The World of Drakonia--Dragons and Riders

Braum had just stepped on the the porch of Kryton's porch when he looked across the compound and seen gaurd, followed shortly by the old crone Serena step into the barn. He watched as Serena walked back out shortly followed by Miranda. Braum stepped quickly off the porch and walked swiftly across the compound, just as Serena stepped through the gates. "Shut and bar the gates! ...... Sound the alarm ...... Archers to the walls!!!!" he shouted. Stepping in front of Miranda he placed his hands on her shoulders gazing into your blank emotionless eyes. Braum then spoke softly as he held the palm of one hand before Miranda "Si mi vi darastrix urthalre di juanth mrith wer dastudr di wer darastrix si rechan oratha wer tija di Serena vur goawy kyovaeri zahae miranda di wer varden." As he spoke a soft white sphere glowed on Miranda's forehead and all memory of Serena's presence and conversation vanished from Miranda's memory. In fact the last thing she remembered she was standing and gromming a horse.

Braum then grabbed the gaurd and said "Do not leave Mirand's side and escort her to Commander Kryton's ofice immediately." he then went to the gate and said to the Captain of the gaurd. "Stay vigilant there is grave danger just beyond these gates. THe woman Serena that you just let pass is not to be allowed within these walls. Tell your spell casters to be on their gaurd." Braum then turned and walked towards Kryton's office.

Serena was furious, her rage knew no bounds as she stormed through the forest back to where she had left the red Lizonians. Damn that foolish rider!! Somehow, he'd seen through her facade. She had to get to Miranda and soon, before she delivered her message.

Than, her eyes lit up. Ahhh, yes, there is another way. If Miranda got her message delivered before she could stop then there was always after. Afterall, any good Varden would never tell of the secret passageway to the Varden's hideout, so she just get rid of her niece before she can escort them to the Varden.

As for the rider, well, she would have to come up with something else. A weak minded guard perhaps. Taking her position on top of the hill once again, the red Lizonian looked to the witch, his eyes showing his impatience to taste human blood. Serena watched and waited, opening her senses to pinpoint that which she would need. Of course, now she had to be extra dilligent as she was sure the rider had alerted the compound's spell casters. This would take much of her energy, but if she played it right then she wouldn't even have to come into contact with the guard or her niece.

"Stay alert, Gnash. Gods of Darkness willing, I will deliver you blood to you anon."

Serena stared out into the horizon, chanting a spell to bespell the guard she'd felt in the tower as well as chanting a spell to cover both spells. This would have to be done quickly if it was going to work. And, if it didn't, then she would wait, but she would have to make sure that someone became food for Gnash and his fellow Lizonians to keep them placated.

Serena was becoming furious. She couldn't get the guard to do what she wanted, couldn't get through to him. She'd have to get closer and that may be too risky. She would have to think of something else or she would be the one becoming food for the red Lizonians.

She'd heard Miranda speaking to the horse she'd been grooming about losing her own horse not long ago. A beautiful mare called Satin. Tapping one long fingernail to her bottom lip, a plan began to form. Just maybe, maybe it would work.

It would take time and energy, and she had things and ingredients to gather.

"Come Gnash, we will go to the neighboring farmstead and you shall have your feast, but keep it quiet. And, don't touch the horses. I have need of one."

Erik wasn’t completely dry when he hurried to put his clothes on. Furrowing his brows, he strode to the area Shiloh told him and when he saw the severed head laying there with flies already buzzing around it, he grit his teeth. There was only one person he knew would do something like this. Braum had no couth what so ever. And it clearly showed right now.

Stepping off the porch to go to the stables to retrieve an empty feed bag, he saw the commotion near the gates. And Braum. Turning to head in that direction, he met Braum half way to Kryton’s office with Miranda in tow. Needless to say his brows creased even more.

“Braum. We need to talk.”

”Not right now, boy. I’ve got to get her to Kryton’s office.”

Erik clenched his jaw even more and grabbed Braum by the shoulder to spin him around.

”I’m not a boy, Braum, and you’d best stop calling me that or…”

”Or what? You’ll have at me right here right now? Please…I’ve had worse threats. If you need to talk to me right now then you will accompany me to Kryton’s office and we can discuss it there. Otherwise, be on your way.”

Erik was angrier than he had been in a long time. Clenching his hands into tight fists, he held himself back from delivering the jaw crushing punch he so wanted to give the grouchy old man. Instead, he let Braum take up walking once more and followed them into Kryton’s office.

Kryton was standing up with a concerned look on his face as the three walked in. His dark eyes drifted from Braum to Miranda then to Erik.

”Seems I can’t trust anyone coming into my compound any more. I’ve ordered the gates locked until further notice. I understand you needed to talk top me right away Braum. What are these two doing with you?”

Shiloh finished her bath, dressed and went out to find Erik. As she stepped out onto the porch of the dorm, the head was still there and she sidestepped it, looking at it as if it were going to jump at her. She was a good fighter, but there were just some things that she couldn't handle and a bodiless head was one of them.

