Chapter 52 Here there be Dragons.

 
With the rising of the sun it was easier for Melfina to harvest what she wanted from her fresh carcasses. While Yun and I had slept, the others had stayed up reading the entire night. Now it was their turn to rest, so we would be alert enough when we arrived at our destination. Tying a leather strap around the rail of the barge, she simply wraps the other end around her arm and curls up to sleep. Melfina too has no trouble getting to sleep, even taking the time to spread a simple bedroll out, using her meager pack as her pillow and to keep it weighed down. While I expected Geno to sleep, he stayed up, still reading his book. Now, in full light, I could see that the title was “I built a Gun and you can too!” Geno was a pretty ingenious, maybe he would be able to figure something out like the weapons they had in Davenport, maybe even that fancy thing the Deputy in Cherwood made. Geno was still settled on Sylvio, so there was no worry of him falling off. As I settled back, leaning on a long metal leg I watched the trees blur past below us.
Pine forests faded into humid and hot jungles. The air around us was almost moist to the touch as we sped through it, quickly causing fabric to cling to our bodies against the wind. There was nothing to do about it but hope the humidity would go down, and we would be able to dry off. I was facing mostly forward, So I could see everything forward to the right, and Yun Shifted so my blind spots would be covered. Otherwise, not having a book of my own, there wasn't much for me to do but think.
Yun was an interesting character to travel with, and if I had seen a better actor I couldn't name them. With the ability to become most any other person they could imagine it was most helpful to have them gather information with no one the wiser. And with different personalities with each new character, blending seamlessly into any crowd was natural. The only thing that didn't really fit was the magic that was casually thrown around. It was true that the magic provided by Yun had helped us get out of all kinds of trouble, and I owed my life to them because of it. But it was a casual disregard for animosity. Most people who had magical talent would have wanted to keep out of the public's eye for fear of being executed by mage hunters. With the ability to become an entirely different person after walking around a corner, I suppose flinging fireballs around wasn't a problem. We would not have gotten this far without them and it didn't really matter where we were. As long as Yun didn't try turning a powerful dragon into a spiny toad, whatever they wanted to cast was fine by me.
Yun wasn't the only one to have flung power around. We all had, and that may be problematic if we ever wanted to go home. And while that was a problem to solve, dwelling on it wouldn't help now, and with the humidity it would be a simply miserable day of travel. Instead I could concentrate on the fresh air, and how calming the wild aura of nature was. I could feel the pull of the natural magics around me, and I took the time to dive into that fantasy. I could just find a place to live, in the woods, where I wouldn't have to worry about much of anything bothering my family. Marda and Melfina had mentioned living in the woods, and I knew the taste of the very Divinity of Nature. Envisioning living a nice peaceful life among the trees, I could live like that. But if I did that, I wouldn't be able to work with my metal. The joys I take in my craft would have to be something of the past. Most of the druids I had known in the past didn't use metal arms or armor, deeming it to be unnatural. It couldn't hurt to think about that longing though, feeling that pull into the wilds, to embrace the beauty of the living world around us. It would break up some of the monotony of this flight anyway.
And what of this Eye in my dreams? It was claiming that I was getting closer to Home. Was something going to claim me against my will, trying to keep me here? Or would I be able to find an actual place to live here, finding myself a subject to a Dragon lord? Max's father may have some humorous comments on that, old as he is. He is probably older than some of the dragons we could meet.
As If my thoughts could summon them, I see an odd image on the horizon. We had traveled far, a large mountain had grown closer, and I could see the blackened surface from here, with orange molten rock flowing out in some places. Back lit by the fiery light a large figure, tall and wide with wings was growing larger. Other smaller creatures fly with the larger one. I warn Yun, and call out to Petunia, making sure she saw it. “Yes, I saw it lad, my Eggbert gave a squawk he did, the damp boy he is. All this Humidity collects on him and he gets all slick from it, but don't you mind, this harness will get us all to our destination quite safely now, not like that poor Matilda that had her harness break over the ocean, she had to wait there a day and a half with her shipment of goats because some Shiting bastard didn't want to oil the leather.” She continued on, but I was concentrating on the approaching figures.
