The Dragon's Den Chronicles

Kala Alexia Mavashka Ash'Calal Dragonsong the twelfth (better known as Dragonsong12 to her friends and family) stared down the rocky mountain slope and frowned. Something was wrong, she could feel it, but she had no idea what or where it was.
Narrowing her eyes, she concentrated and, just barely, she could feel it. A very slight little magical or merely mental twinge on the edge of her consciousness. Whatever it was, it was something new, something she had never felt before, and it seemed almost menacing. What on earth could it be?
She closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to clear it of the feeling and the fears that came along with it. Odd as it was, it was very faint, and not worth notice. If it were going to be a problem to the inhabitants of the mountain, it would have to be a lot stronger that it was. She had more important things to worry about than imagined menaces.
Dragonsong12 was something of a visionary. She saw great things in the future of the dragons of the mountian, and wanted to help them advance. The only way she could see to do that was to make contact with humans. Dragons were, of course, the superior race, but humans, small and pitiful as they were, were as intelligent, if not more so, than the dragons.
Many of the older and more traditional dragons on the mountain didn't like this. They harbored very real grudges against all of humanity for the way dragons had been treated in the past. Many of them still grumbled that humans saw them as nothing more that magical monsters, not the complex beings with real societies that they were. They looked down their snouts at her, called her an upstart, and much worse, but she ignored them. To her, it was far more important to see new information, inventions and advances come to the mountain. One day, those same dragons who scorned her would look up to her as hero to all dragon kind! Maybe not soon, but someday...this was her true goal.
She set about to accomplish this goal in a very unorthodox way. She took one of the caves near the base of the mountain, and made something of a store out of it. It wasn't really a store, but it was a place where she would trade draconic goods for human ones. At the moment, she was preparing to pick up more materials (and create a few as well) to restock that store.
With a sigh, she spread her wings and flapped them a few times, streaching out the muscles and warming them up, then she leaped off the mountain beating down hard. In a few strong wingbeats, she was airborne and soaring over the mountain...
...but even though her mind was full of the important task ahead of her, she couldn't shake that nagging feeling that something wasn't right.

Malafyss was formidable to behold. The dragon was thirty-five feet tall and — converted to human years — she was only eighteen. It was one of the traits that made some of the mortals fear her. The other was her name.
Born with the name Malafyss Connjuurio, the knowledge of her magic had been sealed since birth. No one needed to ask what she was as soon as they heard her name. She was a Conjuror, also known as an Elemental Dragon, one of the most powerful dragon mages one could ever come across. Her family happened to be the most powerful of mage family. The only reason for that was that during the Long War — the time when battles were fought between good and evil — Malafyss’ family had always sided with good. They had done this for their own race’s benefit, but the family gained their own power as well. They became the most powerful family the dragons had ever seen since the Golden Age.
Malafyss began to thrum happily as the seed she was encouraging to grow poked its first leafy head out of the earth. She was planting a rose bush, a plant known by all, but grown by few dragons. Malafyss thought that was a waste. The roses were beautiful in her eyes. Why not grow them just because mortals do?
Malafyss curled her forty-two foot long body around the growing bud. She could hear it singing of its freedom from imprisonment. Letting her normally silver eyes rise up into the sky, Malafyss let her mind wander to the day she had first learned she was magic. She had been playing far out in the woods, when a gust blew up suddenly. The cool fingers had brushed down her muzzle and slid into her ears. Malafyss had been shocked; she had heard voices on the wind. It took her two days of listening to realize she was hearing the wind itself.
Malafyss nosed the seedling. This would be the last plant she grew on her family’s land for a very long time, if not forever. Her mother was the Seer of the family. She could see far into the future, and the other night, she had seen war and death. Someone — no, something — was coming in search of someone. Malafyss’ mother had seen, but Malafyss herself had not been told until two nights later. It was her that the something was looking for. That had been last night. It was almost time for Malafyss to go.
She was heart broken at having to leave her family. Having a fierce loyalty to them, she wanted to stay, but her mother and father wisely saw the fault in this. Her mother had taken her aside in the morning and had given her tips on what to do when she met anyone on her journey. Her mother had told her: “Be careful out there. There are still many dangers. When you meet someone, I think it be wise to not tell him or her that you have magic. Instead, act as though you don’t have any. And, my dear, do not use any weather changing magic, please.”
Malafyss had nodded her acceptance of the terms. She knew she couldn’t use any magic period. She was an Elemental Dragon, and her eyes glowed the color of the element she was working with. Red with Fire, brown/green with Earth, yellow with Air, and blue with Water. The few times she ever used Spirit, her eyes were either purple, or black if she was using a powerful spell.
Malafyss looked out on the vast plains. Her family rested in a long dead volcano. “Where am I to go?” she asked aloud.
“I do not know,” came a voice behind her. Her father had come to see her off. “Just go. Walk. Wherever the Elements take you, Daughter.”
Eyes brimming with tears, she said quietly, “I love you.”
“I know you do,” was the firm reply. Her father put a comforting claw on her shoulder. “But you had better get going. It’s going to be dark soon.”
Malafyss nodded, knowing it was best. “Thank you,” she whispered before moving down the slope. Her father watched her until she was to the plain. The wind met her there, fiercely tugging at her wings.
Welcome to my world, the wind whispered to her.
Yes, I am in your world now, she replied sadly. And by coming to your realm, I have left mine.
Do not worry, was the wind’s reply. It will all work out. You will see. The trip will be good for you. Malafyss nodded her acceptance, but didn’t seem all that sure. She focused on her target, the horizon of the world.

(Editor's note: Aieka records this in her journal eight days after leaving the clan caves. It is the first entry. It appears that she means it to go into publication, or she would not have included all the information she did about dragons. It may be for a record to put into the clan library, possibly for humans, because the draconian species would already have known this information)
Day Eight; Mid-Morning:
I crept slowly along the rock wall in the cave, breathing as quietly as I possibly could. A scraping noise sent an icy shiver up my spine, and I froze. Footsteps sounded, and I melted into the wall. My quarry was near, I could sense that in every fiber of my being — which was a very bad sign. An evil was after Malafyss, whom I shall tell you about later, an evil so great that one can nearly smell it. I should tell you about myself, at least as much as is safe. Any more would be risky in these dangerous times. My common name is Aieka, meaning 'Bringer of Shadows', which pertains to my black coloring, rare to my species — the rarest of all dragons, the Quicksilver, as well as my profession, assassin. Quicksilver dragons, due to their extreme longevity reproduce only one or two hatchlings in their lifetime. Therefore, the population is very small, but very powerful, due to their amazing abilities. We use common names because one's private name gives the user magickal power over the one they are speaking of, it was common in the old days, before the wars to give one's regular name, but it has become far too dangerous in the last few
I am young for my species, but about middle age for normal dragons. Dragons, due to their average longevity have led humans to believe that all dragons are immortal. Far from it! Only the Blessed, the five Keepers of the Elements, are truly immortal. We Quicksilver live to be far older than the normal dragons around us. I am 29,468 years old, but am extremely strong in magick for my age. This is why I was chosen for this dangerous task.
I am the holder of my clan's time-honored job of the Elearathkaar (pronounced 'el-eh-ah-wrath-car' in the human tongue), or Wrath of the Elements. We are the guardians, secret police, warriors and army of our realm, due to the fact that our bodies are best suited to the job. Quicksilver dragons are the only dragons that can freely shape shift without using magick. Our bodies are practically liquid, and they have chameleon abilities. They can blend to match anything, change into anything at any instant, and practically cannot be injured by any physical weapon, due to the fact that our liquid bodies absorb any non magickal blow. We Quicksilver also hold the draconian records, because of our longevity, and memories. We have documents written by Tiamat herself, from the beginning of time itself. They are hidden in secret caves, strewn around this realm, so that they may be protected in case of an evil, such as the very one that I was stalking at this instant. The rulers of this section of our realm, Malafyss's parents have told me of a Sight that her mother has Seen, about an evil that is stalking their daughter. If I am confusing you with my capital letters, I should explain. Dragons have a habit of referring to anything magickal or extremely powerful with a capital letter. This can be understood, due to the fact that the old tongue produces pictures in the mind. When I refers to a Sight that someone has Seen, I refer to a magickal vision. I have set out to protect her at any cost. We both appear to be about eighteen in our human forms, but she is merely a third of my age. Due to our record keeping, I read of a prophecy written long, long ago, before even the hatching of DeepSky and his kin. I believe that Malafyss will fulfill this prophecy. The prophecy states:

The dragon of the house of vision
Who leaves to lose her fate
Will find one with a mission
An elder one
Who has power used for bait
The chameleon cannot run away
But must protect the Chosen One
The fate of life lies in their hands.

The Chosen one holds
powers of which she does not dream
but must find out through love,
while the Chameleon will find
a fate that lies far above.

The Elementals play a game
to choose a lucky Drake
Whoever solves this riddle first
a journey they will take.

The Chameleon and the Chosen
will find their way through the lands of Sem ite ht (pronounced sem-eet-hut, swallowing the 'uh' sound in hut)
to discover that the universe depends upon one dragon's love
and anothers life.

I did not know where Malafyss was, but I knew that I had to find her soon, or something bad would happen. I believed that somehow the mirror of Emit was involved. I am positive that by meaning Chameleon, the riddle speaks of my kind, and most possibly me, and Chosen means Malafyss, but I do not know why.

I will write more after I have found my way out of this blasted cave, for one can only breathe fire for so long before one becomes lightheaded.