She saw Erik heading to Kryton's office with Miranda and Braum and wondered what was going on. Shrugging her shoulders, she figured that Erik would tell her when he was ready. Instead, she headed for the stables to groom RainStorm before she began her training.

Once inside, she noticed that the horses were nervous about something, pawing the floors of their stables and tossing their heads, their eyes somewhat wild. Patting each and every one until she made it to RainStorm, she spoke softly to him when she heard flies buzzing around in the last stable at the far end of the barn. Walking carefully over, she withdrew her dagger, keeping her steps light and quiet.

Reaching the stable, she peered in and saw the young guard with his throat slit, his eyes wide with fear. Around the neck wound was the tell tale sign of Lizonian venom.

Running out of the stables, she hollered for the guards, telling them what and who was in the stables then she ran to Kryton's office, knocking forcefully on the door.

"ENTER!!!! FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS, WHAT NOW?!!"

When Kryton saw Shiloh, his gaze softened and he toned down a bit, asking her what the problem was.

"Last stable, in the barn, one of the young guards is dead. His throat was slit and there are signs of Lizonian poison at the wound."

Miranda looked dazed and confused, hearing Shiloh say something about a dead guard in the stables. She was remembering something, but it was just out of reach and how in the name of the Gods did she get to Kryton's office. She was just grooming one of the horses. She looked over at the guard holding onto her arm and yanked free of him. Something was definately not right here and it involved her which she didn't like in the least. Seeing Braum watching her carefully, she knew instantly who had the answers and by the Gods, she would have those answers or Braum wouldn't know a moment's peace while she was around.

She saw Erik and the look on his face. He was angry about something, that much was clear and if she guessed right, he was angry at Braum. What had the man done now?

Miranda rubbed her temples, trying to get rid of the throbbing that was starting in her head. Her head felt fuzzy and she was dizzy as if she'd been bespelled. That was when her head jerked up and she glared at Braum, her green eyes spitting fire at him. Now she was furious. Biding her time, she waited. Braum apparantly wanted to run the show so she would let him, for now.

As Serena, Gnash and the other Lizonians walked quietly through the forest towards the farmstead, she collected what herbs she would need to do the job she had planned. It wouldn't be wise to cast it before nightfall so she had time.

They came across two hunters and Gnash and his followers made short work of them, gorging themselves. At least they were placated for now. They wouldn't reach the farmstead until afternoon and then it would be nightfall by the time they returned to the compound. That was when she would act.

Braum clmly said "Miranda this is Commander Kryton and I believe you have a message of some importance for him. As to why Erik is here, well it seems he is upset that I delivered the head of the Lizonian that led the attack on his girl friends village and killed her ....... friends. The witch and spellcaster Serena was in the compound and tried to prevent Miranda from delivering her message. Probably trying to win favor with Elighinn." He then looked at Miranda and said "Well Miranda of the Varden are you going to stand there like an adled school girl brought before the headmaster or are you going to complete your mission?" Braum then looked at Erik who stood with his mouth open. "And you boy shut your mouth before a Dragon flies in it. You wanted answers, listen and learn."

Miranda glared at Braum, wanting nothing more than to slap him silly, but that could wait til later. Right now, she had to deliver her message. When he mentioned Serena, she gave him a confused look, a memory tickling her brain, as if it were trying to come forth. All it did was cause her head to ache. Turning her attention to Commander Kryton, she began.

"I am Miranda Kelley of the Varden and I was sent here to observe your compound and riders and get a feel for all of you." When she saw Kryton aknowledge the Varden but then protest at being scoped out, she raised her hand, stopping him.

"Hear me out, Commander. Others like me have been sent all over the land, doing exactly what I am doing now. The time to strike at Elighinn is coming soon, but we Varden are few, not strong enough in numbers to really do any damage to him. But, if we combine our forces, work together, then we have a better chance at defeating him. My leader, Lord Jardon, is wise enough to see this. Your compound is well run, the riders well trained as well as their aides. They are becoming brave, attacking close to the compounds, and wiping out whole villages. We need to join our forces in order to defeat him. Will you join us? Will you fight alongside of us and we alongside of you to defeat Elighinn? Together we can defeat him, his minions, and his creation, the red Lizonians. Even Morbidtora will fall if we combine our forces and work together. What do you say, Commander? What message do I return to Lord Jardon?"

Miranda watched as Kryton pondered her words. He knew of the Varden and their valiant efforts to protect those who fell under attack from Elighinn, but their numbers were few even though their bravery knew no bounds.

"I will have to consult with my head riders on this. I will get back to you before the day is gone tomorrow. You are dismissed, all of you."

As Miranda walked out of the office, she waited until she was a few yards away from the office before turning on Braum.

"I want answers, Braum, and I want them now!!! Who in the hell is Serena? How do you know about me and the Varden? How did I end up in Kryton's office when the last thing I remember was grooming a horse? What did you do to me?"

