Stranger Scales

Prologue

Men can be seduced by a multitude of devilish things. Sinful little pleasures that pump through their veins, fill every breath, and give their little inconsequential lives’ meaning. Greed of the shining coin, pleasures known to the flesh, intoxicating drink to snatch a man’s wit, power over others or simply the natural need to survive. Each can lead a mortal along like a dog on a lead, bringing about horrors the world has never known all in the pursuit of something greater. Even when magic was gifted to mortals to produce food and water, heal sicknesses, live longer, these traits still held true. Magic became a way to get more coin, gather more power, control others. Through storms and devastation, they tempered like steel to a forge. Wars raged where the earth shook in terror, men and woman fled as blood ran as free as a mountain stream. The dead shook in their graves as the earth burned, water boiled, and the cacophony of misery filled the air as thick as the smoke. Tonight, the greed of men weighed heavily on the minds of a group of adventurers, led by a noblemen’s wizard and paid for with his coin. With swords stashed, bows wrapped tight, and spears held within white knuckled hands they began a quest as old as Sethera itself. To plunder from a dragon’s lair.

*

The air stunk of rotting flesh and damp earth as mist curled off the dark, damp walls of the cavern before them. Light was a fleeting thing, only cast by the torches held by the collection of humans huddled together with wide eyes. Long shadows pulled their faces, drained colors like a spider’s bite. Their chatter of worry only made William’s ears sting.

“Stop yer belly aching, act like ya never seen a bleedin cavern before.” The grizzled face of a man growled, setting fierce hazel eyes upon the gathered men and woman. He knew they were not trained as he and his group of adventurers, but any hands were as good as any. Even if this lot had ones free of calluses and dirt. Lives spent in luxury, suckling away at a noblemen’s teat. “Before I slap the lot of you and send you back through the portal with your tail behind your legs.” William’s voice came as threatening growl, seemingly worse than the dragon they were to be stealing from.

“B-but. This place doesn’t look like the glittery cave we were sold on about.” One man waved a torch towards the blackened wall of the cave. The orange glow of the flames winked off the glistening walls of chitin.

“Looks like we crawled up some giant’s arse!” One man chimed up, his laugh trying to obviously hide his nerves. Others around him joined in on his observation, but not William. He strode over to the man with a snarl on his lips, his full plate punctuating ever step with a soft clank of metal.

“If I was a dragon, and you’re glad you’re not. I’d not be hiding my treasure right through a bloody portal. I’d make the poor sobs crawl through some ass knows whatever to get to it.”

There was a chattering of agreement as what color the man had drained from his face.

“He may be a human. But he not be wrong. I’ve seen stranger places down in the mines trust me.” A stout dwarven man pushed himself through the collection of humans, a large smile on his black bearded face. It hung down to about his waist, curling outward with an assortment of beads and colorful threads. “Don’t want to get caught in the goblin parts. Like to shit themselves and decorate the walls with it.” He smacked his tarnished chainmail clad chest, belting out an infectious laugh. Even William crossed his arms and chuckled.

“You’re not supposed to coddle them you know Yomac.” He took spot beside the stout man as the guards issued orders about themselves. One among them was not clad in armor or bearing any weapons, instead with a large tome at his side and dressed in flowing robes of crimson. The wizard that’d hired them for the job. His demands came quickly, followed with the snapping of an ever demanding finger. If it wasn’t for the sizable amount of coin they’d been offered, William might have been more offended when he turned to them and beckoned them to follow.

“Oh I know.” Yomac swung an axe to rest on his shoulder, his teeth on full display. “But one ting I learned, is you pups always need protecting. Can’t even see in the dark for blasted sakes.”

“Not too different from a dwarf if you think about it. Just take out blood being run on ale and we’re just about even.”

Like clockwork the dwarf’s nose went red, no doubt conjuring up a sharp-tongued response. Maybe filled with lofty descriptions of William’s mother. He never got a chance as the wizard snapped his fingers again, threatening their share of the payment. Just like that, the pair glared at the thin mage as if trying to set the air ablaze. “We can settle this later then. Maybe over a pint so ya can respect yer elders more.”