Fazelspitz sat calmly on the shady ledge. He never had liked the midday sun as most of the TrueDragons here did. To the firedrake, this was yet another proof that he was not a dragon. At least, not a dragon like they were. He sighed happily in the cool shade. This was the best place on the slope at the moment, he could just relax and let his thoughts wander.
He had first come to the mountain in the midst of a terrible storm. He'd been traveling when the tempest had hit. It had knocked him unconcious, thrown him against the mountain, and left him there, half-dead, in its wake. It was Dragonsong12 who had discovered him there and nursed him back to health. Ever since, he felt as though he owed her his life.
Although Dragonsong12 was one of his most treasured friends, it irked him to have such a debt hanging over his head. Even if she did claim that he owed her nothing, he still felt obliged.
Speaking of whom... he thought as he watched Dragonsong12 fly by through half-closed eyes. With a small sigh, he rose and streached his arms and his wings in the same instance. Then he took off the comfortable shady perch, following his friend with strong wingbeats. Smaller and lighter, he quickly gained on her and flew ahead of her, flying backwards and looking in her face.
"Good day, dear Kala!" he said brightly, "Where are you hurrying to this fine day?"
She snorted with the air of one who didn't wish to start the same old argument again...the one that didn't go anywhere. "I told you Faz, there are eleven other Kalas before me."
Fazelspitz grinned, "You were the first that I knew, you are Kala the first to me!" He flapped his wings once, crossing to her other side as she began to descend. "Besides," he added, "You won't use the name that I wish you to...why should you get that luxury when I don't?"
She landed and looked at him. "Faz," she said carefully, "I respect you greatly, but I refuse to call you Fazelspitz the Great."
"The we are even..." he said with a twinkle in his eye as he hovered by her. Then he flew stright up and finished loudly, "KALA!"
She rolled her eyes and began walking. The firedrake flew down alongside her. "Seriously, though," he said, turning forward, "You don't seem yourself lately. Very preoccupied. Is anything wrong?"
"No," the dragon responded wearily, "I've just been busy is all."
"All the same," Fazelspitz said, still flying, "Perhaps you'd be best taking a break, you work yourself much too hard." He stopped suddenly, realizing that she was no longer walking by his side. "Kala?" he asked, turning.
The dragon was a few paces back where she had stopped. She was sitting back on her haunches and had both her fore paws on the sides of her head just behind her eyes. Her eyes were shut tight, and her teeth were tightly clenched, as though she were in pain. "Kala!" he flew back, his face a mask of concern, "Are you allright?"
"They just keep getting worse," she muttered in confusion. Then, seeming to realize that she had spoken out loud, she dropped her hands and straightened. "It's nothing," she said to the worried firedrake before her, "Nothing at all. Just a headache. From all the stress, I suppose."
"You should see a healer," Fazelspitz said, perching on her shoulder, "That isn't good. Headaches don't come so suddenly."
She waved him off with one paw. "No," she said, "No, I'm fine. I've...I've got to get back to work." She walked off leaving Fazelspitz to hover where he was.
Very Well, Fazelspitz thought, watching her go, If she refuses my help, who am I to defy her grace? Although he was genuinely worried about his friend, he was at least as stubborn as she was. Instead of following after her, he rose into the air, intending not to let the event spoil his good mood.
He flew along, sort of coasting high up on a warm breeze. It was at this height that he was able to see the figure slowly approaching the mountain from out of the plains.

Crimson stretched his wings and looked around. Night had fallen and he'd just woken up. Blizzard yawned through his mouth.
"Will you cut that out?" Crimson demanded.
Why? Blizzard wanted to know, and stretched Crimson's wings again.
It had taken Crimson most of his life to come to terms with having a split personality or alter ego or other body or whatever you wanted to call it. He wasn't even sure where Blizzard had come from. They were exact opposites of each other-one could do anything with fire and fire magic, the other could do anything with water and the water magic. Crimson wanted to go places and explore; Blizzard hated anything that involved unnecessary movement and just wanted to laze about all day.
The one thorn in Crimson's side, though, was that Blizzard had control over the firedragon's body. Okay, he rarely used it, but still... Also, unlike a lot of humans with this kind of problem, Crimson's alter-ego had an actual physical form. Therefore, whenever he wanted to, Blizzard could shift Crimson's form into his own and their positions would be reversed. It could work the other way-Crimson could retreat into himself and force Blizzard's body to be revealed, but he'd only ever done that once to see if it could be done and then vowed never, ever to do it again.
And the worst part of it, the really bad part was that...Blizzard...was...bigger...than he was! Not much bigger. Only a couple of feet. But Crimson's idea was that as he'd been there first, Blizzard should be smaller than him. By a lot.
Are you done ranting? Blizzard wanted to know.
"Maybe so, maybe no," Crimson snapped. "What's it to you?"
Although Blizzard could communicate with other dragons by taking over Crimson's mouth, Crimson could only communicate with Blizzard by talking normally. Which, as far as he was concerned, was a real drag as everyone who'd spent more than five minutes with him had assumed he was insane and left him well alone.
It's getting too noisy in here with your thoughts, Blizzard complained. I want to sleep.
Crimson shook his head. Okay, fine. If Blizzard wanted to sleep, he, Crimson, would do his utmost to stay awake.
Ignoring his other's protests, Crimson spread his wings and launched himself into the night.

Are you going to fly indefinitely? Blizzard wanted to know. Or are you going to be turning back anytime soon? It's almost morning, you know.
Crimson looked around, startled. He'd been so busy annoying Blizzard by performing various acrobatics he hadn't noticed where he was going. Now he was thoroughly lost.
Oh very well done, Blizzard said, with the closest tone to sarcasm Crimson had ever heard him use. Brilliant. It's daylight, we're a long way from home, and to cap it all, we're lost.
"Shut up."
Just because you wanted to annoy me, you had to go lose us in the middle of this place.
"Shut up." But Crimson's sense of adventure was already kicking in, and he couldn't even stay angry at Blizzard for long. "I was getting bored with living in the cave, anyway. We can move in here."
It's not that simple, Blizzard said infuriatingly. What's to stop whoever lives here chasing us out, like they have in so many other places?
"If they do, we can just fly away and stay hidden until nightfall. Now stop being so pessimistic." Crimson took a quick look around. This place was nice. In fact, it was...well, completely different from where he'd lived before.
It's not different, Blizzard pointed out. It just looks that way because you're seeing it in daylight.
"Will you stop going on about that cave!"
Speaking of caves, were you thinking of staying in one? It's just you seem to be going pretty straight towards that mountain.
"I don't know," Crimson admitted. "I'd rather not...if we can avoid it."
Sure we can. Why don't we just land on top of the mountain and sun ourselves for a while?
Crimson snorted, his extremely temporary truce gone.
"Is that all you think about, lazing around?" he demanded.
Of course not! Blizzard said, sounding offended.
"Could've fooled me," Crimson muttered.
Eating and drinking are also important.
The firedragon stopped dead in midair and rolled his eyes.
"I should've seen that one coming."
Uh, Crimson?
"Not now! I want to-"
Crimson, we have a welcoming party.
"What!"
Blizzard focused Crimson's eyes on the small firedrake hovering close to the mountain.
"Why don't we go say hello?" Crimson said aloud.
That might not be so wise, Blizzard said. And not exactly necessary, either; he's coming to us.
Crimson reared in the air and shot a jet of flame out. Not exactly as a warning...more as a display. Firedrakes were tricky. Blizzard had made the mistake of underestimating them once and-
I didn't underestimate them, Blizzard said calmly. You did.
"Who are you?" Crimson demanded of the firedrake.
"Fazelspitz' the name," the 'drake answered lazily. He performed a perfect somersault. "But you can call me Fazelspitz the Great."
"Fazelspitz the-" Crimson opened his mouth to say who knows what, but fortunately at this time, Blizzard chose to take control of Crimson's mouth.
"-Great," he finished. "I'm-"
"-Crimson Wyldeburn," Crimson cut in, regaining control with a huge effort. "And I'll be-"
"-pleased to-"
"No! Damn you, Blizzard!"
Blizzard sighed.
Only trying to help, he said peevishly.
"Well, don't!" Crimson said, before he became aware that Fazelspitz was watching him with some form of curiosity and alarm.
"Are you some kind of split personality?" he asked.
"No!" Crimson answered before Blizzard could stop him.
The waterdragon sighed again. This could take some explaining.

Day 11:
I write this tonight only by the light of the crescent moon, for I fear that I am being followed as well. Malafyss has set me quite a task, for she does not strive to conceal her tracks at all, even when she left home. I have spent the past few days doing not much else other than covering her tracks as well as my own. She may not feel threatened in this forest, because she knows the Swamp Dragon (who is a grumpy old miser), but she will be on her own after she finishes her journey through the bogs. I have had a Dream, in which great distress and agony will come to me as well as Malafyss if I venture past the swamp. It has Shown me that I must take a different path (as well as my magickal weapons, each weapon is a 'one of its kind') to save Malafyss. I need to split up from her, and secure the rest of the kingdom before I can do anything to help Malafyss personally. I only hope that I will last that long. Yes, I am the most skilled in death-craft of my kind, and yes, I am also as powerful magickally as one of the Elemental clan, but no, I cannot be sure of even my own skills. These are trying times we are living in.

Day 12:
Dawn
I have turned Northward, heading towards the Dragonsong caverns. Something draws me to that area of the realm, and I do need supplies, so I will stop at Dragonsong the Twelfth's store. Perhaps she sells poison. Somehow I doubt it. I need to find an apothecary soon, for I am nearly out of some of my most powerful sedatives. The feeling that I am being followed is growing stronger, I am becoming more and more paranoid. Now, because of this situation I am forced to put myself to sleep with some of my sedatives, in doses that can kill a normal dragon. This is intolarable! I fear that I may be going crazy. If I begin ranting on the next few pages, please disregard the rest of this journal.
In fact, you may disregard this next page, for I am merely taking stock of my materials.