Erik was furious at Braum for treating him like a child once more. He wanted to punch the old mans mouth until he spit his teeth out on the ground and was left with nothing but gums to try and eat with. Of course he’d never get his way. It wouldn’t be looked on very well if he attacked the elderly Rider.

As Miranda spoke of the Varden, Erik’s eye blinked. He’d heard of them but didn’t think they were still around. He could have sworn they had all been destroyed in the last big war when Elghinn killed his father. But…Miranda was one of them. So that HAD to mean they were still out there, some where.

As they were dismissed from Kryton’s office, Erik took Shiloh’s hand in his and followed along behind Braum and Miranda. When Miranda accosted the old man outside Kryton’s office, Erik let a small smile of victory ease over his lips. As he and Shiloh passed by Braum and Miranda, Erik leaned in closer and spoke in a low voice for Braum’s ears alone.

”We’ll settle up when you’re done with the she-cat. If there’s anything left to settle up with, that is.”

Leading Shiloh away from the two, he headed for the stable. Seeing others cleaning up the mess left behind of the dead guards body, he found an empty feed sack and headed for the dorms.

”There’s no doubt the old man has value, Shi, but damn if he doesn’t know how to pluck my last nerve. I want nothing more than to punch him in the mouth and shut his insolence up for good. I don’t dare, though, He’s an elder and we are to show him respect. I guess they didn’t teach these old crones they should show respect to get it.”

Erik shook his head and furrowed his brow as he moved to the dorms to collect the severed, fly attracting head of the Red Lizonian Braum despoited on the door step. He’d make sure it got incinerated so they wouldn’t have to worry about the smell or the vermin it will attract.

Shiloh couldn't believe what she'd just heard. Miranda, a member of the Varden.

Once dismissed, she headed out with the rest of them, sticking close to Erik, but not too close. She didn't want to crowd him, especially when he was angry, like he was right now with Braum. She stayed quiet when Miranda lit into him, watching Braum's face stay it's typical arrogant self. She couldn't help but smile thinking about how the fiesty redhead just may prove a match for the arrogant rider.

This Serena person had her concerned, though. She knew little of magicks, but she knew that dark magick was not something to mess around with and apparantly that's what Serena does. Dark magick. The thought made her shiver.

But, time was wasting away and they needed to train, especially if Kryton decided to take the Varden up on their offer and combine their forces.

Shiloh couldn't surpress the chuckle at Erik's words as her heart soared when he took her hand and led her back to the dorm. After grabbing a grain sack, she wrinkled her nose as he deposited the head into it, then followed him to where it would be burned.

Once that was done, she whistled for Sampson, who was busy getting spoiled by the head mistress at the aides' dorm. Patting his head, she gave him the command to follow and they both followed Erik to the training area.

Shiloh headed over to the training area while Erik disposed of the Lizonian head. She told Sampson to stay on the outside of the arena while she went in and stretched, getting ready for whatever Erik had in store for her today. She was still grieving over her father, but with Erik's help, she was dealing with it and adjusting.

She turned watching Miranda still lighting into Braum and couldn't surpress a chuckle. Miranda's red hair was showing her temper and if she didn't know better, she could swear that she could see her green eyes sparkling as she spoke to Baum.

She watched as Erik came walking towards the arena, admiring the view he presented. She smiled at him, letting him know that she was ready for her training to resume. She knew he wouldn't take it easy on her just because of how they felt for each other. If anything, she expected him to be worse with her because of how he felt about her. So, she thougt she was ready for whatever he decided to throw at her.

It was coming into the afternoon when Serena, Gnash and his soldiers returned to the tree covered hill overlooking the compound. She led a beautiful roan colored mare behind her, glaring at the Lizonians if they got too close to the horse, causing her to spook. She didn't like having to soothe the miserable creature, but she needed her.

Tieing her tether to a tree branch, Serena then focused on the girl, Miranda. She had already given orders to Gnash to guard her and guard her well for what she was about to do would deplete her energy.

Pulling the various roots and herbs from her pouch, she then proceeded to mash them up in her small pestle and mortar, mixing them with water and using her magick, created a small flame to heat the mixture up before straining it.

She then set it to the side to cool and wait.

Braum unemotionally looked at Miranda as she ranted, then calmly asked "Do you feel better now? I know I do."
Temeraire touched Braums mind and said "It is time we answered some of her questions, Braum."
Braum mentally said to Tenereaire "Yes it is." Temeraire then streched he long neck, yawned, and curled herself into a large ball and closed the inner lid of her eye, appearing to go to sleep. In actuality she was only resting and watching closely to what occurred around her.