William agreed as the cavern began an upward crawl. Air grew thinner as if they’d climbed one of the tallest mountains of their homeland in Drenedar. His training carried him onward with little issue, but the guards and mage around him were already panting heavily and wheezing. He rolled his eyes and took point, almost effortlessly heading to the front of the pack. Even Yomac carried on without issue, and he was usually the slower one of the group. There they found their elf who was leading the way. Her name was Gaylia, but they always called her elf for short. Got the point across, and she’d play along in kind.

She’d rested on a growling stalagmite, tapping the shining surface with a finger. Perceptive eyes hovered inches as her pointed ears bounded in interest. Next came a trusty short sword, chipping away part of it with a hum.

They greeted her in the normal fashion, she ignored them and flashed them a middle finger. Something they’d explained was very rude, though William doubted she knew fully why. William glanced off towards the darkened chamber unlit by the coming torches. Though he couldn’t see further down, his two companions could. He’d just have to trust their eyes to see them through until their slower companions caught up.

“What do you want?” Her brow rose as she poked the blackened material. It looked like clay from a potter’s pot. “Can’t you see I’m busy human?”

“Didn’t know you were an art critique.” Yomac snatched the piece away, placing it before his eyes. He only chuckled as she tried to snatch it from him, but he held her off. “Well it not be stone. Can tell ya that much.”

“Well it was obviously not stone.” She hissed, snatching it away. “Some sort of natural chitin. Not a trap…We’d be dead by now if it was.”

William gulped. Even though safety was ensured and his friends were good at finding the damned things, he didn’t relish the idea of perishing from some mechanical concoction. Better to die with your sword in your hand, bested by a better foe. Though he’d not like to be on that end of course. He changed the conversation fairly quick as the dwarf and elf began to bicker like little children. How he’d not bashed their heads in was beyond him. “Any sign of the dragon?”

“Of the silver?” Gaylia tossed back her white hair, a smirk coming to her lips. “None at all. Course that doesn’t mean spit. Things have a habit of hibernating for years at a time. If we get lucky…” She leaned off the chitin stone and squinted her eyes. “The scaled beast will be asleep while we alleviate it of it’s excess riches.”

“See this is why I like ya elf.” Yomac’s arms crossed. “Ya got yer priorities right up a dwarf’s alley. Now that be a dwarf alley of course, none of the trash the humans got in their-“

William cut off the dwarf with a cough. “We can discuss the failures of human engineering another time.”

“Over that pint no doubt.” Yomac chuckled as the caravan of wheezing humans joined them. “Course breaks be over.” He flashed the mage a smile. “Have a wee trip did ya? Must be awful ta work them legs for a change.”

“You can get the most bent.” The mage wheezed, leaning heavily on the staff he carried. “There’s clearly a foul spell about that makes it harder.”

“It’s called exercise.” William pointed to the ever still climbing cavern. By his account it continued upward for quite some distance. Yomac and Gaylia confirmed it. “Guess you get quite the work out today huh?”

Though the guards groaned and whined, the promise of their shares was quickly brought up. That stifled their concerns like a strong gust, and carried them with renewed spirit. Which proved beneficial when the cavern’s atmosphere shifted, the air thickened. With but a step they were suddenly breathing normally. Even the mage and guards were fine to continue. The adventurers were left perplexed, staring at the cavern walls. For good measure Gaylia started leaving magical runes every couple of minutes, just to be sure they could find their way back.

“Don’t need to be sitting their all confused when the time comes. Got to make it easy for you humans after all.” Her teasing smirk was met with an insult about her litheness. Something about being blown down by the softest of breezes.

Eventually the cavern leveled out. The decaying smell that had been so potent even was swept away, replaced with damp stone. Occasionally they’d hear the whispering of a breeze sliding along the risen stones, prompting the guards to stop and listen. Though when nothing came they’d chuckle and laugh at their cowardice. William wondered how he’d ever been like that one day. Thankfully he’d grown bored and set out on his own, free himself from the tedium their life brought.

