Chapter 1: Squabbling at the Gate

Veledar opened his eyes, instantly closing them with a harsh hiss as the sunlight stabbed them. Why was there the sun? Hadn’t his companions covered him with tents? Rubbing his eyes he braved the morning again, blinking tentatively as he rolled to his belly. It appeared as the others were packing up the camp from yesterday’s travel, not a single tent in view. He was certain the half-elf Lyndis had suggested it so he would not be seen from the sky. A quick scan found them, he was not going crazy, they were just rolled up and being packed away. That was certainly nice of them, they’d let him slumber peacefully while they went doing all the busy work that minions did. He chuckled at the internal thought, already suspecting Merlia might turn so red she’d burst into flames.  Well, he better rise and grace his minions with his illustrious presence. He got no further than taking a deep whiff of the morning air and getting assaulted by the snout wrinkling stench of horses.

How utterly wonderful, Veledar snarled as he stirred, raising to scratch the top of his head with a wing talon. Memories of the previous night’s stargazing bubbled up with each pop of his spine when he stretched. He recalled gazing long fully up to the heavens, pointing out another of Bahamut’s tears as it streaked across the sky, Arcturus and the others had been transfixed, acting as though he were the most important thing in this world, except Asterion of course.

The dragon had held the paladin that he now claimed so close, relishing the fuzziness surrounding his heart. There had been a radiance he couldn’t describe, a sensation not of his own but comforting and a warmth the same. Had they even been his own thoughts? The dragon yawned, rumbling as he recalled the man’s flushed cheeks and hesitation in picking his words. Speaking of the man, where was he?

Nosing around he found Arcturus, currently saddling up his horse Stinky for the last leg of their journey. The dragon chuckled at his genius name for the equine. The man’s armor lay off to one side, the sunlight gleaming off the maintained steel. Emerald eyes were scanning over his bags and pouches, making sure nothing was out of place. His form was athletic and maintained as was expected of one of his craft. The man had been a paladin of Lumara, a knight without equal, able to face down whatever beast or enemy came before him with a heart of steel. With his hand he defended the helpless, undid the wicked and maintained an aura of nobility and honor, and lastly loyal to his kingdom. The last one was before he found Veledar and was shaken out of his blind devotion, ordered to kill an innocent dragon with no rhyme or reason. The brown and gold tabard that he wore fluttered in the morning breeze, tattered and reflection of the man himself.  

Arcturus crouched low, plucking his shield from the ground. Its surface was that of a mirror, the very one that Veledar had gifted him from his mother’s hoard. The man seemed to be casting a spell under his breath, just as he’d done before over these many nights. The human pressed his hand to the surface of the mirror and then-.

“Arrrgggggg!” Veledar snarled, as a sun swelled to life across the shield’s body, stabbing at his wonderous eyes. The dragon thrashed his head, snarled, and fumbled about, cursing the day he’d even considered lending the man such a gift. In his blind bumbling he accidentally smacked the other horse smelly with his tail, filling the air with its terrified whinny.

“Woah there, calm now.” Arcturus managed to get hold of the frightful beast, quelling it with a few tender strokes along the neck. He flashed the dragon a smile, caressing his bearded chin, “Taking up the hobby of scaring horses, are we?”

He glared at the man through blood shot eyes, his senses still bombarded with the after image from the shield. It was as though he’d had a staring contest with the sun, he of course playing the fool. “I could ask the same of you, making an absolute embarrassment of myself.” The dragon growled, pinning his frills, hoping they were not flushing red. Of all the things he hated about their arrangement with the others, it was this, chipping away at his draconic pride, that was the worst. He would be lucky once he regained his treasured book and stolen hoard if he had any left!

“I think you confuse practice with an attempt to wound your pride. It’s not my fault you were looking.” The man chuckled, ruffling his short, russet colored hair.

The dragon snorted, “Where did you even learn that eye gouging spell?”

Arcturus procured a book from his pack, the ancient one from the dragon’s hoard. One that had belonged to a paladin long ago. “You only have yourself to blame.”

He was right, but that didn’t mean the dragon was going to tell him. Veledar grumbled and padded his way passed the man, spooking the horse yet again.

“Could you not? How do you expect us to ride with you startling the mounts?”

“They have a right to fear me.” He hissed, “I could eat them whenever I wish.” His eyes narrowed with a heavy snort that ruffled the man’s hair. “More importantly paladins named Arcturus need to stop practicing that with me around. I can only be expected to endure so many attempts to sour my image.” He raised his head to regain his composure, but to check if the others had seen. They seemed too busy with their horses, which made Arcturus the only witness to his embarrassment. “Lucky for you they’re far too busy.”

“Fear not dragon, know I wasn’t too busy!” The half elf Lyndis waved, thin lips in a mocking smile. Her short brown hair was swiftly brushed out of her amber, almond shaped eyes. “I think me and Merlia here saw every second of your fumbling about, quite the show if you asked me, feel bad I didn’t have to pay a coin.” She leaned back, arms folding over her leather armor clad chest as the green sash that wrapped around her waist fluttered in the breeze. “I wasn’t aware your magnificent strategy was to get shite faced and get goin.”

“They’ll never expect it ta be sure!” Merlia the dwarf belted, her laugh as fiery as the braids of her hair. Leather and chain armor covered her form, gleaming in the morning sun. Furs lined it as was typical of her people, the edges lined with runes. She secured her pack, bow and quiver of arrows upon the back of her diminutive pony Ulga, really a shapeshifting spirit in disguise. “I didn’t know you had a bit of dwarf in you dragon, who would have thought?”

“He has good ideas?” Asterion snorted, the minotaur checking over his draft horse’s saddle, ensuring his hammer and book of prayers was bound tight. The mahogany coarse fur that wrapped around him head to hoof was scared and had seen numerous battles. His eyes were of baked clay, hard as steel, matching the usual demeanor he kept himself. He was uncompromising, dutiful, ready to crack skulls at a moment’s notice, a true example of a warrior of the god of battle Korde. He shook his white horned head, voice nearly a growl, “You’re a most confusing group.”