Braum then called to Erick and said to both Miranda and Erik "Follow me and keep yourselves calm and quiet." Braum then led them to the stables and after he instructed all the grooms and guards to leave, he muttered softly in the ancient language, placing wards around the stable. The wards would prevent anyone from eavesdropping and also prevent an attack. Walking over to a stack of hay bales, pointed to the bales and told them to sit. Standing in front of them he said . "I helped form the Vardin with your father, Miranda, long before you were born, after Ellighn betrayed the Riders and assumed his rule over the lands. ........ It was I who stood at your fathers side when he wed your mother. Your mother's love and your birth, Miranda was a thing your father cherised and celebrated to his dieing day. ..... It was on the Plains of Sangspur that Ellighn and his Shade, Morbidtora, slew your father, causing the death of his Dragon Vardona and my Dragon." Looking at both of them he continued "Understand, that a Rider will live after his Dragon dies, but a Dragon will die when his Rider is killed. The bond between Dragon and Rider is so entertwined that not only do they think as one but a Dragon's heart is connected to that of his Rider. When a Rider's Dragon is killed it leaves a void in a Rider's heart. Many a Rider has gone mad with grief, which is what has happened to Ellighn. I am not making excuses for Ellighn's actions. What he has done is beyond the madness of grief. ......... It was after that battle that I left the Varden, for reasons of my own, that niether of you need concern yourselves with at this time. I returned only once to thier stronghold, and that was only to insure that you, Miranda, arrived there safely.

Enough of the past as to what happened to you today .... the witch Serena had placed a spell on you and you were following her out of the compound, I banished the spell, placed wards aroundf yo to protect you from any attack from her. Though these wards are strong they are not invincable, they can be weakened. I then took you to Kyrons office so you could deliver your message from Jordan."

Braum then turned to Erick ..... "You Erik although a good Rider, probably the best here, lack the training and discipline to be a TRUE RIDER. But that will change, for both you and your Dragon. Temeraire will begin training your Dragon, you will begin training your aide and I will begin training you. Then we shall escort Miranda back to the Varden safely to ensure the message she carries from Kryton is delievered. Then a force strong enough to defeat the armies of Ellighn will be raised. Now both of you harness your anger and focus your efforts. There is much work to do before the cycle of the next moon. ...... There are things you must learn as well Miranda, but first your parents enstrusted some things to me with, that the wished you to have."
Braum then walked over to a hay bale, reached beneath it and withdrew a small velvet pouch and a long package wrapped in leather. He placed the package on a bale of hay and handed the small velvet pouch, to Erick ( Inside he would find a crystal angel with spead wings and a heart of saphire on a silver chain ) "This was your mother's crafted and given to her by the Elven Queen Elesidara. Your mother entrusted it to me when she died." Braum then walked over and picked up the other package and handed to Mirandar the leather wrapped package. (With in the leather she will fine an Elven crafted long sword.) "This was your father's, he wished for you ta have it when the time came that you were worthy to wield it. I think that time has come. Train with it dillegently, learn to use it well. It belonged to an honorable, noble and just man that fought and died so that others may one day be free to live inpeace and persue their dreams. It belonged to my friend and now belongs to his only heir." Braum then turned and left the stable quietly. ........ "Don't you both have work to do?" Braum said coldly.

Miranda was throroughly confused as she stared at the sword in her hand. He'd said that her father was a dragon rider and his friend. How could that be? He was a farmer. Her father was a farmer, not an ex-dragon rider of old.

When Braum began to leave the stables, his voice cold when he asked them both if they had work to do, she ran to him, grabbing his arm, her eyes still full of questions for he had erased her memory from what Serena had told her.

"What do you mean, my father was a dragon rider?! He was a farmer, Braum, not a dragon rider and he never mentioned you at any time, nor did my mother. You have done nothing, Braum, except create even more confusion within me."

She was clearly becoming angry again, only this time was different. This time her anger was coming from deep within her.

"How dare you!! You come in here, tell me things about my father that I never knew and that apparantly you've been watching me for what I'm guessing is years and you expect me to just accept thist and continue on with whatever it is you think I should be doing?! You act as if you are the one who is now taking charge of my life!!!"

Raising back her hand, she proceeded to slap him only to have him catch her hand in mid-air, his eyes hard.

"You and my FATHER?!! The TWO of you started the Varden?!"

She was now visibly shaking so great was her anger and confusion. She looked over at Erik who was looking down at his boots and looking as if he didn't really want to be there right at that moment. Looking back at Braum, who had released her arm by now, she glared at him before turning away from him and heading back into the stable, choosing a horse.

"You have the manners of a goat, Braum to just lay this on me and go about your business as if you haven't just dropped a nest of hornets on top of my head. Not only do you have the manners of a goat but a goat at least would have more compassion than you. And I cannot believe that my father would have been a friend of yours."

Saddling the mare she'd been grooming earlier, she walked her out of the stables. When Braum asked her just where she thought she was going, she refused to answer him. She walked over to Kryton's office, requested that the gates be open for her to collect herbs, promising to stay within sight of the tower guards. Kryton have his permission and Miranda climbed into the saddle and headed for the gates.

Shiloh watched as Braum herded Erik and Miranda into the stables, wondering what in the hell was going on now. When were they going to get any training done? Looking over at Sampson, she strolled over to him, leaving the training arena and patting his head.

"Well, I guess we should just wait, Sampson. Who knows how long they will be and with Braum, it's anyone's guess."