They came to a stop before a sudden change in their decorum. The cavern fragmented into numerous pathways, all winding and smelling like the decay filled one they’d entered. Moisture ran thick beads down the chitin covered walls, coinciding with the sudden increase of temperature. It felt as though a sauna had been unleased all around them. Complained murmors rose up among the guards as their gambesons soaked with their sweat. But what drew the adventurer’s attention was not the sweating walls or the complaining guardsman, it was that of a door. One of amble size, large enough to fit two carts on either side and on top of one another. Carvings ran along the edge of it, crudely chiseled in with an unsteady hand. It was in no language that William understood, and he knew at least four of them. Course he was more into swordsman ship and fighting. It was Gaylia who was better at languages.

“Well…I think I…” She crossed her arms as Yomac placed his hands on it with a gasp. Instantly her anger flashed at him. “What are you doing? We don’t know what that thing does?”

“It’s a door elf. Calm your ears.” He waved her off, tracing with his callused fingertips. He was caressing the carvings like a lover, all the while clicking his tongue. “It’s a shame. They ruin such good rock with their drivel words.” He sniffed. “It’s a tragedy. If I get me hands on the fool who did this I’m going to wring them dry.”

“That’s…” Gaylia groaned, squeezing her nose. “That’s all your care about. Why am I surprised?”

William was the first to put an end to their coming squabble. They had mission after all. “So, what I’m hearing is that both of you don’t understand what it says.” Gaylia nodded, Yomac responded with a dreary, “Aye.” William sighed, no way they were going to come this far and get done in by a door. Far as he could see there wasn’t any hand holds to open it. “Did anyone perchance to bring the portable ram?”

“It’s a doorway that needs payment.” The mage stepped behind him, voice as calm as a morning lake. He handed William his staff without another word, his fingers soon pressed up along the carvings. He began muttering himself under his breath, rapidly making his way along the door under watchful eyes.

“Mages…They always give me the shivers.” Yomac was quick to snark.

“Is that cause they know how to read?” Gaylia nudged him, getting a dwarf smack in return.

“Mind yer tongue elf before I show ya a ting or two about readin.”

“Your fists don’t count you know.”

“Blood.” The mage stood straight, hands gliding through his onyx hair. “The payment for the door is blood.”Worried chatter spread through the guards, silenced by an outward palm. “It doesn’t have to be much.”

“Still though.” Yomac whistled. “Quite the ole lock den. Dwarves stopped using blood locks years back.”

William nodded as their magical guide started to caress his stubbled face in interest. “So whast the big deal then? The lot of us prick a finger and drop in some blood. I’ve gotten worse from a bloody nose.” Though he chuckled the concern didn’t die away. Men spoke of black magic, spells to twist the bones, siphon the blood, or mush the flesh like a hammer.

“Who knows by Sartren’s breasts what lurks behind that there door.”

“The riches of a lifetime.” The mage nodded, getting an agreement from William and his friends. “This ward will not scare us away like some dog in a thunderstorm. We are brothers and sisters of Drenedar, made of tougher stuff. Think of it all in there. Far as the eye can see, glittering in the light. More riches than you could wheel in a lifetime.” He crossed his arms with a triumphant smirk. “Surely the best things didn’t come without the hint of risk. All of us will be wealthy beyond our station. Nobles all of us. Drenedar will become one of the wealthiest realms around.”

While the mage rambled on, William was set to check his gear and that of his friends. Sure, the idea of helping the nation was a noble thing indeed, but not too profitably. He made a point to remind the mage when he was done with his uplifting speech of that fact. Yomac and Gaylia chimed in, eagerly sliding up to him with equal looks of greed induced smirks.

“We haven’t forgotten your payment.” The man sneered, handing out a small knife to the closest guard and instructing them to provide their toll for entry.

One by one the gathered guards slit tiny slivers into their fingers. Bit by bit with crimson droplets they painted the stone with a thin layer of blood. Even the adventurers themselves added in, just in case the door denied them. Almost immediately the blood condensed and flowed, like tiny beads collecting at the base of the door. Gravity reversed itself as the air thrummed with tiny clicks, their offering slithering to seep into the waiting crevises. With a thunderous thud the door shook and trembled, sliding away like a wagon’s wheel. Thick smoke began to curl and whisk into the room, bringing the overpowering aroma of rotting meat.

