Dragon Heart

The Question of War

"Queen Iris, we must rest our men. They are tired and need feeding, and you should rest too." the General proposed, pulling on the reins of his horse.
"I agree, General, we make camp here."
"Halt! We make camp here and continue our journey tomorrow!"
The sound of troops dismounting and readying themselves for bed echoed through the thick woodland. Iris herself set up a tent and collapsed on her bed, Fenrir was taking up most the floor space, laying close to her, his ears pricked up and the sound of boots edged nearer to the tent.
"Queen Iris? It's me, Viridus."
"Come in, Viridus."
The material of the tent was shifted as the handsome young man stepped in, his eyes focused on Fenrir who let out a low warning growl.
"Would you like some food?"
"Why did you want to join me?" she changed the focus of the conversation.
"Well, because I have heard of the victory you lead against the Derian, some say there was a dragon who burnt them alive... I want to fight for a ruler and a warrior. I want to fight for a noble ruler."
"There are other noble rulers, many more."
"I know- but- you are different. My father warned me of your family, but he is old and has loss sense as the years go on, I do not think your family is as evil as they say."
"Evil? You think I am evil?"
"No! But... your grandfather was."
"How so?"
"Why- why- because he killed the innocent! I am sorry if I cause offence but he was a mad man, your father settled Kovaria and he should be honoured, but your grandfather was destructive and cruel-"
"Do you think I am my grandfather, Viridus?"
"No-"
"No. My grandfather was mad, crazy, cruel, a sadist even, but he protected my home and he is the reason that I stand here today. Now please, leave me to settle for the night."
"Yes, of course. Sorry."
Iris rubbed her eyes as Viridus returned to the campfire, sitting on a fallen tree while the men told stories.
"Tell us of Olav and the fire birds, please, Killy. It is my favourite story."
Killy was a warrior, older then most the men here, but he fought better than every man. His face was tired and scarred from war but his smile was sharp and he told stories of war for the young boys who were yet to feel the sensation of their blade cutting down men.
"Bastian, you always ask for the same story! But yes! I will tell the tale of King Olav and the Birds of Fire..."
Viridus knew the story, they all knew the story but still, every soldier leaned in closer as Killy began to speak.
"It was many years ago when Olav was King of Kovaria, he had two sons, Reagan and Richard. Both were fine soldiers, however Reagan preferred to study politics and trade and protection, while Richard, like his father, preferred war and weaponry. One night, Richard was leading a small party of men to the Kingdom of Quera to discuss an alliance if war was ever to be declared on either of their kingdoms. But during the darkest hour, the camp was ambushed, every man was killed, either slaughtered in his sleep or butchered as they tried to defend themselves. The ambushers were from Pontiloe, an enemy of Quera, and they marked the bodies so that people knew that Pontiloe was behind the attack and that they opposed the alliance. The body of Richard was hung up in a tree and mutilated. They cut off his limps, his fingers, his ears, and on his chest they carved the words "Agnenra de tel ": meaning "the bringer of war is the first to die" in the native Pontiloe language. When the body of his son was found, Olav was full of rage and vengeance, vowing to avenge his first born. Olav went to a sorceress and gave her gold beyond measure, instructing her to bring him creatures that would destroy kingdoms and be  loyal to him. He returned weeks later and was gifted with 30 red eggs, from each egg, a great bird was born. They were red and black, they breathed fire, their talons were sharper than daggers and their screams drove fear into the heart of any man who heard them. So, Olav readied his troops in the darkness, and lead them to the gates of Pontiloe. The dark sky was lit up by the fire of the birds, they burnt down homes and people screamed in the streets as fire fell from sky. No one knew what Olav's plan was exactly, whether it was to kill civilians, nobles, the royal family or just to cause destruction. It is said that when Kovarian soldiers asked their generals what to do, they were told to kill everyone they see. Men, women, children, the elderly. The army of Pontiloe was no match for the unholy birds and their power, screams of men filled the sky as they were engulfed by flames. Olav broke into the castle and killed every servant and every noble, every royal he found was flung into the fire below, even the children. Many people say this is when he became truly mad, blinded by grief and anger, scarred from seeing the mutilated corpse of his son. Everyone person within that kingdom was killed, every single person. He destroyed thousands of lives, and now the castle and land is abandoned, left in ruin. Of course, stories of birds who breathed fire spread across the land, and many feared the wrath of Olav, and they feared one noise above all: Olav's whistle. It was the sound of death, and was always followed by the screams of the birds, killing for their father."
"Where are these fire birds now? Are they still alive?" Viridus spoke up.
Heads turned slowly to look at him.
"The birds were lead by the largest bird, a female named Adara who's shriek made castles shake. Adara died suddenly in Kovaria in Olav's chambers. It is said she began screaming with thrill, her wings full of fire, before falling, dead, beside Olav. Olav was heartbroken and confused, and as he held the body of his beloved bird, a servant rushed into his room, informing him of the birth of his granddaughter. She was his first grandchild and was named, Iris. Many believed that Adara's soul resides in Iris, and Olav was so fond of Iris; he protected her and taught her for the early years of her life. When Olav died, the rest of the birds flew away to the mountains, they would have no other master. It is because of these birds that we protect the mountains in Kovaria, for they hold magic beyond our understanding."
"That was a lovely story, Killy." a familiar voice said.
"Queen Iris-"
"Please, you have always been the best at telling stories, will you sing for us though? The song of the mountains, it is my favourite, and I have so many memories of you singing it me in the Great Hall."
Killy smiled, his eyes twinkling, "The song of the mountains is my favourite too,  my queen."
Killy cleared his throat and began to hum softly, many of the Kovarian soldiers joining in, familiar with the ancient tune.
"Far over the Misty Mountains cold,
To dungeons deep and caverns old,
We must away, ere break of day,
To find our long forgotten gold.
The pines were roaring on the height,
The winds were moaning in the night,
The fire was red, it flaming spread;
The trees like torches blazed with light."