Chapter 27

In the ceaseless hours of planning, tedium draped over Veledar like a heavy shroud. The intricacies of strategy had worn thin his once ample patience. To sever the oppressive monotony, Veledar playfully nipped at Krotos's haunches, unwittingly igniting a skirmish that enveloped them both. Claws clashed with talons, beak met maw, and the air resonated with the cacophony of their squawks and snarls as they grappled across the illusory grassy field. Their dance unfolded in a relentless rhythm, the pulse of blood quickening within their veins. The gryphon, nimble and cunning, executed strikes with precision, deftly retreating beyond the dragon's reach. In their current entanglement, they rolled and writhed, their tails perilously close to colliding with the table that Shandalar had conjured.

"The absence of expected regality in your demeanor, for a dragon, is indeed intriguing. Would it not be logical for you to recount your role in the plan?" inquired the elf, her brow arching as she shifted her focus from her tome of spells.

Veledar responded with a snarl as he was tossed to his back, the blue-grey gryphon nibbling at his neck. Shifting his hind legs, the dragon found the gryphon's soft belly, pushing up with all his might to toss the catbird off him. "Some of us don't need constant repetition, elf. I've already memorized what you want."

“Careful of such arrogance, it can lead to one’s downfall.”

Veledar declared as he smoothly transitioned onto all fours, a mirroring dance with Krotos unfolding. The air thickened with anticipation as they circled each other, the tension palpable.

“Accusations of arrogance, Shandalar, have never been the cause of my downfall before. But, if it assuages your ceaseless concerns, I shall entertain your counsel. Pray tell, what other fragments of this intricate plan require my begrudging attention? In the grand tapestry of this plan, it seems my role is but a modest stitch.”

 “Yes of course, the pride of a dragon.” She said matter of factly, “More concerned with personal image than the successful act itself. In the intricate plan we weave, every stitch counts, no matter how modest.”

"You’d feel the same way if you were used for parlor tricks and warming tea." Veledar's paw casually batted Krotos upside the head, dragging the gryphon down to the grass.

“I would not.”

He scoffed; his gaze disdainful as he pressed the catbird beneath him with a self-assured snarl. A series of beak and snout clashes ensued, a futile resistance against his dominance. It concluded, as anticipated, with him as the unequivocal victor. With head held high, he radiated a triumphant aura, his chest swelling with unbridled pride. "Behold, it is I who emerges as the conqueror." he declared, the satisfaction evident in his every word.

“Oh no, a dragon who has me pinned, whatever shall happen.” Krotos’ ears splayed as the dragon held him in a mischievous glance. “Anything I imagine.”

"And what, my feathered friend, do you imagine?" Veledar's voice rumbled, a mischievous glint in his sapphire eyes, running a paw beneath the gryphon’s chin, "I assure you; the realm of my imagination can be quite vast.” While certainly intriguing and it was certain to annoy the elf, he doubted the others would be as accepting of such an over carnal display. Still, it pleased him when Krotos gave a submissive chirp, clearly receptive.

Shandalar cleared her throat, “Now that the gryphon has been bested, does this mean you’ll go back to looking over Suntail’s fortress and memorizing the layout and patrol routes?”

“Do you ever rest mage? Your jabbering is more annoying than the songs of the Jabora bird’s screeching, and they make human ear’s literally bleed.”

She returned to her book, adjusting a hair casually out of place, “If you were more diligent and stricter, perhaps you’d be a terrible force to be reckoned with.”

“Careful now, remember who you speak with.” He swelled his chest, pride glimmering in his sapphire pools, “I am the oncoming storm, a whirlwind of flames that burn ever so intensely the sun is jealous of my fire.”

“Who defied the gods, united all the peoples, dragged the moon into existence.” Krotos teased with a laughing chirp, “The sun's jealousy is a fine touch. But let's not forget, you're also the dragon who got a feather stuck in his nose the other day while trying to impress Arcturus. The storm may be oncoming, but let's hope it doesn't bring along any stray feathers!”

“That goes double for you kittybird.” He growled, snapping to inches above the infernal creature’s beak.

Krotos merely chuckled and poked his nose with a talon. “If you’re going to be wounded this easily, it’s going to be no fun.”

As the dragon snapped at him, threatening a return to another wrestling match around the grass, Shandar composed herself with a sigh, “Sartren you test me.”

“You have only to blame yourself.” Asterion padded his way over, emerging from the bushes, rotating his neck, “Our people brawl before a battle as well, tempers the spirit and prepares us for the spilling of blood.”

“Then come join us!” Krotos squawked, darting a few yards back, avoiding a playful snap.

“You’re not brawling.” Replied the minotaur with a harsh snort, “The way you stand, the gleam in your eye, you’re playing like children.”

“We’re play fighting some might say.”

Shandalar sighed as a resounding screech traveled about the area, signaling a start once more to their duel. “I am starting to regret this decision.”

