Dragon Mountain

“So I guess I have a meeting tonight then.” Devon questioned cautiously not wanting to disrupt the peace they’ve appeared to have forged..

“Were you of the mind that your personal guard would not be interested in hearing the adventure of their liege lord? I know Maya in particular is quite curious to learn of the events that have transpired of late. Rayne was quite adamant as well. In fact, even little Anika would like an explanation as to why you would be punished for successfully completing a task that few others in the known planes could have accomplished.”

“Aliyeah…” 

“No no. They’re your guardians. As such they should hear it from you. In fact, if it pleases you my lord, you may take the meeting now. You’re probably too excited to rest anyhow. I have an idea. While you’re gone, I’ll have a nice dinner prepared to celebrate your successful return.”

“I thought we settled all this.”

“Oh. We did my love. I’ve come to terms with it. They however have not.” 

She smiled and walked to the door. She opened it and Devon was met by five angry stares and the unmistakably enraged glare of Maya. 

“Go on now.” 

He walked slowly toward the door, his demeanor that of a condemned man heading to execution. He stopped before the threshold as if the portal was the only barrier keeping him safe. He looked at Aliyeah who leaned in and kissed him quickly.

“Have fun.” She smiled sarcastically as she watched him step into the hall. He was quickly absorbed by the awaiting dragons and whisked away.

She sighed heavily and shut the door.

Devon walked quietly through the corridors of the gold spire, waiting for one of his escorts to say something. Not a single one offered a word. If he didn’t know any better he’d swear he was being led to the gallows. In fact, the long walk to his office brought back the horrific memories of the time before reality had been restored when he was being marched to Jenna for judgement. He found his current situation equally uncomfortable. Maya had pressed into his left side. Her slant eyed glower told him all he needed to know about what was to come. Cassie reached the door first. She opened them wide. 

“After you my lord.”

Devon crossed the threshold with Maya matching his step. She yanked his chair roughly from under the desk.

“Sit.” She scowled

As the last dragon entered Cassie closed the door behind them and locked it.

Devon took the seat he was offered. “Ok. Let’s have it.”

The five dragons had formed a semicircle around him beginning with Maya on his left and ending with Rayne on his right. Cassie stood front and center flanked by Vignette and Anika. Even Tandy the pixie, who had positioned herself on his desk in front of the gold dragon, wore a sour expression on her face. Her arms were crossed mimicking the stances of his other guardians. 

“Actually my lord. We were thinking the same thing. Let’s have it.” Cassie said.

“Yes my lord. Explain why the Pale Lady would take your hand.” Rayne followed.

“I’d like to know why you let her.” Vignette said with a confused look. “And why you wouldn’t just grow it back.”

“Is it typical of vampires to penalize you for success? By Tandy’s account you did as you were expected and were victorious as usual.” Anika added.

Tandy stood tall as her diminutive frame would allow, pleased with herself for her part in relaying the events to the others.

“Darlin?” He asked, turning his head toward Maya.

Frozen air flared from her nose as wisps of sulphurous acid escaped her mouth. “I only have one question. When do I get to kill her.”

“Well that’s the easy one. You don’t Maya.”

She leaned into him full of menace, her eyes cruel and cold. In that moment it became quite clear she was the daughter of Eomyrosis the Black. Their resemblance seemed uncanny. “You may find this amusing Darkstar but we do not.”

“I can assure you I’m nowhere near the vicinity of being amused. I’m just being honest.”

“Let’s do that then.” Cassie interrupted. “Why were we not summoned if you were in danger.”

“I wasn’t in danger.”

“You lost a hand.” Rayne argued.

“I willingly accepted the punishment and offered it. There was no danger.”

“And what would have happened if a hand wasn’t enough. What if she demanded more.” Cassie asked. 

“She did. I’ll be returning to Sanguinar in three days time to assume my duties as Nightmaster for a period of six moon cycles.”

“Again?” Rayne queried.

“The queen will never allow it.” Vignette countered.

“She already has.” Devon replied.

“I don’t believe it.” Anika frowned.

“Well then my lord. I’ll be going with you.” Maya grinned maliciously.

“I’m not sure that’s a great idea.”

“I can tell you that one of us will be accompanying you. At least one that is.” Cassie announced.

“Her Grand Resplendence was perfectly clear on the matter Devon.” Rayne added.

“And if you think you’re leaving my sight for one moment while you’re in this pitiful state you’ve got another thing coming.” Maya growled.

“See. You still love me.”

“Don’t.” The black dragon warned.

Devon winked at her and Maya flashed her teeth.

