The Guardians' Blade

Nar’tash moved around the large central chamber of the gateway, making the final preparations. She had never sent people and destriders through before. This would be a challenge, but she had a feeling that it might work. If successful, it would open the gateway for a lot more use. She turned from the dais where she had been checking various cables and pipes as the doors opened, announcing the arrival of the travelers that would be using the gateway.

Guardians Krammer and Boar Lionheart were decked out in full battle array and were a sight to behold, leading their destriders behind them, and followed by the Rangers with their own mounts. Nar’tash wiped her hands on a cloth as she moved over to the pedestal and started pressing down on four stone squares, causing the gateway to crackle to life.

“Welcome to the gateway.” She grinned a little as she turned to look over those gathered. She had modified the dais slightly. A ramp now led up to the archway for easy access for the mounts. She waved a hand at the arch, and the shimmering between the pillars. “Eagle’s Point awaits.”

Soryn smiled, nodding to the dark-skinned Guardian, before he became the first to pass through the great archway. As before, he felt a chill that seemed to strike directly into his very core. He had to hold the reins of his faithful destrider, as he felt blind for a moment until he took that last step and stumbled through another archway, into a similar chamber at the Keep. He was met by Mycol, whom he guessed had gone on ahead to prepare for their arrival. He removed his helmet to wipe away the sweat that had accumulated on his brow during that brief little trip. “I just can’t get used to it.”

Mycol grinned broadly, it seemed to make his aged features shine a little. “It’s all right, it’s a luxury we don’t use often.” He moved to help Soryn away from the dais as more people were coming through. “But I wanted to make sure it was possible, for quick deployment of troops if ever the case might arise.”

Krammer nodded once he felt he had regained his composure. “I see, the highway would only be a minor setback then, if that was the case.”

Mycol chuckled but nodded. “Exactly,” He looked beyond Soryn, at the others who were gathering in the chamber. He moved towards the doors speaking in a louder voice. “Now all please follow me, we will stable your animals as there will be no riding out beyond these walls this time.” He turned to look over the group of ten plus the three Guardians, as he continued speaking. “We are already under siege.”

He then moved out of the chamber and up a ramp underneath the Keep. Serraria saw that the rest of the stabled destriders were kept there. That explained the mystery that had occurred last time they had been here, when the Guardians had poured out into the main courtyard above. Once the steeds were stabled, the group was led up a flight of stairs that opened into one of the dormitories. They were assigned bunks where they’d be able to sleep during their stay. Mycol smiled as he watched them all stow away their gear and prep their weapons before he headed for a door that led out into the main courtyard followed by the travelers. “What is our situation?” asked Soryn as they quickly crossed the courtyard, heading towards the front gates and ramparts. Mycol didn’t answer straight away as he led them up another flight of steps. He reached the wall and motioned to what was on the other side, which was answer enough for the three. On the other side of the wall was a writhing mass of cursed Sidhra, clawing at each other to be the closest ones to the wall. And beyond them what looked like siege engines were slowly being pushed towards the Keep. Smoke curled up into the air from various out-of-control fires that raged in the ravaged woods to the east and west. It was a sight to make the most valiant of warriors shake in their boots.

“That doesn’t look too bad,” commented Boar after he had had his fill of the view. He glanced over at Mycol. “Although I have to ask, is that the main force?”

“I have a feeling that that is only the first wave.” Mycol smiled slightly over at the newly arrived Guardians. “And they may get over the wall a couple of times. We must hold out for as long as it takes. This Keep cannot fall into enemy hands.”

Soryn nodded. “I would suggest that after they breach the wall the first time, you send out riders to those in the alliance who said they would assist us.”

Mycol was in agreement. “I shall be doing that, in the meantime we must do the best we can with what numbers we have.”

“INCOMING!” a shout erupted from one of the Guardians on the wall, and Mycol quickly led the three other Guardians away towards the shelter of one of the towers. From its safety they watched as arrows rained down upon the Keep and struck anyone not able to get under cover in time.

“Looks like it has started,” drawled out Boar. He frowned as he looked over at Soryn. “So what’s the plan?”

Soryn chuckled at the question being asked of him. “I suppose we hole up here and dig our heels in.” He pushed away from the stonework he was leaning against. “And retaliate as much as possible.” He walked away along the ramparts.

