Chapter 12

It was only after all the tears had dried and their nerves stretched to their breaking point did the two finally emerge from the Lund crypt. Arcturus stood tall, wiping the last of his red eyes as Veledar assumed his gryphon form and stepped into the sunlight. The now gryphon held his head tall, soaking in the rays as he adjusted his feathery wings as if settling his body into this new one. The man rested a hand on his withers, a strength sweeping through his weary, drained body. Though sifting through the past was an ordeal, with Veledar it was manageable.

Veledar pinned his wings with a chirp, his stride slow and purposeful as they made their way across the stone. “Thank you for sharing that with me…I know it was painful.”

“Don’t mention it. You shared with me at your mother’s home.” Replied Arcturus, “We both have open wounds that won’t heal.”

“That we’ll lean on each for support.” The gryphon lent a kind eye, “Sounds like a fair trade. Long as you never tell a soul about it.”

“About you showing weakness? Being more than a proud, vain, prideful beast?”

“I do have an image to maintain.”

He sighed as the catbird trilled, nudging at him with his lion like flank.

“Take heart, not many get to peel back our scales and see the depths of our souls.” Veledar said softly, “I trust you enough to guard it well.”

His reply was a brief nod, respecting the dragon’s choice. How could he argue with him after that, holding him as he broke down completely? Arcturus found himself dwelling on those moments within the crypt, surrounded by the dragon as he shook and trembled. To think he cared that much for him, not just as a companion in which to travel but perhaps something more. His cheeks flushed at the thought but was pulled back to his senses as the catbird gave him a nudge.

“Do you know this woman?”

“What woman?”

The gryphon gestured to a sun-elven woman making her way through the crowds of people in the street. Her skin was dark as cholate, with eyes of a vibrant gold in the shape of almonds. Dark red hair topped her, styled into thick dreads. With thin lips and a lithe frame, she was draped in chestnut dyed robes, lined with thick sections of gold. Attached to her hip was a pristine leather belt that he assumed held a book of spells. Her attention was squarely on Arcturus, paying no mind to anything else around her.

“Not that I’m aware of.” Arcturus tensed, eyes traveling up and down her frame. She had the sign of the high mages around her neck, a symbol of three feathers on her collar. Standing shorter than him she didn’t appear to be physically imposing, but he knew that these individuals could call upon magic of frightening potential. If he had their attention, he’d have to be careful.

Feathers ruffled in alarm, “Then we should get out of here- “

“Don’t you dare move; I know who you are.” The woman barked; her palm extended as if to support a plate. Within it a sliver of hair was floating in the air, pointing straight at Arcturus. “Arcturus Lund.”

“Is that right? You’re not the first person to call me that today.” Arcturus replied calmly, resting a hand on Veledar’s withers, ready to leap upon his back in a moment’s notice. “I do wish you luck however.”

“No, I’m certain in my deduction that you are him.” She replied, gesturing to her palm, “The spell in question has little room for error.”

“So, you’re saying there is a chance of error.” Veledar flared his wings.

“And you must be the dragon that he rescued.”

The catbird’s ears pinned as he rolled a talon to his feathery chest, “I don’t know who you’re talking about, I’m a gryphon clearly. Sex, ear scritches, mounting, flying, gryphon.”

Her tone didn’t soften, “Dragons have the ability to take on numerous forms. A gryphon is certainly one of them.”

“I take it you’ve been following our exploits?” Arcturus’ arms crossed, it would appear as if there was no swaying this woman, “Whomever you are.”

“You may call me Shandalar Yllakas.” She folded her arms behind her back, “High mage of Lumara.” Her eyes flicked around them, searching for some hidden foe, “But here is not secure, we must speak somewhere in private.”

Hair stood on the back of his neck, why wasn’t she trying to subdue him like Garroth had done? “I don’t know what game you’re playing Shandalar, but we will not be tricked into going with you. If you seek to take us in, it will be done with force.”

At that, Veledar flared his wings, giving the woman a threatening hiss. Talons dug into the dirt, muscles tensed, ready to strike and tear her asunder. Shandalar, however, remained composed, unphased in such a display.

“You don’t have a choice in the manner dragon. You will be meeting with me if you hope to remain hidden.”

