These are the initial events that occurred in the Boglands and Dragon Mountain…

The Sunken Fen…Boglands

“My Lord, thank you for coming with such haste.”

“You call, I answer, your grace.” He said respectfully. He reached for his belt. Do you require my weapons?”

“Unnecessary my lord. You are an honorary dragon of the Black Flight and by my decree, entitled to bear them.”

“Your Grace is kind. How may I serve.”

“Maya is missing. In fact several ladies of noble dragon birth have disappeared without a clue as to where or why. Our queen will be wanting your return as soon as possible but I wanted to know for sure if Maya is to be counted among the missing. You are the only one who can know for sure.”

“I’ve tried summoning her your grace, sadly to no avail. There is one last place I can look if you’ll allow me your leave.”

Sable nodded and he shimmered from sight.

He reappeared in Mayas’s cave. The pain caused by the use of his magic to travel racked his body and he fell to the ground in a fit of coughing, spitting blood. “Maya!” He called out. The black dragon did not come to his aid. He forced himself up and surveyed the lair. Everything was in order. The broken potion bottle had been cleaned. Her treasures were undisturbed. He found his clothes, happily where she had placed them, a good sign that she didn’t hate him at least. He searched the place in its entirety, sadly though, no sign of his companion. No notes, no indications of struggle. There was no way to know what happened or where she might be. She couldn’t be summoned which meant he knew at least some strong magic was binding her in captivity. A thought that only caused him worry. He quickly penned a note in case she were to return. He took a deep breath and steeled himself for travel once more. He dared not expose his condition to the Black Queen for she certainly would inform Aliyeah of his affliction. He drew in the damp swamp air and shimmered once more, back to Sable’s court.

His expression was downcast and filled with concern. “She’s not there.” He gritted his teeth. “You’ve my word your grace that she will be found and any responsible for this crime will meet the justice of the Black Flight.”

“Make it so my lord.”

………………………………………….

The Bastion of Faith

Jarath found his way back to the audience chamber where a certain blue skinned paladin waited patiently for his return. 

“Congratulations Jarath. Word is spreading like wildfire that you four returned with The Chalice.”

“It’s just Chalice, but yes.”

“Their whole order is an uproar. You should have seen Arnet’s face.” Samara grabbed him by the arm. “Come. there’s something else you really need to see.” The Lady of the Fourteenth Legion led him toward his favorite place on the grounds, The Gardens of Opulent Splendor. “What did you do? Who did you piss off now?”

He looked sadly upon the once vibrant landscape, now little more than scorched land and ash. “Malcanthet.” He saw druids working their magic to regrow the multitude of foliage and flora, craftsmen building gazebos, bridges and benches and workers digging out ash and burnt grounds…not workers. “Hey?! What’s my legion doing digging holes and humping garbage?”

Samara frowned. “The Arch Penitar felt that since you were unaccounted for and your men grounded, they might as well work and be useful.”

“Bullshit.” he scowled as he found himself atop the highest ground he could. ”Warriors of the Thirteenth Legion.” 

They stopped, standing at attention.

“Dismissed!” He ordered.

The older soldiers immediately dropped their tools and were gone. Some of the newer men looked around unsure of what to do until several of the sergeants chased them away. “You heard your commander. Move! Go! Get!”

Samara laughed. “You know you’re feast or famine. You’re going to be the death of me.”

He smiled back. “Where was I… Oh yeah… So she came to me in what I thought was a dream, only I woke soaking wet from falling in the pond and reeking of smoke. I had a feeling it was more real than fantasy but we had a narrow window to recover Chalice so this had to wait,”

“I see. Do you know about the dragons?”

“No. What now?”

“Several ladies of noble families have gone missing. The queen is searching for her Highlord. Guess who’s being held responsible for his being off about the planes again.”

Jarath grinned proudly. “What else is new? Has he left?” 

“The men say he met with a black dragon then disappeared.”

“I best go after him then.”

Samara nodded. “Stay safe Jarath.”

………………………………….

Dragon Mountain

“I’ll try.” He orbed away and arrived in a parlor frequented by Devon, where he received guests. The fire in the hearth burned bright but the room was unoccupied, at least for the moment.

“Lord Marshal.” The sound of Jenna’s sweet musical voice carried from the corridor. “Is uncle with you? Auntie is beside herself with worry.”