Veledar shifted from paw to paw, glaring at how his minions simmered with laughter. Of all the people he hardly expected the goatee sporting minotaur to be holding in his amusement. He snorted, placing a paw to his chest, “The only reason that assault happened, was of an annoying spell. So, if you could refrain from vomiting your laughter all over the place, that would be great.”

“Aww poor baby, did you get your scales in a twist?” Lyndis padded down the rest of her horse. “Let the bloody man practice his magic, it’s useful in a fight. Maybe then he can beat me in a sword fight.” She tossed Arcturus a wink, “Sides, your eyes seem a small price to pay.”

“You only won because you threw dirt in my eyes.” Arcturus countered, “Hardly fair.”

“Everything’s fair when you’re in a fight. Just be lucky I didn’t snap one off between the legs.”

Veledar suddenly felt a tapping on his withers. Snapping his attention, he found a diminutive, ghostly hand there. It tapped away, until he smacked it away with his paw like a troublesome fly. He found the rogue staring at him, clearly enjoying his ire.

“What ya think? Mighty annoying, isn’t it?” Grinned the rogue, having the creation begin to dance.

“Of that there is no doubt, is that why I hired you?” He rolled his eyes as he settled his wings. “For your insurmountable annoyance?”

“It's called mage hand o resplendent overlord. I can also manipulate things at a distance with it. And since when were we getting paid?”

“We be getting paid?” Merlia gasped, “Since when?”

The dragon growled, lashing his tail, “All I wish from their vaults is my treasure and book, take whatever else you want I don’t care.” He hissed, as he swiveled his neck around to find Merlia. The dwarf was currently mounting up a small black pony. Veledar just put on a grin and padded towards her. “Did you get tired of riding with the minotaur?” He gestured to Asterion with his tail.

“No, I got tired of needing help ta get up! Trust me I loved ridin wit him.” Merlia's gaze passed through Veledar and towards the cleric. “On account of he’s so handsome. Did I mention?”

What? He tilted his head, eyes widening. “How is the minotaur attractive to you? You’re a dwarf are you not, I was not aware he was your type.”

“Oh, I'm glad ya asked, it's his fur, he’s covered in one giant beard, it’s so pretty! I just want to go over there and run me fingertips through it. Perhaps even take a brush to it. The worshipping of Korde is a shame though, but I bet Thor would win out in his heart in the end.” her hands went to her waist, her eyebrow lifted as a smirk found her lips, “Besides what ya have ta judge about lookin at non dwarves? I see ya lookin at more knightly targets.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Veledar tilted his head to the side, curling his tail around himself. How did she know how fuzzy his heart felt about the man? Was that it?

“Do I need ta explain everything to ya wee one?” She laughed, shaking her head. “I can see when a creature has a longing for another. Ya can't fool me, yer playin the long one.”

Nonsense, if was after Arcturus he would know it. Unless of course he was doing it subconsciously. He shook his head, rolling his eyes as the dwarf returned to packing up the pony.

“You’re crazy,” He slipped away, finding Arcturus once more.

“Good you can help me put my harness on.” Veledar grinned, lifting his tail and giving it a slight shake.

“I know you can get this on yourself.” Arcturus said with a smirk, pulling up the leather contraption from the ground.

“Yes, but I very much like having you put it on me instead. Be-careful now squire, that harness is a treasured possession of mine.”

“Oh, am I your squire now?”

“Well, you are helping me don my equipment.” Veledar stretched his neck into the shape of an 'S'. “Is that not what squires do?”

“Yes, although I would argue you are more like my steed.” Arcturus draped the harness around Veledar's back. “My annoying, talking ass.”

“Watch yourself Arcturus.” Veledar snapped his teeth playfully.

“Who seems to bite me all the damn time.”

“To be fair.” Veledar held out a claw and started to tick them off one by one. “I also lick, nuzzle, ruffle that sorry excuse of a mane you have, nip your sides, tackle you to the ground and deliver you from certain doom on occasion.” He grinned at the last one, recalling the snow battering his scales as he caught Arcturus mid fall along the mountain peaks. He considered it one of his greatest feats.

“Yes, you brave hero.” Arcturus laughed, starting to fasten the belts around the dragon's scales.

“Of course, I’m the hero. What else would you call the being who had his treasured book stolen? Only to assemble a team of skilled minions and dashing paladin to retrieve it?” He grinned, showing off his teeth.

“So, in this scenario we’re your minions? You’re aware Bahamut chose me to be her paladin.”

“Well…You can be my side kick then.” He snorted, shoving the man gently with his paw. “And be lucky you get that.”

“Right...so what does that make everyone else?”

 “Well, I suppose Merlia is the loud-mouthed eyes of the operation. Nothing gets beyond her gaze.” He gestured to the minotaur with an open paw. “Asterion is the healer with a troubled past. No doubt the bad boy of the group.”

“And Lyndis?”

“Simple.” He rumbled, “The mysterious rogue.”

“Mysterious rogue huh?”

“Well, she did keep her past from us, that certainly has her fit the bill.” Veledar stuck his tongue out. “You come up with a better title.”

“How about brains of the operation!” Lyndis shouted over.

“You weren’t asked princess! Keep fastening your horse before I sweep your legs out from under you!”

“I’d like to see you try scale head! Keep having a chin wag with your boyfriend!”

Boyfriend? He snorted in dismissal at such an outrageous claim and averted his view of her. Instead, he settled onto the man finishing the final strap.

“There finished! Swear I’m getting faster each time.” Arcturus exclaimed, padding the dragon’s scales. “Mark me, in a fortnight I’ll have it on in the blink of an eye.”

“Now doesn’t that sound thrilling.” He shook his tail, spine shivering as the harness shrunk to the perfect fit. “Though it only reinforces your position as my squire.”

The human’s retort was a slap to his scales. “Probably, but enough talking, get into your disguise.” He turned to spy the city of Entis in the distance, a troublesome dot on the horizon of the plains. “We might’ve already risked it by taking this long to get you up.”