They resumed their fierce exchange with a guttural growl, the dragon in hot pursuit as the gryphon swiftly galloped away. Earth tore beneath their struggle, the atmosphere resonating with a cacophony of squawks and snarls as the battle unfolded once more. Through hedges, amid brushes, and around Natassa, whose curses echoed after them, they persisted in their tumultuous clash.

Ultimately, the confrontation reached its conclusion, leaving both combatants sprawled on their backs, breathless, as they gazed into the illusory sky above.

"I just don't get why I can't tag along." The gryphon sighed dramatically, his tail thumping on the ground. "Anything's better than being cooped up in here."

"Would you prefer to involve Gus and the rest in this?" Arcturus perched on a rock, methodically polishing his freshly acquired armor with a rag. A single glance at the duo made him shake his head. "Crimson, with each passing day, it becomes increasingly challenging to convince anyone that you're a noble, proud, regal beast that also engages in noble, proud, regal dirt tussling."

"Ah, Umraadi, you wound me with your skepticism." Veledar grinned, his crimson scales shimmering in the light. "But fear not, my noble knight. Even in the dirt, I exude a regal charm that leaves all who witness it in awe. Perhaps you should join us sometime; a bit of dirt tussling could be invigorating for the soul. What do you think?"

"Invigorating, you say. I'll leave the invigorating to you, my regal dragon. I prefer to keep my armor clean and my dignity intact. But please, continue your noble, awe-inspiring dirt tussling.”

The dragon gave a playful growl, “Feel honored to bear witness to such things, its only suitable for friends or lovers.”

“We’re lovers now?” Krotos laughed the gryphon, “Wow that was fast, and I thought my flight were the swift ones.”

Right, he’d forgotten about the gryphon. He kneaded his paws, “Let me correct myself kitty bird, feel honored that even as an acquaintance, you get to witness this.”

“Oh shucks, here I was expecting a fun time.”

"That can certainly be arranged." chortled the dragon before a low growl rumbled through his chest. "But Krotos, if you so much as breathe a word of this to anyone—" Veledar fixed the gryphon with an intense glare, accentuating it with a harsh snort for added effect, "I shall make good on my promise and tear you asunder, feather by feather."

"Oh, Crimson Sky, my fiery acquaintance, your secret is safe with me." He winked, feathers rustling with a sly motion. "But feather by feather, really? Jealous of my beauty?”

“Beauty? You’ll find that I am the gem of the world.”

Krotos rolled his eyes, “Only when not compared to me.”

Arcturus groaned as they went back and forth on that particular topic. “Can’t believe of all times now you’re playing and comparing who is prettier- “

“Settle it for us then, who is prettier Arcturus?” Krotos cocked his head, so did the dragon.

"Indeed." rumbled Veledar, the certainty of the answer already echoing in the man's mind. "Inform this pigeon on whom they should compose their ballads.

Arcturus rose his hands, “I won’t get pulled into this, settle out this between yourselves.”

The dragon gasped in time with the gryphon, a mistake had been made.

“Uh oh.” Krotos laughed.

“What?” Arcturus asked.

“Even I know that one should side with the current squeeze, especially if they be a dragon.”

“I’m sure he knows-“The knight paused as Veledar shifted to all fours, mischief gleaming in his eyes, “Crimson, what are you doing?”

“Oh nothing.” His tail playfully swished as he rose to his full height, “Just that I see a man who needs a reminder of whom he trifles with.”

“You know, all of this fooling around could be used to help Lyndis.”

“Oh, it will, worry not of that.” He growled, “But I need help practicing subduing humans without harming them.”

They exchanged a knowing look, a moment passing in silence.

“You can’t be serious.” Arcturus blushed, trying to ward away the dragon’s snout.

“Deadly serious I’m afraid.” Huffed Veledar, lowering his body into a hunting stance, “I suggest running. It will provide at least some sport.”

“Crimson-No!”

With a melodious warble, Veledar leaped, his claws tearing into the soil. He pursued Arcturus around the enclosure, playfully snapping at the knight's heels. Granted, he possessed the means to swiftly conclude the chase, redirecting and closing the distance faster than the human could evade. But where is the enjoyment in such expediency? On several occasions, he intercepted Arcturus, feigning to swat him with a paw, reveling in the thrill of the playful pursuit.

“Oh no, Lunds and me, facing off in the deadly struggle once more. It will be a fight for the ages!” He trumpeted.

“This isn’t funny, you’re supposed to be training.” Arcturus replied.

"I am!" he hissed. "Or were you not listening?" With a graceful sweep of his tail, Arcturus found himself grounded, the ideal target for Veledar's impending pounce. In mid-air, Veledar deftly adjusted his size and weight, landing upon the man a playful roar. The two tussled into the dirt, only for Veledar to emerge standing triumphantly atop his back.

 “You win.” Coughed Arcturus.

“Of course, I would.” He held his head high, fluffing his wings. “I’ll take my reward in gold if you have it.”