I had no idea what the middle creature could have been, with such a strange silhouette. It looked to be a figure sitting upon a winged creature, a large bulbous body with wings. As the fliers got closer, a gold color covered the rider, the flier crimson, and I realized it was a Dragon flying at us, the large body belonging to the rider. Eight long legs wrapped around the dragon's body and a spider's body with a Drow woman's torso sat atop the red dragon coming closer. A Parasol was clutched in her hands and very dark glass covered her eyes. Giant golden eagles had flanked the Dragon, and were now clearly visible with the group so close. As the dragon came up to us, both parties stopped forward progress, Eggbert and the Red beating wings effortlessly to stay in place.
“So! You are the people here to see Bloody!” a single hand left the parasol to hold up her hand in a neutral wave. The woman was surveying all of us, and was obviously the welcoming comity “Such a wonderful collection of guests, and one of them a Fae! I must be careful what I say around you”
“Is there a name we can use to address someone so fine?” I ask. I try to be as charming as Yun would have been, but it comes out more demanding than I would have liked. Yun would have said it with more charm, almost flirting. A suitor to my gate guard.
Our greeter let out a purring hum. “Mmmhhm I must be careful with my name, lest it be stolen by that pale one there, “ she said, locking onto Yun. “But you may call me Miss Gray. Now, Why have you come here?”
I didn't know how to sugar coat it, how to ease into it, so I just put it out. “We know that Lord Charring may know there whereabouts of a soul stone, we were hoping to procure it in one way or another.” I regretted saying it like that, but I didn't have time to stand here thinking of what to say.
Miss Gray nearly lowered her dark lenses to look at us, but thought better of it. Probably too bright. “Who is it that you hate that bad, or is some world shattering event happening that you might need one of those?”
Looking at the others kinda sheepishly, I nodded a couple times. I wasn't sure how much I was supposed to give away. With a shrug, I answered. “Both kinda.” I didn't really want to look at anyone. I briefly wondered how far it was to the ground, and if I could slip into the forest to never be seen again.
The spider lady gave out another odd groan, her face unreadable behind those large lenses. “I could get you in to see Him right now I think, so you wouldn't have to worry about getting the run around.”
Melfina stepped up next to me. “How should we address him?”
“How flammable are you?” Miss Gray said with a smile. It was clear she wasn't going to give that an easy answer.
A sudden thought hit me, a chill running down to my tail. “What color are his Eye's?” It was an odd question to ask in the circumstances, even Marda gave me a side look.
“Whatever color they like my dear Dragonborn.” Miss Gray answered. Oh. Yeah. Bloody Charring, Lord of a whole section of the Island was probably powerful enough to change into whatever he wanted to be. Duh. “Why do you want to know?” she countered.
I couldn't really be saying anything about dreams tell me I was home, as that sounded just silly in my head. Without anything to actually answer with, I respond, “I like nice eyes.” Wow Druss. Keep talking like this and they will make you an ambassador like Aurane. I wonder if he needs a baggage boy.
“Well what do you think of mine?” Miss Gray asks me, and lowers her Lenses. Eight eyes look at me.
“What sort of gifts does He like?” Melfina asks, mercifully giving me a chance to stop talking.
“He likes gifts of either Heat or water resistant items. I have worked for Him for two hundred years, and he has revived some really nice things. Make sure to make an impression. Now let's be off.” Miss Gray then kicked the Dragon with several of her heels.
“I'm not a horse Gray.” the dragon Snarled in draconic. She looked down at the young Red dragon, answering in the same language. “Shut up Chad, and get us back to the office.”