“Well, I don't see a flock of gryphons descending on us. It would seem we’ve gotten away with it.” Veledar raised a claw to his snout, picturing what the green dragon Lyyreth taught him in the forest of despair. He closed his eyes and focused on being human. He tried to ignore how beautiful his dragon form was, the feeling of his glorious wings, the twitching of his resplendent tail. How could he give that all up to be human shaped?

 He shook his head as he had to start over. He pictured himself with soft skin, that hair stuff on his head, and standing ever so slightly taller than Arcturus. If only to remind the human what he truly was.

Lavender smoke enveloped him in, caressing every scale and paw. His wings and tail suddenly shot into his body, making him shiver. His claws receded into his paws, slowly shifting a shade of walnut. He shook and groaned as the rest of him followed suit, shrinking till he was the size he wanted. Wiggling his new fingers he leaped from the cloud, arms spread wide on either side. “I present a most charming human.” He smiled smugly, letting them bask in his clear skill.

He was greeted by a pair of clothes hitting him in the face. He wrinkled his human face and pulled them off. He looked at the dark brown pants and a green tunic in his hand and back to Arcturus staring at him. “What are these horrid things for? They’re of that blasted Emerald Lady’s colors.”

Arcturus said nothing as he gestured to Veledar's body. “That’s because your naked.”

Naked? Veledar glanced downward to see that indeed he was. How had he messed up the clothes part? The once dragon grumbled underneath his breath as his everything was on full display. He stood there proudly of course, why would he hide it. “What’s the problem with being naked? Perhaps you’re a prude?”

 He used one of his hands to poke his now exposed male organ. It was all soft and just flopping there, looking like a closed sausage. He caressed it softly, wrinkling his face. How he longed for his own bits, nice and sealed away by a slit among his scales.

“Well for starters Veledar, most human's don't go flapping their dicks down the streets.”

“Yer goin down da wrong streets den lad!” Merlia laughed out from atop her pony Ulga. “Figure with all the gryphons about you’d be used to lookin at their bits!”

It was Arcturus turn to sigh as Lyndis burst out laughing. “We’re not staring at the gryphons bits. What do you take us for?”

His minions began to bicker back and forth over what insult to call the resident Lumarians. He ignored them, focusing on the task of sliding into these pant things. It was awkward as he’d never done it. Lifting one leg up he slid right in, perfectly, like he’d been doing it all his life. Without struggle he had them around his waist. Next was the tunic he wiggled down his chest, struggling with it for only a moment. He grinned as his head popped out the top, spreading his arms wide. “Hold your applause minions. I have mastered the art of dressing!”

They didn’t of course, hardly giving him a passing glance. That was save Arcturus, who shoved a pair of black boots into his hands, followed by a pair of socks.

“Now let’s try these. Tad different than walking around on your paws all the time.”

There was feet clothing as well? He groaned at the indignity. Did they have articles of clothing for everything? He dangled the cotton thing called a sock inches from his nose, wiggling it like a worm. “You expect me to slide these paw blankets on my bottom paws?”

“Feet, now you’re just getting terms wrong for fun.” The human pointed down, “And unless you want a hell of an ache about you, yes, they’re going to be quite sensitive most likely in comparison to your paws.”

 He grinned devilishly as he recalled the human’s dishonorable assault on his wings. “Are they sensitive enough to be ticklish?” The human gave him a hardened look, moments before squeezing his nose with a sigh. “Your silence speaks volumes human. Don’t be surprised when I have my revenge, you will be left breathless.” He slid his what Arcturus called toes into the fabric, his nails getting stuck into the fabric before they reached the end. He growled and redoubled his efforts, slamming them up to the ankle. Next were the boots, thankfully they did not give him as much trouble as the socks did. They slipped on quite easily, and he buckled them quickly. “There, the dressing is complete.” He frowned. “Have any more to spring on a poor dragon?”

“Yes, but I’d rather not go wasting the entirety of the day. We do have a quest to complete after all.” Arcturus brought him over to their horse. The human mounted with hardly any effort, reaching down to offer Veledar a helping hand. “If all goes well, you’ll never have to ride a horse again.”

“Once was already enough times.” He grimaced, pulling himself to the saddle. To his astonishment the air was devoid of any horse-like smell. Not like the pungent trash he usually sampled when they were around. Was this how humans could stand them? They simply lacked the necessary tools to properly understand? He nearly gasped, torn between horror and relief over this discovery.

“Why the look of dread?” Arcturus bid the horse forward, right along until a canter.

“You humans have the stupidest of noses!”

“Ah.” He chuckled, “More fountains of information from our resplendent dragon.”

Arcturus rifled through one of his pouches and offered him a small leather pouch. Inside the dragon found purplish berries. “Here, Merlia summoned these up for you. Thinking you’d be whimpering like a babe.”

“Of course, she would.” He snatched them hastily away, gobbling up the delectable fruits. Each one could tide a man for the day, but he was famished and devoured them all. The juice was sweet, bursting and messily running down his chin as he happily chomped away.

Across the plains the group did venture, grass all but a blur atop their equine steeds. The sun shone bright, painting their path with golden strokes, perfect for the clear and blue sky. The wind kissed upon their cheeks, ruffling fur and hair alike. It spoke of a journeys end, almost pulling the adventurers onward. They kept a loose formation, with Arcturus’ steed at the front, Lyndis was to their side, a big smile upon her fair face. Asterion carried on behind her, seemingly irritated with the wind teasing his goatee. Merlia brought up the rear, her poor summoned pony not having the legs to keep pace with the others. Though the dwarf didn’t do so quietly, her trumpeting demands carried over the wind, begging her spirit companion to go faster.

            “Don let dem beat ya Ulga! I know ur better den dat!” the dwarf cried, as the blackened pony below her just managed to catch Asterion’s with its tiny legs.

Yet despite the good cheer that was brimming around his companion’s faces, he couldn’t help but drift longingly towards the clear sky. Of course, it would be the perfect day for a flight, where one could see for miles. It was mocking him, he knew it. Of all the times, the sky picked now to be great. He slumped against Arcturus, grumbling into his ear.