Sampson gave a whine, shoving his nose into her hand.

Miranda galloped through the slim opening the guards made with the large gates, only to hear hoofbeats behind her. Turning, she saw two guards following her and stopped her mount, her look questioning.

"Commander Kryton ordered us to come with you, Lady Miranda, to keep watch while you gather the healing herbs you need."

Sighing, but realizing that Kryton had been right in sending them, she nodded to them before heading away from the compound, but being sure that she stayed within sight of the tower guards.

She saw a grove of trees and underneath those trees was an her called nightshade that she needed. This herb was mainly used for sedation, but had to be used very carefully as too much would cause death. Dismounting, she told the two guards where she was going and why. They dismounted as well, keeping watch as Miranda walked into the thick grove of trees to collect the nightshade. Once she began digging up the herb, her thoughts strayed to what Braum had told her, trying to sort it all out which is why she felt the need to collect her herbs to begin with.

*************

Serena couldn't believe her luck when she saw Miranda and two guards leave the compound. It seemed that the Dark God was looking favorably upon her today. She quickly gave Gnash his orders to remain close to her, yet hidden and quiet, along with his fellow Lizonians. She then stared into the mare's eyes that she had stolen and taking a hold of her mind, sent her to the far end of the grove of trees, with her following close behind, yet staying hidden in the thick brush.

Once there, the mare whinnied, catching Miranda's attention as she sounded like Satin, her own mount that had been killed not long ago. Looking around, she made sure that it wasn't the dapple gray she'd heard before going back to the arduous task of digging up the nightshade. The mare whinnied again and this time, stepped into the grove of trees where Miranda would be able to see her. With Serena's spell, the mare looked identical to Satin.

Mirana couldn't believe her eyes and she didn't. She knew that Satin was dead and so, this was a trap. Drawing her sword, she looked around, looking for anything out of the ordinary, but the only thing out of place was the mare who looked like Satin.

She hollered to the guards who quickly came to her side.

"Something is not right. That horse should not be here nor should she look like she does. I have what I need of the nightshade. I can always return to collect the rest, but we should head back to the compound."

As the three backed up, two facing the trees, and one facing where they'd left their horses, they began to make their way back to their mounts when Gnash and his men attacked. The guards fought well and one was able to get to his mount before a bolt lodged itself into his back. He was able to make it within yards of the tower guards sounding the alarm.

The tower guards had already seen the attack begin and were sounding the alarm as Miranda and the guard fought the remaining seven Lizonians, including Gnash. Three of the lizard men were already on the ground dead.

Serena swept in, feeling the wall of protection that Braum had put around Miranda and her green eyes blazed with fury as she launched all of her energy into smashing through the spell.

Miranda could feel something battering at the defense Braum had put around her and it almost knocked her to her knees. Calling on what little she knew about protective blocks, she began to build onto what Braum had already put around her, trying to enforce it, but this took concentration away from the battle at hand as she felt a blade slice through her thigh, bringing a cry from her lips as she turned and took the Lizonian's head with one swing of her sword. She saw that the guard was fighting valiantly, but he too, was outnumbered.

That was when she saw Shiloh and other guards coming as well as two riders. Shiloh knew that Erik would probably skin her alive for coming out here, but she couldn't just stay and do nothing when she saw the red headed Lizonian and the witch, Serena. Feeling a sense of relief, Miranda turned to defend herself once more, blood streaming down her leg, yet she felt little pain with the adrenalin rush. Suddenly, Gnash was there, in front of her along with Serena. The smile on the dark witch's face was enough to turn Miranda's blood cold.

Then Miranda was battling Gnash, quickly noticing that the other guards were now there and engaging what was left of the Lizonians. She matched Gnash's slashes and thrusts with her own, but she was tiring and losing blood, where he was fresh and rested. His blade made contact more than once, leaving deep gashes in her arms and sides and still she didn't go down.

Her eyes widened in wonder when she heard Serena shout something to Gnash and they both ran, disappearing in a cloud of red smoke. Once the smoke cleared, they were simply gone.

Miranda leaned on her sword, feeling the loss of blood when Shiloh was at her side. She too, had cuts from Lizonian swords, but not as many as she wrapped an arm around Miranda's waist.

"Let's get you back into the compound, Miranda."

"Fine, but you keep Braum away from me, Shiloh. I don't need to be any more confused than I already am and that arrogant ass has done nothing except cause me even more confusion."

Miranda was pleased to see that the guard who had fought hard by her side was okay if not a little battered. She leaned heavily on Shiloh as she made her way to her mount.

Kryton had enough. As Shiloh, Miranda and the others came limping back into the compound, he called for four of his riders.

”JORDON! SAVASH! MALIK! KILLIAN! Call your dragons and prepare for a lengthy patrol. My office now to get the details.”

As Kryton stormed across the compound he caught sight of Braum and yelled at him as well.

”BRAUM! You can join them!