“Now to answer the rest of your questions. Vignette, I was raised in Sanguinar in the home of the Pale Lady with her as my surrogate mother. While in her lands I will abide by her laws as will anyone who accompanies me. It’s no different than respecting the law of any dragon kingdom.”

“You really mean to compare a vampire to a queen?” 

“Vampyr. And for Fey, the principles are the same. I accepted the punishment because by Sanguinari law I should have killed the chieftain after discovery.”

“I was surprised you didn’t.” Tandy commented. “You seemed to be toying with him my lord.” 

“Why didn’t you then?” Vignette asked.

“He’s my friend Gunther’s son.”

“So?” Maya hissed. “If that was all that needed doing to avoid this stupidity then I don’t see the issue.”

“I would agree.” The blue dragon said in support of her clutchmate.

“They’re friends.” Cassie explained.

“They’re humans.”  Vignette shrugged. “The Highlord can find new pets if necessary.”

Rayne shook her head.

“And I’ve chosen not to regrow it just yet to prove to her there is no judgement she can put upon me that would cause me to abandon my honor or my queen.”

“All well and good my lord. But why punish you at all? You recovered the rune. Who cares if you showed mercy to one human.”

“It was a political move. There is an alliance between the lycans and the horde that very well could have been dissolved if nothing was done. In the greater political landscape it was only a small thing for me to do to insure there would be peace.”

“Our definition of small differs vastly.” Maya growled. “For example, to me, it would be a small thing to melt their straw homes and wooden walls into the earth and freeze their people for even daring to think that they may ask any penance of you at all.”

“Come on Maya. You know me better than most.”

“Yes, and your compassion for others is becoming a problematic character flaw.” She said with a scowl.

Devon smiled. She shook her head and turned away.

“Anything else?” He asked.

“Yes my lord,” Vignette replied, “Who will be escorting you to the prime?”

“An excellent question. I’ll let you all know when I decide.”

Maya tilted her head back to face him. “May I suggest you choose carefully my lord.”

Devon looked about the room. When no one else spoke up he stood. “Aliyeah is having dinner prepared. Would any of you care to attend?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong my lord, but you were here for the meeting? Correct?” Maya asked.

Devon paused, slightly confused.

“What Maya means to say is, where you go, we go.” Rayne explained.

Tandy fluttered to his shoulder. “Yeah. What she said.” 

Cassie unlocked the door and opened it just as Jenna was about to knock.

“Oh.” She said startled. “Auntie said I should collect you for dinner. She says your guard may continue to castigate you after uncle. Sorry. Her words, not mine.” She stepped to his right side and gently cradled his maimed arm in her own. Allow me to escort you uncle.”

Maya once again pushed tight into his left flank and the others stood two in front and two behind him as they made their way to the dining hall. Aliyeah grinned widely at him as he entered, obviously uncomfortable with the showy display of protection.

“There you are my love.” She sang pleasantly. “Your meeting was informative I trust?”

“Quite.” He said, raising an eyebrow.

Cam eyed his missing appendage and shook her head. 

“Excellent please sit. All of you. I’m sure there is still so much to discuss. 

Cassie pulled the chair next to Aliyeah out for her liege. Jenna sat close to him on his right, followed by Maya and Rayne. Cassie, Vignette and Anika found seats opposite them at the table.

Kobolds with large platters, fragrant with the smell of grilled meats and fresh seafood began to serve the dinner party. A dragonborn with jet black scales and yellow eyes placed a dusty bottle of green liquid in front of Devon. “I’m told you favor the achuak hesjing Highlord.”

“Thank you Mezayg.” 

“Here my love. Allow me.” Aliyeah reached across the table and put a thick, fired, bone in steak and a large seared lamb chop on a plate along with some baked potatoes and fresh asparagus. Then she leaned back and waited.

“My lord must try the lobster.” Rayne offered as she added the broiled crustacean to his meal.

“You know.” Maya cut in. “When we were in the Boglands, Devon fancied the flavor of mollusk. These look quite tasty my lord. Allow me.” 

Her sardonic grin told him all he needed to know about the queen’s dinner preparations. There wasn’t a single dish on the table that he could easily partake in with his lone hand. He knew it was intentional. He knew she did it to make a point. 

Jenna side eyed her aunt. “Here uncle. Let me help you. She leaned across him and began to cut the steak and separate the meat from the shells.” She smiled affectionately at him as she did.

“Thank you Jenna.” Devon said graciously. “But contrary to what some may believe I’m far from helpless.”

“Oh I don’t think that at all uncle.” Her face was pleasant and bright.