“Best be careful!” Lyndis called to him, “Keep wrinkling your face like that, and you’ll get it stuck like that!”

Veledar snapped at her, tongue already thrust like a sword. “How wrong you are, don’t you know my face will go back to normal once I return to my glorious dragon form?” He smiled as she rolled her eyes with a laugh. Clearly, he had bested her, and the laugh was all she could manage.

“So, you must be excited to get your book.” Arcturus called to him, pulling the dragon away from insulting the way Lyndis’ chortled. “Quite the story to tell.”

“Yes.” Veledar hissed, “Trust me, I relish the very moment I snatch it up.” Memories of his brother welled up, laughing as he turned the pages. The once dragon grimaced, shaking away the cold that gripped him. “Then I can fly far away from this wretched place! One that hounds dragons and wrongfully steals their possessions!”

“But what of me then? I thought you were sticking around!”

He looked back up to the sky, imagining himself flying up there through the clouds. The sun on his scales keeping him warm, the breeze on his face, and Arcturus cheering on his back. “Of course, I meant we. Did you think you could ever escape me side kick? I meant what I said. We will fly the course of the land, creating legend after legend in our wake! Mark my words, you have the promise of a dragon!”

“Hopefully it won’t be with the king’s goons ever chasing us.” Arcturus replied with a stern looking eye. “We’ll make quite the enemies with this endeavor.”

“But my wings can carry us to places they’ll never reach.” He replied without a hint of worry. “Besides, with any luck, you’ll be ending that horrible man’s regime by the time we’re through.”

Arcturus grew silent as stone, eyes stern as they locked upon horizon. A cloud seemed to spread from he to the dragon’s chest, “I certainly wish to have words.”

Fields began to recede, melting into the earth and replaced by tilled soil and rows upon rows of farmer’s crops. Villages rose from the ground like veins, spreading wild and in all directions, leaving every speck of landscape here with the shadow of civilization. People here were of an average sort, peasants tending to their crops and livestock, here was the lifeblood of the kingdom. Some waved with callous hands and smiled with dirt covered faces, others were too busy with their work to even give them the time of day. Overhead gryphons occasionally danced, feathers carrying them to realms that two leggers could only dream of.

“There it is!” Lyndis shouted out, pointing to a large stone wall coming into focus. “The blighted sore spot. Never thought I’d be seen that bleeding thing again!”

When the peasants had told him of floating castles and cities larger than dragons, he thought of them as myths or simple stories. For how could mere mortals achieve such things? Though with every hoof that beat upon the earth, the stories soon appeared to be true.

Gilded walls of stone seemed to grow from the earth, double the size of his true form. Draped over their sides were humongous banners, dark brown and stitched with golden edges, at their centers was a rampant golden gryphon. Battlements dotted the walls, filled to the brim with the energy cannons like that from the fort they’d assailed. Behind those were numerous roofed buildings, windows gleaming in the sunlight. Perches jut out from such places, perfect for the gryphons that called this city home. Towers rose out of this civilized forest, like the true trees of the city.

Above them all floated a pair of intimidating fortresses. Malevolent beasts they were, sitting there without movement, weapons trained outwards to ward anyone foolish enough to come into their sights. Made of stone and dotted with weapons they were the perfect defense for this blight upon the countryside. That was not all, however, to grace the skies of Entis, there were numerous Gryphons flying around in their form of ariel dance.

The dragon watched them, blood simmering and burning as they dove and rose like the leaves on the wind. Each second, he could picture their carefree nature, unaware of what treasure they held within their wings. It made his flesh craw and twist, gods he was not going to last this long.

Among the fortresses and feathery people were wooden ships of various shapes and sizes. Their forms dotted the sky like mismatched schools of fish, gleaming in the light as gryphons swam alongside them. The dragon grit his teeth, unable to count them all as they zipped and dotted around. If he’d come straight here like he’d originally wanted, he’d have been blown right out of the sky!

“I know it's a lot to take in Veledar. I wish I was seeing it through your eyes for the first time. For me it's all just so mundane now.”

“It’s not that spectacular.” Veledar lied, folding his arms defensively. “Humph” He was drawn to a line forming outside the city gates. At least one mile of nothing but humans, carts, and their putrid smelling animals. Of course, this was going to take longer than he wanted. He silently counted the moments until he could assume his true form once more.

“Human, and still a poor liar.” Arcturus laughed under his breath, guiding his horse to the end of the line.

Veledar sat transfixed as the larger, more heavily armed ships, separated like schools of fish. Their propellers roared to life with a metallic grind, casting their humongous shadows over all below.

“Must be heading to the forts you threatened. We’ll probably only have a few days until they realize they’ve been duped.” The man sighed, squeezing the bridge of his nose. “I loath to say it, but we owe a great thanks to the Emerald Lady. This endeavor will be far easier.”

“Don't remind me.” Veledar scowled over his shoulder, back towards the darkened tiny blot of the forest on the edge of the horizon. He hadn’t forgotten how that emerald dragon had played with and tormented himself and his friends. He would be offering no such praise, if anything, this was their reward for putting up with her. “I’d like to erase each passing moment of her.”

“I second the notion laddie.” Merlia slid down from Ulga with a heavy sigh. She wiggled each leg in turn, casting her red hair over her shoulder. “In all two hundred years of me life, never met a host as bad as that one. Perhaps she needs a lesson in manners, or five.”

“Two hundred?” He let his disbelief hang on his tongue. “Oh, I get it, you’re having a laugh with me.” Dismounting the horse, he had himself a proper laugh. “Ole bit of dwarven humor. You couldn’t be older than me.”

“An why couldn’t that be?” Her brow rose like the sun. “That’s a mighty assumption from a beast who still needs stuffed animals to sleep.”

“I’ll have you know that was a gift.” His cheeks burned. Of course, she’d bring that up. “And leave it to dwarves to not understand the need of a good night’s sleep.” He made it a note to stroll away, annoying the way her belly shook in laughter.

“Gift he says. Who from dragon? Your mum?”