As we flew, the Jungle below us turned into a sparse forest, with Geysers dotting the ground. More and more Blacked stone was appearing in places. Miss Gray and Petunia flew together, talking. Petunia illustrating our attack from this morning, clearly happy to have someone to talk to. Or at. “Oh yes deary, we had those fearsome beaties attacking us, and Eggbert here killed a fair share of them. Although my passengers made swift work of the rest. That big hulking lad there didn't do much, but he seemed to like catching the bodies. At the end of the row he had three of them all stacked up on top o him like blankets. Of course they tore my dress in a few places, nothing that couldn't be mended mind you, but it was something entirely unnecessary, yes. That taller Girlie there even went so far as to collect some samples, and I don't think they are for natural research, no I don't but that isn't my concern, no, I just need to get them to where they are going, and now that we are almost there I won't have to worry about it much longer, but they have been oh so nice.”
As we came closer and closer to the mountain, the two riders continued to converse, if it could be called that. A town at the base of the mountain appeared as we clear some of the foot hills, and I expected us to land there, but instead Miss Gray pointed further up the slope, and said something to Petunia, who took Eggbert, and us, farther up. The Air was getting warmer, and soot was becoming more prevalent as we rose higher and higher up the slope until we reached a large hole in the side of the mountain, a shaft going straight down in.
Miss gray informs us that while her Master wouldn't use this entrance, we can't use the Volcano as Bloody Charring would, so this was to be our entrance. As Chad and Miss gray fly in, Petunia guides Eggbert in after her with the barge coming in last. I was clearly a lava tube, and it had jagged stone surrounding us, slowly getting more and more narrow. We soon came to a point where the sides of the barge were scraping the sides of the tube, shards of razor sharp stone flying down at us after we passed them. We soon had to cover our heads to keep from getting cut to ribbons and the barge started taking more damage. It was a few minutes of this terror before we cleared the lava shaft.
A gargantuan gallery opens up in front of us, light from glowing rock reflecting off huge mounds of metals. Glittering copper and silver hills dot the cavern floor with Gems mounted on the surface. Each mounds melted and molded into shape. A massive pile of Gold complete with inlaid sword sticking out of it lays close to a colossal Metal ship, where a vast, rotund Red dragon reclines.
With a Foreleg draped over the prow of the wrecked ship, Bloody Charring lounges amount his horde of treasures, a large yellow eye half closed, the other eye scarred and probably blind. Or maybe he just wanted people to think that. Red and orange spiders, larger than a horse, crawled over the piles of treasure, and among the molten rock, blinking in and out of vision as if they were suddenly invisible. Various blacked bodies dotted the view, a reminder of power.
On seeing Us, Bloody Charring perks up, looking somewhat surprised. As Chad Lands, Miss Gray gracefully climbs off, and walks over to a desk clearly set up for her. Made of obsidian or some similar material, she pulls out several projects at once, pulling out scrolls and knitting needles, putting away her parasol and removing her Blackened lenses. With a small smirk, she pointedly pays attention to her projects. Bloody Charring turns his massive head so his good eye can see his underling, and he extends his wings as if perturbed then turns back to us. We can see that his wings have been modified, lines of gold strewn out, as if someone had filled the veins with the molten metal.
Figuring I should start talking, I chose to open in Draconic, guessing he would appreciate his native tongue. “Your Eminence, it is a privilege to be in your prescience.” I wasn't really sure what title to use, and I hoped that one was good enough. Stepping forward and switching to Common, I kept going, “Our travels have been long and fraught with peril. We humbly request a trade.”
Geno came up behind me and whispered up at me, “Don't use Draconic again. Something was off about it.”
Oh. I thought I was being polite, but now I was second guessing everything. Maybe it was reserved for certain individuals, or the dialect was different. Did I just come across as a country bumpkin and offend everyone here?
“What do you have to offer?” The sound was all consuming, making the very walls reverberate with the baritone of Bloody Charring's voice. Some pieces of rock even fell from the walls.