“How typical.” He tried to squirm away but found himself pressed harder by a crimson paw, “Come on, enough playing around, back to going over the plan.”

He rolled his eyes, “I know my place in the plan as I told that infernal woman who fails to appreciate my importance.”

“I think you don’t know it.”

"We were supposed to utilize Asterion's spell, slipping through stone, descending into the library, a place blissfully lacking in observation. The grand event was to unfold under the cloak of night, ensuring most of the staff lay in their beds, blissfully ignorant of our endeavors. Yours truly, the magnificent dragon, would be veiled in disguise, sparing the world from the splendor of my true draconic form unless dire circumstances forced exposure. Merlia, Shandalar, and Natassa, the navigators and masters of deception, were to guide us through the labyrinthine halls." He sighed, a roll of his eyes accentuating his annoyance. "You and I, dear Umraadi, would play the role of observing children as we tiptoed our way to the detention area. There, if fate allowed the slightest glimmer of action, we'd subdue the guards and execute a swift escape through the passage we'd ventured."

“Huh.” Arcturus blinked as the dragon beamed.

“Yet you doubt me, I’d be more wounded if it were anyone else.” Disengaging from Arcturus's back, he paced a few steps, redirecting his focus to a cleared expanse of grass. "I deem my time better spent in training, as such." Inhaling deeply, he let his fire glands blaze, the magic within gathering its fervor. With a determined thought, he delved into the recesses of his being, coaxing forth a tingling sensation along his neck. Guiding and caressing it with finesse, he synchronized it flawlessly with the imminent unleashing of his fire. As it manifested, he wielded a heightened sense of control, using a paw to sculpt, mold, and weave his plume of death into a red-orange masterpiece. Brimming with pride, the creature, a fox crafted from living flame, stood upon the grass, its head tilting in apparent confusion, its tail taking on a subtle shade of blue.

“See?” Veledar rumbled proudly as Arcturus stared, feeling a sense of wonderment from their shared bond. “Now don’t deny it, you liked that. Worked on that one with Lyyreth.” The dragon pretended to inspect his talons, “I of course perfected it.”

Merlia let out a sharp whistle, her bow gripped tightly in her hands. Just a few paces away, she practiced her archery skills, aiming at a makeshift target crafted from summoned vines rising from the earth. The target writhed and wiggled, providing her with a challenging moving mark. Arrows, several already embedded in it, spoke of her precision.

"Ye know, dragon, this doesn't do much to dispel the notion that ye're full of hot air, now does it?"

“Of course, you’d fail to realize the beauty in what I have created.” Veledar growled, “You’ve got the appreciation for the arts like that of stone.”

"Stone got more character than yer fiery displays, dragon! Aye, it may lack the fancy flames, but it stands the test of time.” She winked, unphased by his growl.

Rolling his eyes he dismissed her with a paw, “It’s by far leagues and bounds better than you are playing with your tiny sticks.”

"Tiny sticks, huh?” Her cheeks flushed, eyes brimming with flame, “Watch where you step, dragon, or you might find one of these 'tiny sticks' between your legs. You might not notice the prick, but you'll feel it when it matters most."

He snickered as she whirled around, steam practically billowing from her ears.

“She’s going to do that one day.” Arcturus chortled, guiding the dragon back to where they had started. “Mark my words.”

“If she does, she’ll find herself on the receiving end of more than just a few heated words.”

“Every solution can’t be solved by setting it on fire.”

He cocked his head, pressing his nose to Arcturus’ own, “You’d be surprised how often it does though.”

"Hold your tongues. A message is upon me," Shandalar declared as the group neared her. From her pockets, she withdrew a cube adorned with intricate runes on each side. Among them, one shone with a vibrant blue light, causing the entire wooden object to quiver in her grasp. Pressing the glowing rune, she cast the cube to the ground.

From the small artifact, a spectral image unfurled—a human woman clads in the regal gold and brown robes of the Lumarian high mages. Her attire boasted numerous medals and stripes, accentuating her authoritative presence. Fair-skinned and with fiery, braided hair mirroring the intensity in her golden eyes, she projected an aura of command. As she spoke, her voice resonated with authority.

“It’s good to see you, Elowen.” Shandalar nodded, “What word have you?”

“Unfortunately, my friend I bring ill tidings.” Said the pale faced woman, “I apologize for my tardiness, I’ve only just slipped away. Suntail has gathered up the knight’s friends and questioned them.”

“They did what?” Krotos sprung up in alarm, his ears pinned. “When did they do that?”

“This afternoon. They stormed the guard’s house, searching for Arcturus and the others.” Elowen shook her head, “Our silver lining is that you had already moved them. Our adversary’s wings have turned up empty, but you know that won’t stall her for long.” She paused, “You know how persistent she can be.”

“It’s admirable, it will certainly put a taxing on our plans.” Shandalar replied cooly, “The question remains however, did she find our location?”

“That doesn’t appear to be the case. We remain cloaked for now. Though I regret to inform you, this was not the bad news of which I spoke.”