Poison ring (dragon)
Poison ring (human)
18 Drams* deathsleep potion (editor's note: for those having read the human William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet, this is similar to Juliet's potion, only here it does cause death)
12 Drams invisible death (editor's note: this appears to be a reference to Thalline, which causes an invisible death, different in each person, with the one symptom of hair loss being evident in every victim)
9 Drams mandrake
16 Drams Belladonna
6 quivers of thinking arrows (four human sized) Longbow
Boot dagger (human size)
Longsword (human size)
Pike (dragon)
Pike (human)
Wing knives, with straps
Flying daggers (2)
Throwing Stars (6)
Armor (dragon)
Armor (human)
Invisibility cloak
(* editor's note: the above 'Dram' refers to a dragon sized dram, equivalent to about a human gallon)

If you have in fact read the list above, then you probably are wondering why I carry so many tools of death with me. I have left out some extremely pertinent information, that you should know. I am not only the literal black dragon of my family, but also the figurative one. Ever since my hatching, and my announcement of my name, I have been an outcast in my family. My name has become feared ever since the manuscript containing the prophecy was discovered. I was even warned against myself. I took the training in war-craft required of all quicksilver females. Females are trained in these skills due to the fact that the males are usually the keepers of the records and members of the army, and the females, being lither, quicker, and for the most part more sly, do the reconnaisance work. After I had surpassed the training master, I gathered my resources and left the home I was not welcomed at. I honed my skills, and turned my abilities of spying, and killing quietly into a profession: I became an assasin. Not just any assasin either, but the most skilled that our realm has ever seen, so smooth did I dispach my victims, that I became known as the Liquid Blade. Then, one day I was called home through the mental link that every dragon shares with his or her clan. DeepSky, the eldest of all dragons had brought me back because of a prophecy he had been studying. It turned out to be the prophecy I had tried to distance myself from. He claimed that he had solved it, and sent me on this journey into this godforsaken hellhole to protect Malafyss.
Malafyss is an elemental dragon, but not a keeper of one of the elements. She belongs to one of the families who use the elements as the basis of their magick. They are believed to be as long lived as quicksilvers, but that has never been proved. I don't plan on finding out, because with my craft, a dragon usually doesn't live long.
The moon has nearly set, and it will be dawn soon. I should get some sleep, although I'm not sure it's possible in this forest. The locals tell of ghosts, and with the noises surrounding me, I would not be surprised at all to find that these woods are full of them.. If I see one, I'll be sure that I squash it.

Day 12
Late Afternoon
I am lost. This is something very painful for me to admit, because I pride myself in my navigational abilities, among other things. However, I believe that I have gone off into some unexplored territory. For all I know there may be a feral dragon out here, if such a thing still exists. Perhaps I shall find some dwarves, and they can repair my sword hilt. Whatever I do find, I hope it isn't big, smelly, or anything remotely giant or troll-like. I HATE them. Euchh!!! When it becomes dark, I shall be able to use the stars to find out where I am, but for now, as I eat my lunch of roast goat, I shall have to stay put for fear of wandering into something dangerous. What am I saying? This is ridiculous. I am practically immortal, and I worry about such things? Pull yourself together Aieka! More later

"What have you got for me today, Cort?" Dragonsong12 asked the brown haired man who stood before her in her cave.
"Books," he answered simply, "books of knowledge from the greatest libraries in the world, translated into common. Those libraries handed these copies over gratefully in exchange for the books of draconic wisdom which you provide." He held up a large stack of books for her.
Dragonsong12 could barely contain her excitement as she reached for the volumes. She smiled as she accepted the books, she loved it when humans came, although it was not only for the things they brought her. As one of the smallest dragons on the mountain, being around human beings made her feel like she was big. "I'll get you your fee, and something more to trade," she said turning, "by the way, who's your friend? You've always come alone before."
"Oh, him?" Cort jabbed a thumb at the black-haired young man standing behind him with an awed expression, "This is a buddy, Jared. He's never seen a real dragon, and wanted to."
She chuckled as she gathered certain objects from the shelves of her cave, the expression on Jared's face was not a new one, but it was always fun to see. She turned back to the pair. "Here is your fee," she softly rumbled, holding out one scaled paw filled with sparkling gems. She sought the gems out herself and shaped the raw materials to a smooth, sculpted texture with her dragonfire.
Cort's eyes widened greedily, and with polite thanks, he snatched up the gems, examining each one with care.
"...and for trading..." she pulled out a book of her own, the most treasured volume of her collection. There were very few that she would allow to hold a copy of this particular chronicle. It was written by a draconic adventurer named Straigo, and it told of his adventures and of what the world was truly like through the eyes of a wise dragon. It was one of the greatest epics of dragon-kind.
Cort accepted it gratefully, though not as gratefully as he'd accepted the jewels.
At that moment, Dragonsong12 felt a familiar pressure behind her eyes. Without hesitation, she ushered the two humans out to their waiting horses. They went gladly enough, they had what they had come for. The had only just left when the headache hit. Facing away from the bright light of her cave's entrance, she sank to the floor and covered her face in her paws, stifling a moan. She couldn't move, she couldn't think, then, in a few minutes, it was gone.
Releived of the pain, she still did not get up, she was thinking, worrying. The headaches scared her, more than she would admit. They were an intense pain, but only for a moment or two. Had she lived anywhere else, she would have thought that such headaches were a sign of something good. Some latent power just comming into its own, but all the dragons of the mountain were tested for any dormant abilities while they were still hatchlings, and she had been proven to have none.
If the headaches were nothing good then they must be a sign of something bad. She worried over what that something bad may be.
"Kala!" A distant voice from outside startled her out of her thoughts, "Oh Kala!" It was Faz, she knew that, but it surprised her that he sounded like he was in such a good mood. She had been short with him, and normally she would have expected him to sulk for the rest of the day.
"Kala the first! You there?" he was right outside the cave now. She raised her head, smiling slightly. The firedrake could lift her out of her bad mood, but she couldn't let the taunt pass.
She got up, turning. "I told you before, Faz, I don't-" She cut off in mid-sentence when she saw that Faz wasn't alone.
A strange figure filled the cave's entrance. He stood on his hind legs and blinked trying to regain his sight after the brightness of the sun. His scales were red and orange, and a mane of fire ran the length of his back. Dragonsong12 supressed an annoyed sigh, for he was almost twice her height standing like that, was she always going to be the smallest?
Faz, looking ridiculously small next to the stranger, flew in with a proud grin on his face. He perched on her shoulder, and addressed the newcomer. "This," he said importantly, "is my good freind Kala Alexi-"
"That'll do, Faz!" she cut him off hastily. The last thing she needed was to go through her titles again. She nodded to the stranger, "Dragonsong12 will do just fine, and you are?"
Before he could answer her, the firedrake broke in, "He calls himself Crimson Wyldeburn." Faz's voice broke in laughter at some private joke.
The stranger nodded, "Yes. Well, I'm sorry for comming in so suddenly like this, it's just that..." he trailed off suddenly, and when he spoke up again, his voice sounded slightly different, "I was looking for some place to rest-" He broke off again with a small growl and an annoyed expression, but his voice changed back, "Yes, I guess that's right, I need to rest."
Dragonsong12 cocked her head to one side, confused by the stranger's halting way of speaking. He continued, "I don't want to be a burden, but I got a little lost-" Another pause and slight change, "-flying around last night-"
This time when he broke off, his face looked angry, and he suddenly burst out, "Do you mind?! I'm trying to have a conversation here!"
Dragonsong12 pulled her head back suddenly, much like the way a snake does when struck, and blinked in confusion, what was wrong with this creature? Was he going to attack her?
He must have caught her uncertain expression, for he shifted his weight uncomfortably, and his face looking resigned, as if he were used to this. "I wouldn't have bothered you at all," he admitted, "except that Fazelspitz the Great here said that-"
He broke off again, this time for an entirely different reason. Dragonsong12 had suddenly burst out laughing, and even she wasn't sure why, although it seemed she was laughing at her own fear. Part of it was certainly that, as strange as this dragon was acting, he hadn't tried to hurt her or anyone else. Part of it was that Faz didn't seem at all frightened, and small as he was, he should be. Most of it, however, came from the fact that she couldn't fear anyone who went along with Faz and called him by his self-proclaimed title of "great." Besides, it sounded as though he was having more troubles in his head than she was, so she even pitied him in a way.
"Come," she said, still chuckling, "You look like you've flown the entire night and half the day! You must be tired and hungry. we can eat while you tell me what you're willing to tell, then I'm sure there's an empty cave you can rest in."
"Well," he said with a sigh, "That'll make one of us happy, at least."

Jared rode away from the mountain, thinking of all he'd seen. Dragons were not the monsters he'd thought they were. Oh, they were frightening enough, something that big couldn't help but be scary, but they had such intelligence, and they were such beautiful creatures.
"She seems to know you well," he said to his companion after a time, "are you good friends?"
Cort snorted, "She thinks so. She is too gullible. Look at this, Jared!" He held up one of the gems, "Those dragons have a whole mountain full of these things! And they have no idea of the stones' value! They remind me of ravens or pack rats the way the hoard them without knowing their worth."
Jared thought is was an unfair analogy for the noble beasts, but said nothing. Cort continued, "And she gives them to me for a few moldy old histories! Better yet! She gives me the secrets of dragon life!" He held up the book. "The fool is giving us all we need to learn how to destroy the dragons and take their treasure! I love fools!"
Jared was appaled that Cort would take advantage of the kind dragon they had met, for he was a good man, and had truly come becuase he wanted to see a dragon. Unfortunately, like all good men, his own comfort came first. He rode on in silence, ignoring his companion's wicked and greedy expression, lest he be drawn into the trouble as well.

Day 13
Mid-Morning
I discovered where I am, at last. I am in one of the uncharted valleys near the southern mountains. I am still not sure where I should go to. Perhaps I should just walk until I meet someone. I will stash my stuff here, and continue in human form. From now on, my entries will be in my human journal. If someone finds this journal and I have not returned, my armor, weapons, and much of my poison can be found under the striped rock next to the heart shaped cave. However, if I am still alive, and somebody steals my gear, I will be forced to kill you. I can too. I begin the journey westward at noontime today.