“Thanks princess. Here let me show you something.” He flicked his fingers and a ghostly looking hand appeared. It snapped up a knife and after he stabbed the lamb chop with his fork it began to slice the meat for him.”

“That’s wonderful, uncle. You are quite resourceful.” She complimented.

He pulled a cut piece of lamb from the plate with his fork and ate it. “Duck fat my love. Makes all the difference.” He said as he grinned at his queen. Then he pierced another piece and offered it to Maya. “Care to try darlin?”

Maya glowered at him until the sound of Anika snickering caused her to focus her stare at the copper dragon. Anika gulped down some wine, averting her eyes to a different direction. 

Jenna unstopped the bottle of green liquid and poured a glass for her uncle. “Is it true you’ve acquired a taste for ‘the green water’? Auntie won’t let me drink it.”

“It’s actually quite lovely when prepared properly. You see there is a parasite derived from the wormwood it’s distilled from that can have some very nasty effects. Fortunately for me I happen to be quite close with someone who was willing to educate me on how to enjoy it safely.”

Maya’s anger hid her grin. The ghostly appendage slid the glass over to the black dragon. “Would you mind darlin?”

The black dragon wrinkled nose and curled her lip. She exhaled sharply before spitting a glob of acid into the glass. She rolled her eyes as the luminescent hand brought the glass back to him.

“Eww uncle.” Jenna half gasped, half laughed.

“You’re not really going to drink that are you?” Vignette asked, somewhat shocked.

Devon brought the glass to his nose. It had stopped sizzling and had a spicy cinnamon odor. He took a long draw. Maya tilted her head at the blue dragon then turned head head away to hide her grin.

“Here princess. Try. “

“I don’t know uncle…”

“Just a sip.” He encouraged her.

“Well ok.” Jenna took a small taste from the glass. “Mmm. It’s actually very good.”

“You see princess. Just because the customs of others are different doesn’t mean they’re necessarily bad.”

“You can’t possibly mean to equate the laws of Sanguinar to a bottle of booze?” Cam asked. 

“It’s all about perspective my lady.”

“Yeah well by mine you’re acting like a stubborn child.” The gold dragon scolded. 

“I get it Cam.”

“I don’t.” She stood to leave. “And just for the record Darkstar. If anything happens to you down there I’ll burn that city to ash. Enjoy your trip.” She said as she left. 

The rest finished the meal. They moved to the parlor where Devon gave a more in depth account of his time in Westport with Tandy acting out scenes for dramatic effect. For a short while everything seemed to have been forgotten, that is until he got to the part about Sanguinar. 

“I think that’s enough for tonight.” Aliyeah announced. “I’m going to turn in. Care to join me?” She said reaching for his hand. 

“For certain my queen.”

The evening passed and Aliyeah seemed considerably more forgiving than she had been earlier in the day. She wrapped herself around him as if afraid that he might be stolen from her if she fell asleep. The evening air was cool and Devon enjoyed the first peaceful nights sleep he had in months. He woke at dawn’s first light, still held tightly by his queen. The air was crisp and clean and a light breeze floated off the water into the bedchamber. 

“Aliyeah.” He whispered. “Would you mind if I went to the falls for a shower. I’d really enjoy the feel of fresh water for a change. You could join me if you’d like.”

A single golden orbital flashed open. “You go on. I’ll meet you in the hall for breakfast.” She released her grip on him. Don’t be late.”

“Thank you my queen.” He kissed her forehead before rising to his feet. He walked quietly to the door trying not to disturb her. As he opened the door to leave he was greeted by Maya and Rayne. 

“Good morning my lord.” The bronze dragon smiled.

Maya wore her customary surly scowl.

“And where are we going?” The black dragon asked.

“The falls for a shower. I’ll be back shortly.” He began to walk down the hall when Maya pressed herself into his flank again and Rayne forced her way in front of him. 

“What are you two doing?”

“Escorting you to the bath chamber. That is where you said you wanted to go? Yes?”

“I don’t need an escort to bathe.”

“The queen says differently.” Rayne countered.

“I’m certain she didn’t mean…”

“Actually she was quite clear. What were her exact words? Oh yes. He goes nowhere without at least one of you.”

“But.”

“But nothing Devon.” Maya scowled. “Are we going or not.”

“You know I could just…”

“Shimmer? Yes of course. Why do you think you’re wearing me like a corset?” Maya grinned. “You go, we go.”

“Fine. Whatever.”