Erik still held onto the velvet pouch Braum had given him earlier. The words the man spoke still stung Erik but perhaps there was some truth to what the man said. He wanted to be as good if not better than his father and that was some pretty big boots to fill. In order to do that, he would HAVE to learn from an old schooler like Braum. It was the only way.

Giving Shiloh a glance making sure she wasn’t hurt too badly, he quickly fell in step with his other riders and proceeded to Kryton’s office. It was almost an hour later when they all emerged from Kryton’s office. As Erik walked towards the dorms, he kept looking for Shiloh. When he didn’t see her right away he grew worried. Finally, when he entered his room he heard her in her room and breathed a sigh of relief.

Walking over to the doorway that separated them, he knocked on the door and peeked in to see her with her back to him and sliding a new shirt onto her body. Knowing he should divert his gaze, he found he simply couldn’t. Just as she was turning around, pulling the shirt into place, he swallowed hard. Every impulse within him screamed at him to move but he forced himself to stay rooted to the spot and not invade her privacy, even though he could have easily done just that.

”I…..have to go for a while, Shi. Not sure how long I’ll be gone. Promise me you’ll stay in the protected walls of the compound. I’ll go out of my mind if you can’t promise me that.”

Shiloh looked at Erik, seeing the worry on his face.

"I am your aide, Erik, which means I go with you to give you protection on the ground. RainStorm is already saddled and ready to go."

She straps her sword back on and grabs her crossbow.

"I've already had my armor made for me. The smithy has been working on it since before my da died. So, I'm going."

She walked over to him, laying her hand on the side of his face, her eyes full of love for him.

"I know you worry about me, but it is no different for me when you are out there. We are now a team and as a team we work together."

She leaned up and kissed him full on the mouth.

"My place, right now, is with you as your aide. We need to find this Serena and her red-headed Lizonian before she attacks again."

Giving him another kiss, she then turns and walks out of the dorm, heading to the stables where RainStorm is already saddled and waiting. The smithy is there as well with her armor, where another aide helps her put it on over her clothing. It is similar to Erik's armor, except that Shiloh's weighed less and was easier to move around in.

Kryton then came out of his office and upon seeing Shiloh and Erik's enraged face, he knows that his daughter once again showing her mother's stubborness, but this is one time when she cannot go.

"Aide Shiloh, you are to remain here inside the compound. That is an order. None of the aides will be accompining their riders on this patrol. So, stand down and remove your armor."

Looking over at Kryton, Shiloh was confused and ready to argue with him when Erik approached her.

"Please, Shiloh. Do this for me. Stay here this time and let us do our jobs. If you're out there, I will be distracted with worry over you. Please, stay here."

He spoke low enough that she was the only one who could hear him. She nodded her head, then grabbed his hand and led him into the stable walking all the way the end stall where she pulled him into it with her. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled his lips down to hers and kissed him long and deep. Breaking off the kiss, she stepped back, her eyes shining with tears.

"You return to me, Erik. You hear me. Just return to me safe and sound. I love you, Erik."

With that, she walked out of the stable, mounting on RainStorm and headed to the training area to become used to wearing her armor. When she looked back at Erik mounting onto Mina, she watched as he left with the others, whether or not to follow somehow or stay behind warring inside of her.

Miranda is rushed into the infirmary, the healer shaking his head at her, tsking as he flits around, barking orders to the aide's of the healers to care for the injured guards who have been brought in as well.

"You just don't when to quit, do you young lady? You just recovered from your other wounds, and now you are brought back here injured again. When are you going to realize that you should leave the fighting to the riders and as a woman, you should remain where it is safe. I don't know about you young women these days, thinking that you are as good as the men."

Before he could finish, Miranda's green eyes glared at him as she got up off of the cot, grabbed some medical supplies from a rolling table and headed for the door. When the healer began to sputter and order her back to the cot, Miranda turned her fury onto him as Braum was entering the infirmary.

"YOU.....YOU....IMBECILE!!!! HOW DARE YOU LECTURE ME AS TO HOW A WOMAN SHOULD REMAIN WHERE IT IS SAFE!! I will treat my own wounds you quack, so shut your trap and leave me be."

Upon saying this, she limps out of the infirmary, glaring at Braum on her way to her room in the visitor's dorm, her face pale from loss of blood.

Braum glanced at Kryton as he told him to join Joredin, Ordon, Savash, Malik and Killian and gave him a nod. He then whistled and Temeraire circled the compound, hovered a settled slowly to the ground. She touched Braum's mind "I am pleased we will once again fly together Braum. It has been too many days that we have languished here. My tounge longs for the taste of Lizonian meat."

Braum touched Temeraire's mind "You are right my dear one, we have squandered our time here far too long. It has cost us dearly. It is time we taught these youngsters what it means to be a RIDER and his Dragon." Braum then grabed his lance and up stepped on Temeraires fore leg, climbing into the saddle in the hollw of her neck. He strapped his legs into the stirrupts and said to the young riders " Pair up, Erick your with me. ......... WE FLY!"