“I’m afraid not princess. I thought perhaps he’d have arrived before me. Can you take me to Aliyeah?”

“Of course my lord.” She entwined her arm in his. “Tell me… Why did that awful old man force you to pull him around in a rickshaw?”

The question caught him totally off guard. “Rickshaw?” He thought for a moment before realization struck. “How do you know about that?”

Uncle’s been teaching me about his past. I saw it in one of his memories. Could your master not afford a donkey?”

All Jarath could do was laugh. “Thankfully no or I’d have been pulling them both.”

“But why?” She asked, confused.

“He said it would build character, endurance and strength.”

“Did it?”

Jarath thought about it for a moment before answering. “I guess it did.”

Jenna shook her head. “You and uncle were treated horribly as wyrmlings.”

“True.” Jarath grinned. “But it wasn’t so bad. We’re still here.”

Jenna began to laugh.

“Did I say something funny?”

“No… just the same thing uncle does when we talk about his past.”

Jenna escorted him from the gold spire to the palace proper, into a rather large audience hall. There were dragon nobles of all colors assembled around a great stone table. At the head was Aliyeah reassuring her people everything would be done to resolve the crisis. She watched as Jenna walked the priest along the side of the chamber, bowed then left. Without breaking her train of thought she glanced at Cam who immediately rose to meet him, ushering the Lord Marshal to an antechamber off to the side. “If you will all excuse me for a moment…” The Queen of Dragons asked politely. She stepped into the room and closed the door. “Hello Jarath.” She smiled before shoving his shoulder. “Where’s Devon?”

“Honestly I thought he was here with you.” 

“What do you mean?” Her eyes narrowed.

Samara said he left the parliament with a dragon… a black. Don’t know her name.”

“He must be in the Boglands.” Cam reasoned.

“Jarath. Do me favor. Would you be so kind as to travel to the Sunken Fen and retrieve my consort?”

“Certainly your grace.”

“Cam, send someone with him.”

“Rayne will accompany him and keep him safe.”

“Safe from what?”

“Black Dragons aren’t fond of humans Jarath.” Cam explained in her usual official tone. “You could be attacked on sight without an escort. Devon usually travels with Maya when he ventures there. Besides, you don’t know the way.”

“Don’t worry.” Aliyeah assured him. “Sable is my clutchmate and loyal to the crown. She won’t harm you.” The queen turned to leave. “Oh and don’t drink anything green.” She grinned and resumed her meeting. 

Cam quietly brought Jarath out the room and motioned to Rayne. The bronze dragon followed them out into the hallway and into a sitting room just beyond the great hall. 

“Rayne. The queen needs you to escort Jarath to the Sunken Fen. Help him retrieve the Highlord please.”

“I hate that place. It’s sour and dank.”

“Rayne.” Cam scolded.

“Very well.” She nodded. “Are you ready Jarath?” She extended her hand.

“Let’s go.” He replied, grasping it firmly.

……………………………………….

The Boglands…The Sunken Fen

In a blink they had gone from the palace and standing on moist grass. There was a rush of churning water as two black dragons broke the surface and challenged them.

“Is that a human Rayne? Why would you bring that here?”

The other recognized Jarath immediately. “Stand down Nissiat. He’s a friend of the Highlord.” The black dragon shifted his form and took the shape of a man with black hair and a beard. “Greetings Lord Marshal. It is good to see you again.”

“Hello Coop. Healed up I see. Glad to see you’re well.”

“Indeed. Thanks. What brings you to the Sunken Fen?”

“We’re here for the Highlord. Does the Black Queen have him?” Rayne’s tone was suspicious.

“They’re meeting if that’s what you mean.”

“Could you show us the way.” Jarath asked.

“I can…” He looked uncomfortable for a moment. “I’m sorry to have to do this Jarath… but I’ll need your weapons.”

“What? Why?”

Rayne had already begun to unbuckle her belt.

“The queen’s orders my friend. Again I’m sorry. Don’t worry. I’ll keep them safe.”

Jarath reluctantly agreed and turned his belt over to Coop. “It’s fine. I trust you.”

Coop bowed. “This way please.” He said, leading them into the entry hall.

