[WIP] The Dragonsoul Guardian

Chapter One: A New Mission

Earth is so different from Etherworld, yet, in some ways, so similar. Both possess intelligent people, powerful leaders, and, of course, those who would want to seize power for themselves.

Presently, I stare into the night. The army I have been sent to protect is on the verge of destruction. The tyrant Dezztrathian's troops are only hours away, and our exhausted party of rescued citizens lacks the strength to make it up the mountain. I feel my heart hammering fiercely inside my chest. Breathe, I tell myself. Don't panic.

Taking a deep, shuddering breath, my claws clench and unclench on the shaft of my spear. I scan the area; there is no sign of Dez or his men.

Suddenly, a hand clamps around my shoulder. I whirl around with a start, perplexed, and narrowly avoid impaling General Thorton with my weapon.

"Watch it, dragon," he snarls, hand closing around the hilt of his sword.

"Yes, sir," I mutter, unconsciously backing away a pace from the infuriated noble. I return my spear to its amulet state and hang it loosely on my neck.

Thorton makes a dismissive gesture. He motions for me to follow him into the command tent.

We sit in silence for a few moments. The general gazes at the dull yellow cloth in between us, as if deep in thought.

"Kaliasta?" Thorton finally asks. He seems troubled.

"Yes?"

He hesitates. "It's not going well. They've chased us all the way up the mountain, and they're preparing to attack us right now."

"Do we... have a chance?" I ask quietly.

General Thorton shakes his head sadly. "N-no. Unless-"

"Unless?" I burst out hopefully.

"Dezztrathian's soldiers... there's something wrong with them. They just came out of nowhere. And they never seem to die or disappear. It's like... like they aren't real."

"What? Really?"

"Well, do you recall ever destroying one of them?" Thorton asks impatiently.

Over the past two weeks, I have helped fend off several enemy attacks, but I have never killed any of Dez's men - our strikes seem to pass right through them. I shake my head slowly. "So, what do you propose?"

"So, this is what we know: they cannot be destroyed and can be summoned at Dez's will."

I begin to put two and two together. "There must be some type of device generating his warriors! If we could only get to it-"

"And I know it's a big favor to ask one person... but... I need you to get into enemy lines and destroy the generator."

The gist of his words slowly sank in. "You want me to..."

"Yes. But you're the Dragonsoul Guardian. You're a Covert knight!"

"We must have faith," I agree. "When shall I leave?"

The burly man considers this question. "They're going to be raiding us in a few minutes. I'd suggest you sneak out while they're all distracted by the fighting."

"That sounds reasonable. Thank you, sir."

I begin to exit the tent, but Thorton stops me. "Kaliasta."

I turn around.

"I believe in you. You will be our savior; I know it."

"I wish I were as confident as you," I respond. "Well... I'd best get some rest before the battle, sir."

I step out of the command area, stretching my arms and groaning. As soon as I lie back down on the cool, comfortable grass, however, the ground shakes. 

"Wha-" I begin.

General Thorton rushes out of the command tent behind me and informs me grimly,  "They're here. Get ready to leave immediately. Don't stop to help us; just find their base and destroy that generator!"

I nod. I summon Runespear and grasp it with my powerful, corrupted left hand.

"Ten seconds after I scream 'potatoes', leave. Got it?" the general whispers.

"'Potatoes'?"

"Just... POTATOES! POTATOES! Let's get 'em, boys! ATTACK!" Thorton bellows, his voice carrying over the chaos.

Ten... nine... eight... 

Within seconds, the usually calm atmosphere of the organized campsite burst into chaos. The ringing of steel against steel and the dull thuds of weapons slamming into shields and barriers fill the clearing.

"Three. Two," I whisper. "One."

With a burst of energy, I kick off from the mossy ground and spiral into the air.

"WHAT'S THAT?" a voice bellows from below. I wince and gain height and speed, my wings cutting through the air. "It's a bird... it's a plane. Ugh... JUST SHOOT IT DOWN!"

Arrows and crossbow bolts whiz past me; I deflect and slice through them with my spear as I tumble through the sky.

Glancing behind my shoulder, the soldiers seem to have stopped their firing. Breathing a sigh of relief, I put away the Runespear and increase my pace through the air. Earth is truly beautiful; below me lies a shimmering deep-blue river and emerald-green hills and vegetation. Above are smoky gray clouds dotted throughout the magnificent navy-blue night sky. Despite the elegant landscape, I can't help missing the vast wilderness around Covert Castle, my family's residence, back home in Etherworld.

After what feels like an eternity, I emit a yawn. I am not used to vigorous physical activity such as the wing movement necessary to fly. Aside from my combat training as a Moonsilver warrior, I am also a bibliophile. It was the tales of honor and duty I enjoyed that inspired me to train to become a Covert, the highest rank of the cult's knights.

I decide to rest in a little cave near a hill while I formulate a plan to steal the generator. As soon as I lay my head on the smooth, cool stone ground, I sink into the reassuring abyss of sleep.