamber lay in front of Volare, blue symbols on its walls coming to life, illuminating what lay inside. In the centre, were two pedestals, holding two of the largest gemstones Volare had ever seen. Not that he had seen very many in his life, but these stones were the size of his fist.
“The gems of Koralinth, ruby and diamond, fire and power-infused,” said Ferox as the dragon drew in a breath.
“Why are they here?” Volare asked.
“I suspect Koralinth wanted to leave the gems for his dragon, to feed upon its power when the time came. Koralinth had these gems infused into his armour Volare, giving him unparalleled power. Atop Zelogh, together they were unstoppable. The pair of them spent an eternity hunting Mirardos to the ends of the cosmos, never being able to catch up with him, always only discovering the destruction he left behind. It is curious that you can open this chamber. We are lucky the intruders did not gain access. These gems are enough to turn the tide of war.”
“Do we take them?”
“Yes. If you are able, try to pick them up. Magics often protect the relics and artefacts of the veleon, serving to prevent their misuse.”
Volare stepped closer to the pedestals, peering into the lattice structure of the two gems. They were so beautifully cut, intricate angles producing a flattened sphere shape, light refracting in its depths to create dazzling reflections.
The ruby glowed with a deep dark red colour, while the diamond had a glasslike tint. Volare reached out, his hands shaking as they approached the diamond. He could feel its warmth radiating outwards, tingling the tips of his quivering fingers. He touched the diamond, which immediately sent his mind into a vision.
Volare opened his eyes to find himself standing on top of a snow-capped mountain. He felt no coldness upon his skin. He couldn’t even feel the air entering his lungs as he drew breath.
The clouds stirred beneath him, obscuring the land below. Looking up, Volare saw a ferocious battle unfolding. Dragons of all colours, patterns and sizes flying with riders atop them. Fire and thunder were thrown out from the throats of dragons and the weapons of the riders.
They faced opponents that looked remarkably similar in shape, displaying a stark difference only in colour. Inky black dragons with merely the slightest streaks of colour did battle against the brightly coloured dragons.
Their riders were adorned in black robes. Hundreds of them were engaged in fierce combat to the death. Volare could only stare at the scene
unfold before him, stunned. A voice came to him.
Volare, you have done well in bonding with Ferox and journeying to my chamber. I have been watching you since you activated Gandizar’s keystone. We all have. I sense my beloved Zelogh has been slain, I sense great pain and darkness on your world, Celestus. We cannot come. We cannot send aid for our portals are blocked.
You must close the portal to your world. You must stop the stream of darkspawn. All will be lost if you fail. Take with you, my most powerful possessions. They will aid your quest. Forge them into weaponry and armour, and all will fall to you.
I send you memories Volare, memories of combat. Use them to aid your training. Learn. Fight. Close the portal, at all costs. Drive out the darkspawn.
Today, now, I choose you Volare, pure of mind and heart, seek to destroy your enemies.
Witness the scene before you, it is a reflection of what transpires throughout space and time.
Help us Volare.
The voice trailed off, and Volare’s consciousness was teleported back to the chamber. He collapsed under the sheer weight of what he had seen and heard.
“We have much to do Volare,” said Ferox quietly. “Gather the gems, we must leave now. We head for Nni.”
Volare blinked several times, trying to collect his thoughts. He looked to his hands, trembling even more so. He clenched them hard, trying to get them to stop.
“What was that?”
“A vision. Koralinth wished for you to see what is out there. He demands more of you, Volare. More from both of us. We must heed his demands. Can you stand?”
Volare forced himself up, his legs feeling like jelly. He noticed the sapphires in his boots, giving a slight glow. His balance and strength to his legs seemed to return rapidly.
He turned towards the gems once more, reaching for them and picking up each of them in a hand. They were heavy, too heavy to carry. This time, the emeralds in his bracers started glowing a deep green, lending his hands and arms the endurance he needed to hold them.
“I’m starting to like these gems quite a lot,” Volare reflected out loud.
“Wait until you harness the power of these new ones you carry.”
“I can’t carry them around with me, though. We need to get them embedded into something.”
“Quite right, Volare. You’ll need black plated armour to hold those, only master smiths can forge the alloy necessary to hold them. We will need to worry about that later; however, our immediate concern is Peritus.”
Volare gave a nod of approval, and the two of them set out for the entrance.
“Are we leaving Zelogh here?” Volare asked.
Ferox gave a deep throaty grumble. “Go, Volare, I will meet you on the surface.”
Volare gave a quizzical look to Ferox but didn’t question his request. He climbed his way out and waited at the surface by the entrance.
He could hear the echoes of Ferox moving underneath, the sounds getting louder. A rumble shook the sands underneath Volare’s feet. He could feel a warmth coming out from the entrance.
A faint hint of smoke started to stream out of the opening, growing in thickness. The smell of burning flesh wafted towards Volare, forcing him to cover his nose and mouth with his shirt.
Ferox slowly emerged from the opening head first, obscured by the smoke enveloped around him.
“It is done,” he said solemnly. Close the gates. We have a long flight ahead of us.”
** Chapter 23 **
The Black Hands
“My lord, the king’s armies were squashed at the Pointed Forest battlefield,” reported Kemp.
“You are sure, then?”
“Yes, my lord, I have been in contact with my agent directly.”
Lewin embraced in his black robes, leaned back in his leather chair with a smirk of satisfaction. His guards standing statue-still on his flanks, always keeping a watchful eye.