I floundered. We had tried to come up with something on the way, but we hadn't thought of getting something before we applied for the barge ride, and none of us would have had time anyway. A boot scrape behind me made me turn to see Melfina stepping forward. “While we have trinkets that may appease a lesser being, you already have bigger and better things.” she paused and closed her eyes, taking a breath in. When she opened her eyes, there was a slight glow escaping them. It slowly encapsulated her head, and her skin emanated light, similar to the golden veins of our large host. “What we do have are talents and skills that could help you.” Her voice didn't reverberate from the walls, it echoed as if the walls were Talking For her. As if six or seven beings had just spoken together.
Bloody Charring sat up straighter, his foreleg removed from the prow the the wrecked ship. “A Celestial?! You brought am angel to the land of elementals?! How stupid are you people!”
I wasn't sure who was more angry, Melfina or Charring, but either way, she continued. “I came here with my friends, I was Not Brought here.” She practically spat the words that implied she was not in charge of her own being. Her voice no longer came from everywhere, but the power coming from her wasn't holy, it felt raw and primal. Miss Gray paused from her knitting needles and looked up as if to study Melfina. “Due to our circumstances we needed to come here.”
I was expecting the gigantic dragon to burn us to a crisp with Melfina's outburst, maybe add us to the collection of other bodies. But when he leaned forward, it wasn't to roast us, but to look closer. “And what circumstances are those” he asked, the room no longer vibrating.
We all looked at each other, not sure how much to give away, before little Marda stepped forward. She looked different for just a glimpse of time. Not old, but maybe worn out. “We need the soul stone to remove his possession of me, and hopefully trap him inside.” Her words were clear, but they seemed quiet compared to the rest of the conversation. “Some time ago I was cursed by one of his followers, and he has been trying to take over my body.” She continued. “We had another soul stone but it was full, and we happened to find that you had been left one, we had hoped to trade for it.”
“Why would Asmodeus be after you anyway, why would this follower use the energy to curse you?” Charring asked. He seemed genuinely curious about this, not just patronizing us.
Melfina sighed as she responded. “He wanted her to get to me. He and I have History”
The great red dragon remained silent for some time after that. I was sure he was considering where best to place our bodies. As we watched, a great column of fire came forth from behind him, to envelop his body, and continued forward, dissipating just before it got to us. Where the Dragon had once sat, a barrel chested dwarf stood. A full mane of flame wreathed his head and chin where any hair should have been. An open vest revealed a muscled chest, and a clear belly. His arms and Legs were thicker than mine, and hands that could looked able to grind metal into dust. As the dwarf started walking forward, he grabbed a sharp protrusion of metal from the ship, and pulled on it ripping it like it was threadbare clothing. Flames danced up and down his chest and arms as he walked, he dark skin nearly reflective and I couldn't tell if the flames were coming from him, or if it was light reflecting from the fires around the cave. With the large hunk of metal he crafted a throne with his bare hands, the metal becoming white hot where he bent it and forced it to his own will. What I could have done in months he did in seconds. As he came closer, I could see the gold veins in his wings had become small streams of gold infused into his arms, chest and shoulders. Bloody Charring's new form carried now weapon, and I was certain he would never need one. Placing the throne down, he sat before us, glaring at us with his good eye, as if he just wanted to get a better look at us. He finally spoke, “Asmodeus would be an inconvenience to me.”
“Is there something we could do for you that would be an inconvenience for you to do?” I asked, trying to be helpful. What better for us to do than to help you do something that would belittle you if done yourself, and stop Asmodeus at the same time?” I probably should have used the word belittle now that he was technically smaller than me, he may have seen it as a jab at his current stature.
He starts to study us again each in turn, When he gets to Geno, the brilliant man he is, pulls out a small jar of hot sauce he had bought at some point. “I didn't want to offer this before, as it would have meant nothing in your previous form, but I was wondering if you would like to try this.”