To his relief, Lyndis had yet to make a sly comment. Though by the way her eyes were traveling to Merlia, and the smirk on her lips she was about to. “Don’t even start. She’s out of her mind.”

“Course she is.” Lyndis rested her hands on her saddle. “Shame we must stop riding though. Could use with another race across the plains.”

Veledar rolled his eyes. “I’d have thought riding a dragon would have shaken your love of those hooved beasts.” He slid away as Lyndis’ horse proceeded to nose inquisitively at his shoulder. “And tell it to leave me alone! Doesn’t it know I loathe it?”

“Aw, Attitcus just likes you. I can tell. Isn’t that right boy?” Lyndis rubbed along the horse’s neck, getting it’s ears to twitch.

“Oh great, you named it now.”

“You did the same with our previous horses if I recall.”

He sighed, “But that was to show my annoyance. What you did was nothing more than affection.”

“Aww…You upset the dragon Atticus, you’re really part of the team now!”

The horse whinnied in response. Clearly in an attempt to shake the dragon’s nerves. These were the minions he’d recruited to get him into the city, already the regrets were starting to sink in. “Go ahead and laugh away, while you prattle away with your antics, this whole dung heap of a kingdom plots against us. For instance, I can only imagine they’ll recognize their beloved paladin that I took for my own at their front door; especially when one considers he was once their leader.”

“True enough.” Arcturus padded over, rubbing the back of his neck, “I’d pray they had the same intel as the fort, but I’ll have personally seen to their training. Everyone will recognize me. Honestly, it slipped the mind.”

Pride radiated through the once dragon’s chest, “Don’t fret Arcturus, this is why I am here, to remember such things.” He rolled a hand to his chest, “It is the burden of being the leader.”

Lyndis rolled her eyes, “While you might not have thought of it our distinguished leader, I’ve been tossing the idea since even before we caught sight of this eyesore.” She practically leaped from her horse, nudging Arcturus’ side with a mischievous grin, “What fits your fancy? Half-orc with large muscles? Ceullus with a luxurious mane, plus you’ll irritate the dragon.” She pulled back, listing off a half dozen more ideas more before giving a heavy sigh, “Or if we don’t want to stand out and be boring and just mess up your face.” The half elf was padded around him, poking several times at his armor. “And this certainly must go. Can’t be walking around with their armor, right?”

“Ruin his face?” Veledar’s eyes widened more than he thought. “Surely we don’t have to…ruin his face.” He tried to slowly avert his gaze, playing it off as a mere thought. Instead, he caught Merlia’s attention, who was making some sort of duck face at him. He coughed, gesturing back to the statuesque minotaur still atop his steed, taking in the people without a word. “Let’s not have Arcturus be our sole target, can we not cast your illusions on the bull as well?” He searched around the line, not finding a trace of another minotaur in sight. “Sort of stands out does he not?”

“Unlike you dragon, my people’s empire and theirs consider themselves allies.” He thumped his chest, snorting heavily in the air. “I will be beneath their notice, just another cleric of Korde coming to see their capital.”

Veledar rolled his eyes as he went back to complaining about the sky, the gryphons, and how being a human made his skin itch. “I don't even have a good claw to scratch myself!” he groaned.

“Guess you should get used to that.” Arcturus laughed, “We are going to be here for a while.”

“Yay for me.” Veledar replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“So, what will it be?” Lyndis asked, tapping Arcturus’ chest.

“As appealing as your other choices were, it’s probably for the best to not stand out. Boring face change it is.”

She rolled her eyes with a groan, “How did I know you were going to pick that, I swear, not an adventurous bone in your body.”

The half elf placed one hand on Arcturus’ shoulder, the other winding around his hair like a painter. Softly the browns of the man’s hair had blackened with tints of grey, as if someone had spilled a vial of ink. The manageable beard he typically had suddenly sprouted several inches, becoming an untamed, shaggy mess of a dog on his face. Skin grew wrinkles, his brow stitched together, the nose that Veledar had become so accustomed to thinned and lengthened. Lastly his armor dulled and blackened, the tabard shifting to a dark shade of blue.  The dragon shifted, hating every second of his human being defiled so. They shouldn’t have to hide who they were. But no, that was stealthy.

“Er…thanks.” Arcturus said with a cough, looking at himself in his shield and wincing, “I certainly don’t look the same anymore.” He turned to the dragon with a grin, sporting yellow teeth of all different sizes. “What do you think?”

Veledar scoffed at this defilement of something beautiful, “Utterly dreadful.” He growled, meeting Lyndis giggling eyes a fire of his own, “While I would label you as handsome, for a human, now you’re positively a wreck, one of the worst humans I’ve ever seen.” He waved dismissively as the human’s exposed cheeks darkened red.

“What did you say?”

Lyndis rolled her eyes, giggling to herself harder.

Had he said that? The dragon froze, trying to replay the words in his head; he had. His cheeks burned, his heartbeat faster, was what Merlia said true? No, that was impossible, and yet…He averted his gaze and before the man could question further, he paid it no mind, “You’re missing the point. Bravo Lyndis, you’ve succeeded in concealing our paladin, let’s get this over with.”

“I just hope the blasted thing works. Never been one for hiding my face.” Arcturus crossed his arms, the comment seemingly forgotten, allowing the dragon to breathe easy, “Is it a tad sad I hope they find us? I’d hate for all that hard work they trained for amount to nothing.”

“Why would you say something like that fellow traveler?” Lyndis slid an arm around his shoulder. “Isn’t this why you two idiots brought me along? So, you could be stealthin your way into the place?” She gestured out to the huddled masses. “Just act like one of the terrible Lumarians. Don’t worry.” She patted his chest. “Should come easy for ya right?”

“Right.” He grumbled as the rogue chuckled.

“Don’t take it personal. You’ve grown on me!”

“He has tended to do that. Like he has cast a spell over our minds.” Veledar mimed casting a spell with his hands. When he realized what he said, his cough put an end to the snickering half-elf. “Oh sure, make fun of my insult. Have more faith in our rogue, it’s her capable paws I’m trusting.”