“Then speak of it, before time runs out.”

Elowen sighed, “Suntail has not taken the defeat well. Sensing something is slipping through her talons, she’s convinced Lyndis is holding onto more information. She seeks to interrogate her later with the Cthulhid again.”

“If they do that, her brain will have turned to paste.” Shandalar folded her arms behind her, cocking her head, “I assume this fact is known to the inquisitor as well?”

“Indeed.” The reply was bitter.

“Then she has grown desperate to engage in such a thing.”

That was enough for Veledar, brain destroying creatures trying to rob his friend of their senses? He lashed his tail as his blood began to boil. Their attack would have to come sooner than they intended, that much was obvious, caution needed to be thrown to the wind if they wanted a chance.

His growl lingered on the air, a terrible thing to behold. “Cease with your prattling, we must retrieve Lyndis at once.”

“We must be careful.” Shandalar warned, “Leaping in without a plan won’t do her any good.”

“You heard the human.” He snarled, “If we hesitate, she will die. It would appear, leaping without a plan is all we have.”

“For once I agree with the dragon.” Natassa chirped, “It might be too soon, but that doesn’t matter.”

“That goes without saying lass.” Merlia growled, “I say we bust in those metal skirt wearing ninnies’ heads.”

“And I tire of this waiting.” Asterion crossed his arms, “My heart aches for battle.”

“And you paladin?” Shandalar turned to Arcturus, “I take it you side with them as well?”

He nodded, “It’s a risk that needs to be taken.”

“Very well.” She replied, “How long until she is interrogated again, so we can come up with some semblance of a plan?”

“Sooner the better.” Elowen said, “I believe in two hours’ time, your friend will be nothing more than a brain-dead shell.”

** * * * * * *

With the dire news of Lyndis' impending demise, what had been planned for the concealment of night was now executed under the relentless radiance of the sun. Despite the challenging circumstances, Veledar assumed the role of a commander, orchestrating a plan with only slight assistance from the others. This revised strategy, reminiscent of the initial one, relied more heavily on illusions to disguise their identities and invisibility for the initial entry.

Darting across the rooftops in a tight formation, Veledar took on the form of a gryphon. While Asterion, hesitated initially, was transformed into a diminutive cat and cradled by Shandalar while she and Merlia rode atop Natassa's back. Suggestions were made for Veledar to carry the minotaur, but he adamantly refused. Even in his majestic gryphon form, he wouldn't succumb to the indignity of being considered a mere beast of burden. Only Arcturus, the one honored with the privilege of riding him, would be borne.

From bustling streets to darkened alleys and the gryphon-adorned sky, the people of Entis remained oblivious to the looming shadow overhead. Despite the well-crafted plan and the swiftness of their flight, an insatiable unease gnawed in their spirits. Though Veledar would never admit it, with every beat of his wings, he envisioned Lyndis suffering, writhing, bathed in blood if they arrived too late. Shaking off the haunting thoughts, they began their descent, spotting the cluster of buildings that concealed Suntail's fortress.

Natassa sang a spell, weaving a field of invisibility around the group. In the blink of an eye, they vanished from observers, able to see one another as they maneuvered into position. To vigilant guardians of Entis, they would appear as passing gusts. Despite this advantage, they circled the fortress multiple times, scanning its walls and parapets. Once certain of their concealment, free from the risk of discovery, they descended upon their chosen spot—a gap between two towers with minimal visibility. There, they landed with a fluttering of wings, and Asterion resumed his original form the moment Shandalar gently placed the black-furred cat upon the smooth stone.

“Ya know, you looked good as a cuddly cat.” Merlia whispered as she slipped from Natassa’s back, hardly making a sound. “Yer purr be adorable.”

"Cuddling is not a suitable concern for a warrior. There is no honor in being perceived as 'cuddly.'”

“Still, maybe we should get you a cozy bed of straw and a scratching post next time."

 If he was embarrassed, the warrior didn’t show it as he padded a few steps, before rifling through his pouches to procure a sealed bag of powdered silver.

"I fail to comprehend why we refrained from shattering one of the tower's windows." Veledar grumbled as Arcturus dismounted. "Natassa or I could easily mend the glass."

"Because the library offers the utmost seclusion, even beneath the sun's gaze," Shandalar murmured as the bull knelt and inspected the stone with a thoughtful sniff before beginning the incantations of a spell.

“I think Merlia just wanted to do anything that has to do with stone.”

Merlia shook her fist, “Shush your snout dragon, just cause I like a man who knows his marble from quartzite, that mean nothing.”

“Keep it down both of you.” Arcturus’ voice came with authority, “Else we’ll be detected.”

“Please, with a mouth that small, how will they hear her.” Veledar rolled his eyes.

“Is that so beastie?” The dwarf’s cheeks flashed red as she shook her fist, “I’ll show ya how loud a Gallogalar can be ya daft, big headed- “At a glance from Arcturus, she silenced herself to a whisper, “You’ll see.”