A small grin appeared on the Dwarf's face, nearly imperceptible with the hot flames dancing around his head. A snap of his fingers, and a piece of bread descends from a spiders silk above. Miss Gray appeared at his side, and grabbed the bread for him so he could slather the hotsauce on it. Marda grabbed a bottle of fire whiskey from her bag and offered it as well, which may have brought a twinkle to Charring's good eye. Handing the bottle to Miss Gray, who took a swig, he gobbled up the bread, savoring it. When Gesturing for more bread, Melfina asked for some so she too could try it. After another glance, more bread dropped down, whole loaves this time. Turning to Geno he asked, “Do you like Spicy foods little one?”
“You bet your sweet red ass I do” the goblin replied. Not a quiver of anxiety or fear came from the shorter green, just two guys talking about food. Charring Laughs, and raises both arms as a large table is lowered to the cavern floor. Various foods are provided, sauces, breads, peppers and dips. Pointing out the spiciest and the milder foods, he suddenly seems overjoyed to be talking about food with normal people.
I take my place down near the end of the table, simply happy to stay out of negotiations. Watching the gathering, I can see that Melfina has sat spike down near some of Charring's “special hot sauce”, the turtle taking small samples of it. Marda had also released Sora, who was no longer trembling inside her coat. Sora was also taking samples of food from anyone who would offer, including Miss Gray, and soon both smaller reptiles were burping small gouts of flame. Finally, things seemed to be falling into place, with the whole group letting outs uproarious laughter, up until the moment I heard in my head, as if a mountain was coming down on top of me. “Welcome Home Druss”.
With my appetite immediately killed, I stepped back from my spot at the table and watched the others. Eating and Laughing together with our host, the rest of the group don't seem to be distributed with anything else going on. Melfina is pulled aside by Miss Grey for a private chat as Geno continues on comparing spices and flavors he and Charring have come across. As Miss Grey and Melfina come back, our host asks our names so He can know to whom he is talking, and while everyone agrees to his request and answers, I try to respond in my mind. Still not knowing who “welcomed me home” I try to respond with “You know my name”.
The attempt at a mental connection goes rather poorly, and being the last of the group to answer, staring awkwardly at our host instead of politely answering. “My name is Druss.”
Something internally clicks in our host, and I can see his eyes twitch at the name. He does know it. But he isn't the one who has been calling me. Still looking at me he simply state, “you and I will talk later.” Looking across the table again he introduces himself. “My name, as you know, is Charring. That is all the name you need to call me by. I fought hard for it, and we shall leave it at that. Now, Geno, I think that we should talk about getting more of this delicious sauce you have shared. Does your family have any trading potential?” As the two of them hash out the trading details, probably leaving Geno's family to be one of the wealthier ones in his homeland, I munched on some bread. I had been looking forward to seeing my larger cousins.
Once the various sauces and breads were all consumed, and spiders had come to remove the dishes Charring looked over us again. “I have something I would like done, and you are right, I would prefer not to do it myself. There is a small rip on this plane, into the plane of Fire. I would like it to grow, but there are certain Elementals that are stopping it from happening. They need to be removed. If at that time you wish to go to the Plane of Fire you may come and go as you wish, and the City of Brass is quite close to the rift. Be warned however. Do Not give out your names. Do Not accept any contracts there. The city is ruled by beings called Ifrits and there will be cultural differences where most of you will be looked down on. Druss would be tolerated, but most of the rest of you wouldn't be seen as proper folk. There are magical items there that would be ever so delectable to have, but there is no part of our deal forcing you to go to the city.”
He paused for a moment. “ I want the stone when you are done. Asmodeus is a Prince of the Hells. And will eventually get out.”
“So you want to make a deal with him to get something out of it.” Melfina said. While the tone she used was heated, it didn't change the atmosphere of the volcano. “He needs to be trapped in there for what he has done.
Charring studied her, flames licking around his head. “Yes. I will get something out of it, even if just gloating rights. I will not release him on this plane, and he won't get out until the end of Most of your lifetimes. But he will eventually get out.”
“Fine.” Melfina agreed. “But I want notice when he will get released. I have people I will want to protect.”
“Very well. You will be contacted before he is released from the Stone.” Charring conceded. ”There is another thing. I want you to retrieve an item of my choice at a later time.”
