THE LAST EMERALD DRAGON 

CHAPTER TWO 

THE SEARCH, THE ARRIVAL

    The room was in complete darkness, the only light that could be seen is floating on a small table, the bowl that produced that light is nothing more than candle strength. Shadows swirl around this light but never coming too close to be seen in it.  There is a low murmuring sound in the shadows of the room.  The lone figure sitting next to the table is bent over the bowl of water that is giving off the light, its hands are lying palms down on either side of the bowl. Its head is leaning over looking into the water.  The figure is concentrating on the water when it hears someone walking in its' chamber, it never looks up to see the new arrival walk up to it.

    The person standing has black skin with pointed ears.  His eyes are pointed at the ends next to his temples, his pupils being a dark crimson red.  His platinum hair is long that reaches the middle of his back, it is tied up in a long tail.  His thin arms and legs look as if you could snap him like a twig.  He stands on the other side of the table until the sitting figure speaks.

    "What is it Valmor?  Have you found out where the lost emerald has been spirited away to yet," he asked not looking up from his bowl?

    "No mi' lord Alagoth.  Not at this moment, but we do know he is not on this continent anymore.  Keitaro the white has recently informed me that he has been hidden away in this land since the time of the dragon wars ended," explained Valmor.  The lord finally looks up from his bowl, anger in his eyes at the last statement of his servants.

    "You mean to tell me that the last emerald has been here in this land right under our nose for all this time, and now that you find this out he has escaped.  Take that weakling of a servant of yours Firki and find that emerald.  I do not wish to see you again until you do," exclaimed Alagoth.

    "Yes mi' lord.  But I came to inform you that last night's storm really did some damage of the Korrest's keep some prisoners have escaped and the Korrest guards are out rounding them up as we speak.  One of the prisoners that escaped was the girl.  We do not know where she is," explained Valmor.

    Alagoth's anger could not be contained any longer. He stands quickly from his chair, his magic pushing everything around him over on their ends.  The magic bowl is spilled and the light goes out.  There are loud sounds in the darkness.  Cries of anger and pain radiate through the halls of the underground fortress.  When the sounds of the wailing subside Alagoth lights a torch on the wall.  His tall strong body is standing over Valmor's, his black robes engulfing his entire frame.  His short crimson red hair is standing on end.  Alagoth looks down at his Korrest servant.  The anger in his stance and eyes is apparent.  Using his magic, he lifts Valmor up in the air.

    Valmor is barely conscious when Alagoth pulls him just inches from his face, Alagoth's brimstone breath envelopes Valmor's nose.

     "Wake up green.  Now find the emerald and the girl.  If you fail me again, I will do a lot worse to you.  Bring them both to me.  Uncorrupted and alive, do you understand me," said Alagoth.

     When Valmor nods his understanding, Alagoth drops him like a rag doll.  He then turns and using his magic, rearranges his table, chair, and bowl.  He then turns his attention back to the bowl, ignoring his servant.  Valmor picks himself up and brushes the dust off.  He then turns and walks out of his master's chambers.

    Once Alagoth is alone again, he stands up and walks over to a small door.  The door opens with the wave of his hand. When the door closes, the large cavern illuminates. The canopy of this cavern is covered with thousands of stalactites. Strewed all over the cavern floor are piles of gold, silver, jewels and magical items that he has collected through his thousands of years of life.

     The master stretches his arms and legs.  He is also taking deep breaths.  His eyes are closed as he starts to change.  His arms and legs start to stretch out and bulk out, his skin beings to tear and fall off.  His under skin is revealed red reptilian scales.  He falls to his hands and knees.  His body stretches and grows to an enormous size.  Large leathery wings sprout out from his back.  Red scales cover his body and spikes run down his back.  Loud growls and heavy breathing emanates from the master.

    Alagoth lets out a loud roar from his now red dragon form.  Once his transformation and his pain subside, he lays his large bulk of a body down above a pile of gold, and items.  He closes his eyes and thinks to himself.