“You heard our answer, it’s no. So, unless you wish to do battle, I suggest you depart.” He lashed his tail with a keen cry, “Now.”

She blinked; disbelief painted across her features. “How could you say no? By all rights I have you in a position of weakness.”

“Simple, it rolls off the tongue easily…no.”

“Dragon, I know where you are hiding. If I wish, I have the authority to order every guard, soldier and construct at our disposal to arrest you here on the spot.”

“Then why haven’t you done so?” He taunted with a smirk, “I think someone isn’t quite who they say there are.”

Now that raised a brow, Veledar was correct. In fact, why had she come alone if she had the power that she did, something wasn’t adding up. “If you’re hoping to seek our aid, blackmail isn’t the way to go about it.”

Shandalar shifted with a deep sigh, “Then I was in error, I believed it was the best course of action to get what I wanted. You both are an anomaly within this land, something that we could use for our plans.” She procured a piece of parchment, handing it Veledar, who took it with a talon, “We can speak more at the inn in this district, the Adjective Noun.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Veledar stated bluntly, ears splayed, “They named an actual tavern that?”

“Indeed, the tavern owner thought it was quite the joke. Just go inside, talk to a halfling by the name of Janvon, he will direct you to me.”

“And how do we know this isn’t a trap?”

“I hope you come to realize it is not, for we could use your help.” Shandalar gave a brief bow before wheeling about to stride away, leaving the pair in silence.

“Did she seem annoyed with me?” Grinned the dragon.

“Is your goal to piss everyone off?” Arcturus turned the parchment over in his hand. 

“Not particularly, but I’m exceptionally tired of people thinking we must do something.”

“Even if she made good points?”

He huffed and averted his gaze, “You have to admit, she didn’t expect us to refuse.”

“Because she deemed that the most idiotic answer.”

“MOVING on.” Veledar said loudly, “Should we even go meet with her? I have half a mind to just blow her off. I imagine that would ruffle her robe good.”

“It might be wise to see what she has to say, it wouldn’t hurt to have a wizard on our side.” Arcturus sighed, “She knew enough that I suspect she knows everything, if she wanted to hurt us, she could have arrested us but didn’t. If this is a trap, it’s a not the most direct path.”

“Of course, you’d agree with the woman.” He rolled his eyes in irritation. “But mark my word, she is going to ask something of us in exchange for her help…and this has all the smell of a side quest.”

** ** ** ** **

The tavern in question was quite large, for one not originally made for gryphons of course. It was made of fine oak, painted in deep blue with silver trimmings. Windows were scattered about without any grime or weathering, practically pristine and shimmering in the sun like diamonds. Sure enough, a large wooden sign hung above its entrance, proclaiming the hilarious namesake. The air already had trace smells of ale, beer, and cooking meats, above the sound of multiple chirps had formed together into a symphony of gryphon activity.

“Freeze right there traitorous scum!” Came Krotos’ demand, the gryphon swooping overhead with a playful squawk. He landed with a bumpy trot, giving them both a gryphon parted smile as Gus dismounted with a friendly wave.

“What a surprise to see you two here.” The guard said with a smile.

“We should say the same, are you following us?” Veledar thrashed his tail as Krotos strut towards him, swelling his chest as if to show him up. The dragon of course returned the gesture, both spreading their wings and clacking beaks at one another. “I wouldn’t be surprised of course nor hold it against you, my beauty is most alluring.”

“Hah, as if I’d admit such a thing to a bag of hot air like you.” Krotos chuckled, gesturing to his teal tipped wings, “When it is clear that I am the prettier of the two of us. Just look at your feathers, hardly preened.”

“And what is wrong with that?”

“Just that if you’re going for a look of beauty, you’ve failed spectacularly. Next time you should ask me, and I’ll show you how to do it.”

Veledar scoffed, “I don’t need lessons on how to lick myself.”

Arcturus groaned and ignored the two as they continued to bicker as Krotos squawked in alarm and defended that he was not licking himself. “What brings you here my friend?”

“We got a call about a disturbance.” Gus sighed, searching through the crowd, “Of a fiery haired dwarven lass. Apparently, some poor soul came over to her, exchanged a few words and she kicked him in the balls. When his friends went to defend him, they wound up with arrows to the knee.”