The corridor was formed from black rock and looked wet to the touch as the damp swamp air condensed on its surface. A hundred feet through, the passage widened to enormous size. Dragons could pass each other easily with little trouble. Black Dragonborn with pikes and shields manned the walkway. The passage ended at a pair of massive iron doors discolored by acid wash. Two dragonborn centurions stood at attention. As Coop approached they opened the doors which creaked in protest. Once through the portal the decor changed. The floor consisted of coins from long dead civilizations set to the ground like tile. Drowned artwork hung on the walls and neglected statuary, some heavy with moss growth lined the walls. Jarath could see Sable sitting atop a throne carved from the trunk of once waterlogged now petrified tree, its roots forming steps, its gnarled branches serving as armrests. The black bark had green and purple gems running through its veins serving to add a touch of opulence to the otherwise dreary seat. A dozen black dragonborn centurions flanked the dais six per side. Three smaller chairs were arranged on either side of the throne, seating for her handmaidens. One seat was noticeably empty. 

“My queen. I am sorry to disturb but if you’d allow…” Coop asked.

Sable nodded her approval.

“May I present Lady Rayne Skyphyre, Queensguard to her Grand Resplendence escorting Lord Jarath Godguard. They are here at the behest of Aliyeah Queen of Dragons.”

“Your grace.” They said as they bowed.

“My lord.” Rayne smiled then bowed in greeting to Devon.

He smiled and bowed in return. 

“You may approach.” Sable granted. 

As they did, Rayne assumed her place at Devon’s right side.

“Your Grace.” Jarath began. “I’m sorry to disturb you, however the Queen requires the immediate return of the Highlord.”

“Is that all?” Sable smirked. “He was just leaving. Thanks for visiting.” She said rather nonchalantly.

“By your leave your grace.” Devon asked respectfully.

“Granted my lord… And you may take them with you.” She said looking  at the two new arrivals. “Coop return their weapons.”

“Yes my queen.”

They retrieved their arms, bowed and left.

Rayne could sense Devon’s distress. She knew him better than most and could see he was suffering extreme discomfort. She knew he was not well. She tucked her arm behind him holding him at the waist. “I’ve got you my lord.”

“Thank you Rayne. Would you bring us home please.”

“With pleasure my lord.”

……………………………………….

Dragon Mountain

An instant later they were back in the sitting room of the grand palace.

“What happened Devon? How badly are you hurt?” The Bronze Dragon asked with obvious concern.

“I’m fine. Where’s our queen.” 

She shook her head. “There. In the great hall. I’ll inform her you’ve arrived.”

As soon as she left Devon turned to Jarath. “Maya’s missing. Can you find her?”

“I’ll try.” Jarath focused his will into locating their ally but… “Nothing.”

Rayne returned with Aliyeah and Cam. As they entered the room she closed the door behind them. 

“Where have you been?” She chided. “Bahamut’s beard Devon. You look like hell.”

“Funny story. Rescue mission… in hell.” He said as he embraced her. 

She slanted her eyes at Jarath

“Scown.” Cam muttered in disapproval.

“Are you aware six dragons are missing?” The queen asked.

“Yes my queen. Sable informed me. That’s why I was there. And it’s actually seven. Maya’s disappeared too.” He said angrily.

“Wait! What?!” Rayne interrupted. “We have to find her my lord. She’s one of us.”

“We will Rayne. All of them, right my queen?”

“Without question.” She looked at Devon. “Whatever you need. Just find them and bring them home. That goes for you too Jarath. Whatever you require.”

“We’ll start with Maya but who else is missing?”

Aliyeah recounted the list. All female dragons, All of noble birth. “I better get back inside.” She draped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him. “Be careful my love.”

“Always.”

“We better grab the others.” Jarath suggested.

“Agreed.’

“I’m coming with.” Rayne added.

“No. Until I know what we are dealing with, you are to remain here. Am I clear?”

The bronze dragon growled in disapproval. “Crystal my lord.”

“I’m sorry Rayne. I don’t want to risk you. Maya’s already gone. I can’t lose you too.”

“I understand my lord.” though her sour expression said otherwise.

“I promise. When the time comes, I’ll call. Ok?

She nodded begrudgingly. “Please do Devon.”

He placed his hand on Jarath’s shoulder and in a stream of white orbs they were whisked away to the bastion.