This last caveat was immediately protested by the group, and we hashed out a deal. The item in question couldn't kill anyone when taken, and while it could be magical, it couldn't destroy the world or any such nonsense if in the wrong hands. This mystery object also wouldn't kill us forever, but there may be ramifications such as mostly dead, or cursed. We would be responsible to fixing whatever effect it had, should there be one. We didn't like the new part to the deal at all, but we needed the Stone.
With negotiations complete, Charring tells us we can spend the night in the nearby town at the base of the volcano. Charring looked tired after talking to us, not physically, but the fact that we didn't end up dead had taxed him. As we gathered once again on Petunia's barge, we were taken back up through the hole we used before, although it was a easier flight now that it was partially smoothed out. After a short ride, we land just outside the main square of the town, where a clearing had been prepared for just the need.
Leaving the landing point, we travel to what is clearly the only inn in town. Several Fire Genasi roam about town, clearly residents out for an evening stroll. The Light from the distant Molten rock is enough to illuminate the sky clearly enough that torches probably were not needed most nights. Both a general store and and armory were seen to be open still, and we decided to find lodgings first before anything else. A Metal sign stuck out from over the door, pronouncing the establishment to be called The Fireside Inn. Going inside, we find a few of the tables inside are taken, a smattering of Humans and Elves are mixed in with the Genasi, and Geno goes over to negotiate the price. Asking for One room, and a wake up call, he slides the gold across the counter and takes the key.
Our room was decent sized, and normally wouldn't fit all of us, but there was a clear space in the middle that would fit the blanket fort, so we dropped most of our packs in the room and went to see what could be found in town. We had invited Petunia to stay with us, so she had come up to the room to see where we were staying.
Geno, Yun and I would head to the Armory, while Marda and Melfina would see what sort of stuff the General store might have for fighting around the fire plane. Entering the Armory I can see that the quality of crafting done here is as good as any high tier shop, and most items have a small dragon mouth breathing out flames as the makers mark. A weary Red Dragonborn leans against the wall behind a small counter, clearly bored from lack of activity. As we start perusing the goods, another Humanoid comes to the front from a back room. Not fully Human, nor elvish really, there seems something off about them. He was not much older in appearance that Leona would have been, but I knew that whatever race he was, they probably aged differently.
“If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.” the new comer told the Dragonborn, who shuffled off with a rag to slowly dust something off. Addressing us, the senior shopkeeper continued, “Ah, guests! Welcome in, I hope you are finding our little town acceptable. What are you looking for this evening?”
“Oh that's you Chadford! How are you dearie!” Petunia called from the doorway, continuing on before any response can be made. “I hope your mother is doing well. As the Matriarch, I am sure she is busy as always, but if she wants to stop in for a cuppa later on, we are down at the Fireside of course. They don't have good tea there, no, not like my friend Ethel. You know her of course. Bless her heart, she doesn't fly much anymore. Can't sit that long without pain poor dear. And those shitting bastards at the guild don't allow for that many stops to stretch the legs, no.” I hadn't realized she was following us, let alone practically next to me. I think it had been the longest she had gone without talking.
While Petunia talked at Chad, and He got a couple words in, we found a few articles that would help against any fire or intense heat we had to deal with. Apparently, it was Chad's mother whose maker's mark I had seen, which made sense now. Anyone with that mark would have to be a dragon in these lands. Geno had found some clothing that would help, and Yun had acquired a ring, which they had immediately joked about stealing. When we all stopped moving and looked at the bard, they immediately let out a nervous laugh and starting digging for coin. Even Petunia had stopped talking.
With our goods purchased, the Ladies are waiting for us outside, and we all head back to the Fireside. Getting into our room, I throw the Blanket Fort into being, and we all crawl in. While the Hot chocolate was “Not as good as a proper cuppa” Petunia was appreciative of a comfortable place to sleep. Showing her the guest room , it surprisingly had more furnishings than normal with a few white lace covered throw pillows mixed with the rest. I guess I had subconsciously added them for Petunia. Most of us were tired from the strain of the long flight, and the tense meeting with Charring, and we all quickly went to our rooms to sleep. As tires as I was, I had forgotten to have Melfina check in on Max before we went to sleep, and I wouldn't want to tire her out until after we dealt with the Elementals tomorrow. It would have to wait, I decided, before falling asleep.