Mycol grinned before following the Guardian, with Boar and Nar’tash behind them. Along the ramparts Guardians were quickly taking their places, armed with black bows, to begin a discharge of fiery arrows. Two ballistae were also put to use. From their vantage point high up on the wall Soryn could see that as soon as the numbers of the enemy were reduced, they were quickly replaced by more.

“Looks like they will make an attempt on the wall now,” Boar pointed out the ladders that where being carried up and leaned against the wall. He moved to the nearest one, using a spear to push it away, so that it swayed backwards and fell to the ground, taking with it the Sidhra who had been swarming up it. For the next few minutes there was a flurry of activity of Guardians trying to push ladders away from the wall, or cutting down any Sidhra who managed to get onto the ramparts. These seemed too numerous to count and at first it seemed that they would overwhelm the forward defenses until Boar took up a torch. The Sidhra didn’t appreciate fire, and so armed with torches and swords the Guardians beat back the first wave of attack.

Nar’tash studied the seething mass down below on the ground before turning to look at Mycol. “That will not repel them again,” she stated quietly. “I would suggest we send out the riders now.”

Mycol nodded. “You are right. You go to the Dragons, please.” He moved to summon the swiftest riders for the others of the alliance to be sent quickly to the Keep.

Boar continued to peer over the wall down below for a few more minutes before shouting. “They are beginning again!” and leapt up onto a stone support, lashing out with a booted foot to send a ladder listing backwards away from the wall. It crashed down to the ground below.

Soryn took up his black bow, and slung an arrow to string, then trained his eye upon a target, that of a Sidhra on a ladder trying to get up onto the wall. With a release of fingertips, the bow twanged as the arrow was sent on its flight path, impaling its target in the throat. The Sidhra fell to the ground below, his heavy body taking down six other Sidhra in the process.

“There is no way that I am going to miss out on this!” The feisty dark-haired Alixa appeared on the ramparts with Serraria close behind, both armed with bows and grinning broadly as they set to the task of quickly sliding arrow to string, and taking out any Sidhra who dared to touch the wall from the ladders they were climbing up.

“Thank you, ladies!” Boar grinned as he swung his sword, beheading the nearest Sidhra then jumped down next to them. “It seems that we are to have our hands full for a few hours.” He gave a little bow before straightening up, and turned to watch a couple of Sidhra lurch onto the ramparts and stagger towards him. “Like lambs to the slaughter,” he sighed as he strode towards them. Whirling the blade in a silver arc, he decapitated one. Spinning on his toes he came to a halt with his back to the second. Driving his sword deep into the other’s chest, before jerking it free. The sound of two bodies hitting the ground sounded very satisfactory to Boar.

“Shame on you Boar, you are having too much fun.” Alixa playfully scolded the Shadow Warrior while quickly sliding another arrow to string. “However there are too many, we won’t be able to hold them off for long.” She frowned as she fired on a nearby Sidhra who had been about to attack Sir Krammer from behind.

“We simply do what we do best,” was Boar’s encouraging response. “We’ve been in such a position before my dear.” He flashed Alixa a smile as he swung his blade, cutting down another of the dark denizens. “If we could survive then, tired, hungry and wounded, we can do so again.” He did have a point, and Alixa conceded.

“You’re right.” She drew her own sword now, deciding she wanted a bit more of the action. She glanced over at Serraria who was slinging up her bow. “Stay close kid, don’t want to lose you in all this muck.”

Serraria beamed. She had managed to elude the Lady Dovelin, who would have made her stay at the healing quarters. “I will be right behind you,” she stated firmly and drew the blade she had recently been given by King Meaglin. “Time to test this out, I think.” She weighed it a moment in her hand before quickly facing off against two Sidhra who had successfully made it up onto the ramparts. A slash to the right blocked a scimitar from cutting into her shoulder, and a savage kick to the gut doubled up the Sidhra before she rammed an elbow down right between the shoulder blades, bringing the first down to his knees hissing in pain. She whirled, bringing her sword up in a double-handed position and decapitated the head off the shoulders of the second. Long auburn hair swung around her as she gave pause, to take stock of everything that was happening around her. She had learned by now how to work as a team with the others, and not to try to be the sole savior of the moment.