Day 13
Noon
I have begun. My poison ring is on my hand, bearing the signet of my family, a sword piercing a book, and I have four knives at different points on my body; one strapped to my arm, one in my boot, one on my back, and one on my belt. In human form I have jet black hair, with silver streaks in it, and icy blue eyes. I stand approximately 5 foot 11 and a half, which is quite tall for a human female, but then again, my dragon form is large for a dragon. In my satchel, I carry 10 human sized drams of each poison, and a book, telling me how to mix more if I need them. I also carry my human longsword and my bow with a quiver of thinking arrows, which are arrows that can be guided by thought. I do not write this down for those of you who are reading, necessarily. I always keep a constant inventory of my weaponry when I am on a mission, because most humans would do almost anything to get their hands on some of my equipment. Also, if I am killed, or severely injured, whomever finds this may be able to use these things, and, if this is found without me, may be able to make its way back into my hands after I am identified. I will walk and sleep until I find a form of civilization where I may rest, and search for a sign that may lead me farther on this fruitless journey.

I snarled in annoyance as I was forced to listen to Aieka grumble about covering my trail. Of course she didn’t realize I wanted to leave a trail. Let me explain: the swamp I was in was called the Moving Swamp and it was called that for a very good reason. If you took two maps that even had one year of difference between the two as to when they were made, you would notice that there is a major difference between where the Swamp sits. The Swamp didn’t originally move, but the First Ones made it in the time when humans fought dragons. The Swamp was the perfect hiding place.

There were other reasons for me wanting to lure whatever was chasing me into the Swamp, of course. As Aieka had mentioned, I know the Swamp dragon of the Moving Swamp. He never liked anyone, except me, and to this day I still don’t know why. When I was still in my shell, someone from a Prophecy clan stole me. He thought I was the One. Well, to make the story short, he hadn’t intended on me being able to use magic before I was out of the shell. I gave him a slight shock, which startled him more than anything. He dropped me, consequently making my egg go SPLAT! in the mud. The entities of the Swamp told the dragon, Mursan, where I was and he rescued me.

To this day those entities always watch over me. Some people say their ghosts of things that died, but I believe they are the spirits of the First Ones trying to watch over us. They speak to me, and I was hoping they would tell me what was following me if I led it into the swamp. That is, if it came into the Swamp. Which it wouldn’t be now that Aieka was leaving. I cursed aloud and demanded of the spirits why they told her to go. They wouldn’t tell me, which shocked me. It was the first time in my life they ever refused to tell me something. Oh well. As my father once said, the spirits are strangely with me.

As I continued through the Swamp, I stopped to say hello to Mursan. We spoke for a while, but I could feel the Wind urging me onward. I was not to stop and talk. I had to keep going. I sighed with resignation and allowed myself to feel sorry as I left Mursan. I liked to talk to him.

I continued on, the Swamp rippling around me into life. Eyes peered out at me, but they were curious and startled ones, not hostile ones. I had to stop only one night before I reached the end of the Swamp, which surprised me: usually it took three days to cross. As I left the Swamp, I gazed up at the mountain before me.

“You took me to the Dragonsongs' mountain?” I demanded of the Wind.

Of course, it purred back. You must gain what you need here.

“Supplies or people?” I asked. The Wind did not answer. I began to walk back when I heard some talking. Human I guessed. I crept up on them to listen to their conversation. There were two, one with brown hair, the other with black. The brown-hair was speaking the black.

“The fool is giving us all we need to learn how to destroy the dragons and take their treasure! I love fools!” the brown-hair laughed.

I hissed to myself. So, Dragonsong the twelfth's trading was taking a turn for the worst without her knowledge. I should have figured as much. I liked her idea, and I was all for it, but it seems old prejudices that are burned in our minds stay for a long time.

I waited for the humans to leave before I continued on my way to Dragonsong’s mountain. I was greeted at the door and was asked what I want. The doorkeeper seemed to be a little grouchy at the sight of me (probably because I was unknown), but he had to keep to the Old Ways. I replied I would like to speak to Dragonsong the twelfth. He gazed at me for a moment, then lead me into an eating room. He announced a visitor, and I bowed my head without looking at the table. What can I say? I was raised on very strict courtesy. My eyes turned purple as I used my power of Spirit to see what the magic and mental position of all the dragons around me was. I looked at the first dragon near me. He was tiny, and I guessed he was a drake of some kind. The second dragon had fire scales, and he looked like he was talking to himself. I glanced him up and down quickly and realized he was a split personality. Poor guy. I could tell both personalities were exactly opposite, too. Then I looked at Dragonsong the twelfth. Her aura around her pulsated with magic. I could also tell she didn’t believe she had magic, which meant it must have been recent. And the only way to gain magic like that was through falling in a magic pool. To find out, there was only one thing I could ask her.

“You’ve been having headaches lately, haven’t you?” were the first words out of my mouth.

I've never been one to crash a party, but I felt that in this instance, I could make an exception. Quickly, quietly, I slithered into the cave on the heels of a rather personal question addressed to the storekeeper.
"That's kind of rude," I noted. Nevermind the dragon I addressed could step on me and shut me up in a second. Besides, from the way that red dragon had been talking, perhaps Dragonsong12 was not the one to ask about headaches.
All the dragons in the cave turned to me and stared. I think they all wondered just who was I to be there. Or maybe it was the trappings. Especially the earring. For the record, yes, it hurt like anything!
"What, never seen a midget before?" I asked, challengingly. Then I caught sight of the little firedrake and smiled. "Well, at least now I'm not the smallest dragon in recorded history. Just second."
Stretching, I looked each over. A red, confusing dragon. A tiny dragon. And two other huge ones. Intimidated? Yeah, you could say I was intimidated.
Times are hard on a beast like me. And who am I?
I'm Agra Marutha Dellarion. It means, name by name, "fire water quickness." And I live up to it best as I can. Speed's about all I have. I like to say I'm fifteen feet long, but that's only if you count the tail. And I'm half tail. So bodywise, I'm maybe eight feet long. Snaky looking, yeah. And no magic. None. What kind of dragon am I?
And what's a girl to do?
Glancing at the big one that wasn't green, I took advantage of everyone's speechless condition and said, "So you headed here too? Always wanted to check this place. Was following this other dragon for a while. Friend of yours? Black one, with silver, pretty. Big though. Got bored tailing her, so I ran ahead and followed the trail you left. Always wanted to see this store.
"Nice place," I continued. "Though... trading with humans? I've seen less suicidal dragons tie their wings to rocks and jump off cliffs." I chuckled, but I regarded the green big dragon, apparently the store owner, with serious eyes.
"Human's aren't worth trusting, in my book." I flicked a beaded lock of my flame-red hair out of my face and waited to be kicked out.

Dirk Ironclaw glided silent and low over the green fields and stone walls, never taking his eyes from his target ahead. The beast was unaware of his approach. He smiled eagerly and adjusted his grip on his precious battle-axe. The creature sensed something and lifted its head, presenting him with the best possible target. He struck in an instant. The black blade of his axe flashed, blood sprayed, and the beast fell headless to the ground.
The dragon circled quickly and landed beside his kill. This will be great, he thought as he stared at the dead cow, wondering where to start. I am so hungry. Ironclaw used the axe to remove a foreleg, then let the weapon fall to the ground as he bit into the sweet meat. Little moans of delight escaped from his throat as he chewed and swallowed. He took another bite.
Without warning there was a shout very close. Ironclaw snatched his axe from the ground and leapt into a defensive stance. Stupid! Stupid! Letting your guard down, he berated himself. After a moment he blinked at his assailant. "What?"
"I said," shouted the farmer as he climbed from his horse, "Did you kill my cow?"
Ironclaw looked at the headless carcass, the bloody grass, his blood-splattered scales, and the half-eaten haunch in his left hand before replying. "No."
"Damn you!" raged the man. "That animal was forth a fortune to me! It took me weeks to bring her from the coast!" He shook with anger as he waved a finger at the dragon. "I'm going to get the garrison. You'll pay!" He ducked as a jet of flame passed over his head. The horse squealed with fright and ran off.
"Maybe I should just kill you now," said Ironclaw quietly. "Then I can eat in peace."
The farmer looked at the dragon, wide-eyed and ashen-faced. "Uh. Let's not be hasty! Getting the garrison won't help things at all." He gazed at the dead animal and sighed. "I suppose the damage is done." With that he turned and started to walk away.
"Wait!" called Ironclaw. "I will pay."
The farmer blinked up at the dragon. This was unheard of: a dragon willing to pay for damages. "What?"
"How much was the animal worth?" asked Ironclaw as he placed the haunch on the ground and removed his backpack. "I have coin from my last commission."
"Commission?" The farmer stared at the dragon for a moment then looked at the battle-axe. His mouth fell open. "You're the mercenary from the south! I thought you were fighting with-"
"I was," said Ironclaw quietly. "I grew weary of battle. Very weary," he repeated softly, then shook himself. "I headed up here to see if the Dragons in the North Mountains would have me." He nodded in the direction of the mountains.
The man pointed in the opposite direction. "The mountains are that way," he said. "But why don't you just head home?"
Ironclaw looked down and fingered the edge of his axe. "How much is your animal worth?"
"Two gold coins," said the farmer. The dragon looked at him, and he realized with a shiver that the mercenary knew the beast was worth half that. The dragon said nothing as he reached into his pack, pulled out two gold coins and handed them over. "I suppose you have more gold in your hoard."
"My hoard is in my pack," said Ironclaw tightly as he slung the pack into place between his wings. "No hoard. No lair."
Something in the dragon's voice told the farmer to not press him any further. "When you're done there could you throw the remains over that fence?" he said as he pointed to a stone wall marking the boundary between fields and woods. He waited for the dragon to nod, then turned and headed home.
Ironclaw ate in silence, staring all the while at the distant mountains to the north still a day's flight away. Doubts crowded his mind. Would these strangers in the north welcome him? Would they accept him for his prowess in battle, or for his skill as a healer? After a moment came another question, one close to his heart. Would he find a place to call home?
Eventually the meal was done. He held the last slab of meat in his mouth as he carried the remains to the fence and threw them into the small woods on the other side. The sun was warm on his back, tempting him to lie in the soft grass and sleep, but from within came the urgent call he'd felt weeks before. He was needed.