“They’re hands.” Lyndis waved them in front of his face, “But the gesture is mighty appreciated.” She gave him a smack on the shoulder and a wink. “I’ll remember that when you be needing a smack.”

Veledar went to swish his tail in response. Instead ended up wiggling his butt in the air. He scowled as he turned to look at the covered cheeks with a long, overdrawn groan. “I miss my tail!”

“I know.” Arcturus rolled his eyes, guiding the others further up the line.

“And my paws! Did I mention the claws that dotted them?” He held up his human hands and turned them over. “Now they’re all squishy and walnut. I bet I get cut by nothing more than a piece of parchment.”

“That can actually happen ya know.” Lyndis laughed. “The trick is cutting it before it cuts you.”

“IT CAN?” Veledar snapped to Arcturus, heart racing. Just how vulnerable were humans? He knew they were frail, but a piece of parchment?

“Yes.”

He shook his head in horror. “I’m amazed you managed to do anything with such hindrances.” He went back to crossing his arms, impatiently tapping his foot. When he could not stand the silence any longer, he leaned in and whispered that he missed his wings.

“Veledar, I get it!” Arcturus snapped with a whisper. “When this is over you can go back to your beautiful form. Alright? Does that make you feel better?”

“You didn’t have to take that kind of to-.” This time it was the dragon’s turn to do a double take. He tried to not look stunned. Of course, he knew his form was beautiful, but Arcturus had said that so truthfully. “You just said I was beautiful.”

“Did I now?” Arcturus looked away, the red shade returning to his face.

“I am certain you just did.” Veledar grinned as fuzziness closed in on his heart. He didn’t even question why. “Don't be ashamed, you’re just paying compliments to natural facts. Dragons are beautiful.”

Still the knight failed to meet his gaze, instead trying to act as though he were far more interested in the huddled masses. Veledar tried to not look too pleased with himself, perhaps the fluttering of his heart was being mirrored in the humans own? He could only hope that was the case. If not, then he supposed the man could be developing a strange sunburn on his cheeks before the dragon’s eyes. He tried to focus on the wall, wrinkling his brow as he couldn’t see the guards on the high wall. Yet, with his human eyes he couldn’t make out a thing, how did Arcturus do it? “How do you do humans do ANYTHING?” Veledar exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air.

Several people around them gave concerned looks, whispering to their fellows at the strange man’s outburst. They didn’t have long to question him though, as Merlia was quick to stride over, cast aside their concerns with her comforting chuckle.

“Just a wee bit too much to drink. Drives poor humans mad. Shoulda seen what happen to me brother Valen-“

Arcturus sighed, squeezing his nose. “We’re trying to not draw attention to ourselves remember?”

 “I feel blind, deaf, and lack the ability to smell. I don't know how you humans do it, it’s like your so...HANDICAPPED!”

 “Don’t be holding it against them.” Lyndis chuckled, “They can’t have the hearing of an elf, or the endurance of a dwarf, or the strength of a minotaur, nor the eyes of a dragon.” The half elf’s teeth gleamed as she counted off a half dozen other reasons on her fingers.

Who ever thought there would be this many? They couldn’t even see in the dark! “What exactly is one of human’s strengths?”

“Multiplin” Merlia returned with a smirk, “They pop up so fast it be hard ta keep up wit em. Ain't tat right Arcturus?”

“I believe you’re missing our determination, spirit, will and adaptability to get things done in short of a time.” Arcturus groaned, shaking his head, “We’re forced to do so on account of our lives.”

“Sure, sure, pick the boring bits. Least you made friends with the gryphons.” She gestured to the feathery kittybirds above. “Did the world a favor bringing them to your cities, and I suppose your spirits be better than whatever swill the elves brew. Guess we can call it even.”

Veledar sighed in relief as the line finally started moving. He didn’t know how much longer he could stand the boredom, or the growing problems with humanity. In fact, it made his fuzzy feelings for the man rather suspect, if he was nothing special than how could he create such a sensation? The dragon’s brow puzzled as he tried to gaze through the man’s disguise, to the knight that had rescued him from certain death twice now. It confounded how such a thing could be true, he deserved the best, a creature equal to his capabilities, and yet when he looked upon him, he couldn’t help but wish to be closer.

The dragon furrowed his brow. Confound these feelings he was forced to endure, it was preposterous. Beyond those towering walls he could practically feel his books presence, experience a tugging upon his soul. Here it was after these long months, almost within his grasp. Granted there was still plenty standing between him and it, but surely with his minions it wouldn’t take nearly that long. His hopes, however, were dashed the moment the line started to move, only to come to a halt a few seconds longer.

“Can this day get any worse?” Complained the dragon, leaning against Arcturus’ horse, “Don’t these simpletons know that we are in a hurry? Lyndis, go forward and start yelling at them like a noble.”

“And get us all caught? Yea, I’ll get right on that.” She replied, voice dripping with sarcasm, “Blame ole shiny pants here for the wait, Arcturus, I wasn’t aware you trained such sluggish wards?”

“They’re trained to inspect everyone entering the city for contraband.” Arcturus replied, not paying the ever playful rogue any mind, “They’re just being so cautious with so many visitors, try to not get too worried, you might draw a crowd.”

 “Ya should see our process!” Merlia laughed, “Take a hammer and tap everyone that comes in. Their form changes? We kick em out faster than you can spit!”

“I preformed checks such as these while I was part of the army.” Asterion grumbled, his ears flicking in the wind. “I was thorough in my searches, if it were up to me, things would be going even slower.”

“Is that why you left? They found you so utterly annoying?” Veledar rolled his eyes.

“Your mistake was thinking it was for happiness. It was for protection.”

“So have you thought on a name for the city?” Arcturus leaned back to whisper, “We can't very well call you that when we get closer to people, and Crimson Sky is out.”

Of course, he hadn't. Everything about being human sucked. “Do I have to have a name?” he winced. “Can’t it be lord? Master? How about your greatness?”

“I am fine with just calling you human.” Asterion replied sternly with a grunt.

