Meric the Storyman: Rega and the Dragonstones
Chapter 16: Green Dragon

Tamin and Rega returned to the palace. They were taken to one of the guest rooms. Healers were attending an elf on the bed. The King and Queen stood nearby.

The elf was in bad shape. He had several deep gashes along his chest. The rest of his body was unmarked. Although healing salve was being placed on these wounds, it was easy to see he had lost a lot of blood. Rega mentioned to the Queen about the healing peppers they had found. The Queen’s eyes lit up upon mention of them, so Rega sent the brownies out to the wagon to get them.

Rega saw that Beska was still young. He couldn’t be much more than forty. If he were more powerful than the Queen already, imagine how much power he would hold if he were to ever get to Krago’s or even Alho’s age. Hopefully, he would live.

Beska opened his eyes. Upon seeing the King, he said in a weak voice, “Forgive me Majesty. I took the gem.”

King Motagula walked up to Beska. “All is forgiven, Beska.” he said. “Now, tell me where the Dragonstone is so we can recover it.”

Beska groaned. “It was taken from me.” He closed his eyes for a few seconds. When he had gathered enough strength, he continued, “A green dragon attacked me. He took the gem. He called himself the new King of the Forest before swiping me with his claw. I remember no more.”

Beska closed his eyes. The Queen then said, “The healing salve is beginning to take effect. He will sleep now. We will administer the healing peppers magic water once we get them. A couple drinks from them will do wonders on the wounds. Thank you very much for your generous gift, Rega.”

The King then walked over to Tamin and Rega. The King whispered to them, “We will meet in our chamber. Rega, gather your party. Tamin, get my armor. We are going to get the Dragonstone back.”

“I should have realized he would try something.” said the King to Rega. “He was the main person against giving the Dragonstone to a ‘courier’. He wanted to study it, to learn from it.”

King Motagula was already dressed in his armor. He had on elven chainmail. A beautiful cloak, made of very fine elvish cloth that was obviously magical, was worn over the armor. Several rings adorned his fingers and a beautiful golden helm was on his head. For weapons, he had his bow and a longsword.

He walked up to Dexir, patting his sword. “I call him Valhaakon, the Sword of the Forest. However, I do have a special request of you. I have been eager to get a chance to look more closely at Akrun. You may look at my sword in return.” Pulling Valhaakon out of the scabbard, he offered the sword to Dexir.

Seeing Dexir hesitate, the King quickly added, “Do not worry. You have gone through a bonding process with your weapon. While you live, nobody can control Akrun unless you will it.”

Dexir removed Akrun from his scabbard and handed him to King Motagula. He accepted Valhaakon in return. There were similarities in the craftsmanship, but there were also many differences. Akrun was heavier than Valhaakon. The etchings in the blade were also different. Valhaakon’s were much more intricate. It had curling vines and leaves, all inlaid with gold.

King Motagula checked Akrun’s balance and looked over the sword several times before returning him back to Dexir. “Valhaakon may not be as powerful as your Akrun, warrior, but he is still very good.” he said.

Dexir felt Akrun move a little. * He is modest. While in Tsalpei Forest, Valhaakon is more powerful than I. *

“Based on your story of how you acquired Akrun, that fact that you were able to remain fighting after the bonding is quite amazing.” said the King. “Many times, the bonding process is done in private because it does tend to drain the sword-bearer. You didn’t have that luxury. It tells a lot about your constitution.”

The King gave some instructions to one of the guards before turning back to Dexir asking, “While everyone is finishing preparations, do you have any questions about your Akrun that I may be able to answer?”

Dexir did have a couple questions. “Are there a limit of spells each sword can do? I know Akrun can perform five different ones.”

“Good question.” answered the King. “Through trial and error, we have found that longswords, like Akrun and Valhaakon, are able to hold up to five spells. That is all the metal in the weapon can handle. Any more and the sword shatters explosively, usually killing anyone nearby. Short swords are able to hold four spells. Daggers can hold three, at least in theory. Nobody that I know of has tried to make a sentient dagger.”

“How many swords are there?” asked Dexir.