I am not a spy. I am merely an eavesdropper. Sort of. My name is Nightwhisper. I’m a mist dragon, so I keep to myself and don’t bother many people. I live in Dragonsong the twelfth’s caverns, but there are maybe two dragons that know I even exist. That’s it. Just two. And the reason for that is the way the cavern was built. Unknown to the hundreds who live in the mountains, there is an extensive catacomb system underneath, above, and through their living space. I live in those catacombs. Trust me, I didn't want to. But you see, most dragons belong to mainly one element. They have a prevailing side, whether it’s wind, water, fire, earth, or spirit. It doesn't matter. I am BORN of two elements. And I do mean the elements themselves. In the days before dragons, before humans, before planets, the five elements existed in their raw form. Water and wind joined and I was born of that. I was an egg for years, until I landed on some matter that was the beginning of this planet. I hatched then, so I am as old as this disappointingly small revolving rock. But I am mentally at the age of sixteen because the planet itself is young. So I resent being alone. And I seek comfort in spoken words, so I have created spy holes everywhere in the catacombs. Unfortunately, I’m too shy to meet people. And there are too many who would use my power to their own use. I had heard about the new coming fire dragon, so, naturally, I was curious to see what was going on. What started as a mere curiosity, turned into a desire to show myself. A slightly earth dragon, Dragonsong twelve, a mixture of fire and water - the newcomer, a firedrake, an elemental, and now a short, feisty one. In my subconscious, something stirred. They were going somewhere, and I wanted to go.
As I continued to watch the scene unfold, I realized they were missing someone. Who? My mind wandered. . . Ah, of course. The firedrake. Where did he go?
Suddenly, an unfamiliar scent drifted to my nose. I started to turn my head, but was stopped as small, sharp teeth buried themselves into my tail.
“Yeeoouch!” I shrieked. I turned and glared down at the firedrake who was now gazing up at me smugly. I rubbed my tail.
From outside I heard Dragonsong 12 say, “Faz? Where are you?”
“I’m behind the rock wall,” ‘Faz’ replied. I heard the rock begin to move and I yelped. The elemental apparently had rock shaping powers. I darted up into the air and drifted into my mist form. Dragonsong came in first, followed closely by the elemental, then the fire dragon and the short dragon.
“I found an unintroduced guest,” Faz informed them. “She turned into mist. I’m sure she’s still in here, though.”
The elemental’s eyes turned blue-yellow. I swore mentally. She was using water and wind magic to see me. I watched as a small smile appeared on her face.
“There you are,” she crooned. “Come on. Take on your actually form, if you would.”
Seeing no other way out, I obliged. I felt my body becoming solid again. I was fifty-two feet long, but mainly because my neck and tail were so long. I had a one hundred twenty-foot wing span, though I didn’t need such large wings. I’m only two hundred fifty pounds, which isn’t a lot for a dragon my size. I shifted my weight uncomfortably. I felt the spikes on my elbows and the back of my ankles shift. They were long, reaching up past my back.
“I am Malafyss,” the elemental told me. “You are?”
I hesitated a moment more, then, “I am Nightwhisper. You are Dragonsong, are you not?” I asked the storekeeper. She nodded.
“And I am Fazelspitz the Great,” the drake informed me with an heir of royalty. I snarled.
“I refuse to call anyone “great” even if they are a “True dragon.” Anyway, I’m more of one than you. You’re younger than I am. I saw you born, remember?”
Here Faz fell silent and refused to look at me. He looked at Dragonsong instead.
“Welcome, I suppose,” Dragonsong sighed after a while. “This is Blizzard Coldfyre/Crimson Wyldeburn. The female red here is Agra Marutha Delharien. Why were you listening in on our conversation?”
I gazed at her for a while without saying anything. My head was cocked to the side as I considered. Finally, I replied, “Because I seek to know all that goes on in this mountain. I also want to befriend people, but I prefer to know them first. I’m shy,” I finished in a small voice.
Dragonsong herded me into the cavern. Talk filled the air around me, filling my heart. I would never admit it to them, and I refuse to admit it to myself, but I’ll admit to the reader that I needed companionship. I was not one for being alone. But I didn’t want to be around too many people, either. A few chosen would be fine.
I stood, just listening to the conversation, until I noticed I was being watched. I looked up and pointed my sharp nose toward Crimson Wyldeburn.
“Yes?”
“What are you?” he questioned curiously. I smiled slightly.
“I am a mist dragon.” I did not offer anymore information, and promptly went back to watching what was going on around me. Crimson Wyldeburn seemed to be talking to himself. After about ten minutes, he asked, “All right, all right. My alter ego wants to know what you are exactly.”
I was taken by surprise. “I told you I’m a-”
“No, that’s not what I mean,” he broke in. “You must realize, there hasn’t been a mist dragon for hundreds of years.” I realized his voice had changed, and there was a bluish tint to his scales. I sighed.
“Mist dragons are rare because they are born only when the elements water and wind join. Nowadays, they have become so wrapped up in their creations, it’s odd to find a place with the raw materials to create one.”
Crimson smiled. “Thank you for the history lesson. It wasn’t what I meant, but it answers my questions.”
“What were your questions?” I demanded, completely bewildered. He didn’t reply. I shook my head and turned my attention away, only to find myself looking into the eyes of Agra Marutha Delharien. I sighed again. I was not used to getting so much attention.
“You’re a long one,” she told me. I nodded. “And quiet,” she added. I merely looked down at her. “All right, I’ll bite. I usually annoy everyone, but I can tell you don’t seem affected. Why?”
“A rather long story,” I replied. “It has to do with the fact that my emotions cause disastrous effects on this planet.”
She was about to ask another question when I heard Dragonsong say to Malafyss, “Okay, how did you know about the headaches?”

She hadn't meant to blurt it out like that. She really hadn't! But she heard herself say it, "Okay, how do you know about the headaches?!" It must be all the stress getting to her, she couldn't seem to help herself.
Everything was just getting so topsy-turvy all of the sudden. It seemed hours ago (it had only been minutes, hadn't it?) when she had been sitting in this very room, half listening to Crimson explain, and examining her new books. One book in particular held her attention. The cover was so old, that she could hardly read the title, The Prophecies of Nerith. She had no idea who or what or where Nerith was, but prophecies were always so fascinating. That was when the one with the strange eyes, what was her name...Malafyss? Yes, that was it, Malafyss, came in, took one look at Dragonsong12 and asked that strange question, "You've been having a lot of headaches recently, haven't you?"
Her mouth had dropped open at the question, and she had been unable to speak for a moment, and she was saved from comment by another stranger entering the hall. This one, an all-black creature which she had trouble deciding if it were a snake or a dragon at first, interrupted them and immediately began chatting at them all and seeming to expect no answers. Relieved as she was the reprieve, Dragonsong12 began to get a bit of another crisis in mind. All these strangers in the meal cavern, what would her father, or more importantly, her mother think?
Her father and mother, the respective patriarch and matriarch of the mountain, had nothing against strangers, as long as they were sure of the stranger's purpose in being in the mountain. If they found all these strangers gathered here, with her, and that she hadn't told them, they might just listen to the grumblings of the other dragons and kick her off the mountain. After all they had many other, much more traditional sons and daughters.
Faz flashed her an impish grin. "Quite a crowd you're gathering here, Kala dear."
"I'm not doing it," she growled, but in truth, she had only barely heard him. Her mind was reeling with everything that was happening.
"Ah," said Faz, cocking his head to one side, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "perhaps, perhaps not, but if we are to have such a gathering, it should be complete, should it not? Not all the players are here."
"Players?" she muttered in confusion, but Faz had already taken off. With a frown, she turned, but the firedrake had vanished. "Faz?" she called, "Where are you?"
"I'm behind the rock wall," came the muffled, yet simple reply.
Before Dragonsong12 could do anything, Malafyss stepped forward, and rearranged the rock (or something) allowing them through. Dragonsong12 charged down first, worried that Faz was in trouble, but the firedrake was sitting calmly in a hollow area with a self-satisfied smile on his face. "I found an unintroduced guest," he informed them, "She turned into mist. I'm sure she's still here, though."
It was Malafyss again who came to the rescue, somehow she could see the stranger, who eventually returned herself to some sort of manageable form. Then the introductions, which left Dragonsong12 gaping. This creature seemed to know about Faz, how could anyone know about Faz? He was more tight-lipped than an annoyed basilisk. Anyway, she found herself introducing the others, she supposed it was only proper, as she was her parents only representative here. The more she talked with this strange creature--dragon...this strange dragon, the more confused and worried she got. That feeling she had had, so long ago, or something wrong never went away, it only got stronger. Was this part of it? Ushering them all back into the other cavern (she really didn't like this place for some reason) she stood back letting all the talk and questions around the newcomer just fly over her head.
It was all so confusing. What she was most thinking about was what Malafyss had said. She considered denying that she had any headaches, after all, how would the other dragon know? but she found her frustration and curiosity building, until she just asked the question without even realizing that she had said it, interrupting the other conversation. When everything fell silent, she thought that they must be as startled as she was, but she had asked the question, and she would get an answer! If only she could make Faz stop looking at her with that slightly amused smile, he wasn't helping any.
Just for something to do while she waited for her answer, she snatched up her stack of books. She didn't notice the yellowed scrap of paper that slid out from between the pages of The Prophecies of Nerith, and drifted to the floor. She was watching Malafyss, and waiting for an answer, hoping that no one notice how on edge she really was.