Nar’tash by now had slipped down beneath the Keep following the same passages that they had taken to get up into the courtyard. On her way to the Gate Way, reaching the chamber she hurried over to the pedestal that held the strange square stones of quartz, topaz, sapphires and emeralds and other gems. She pressed down the necessary four that would activate the gateway and link up with the one near the Dragon’s Den. She turned to look at the dais, watching as the strange shimmering took place between the pillars of the arch. Drawing in a deep breath she moved quickly up the ramp and after a brief pause, closing her eyes she stepped through. While she had never shown that this kind of travel affected her, she was alone this time and she felt the coldness to her very core. It burned brightly as she felt herself passing through pools of stagnant magic that had been locked away for years. Gasping, she stumbled out the other side onto the cliff ledge, bent double with hands gripping knees. She fought to regain her composure then straightened up. Adjusting the hood that covered her head, she moved swiftly for the stone stairs carved into the Cliffside and hurried up them two at a time. She was met at the top of the stairs by Dilynm, who seemed rather agitated. She bowed slightly to the young gold-scaled dragon before straightening up once more and spoke. “The time has come, Dragon, your King made a promise, and your aid is now required.”

Dilyn bowed his head slightly then turned on clawed feet to lead the way to the tunnel entrance of the great den. “Come this way, Guardian,” was his rumbled response.

Nar’tash had to jog lightly to keep up with the strides of the young dragon. She was a little out of breath once they were inside the tunnel and making their way down into the great fire chamber. She felt the heat against the cold skin of her face when she stopped and stood near the bonfire, but it did not warm her slender body. She noted there were many dragons gathered, and all seemed to be looking very serious at the present moment. She shifted slightly and finally made out the large gold form of Gorgilare, the king of the dragons. Slowly she approached, seeing that Dilyn was relaying her message and lowered herself on one knee.

Gorgilare looked beyond his son, down at the kneeling Guardian and uttered a low rumble deep in his chest. The tip of his tail snaked out and lightly touched the Guardian on the shoulder before he addressed her. “Arise Guardian, I remember the promise that I gave you and the Dragon child. We will come to the aid of the Keep.”

Nar’tash lifted her head as she slowly rose to her feet. “You will have the eternal gratefulness of the Guardians, my Lord,” she stated clearly in her lilting voice.

“I know,” the Dragon King rumbled. He chuckled, and then spread his wings slightly as he turned his attention to his waiting kin. “Let us fly and teach these northerners that these mountains belong to us!” Roars were heard all around the fiery chamber, giving Nar’tash a headache from the echoes ricocheting off the cavern walls and causing some rock falls. She was shielded by the wing of Dilyn who lowered his head and flashed at her a toothy grin. “Come Guardian, fly with us.”

Nar’tash felt a thrill of sensation run through her body from the invitation. “How could I refuse,” She moved to follow Dilyn and the other dragons up the steep tunnel and out onto the rocky ledge. From here she watched as the dragons one by one took flight. She looked over at Dilyn who stood near the rock edge waiting for her. Nar’tash had never experienced dragon flight before. Swallowing, the Dry’hidra approached and carefully clambered up onto the back of the dragon. It was not comfortable as he was all scales and ridges, but once she was settled with her knees tucked under the shoulder bones of the wings, she felt somewhat secure. After a glance she noted she could hold onto a large curved horn protruding up through the scales a little in front of her seating position. Wrapping her cloak around herself so she wouldn’t be dragged off the dragons back by wind currents she gripped with her thighs like she was riding a destrider and announced in a slightly anxious voice, “I am ready.”

Dilyn flashed another toothy grin. “Unless you’re used to riding on the backs of dragons, you’re never truly ready for your first time.” He spread his wings and pushed off with strong muscled haunches. Nar’tash let out a scream as they dropped like a stone off the rock ledge until Dilyn evened out and began to beat his wings. This caused them to rise in altitude.

Nar’tash felt as if her heart was sitting in her throat. She couldn’t talk; her eyes were glued to the bird’s-eye view she had of the landscape, on either side of the mountains of Drakebare. It was truly a sight to behold, and one she would never forget. The wind yanked her hood back off her head, causing her long silvery white braids to swirl around her head, whipping in the air behind her. She leaned forward, finding this was better and she could better anticipate the dragon’s movements than sitting up straight. Turning her head she got a good look at the various dragons spread out in flight around her, and the sight was breathtaking. Then she was jolted out of her wonder at a loud crack of thunder and flash of lightning that almost caused her to lose her grip, as it caused the hairs on the nape of her neck to stand up. Rain began to pour, making visibility poor. She had been so taken with the dragon flight she had failed to notice the darkening clouds turning into a storm. And then out of the clouds up ahead came black dragons breathing fire and attacking the Dragons of Drakebare in an attempt to stop them from reaching the Keep in time. This was certainly going to be interesting.