“That sounds like Merlia.” He shook his head, already knowing he was going to get a mouthful for leaving her alone.

“But when we showed up there wasn’t a trace of her. Just three men with wounded prides and in need of a local cleric. We just dropped them off and were heading back.” His eyes flicked to the direction of the graveyard, his face darkening, “Did you go there again?”

He nodded, “I saw Skywing there.”

Gus’ eyes widened, “Are you sure it was him?”

“There is no mistaking, I know him.”

“Well, did you talk to him? You know…about what happened?”

“He’s working for those looking for us Gus, we can’t resolve personal matters right now.”

The guard gave a nervous laugh, “Guess I’m being optimistic, it would be good for you and him to bury the hatchet. He used to be so close to Selina and you.” As Arcturus slumped his shoulders and gave a defeated sigh, Gus quickly clasped him on the shoulder with a chuckle, “But you’ll solve that eventually, just look, you made friends with a dragon, mending one with a gryphon should be easy! But until then, what brings the two of you to a tavern of all places? For one who’s trying to remain hidden being amongst a group in there might get you spotted.”

Without hesitation, Arcturus told him about Shandalar, how the wizard insisted that she knew that Gus was the one giving them a place to stay. “So, we’re going into there to speak with her.”

“And you’re certain she knows?” The color had drained from Gus’ face, “I don’t want to be turned into a newt or nothing.”

“Lucky for you, she seems to want and help us.” He gestured to the inn, “Which is why we’re meeting with her.”

“Hah! Krotos check that out!” Gus gave a hearty laugh, “I didn’t know this place existed! The Adjective Noun! Do ya get it?”

Veledar pulled back from his latest argument over what beauty was. “Yes, I get it, but it's not funny.” he hissed.

“Well, I suppose you just don't have a sense of humor than.” Gus wiped his eyes, as Krotos glared at the building.

“Apparently it was not made for gryphons, the damn door is too small.” Krotos chirped, fluffing his feathers.

“Actually.” Arcturus pointed to a small brown plaque, revealing gryphon seating was on the roof.

“Oh.” Krotos resettled his wings, his demeanor instantly calming. “I stand corrected.” He spread his blue wings wide and clacked his beak. “Guess I will keep myself busy while you go talk to the elf then.” He pounded into the air and with a pump of his mighty wings he was on the roof and out of sight.

“Thanks a lot, Krotos!” Gus shouted, shaking his fist before slumping over with a sigh, “I suppose I should go meet this elf as well. Plead for her to not reveal my family.”

“See Arcturus, at least I don't leave you behind.” Veledar grinned.

“Yea lucky me.” the human replied with a laugh, trying to push past him. Veledar stopped him by holding out one of his wings.

“Excuse me, as leader I will be going first of course.”

“You’re going to let that go to your head, aren’t you?” Arcturus groaned as the catbird opened the door with a creak.

“Of course not.” Lied the dragon, holding his head high. Though the door wasn’t made for gryphons, Veledar continued anyway. He tucked his wings tight as they could be, pressing his bulk through the diminutive frame. Talons dragged against wood as he grunted, unwilling to be deterred.

“What are ya doing gryphon, we have seating above!” Someone shouted from within.

Veledar collapsed to the floor with a squawk, a perfect pile of embarrassment and feathers. “Perfect fit.” He boasted as he pushed himself back to all fours, dusting off himself as though nothing had happened.

Shaking his head and apologizing for his friend’s unwillingness to wait, Arcturus and the others made their way through the tavern. This early in the day it was quite sparse, weathered tables pressed to the edges to keep a clear central area. The headboards here were engraved with various shapes, animals large and small in movement. Light leaked in to bring life to this still waking place, motes of dust winking like gems.

 “If he breaks anything you’re buying it.” A man shouted from the bar, a diminutive fellow with a multicolored vest of reds, blues and golds, he hardly came up to Arcturus’ shoulders. Both of his hands rested upon his hips, his nose was swollen like a fist.

“Of course, he’ll be as delicate as possible.” He glared at Veledar as the once dragon sucked in his chest, padding his way through the forest of tables and chairs, acting as though the slightest touch would set him aflame.