The room was dark and oppressive, a stink of dampness filled the air. Torches flickered creeping shadows onto Lewin’s face. Scarred from torture many years ago for his attempted escape, he had grown bitter resentment towards the king. He would see to his destruction.
“There’s more, my lord,” Kemp continued as he kneeled on the cold stones before Lewin. “The dragon…it came. They have command over it. It was the deciding power in the battle,” continued Kemp.
“As we predicted,” Lewin replied. “We are nearly ready to bring an end to the kingdoms then. From the ashes of today’s sacrifice and suffering, will rise a just and prosperous future, that is what we fight for.”
“We have found the dwarven dragon then?” asked Kemp.
“I am told the Shadow Lord is close to discovering its location. The dwarves fight hard, they are well equipped, perhaps even better so than us humans. It slows the Shadow Lord’s progress, but it is inevitable.”
“My lord, what of the missing eshin dragon?”
“It is but a minor thorn. Once the dwarven dragon is slain, the Shadow Lord will have the assets he needs to advance,” explained Lewin. Nonetheless, Kemp, I will charge you with finding its whereabouts. There have been recent reports that a blue dragon with a rider was seen heading east towards Terram. No doubt seeking the human dragon. They will find quite the surprise waiting for them within the chamber,” said Lewin grimly. “Use your network, we must be informed of their movements. The Shadow Lord will smile greatly upon us if we can aid in its destruction before the final phase is in motion.”
Kemp nodded, making sure to avoid eye contact. He couldn’t escape the feeling of there something being wrong with the whole situation, however. He paused for a moment, in silent contemplation.
“You worry too much Kemp,” said Lewin with a smirk.
“I’m sorry, my lord. If I may…how do you know the shadow lord will leave us be after all of this is over? How do you know he will not destroy us as well?”
“Very simple Kemp…I don’t. What I do know is, it was the king torturing me and murdering my family. It was the king rampaging across these lands. Ambitions which attracted the shadow lord to this planet in the first place. The deaths Hastam and his father are responsible for, fuelled the shadow lord, guiding him to us. It is his own doing that he meets his destruction. You know first-hand Kemp what the king is capable of, you have suffered it. Has the Shadow Lord hurt you in any way? Have I hurt you, Kemp?
“N…no my lord.”
“Then, we proceed. It is time for change Kemp, I recommend you embrace it before it is too late. We are close, do not stray, do not waver in your resolve,” said Lewin with a hint of a threaten carried in his tone.
“Y…yes my lord.” stammered Kemp.
“How goes our little project? Did he survive?”
“My agent reports that he is on his death bed, badly burned my lord. An infection has a grip over him.”
“Such a shame, he could have been a powerful ally. Perhaps his demise can still serve a valuable purpose. Have your agent ensure his passing, make it seem natural from his infection, however. I intend to drive the garrison’s morale lower.”
“Yes my lord, I will see to it. There is one last thing. I received reports of…I don’t quite know how to say it. Reports of human and dwarven darkspawn in the battle.”
“It is not your concern. Leave me. You have much to do, and I must meet with the Shadow Hand.
Kemp winced at Lewin’s dismissive tone. He kept his head bowed as he walked backward towards the door. Turning at the last second as he left Lewin and proceeded to walk down the narrow, cold and dank stone corridor.
Only a few torches hung from the walls, barely lighting his way. Each footstep echoed deep into the tunnel network. Other sounds were carried to him. Men running and shouting in surrounding corridors and rooms. Screams, chilling in nature. It was the screams of women that pierced him most.
He still had so many questions reeling in his mind, but pushing further would only cause him trouble.
The reports of human-like darkspawn fighting
in the battle disturbed him deeply. Would he become a darkspawn?
Kemp snaked his way through the tunnels beneath Erystin city, a network of secret passages, hiding the Black Hand organisation. An organisation which had infiltrated all levels of government within all kingdoms. Their power and influence only growing with time, further accelerated by the arrival and alliance with the Shadow Lord.
Kemp snuck out of a stinking sewer opening, it wasn’t glamorous, but the stench always ensured some privacy. He made his way back home, ensuring to not draw attention in the ever-vibrant nightlife of the city. Word of the catastrophic defeat had not reached the people yet.
Kemp laughed at the idea of how ignorant these people were. They were on the brink of facing their destruction, yet here they were, drinking and partying in the bars and taverns like tomorrow would be as bright as today.
They weren’t his concern; however, he had a mission to carry out. He needed his communication sphere.
**
A hooded figure condensed from the air around Lewin, appearing before him. His face hidden beneath his hood, he approached Lewin’s desk. He raised his head, revealing a face that was somehow a mixture of a human, eshin and dwarf. The blending of each of the lifelings gave the figure a truly distinctive look.
“You have done well for us Lewin,” the hooded figure said with a deep croaky voice. “The Shadow Lord is pleased with your work. He will have a place for you after we are through with this miserable rock of a planet.”
“Thank you, Lord Simus,” replied Lewin, bowing his head.
“Take me to the labs, I wish to assess our progress.”
“As you wish.”
Lewin stood up from his desk, walking with a severe limp, to the back of the room. He pushed into a particular stone, activating gears from behind the wall. Machinery came alive, whizzing and whirring to part the wall and reveal a hidden corridor beyond.
The pair of them walked in silence, the gloom of the corridors would weigh anyone down, except those who thrive in the shadows. The guards, kept pace behind them, all of the footsteps echoing throughout the corridors.