Sparks flew from the clash of steel. Boar grunted as he kicked a Sidhra away. They were gradually getting over, and he doubted that they could hold the Keep front wall for very much longer. Spinning two blades within gloved hands he whirled into three others, slashing one in the shoulder, using an elbow to the face of the second and kicking the back of the knee in of the third. Driving the hilt of his sword down between the shoulder blades, he caused the third Sidhra to fall to the ground, quickly kicking the beast so that it rolled off, falling to its death in the courtyard below. He quickly returned his attention to the other two who were rushing at him with bloodied axes. He impaled the first in the throat, and just as he was about to be kissed by the rusty edge of the second axe the Sidhra shuddered as a black arrow protruded from its snarling mouth. Both Sidhra fell to the stonework below.

Boar turned to find out who had been responsible for saving his hide, and noted that 200 Silvarian’s had arrived, the king’s Elite, and directing them was Millianyia. She smiled from where she stood in the courtyard, an elegant bow in hand and a black arrow ready against the string. He raised a gloved hand and saluted her before turning back to helping cut down the numbers of the Sidhra pouring over the front walls. So the Silvarians had arrived. That would bolster their numbers, especially with the mighty bows that race was known to carry. The Krysalith had a distinct talent and a sharp eye, and it wasn’t long before the Guardians felt relief from their aid.

“Well, they came at the right time,” stated Alixa as she leaned against a rampart, wiping some sweat mingled with blood from her brow.

Boar nodded as he approached her and smiled slightly. “Let us hope that the Kilimanjarins and the Mar’quie show up soon.” A nearby explosion caused him to look up and stare through the pouring rain at the struggle over the mountain peaks between two forces of dragons. “Will you look at that?!”

Alixa looked up and frowned slightly. It was a frightening vision; dragons of various colors fighting against black dragons, fireballs flying in various directions, some missing their intended targets and slamming into the mountainside. “Getting a little too close for comfort,” she muttered after a moment. “I thought they were supposed to help us.”

“They are …” drawled the ex-Shadow Warrior. “If it weren’t for the Dragons of Drakebare, we’d be dealing with those fireballs from the Black scales directly.” Boar offered Alixa a reassuring smile.

She sighed a little as she pushed away from the stonework. “I suppose you’re right.” Hefting her blade, she stumbled slightly and Boar caught her arm, helping her to keep on her feet. She offered him a weak smile as if she knew what he was going to say next. “I know, I know, go down to the infirmary and get myself checked out.”

Boar grinned a little at her and nodded. “Of you go. There’ll be plenty of fighting still to do when you get out of Lady Dovelin’s clutches.”

Alixa let out a little laugh, before she stumbled off, making her way down the stairs. Boar watched her go. Then he turned at the sound of a horn blaring and rushed to the stone wall, peering down over the side. He watched in disbelief as the Sidhra were drawing back. A short time of respite perhaps, for the Guardians at the Keep? He could only hope so.

Rakkath carefully eased his way down the mountainside, having climbed over the wall during the midst of the battle and mingling with the sea of Sidhra bodies pushing towards the wall. He managed to get to the outer edge of the gathering and hurried away from the Keep. Running down the pass, with towering mountainous rock walls rising high either side before they opened up into the grey land beyond. He moved with the speed of a graceful gazelle. His feet seemed to barely touch the ground as he ran for the camp of the Wolf King, his face a mask of determination as he left behind a dust trail in his wake. The Sidhra guards were startled as the Dark Krysalith swept past them, causing their ragged cloaks to flutter around their disheveled forms. Rakkath finally reached the Wolf King’s pavilion and threw open the tent flap. He quickly stepped within, ignoring the glare from the hooded form of Rangor. “My lord, you will kill the Dragon child if you continue the assault on the keep in this manner.”

The Wolf King raised one eyebrow. He sat sprawled upon the makeshift throne of dragon bones, holding a goblet of wine to his lips. He asked after a moment in a soft quiet voice, “She is there, then? She has finally shown her true colors?”

“Yes my lord, the dragons named her as such, they recognized her and called her by name.” Rakkath bowed his head as he clutched a fist to his chest. “They entered the battle for her.” He glanced up then, fixing the Wolf King with his piercing almond gaze.

For a long moment Dargoth was silent, while slowly sipping at the wine in his goblet, before he glanced over at Rangor who was hovering nearby. “What say you General? Shall we withdraw so the Dragon child will live?”