He chirped in amusement, as Asterion finished his inspection.

“The stone here is not enchanted.” He said flatly, “It will work.”

"You're quite the enthusiast for direct confrontation, punches, and facing your foes head-on," Veledar teased, "yet the spells you choose seem to take a rather circumventive approach to that."

The bull snorted, scattering the crushed-up silver into a square, one large enough to accommodate the gryphon's wings. "This is akin to a battering ram, employed to disable our enemies' defenses. I prefer that they possess no shield, no armor, no wall that can withstand our blows. Our enemy should have nowhere to hide."

“Is that what you tell yourself?” He lashed his tail and rolled his eyes, “Now why will this library be empty? You’d think one run by an inquisitor would be packed with…what do you call them, book guardians?”

“Librarians.” Shandalar replied.

“Yes those.”

“It will not be crowded.” Shandalar spoke firmly, “There will be a handful of librarians on duty, but they should be no problem.”

“Few librarians versus my charms?” Natassa purred as Asterion finished his work. “Easier than duping gryphets darling.”

Asterion swept his arm wide in a crescent motion, mimicking the flowing of stone. “Sevetos Putanet” He brought his hand down to touch the surface, it flickered as the air thrummed with power.

“That was it?” Veledar shifted, unimpressed as Asterion stood, ending his display with a comment to Korde. “I was expecting something far flashier, this had better have worked.”

“It did dragon.” He dipped his hand through the stone, parting it as easily as water. When he pulled it back, he was intact, “You will do as the spell suggests, be mindful of the drop, it will crush your bones.”

“Leave that to me.” Shandalar reached into her pouches to reveal a solitary eagle feather. She brandished it like a wand, reciting “Annep Tadenia.” With a flourish of her hand. each of them was briefly enveloped in a slight breeze, “Now your fall will be as soft and silent as a falling feather.”

“Alright.” Arcturus breathed deep, “Guess it’s me first?”

“Bah, let’s go together.” Merlia joined him, sharing an encouraging laugh before leaping in with the knight.

The dragon caught a slight flicker of enjoyment as the man passed from sight. Then went Asterion and Shandalar, leaving him and Natassa to be last.

He tested the surface with a splaying of his ears, reassured by the cool touch beneath. With a deep breath, he leaped within, enveloped by a wintry breeze. The fleeting chill lasted but a moment as gravity took hold, delivering him into a dimly lit, dry expanse.

His eyes widened at the labyrinth of ancient books below. Neatly ordered and stacked on shelves reaching dizzying heights, various colored spines formed a mismatched collage of dull colors. The air within the hallowed halls was thick with the scent of aged parchment, mingling with lingering echoes of whispered secrets and suppressed inquiries. The overwhelming wealth of knowledge held here was staggering, not to mention the value it would add to his hoard. He could almost sit there, salivating at the prospect of such immense wealth.

Below, polished stone floors adorned with various rugs between each aisle depicted images of gryphons and humankind. Mana lanterns hung from walls by polished steel chains, casting a warm glow upon the parchment, imbuing the atmosphere with an almost reverential ambiance.

Descending between two shelves, a sudden pain stabbed at his temples. It twisted and shifted, spreading through his veins like a relentless fire. What began as a tiny rock soon swelled into an overpowering mountain. His talons trembled as he suppressed a squawk of agony long enough to touch the cool floor, eyes clenched shut. Concentration upon his form started to slip away, slithering beyond his control.

“What a collection of books.” Natassa chirped softly, laying a hand upon one of the leather-bound spines, “Any interesting songs, stories they believed censored? What a wealth of knowledge in here, though I’d settle for something valuable.”

“None of that.” Arcturus replied sternly, “We’re here for Lyndis, not line our pockets.”

“Such the limited mind my dearest knight, I can do both.”

“Anyone else feel that?” Veledar shook, his world starting to spin as he took his first few steps. This wouldn’t do, he nearly collapsed upon the floor “Everything is all yellow.”

Everyone looked at him for a moment, double taking if he’d said the words.

“Did the dragon just break?” Whispered Merlia.

"The spell should not produce such side effects," Asterion snorted. "Dragon, are you impaired?"

Arcturus laid a hand on his shoulder as the dragon coiled and trembled, “He’s...in agony…trying to compose himself. Crimson, what’s the matter?”

“I don’t know…It just came.” Veledar struggled to speak, desperate to hold onto his shape, “Like spears they stab me, I can’t hold this.”

"I had a suspicion, though it lacked confirmation." Shandalar said, adopting a measured tone and leaning on the shelf to ensure the area was clear. "Suntail is astute; it appears she has wards in place to hinder shapeshifting. To proceed, we would need to locate and disable them."

“Why in bonnie blazes didn’t ya tell us that was a possibility?” Merlia growled. “Now look at him!”

“It would be imperative to keep your voice down, lest we be found.”