“Bloody hell.” William managed to groan before tying a cloth around his face, choking down the burning bile in his throat. Others were not so lucky, losing whatever they had for lunch with red faces. Among them, Yomac and Gaylia stood vigilant. Clearly their non human stomaches made of tougher stuff. Their eyes were locked into the darkened entrance, not a word shared between the two.

“Well..by Thor’s Beard.” Yomac gasped, wiggling his nose. “I never thought…”

“That is a lot of coin.” Gaylia stood, equally as stunned as the fog dissipated among them. “Think it goes on forever!”

He grabbed a torch from one of the still sick men, striding through seemingly inches of vomit. Even that smelled sweeter than what hung on the air. Heck at this point, he figured a horse’s backside would be a breath of fresh air. But he needed to see it. He doubted whatever tale they could spin would do justice. He brought the warmth of the torches to bear, and nearly dropped it right onto the sullied ground.

Gold winked in the light, practically from all directions. Mounds of it rose forth like waves on a troubled sea. Endless in scope it stretched on forever, with only a single walkway laden with silver coins before them. But that was not all, from these waters of gold came sparkling gems of all sorts, chunks of rare metals larger than his head, even statues of long-lost humans and elves made out of the finest marble. In the distance he could make out glowing lanterns, painting the far off riches with an orange, tantalizing light. If he were a religious mad, he might have said this was a diving occurrence. He nearly wept as the men behind him continued to gurgle and wretch. All of them rich was an understatement. He doubted one could even haul out this much gold in a single life time.“Oi mage!” He yelled back, trying to not enjoy the sight of the robed man bent over, holding his hair as to keep it from behind sullied. “Think we found your gold. How should we start the plundering so to speak?”

“There…Is a defense crystal at the heart of it. Until that is taken care of. The dragon would be alerted to any item we took.” He wheezed, finally standing tall. “Unless you relish the idea crossing blades against a dragon jealously defending it’s hoard.”

“I might.” Yomac growled. “Beast probably stole it from you lot anyway. Way I figure it…Doin the world a favor.”

“I’d rather get the coin and live thank you.” Gaylia took a few steps tentatively, her ears twitching. “So let’s ignore the dwarf pride shall we?”

“Something the matter?” William strolled casually to her. He’d always trusted her ears, and right now they were practically shooting up. “Think it knows we’re here?”

“It’s not that.” The elf stared into the distance. “Thought I heard a clicking noise. And that smell.” Her nose wrinkled. “What could be…”

“Maybe the beast likes to age it’s meats.” Yomac belted out a laugh. “Trust me. I know ya aint fond of meat, but I wouldn’t put it past the beast. Besides…With how big it must be, that would be tons of rotten meat.” He thumbed back to the entrance. “Surprised the humans are even standing. Much less William.”

“No, no. We’re here.” The mage coughed into his fist, forming ranks behind him. Though they looked sullied and tired, all saw the what awaited them and seemed to power through. They could suffer for a bit of time if it meant loading their purses and bags with as much coin as they could. “But remember.” He turned to chastise one man, reaching out for a handful of coins. “Anything you grab before we get the crystal results in a dragon coming to pay us a visit.”

The man in question instantly shot up, getting a few dozen punches and glares in his direction. He and the others slide in behind, whispering among themselves as Gaylia, Yomac and William took point. Just to be sure, the knight undid the fashioning on his longsword and brought it to bear. Somehow the cold steel put an end to the heartbeat of his that was ever increasing with each step. Just in case they did find the dragon, he’d be prepared.

The steady pace of trembling guards and clinks of coins became the norm, all intermixed with William’s heart pounding in his ears. Any second he expected the ground to give way, or a man to scream. Or just their luck to encounter a mass of scales and teeth, waiting with its maw opened to unleash it’s gout of flames. So, he counted the mounds in the distance, calming his breath, and telling himself that Gaylia had it under control. She had the best eyes after all, she’d spy a no-good dragon at least a mile away.