Cort thumbed through the pages of the book Dragonsong12 had given him quickly, all the while chuckling to himself and muttering about fools from time to time.
Straigo, the dragon who had written the book was very thorough in his explination of his adventures, and very frank about draconic life. He had been through many different trials, some with humans, some with what he called the 'elder races', and some with other dragons. One of his journeys had taken him to the mountain that did not lie far from this small village. The dragon wanderer explained the layout of the mountain caverns in detail, including (greatly to Cort's joy) where gold and other mineral deposites lay, as well as the dragon's methods for unearthing the precious objects. Of course, it was all centuries upon centuries past, but the dragons couldn't have exhausted their supplies.
Cort sat a moment wondering if he should try to capture one of the dragons to help him dig up his treasure, then oddly, his thought moved to worry over whether or not the dragons knew what he was planning. There had been rumors that a dragon had killed a cow on the outskirts of the village recently. Did they know he was there?
He shook his head chuckling. No, rumors, that's all it was, dragons didn't attack farm cows. Another rumor said that the dragon had acctually paid for its kill. Whoever heard of a dragon paying? It was ridiculous, he was safe.
Back to the book...he notice one thing that Straigo refused to describe in detail. In fact, though it was mentioned often, it was referred to merely as 'the dark shadow,' 'evil rising,' and 'the destroyer.' More nonesense, he supposed, but if he could turn such foolish beliefs to his advantage...
...he may get into the mountain far before his short, human life was ended.

Something called, something strange and demanding, louder than the sea animals. Louder than anything I'd heard before. It was a feeling I'd had many times before. A need to go searching for my life or my death. Maybe both. But this time, the pull was strong, nearly physical.
It came with a jolt, waking me from a sound sleep in my dark cave beneath the waves, in a cliffside. Sensimg my motion, several luminescant plants began to glow. Startled, I looked for the cause of my fear and the suddenly doubled tempo of my heartbeat.
Nothing was there.
No. No, something was. Something insistant, a voice. "It is time!" the voice almost shouted at me. But no one else was there.
You'd think after years and years of this, I'd be used to hearing voices in my head. My magic centers on minds, dragon dreams and mind reading and telepathy. Sometimes the words of beings come into my conciousness unasked.
This had no source, though, none that I could read. Except maybe the water itself. And at that, I knew it was time to go out and search for the dragons who could heal me. Heal me of the need to sleep beneath the waves, to allow me to live off the same amount of water as anyone else. And so I pulled to the surface, feeling the water fill my lungs and stream against my flattened-down wings. As I broke top, I took a full air breath and raised my wings free of the water, using my speed as momentum to hurl me into the air.
Long I flew, days on days. Two weeks passed, and I knew that any longer and I would not make it back without help. And I still went on.
Short showers in rivers helped as I moved inland, reaching some dry, rocky mountains. I'd never seen mountains before, above water. Underwater they were everywhere.
And that is how I came here, to a small clearing beside a dusty trail for small animals, perhaps horses or humans. My skin feels so dry, my vision blurs. Through the blur and the strange sound of... waves crashing? I hear voices. Voices? Dare I attract their attention?
I have no choice, my body tells me. I'm dying here.
"Help!" I call, my normally beautiful voice a dull croak. "Please... any being that can hear me... please... help."

I hadn’t meant to ask the question straight out like that. That was an accident. Or, maybe it wasn’t. In my opinion, it was, but many people have told me that there are no such things as accidents. They all happen for a reason. What reason is up to what’s going on. I knew immediately what I was supposed to offer Dragonsong12.

Under her penetrating gaze, I dropped my face and looked at my scaled feet for a moment. Finally, I sighed and looked up at her.

“I’m an elemental, so I have powers unknown to me. I have the power to look at a person’s . . . aura, if you will, the energy that surrounds the body. This aura tells me what power a person has. Nightwhisper radiates of it. I wouldn’t give a cent for Agra Marutha Delharien’s aura.”

“Hey,” she snarled next to me. I ignored her and continued on.

“I’m sure you know of the age old saying that headaches are a sign of power coming into being?”

Dragonsong nodded. “Except for the fact I was tested at a young age for power. If I had any then, they would have found it.”

I shook my head. “This is where my family, elementals, and normal dragons differ. They don’t understand that is not true.” I could tell I had Dragonsong’s complete attention. I had everyone else’s too. I chose not to think of them and continued on. “The reason that’s not true is because sometimes people don’t have magic. Not when they’re young. But the world always turns, and what’s up goes down and what’s down goes up. Meaning we are coming on a hard time.” I paused. “This is getting confusing. Let me tell you something about me and maybe I can clear it up.

“I left home because I was serious when I said I have power unknown to me. So there is something chasing after me. Why? I do not know. All I know is that I’m not alone anymore. You are all joining me, with or against my will.” The faces were blank, so I hastened to explain. “You see, the wind itself speaks to me. Most of you can “read” the currents. I don’t read the currents. They talk to me. Anyway, on my way through the Moving Swamp, the entities of the swamp brought me here. I am to pick up supplies, but I was never told what kind of supplies. I know now. The reason you’re developing these powers now is because you are going to need them. And I am to offer you the chance to help train them.” Dragonsong’s mouth dropped open as she watched me. Her throat worked but no sound came out. I held up a forestalling hand. “You don’t have to answer now. You can think it over. But you will develop strong abilities. You will need them. That’s the reason why you are all here. We are all going on a journey together. Where? I don’t know that, either.” I paused again, listening to the wind. I sighed.

“We cannot leave yet. We’re still missing two people at the least, if not more who will add themselves to the group.”

“Now, hang on a minute,” Agra stated blatantly. “What gives you the idea we’re going to come?”

I gazed down at her for a moment, then replied carefully, “Because you have no choice. You knew it in the bottom of your heart as soon as you came charging into this room, didn’t you? Your skills are going to be needed.” I turned to the others. “Which means you will all need to be prepared for a journey.”

Dragonsong and Faz looked at each other, then said in unison, “We can be packed quickly.”

“Well, it’ll take me a bit,” Agra commented thoughtfully, chewing slightly at her bottom lip. Nightwhisper looked toward the hole into the catacombs for a moment, then headed in.

“I have a few things to retrieve,” she called as she went in.

With her disappearing, everyone seemed to follow suit. Soon almost everyone was gone except for Crimson Wyldeburn. I paused to pick up the piece of paper that had fallen out of Dragonsong’s book before I sat down at the table across from him and gazed at him for a moment.

“What?” he asked.

“How did you manage to develop a double personality?”

Crimson just looked up at me and didn’t say anything. I sighed. He wasn’t going to answer me. Well, in time I hoped he would trust me enough to at least inform me. There was a slight chance I could help him.


Everyone stood before me. They looked up at me, waiting to hear what I was going to say. I didn’t know what they expected of me or what I expected of them. Or of myself, for that matter.


Cort flipped through the pages of the book. It was amazing how much information was in it. Suddenly, a chilling breeze came from nowhere and caressed his skin, much to his discomfort. He looked around. There was nothing.


“Well, I can’t ask you to go with me. It’s going to be a long journey. It’s going to be hard, and it’s going to be dangerous.”


A darkness swooped down from the sky and surrounded Cort. He screamed, not understanding what was going on. A hissing black nothingness voice came from nowhere and everywhere, speaking to him.


“This is a journey where one misstep can take us from life to death, light to dark. We must be able to trust each other explicitly, or we will not survive.”


“You have been following my path for a long time,” the voice told Cort. “Yet you did not know it. You bear the name Cort, but it is not your real name. You, Hemal’to’Dharrik, Servant of the Dark, know why I am here.”


“I know this sounds like a lecture, and it may be. But I want you all to understand what you are getting yourselves into. This is very dangerous. I won’t make you stay, and I won’t make you go. It is completely up to you.”


Cort kneeled down before the dark. “I call you Lord,” Cort shouted out into the night, his voice no longer trembling in fear. He pulled the book out from under his cloak and held it out. The darkness seemed to shift and a semi-material clawed hand moved and took the book.


My speech was stopped as I screamed and held my head in my hands. There were thousands of images the spirits and wind were throwing into my head. They weren’t telling me, but were instead using me as a mouthpiece. Everyone in the room was hearing my thoughts. Pictures of death and torment. Of a blackness that ruled the night sky. Of both humans and dragons in bitter agony. When the pictures abated, I only met the eyes of Dragonsong. The first and only words out of my mouth before I fainted were, “We must get out of here soon. HE is coming.” With that, I lost my grip on consciousness.