Temeraire then took three steps, leaped into the air, circled the encampment once and flew out over the forest. The other Riders took to the air and in pairs flew off on their patrols. Erick amd Mina formed up just to the right and slightly below Temeraire's left wingtip.

Miranda had healed well over the following several days since Braum, Erik and other riders had left to try and find the witch and her red lizonians. Kryton had yet to give her an answer and she was growing impatient. Finally, she headed towards his office on the 10th day since the riders had left and had every intention of demanding an answer when she heard the commotion from the gate. Heading over that way, she heard one of the guards shout to get Kryton.

"What is going on?! What is all of the commotion?"

"That fool girl, Shiloh. She convinced the new guard, Thomas, that she had Kryton's permission to leave the compound and hunt for extra meat. Her, her horse and the dog took off as soon as they got beyond the gates. She's one in search of Erik, I would imagine."

Miranda shook her head. Of all the fool things to do now. But, young love was strong and foolish at the same time and Shiloh was very stubborn and strong willed. Damn!!

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, SHE'S OUTSIDE THE GATES!!! WHO IN THE HELL ALLOWED HER TO LEAVE!!! THOMAS!!!! GET TO YOUR ROOMS AND DON'T LEAVE THEM!! NOW!!!"

Miranda hadn't been here long enough to know Kryton very well, but she could tell that for him to come unglued like this was out of the ordinary, from the looks on the men's faces. There was more here than meets the eye, but that was for later. Right now, Shiloh had to be found and brought back, but how and before Erik found out that she'd left the safety of the compound. There would be hell to pay for sure then.

"Commander!! Commander Kryton!! Wait!! I will go. You can't spare any more men or aids for that matter. Give me a mount and something to cover my hair. I will bring her back and then you can give me your answer to the question I put before you days ago."

After a lengthy discussion and argument, Kryton finally relented.

"Fine, but don't let that witch locate you and I'm sending 3 guards with you although they will be dressed like simple men with chainmail underneath their clothing for protection. Bring her back, Miranda, before the riders return."

Miranda went to the stables and chose a dark brown gelding with a white blaze down his face named Jax. Making sure she had dried meats and a full water bladder, she saddled Jax and led him out of the stables, her red hair piled up under a rider's leather hat. Seeing three guards ride up next to her, introductions were made and she met Anthony, Simon, and Jake, all of whom looked like every day men except for the chainmail hidden underneath their clothing and the swords strapped to the sides of their saddles.

The group said nothing as they rode out of the compound to track down the willful Shiloh before Erik returned to find the she'd gone searching for him or a Lizoninan found her.

~When I do find her, I'm going to blister the girl's ass with the broadside of my blade. She may be older than me by a few years, but she is definately not wiser.~

The group headed off in the direction the riders and Shiloh had gone in.

Shiloh knew that when she returned to the compound, she would be in for a world of hurt from Kryton and Erik, but she was tired of arguing with Kryton over sending a search party for Erik, Braum and the others. She had been making plans for the last two days to leave the compound and her break had come with the new guard Thomas. He was young and eager to please. It hadn't been hard to convince him that they needed more meat to feed everyone and that she would take Sampson with her as well as being fully armed and dressed in her new armor.

She had headed in the direction she'd seen Erik and Braum fly off in and kept her eyes and ears open for Lizonians. Sampson was ever watchful as well.

She knew she shouldn't have left, but she didn't feel like she had a choice. They'd been gone too long and she'd become worried....more and more each day until she had to do something. So she decided to go search for them herself.

Serena had been keeping watch on the compound for days now, having hidden when she saw the riders take off. She'd sent some of her Lizonians on ahead to lead the riders in a merry chase, more than willing to sacrifice them for the sake of evil as she, Gnash, and 5 other red Lizonians back-tracked back to the compound. It was a brilliant plan, especially when she saw the girl, Shiloh, leave and head in the direction of the riders.

"Gnash, have Souse and Seamus follow the girl and her animals and keep her busy."

Then she saw 4 more riders leave the compound, chasing after the girl. She had no idea that one of the riders was Miranda.

"Gnash, send Baxim and Pax with Souse and Seamus to follow the the riders. Between the four of them, they can keep all of them busy, and maybe even get a bite to eat while they are at it. You and I need to stay here and watch the compound. I need Miranda in order for my plan to work."

Gnash nodded his head at his mistress, "Assss you wisssshhhh, missssstressss."

He gave the other red Lizonians their orders and they headed off after the 4 riders and Shiloh, licking their almost non-existence lips in anticipation of fresh meat. Serena and Gnash settled down to watch the compound, waiting for a weakness to present itself.



Miranda was going to skin the girl alive when she caught up with her. Her and the 3 guards were riding hard and fast to catch up with Shiloh and had to slow down every so often so as not to overtax their mounts. Her green eyes were bright with anger and watchfull for anything out of the ordinary as were the 3 men. With the Lizonians attacks having become more frequent, this was the worst possible time for Shiloh to decide to become the worried little woman. Hopefully, if they didn't catch up to her by nightfall, Shiloh would at least have enough sense to hole up in a nearby village and not a cave.