     'Finally, I am out of that small human body.  Now I can sleep and rebuild my strength.'  He takes a deep breath and falls asleep in seconds.

*    *    *

    Valmor is walking down the halls of the Korrest keep.  His face is like stone, as he walks the gloomy gray halls of his compound.  Korrest guards are at equal intervals.  The guards come to attention as he walks by.

     He stops at a set of doors.  The carvings of skulls with ram horns decorate the doors.  He does not bother knocking he just walks in.  Inside the chamber, there is a small table and chairs and a large bed.  Lying in the bed is a Korrest.  He is lying on his back.  He has short white spiked hair.  He is of average height for a Korrest.  If he was in a crowd of Korrest you might not really notice him from the rest.

    Valmor is standing just inside the chamber doors, seeing the Korrest just sleeping there.  He walks up to the side of the bed and stands over the Korrest for a few seconds.

     "WAKE UP YOU SLIMY LITTLE THIEF! Get up and prepare yourself.  We have work to do," exclaimed Valmor.

    The Korrest that was sleeping sits up with a start.  Sleep is still in his eyes as he tries rubbing them open.  He then sees his master and starts putting on his clothes as quickly as possible.

     While he is doing this, Valmor turns and walks out of the room.  The Korrest chases after Valmor while sliding on his high leather boots.  The two Korrest reach another set of doors.

     Valmor raises his hand and the doors open, this large room is the stables.  The black horses start to stamp with anticipation of being let loose when the two walk in.

    Valmor raises his hand in a sweeping motion and the horses become silent.  He then turns toward his servant and speaks point of faculty.

     "Go to that small land called Kediliron.  Stay there till you find that last Emerald: Or until I send word to you that we found him somewhere else.  There is no questioning this you are there looking at everything there.  I want updates of the goings on there at least once a week.  If I do not receive an update, I will send someone to look in on you, and they will stay there with you at all times after that.  Do you understand Firki?"

    The Korrest servant Firki nodded his understanding.  He then turns without saying a word and returns to his cell and collects his possessions that he is going to need.  When the task is done he returns to the stables:  There Valmor is waiting.

    "There is a ship waiting for you.  You will interact with no one.  Once in Kediliron, there is an abandoned Korrest cave close to the ocean. It is located in the North West at the base of the mountain range.  No one knows of the cave, not even their king, Shather III.  That is where you will live till the Emerald is found.  The cave is surrounded by forest trees and animals.  Collect food and meat there and live off the land," Valmor explains.

    Firki absorbs every word his master is telling him, although he seems to be preoccupied with his task of loading up his beast.  When Valmor is finished speaking to him, he climbs upon his horse and heads toward the front gate and out to the ship.

*    *    *

    Arriving at the docks Firki makes arrangements to board a ship to Kediliron.  The land of Legorien is a land tolerant of all races.  A Korrest walking around in this part of town is of no concern of the towns' folk here.  Firki sets his horse to be stabled on board the ship then settles himself in his cabin.  There he stays until he arrives on the shores of Kediliron.  The voyage takes one week.

    During this time, he never leaves his cabin. Food is brought to him and is not disturbed.  The day he is on the dock he takes his horse and disappears into the woods before anyone notice he was even there.  He avoids all the paths through the woods, he knows that the Saeyth follow these paths during their patrols.  He makes his way slowly through the thicket. Once out of sight of the docks and the village of Kediliron he works his way to the shore.  Once there he follows the beach north toward the small hidden entrance his master informed him about.

    He finds the door and enters.  Inside provisions had already been sent for him.  There was enough food and water to last him ten years.  There is also money in a chest to establish him in case there is a need for it.  Everything he needs to live in this land is now at his fingertips.

    The cave is dark and dry.  The caverns inside were carved by magic making the halls and the rooms to the exact specifications of the last occupants wanted.  Firki explores his new home, remembering every room and hall he sees.