“So what can I do for you fellas?” The man grinned, as they neared it was clear he was not human, but in fact a halfling. He was currently standing on a raise of stairs right behind the bar. He gave Veledar a large, toothed smile, showing off his perfectly white teeth, “Names Janvon Lightfoot, owner of this establishment. Perhaps I can interest yerself in a nice morning meal, gryphons love the fire grits, can’t get enough of them.”

“No, we-” Veledar began.

“Or perhaps ya want a dragon fire omelet.” He held up a finger, “Spiciest thing on the menu.” He turned to the others with a nervous chuckle, “Which I won’t stop your friends from getting, but don’t blame me if you’re in agony when it passes.”

“No, I am here for-”

“Or maybe I reckon ya want dwarven rock stew.” He held up the back of his hand to his mouth, “It's not real rocks mind ya, its jus what they call this dish of meat.”

“We were told by an Elf to talk to you!” Veledar squawked, lashing his tail hard against a chair.

“Really now?” Janvon rubbed his chin, “Did she have brown robes, golden stitches, and dem golden eyes that make ya desperate for a kiss?”

“Golden eyes yes...but kiss?” Veledar raised a brow, as Arcturus snickered. “No.” He glared at the human. “Though I imagine my friend here wanted to start making out with her.”

Arcturus groaned as the dragon snickered, thinking himself a comedy genius, “Her name was Shandalar.”

“Ah, why didn’t you say so!” Grinned Janvon, gesturing to a door behind the bar with a black sign. “She came back a wee bit ago, said she was waiting for a couple of fools. Yall just go back in that there. It'll be all private like in there, I guarantee it.”

Janvon swerved his attention to Gus. “Hate to be bearer of bad news of course, but she only wanted to talk to these boys, you’ll have to wait outside.”

“Ar…Friend, this is ridiculous, the woman knows of my house!” Gus crossed his arms, only for the knight to lay a hand on his shoulder.

“I will speak on your behalf if you’ll let me. Consider it payment of sorts, while the others empty your larder.”

Shifting back and forth, Gus grits his teeth, “Very well.” He replied in a huff, “But give her a piece of my mind. Threaten my family, will she? That just won’t stand.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Veledar swelled his chest, patting the man on the shoulder, “Don’t worry, I’ll put fear right into her silly little boots.”

As the dragon squawked in laughter, Arcturus dreaded what exactly he had in mind. The way his eyes gleamed with mischief, he doubted he was going to like it. He reassured Gus that he was going to do whatever it took to keep his family safe, even if it meant working with this sun elf.

“You have my thanks, both of you.” Sighed Gus, “Suppose I’ll go and find Krotos, keep the damn bird out of trouble. With my luck he’s already singing away, maybe even flashing someone his balls.”

“Is that really a concern?” Arcturus rose a brow. “I know gryphons were more…accepting of their nudity but, showing them off?”

“Considers it a rightful laugh. Swear he likes to poke the skin of any of those around him showing any signs of squeamishness.”

Arcturus shared a knowing look with the dragon, it would appear as though he and this gryphon had far more in common.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Veledar narrowed his gaze, “And it’s not even close.”

“Gus you best go check on him before someone accepts his pass and you’re down a gryphon for a time.”

As Gus departed for the stairs with a laugh, Janvon strode down his diminutive stairs to the floor, once there he began to strut. “I always be happy to oblige her friends, hope yall have a swell time speaking to her.” He dipped his head and gave a quick wink. “On yer partnership a course. Nah if yall be excusin me, I think I be seen some more customers.” Janvon walked off shouting, waving to a trio of woman, “Ladies, welcome to the Adjective Noun!”

“Ready?” Veledar asked as Arcturus tentatively held the door’s knob.

The knight nodded, knowing they had to do this, they had no choice. With their secret hiding spot on the line and a mage breathing down their necks, they were as good as tethered to this sun elf.

“Don’t worry, with me by your side, you can do anything.”

“How kind of you.” He chortled, noting how the regal beast had complimented himself in the process.

As they entered the next room, the door slammed shut behind him, locking with a click. The walls were adorned with several mana lanterns, illuminating the room in a warm glow. There were no windows to speak of, merely a simple wooden table before then. Sitting opposite of them was Shandalar. Holding a cup of tea in one hand, the other turning over pages of a thick tome before her, she wore a stalwart expression, unyielding, defiant in the face of a shapeshifted dragon. For a moment Arcturus thought he saw fire flash in her eyes as the dragon resumed his true shape, filling the room with his form.