“We will lose the keep, sire, if we pull back now. We have overwhelmed the Guardians’ defenses! It is a thing we have not been able to do in years.” Rangor shuffled forward, leaning heavily on a walking stick. “I say press on, any survivors we take as prisoners and if the Dragon child is strong she will survive and be easily captured in the aftermath.”

Rakkath shot forward and reached out grabbing Rangor by the material of his hooded robe, jerking him close as he hissed at the man, “She is not yet strong enough to hold her ground in such a manner.”

There was a hiss of steel and Rakkath felt the tip of the blade lightly pressing against his side as Dargoth spoke. “I will be the one to judge if she is strong enough or not.” He slowly rose to his feet, pressing the blade more deeply into the Dark Krysalith’s side. “However Rakkath, you are correct. She is not ready yet, and she will die if we continue the assault.” He lowered his blade slowly and looked sharply over to Rangor who was still in the grip of the Dark Krysalith. “Go, call the forces back, but make it seem as if we are suffering a defeat.”

Rangor blinked, yanking the material of his cloak out of Rakkath’s grip. “And how am I meant to do that, my lord? We have them greatly outnumbered.”

The Wolf King smirked and waved a hand. “Their allies are coming to their aid. Make it seem that this has made them successful.”

Rangor grunted but bowed, acknowledging his Lord’s request before shuffling out of the tent, muttering under his breath all the while. He was joined by another cloaked figure leading two horses. Once he was gone Dargoth turned to face the Dark Krysalith, a slight cruel smile touching his lips. “When she leaves the Keep, follow her. She will have to part company with these friends of hers soon, so find an opportunity to abduct her.” He clasped hands behind his back, while watching the other. “I am sure you can get her to come with you to the Forest of Tarkil. I will be waiting for you there.”

Rakkath’s mouth tightened, but he bowed to his lord murmuring softly, “As you command.” He strode off out of the pavilion, his steps slow as he retraced them back into the pass, and his heart was heavy. Stopping a moment he looked back the way he had come, watching the banners of the Wolf King flutter in a light wind that had sprung up. He felt the rain pouring down around him, drenching his clothes and causing his hair to stick to his cheeks and neck. He set off once more, hugging the mountain walls on one side, watching as Sidhra retreated in small groups as they lessened the attacking force by degrees. It was Rangor’s grudging attempt to make it look like the Wolf King was disturbed or afraid of this alliance that had taken place within the Golden Realms. Rakkath knew better, and he could well see its mockery that the others would be blind to. He was halfway back to the keep when he felt the tip of a blade at his back, and he drew to a halt, wondering for a moment whose it might belong to. He doubted it was Rangor, as Rangor wouldn’t go blatantly against their lord’s orders.

“I suppose you just went for another walk?” The voice that spoke caused Rakkath to stiffen. It was the Shadow Warrior. The Guardian must have seen him slip out of the keep during the fighting and followed him. He went to move a hand towards his own blade but Boar pressed the tip harder against his spine. “Hands above your head, my friend. Time to show your true colors,” Boar wasn’t about to let Rakkath get away with it this time. He frowned as he marched his prisoner towards the keep. Halting near the wall he reached out and grabbed Rakkath by the arm, dragging him through a Shadow. They appeared in the courtyard where Guardians could be seen hurrying towards the Keep front wall, joined by Krysalith of the Silvaria and Kilimanjari forests and the Mar’quie who had finally arrived.

“Boar! What are you doing?” The clear voice of Serraria was heard above the ruckus of the continued fighting. The girl jumped down from the front ramparts, and ran towards the two men. She attracted attention in doing so, causing several Guardians to pause and glance in Boar’s direction now, as well as Kain and Storm who started to quickly approach.

“I caught Rakkath out beyond the walls. He went to pay a visit to the Wolf King.”

Kain frowned at this and eyed off the Dark Krysalith. “Did you do that?” he asked sharply.

“No.” Rakkath frowned and then smirked slightly. “One would have to ask the same thing of Boar; what was he doing beyond the Keep walls?”

Boar smiled slightly as he patted Rakkath on the back. “I was following a certain Dark Krysalith. At first I thought he might be trying out a different tactic to deal with our crazy friends out there. But when I tracked him all the way to the Wolf King’s camp, I realized otherwise.”

“He lies,” spat Rakkath.