    The old tables and chairs, as well as the everyday furniture, are in very good condition. He arranges the furniture the way he wants it.  Making use of the strategic locations of optimal sight for any intruders that may enter his domain.

    Once all of this done he settles into his relaxing couch in the great room and takes a long breath of relaxation.  He closes his eyes when he awakes he realizes that night has come and he moves to the outside.

    The country is very quiet, there is neither noise from the village nor any keeps around his underground fortress.  The sounds of owls and birds of prey are the only things that break the silence.

*    *    *

    The tall knight is standing in the hall for several hours.  He is waiting for an audience with the head of his order of The Sword and Mace.  His dark tanned skin and rugged mustache shows that he is a knight, who has spent a lot of time in the outside world.

    He was summoned two days ago by the head of the order himself.  Upon waiting for a summons he must stand at attention until called, this being at least five hours.  After such a time, a small skinny man enters the room.  He studies the knight with his eyes.  Then looks up at him with a whisper of a voice he says.

    "Sir Mortisen...  Sir Gail will see you now.  Follow me please." Without saying a word, the tall knight follows the little man.  All the while he keeps his straight posture.

    The white marble walls and floor echo with every footstep the knight makes. Paintings and tapestries depicting great and horrific battles line the halls. The upstairs balcony is supported by white marble pillars. The halls look ancient however, well maintained.

     His blued armor although might look thick and bulky actually makes no sound as he walks. His blued steel helmet is tucked under his right arm. The helmet is constructed of two main plates. The top plate that covers the forehead extends and overlaps the crown plate. Mounted at the back of the top plate is emerald green dyed ostrich feather plume. The emerald color showing his rank of commander. The face plate covers his face and ends at a point. At the top also comes to a point. When looking at the knight from a distance his armor and helmet greatly resemble a blue dragon standing upright.

     Strapped to his left hip is a bastard sword.  The hilt and handle look like a dragon.  The guard is of dragon wings with its body wrapping up the handle.  At the pommel, you see two dragon heads facing away from each other.  Above the heads, there is a clear diamond.

    The servant stops in front a reddish door.  He turns the knob and steps just inside and announces the knight.  "Sir Mortisen is present by you summons sir."

    "Yes, yes Barlow. That will be all thank you.  Ha-ha Stailman please come in and sit we have much to discuss today, besides I need to catch up with my old friend," says Sir Gail with a bright and welcoming smile on his face.

     Sir Gail is not as tall as  Sir Mortisen. However is well and maintained most of his strength from his youth. His armor is the same as his knights, but his blued armor has more intricate designs around the center emblem of the sword and mace among his chest and shoulder plates. The feather plum on his helmet is dyed in black, red, blue, and green. Showing that he is the head of the entire order.

     Stailman sits where his leader tells him.  His face is still like a solid stone while the servant is still in the room.  When they are alone Stailman stands and smiles to his old friend.  They shake hands with the knightly custom way, grabbing each other elbows.

    "It is good to see you Tarquin it has been a long time.  How are things, the wife is good I hope," says Stailman now easing himself back down in the chair in front of Tarquins' desk.  Tarquin smirks from the last comment.

     "Yes, your sister is fine.  She has been studying more powerful spells than ever before.  Sometimes I worry I will return home and find no home left.  Ha-ha she is intelligent my brother, I have no doubt that she will not blow us up," explains Tarquin.

     "How much more powerful spells can she learn?  I thought she was teaching now," asked Stailman.

     "Huh, last year Deoiridh found an old sealed door. Once she was able to push her way in. She found thousands of ancient scrolls. These scrolls contain a language that no human has seen for over a millennium. From what she was able to figure out. The language is ancient dragon. However, not the ancient dragon gods tongue. All mages of the order knows that.  This is a specific type of dragon tongue," explained Tarquin.