Shiloh had finally slowed RainStorm down to conserve his strength and stamina as Sampson gave a whine, letting her know that he was hungry and thirsty. Smiling down at him, she headed for a nearby stream that she'd heard earlier. They'd been travelling for approxiamately 4 hours and all of them were thirsty, hungry and becoming tired from the hard pace Shiloh had set for them.

"We can take a quick breather, Sampson, but only a quick one. I saw the plans on Kryton's desk and I know that we are heading in the right direction where Erik, Braum and the others went, but you know that Kryton will send guards after me, so we have to keep going. I won't go back until I find Erik."

Dismounting RainStorm, she rubs his neck as he drinks. Once he's finished, Shiloh then kneels down, cupping her hands she drinks the cool water, leaving the water in the water bladder for emergencies. Taking out a piece of dried jerky, she tosses a piece to Sampson as she chews on her own, before remounting RainStorm and heading on again.

How many days had passed since Erik had left the compound and Shiloh? He couldn’t remember right now. Not that it really mattered. He had his hands full. Between the skirmishes he and the others had with the Lizonian’s they found and learning from Braum, his mind was occupied with a great many other things. In particular making sure he survived this patrol to make sure he COULD return to the compound and Shiloh.

Still, as he and the others sat resting as evening fell in a make shift camp well to the west of the compound, he let his mind drift to the woman who came into his life, turned it upside down and made him remember her soft scent each time he closed his eyes.

Keeping the fire low and using it only to cook the fresh meat they had cooking, the soft amber glow barely lit up the faces around him. The dragons took turns hunting for their own food never leaving their riders unprotected. Mina and Braum;s dragon, Temeraire, were out hunting right now leaving the dragons of the other three dragons to stand watch over the exhausted riders.

The Lizonians were few and far between right now but they still hadn’t found what they were looking for. Red Headed Lizonians. They, for some reason, were very good at eluding the riders. This fact irked the riders to no end, including Erik. Not to mention the lessons Braum was giving him were adding to his fatigue. While he was grateful for the man’s teachings, he found Braum to be nothing short of a grumpy, old bastard who would just as soon yell at him and grind his confidence into the ground then say any kind word.

Erik looked around at his companions. Savash, Malik and Killian looked none the better for wear than he did. Their armor, like Erik’s, was stained with Lizonian blood from top to bottom. In fact, they joked that it would be better to get new armor than try to clean the armor they wore. Malik had taken a hard hit and was suffering form a broken arm but he refused to leave. With the help of all the others, including Braum, they were able to straighten his arm and splint it in a way he could still use it at a minimum.

Erik was beginning to think they would never find the Red Headed Lizonians. Perhaps they were centralized more to closer to the compound than out here somewhere. That thought alone brought a shudder to him. To think he was out here chasing shadows and Shiloh was back at the compound in more danger than he could ever be. Still, he had to put faith in Kryton. The man wouldn’t let his only child wind up hurt…or worse. Mina invaded Erik’s thoughts just then with her gentle voice.

~Don’t worry, Erik. Kryton is keeping a good eye on her for you.~

Erik’s eyes glowed that soft blue color they always did when he and Mina communicated.

~I know, Mina….it still doesn’t stop those bad thoughts from invading my mind from time to time.~

Mina’s eyes glowed that same, soft blue.

~I know….perhaps we will be able to make it back home soon.

Erik nodded.

~I hope so….I grow tired of searching for a ghost. Even though I know these things exist, it’s as if they have become invisible to us.~

Mina nodded as well.

~I agree….

Just then Erik blinked and looked around at the others. He spoke his previous thought over and over in his mind until he finally spoke up as he looked at the others.

”What if they’re hiding in plain sight?”

The others looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Savash furrowed his brows.

“Have you lost your marbles, Jordon? What the hell are you talking about?”

Erik shook his head then sat up more to explain what he was thinking.

”What if the reason we can’t find these red headed bastards is because they’re hiding in plain sight of us? Right under our noses and we can’t see them? How many ‘people’ in remote locations have we seen while on patrol? Don’t you think it kind of odd they were out there so far away from the nearest village or town? We just thought they were traveling from one place to the other but we never took into account they were traveling unescorted.”

Killian listened to Erik and spoke up then.

“If that were true, why couldn’t our dragons smell them? If they were Lizonian’s the dragons would have been able to pick up on their scent right away.

Erik furrowed his brow and shook his head.

”I don’t know, but somehow they’ve been able to pull the wool over our eyes. I’m telling you….those nomads are those Red bastards. I’m SURE of it. First thing in the morning, I’m going to prove it. They won’t be moving tonight as it’s too cold for them right now. But come morning when the sun is up, we’ll find them and see if I’m crazy or not.”

Malik was the only one that seemed to agree with Erik.

“I think you’re right, Erik. How else does it explain we haven’t been able to find them?”

Killian and Savash rolled their eyes and settled back again to keep warm.

“Both of you have taken one too many hits to the head.”