“I know of four, although I am sure there are more.” answered the King. “We had thought Akrun lost, until you found him. I have Valhaakon. Then there is the short sword named Felcur, the Sword of Undead Bane. That one is kept in Morane and used by the ranking Paladin. Finally, there is the longsword Merklav, the Sword of Deception. That one was made for one of the necromancers on the necromancer islands to the southeast.”

Once everyone was present, the King began. “We will be searching for a new threat. It seems that another one wants to be King of the Forest. This is not so. I am the only King, and my beloved Tulina, the only Queen. We will go put this dragon in his place.”

Cheers came from the elven archers. Rega had almost cheered himself, so powerful was the magic associated with the words.

The King hugged the Queen. She warned him to be careful. Then they were on their way. Rega and his party were now joined by the King of the Elves, Fisor and his band of elves, and a group of elven archers.

Eraston was happy. He had started his treasure the best way a dragon could. He had a large sapphire, flawless and beautiful.

“Stupid elf.” he said out loud to himself. “Tried to hide the gem from me. I showed him. Soon I will be adding more treasure to join you.”

The green dragon was no stranger to the forest. He had been living in the northernmost region, furthest from the elves. But he was an adult dragon now. His dreams told him it was time to claim the forest for his own. He was the new King.

The elven scouts found his trail very easily. The green dragon didn’t take any special precautions to hide it.

“He must feel pretty sure of himself.” said Dexir, riding next to the King.

King Motagula had requested Dexir to ride with him. He talked about future ballads being sung. Songs of Valhaakon and Akrun fighting side by side.

“We must still be very cautious.” added the King. “Even very young dragons can be dangerous.”

Dexir agreed.

The group followed the trail all that day before stopping at night to rest. The next day they continued traveling for half a day before stopping to take a break. In about an hour, they continued.

It did not take much longer to get to the dragon’s lair. The dragon had found a small cavern and was using it for his home. The area around the entrance was already littered with animal carcasses. The archers took strategic positions. Dexir and the King stood directly in front.

King Motagula pulled Valhaakon from his scabbard. The sword’s blade immediately burst into green flames. One of the sword’s powers allowed its possessor’s voice to be amplified. The King used this power to call the dragon.

Dexir drew Akrun from his scabbard.

“Come forth, foul beast.” said the King. “Come and bow down to the real King of the Forest. Bow or die!”

From out of the cavern, an answer to the summons bellowed. “Who dares disturb Eraston?” A great roar followed.

The King was undaunted. “It is I, King Motagula. I come to remove you from my forest.”

“We shall see.” was the dragon’s response.

As the dragon came out of his lair, Dexir suppressed an urge to run. Fortunately, Akrun helped quell the effects of dragon fear. Several archers, Rega, and Doman did hide, however. Barg flew from Lobaki’s shoulder.

Eraston was impressive. His body was over thirty feet in length. The scales were a deep forest green, with his underbelly colored a shade lighter. He had a darker green fin that started right above his nose and ran the entire length of his body. The claws on his front legs were at least a foot long. His massive wings were not yet unfurled. A foul odor of chlorine gas emanated from him. His eyes were a yellow-green and were currently absorbing the entire layout at a glance.

The archers let loose with a volley of arrows. Two arrows hit. This angered the dragon. He turned his head to the left and exhaled a cloud of poison gas at the nearest archers.

Three archers were in the direct path and fell over dead.

Eraston laughed aloud and turned back to face the King. “Who is this Motagula who claims to be King? All I see here is a stupid elf and a foolish human who think they can drive me from my home.”

Dexir realized that this battle would be much different from the one with Pyrdon. Pyrdon was blinded with anger, which gave Dexir the opening he needed. This dragon displayed no anger. He was cunning and deadly. However, he was still in his early adult years, so that should give them an advantage.

Then, several things happened at once. The dragon let loose with a Magic Missile spell. It was aimed directly at King Motagula. Dexir called upon Akrun for Strength. The remaining archers fired another round of arrows. Doman gathered up some twigs on the ground and wrapped mistletoe around them. Stice grabbed his short bow and prepared to fire an arrow.

Another arrow hit Eraston while the King used his sword to dispel the magical missiles coming toward him.