“Try to focus dragon, endure.” Asterion demanded, kneeling to lay a hand upon the trembling gryphon’s withers, “Shut out the pain. My people have a mantra-”

Their voices became distant echoes, akin to the chatter of insects, as if reality itself were racing away, leaving him enveloped in a void of sight and sound. Waves of intense pain crashed over him, rendering him powerless. With a pained squawk, he tossed his head upward, and his visage unraveled.

His tail, hidden within his majestic gryphon form, surged forward, unyielding in the presence of the shelves before it. Scaled, crimson paws struck the other side as feathers transformed into formidable scales. The pain vanished, a beacon in the midst of a terrible storm. The dragon almost laughed in relief as he continued to grow. Alarmed, the others scattered as his bulk knocked over the shelf behind him, swiftly drawing attention.

“Oh, by Thor’s beard, ya got to be kidding me, duck!” Merlia groaned as she ran to safety.

“Not again.” Veledar groaned as he watched the towering spire collapse in slow motion, striking the next one with a resounding crack.

Momentum carried one shelf into the next, followed by the next, spreading through the library like wildfire. The once-comfortable books were upended, roused from their slumber as they crashed to the floor like rain. The dragon sat transfixed, each shudder bringing forth a pride-destroying clatter that he knew he'd never live down. His frills could never have been so red as dust sprung up in an all-dominating cloud, laying to rest the travesty of what he'd turned his hallowed hall into.

“Just like Lyyreth’s home.” The dragon whispered, recalling the green dragon’s shrieks of horror.

Natassa sprung forth from a pile of books like a breaching whale, “Was it that hard to not hit the shelves?” She chirped, venom in her gaze, “The entire place will have heard that!”

“You’re not helping dear.” He replied, his paw finding Arcturus, whom he’d grabbed out of instinct to press against his chest.

“That could have gone more smoothly.” Shandalar dusted herself off, before gazing upon the mounds, upon mounds of books. “The librarians will have quite the mess to pick up.”

“If the dainty handed folk didn’t get squashed like ants.” Merlia checked over her things, a moment of terror passing her face before she pats her side, sighing in relief, “False alarm, me flask survived.”

Asterion shook his head as he began to inspect them all from head to toe, searching for wounds.

“What gives?” Merlia shot Veledar a look of amusement, “Ya hates libraries or something? Or were ya jealous this one wasn’t yours?”

Veledar went to say the second one but paused. He merely snorted and averted his gaze.

Asterion huffed, “It just is more evidence of his clumsy nature, jeopardizing the plan.”

“Now see here you single minded bovine- “

“It was just a mistake, one we’re all capable of, in a certain sense.” Arcturus spoke over them all, a shield against their arrows, “Now pick yourself up, stop the mockery and let’s get back to work. If they heard us, we’d need to move fast. Crimson, could you become smaller, if we have any hope of secrecy, we can’t have you giving us away.”

That summed it up nicely, even cutting off the snarl that he had instore for them. Veledar rolled a paw to his chest as he focused on shifting his size to something less conspicuous. “Feel honored that my Umraadi here was present to spare the lot of you, my wrath. I won’t take responsibility for something that should have been told to me, had I known of these wards I could have planned accordingly.”

“No one was blaming you.” Arcturus laid a hand on the dragon’s size as he began to shrink.

“I was.” Natassa chirped, waving a talon, only to clack her beak in frustration. She had attempted to cast illusions over them, disguises to better fit in with guards of this facility, only for the magic to flicker and sputter false images over them before failing all together. “I take it this means no disguises either?”

“Again, Suntail impresses me, if I meet her, I shall compliment her contingencies.” Shandalar gestured for them to follow, the group but tiny ants before the pile of strewn tomes.

He maintained the size of a gryphon, refusing to go any smaller, especially with Natassa around. Being clumsy was one thing, and he cursed himself for it, but he wouldn't allow her to witness him the size of a cat. No, he couldn't bear the thought of her laughter at his embarrassment. Instead, he slunk into the shadows, assuming a vanguard position to lead them through the maze of books.

“Great, no disguises or shapeshifting.” Merlia groaned, unstringing her bow. “It just keeps getting better, doesn't it? Why did the princess have to get captured here?”

“To test our strength.” Asterion huffed, tapping his mace, “What’s the matter dwarf, afraid of a challenge?”

“Oh, is that a wager I here? Like hell I’m scared of a challenge ya walking beard!” She replied with a smirk, “This place can throw whatever it wants at me, I’ll promise ya Merlia Gallogalar will kick them all in the balls.”

“I’ll remind you that there are numerous individuals in this place that lack balls.” Shandalar added.

“"Aye, well, figurative balls then! Means I got to kick em all the harder!” She laughed, “By Thor’s beard I won’t let this here pup beat me.”

“I can’t believe I was roped into this.” Natassa shook her head, eyes wide in disbelief. “The first entry and you mess it up.”