Opening my eyes, I stand on a dais, a Humanoid standing in front of me. Long copper colored hair, framing an aged face missing an eye, the mirror of Charring. The figure seemed content to let me study him for a moment, then spoke. “Welcome Home Druss.” While it wasn't an overwhelming oppressive sound like my previous nights, this voice clearly had Power.
“You are mistaken. My home is far from here.” I responded. While it may have been a flippant response, I still had no idea who this person was.
“So you don't acknowledge the call of Nature?” I was asked.
“Well I was taught to answer that call many years ago, and I have used the gifts Nature has provided me for a long time now. I will admit I had not felt that strong a calling before, I figured it was all the magic of this Island being a little overbearing. You seem to know my name, may I know who I am talking to?” I honestly had no idea who this was, and it seemed to be someone in tune with the island some how.
“My name is Amberfern.” The name did float around in my mind, but didn't spark anything like it should have. The way the response was given seemed to be expectant of some great reverence, but this Being seemed bent on laying claim to me, and I had one already, I didn't really need another one to keep me constantly guessing if I was doing what they wanted.
“And who are you to claim this land” I asked. “there is already a mighty lord of these lands, and Charring seems the type to simply scorch those who would try to”- Oh Fuck. The name clicks as I look at the blind eye of the creature in front of me. The Dragon in front of me. The Grand Russet, Sovereign Amberfern. The Living Being who sundered the world and Lords over all of this realm. The Dragon of Dragon Island. Shit.
A small smile appeared on his face, one similar to an elder watching a child figure something out. “I want my space back. The Island has become crowded, and I want my subjects to be able to have more room. I want my dragons to once again roam free on the content, and you could be the one to spread the message. If you don't want Nature's blessings, you could have mine. A new quest. ”
“A quest? I'm already on a quest trying to save my friends from one divine being, and another one wants me to just up and leave. No. Look, I am sorry, but One thing at a time. I cannot do this for you now.” I answer.
“Think about it. You could have extended life, spend more time with your daughter. You wouldn't have to fight to live where you wanted, your family could be happy. If you don't want to do it, I could simply ask your Daughter.”
It probably wasn't a threat, simply another way for Amberfern's path to go, but I hated the way he casually proposed using my Daughter's like this. “I'm sorry, I simply can't decide at this time.” I told him mostly the truth. It was more I didn't have the correct way to say no at this time. I needed to focus on the tasks at hand.
“Fine, I will give you more time, even as my own time slips away.” He responded, with a resigning sigh.
“What ails one so mighty as yourself.” I ask.
“When one breaks the world, they pay for it. I hold this domain together with my strength. As long as you are on this plane of existence, you can call out to me and I will answer. Think about what could be done!” He cried . “Your city would tear you down, sell your Daughters for slavery or parts, destroying everything you have stood for in your life. We could change your very way of life. No more being a vigilante, no more fighting or squabbles. There would be peace.”
I wondered how many died in the political tribulations of Dragons. How many of those dead inside Charring's Lair had been recent. Why would they be there if not for breaking some law of his, or simply speaking their mind. And peace? Where ever there are people there is fighting. One person wanting what another has. While this Island has some things that could greatly benefit my city, we have made progress into getting past the boundaries. The train and the skyship were just the start. The payment to acquire a world without fighting would be steep, and I couldn't see everyone agreeing to it. “I will think on it.” I say again. Was I thinking properly? Was there a good angle to this? Peace for my family. But what world would I leave for them? With an affirmative grunt, Amberfern. Waved his hand in dismissal, and I plunged back into a deep sleep, without thoughts of dragons flying over Cherwood.