“A Guardian never lies.”

Sir Krammer slowly approached with Alixa at his side, her head bandaged. He looked at Rakkath with a frown. “I have had my suspicions in regard to you for a long time.” He jerked his head towards the Keep cells. “Get him out of my sight, we’ll deal with him once the Sidhra are gone.” He moved than to head back towards the wall.

“You can’t do that!” shouted Serraria. She hurried after Soryn, grabbing hold of his arm. “Rakkath wouldn’t spy, he was scouting! You haven’t given him a chance to explain himself!”

“I have given him plenty of opportunity to come clean, to do some good,” snapped the Guardian. He stopped and turned to look down at the girl. “He has been caught twice in suspicious circumstances. Let justice be dealt, child.”

“CHILD!” Serraria shrieked and then turned, running towards the Ramparts.

“Serraria!” Soryn called and frowned as he sighed heavily, a gloved hand reaching for her, before falling back to his side. “So young and so temperamental.” He shifted on booted feet and turned to look at Alixa and the others.

Boar nodded slightly. “The kid has a lot to learn.” He marched his prisoner across the square with Kain and Storm as escort in case Rakkath attempted anything. A cell door was opened, and the Dark Krysalith was flung inside, stripped of his armor and weapons. Boar smiled as he closed the door and turned the key in the lock. He looked through the bars at the almond-eyed being and winked. “Try to get out of this one.” He turned and hurried out to join Soryn in the final defense.

Kain leaned against the bars of the cell, and shook his head slightly. “I was hoping you were one of a kind, like Boar.” He folded arms over his chest. “It seems that some of your kind can’t learn new tricks.”

Rakkath snorted before speaking softly. “I know what is good for me. Your lands, all that you know, will be lost to you. This keep and the other will fall, you’ll see.”

“You don’t deny it now?” Storm frowned as she looked in at the Dark Krysalith. Her features were sad. “Serraria had such faith in you.” She turned away then. “It will break her heart when she realizes the truth.”

Rakkath reached out and grabbed hold of Storm’s arm before she was out of reach. “Don’t tell her.”

“What?” She turned, staring at him with gleaming purple eyes. “We all know you’re a spy, a traitor amongst us. You’ve admitted as much to me and Kain.”

“Let the girl keep her hopes and faith.” Rakkath looked at Storm, and for once it wasn’t an act. “She will need it, and she will need you to help her.”

Kain frowned and grabbed hold of Rakkath’s wrist as he leaned in close. “If you know anything that the Wolf King is planning, you’d better tell me. Especially, if it involves that little girl.”

Rakkath shook his head, and released his hold on Storm, before jerking free of Kain. “Keep her close, don’t leave her behind. That’s all I can say.” He retreated into a darkened corner of his cell. He was stuck for the moment, but he did not feel at all as if the plans had been interrupted. Whether he was here in a cell or free, Serraria would eventually leave the safety of these friends. She would be easily lured into whatever trap the Wolf King set. And he astonished himself with a feeling he had not thought to possess. Regret stirred within his chest, he was almost wishing that he could stop it from happening. He watched as Storm and Kain left, returning to the battle raging outside and smirked slightly as he shook his head. Trying to shake that strange feeling off. He couldn’t afford to go soft now.

Nar’tash clung to the back of Dilyn who rolled out of the way of a charging black dragon. She had by now managed not to scream so much with the maneuverings of the beast she flew upon. From her position she had an aerial view of the goings-on down below, over the keep. Were the Sidhra pulling back? It was hard to make out. Then she saw a black dragon heading for the keep and yelled at Dilyn. “There’s one going for the Keep!”

Dilyn altered his flight path, pulling in his wings to gain speed, making the wind whip wildly around Nar’tash who clung to him all the tighter in fear of falling. She felt water filling her eyes making it hard to see, as the rain continued to fall around them and sting her skin like thousands of tiny daggers. The rain had stopped the fireballs from being too much of a problem on the mountainside, as it quickly washed out the flames. But a fireball in that Keep, while it wouldn’t burn long, would leave behind a crater and there could be loss of life.