“Well of course you would minotaur!”

“How about Pavel Dodsk?” Lyndis shrugged, patting her horse along the neck. “Easy to say, farmer out from Deet, here to see the fancy city.”

“Pavel rolls of the tongue nicely, how about it?” Arcturus shrugged, giving the dragon a smile.

Pavel. The name was weird, but all human names were weird. Veledar shrugged, “It’s as good as any. Though it will only be for when others around. I will always be Crimson Sky.”

Lyndis laughed, “How could we forget the great, and wonderful-.”

“And handsome!” Arcturus interrupted, to the dragon's enjoyment.

“Crimson Sky.” Lyndis finished.

“Jus focus on not turnin back. Last ting we need is everyone makin a fuss.” Merlia pointed a thumb to the guards high up on the gate.

He’d forgotten about that caveat! How he had to maintain concentration lest he reveal his true form. He could only guess how swiftly he would be assailed should that happen. He hissed, “Leave it to you to make everything harder.” He closed his eyes, trying to not picture all the energy crossbows trained on him.

“Don't mind her.” Lyndis whispered, brushing his shoulder. “You’re not that much of a knob to let us down.”

 He thanked the rogue, surprised at her trust in him. “Of course, though I am a dragon, by that nature clearly better at these things than most.”

She rolled her eyes, muttering something about hot air under her breath. Her snide comments were swiftly lost within the various other conversations being held around them. He heard mention of a red dragon with an excellent singing voice. He smiled as the woman gave a lovely description of him, citing his scales as beautiful. He was just about to walk over and introduce himself when Arcturus’ hand found his shoulder.

“You were going to go over there weren’t you.” The man sighed, tightening his grip. “Literally a few minutes in and you want to blow your cover.”

Veledar looked away, “You didn’t know what I was to do.”

“Actually, I do.” His laugh filled the air. “Spent enough time to know.”

 “But you rather enjoyed that time, right? Entranced like that maiden, beholden with my wonderful scales.” He nudged the human with a mischievous smirk, silently hoping he agreed. When his cheeks reddened and he seemed lost for words, Veledar couldn’t help but smile like he’d won a vast treasure. He had no idea why this was, but it made him feel as though he was wrapped in one of the most comfortable of blankets. He was almost beside himself, couldn’t even prevent the smile growing on his face.

            “Oh, thank the gods, the line is moving again.” Arcturus motioned to the others, deliberately not meeting Veledar in the eye.

            He’d have to continue this little amusement later. Possibly when the human was alone, would he reciprocate these fuzzy feelings? The dragon was almost beside himself. Though before he could calculate further, the line came to yet another halt.

Veledar groaned in a dramatic way, bending at the waist. “Are you flipping kidding me?”

For over an hour they remained in the line, hardly moving and plagued with human inadequacies. Veledar whined and groaned the entire time, only quelled as Lyndis tried to keep him placated. She stroked along his back, told him things were going to be ok. He just had to make it through this indignity to complete his grand quest. When she was done, and his stress had retreated, they were finally approached by the city guards. It was their turn, finally after all this time. He almost sang for joy.

There were four guards in total. Three humans and a gryphon, striding towards the crowd with purpose, armed to the teeth with both sword and energy crossbow. They wore combinations of leather and chainmail with tabards of brown fabric draped over them, the golden gryphon of Lumara proudly on display. Unlike the ones at the fort, their eyes glowed with a piercing, shimmering blue.

“They are detecting magic!” Lyndis whispered harshly to the others. “When did you mention that?”

“They didn’t use to do that.” Arcturus snapped back, matching her volume. “Clearly some kind of alarm has been raised.”

The dragon’s heart nearly stopped, a tingling spreading up his arm. Was this the end of the entire journey? Just because the help got lucky with an off chance spell? He was beside himself, heart racing, his palms were sweaty. Why was the entire area all spinning suddenly? This was worse than when his two gryphon friends got him drunk on dwarven whiskey! “Will…Will they be able to find me?”

“Well.” Lyndis held onto the final letter, rubbing her chin. Trained eyes searched the guards up and down from boot to hind paw. “If it’s like any magic detection spell I’ve seen, it shouldn’t let them know who ya are, just that there is magic afoot. Plus, you know,” She winced, “Let them know what school it belongs to, like say shapeshifting.”

How wonderful it was that he hired her, she practically begged his heart to leap from his chest! “Should we not find a different way in?” His eyes darted back and forth, desperately searching for another way. Maybe if they created a distraction? “Merlia, do you have one of those explosive arrows?”

“Just focus.” Asterion snorted from behind, “No sense in worrying. If it fails, we try something else.” He cracked his knuckles with a grin, “Like say cracking a few heads for instance.”

“Now yer speakin my language.” Merlia smiled, checking over her gear. “Coulda swore I looted a pair of brass knuckles from dat fort of yours- “

“No one’s starting a gods damn brawl.” Arcturus warned them with a hardened stare.

But Asterion merely met it, clearly unmoved. “Then try to stop me paladin. I’ll not have us captured because the dishonorable path we chose failed. I’ll not be drawn and quartered like a traitor.”

Lyndis slipped between all of them, smacking the pair of men across the chest. “Can we stop assuming we’re going to fail? Shut your traps and how about you let me do my job?” Her coming daggers shied the paladin away, but not the bull who met her fiery gaze.

“What other dishonorable trick do you have up your sleeve?” The cleric growled.

“One that actually might work ya walking carpet.” Lyndis gestured to the guards, who were busy checking a group ahead of them. “Use the bullish head of yours to cancel their magic. Don’t give me ya didn’t prepare a dispel magic, I heard yer pleading with your god earlier. Learn to whisper for gods sake. With their detection gone, they’ll be blind as a pair of bats. Well, in regard to magic, unless they are blind as bats then…”

“Lyndis.” Arcturus pulled her back to the task.

“Right. Well, that will leave them open to a double assault of charm from myself and sir shiny pants here.” She gave a smirk, leaning back with an aura of confidence. “I figure with my charm and your silver tongue; they don’t stand a ghost of a chance. Everyone gets to do something, no blood spilled, they none the wiser.”