Everyone in the cavern gathered anxiously around Malafyss...all of them save two. One was Agra. She sat back on her hind legs, flicking her hair beads thoughtfully. The other was Fazelspitz, who hovered in place with a shocked expression. Shocked because things were starting to fall into place, and the firedrake didn't like it one bit.
He knew now. Malafyss was the center, the focal point, and it was around her that everything would happen, but everyone here was important. If even one failed in their part, then they would all fail. More importantly, they all would be in great danger...including himself. That was what he didn't like about it.
He had often involved himself in great struggles like this in the past, but he had bever gotten this involved. Whether he'd been on the side of good or evil had never mattered; he had joined both, and he had manipulated both. Never before had the actual outcome mattered, who had won or lost, all that mattered to him was Fazelspitz.Now, however, his hand was forced, and he couldn't understand how it had happened.
Damn you, Ky'arin, he thought angrily, how could you get me into this? He didn't really expect the spirit to answer. She was never there when he wanted her, and was always around when not needed. He contented himself with calling her a few nasty names under his breath.
He flew forward next to Dragonsong12. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" he asked softly, "what can you hope to gain by helping these strangers? It will be dangerous, you know."
She looked at him a moment, her expression considering, but also slightly confused. At last she said, "'This world is a proving ground. We prove our worth by doing more than simply surviving in it.'"
Fazelspitz snorted. "I did not ask for a quote from one of your books," he said with unusual severity, "You are avoiding my question!"
Here she smiled broadly and said, "'Physician, heal thyself.'"
"I like that quote even less," the firedrake said, but he couldn't help smiling. Dragonsong12 almost never got the better of him in the game of words he'd played with her all the time he'd known her. It was good to see she'd learned something.
She nodded, "You tell me something, Faz, and I will tell you what you want to know. How does that cloud dragon-"
"Mist dragon, Kala."
"Whatever! How does she know you? What are you that she'd know you?" Dragonsong12 stared at him, while he tried to think of a properly evasive reply. He was saved from having to answer, however, as her brow furrowed suddenly, and she clenched her teeth in pain.
Fazelspitz settled on her shoulder, "Kala? Kala?" It was a long moment before her face relaxed. "Kala?" he asked softly, "Are you allright?"
She was silent a moment, then smiled at him again, this time fondly. "Thank you, Faz," she said, "I will be."
He returned the smile with a grin and took off her shoulder. "Good," he chuckled, I'd hate to be left alone with this crew." He ducked the swat she aimed at him, laughing.
Still chuckling, he flew of into the tunnels. Dragonsong12 could take of herself for a moment, and he had a spirit to talk to.
He let his thoughts wander as he flew through the caverns. Unfortunately, this just allowed them to drift back to where they had been earlier. Damn Ky'arin he thought for the second time, I should just leave. Why am I staying here?
Because this time, you care, a little voice in his mind said. The voice was his own thought, of course, but it embodied all of the more little-used elements of his personality; common sense, humility, grace, kindness, understanding, the list went on. Normally, they stayed quiet, but occaisionally they ganged up to annoy him.
He had to admit, however, that for once his inner voice was right.
How wonderful to hear that, Fazelspitz, I was beginning to think you were hopeless! A beautiful sing-song voice drifted out of the air itself.
"Ky'arin," Fazelspitz breathed, "here you are! I need to talk to you!"
I know the voice laughed, There is nothing you can think, my dear, that I do not know!
"What am I doing here, Ky'arin?" he demanded, "Why did you send me here? I've never been in a situation like this before. You set things up. It was you that made that storm that brought me here, I know that! What is the purpose of all this?!"
The voice laughed again, sounding like windchimes. My dear Fazelspitz, I believe I am the only one who can consistantly make you lose that temper of yours! You know it is not for you to know your purposes. That is why I am here, as your guide. Be heartened, my friend, you will find the way, I will see to it.
"Ky'arin? Ky'arin! Come back here and answer me!" the caverns were silent again. Fazelspitz sighed and shook his head. That spirit was infuriating. Then again, she taught him everything he knew. He continued his flight through the caverns, suddenly feeling a need for fresh air.
Once outside, he felt an urgent need to fly in one direction. He followed that need knowing it was the spirit, leading him, and he soon found himself on the ground next to a dragon. A dragon in very bad shape. A water dragon. She was all dried out, and would die soon if she didn't get help. He had to help her, though he had no idea why he should worry so much about a creature who spent so much time in the water. Nasty stuff, water! Ugh! Still...
He had no magic to help her, but he knew that Ky'arin wouldn't have sent him here if he couldn't help. He rose into the air and looked around. In a few moments, he spotted the help he needed.

"Can't use a proper name. It's mocking, it is. Amused that my name's bigger than I am. Only reason for it."
I muttered under my breath, too quiet to be heard by anyone else in the room. Most were gathered around Malafyss, and that little guy had the store proprietor off to one side, talking. The store keeper... Kala?... winced, looking almost pained. Was the firedrake's humor really THAT bad?
She swatted at him, apparently looking for revenge on the bad joke, and he flew out of the cave. She returned her attention to the down dragon and I decided to get out of the way. I've always had... well, let's say bad luck around sick beings. I didn't want to stick around. That Malafyss seemed nice enough.
Dropping to all fours, I moved quickly and silently from the cave. The easy motion, somewhere between a jog and a run, covered distance quickly and soon I was out in open air.
I wanted to take flight, but I saw the little guy up ahead. He was talking to himself. I try to avoid anyone who does that, although the group I'd fallen in with in this area seemed rife with them. So I continued sliding through the shadows. Following people is... well, a hobby of mine. That and a lifesaving technique at times. But that's a story for another time.
Suddenly the firedrake dove to the ground. I pulled up just short of the clearing he landed in... and gasped.
A huge sea dragon. I hadn't seen one of those in ages! She breathed heavily, seemingly in pain. She turned to look at him, her green orb blinking slowly. The firedrake hopped back and just avoided one stretching wing.
He took flight again and I slid from the treeline, running and launching myself into the air next to him.
"What do we do?" I asked seriously.
The firedrake stared at me in suprise. I swear he almost fell out of the air at my arrival. But after a moment he regained his composure and even managed to sqeak out a "what?"
"I say what do we do. Here we are, a pair of the smallest flying lizards in the world, and apparently we have to save a dying water dragon. You're the great and wonderful one. So. What do we do?"
"We listen to me." he answered quickly, a smirk on his face. The look faded quickly as he scanned the horizon. "And I say... there!"
He pointed to a river, not too far off. Perhaps fourty yards as humans measure things. I nodded and winged around the clearing and towards it. Suprisingly enough the great and wonderful midget kept right up with me. (Not that its really MY place to call HIM a midget, he's about the same size as me.) But almost immediately, he veered off to the left and down towards the trees.
I stopped, peering after him. "Hey, uh, I thought you wanted the river. Did you get lost?" But he simply dropped to a clearing and began digging at the dirt.
"Brilliant!" I said, and for once, I actually meant it. No one heard me, but I meant it. Diving for the river bank, I began digging as well.
It only took about five minutes for the ditch to start draining water onto and around the water dragon. The little guy moved as soon as the water splashed near him and almost seemed to snarl at it. But the water dragon reveled in it, and as the water pooled around her she got to her feet. Blue scales and magnificent green wings sparkled in the light as she stretched and smiled her thanks.
Great, I thought. Another dragon to step on me. I was beginning to feel like a rather large bug. Didn't I leave home to get AWAY from this? All those oversized, airborne, magic-wielding, pomp-and-propriety dragons interested in JUST their "draconic pride" and... erm. Sorry about that. Old memories and all.
I looked up at her. Well... since she was standing on her hind legs at this point, stretching as tall as she could, let's say I was looking UP. But as she settled down to the ground I suddenly felt that I knew her name.
"Ailwynn?" I asked. Then I shook my head and snorted. Had she just been in my MIND?
"Listen, don't do that," I muttered. "Just... don't ever do that. Okay?" My words made the question more of a statement or threat, though how I might carry out said threat was beyond my imagination.
The firedrake nodded, apparently having heard the same thing I did. Er, thought. Been told... whatever. He seemed far less concerned about it than I. That worried me even more.
"Well..." I glanced back in the direction of Kala's cave.
"We should... er. Sorry." The water dragon's voice was quiet, the murmur of a river over a waterfall. Her eyes looked to the ground, seeming almost ashamed. As well they should! "I am Ailwynn Eiyezahlen. Water dragon from the Thelaan ocean. Thank you both for rescuing me. I'm afraid I wasn't being very smart."
The firedrake made a sweeping mid-air bow and went through his spiel again, all his great and wonderfulness. Then it was my turn.
"Agra Marutha Delharian. Dragon of nothing, at your service." I said. She seemed to flinch at the heavier than usual sarcasm in my voice. The firedrake shot me a look that I didn't bother interpreting. If there's one thing I hold no truck with, its beings that invade my mind.
Turning, I leapt into the air and flew away, low and fast. I tried to fly back the way I'd come to this place, but something inside me pulled me back, like a leash on my soul. I'm not usually a mean or angry dragon, but things were starting to really try my limits around here...

Ironclaw soared over the forest, drawing ever closer to the mountains. He was almost there. The joy he'd felt at the start of the day had been replaced by troubled thoughts. Earlier he'd flown over a man on a horse, and something about the human disturbed him. The dragon pondered the feelings trying to understand the source and took no notice of his direction or the land below.
STOP! LAND!
The voice stabbed through his thoughts. The demand was so strong he obeyed instantly, without thinking. Instead of his usual descent he simply stalled on the spot and dropped straight to the ground. He blinked at the rapidly approaching clearing and realized what he was doing. A quick burst of frantic flapping slowed the fall slightly and brought him under control, but still he dropped.
A brief thought flitted across his mind: There's a dragon in the clearing. It was followed almost immediately by: Why is she sitting in water? But he pushed the thoughts away as he concentrated on landing. The ground was very close; he was below the treetops.
Without warning a tiny black dragon just a third his size darted across his path. Ironclaw twisted to avoid slamming into her, and gaped in dismay as he realized he would now land on a tiny firedrake. The little drake looked up in surprise.
Dirk twisted violently, slammed into the ground, and cried out as a great, stabbing pain shot up his left leg. He rolled onto his back, clutched his injured leg and swore fluently in a dozen languages. After a moment he went quiet and waited for the pain to diminish.
"Thank you for dropping in," said Fazelspitz.
"Shut up!" growled Ironclaw. He opened his eyes and saw the two dragons and the firedrake staring at him. "Which one of you called me down?" he snarled. The trio looked at each other, obviously at a loss. "Never mind," said Dirk. "I'll just be on my way." He stared at the largest of the three strangers and saw she was a water dragon. "You!" he barked, "Get back in your puddle. You're still not well." She looked hurt as she backed into the little pond. Dirk rolled over and stood, wincing as he put his weight on the injured ankle.
"Are you badly injured?" asked Agra.
"Let me look at that," said Fazelspitz. "Maybe I can help." In one swift movement Dirk drew the battleaxe and pressed it against the drake's throat. "Or maybe not." He moved away from the unfriendly stranger.
"I can help myself," grumbled Ironclaw. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the injury, then felt warmth flowing into the leg. The pain seeped away. After a moment he opened his eyes and sighed. "There! That's much better," he said as he pressed his foot down.
"So the big warrior is also a healer," said Fazelspitz.
"That must come in handy," said Agra.
Dirk smiled slightly. "It won me many friends amongst the mercenaries."
"I bet it did."
Ironclaw looked up and saw the water dragon lying curled in the little pond. He felt mean and went to her. "I apologise, my lady," he said softly, "You are ill. I did not mean to be rude but I was rather stressed. You should have stayed in the water."
"I was concerned for you," said Ailwynn softly.
"And I thank you for your concern." Ironclaw touched her forehead. "You know, there is a spell that will free you of the water. I don't know it," he added quickly when he saw her look of hope. "Sorry." He shrugged off his backpack and rummaged around inside. "What I do have is- where is it? AH!" He pulled out a ceramic bottle and held it up. "A bottle of pure rain water. There's only a few pints but it will be better than drinking this mud." He held it out to Ailwynn, and watched as she drank the bottle dry.
"What is your name, Stranger?" asked Fazelspitz.
"My name is mine."
The firedrake nodded for a moment, then reared back. "I am Fazelspitz," he paused dramatically, but Agra butted in.
"-The great and wonderful and amazing and so on." Fazelspitz glared at her. "I am Agra Marutha Delharien."
"And I am Ailwynn Eiyezahlen of the Thelaan Sea. I thank you for the clean water."
Ironclaw bowed. "I am called Dirk Ironclaw."
"You have a strange accent," said Fazelspitz. "Where are you from?"
"The south," said Ironclaw vaguely, waving a hand to the north. "Does anyone know of a woman with a voice like a song-bird? I've never heard her before today, then she demands I land here. I'd like to know why."
Fazelspitz studied Ironclaw. This dragon puzzled him. He had the ability to heal, but he had deliberately limited himself. What other powers had Ironclaw suppressed? Why did he change the subject so quickly? And why was this stranger hearing Ky'arian? "What magic can you use?" blurted the firedrake before he could stop himself.
"Magic?" Ironclaw shook his head. "I was once a warrior, but now I am merely a homeless healer. I cannot do magic. I am just a wandering dragon."
Fazelspitz smiled to himself. Oh, no you're not, he thought. We need you.