“Wasn’t my fault!” Veledar corrected her, “And I won’t let you tell it any other way!”

Just as they neared the door across the hall it opened, half a dozen guards entered. Of the group, only one of them was a gryphon, the others were human. Each of them was armed in leathers and chains, sporting a golden ring on their fingers. Instantly their attentions were upon the group, Veledar only nearly got out of the way, safely out of view, behind a pile of books.

“You alright in here?” Chirped the gryphon, eyes traversing the hall, taking it in.

One of the humans whistled, “Quite the mess in here. What happened.”

"Oops, clumsy me." Natassa stepped forward, projecting an air of innocence while her eyes sparkled with mischief. "I got a bit too excited and, well, joyfully leaped right into a shelf." She batted her eyelashes, feigning an apologetic look. "You won't spill the beans, will you? It's my first day, and I'd rather not make it my swan song."

Was that the best she had? Veledar grumbled to himself as he slipped among the shadows, allowing himself to better get an angle of an attack. Just as he thought, the guards were looking at them with suspicion, muscles starting to ready for their weapons.

“New arrival huh?” The gryphon continued, sizing them up, “I wasn’t aware we had fresh meat today.”

“No surprise you didn’t hear of it. With all the investigations going on, the dragon and Arcturus. I’m surprised that Suntail didn’t mention it.”

“Alright, and who is this one?” One human gestured to Shandalar, “And why do you have the robes of the high mages?”

“Because I am one soldier.” Shandalar crossed her arms behind her, “One that was researching within Suntail’s library with permission, these were supposed to be my escorts.” She pats her pouches, “I do have the documentation if you require.”

Right, she’d gone over this, a piece of parchment that when presented, showed the viewer what they wanted to see. Ingenious little trick he had to give the mage credit, not many could peel through the layers and expose the enchantment.  Still, the dragon dropped his stance, flicking his tail, readying to pounce.

“What was that?” the gryphon’s ears flicked to his position. “I heard something.”

“Probably just the books settling.” Natassa laughed, “Trust me, I’m mortified darling.”

Shandalar dug through her pouches as the tension built, weapons about to be drawn at the slight drop of a pin. The parchment in question she procured was hardly larger than a palm, she brandished it with the practiced authority that she wielded. “As you can see, it’s all in order. I must say, I apologize for the accident. I know Suntail is protective of these books, and I’ve gone and ruined it. I’ll be right on fixing the mess first chance I get- “

“This paper is blank.” The gryphon’s gaze narrowed as their feathers ruffled.

“Blank, it can’t be blank.”

In the blink of an eye, the guards had drawn their energy crossbows, the activation runes pressed. The weapon’s hum carried through the air, whispering deadly promises as the guard gryphon’s squawk rang through the hall.

Like that, decorum was lost, any chance of subterfuge gone out the window. Veledar pounced with his paws outstretched, a snarl upon his maw. He changed his size in mid-air, surprising the trio of guards he slammed into. They found themselves brought to the ground beneath his powerful paws, facing down his savage snarl. He took pride that he had beaten the arrow that now protruded from another guard’s knee.

The others were dispatched with a flurry of blows, unable to cry for help, Asterion putting that to an end. Natassa flared her wings and put one to sleep, Shandalar did the same moments after she sidestep a weapon’s bolt. Arcturus had swatted aside one guard’s weapon with his sword, then slammed his shield into the poor man’s face. The guard had collapsed with a pained grunt, missing a few teeth.

“See? No problem.” He held his head proudly, as the guards below him drifted off to sleep. “How long will they stay like that?”

“Until someone wakes them.” Natassa settled onto all fours, carefully striding over their snoring forms, “Maybe they’ll think all of this was a crazy dream.”

“I think people would remember a dragon looming over them, snout to their face.” Arcturus sheathed his blade.

“No, she’s right Arcturus.” Veledar gave him a knowing nod with a grin, “Some people would consider that a dream.”

The man blushed, gesturing to the door as the dragon neared him. “Change your size down to that of a cat.” He placed a hand to the dragon’s cheek.

“And why would I do that?” He eyed Natassa.

“I think if we’re going through the halls, a dragon might be a dead giveaway we don’t belong here.”

He paused; that point was true. That didn’t mean he had to like it. Grumbling to himself he made sure Arcturus received a blast of breath to the face. Once the task was done, he leaped onto Arcturus’ shoulders, hiding below the crimson cape.

“He’s so cute!” Natassa chirped as his frills burned. “Why did no one mention he was this small.”

“That’s his true size, the larger one is just a trick.” Merlia chortled, retrieving her arrows, wiping the blood off the guard’s clothing.

“That’s right, laugh it up, the lot of you.” Growled Veledar from his hiding spot, “When this is over, I shall never forget this indignity.”

With that they crept into the halls, finding themselves within a maze of intricate carved wood. If not for the map in which Shandalar brandished, they might have found themselves lost to wander the halls, the time for Lyndis safety being used up.  As it was, they were still forced to duck down passages they might not have wished to in the attempt to prevent running into the staff walking through the halls.