She didn’t flinch, attention shifting to the narrow-eyed dragon, “I see that some wisdom can be found between your ears.” She gestured to two chairs opposite her, made of dark wood with a reflective sheen.

“I’ll remain in my true form thank you very much.” Growled Veledar as he tossed his chair to the side with a swipe of his claw before digging them into the floor, “Just to make sure you don’t get any ideas.”

“I don’t see a reason why she’d betray us now, we haven’t done anything for her yet.” Arcturus said, taking a seat.

Shandalar gestured to a line of runes around the periphery of the room, “Speak freely if you wish, it is magically enchanted to prevent eavesdroppers of all kinds. Crimson Sky, dragon from Deet, why have you come to Entis?”

“With all your information on me and you don’t know?” He chortled, flicking his tail, “I came for a tour of your abysmal city, highlighting all the attractions that apparently should be awe inspiring.”

“You’re mocking me.” She replied flatly.

The dragon huffed, ruffling her hair, “Of course I am not, why would I do this?” He rolled a paw, “Though you must find it laughable like I do that you could control anything I might do.” Fire burned in his eyes, “We already tangled with the likes of the Emerald Lady, I’ll sure not bow before you.”

Oh, and any hope of this being civilized was tossed out the door as Veledar slammed down a paw on the table and dragged thick lines with his talons. Arcturus groaned, squeezing the bridge of his nose as Shandalar sat composed, a cold fury behind her golden eyes.

“He’s quite frustrated over the last few days. Nor does he like those who blackmail our friends. Speak of what you need of us mage, before Crimson Sky here proceeds to get exceptionally unagreeable.”

The elf sighed, taking a long sip from her tea, a brow visibly twitching as Veledar gave a snort of victory, “Very well dragon, we shall play by your side, if that’s what I must do to earn your assistance.”

Veledar blinked, before composing himself with a warble, holding his head high, “Of course, there was little you could do otherwise, if you wish to earn the help of a dragon.”

“I am not working for this kingdom.” She levied her attention to Arcturus, “Just like our current ex captain of the guard. Crimson Sky, I am working for Rothdell, seeking to undermine Lumara’s forces with a smattering of mages under my employ. We gather information, undermine the regime, point out targets of interest to…remove.” She coughed, leaving no question about what that entailed.

“Spy’s at best.” Arcturus grit his teeth, “Terrorists at worst.”

She wagged a finger, “We don’t target civilians, we only strike at military targets.”

“And what should happen when they catch wise and stick civilians with these targets of yours?”

“We will have to be accurate.”

He crossed his arms, at least that was noble. How could he even complain after what he’d done with Veledar, if the secret of those forts went deeper, he imagined those in charge had some answering to do.

“I have explained who I am and what we’re doing.”

“Not everything.” Hissed Veledar.

She raised a brow, “We don’t know each other enough to share such intimate details. Why do you bring Arcturus, the Drenedar princess, a dwarven ranger and minotaur to the city?” When the dragon thrashed his tail and growled at her the reason for their arrival, the sun elf couldn’t hold in her emotions any longer. “You’ve got to be in jest.” She stared in disbelief, “You came all the way here for mere coin and a book?”

“It was my treasure; it doesn’t matter what you think of it.” Veledar snapped his jaws, “These people can’t get away with thieving from noble dragons.”

“All of this trouble, risking life and limb, setting yourself up against the strongest kingdom over trinkets? You’re lucky you didn’t perish at such arrogance!”

“That’s why I have the likes of Arcturus with me.”

The knight found himself wrapped in a wing, “Things were going smoothly until we encountered you. We were just finding where his treasure is.” Was his wing muffled response.

“And once we locate it.” Veledar grinned, teeth glimmering, “Nothing will stand in our way.”

“Unbelievable.” The mage tossed up her hands, before composing herself with a breath, “Here I thought you were a mastermind, trying to help bring down this city…But all you care about is your avarice.”

“My book means more to me than anything elf, it is not just some mere trinket or bauble.” Snarled Veledar, lashing his tail, “And you’ll refrain from assuming so again.”

