Dragon's Tears
Prologue

Prologue

“Mommy, tell us a story,” Serenica pleaded as she and her sister Adrianna climbed clumsily onto the small wooden bed. The Oracle Aranayia smiled at her daughters and sat on the edge of the bed next the two eager girls. With a smile, she pulled the covers up around the two girl’s shoulders. The room sat in silence as the woman struggled to think of a story she could tell the enthusiastic girls. “How about I tell you the story of Krizrotrath?” She asked softly.

Squeals of joy erupted from the little girls as they gripped their favorite dolls tightly and lay back on their pillows. The fire lit in the adjoining room reflected off of their mother’s face, giving her an angelic look as she waited for the two girls to settle down. A few minutes later, when the girls were silent, she took a deep breath and began to recite a tale she has never told them. It was the story of the dragon Krizrotrath and how he almost had taken over the world.

“Long ago, before the kingdom of Aihorane had even formed, the world was full of chaos and destruction. Dangerous creatures ran rampant, killing everything in their path. These monsters had no conscience or direction; their sole purpose was to destroy any living being in their path with no remorse. The terrifying black dragon Krizrotrath led these creatures to do his bidding, in an effort to kill all the living and allow the monsters to rule. One by one, the monsters attacked the nearby colonies of humans, dwarfs, and elves, and one by one, these colonies fell, the survivors continued to flee for safety, leaving their lives behind in a wall of flame.

As the monsters and undead continued to increase in their victories, the colonies began to understand that they couldn’t stand against these creatures alone. Humans, Dwarves, and Elves had to rely on each other and make a stand as one, otherwise they would be wiped out. With no other choice, embassies from every nation met at the Dwarven kingdom of Kuldohr. It was there that the groups agreed that they would attack the source of the undead that flooded their cities and killed their friends and families. It was decreed by all in attendance, that the armies were to meet and Kuldohr and take the battles to the undead that flooded out of the inner tunnels. This strategy had given the group numerous victories, in fact, it managed to stop the monsters from flooding to the other kingdoms of Aihorane. However, the grim truth still haunted them. Everyone in Kuldohr knew that they were still no closer to killing Krizrotrath and his armies, and if they couldn’t do that, then it was only a matter of time before their races were wiped out.”

“It was after one of these many skirmishes, a mercenary group that had assisted in the battle against the undead, had helped the combined armies finish victoriously. The orc, Urzog the Fierce, the leader of the Crimson Command stood before them all that day and declared loudly that the Crimson Command would travel to Lanar and destroy Krizrotrath saving everyone in Aihorane.

Tired, weary, and severely lacking hope, Urzog and the other members of the Command was laughed at by the combined soldiers, and was told it was an impossible feat, and they were walking to their deaths. However, underneath Urzog was a group of five fighters that had all excelled in their fighting styles. They were: Tizyran Cragbuster, a Dwarven warrior, Kieran Sharie an Elven mage, a human healer Miriam Barlowe, a human rogue Radwyn Yarbrough, and a man who went by the name of The Raven. It was this day that the Crimson Command vowed to put an end to Krizrotrath’s army by slaying the dragon who was located on the continent Lanar.

Everyone who was in attendance scoffed at their vow. Although the soldiers admired the Commands fighting abilities, their declaration was still mocked by the colonies and their now-combined powers. The colonies knew that they wouldn’t be able to kill Krizrotrath.”

“Laughter and taunts filled the air as the red faced Crimson Command members walked out of the halls of Kuldohr and onto the grass, the sunlight stung their eyes from spending so long in the low lighted Kuldohr. It was there that the group made camp and began to hatch the plan that would get them to the frozen island of Lanar where their prey, Krizrotrath inhabited. Deep down, they all knew that their voyage was going to be perilous, and all of them may not return. Nevertheless, they were determined to prove the nay-sayers wrong and defeat the dragon who had terrorized them all for so long.”

“What happened?”

“Did they survive?”

“They will certainly beat that dragon and all will return!”

“Nuh-uh they won’t be able to do it! A dragon is huuuuuge!”

The girls jumped up from the suspense and both began to impatiently throw out questions to their mother.

The silence that came from their mother, had them stop their questions and sit there wide eyed as they waited for her to continue. Aranayia chuckled to herself and tucked them in again ensuring she bundled her girls well. Once she was sure they were comfortable and quiet she sat up, cleared her throat, and continued on.

“The mercenaries made it to the icy island of Lanar that lay far to the north. There, they were met with monsters as far as the eye could see. The six members of the Command fought bravely and continued on their path until they finally reached the shadowed cave that housed the black dragon Krizrotrath’s. Once they stepped inside, they noticed the most beautiful black dragon they had ever seen. With purple eyes and large black wings, this beautiful dragon was responsible for the deaths of millions and was intent on killing everyone that remained in the world.”

“The mercenaries fought with all they had, but ultimately they lost the battle. They were tired, wounded, and full of despair, knowing deep down that they were not able to defeat their foe. So in a final desperate attempt they prayed to the goddess Vigdias with a final plea to help them destroy the dragon and save the world.”

“The goddess heard their prayers and took pity on those who were trying so hard to save their home. In return, she gave each one a tear-shaped gem. When the six gems are placed on the pillars surrounding Krizrotrath, only then could the dragon be banished or controlled. Life or death. Choose wisely.”

“It was then the Command realized that with the six gems combined, they had the power to banish Krizrotrath or control him.” Aranayia’s eyes became cloudy, as she thought of her story. She smiled widely at the two curious girls that waited eagerly in their bed, wanting to hear more. She took a deep breath and continued. “Would the mercenaries choose life or death? Many still wonder to this day how the goddess could put the lives of so many in the hands of only six individuals.”

“What did they choose?” Adrianna demanded impatiently.

Aranayia smiled softly at her daughters. “Well, lucky for us, they chose to banish Krizrotrath and in turn, banished the monsters. They saved the world and brought peace to all the continents. The mercenaries who were once mocked were now celebrated as heroes, and had banquets thrown in their honor.”

Serenica looked at her mother quizzically. “They banished the dragon making them heroes, but what happened to them after that?”

Araniya’s jaw tightened. “After everything was said and done, the mercenaries continued with their job of serving the people. Ahoraine expanded, kingdoms were built and began to prosper for all species. Unfortunately, with prosperity comes despair, and war broke out between some species, and infighting ensued in the mercenary group.

Eventually, the group dispersed, each member taking their gem with them. Time passed, and rumor is that some of the mercenaries died handing down their gems to future generations. Where the old members of the Crimson Command are now is still unknown. However, one day Krizrotrath will return in an attempt to fulfill his mission of destroying the kingdoms and allowing monsters to rule. When that day comes, the tears will need to be reunited.

“So you mean the monsters will return one day? What will happen with the tears missing?” Serenica asked in concern.

“A new fellowship will form and the tears will connect again. Those tear holders will be forced to make the same decision as the previous ones. A decision that will impact the lives of millions of humans, elves, dwarfs, ogres, and other creatures.”

“Wow, I wouldn’t want to be them,” Adrianna commented with a yawn.

“Ok, it’s time to sleep, girls. Sleep well.” Aranayia kissed them both on the forehead, walked to the door, and blew out the candle. She smiled widely as her two most prized possessions closed their eyes and fell asleep.