The bath chamber of the gold spire was unlike any room of similar function that Devon had seen. While it was worked with cut stone and extravagant brickwork it also boasted what could only be described as a free form pond of cool mountain water formed from the run off a waterfall cascading down the natural rock wall. Several hot spring pools were scattered about the space, steam rising in swirls above them. He walked to the edge of the water and looked back at his guardians. 

“A little privacy maybe?”

“I think not.” Maya answered.

“My Devon, you’d think by now you’d have adjusted to a dragon’s sense of modesty.” Rayne added.

“You’re all going to torture me for the next six moons aren’t you?”

“At least.” Maya grinned. “Now let me help you out of those clothes.”

“Really darlin?”

“Really. As if I haven’t had to do this a dozen times already to treat your various injuries.”

“Well I can’t argue that.”

“Better you not my lord. She’s been in a rather foul mood since you’ve returned, even for her.” Rayne advised.

Maya helped him undress and he stepped into the pond. The water was refreshing and clean. He stepped toward the waterfall and closed his eyes. The tempo of free falling water felt incredibly relaxing. He almost didn’t notice the presence standing behind him. Rayne had disrobed as well and was sharing the waterfall. She held a bottle of scented oil.

“Hey!” 

“Sorry my lord. Nowhere means nowhere. Now relax and I’ll help get you cleaned up.”

Devon sighed but in reality was glad for the assistance of his two most trusted cohorts.

They met Aliyeah in the dining hall a turn and a half of the hourglass later.

“Feel better Devon?” The queen asked.

“Considerably so my queen. Thank you.”

“Well you certainly smell better.” She leaned in and nuzzled his neck.”Mineral water, seaside lavender & white musk, I’ll assume Rayne selected the fragrance.”

“She did my love and I am certainly most grateful for all their kind attendance, but… Is the incredibly close and personal supervision really so necessary?”

“I might suggest it is my lord.” Maya answered flatly. “At least until you recover your sensibilities and begin to act as intelligently as you are rumored to be.”

“Ouch.” Rayne grimaced.

Aliyeah chuckled. “I would agree, Maya. Well said.”

The black dragon side eyed her lord but offered him the slightest smirk.

Cam happened into the room. “Good morning Aliyeah.” She said with a bow. Ladies….” Her eyes set on Devon. “Darkstar…”

“You’re not still angry are you Cam?”

“You’re not still acting foolish are you Devon?”

“Character flaw Camille. Sometimes I can’t help myself.”

“Obviously.” She shook her head. “And don’t call me Camille.”

Devon grinned. “As you say Lady Soroyan.”

“Careful my love. Cam and I have been friends for centuries. It’s been some time since her scales have been this bristled.”

“Look Devon. I’m not trying to get all Tiamat on you. But what you need to understand is that we love you and we worry. And before you say anything I get it, you’ve been to hell, traipsed through the abyss, fought in wars and even had the mettle to stand before an archdevil and her court alone. You’ve a dragon’s courage for sure. But it’s not your courage that concerns me. It’s your pride. And I know that sounds funny coming from a dragon but I’d hate to see you put yourself in a situation that spirals out of control because your misplaced sense of honor overwhelms your sensibility.”

“I think I’m good Cam. I have no problem accepting the consequences of my actions should my ‘honor’ demand it.”

“That’s my point exactly. You’re totally missing the lesson the Pale Lady is trying to teach you.”

Aliyeah turned her head in shock. “Come again? Did you say lesson?”

“Yes my queen. Hate her if you will. I myself am not particularly fond of her. But there is no denying she favors him and cares for him… in her own distorted somewhat dysfunctional way of course.”

“Enlighten me oh wise counsel to the queen. What lesson am I to learn from all this?”

Cam sighed. “That even when you seek to bear the brunt of consequence entirely yourself there will still be others who inadvertently suffer. As in this case. Kasha was forced to reconcile with the chieftain. Aliyeah must accept you returning to Sanguinar. And the Pale Lady…”

‘The Pale Lady what?” The Gold Queen snapped. “What must she endure? She is the cause of this mess.”

“Ask yourself one question Aliyeah. Do you truly believe she wanted to discipline her own childe. Did she really want to remove his hand? Now I agree, forcing him back to Sanguinar as Nightmaster was definitely a barb but even that could be seen as a form of protection, drawing him back to her base of power where she can better watch over him.”

“You can’t possibly mean to condone what she did?”

“I don’t. I’m just saying it may not have been done with ill intent, that’s all.”

“I’m sorry Cam.” Devon offered sincerely. “You’re right. I won’t deny being the victim of hubris on occasion. I should accept the wise counsel I’m offered more often.”

The gold dragon smiled and nodded.