    "So this is the reason why you summoned me today.  To see if I may know which dragon type.  I have studied some about the different types and their mannerisms." said Stailman.

     "Na, the reason I called you here is something entirely different. However, since you brought it up. Maybe you could cure a  curiosity of mine. Why would dragons want or need to change into one of us? Why not stay as a dragon?" Asked Tarquin.

   "Depends who you speak to.  Some say out of fear others say arrogance. After my studies I have found to be curiosity, arrogance, and convenience. When we humanoids came into being.  They wanted to know how something so small can become so intelligent and multiple so quickly.  Later they found it fun to walk amongst and play with us as pets. Now they see us as cunning prey. They maintain all their power, but in humanoid form they can easily blend in without having their prey always watching over them," explained Stailman.

     "Now that I have explained that. Why have you summoned me here today Tarquin?" Asked Stailman.

    "Well, three fold actually. Alagoth is building for something.  His mountain has had more smoke seeping out.  When there is that much smoke that means He is in a deep sleep.  When he is sleeping like that, he is building strength for a large campaign.  The treaty to have a garrison in Kediliron has been completed. The knights’ council has appointed you as the commander. Also, I believe Kamah has been showing interest in leaving our order and becoming a Saeyth, lastly the king of Kediliron is himself a dragon.  He is very open about it.  I am sure he will let you pick his brain about dragon kind." said Tarquin.

    "Yes, Kamah and I have spoken about it. He is a spirited young man and has learned much from the knighthood. However, you and I both know he is more than just a man who would be confined to just one discipline. With your permission I would like to allow him to leave the knighthood after we have settled, to peruse this quest of knowledge," said Stailman

    “Yes, the council has concluded that Kamah has completed his obligation to the knighthood, and can leave whenever he wishes. I like the young man, and I hate to see him leave. However, he is a grown man, and has a mind of his own," replied Tarquin.

    “Thank you, Tarquin for answering quickly about Kamah. Now, what is the garrison to be doing in Kediliron," asked Stailman.

    "You are to train your men in forest and mountain fighting.  However, you will need to stay in the boundaries of honor and dignity as a knight of 'The Sword and Mace.'  The king will only expect you to defend, not pre-emptive strikes against any offenders.  You and your men will be set up in the mountain passes.  There you will live and train," explained Tarquin.

    "So when do we leave for this land," asked Stailman.

    "Immediately.  The ship, gear, and men are waiting for you on board as we speak.  There is an old shipyard that Shather will be waiting for you at.  The main forces of Kediliron will help you all settle in the mountains in no time," explained Tarquin.  He then stands up to walk his old friend out the door.  Tarquin also hands Stailman a cylinder case and explains this case contains parchments that can be used numerous times to send messages to his commander at any time.

    "All you have to do is write down your message.  Then say my name and title as you wave your right hand over it.  The letters will disappear and reappear on a parchment that I have sitting on my desk," explained Tarquin

    Tarquin calls his servant Barlow to escort the knight to the docks.  The two climb aboard with their horses and head toward the bow of the ship.  The knights' horse is a dark brown stallion with the same color and type of armor as his own.  However, the face guard also has a large horn protruding out the noise.  Giving it an advantage in battle also making it look intimating to opponents.

    Barlow's is more like a small draft horse.  It has brown and white patched color fur, white mane and shaggy hoofs.  His horse has neither armor nor a heavy saddle. They arrive at the docks; Stailman extends his hand to bid Barlow good-bye.  However, Barlow does not return the gesture.  He rides past the knight and boards the ship with his small horse.  Without a word Stailman realizes that the servant is also journeying with the garrison to the land of Kediliron.  The knight turns his war horse toward the gangplank and settles on board the ship.  The ship's captain greets the knight with a welcoming handshake and asks the men to get comfortable and enjoy the voyage.

