Chapter 8
Captain Vesryn stood at the new camp, hands clasped behind his back. His eyes were slitted as he studied the ground. No one dared say a word. He strode forward, inspecting the shattered chunks of metal.
"You say you returned and this is all you found?"
"Yes, Captain."
Vesryn leaned down to scoop up a pile of metal shards. He inspected them closely. It was a puzzle. He saw how many of the shards could fit together. Vesryn grabbed a larger shard, unsheathed his dagger, and attempted to pound its hilt onto the piece of metal. It remained solid. He frowned.
"How did these chains shatter?" Vesryn muttered.
"I don't know, Captain."
Vesryn snarled at the dragonrider. "What do you know?"
"I interrogated them, and while most weren't helpful, one woman quickly confessed they were traveling south to Laeraed."
"Laeraed? Interesting." Vesryn paused. "She gave this information freely?"
"Well, no, Captain. I gave her a couple of minor wounds to loosen her tongue."
"Where were these minor wounds?"
"Her forearms, Captain."
"Hmm."
Vesryn strolled in a circle, scratching his chin.
"Start from the beginning. You captured them, had them in camp chained—then what happened?"
"I heard a growl in the woods. At first, I was only mildly curious. I knew with my dragon, that no matter what kind of wild beast it may be, I would be safe. However, it continued to growl, and the growl grew louder, like it was approaching the camp. I sent my dragon after the noise to check it out." He took a deep breath. "After a moment of silence, I heard growls again, coming from two creatures this time. I waited a while longer, but then I heard a loud noise; it sounded like the earth was cracking apart. I checked the prisoners' chains to make sure they were secured to the tree, then I left the camp to find the fight, and to see if my dragon was all right."
"What did you find?" the captain asked.
"My dragon sprawled out on the ground, rolling in agony. I rushed over to the creature, putting my hand on its stomach."
"What did it feel like?"
"Excuse me?"
"The beast's stomach. What did it feel like?"
"Hard, it's always hard. Not as hard as its back scales, but—"
"Anything else? Anything out of the ordinary?"
"Uh—"
"Was its body cold?"
"Yes ... yes, as a matter of fact it was. Which is unusual—"
"For a red, fire-breathing dragon," Vesryn finished.
"What are you saying? That an ice dragon attacked my dragon and stole my prisoners? There is no such thing as ice dragons. Are you suggesting a rogue dragonrider is plotting against us?"
"Not necessarily," Vesryn whispered.
He studied the other dragonriders before turning back to Tirask.
"What is it?" Tirask asked.
"A mercenary came to our camp yesterday, with orders from the general for access to our intelligence, and to assist us." Vesryn paused. "He had a blue dragon."
Tirask's eyes widened. "Do you think he's plotting against the empire?"
Vesryn shook his head. "I think the general sent him to retrieve the traitors. After we lost the traitors the first time, I don't believe the general trusts us."
"But he trusts a mercenary?" Tirask's face twisted with a snarl.
"Apparently."
Vesryn climbed back atop his dragon. "No point in staying here, boys. We best be off."
"Where to?" Tirask asked.
Vesryn pointed a finger. "You have one last chance before I send you to the general."
Tirask nodded. "Yes, Captain."
"Well, if what you said is true, they're heading to Laeraed. We'll split into three groups. Tirask and Nathiel... you'll be with me, and we'll go to Trevium."
He motioned to four others. "You four travel to Uriah."
His order was acknowledged.
Vesryn faced the last four. "And you four ... travel down to Laeraed." He paused. "The rest of you, scour the forests near the river."
He studied the faces of the ten dragonriders. "Fly low, search the ground as well. Perhaps we will get lucky and spot them. Find our agents in the cities and have them keep an eye out as well. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," echoed through the camp.
"Then let us be off," Vesryn said.
The dragonriders mounted. Wings flapped in front of Vesryn as the dragons took flight. Broken chain shards fluttered in spirals all around the camp. Vesryn watched as his dragonriders ascended into the sky, blocking the blaring light from the two suns. He stroked the neck of his dragon, before patting its side twice. It was time to go.
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Dragonia: Rise of the Wyverns
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