Rider Displaced

Chapter 6

The quest they've been assigned to complete sounded fairly simple, based on what he read so far. For the past week, goblins, creatures he was familiar with back in his world, were ambushing and raiding passing caravans on the road towards the fortress city of Cadia. About three caravans have already been raided, and the guards have had trouble trying to track the vermin down before they could escape the area. They were approaching the site of the last attack where they were hoping to find clues as to the whereabouts of these goblins, specifically their den where they're likely storing everything they've stolen. Ever since they've been first encountered, no one knows why they have a fine interest in shiny things when they won't even spend it. In his realm they were no different, other than appearances, but they've been hunted to near extinction for the amount of trouble they caused.

"Looks like this is the site girl," Walker called out as they flew over the road where the remains of a wagon rested. However it wasn't the only thing as there was a squad of 8 soldiers looking around the area. "And it seems we're not alone." He was informed that messengers would be sent across the kingdom to inform the other cities and towns that he and Amber were not a threat, but he couldn't confirm if these guys got that message yet. He would have to use caution. "Let's land some distance from these guys, give us some breathing room if they draw swords on us."

Amber acknowledged and dived towards the ground at a distance from the soldiers, but made sure they would notice her so they weren't sneaking up on them. Immediately the squad reacted and abandoned the road, running towards where the dragon and her rider had landed. From there, the two waited for the soldiers to arrive to hopefully explain to them their role and avoid any hostilities.

When they arrived, the soldiers looked as if they were expecting a fight, with swords drawn and shields brought to bear. It didn't seem like they got the message from the king yet. However they kept their distance, likely aware of the strength and threat a dragon possesses. But Walker jumped down from the saddle and revealed himself, stepping ahead so Amber was behind him. The soldiers took notice and their leader, a lieutenant, stepped forward. "I am Lieutenant Oswald of the Cadia City Guard, state your name and what your intentions are stranger!"

"Specialist Walker, now adventure!" He answered. "Behind me is my companion, and we're here on business regarding the attacks from goblins! I'm sure you're already familiar as you were inspecting the site of where the previous attack took place." This fortunately seemed to ease the soldiers, but they still held their weapons out.

"So you're an adventurer?" The lieutenant asked as he looked back at Amber. "I've never seen one ever riding on the back of a dragon. Usually they just kill them and sell off the scales and other remains for a hefty some of coin." Amber did not like that answer and started growling. At least he now knew those looks those other adventurers were giving his dragon. He would make sure they didn't bring any weapons close to her, or he wouldn't hesitate to end them where they stood.

"I see. Well I'm not your ordinary adventurer, and my dragon has more value to me alive than dead. We came here to investigate the goblin attacks and track the little vermin down. I assume you're doing the same?"

"Aye. We were ordered by our lord to search for any more possible clues as to the whereabouts of these goblins. Unfortunately we've had no success." The lieutenant informed. "I tell you, these goblins may not be smart but they ain't stupid. They covered their tracks well."

"Good thing Amber is with us. She can pick up a scent from far distances easily, if you would allow us near the site of the attack." The soldiers had complied, allowing the rider and dragon to approach the road where the wrecked wagon now rested. There were traces and evidence of a struggle, but no noticeable trails leading away from the fight. It would be impossible for any man to track down the attackers. Fortunately Amber was no man, and upon reaching the site began sniffing around for any scent of the goblins.