    "Not to worry my sir there is no storm coming over the horizon.  The trip should be uneventful.  My men will take care of the ship.  You just need to watch your men and make sure they don't get sea sick.  If for some reason they do, we have plenty of remedies they can use.  But I must warn you; these remedies might make them throw up overboard. But not to worry once that is done with, they will get their color back," says the captain he is laughing with the last statement.

    His round body giggling with his laughing.  It gives you a sense that this captain is easy on his men but can be expecting a lot from them at the same time.  Stailman feels secure by the captain's statements of the voyage to Kediliron.

    The ship's crew preps the morning lines and set the sails.  The captain is barking out orders for the supplies to be stowed and the garrisons gear.  The ship's crew also makes sure that all the horses are stabled properly and are well fed and water for the trip.  Once the ship is out of the harbor Stailman starts his drills of his men.  They muster on the weather deck.  He inspects his men of armor and sword.  All of them carry a great sword.  They are a sharp group of men.  His men are also crack shots with the bow.  In most campaigns, they never miss their targets.

    "Remember men with your bow or steel aim small, miss small.  With that in mind, we will be unbeatable with the war that is coming to this land.  If we die, we die with honor.  The protection of all Hakoeh is in our hands.  We do this of our own free will and with honor.  I am proud of you all.  Your training is the finest in the world.  You all are at the top your class.  You are all the best of the best.  No one can defeat you, as long as you all carry in your heart that truth and honor coursing through your veins.  Now, with that, partner up and begin training with your steel.  If anyone needs me please do not hesitate to come to me.  You are my men and you're my family.  For I am your captain and family, now begin."  Stailman's speech causes all his men to give a large 'horaw' as he turns to return to his cabin his men begin their training.

    The first day out from Legorien the knight's men train.  With the pitching and rolling of the ship, some do get sea sick, however not as many as the knight or the captain of the ship were expecting.  In fact the pitching and rolling cause the men to adjust their stances and adapt to their new surroundings.  This gives them a new found balance that will give them an even more advantage in battle.  With the day over the garrison and the sailor enjoy a good meal together.  Laughing and telling stories of land and sea adventures they all have had.  Their spirits are high with the night closing in on them.  The captain and the knight both set watches to be rotated throughout the night.

    Through the entire voyage the same routine training and setting watches with the sailors.  Two weeks later the ship arrives at the old fishing docks.  There standing at the dock is a man.  His short dark hair with a white streak in the front of his forehead.  The captain recognizes the man instantly.

    "That there my knightly sir is Shather III the king of Kediliron.  Standing behind him.  The woman half Korrest is his general of his main fighting force."

    "But where is the leader of the Saeyth?  The woods people I have heard so much about.  Are they around or we just cannot seem to see them yet," asks Stailman.

    "Mm...  I do not know sir.  They may be hidden from our sight. Or they may be doing their patrols.  Who knows with that lot?  They are a strange group after all.  However, you won't need to worry yourself or your men about them," explained the captain.

    Stailman orders his men to help the sailors with the unloading of the gear.  The sailors and the knights all line up to form a human train for the unloading.  All the men are laughing and having a good time with the gear.  The last man of the train loads the gear and supplies into a wagon that is being pulled by large draft horses.  Once the first wagon is loaded it moves out and the next is put in place.  The movement of the train never stops.  The wagons move in perfect timing with the train so that there is no waiting for the next.  The whole operation looks like a large dance of rhythm and skill.

    Shather greets the knight and the captain.  He informs them that everything is prepared for their arrival.  Stailman accepts his greeting and his hospitality.

    "Welcome to Kediliron Sir Mortisen.  It is an honor to have such a well renowned Paladin in our country.  I hope everything in the camp is adequate for you and your men.  We have a cook for ya, but ya must hunt and fish for your own food.  Don't worry there is plenty of that around this land," said Shather.

    "Thank you, Majesty.  I am sure everything will be fine.  Thank you for allowing us to settle into your land. May our co-op work out for the best," said Stailman.