What Lurks Behind The Trees

Foe

"So this is where it was stolen."

"Yes, master Cedric,"

In the middle of nowhere, an empty field of greenery, on the road between Cruin and Demondale.

"Dragons, you say?"

"Yes, master"

"What makes you think they were magic?"

"They came out of thin air, master"

Cedric turned to his men with a stern look on his face; he had obviously been underestimated by these magicians. He had one of the most powerful armies in Osledel. "Find me these magicians; I'm sure they can't go far with these heavy wagons"

"Yes, master Cedric"

"And search this area for anything that might help us find these people,"

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Drip,

Blown eyes darted to the sound, their owner panting heavily.

Drip,

The water was dripping from the brick ceiling since he was first thrown into this cold cell.

Drip,

He was slowly losing his mind, no light, no human interaction, no decent food. He just sat in the corner of the cell, blaming himself, over thinking and listening to that damned water dripping. It was like a timer, ticking in the emptiness of these four walls, telling him that with every second that passes, his son and family are facing dangers.

Drip,

He pressed his palms against his ears to block out the noise, but it was still in his head, ticking like a bomb. He clenched his jaw and scratched his head in frustration.

Drip,

He scratched harder, faster.

Drip,

His breathing quickened,

Drip,

"Stop," he said to the brick walls.

Drip,

"Stop, please"

Drip,

"STOP!" he roared into the empty cells, standing up quickly as he heaved. He backed up against the walls when the cell door clanged, shaking his head in fear.

A guard walked in, and closed the door behind him. He walked up to him and knelt to the ground on one knee.

"Dyron Blackwood, I am Darren of the king's guard"

Dyron just stared at him, chest still heaving in fear.

"I have come to help you; you must not tell anyone of my visit," when Dyron didn't reply he carried on "I saw your son Gregor," at that Dyron's eyes widened, he leaped at Darren and held him by his collar.

"Where is my son?!"

"Don't worry Sir Blackwood; I am on your side,"

"Answer me!"

"I saw your son, heading east with a large group of men, I spoke to him and told him of your state. I stole the dagger you gave him from the king and gave it to him,"

"How do I know you're not lying to me?" Dyron said.

"Sir Blackwood, I have been a Kings Guard for a very long time, I saw what happened that day, and many other guards also know. I am loyal to every Blackwood that lives and I shall help you in any way."

Dyron almost broke down right then, the feeling of loss suddenly taking over him, loss of pride and position. "Thank you, Darren,"

"I also told your son about Julian, I hope you don't mind,"

Dyron bowed his head in shame, "I should have told him before it was too late,"

"But Sir, your son will be going to meet him, he will cross the Stygian forest with those men, 'The cursed' men."

"What? He's crossing the forest?!"

"He's probably already far too deep in it,"

"W-what if something happens to him again?" Dyron slid down to the ground, remembering his son's face when he found him in the forest, remembering his red eye and what the king had said about his arm.

"He will make it, he's strong enough. And his arm is also very powerful and will help him on his journey."

"So it's true,"

Darren lifted his eyebrows in confusion.

"So it's true, he really does have a slayer's arm,"

"I don't think you should think of it as a curse, Sir Blackwood, It's a token, of bravery, for saving his sister,"

"Laina is alive?!" Dyron sobbed

"Yes, but unfortunately the king is searching for your wife and daughters everywhere and I don't know their whereabouts"

Dyron's shoulders slumped "Thank god she is alive," he covered his face with his palms.

"Sir Dyron, my visits will be rare as I don't want to seem suspicious, but in the meantime, I will find a way for you to escape,"

Dyron looked at him with grateful eyes "Darren, I will never forget what you have done for me and my family; you are the most loyal person I know. How will I ever repay you?"

"I will always serve the Blackwoods, they have been more of a family to me than my own family" Darren smiled.

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"Zaveo, they're searching for us, what shall we do?" the cloaked man said sarcastically to his dragon. The dragon only flared his nostrils and stared into the distance. "They call us magicians," He scoffed. "When shall we play our game Zaveo?" He looked at his dragon and lifted his eyebrows. The dragon grunted in reply.

"I think we should start soon," the cloaked man smirked.

"Venkalth," the cloaked man turned around at his name being called, it was another cloaked man.

"Lazarus, have you come to interrupt my peacetime with Zaveo?" Venkalth smiled.

Lazarus lifted his head and beneath his hood, two yellow orbs reflected the moon's light. "My Zander is getting hungry," and from behind him, a flame erupted, and from the flame, yellow eyes opened and great wings formed. The flames solidified to black coal scales that shaped into a large head, then four bulky legs and a swinging tail. The flames danced on the surface of the now fully formed body of a dragon. "He's been restless all day," Lazarus said.

"Then I think it's almost time for us to play a game," Venkalth said, stroking Zaveo's rough skin.

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Two dragons what?!!!! Guys what do you think? 23 chapters and I've still got so much in store for all the genuine readers!

Don't forget to vote and comment :)