Like the magician had said they came to a hovering gem. One found amidst a clearing devoid of any coin. Instead it was piled high like glittering towers, reaching out for a ceiling that they couldn’t see. The gem pulsed with a ghostly turquoise light, reaching out to kiss the ring of coins with its glow. More of that chitinous material covered the exposed ground, squishing beneath their boots. They filed in with a murmur of worry, weapons held at the ready, and yet still excitement lingered in their bones.

“So do your stuff then wizard.” Yomac muttered, eyes locked on the mounds of gold. “This place gives me the creeps.”

He wasn’t the only one. William had to stop himself from shivering as ice ran down his spine, swearing he saw some sign of movement just beyond his peripherals. But as he whispered it, Gaylia waved him off.

“There be nothing. Now watch.”

The mage spread wide his arms, chanting in a growly like speech. He strode with heavy footfalls, swishing his fingers through the air like fish. Where his limbs flowed, brilliant lavender light was left in its place, lingering in the air. He stopped at but an inch from the gem’s surface, finishing with a calm breath and flick of his finger. The mage recoiled and rubbed his finger, cursing that the darn thing had pricked him like a thorn. Like a breeze had swept over them and cast out a torch, so did the gem’s light. But then, so did their own lights. One by one extinguished by a phantom gust that swept over them, plunging them into darkness.

The men screamed in fright, more out of reflex than anything else, earning the jokes of their friends. Insisting they had the backbone of a sodding child, only freshly off the mother’s teat. Though they laughed and struggled to get their torches lit, another blood curdling scream sounded through the place like a knife. This time, Yomac and Gaylia responded. One with a dwarven curse, and the other with an arrow freshly knocked.

“What the hell was that?” The dwarf snarled, “Come on out and face us you bug eyed monster!”

“Get those torches lit!” He struggled to shout over the sound of his beating heart. Another scream he got in replied, cut off by a grotesque gurgling sound. He had to do it himself as the sounds of battle were soon upon them. His friends calling out for the others to back away from a foe they couldn’t see or hear. But as light was brought to life part of him wished it hadn’t. His blood froze, eyes widened in shock, he might have even trembled. They were not in some treasure filled vault far as the eye could see, they were in a much smaller place. Gone were the coins, rugs, treasures. Replaced with a bizarre realm straight out of the nightmares themselves. Bizarre plants made of chitin that spouted out at strange angles, pulsating as if they were alive. The ceiling above their heads were littered with jellyfish like strands, tipped with dozens of spines and dripping with a green viscous slime. One man caught one as he struggled to pull his weapon. The appendage wrapped around his neck and pulled him up kicking and screaming beyond their grasp.

“Back the way we came then!” One man shouted, trying to turn and knocking he and two others over. They landed in a section of ground covered in bulbous pseudopods that sprung up like a swarm of cobras. In the blink of an eye the ground sagged, and they were dragged under, their flesh ripped from their bones as they screamed for their god’s mercy. One poor soul tried to grab his friend’s hand to pull him free, but was he too dragged to his gruesome doom.

“Fuck this then!” The remaining men screamed, trying to hurry their way back the path they’d taken. Even the mage was right on their heels. The adventurers were quick to bound after them, adrenaline coursing through them, but something had different plans.

Yomac was ripped from the ground by an imposing, shadowy figure like a weed. He hardly got to utter a curse before the thing’s fangs were plunged into his torso. Straight through the mail like it was nothing. The dwarf convulsed and thrashed, his eyeballs rolling to the back of his head as the rest of his body shriveled like a raisin.

Gaylia was sent flying by an unseen hand towards the dangling arms, quickly getting wrapped on every limb. Though she struggled they held too tight, easily pulling her just out of William’s fingers as he leapt for her. Her screams chilled the man to the bone as she disappeared, leaving him in a lone, desperate sprint to follow his kin.

The warrior only got a few dozen paces before his world faded to black, brought on by a sudden thwack to the back of his head. The last sound he heard was a malevolent, soul startling laugh, not from his ears but from within his very head.

“Such worry dwells within you being of flesh. Fear not, for you will be reborn as something greater. Forever leaving such weakness behind.”