Crimson stared at Malafyss for a few minutes until he realised that Blizzard was also staring at her and turned his head away.
There was no call for that, Blizzard said reproachfully.
"Oh, shut up," Crimson muttered.
Dragonsong12 looked at him.
"I didn't say anything," she said.
"He was talking to me," said Blizzard, who had a wicked sense of humour at times. Hey, didn't Dragonsong12 mention something about a...
"For the sake of my eggshell," Crimson yelled, "shut up long enough for me to finish this conversation! Is that too much to ask?!"
He became aware of a subtle movement in the cave, a kind of nonchalant drawing away from him and sighed. "Now look what you did."
It wasn't me, Blizzard pointed out reasonably. You're the one who got us into this mess.
"I did not get us into anything!" Crimson protested.
Well, I don't see how I could have done it. I mean, you won't even let me have control of your mouth-which is a great pity.
"No, because I don't know what you might say! You've already gotten us kicked out of three places!"
That wasn't me either.
"Oh? Then who was it, pray? If you hadn't been born, or created, or whatever, I could have had a perfectly normal life! Remember that female we met back in that forest? I liked her! And you had to go barging in and-"
I did not go 'barging in', Blizzard said with a touch of asperity, and just for the record, 'hey, wanna lay my eggs' is not going to get you very far. I probably saved both our lives.
"Both? There's only one of us as deserves to be here, and that's me! You got that, Blizzard? Me! This is my body, in case you'd forgotten."
Malafyss' sudden collapse drew attention away from the two of them.
What the...? Blizzard wondered. What did she mean 'HE is coming'? What he?
Crimson watched the elemental dragon Malafyss stagger to her feet again and walk out, assisted by Dragonsong12, seething to himself. Or, to put it more accurately, seething to Blizzard.
"I don't know. Who does she think she is?" he muttered. "'How did you develop a double personality'?" he mimicked. "Like I know," he said. "After all, if I did, I'd do the reverse to get rid of you," he added.
It gradually dawned on Crimson that the conversation with Blizzard had become a monologue.
"Hello? Are you still in me?" he demanded.
Of course I am, Blizzard said implacably. And I liked her.
"You would," Crimson said.
Has it ever occurred to you that maybe there are dragons out there who aren't out for our blood?
"Hah! Name one."
What about Dragonsong12? Or Faz?
"Yeah, that's another thing, Blizzard. Will you stop taking control of my mouth so much around Fazelspitz?! Just when I want to tell that little squirt exactly what I think of him and his 'great', you step in and start yes sir and no sirring everyone! It's bad enough you had to-"
Blizzard suddenly took control of Crimson's snout long enough to inhale the new scent coming from outside. Crimson wrestled back control with an effort, and sniffed the air himself.
What was the point of that? Blizzard asked, sounding reproachful.
"You're in my body, Blizzard," Crimson snapped. "That means if anyone is going to smell, it's going to be me."
Oh, you smell alright! Blizzard said. I pity any dragon who's next to you!
Crimson blinked, momentarily taken aback. Harsh comments weren't usually a part of his and Blizzard's conversations.
Well, not from Blizzard anyway. Blizzard sucked in air through Crimson's snout again.
"Will you just CUT THAT OUT?!?" Crimson yelled. Dragonsong12 looked into the cave.
"Uh, you okay?" she asked.
"Yes! I'm-"
"-tired-" Blizzard cut in, ever the opportunist.
"-yes, tired of waiting," Crimson said, getting control over his suddenly mutinous mouth. "What did that Malafyss mean, we're going on a journey?"
Will you LISTEN to me?! Blizzard demanded.
"I'm not too sure," Dragonsong12 admitted.
"So we're just going somewhere. Not anywhere, just somewhere which is a somewhere nobody's ever seen, maybe," Crimson suggested, with more emphasis than coherency.
"Yes?" Dragonsong12 said, in the hopes that this was the right answer. She was still a little nervy around Crimson. After all, he talked to himself so often that if you said something, you got the impression you were interrupting. Briefly she wondered what could have happened that made him create this 'alter ego'.
Will you LISTEN, Crimson? THERE IS A NEW ARRIVAL OUTSIDE!
"Well, at least we're in agreement," Crimson said, ignoring Blizzard's yells with a superdraconic effort. His tone dripped sarcasm.
Blizzard had had enough.
Okay, Crimson, you asked for it.
"Hey, what?? No, wait, I didn't mean you could-" Blizzard changed Crimson's body.
Watching Crimson change to Blizzard and vice versa was always an interesting sight. Not necessarily a pretty one-just interesting. To give you some idea...imagine a dragon trying to work a piece of meat out from between almost every tooth he owns with his tongue whilst attempting to turn his head round 360 degrees and endeavouring to squint down his own nostrils. Now imagine that dragon using all four limbs plus his tail to try and scratch that one itch you just cannot reach, no matter what you do.
"You can't do this!!" Crimson protested, watching his limbs change from orange-red to dark cyan, Blizzard's color and feeling his mane of glorious red and orange fire change to Blizzard's poor substitute of icefire.
Why not? Blizzard wanted to know.
"This is my body," Crimson wailed, in defiance of current evidence. "MINE MINE MI-"
Blizzard asserted control over Crimson's mouth and shut it hard, almost biting their shared tongue.
Ouch, Crimson complained.
Dragonsong12 was staring at them, astounded.
"You-how-what-where-?"
"Pick a question and stick with it," Blizzard said, and winced. Crimson had got through on that one. "What I mean is," he went on, "we should go and see if Ailwynn's okay."
Who's Ailwynn? Crimson demanded, only just beating Dragonsong12's identical query.
"I-" Blizzard felt confused. Where had the name come from? "She's outside. A sea dragon. Quite weak as well-she needs water."
Oh well, that shouldn't be any problem, Crimson said sarcastically. Just go and bring on a light shower like you did in Shirak.
Blizzard cringed at that memory. Shirak was a small human settlement in the middle of the Nasric desert, one of the most inhospitable climates known to either human or dragon. Crimson had landed there and he and Blizzard had been beseeched with requests for water. Blizzard-always the 'charitable' dragon, Crimson thought with a sneer, had been only too happy to oblige.
Only too happy, only too pleased.
Oh, and a little too enthusiastic.
By the time Shirak had succeeded in damming the resulting floods, the damage had been done and Crimson had deemed it wise to beat a hasty retreat.
"I wonder if..." Blizzard began.
Forget it!
"I was just thinking-"
I know what you were thinking. Reason being, I'm in your head as well, so whatever you think goes to me. You're wondering if Malafyss could do something about you.
"I was thinking more whether she could do something for you," Blizzard corrected.
Yeah, well, have you ever wondered what would happen to you if she could cure this? In all probability, you'd be dead. Crimson paused. What am I saying? Let's see if we can find her.
"So you agree we should tell them what happened?"
"No!" The force of this was enough to make the answer through Blizzard's mouth. Never! Crimson added vehemently. ,Look, whatever you may think, our...meeting with Hemal'to'Dharrik must never, EVER be known!
"He didn't call himself that," Blizzard reminded Crimson.
I know. But you know as well as I do-well, ALMOST as well as I do, Crimson amended, that the only benefit of this arrangement is we can see through facades. Remember?
Blizzard considered for a few minutes. And no, on no account can you tell them about what happened back home, Crimson added strongly. What do you think they'd do to us if they ever found out the truth?
The waterdragon shivered slightly. If the reaction back home had been any indication...well, if the dragons here ever found out the truth about what had happened with him and Crimson so many years back, they wouldn't waste any time asking questions or offering caves, he was sure.
They'd kill him and Crimson on the spot.

Malafyss staggered out under the sun, supported by Dragonsong12 and Crimson...or Blizzard now. Nightwhisper trailed along behind, looking nervous for some reason.
They met up with the others, the second group, but no one spoke. They look uneasily from one to another. They hardly knew one another, and yet they had been thrown together in a strange adventure where anything could happen. There seemed too little and too much to say.
There would be danger, but there would be danger whether they stayed or went, and by going, they could have an effect on the outcome.
This was the group, though there could be more joining along the way. Whatever danger there was, they would have to stop it...hoping that they could stay alive in the process.
...the journey would soon begin.

Part Two
back to the caverns