They ducked down into what amounted to a closet, with two people inside doing paperwork. They were knocked out with little fuss, their eyes too captivated on Natassa as she performed for them a seductive dance.

“I’m surprised how easy that is.”

“Oh, darling it shouldn’t.” The gryphon cooed, brushing Arcturus’ throat with a finger, “Getting people to eat out of my hands is easy. It’s getting them to stop that’s the hard part.”

“We shouldn’t rely on it.” Asterion growled, “This sneaking around is bothersome.”

“I take it you’d want a straight fight, battle the entire base?”

“That would be what I wish.”

“And you make fun of me for wanting to take on too many guys at one time.” She rolled her eyes.

“I’m starting to agree with Asterion.” Veledar said through his teeth, “Avoiding all the patrols is taking too long.”

“Patience, we do Lyndis no good by alerting them to our presence.” Arcturus said calmly, running his hand along the dragon’s spine. “I worry for her too.”

He leaned into the touch, but that didn’t stop his growl, “How much more do we have Shandalar.”

“One floor down.” She pulled out the map, gesturing for the route for them to take, it avoided the main hall, the heart of the base.

“Why are we not using Asterion’s passing through stone?” He gave the bull a narrowed gaze, “We could be gliding our way to Lyndis.”

“The stone here is enchanted.” He tapped the floor with his hoof, “I tried.”

His snout wrinkled, at this rate, they were going to be lucky if they caught Lyndis before she was interrogated to death. He tapped a spot close by, one labeled magical creature. “How about releasing these, we could start a distraction. Think they could do with a bit of chaos.”

“Aye, that sounds like fun. Turn their beasties against them.” Merlia grinned, “Think they have a hydra?”

“If we need a distraction, I already have that covered.” Shandalar tapped her pouches, “Though I only will use it if we have no alternative.”

“And you’ve been holding out on us? I say it’s needed.” Veledar leaped upon the table, flaring his wings.

She sighed, procuring a red orb about the size of her palm. Below the glass-like surface, flames seemed to crackle and dance away to unseen rhythm. “If it comes down to it, I shall shatter the containment around this elemental and release it into the base.”

“And why didn’t we lead with that?”

Pocketing the orb her reply was simple, “I thought you wanted to retrieve Lyndis before the base was destroyed.”

There was silence.

“Destroy it?” Arcturus was the one to break it, “How…large is that elemental.”

“Large enough.” She rolled up the map, “I’d hoped to use it during our escape. I imagine our Lumarian enemies would be quite busy dealing with it.”

“Then I suppose we don’t lead with that.” Veledar’s snout wrinkled as he searched about the area.

No invisibility, no shapeshifting, the guards unlikely to believe their story. Things were getting worse with every waking moment. He paced about, flicking his tail, attention falling upon the smattering of guards, then back to his companions. His head perked, an idea floating to the surface, “Quickly.” He gestured to the unconscious guards, “Take off their clothes.”

There was a momentary pause, each of the others looking at each other and then at him.

“Not in that way.” He growled, “They have uniforms, why don’t the rest of you put them on, blend in.”

“That might work.” Arcturus remarked, gesturing to the guards, “Though not to rain on your scales, there is a lack of a uniform of the appropriate size.”

“Right, what ya going to do about me?” Merlia crossed her arms.

Veledar tapped his claws against the stone, only silent for a moment as he saw a glint upon one of the guard’s belts. “The chains!” He rumbled, nosing at the steel, “We put Merlia in chains.”

Her cheeks flared red, “Oh is this some sort of kink thing, cause I’m not in it!”

Arcturus grabbed at the equipment with a knowing look, padding his way over to the arms crossed dwarf, “I think I see where he’s going with this.”

She swatted him away, “You’re in on it too!”

“We’re going to take you there as a prisoner.” Veledar rumbled as Arcturus struggled with the woman, eventually securing the manacles around her waist.

“They’ll never buy it.” Asterion stood tall, as the ranger squirmed and grunted against her bindings. “Her appearance is anything but threatening.”

“Not threatening?” Gasped the dwarf, her anger towards Veledar forgotten for the moment as she whirled around, “Listen here ya tall sack of nothin, I’m the most threatening dwarf in all these parts!”

“So, you’re saying you’d make the perfect prisoner?” Veledar grinning, earning a look that could kill.

She let her arms go limp, seeing no alternative. “I swear to the gods, when I’m out of these, I’m going to kill ya both!”

“Yes.” Arcturus rested a hand on her shoulder, “But until that moment, eyes forward, prisoner.”

Oh, the grumble and curses that slipped free of her lips were music to the dragon’s ears. It made the indignity of being so small bearable as he clambered up upon Arcturus’ back, burrowing into his pack. He peered out with vigilant eyes as they entered the hall, ready, should their attempt at deception fail again, to unleash his full draconic fury.

** * * * * * * *