Arcturus clenched his fists, a wave of anger washing over him. It was from the dragon, that was certain, overpowering to the man’s senses. He could feel his blood boiling, threatening to burst, throttle this woman for daring to insult his book.

She sipped her tea, unphased by this outburst, “Ah, an emotional outburst, the book must have sentimental value. I hadn’t thought of that, you have my apology dragon, I understand the need to carry such things.”

“We’re going to need more information on why you need our help, and most importantly, what will you be doing for us in return? Unless the answer is satisfactory, we do as the dragon says and depart.” Arcturus countered after removing Veledar’s wing; she couldn’t risk turning them in without them turning her in.

Eyes lowered with a sigh, “There are plans for a device that the Lumarians leadership is calling the Uniter. They seem convinced, that whatever this is will put an end to war.”

“The war with your people?”

She shook her head, “All wars. That with this device nothing can stand in their way. Although we have an idea on where the plans are stores, I am in need of a more aggressive approach.” She raised her head, “If you are willing to put your group and their services at my disposal, I would sure you have mine. My kingdom can reward you quite handsomely as well, one that even might catch a dragon’s eye.”  

The knight tapped a single finger in thought at both what he had learned and the offer, the Uniter. Arcturus had never heard of such a thing, even during his employment in the military. His heart darkened over the implication of ending all war, was this some sort of new spell, or was it a new construct or device so destructive that no one would fight back? Was this the secret held by the fort, why they were sacrificing so many people?

Veledar scoffed at her request, “What did I say Arcturus, just another side quest. I will delightfully be saying no to you, mage.” There was pride upon his snout at her shocked expression, “I have had enough with distractions, nor do I need side quests getting in the way of my desires. I don’t need your help or your bunch of merry friends, one of my minions at this very moment is getting me the location of my treasures. Then, with my book in paw, I’m never going to think about this wretched kingdom again. I don’t care about this war of yours.”

“But I can help you get the information you seek!” Shandalar protested, “I have numerous mages and planted agents all over, how in the right mind could you refuse?”

“Already got that covered, but thanks for the suggestion my dear elf.”

Shandalar sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Surely you can see the benefit of having a wizard in this adventuring party of yours; with my resources it will be an effortless task in getting your...book back.” She spat out the last bit like a cherry pit. “If we combine our forces together-“

The dragon’s paw slammed against the table, straining the wood, “I already told you Shandalar, I will not be dragged into another side quest.” He gave her a harsh snort, dragging Arcturus to the door with a wing before changing back into his gryphon form, if she thought she had any sort of control over him, she could go get mounted.

“It was nice meeting you.” Arcturus replied.

“Honestly!” She gasped.

“He gets like this from time to time, you get used to it.” Arcturus laughed, “If he changes his mind, where can we find you?”

Shandalar sighed, opening a pouch and then scribbling an address onto a piece of parchment with a quill. “My mistake was addressing the dragon, captain. It would appear as though you are the more tempered personality. With luck, you will find purchase were I failed.” Her eyes traveled to the dragon, giving him a look that could kill.

“Well, it was nice meeting you Shalararan.” Arcturus took the parchment with a smile, causing Veledar to turn his head and look.

“It’s Shandalar.” she replied, her face once again glaring at them both.

“Isn't that what I said?”

The elf sighed, “No.”

Veledar had to swiftly get his human out of such an embarrassment blunder, “Come Arcturus, we have more important things to get up to…Dragony things…Secret dragony things. Ignore the sun elf, we can play with her another time.” The beast’s beak grinned as they made it out the door with it slamming behind them.

“That…didn’t go the worst it could have. Though she seemed to be in need of help.” Arcturus snuck the parchment into his pouch, it was a crude drawing of a map, an X marked onto the merchant’s district.

“I imagine she was overselling her point, trying to divert my attention for her cause.”

“That could have been the case.” He pat his pouches, “If you do wish to help her, we can find her later.”

“Not likely.” The dragon squawked, giving the man a chirp of matter of fact. “There can be no more distractions, the sooner we get my book back, the sooner I can…” He paused, splaying his ears as he searched the man up and down, before averting his gaze with a huff, “Get us both far away as possible from here.”