Nar’tash gritted her teeth, hoping that they could reach the other dragon in time. She could hear roars and snarls all around her as they seemed to dive right through the midst of the raging aerial battle, but that was the quickest way to reach the Keep in time to defend it from above. She felt a sharp pain to her back, gasping loudly as she heard rending cloth and knew a black dragon had come in close from behind. But Dilyn had little time to stop and fight. So all Nar’tash could do was hold on as much as possible and try to ignore the pain that seared all the way down her back. Blinking her eyes clear, she could see that they were closer to the Keep now. But to her horror, she watched as the Black blasted the Keep in at least two places before Dilyn could reach him and hit him with a fireball of his own. However the tactic worked, drawing the Black Dragon away from further attacks on the Keep and after the young gold dragon and its wounded rider instead.

“I … can’t … hold on …” gasped out Nar’tash. The pain in her back was making her grip slip; she could feel wetness there now and knew she must be bleeding heavily. When Dilyn rolled to avoid a claw from his opponent her gloved hands slipped, and she fell away from the golden beast, closing her eyes as she felt herself dropping through the cold rain and air, plummeting to what she was sure would be her death.

The Keep shook from the two fireballs that set buildings alight, and destroyed parts of the wall in one place and some of the cells and dormitories on the other side. Smoke rose up as flames licked the air. The rain was starting to ease up, but it was preventing the fire from getting too much out of control as the Guardians rushed to get buckets of water to put it out in both areas.

Serraria coughed and spluttered as she entered the debris of the cells, pushing stones out of the way. Looking anxiously around for the Dark Krysalith she called out his name. She had seen the dragon’s attack and was mortified that the Guardians hadn’t hurried to the cells first, but to the wall and tower instead. She found Rakkath’s cell. The bars were twisted and bent and when she yanked the door open after breaking the lock she found the cell was empty. She had noticed the wall had crumbled, and hurried further into the damaged broken building, finding Rakkath slumped in a corner nursing a bloodied arm. “Rakkath, it’s ok.” She was anxious that he was slumped down and reached to touch his shoulder, for a moment thinking perhaps he had died. But he jerked upright and grabbed at her arm, only to slowly release her when he recognized her. He offered a crooked little smile.

“Little Wolf …” he coughed and then winced as he started to stand. “Damn dragons, never can shoot straight.” He looked at her curiously then. “But what are you doing here, eh?”

“I came to see if you were hurt and …” Serraria paused then went on, “And to see if you needed help and to get you out.”

Rakkath chuckled quietly. He put an arm around her neck as she offered him some support. “Well, I am hurt, I do need help and I won’t stop you from breaking me out of here, kid.”

Serraria smiled lightly at that, as she started to help him through the rubble. Closer to the opening they could hear Guardians shouting for more water and she paused a moment as if undecided but then continued. Once outside she found the Guardians focusing on the dormitories. She turned to look at Rakkath who patted her shoulder.

“The wall over there has a crack in it. I’ll slip out there, lass. But I’ll see you again.”

“Promise?” she asked quietly. She didn’t like seeing friends lost like this.

“I promise.” He nodded then hurried off, seeming to fade into the background not long after. Serraria rubbed at her eyes, wondering if they had been playing tricks.

A roar from above caused her to look up, and at that precise moment she could see someone falling through the air. Was it a dragon rider? Her curiosity getting the better of her, Serraria ran towards the ramparts, lips pressed together in concentration as she burst into one of the towers and raced up the stairs as fast as her legs would let her. Reaching the top, she ran to the edge of the stonework, looking up again to locate the falling rider. Serraria drew in a deep breath as she held her hands out, palms upturned and her eyes altering in color, taking on a golden dragon gleam. Bright golden, blue and white lights began to pulse around her hands. The same thing occurred around the falling figure, rapidly cocooning the rider in the light display.

Sweat began to bead on Serraria’s brow from the amount of concentration she had to pour into this action. To anyone watching it would seem like she was attempting to cast a spell to stop the rider from falling, or perhaps to slow her descent so that she wouldn’t be killed on impact. But for Serraria it was much more than that. She was not of this world and no ordinary girl child. She gritted her teeth but she could see that she had slowed the plummeting fall of the rider. She even realized who the rider was, and was surprised to find out it was Nar’tash. Nonetheless she was able to make sure that Nar’tash landed safely amidst the mud beyond the walls. However, she felt the Dryhi’dra’s pain and was concerned for her welfare. With a shudder Serraria slumped against the stonework, gripping it as she shook from such intense use of her energies. She lifted her head as she felt eyes watching her. Turning slightly, she looked down and saw Millianyia standing on the rampart wall over the great doors with a bow in hand smiling at her. She gave a nod and Serraria managed a weak little smile before she collapsed in a heat on the stonework and passed out.