“Wat do the baby and I do? Stand here with our dicks out?” Merlia crossed her arms. “At least let me punch someone.”

To that Lyndis smiled at she and Veledar, “To you two I have the most important task of all.” She gave them both a wink. “Staying quiet.”

While Veledar deduced she was talking down to him and it should have brought his ire, he instead relished how the ranger fumed. “And I imagine that I’d be better at it than her?”

“I don’t know.” Lyndis chuckled, “Both of you are fairly even.”

“Then clearly you’re saving our strength for something else.” He sighed, trying to regain his composure as the guard’s beckoned them forward. It was all in the hands of his minions now. He just had to keep repeating in his mind that it would be alright. One look, however, to Arcturus’ determined eyes was enough to tide him over. The knight hadn’t let him down before, hopefully it was more of the same.

“Vostavek lu” Asterion snorted, clasping his hands as if to squeeze a lemon. Unlike other spells there was no evident sign of its passing. One moment the guard’s eyes were enchanted blue, the next they’d returned to normal.

Lyndis sauntered onward first, greeting the collection with a smile and a wave. Behind her back, trained fingers weaved her mischievous intentions. Purple magic spiraled around her fingertips as she silently whispered the words. They were none the wiser as the spell wrapped around each of them.

The lead guard approached, a stern looking man with a beard that ate his face. What was a rock like demeanor suddenly changed, a bounce flowing into his next stride. Within a heartbeat he had a smile, eyes glossed over as if he’d suddenly seen long lost friends.

“What brings you to the Entis fellas?” He loudly proclaimed, the others behind him also caught up in the haze of joviality.

“I am Pavel and I have come to see the sights of your apparently beautiful city!” Veledar stammered out, drawing all the eyes of his associates. The dragon flushed, stepped back so that the others could handle it.

“Apologies my good sirs, the new guy is a bit excitable. We’re here on business of course.” Arcturus replied politely, “Job opportunity came knocking that I couldn’t refuse. Some say it might have been a spiritual awakening.”

“I get it, the spirit of adventure has caught you all I can tell.” The man nodded, searching the others, “Few can seldom say they find that in life. What brought you lot together?”

“Single person, they were not what we expected. Charming, full of himself, promised we’d be legends by its end, though careful of his temper, he can blow literal fire at times.” The man laughed, the guards joined in, clearly oblivious to the meaning.

So, Arcturus is thinking of me. The dragon beamed, soaking in every lovely description the man laid out for these guards. He tried to maintain his cool, not look too relieved. Perhaps he was just misreading things? He pretended to be wiping away a smudge on his shirt, that’s what normal humans did right? He scowled as Merlia noticed and started chuckling under her breath.

What had started off tense was dismantled in a few minutes from the paladin’s words, course a charm spell didn’t hurt. Veledar’s group was quickly scanned, their bags searched thoroughly, even their horses drew a suspicious eye. By its end nothing had been found, not a hint of their deception caught; if the men were aware of their spell’s failure, no outward expression was had. In no time at all they were on their way, the dragon’s heart leaping for joy.

He was beside himself, a large smile on his face. Of course, his minions had seen him through, he was a fool to doubt them! He of course would not inform them of this victory, he wouldn’t want their heads to be too swollen.

“Well, what did you think?” Arcturus slung an arm around his shoulder, patting the dragon’s shoulder.

“It was adequate.” Lied the dragon, averting his gaze as he felt his cheeks blush. “We’re not dead.”

“And what of me?” Lyndis had leaned in, rolling her eyes at the gathered pair. “Let’s not forget without me it would have failed.” She waved to the guards behind them.

“Ok. Maybe you helped.” Veledar huffed, not meeting her gaze. “It is what you were brought on for.”

“Damn right!”

The group laughed and got ready to remount, setting their sights for the open gate. The path ahead opened, covered in grey cobblestone. Just when they were setting foot onto the cobblestone to be rid of this terrible trap of boredom, the gryphon from before flew over with a flurry of their tan wings.

“Pardon me.” The feathery sentry gasped, quickly apologizing for the inconvenience. “It would seem our spells rather shit the bed. In an abundance of caution would you please follow me to the mage in charge? We need to do a check for spells, won’t take more than a few minutes.” The kittybird put a claw to his regal chest. “Cross on my feathers and hope to die.”

“Want to repeat that again?” Asterion almost smiled, his hands drifting slowly to his Warhammer.

Like lightning Arcturus caught his arm, “Don’t mind the bull. You know his people, always looking for a fight.” He gave the cleric a heavy stare, not shying away from his incoming snort. “Which way would the mage be?”

Like that, the concern was back. Veledar stilled himself, exchanging several worried looks with the others. How were they expected to fool a wizard? Sure, Lyndis was clever, and Asterion good at the divine arts, but that would pale into one that was master of the arcane. Yet despite the obvious uphill battle, Arcturus was a wall of calm. Perhaps he was in on a plan yet shared? Veledar could only hope.

 “Right this way.” The gryphon gestured with his ears perked to a diminutive structure hugging the exterior of the wall. “Just mind your manners, he can be quite…” The gryphon’s ears twitched from side to side. “Strange.”

 “I hope you know what you’re doing.” Veledar whispered in Arcturus’ ear. “Or I’ll never let you live this down.”

The knight only smiled back, telling him to be calm. “If it’s who I think it is, we haven’t a thing to worry.”

 ** * * * * * * * *

Here we are, the second draft of City of Light, before I send it in the future to editors. I have taken some things from the original, placed them elsewhere and removed other sections. If you want to check and compare the original (it is longer), it can be found here: https://www.sofurry.com/view/1222644

The other sections such as Florimel are coming up in other chapters, I just made these chapters smaller for bite sized reading. 

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-If you would like to support me and toss a few coins my way, I have a patreon. There I post WIP of artwork, comics and chapters before I post them here. As of this date, I have several chapters of the updated City of Light, Two NSFW comics, one involving ceullus and the other an ilbir, and the cover of this book. It can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=371744