Once back into the tavern proper, it wasn’t long for Arcturus to find Gus and drag him away from the bar. Evidently, he and Krotos were busy ordering lunch. The gryphon with his charm had set up a date for the man’s family and another flight of gryphons. It took some convincing, but Gus complied with a groan, canceling both he and Krotos’ orders.

It was hard to take in, his kingdom having yet another secret buried beneath the surface. How many more were they going to find, was there going to be anything left to redeem his people? Arcturus said little, merely resting a hand on Veledar’s feathery withers, appreciating his company.

From the inn came Gus, laughing as he clasped Krotos on the neck, the man’s face bright red as the dragon’s scales.

“What happened with you two? You were right behind us.” Arcturus laughed, gesturing to his friend.

Krotos fluffed his wings wide with an indignant squawk, his feathers around his head dripping wet, smelling of gryphon’s delight.

“This man knocked a waiter into me!” Krotos squawked, puffing out his chest feathers. “Bunch of drinks poured all over me, just look at my lovely feathers!” He held up one of his wings and stretched his neck, just to show off the numerous splotches were the drinks had poured on him. He had damp spots across his entire frame.

“Oh, come now Krotos, it was an accident.” Gus tried to place a hand on the gryphon's neck feathers, only getting a warding snap of the catbird’s beak.

“For this travesty, I demand a bath Gus when we return, one filled with scrubbing and bubbles that will get this mess out of my beautiful feathers.” He gestured to his wings with his beak, “Then once you’re down with that, you can massage down my feathers and fur, until this entire ordeal is behind me. No slacking, I mean massage everywhere.” Head held high, Krotos gave a steady nod.

Gus just gave him an amused grin and placed his hands on his sides. “This sounds like an elaborate plan to do something naughty.”

“It might be.” Krotos rolled his eyes, sliding his entire flank around the man before padding a few paces away, flashing him his balls. “It’s the least you can do.”

With Gus blushing profusely as Krotos continued to flirt and nip at him, the group made their way back to where Merlia had been waiting, that he hoped she might have made her way back to. Arcturus knew they were going to get an earful, but he hoped what they’d found would be worth it. As he laughed at the thought of the red faced dwarf, he found himself gazing upon Veledar, the dragon bickering with the gryphon over whom was prettier. The man found his heart beating faster, a flushness in his cheeks, for a moment he felt calm, at peace, wishing only to bury his face into that beast’s crimson scales.

“Theres something, I didn’t think I’d see.” Gus laughed, “You sober and honestly looking happy.”

“I’ve been happy Gus; you need not exaggerate.” He scoffed.

“No, what I saw was a man existing.” He clasped Arcturus on the shoulder, “Keeping on while he decayed inside. But the man I’ve seen just these two days, you’re happier Arcturus. You’re laughing, smiling, there is a flame of life within you again.” The man smiled, “I don’t know what has made you so happy…”

Thoughts went to Veledar, resting against his comforting scales, paw draped over his chest. As Arcturus dwelled a warmth radiated through him, a peace like he’d never known.

Gus squeezed his shoulder, “Whatever has done this I think has started to mend the wound in your heart. I suggest holding fast my friend, never letting go no matter the winds.” He offered a kind smile,  “Because it is nice to see you happy again.”

“Don't worry about me so much Gus, I can handle myself.”

“Alright, I’ve had enough of this scale head.” Krotos hissed, dragging Gus off with a wing, “Gus, I do believe you have a bath to draw for me, one that will make sure you clean all of me.” The gryphon nuzzled against him, nibbling at the man’s hair after.

“I said nothing naughty would happen in that tub, fluff butt.” Gus laughed, walking away.

“No promises!” the gryphon squawked.

Veledar made his way to Arcturus side as the pair padded out of view, his eyes filled with questions, “He say anything neat?”

“Just being a good friend was all.” He patted the gryphon on the beak, “Come, let’s hope Merlia hasn’t gotten into any more trouble.”

* * * * * * * * *

Thank you for reading along with this rewrite of the story! Have a happy holiday and a great weekend, maybe I'll have another one of these out before I go back to work next week. We also might get a special holiday comic before xmas, fingers crossed.

If you want to follow along with my comics, art and writing before it gets posted here (getting access to see WIps and stuff) my patreon can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=371744