“And I must apologise to you too my queen. Sometimes I forget just how much my lifestyle weighs on you. Were our situations reversed I’d be sick with worry myself. I promise to work harder at being the consort… the mate you deserve.”

“Thank you my love. You don’t know what this means to me.”

Cam finally sat. She grabbed a crusty roll and some honey butter. “Oh and Darkstar. I meant what I said. Should any harm befall you while in Sanguinar I will burn that city to ash.” 

“And she’ll have help.” Maya smirked as Rayne nodded.

‘Right. I’ll be careful not to cause any more spill over.”

“See that you do.”

After breakfast Devon met with his guard again.

“Ok. I’ve decided who should accompany me to Sanguinar.”

The room went quiet waiting for the announcement. Even Tandy had stopped fidgeting.

“Rayne. You’ve been to Sanguinar before, You know the layout of the town and are familiar with some of my closer contacts. You’re least likely to draw any attention when I arrive so I’d like you along.”

The bronze dragon smiled. “Of course my lord. Makes sense.”

Maya glared at him. “Is that so. Was my warning to choose wisely not strong enough advice?”

“Indeed it was. I’m encountering enough discord in my life right now to risk angering you darlin.”

“So you decided to take Rayne?”

“Yeah. I believe I was rather clear about why. Do you not want her along with us for some reason?”

“Us…I…You mean.”

“Did you really expect me to test your temper after all we’ve been through Maya. I just assumed you’d be travelling with me. Didn’t figure you’d leave my side anyhow.”

The black dragon’s lip curled in a strange combination of smug grin and surly scowl.”

“It seems you’re smarter than I gave you credit for.”

Devon winked at her and she rolled her eyes before looking away.

“Now the rest of you will be rotated in as well. I want you all to learn the town and how to locate me in case I’m needed here or for the simple purpose of visiting your lord. In the meanwhile, Cassie I’d like you to arrange for armaments for Miss Rainsage. If she intends to sneak after me, I at least want her to be able to properly defend herself.” He handed her a scroll tube. “Give this to Hanzo. Pay him from my personal coffers.”

“As you command my lord.”

“And Tandy. You are to remain here for now.”

“What! No way! Not fair!”

“If you wish to be my guardian little pixie then you’ll need to learn to act like one.That means taking orders, keeping my secrets and not causing a scene in public. If you can’t do those things then I have no use for you as a protector. I’ll have Anika take you to whatever forest you care to live in and we can part ways as friends. If you wish to remain with me those are my terms.”

The pixie frowned and pouted. “Very well. As you command Highlord.”

“Good. Tandy I’d like you to take this time to create some of your special pixie arrows. I truly believe you and they will come in quite handy. Anika will see you have whatever materials you need.”

The pixie smiled proudly. “Of course my lord.”

“Vignette. This is going to be a challenging time. Do you feel up to the task?”

“Without question my lord. I’ll look forward to our travels together.”

“Excellent. Nika. You will be in rotation too. You won’t be confined to office duty this time. Just remember the laws of Sanguinar are harsh.” He raised his hand for effect. “No pranks, no tricks, no mischief. And I’m serious when I say I will be held responsible for any actions you take while in the Pale Lady’s lands. If you are truly to act as my guardians then please exercise caution and good judgement at all times despite what your personal feelings are toward the fey who live there and the mortals of Westport. I’ll be spending some time there too. Am I understood.”

“Yes my lord they all answered.”

“Good. Now contrary to what some may think I’m not bound to remain on the prime this time so I’ll check in regularly. If there matters that demand my attention do not hesitate to come to me.”

“Of course my lord.” They replied.

Devon exhaled heavily. ”And thank you all. I’m going to be relying heavily upon you. I appreciate the sacrifices you are all making for me. When this is all over I promise there will be celebrations.”

“Drinking?” Rayne grinned.

“Dancing?” Cassie smiled.

“Of course.”

“Perhaps we could visit the Boglands.” Maya mumbled.

“Yeah darlin. It should all be over around the same time as the Festival of the Sweet Night. We should go.”

“Swamps? Eww.” Vignette grimaced.

“Who said you were invited?” Maya replied haughtily, mocking the blue dragon’s tone.

“Hmm. Well I’m sure my lord will find the Stormlands more to his liking.”

“We can do that too. But for now let’s stay focused. No more mistakes, no more trouble.”

“Agreed.” They all answered.

“Maya. Rayne. Pack for a week. Everyone else, have packs ready to go. Any questions?”

The room fell quiet.

“Good.” Devon sat in his chair and leaned back. “What could possibly go wrong he thought….