Eraston turned toward the archers on the opposite side and exhaled another cloud of poison gas. The arrows were beginning to get painful. Another two archers inhaled chlorine gas and dropped dead.

Dexir and the King used this time to charge at the dragon. With their magical blades, both succeeded in hitting it.

Doman began the incantations to the Entangle spell.

Angered, Eraston swiped at each of them with his two front claws. Dexir was thrown aside like a tossed boot. The King’s armor, however, prevented any damage to him, but he was still knocked back.

More arrows were let loose upon the dragon, including Stice’s. One arrow hit him in his underbelly, while another went through his ear.

Doman finished his incantations and made a gesture of the desired effect by wrapping the gathered twigs around his arm. The branches, twigs and even weeds and vines around Eraston started moving in the direction of his four legs.

Distracted by this new threat, Eraston moved back a little. This gave the King a chance to attack once more. He made a solid hit to the dragon’s chest and managed to get away from a claw and the dragon’s bite.

Rega ran over to his friend. Dexir was just beginning to get up and Rega helped steady him once his did. His left arm was injured. Blood was dripping from several areas. He watched as his friend took Akrun and rubbed the blade over his injuries. Where there were cuts and blood a moment before, there now were pink scars.

Eraston’s back legs and his right front leg were tangled up in the plant growth. Another attack of arrows bounced off the scales on his back.

King Motagula attacked with Valhaakon once more. The dragon managed to parry with his untangled left front claw. His bite missed the King again.

Doman’s spell began to weaken. The dragon broke free with his right front leg.

Lobaki finally joined in the fight. She let loose with a Magic Missile spell of her own. Only one missile came from her, but it unerringly hit the dragon.

Stice and the five remaining archers shot another round of arrows. Several more hit. The dragon appeared to be affected now.

In a desperate move, the dragon aimed his poison gas at King Motagula. The King ducked, knowing that he was doomed. All of a sudden, a strong wind blew the gas away from the King, dissipating it.

Dexir and the King both charged again. This attack was fatal to Eraston. Akrun sliced through his chin, piercing his brain. Valhaakon went through the chest, hitting the heart. The self-proclaimed King of the Forest now crumpled into a massive green heap.

Everyone stood and stared at the dead dragon. Barg broke the silence as he chirped loudly and flew back to Lobaki’s shoulder.

The King, Dexir and Rega entered the lair. The Dragonstone was located in the very back, the only treasure found. They left the cavern.

“Here is the gem, Rega.” said the King, giving the Sapphire to the thief. “I would invite you back to Estu, but I know you need to be moving on to Leafbourn. May you succeed in your mission.”

“Thank you, your Majesty.” was all Rega said.

The King then turned to Dexir. “Well, Warrior, it was glorious.” he said. “I welcome you to visit my place any time.”

There was yet one more the King spoke to. “Please come closer, half-orc. I observed what you did just now and I can see you have a powerful skill. Please let me look upon you for a moment.”

Doman moved up to the King as requested.

“I want to thank you for your entangle spell. It helped distract the dragon enough for us to be able to kill him.” he said to Doman, while studying his features. “I see you have some elvish blood. You intrigue me. I would like to make you an offer that I hope you accept.”

Doman looked and Rega and then back to the King. “I’m listening.”

King Motagula continued, “Normally, orcs and half-orcs that have a magical skill follow the shamanistic rites. As far as I know, you are a unique individual. While the rest of your group continues to Leafbourn, come back with me to Estu. I will have some of our finer druids give you some training to supplement what you already have.”

Rega walked up to Doman and gave him a pat on the back. “Go with King Motagula. We will get the Emeraldstone and stop back to get you once done. Besides, it is probably better for you to stay away from the halflings.”

Doman thanked the King for the offer and said quick goodbyes to his group of friends.

The five remaining archers had already gathered the bodies of their fallen friends. They would be taken back to Estu and given a funeral worthy of the heroes they were.

The King then had his archers help him with the dragon. The elven wizards could use many of the dragon parts for their spell components. As an afterthought, Lobaki walked over and pulled off three dragon scales.

Rega’s party was ready to go. They waved goodbye a final time to Doman and the King before moving in a northern direction. They should intersect the road going to Leafbourn soon.