Rise of Dragons

For years, the people of Kordamar had lived in relative peace and safety. Sure, there were the occasional goblin or orc attacks, but they had learned to live with them.

And just when it seemed things were balancing out, the greymist mountains shook with a force unlike anything the people of Kordamar had ever experienced. What’s worse is that no one seemed to know what this shaking was about. They firmly believed that the greymist mountains were solid.

Unfortunately for them, that was only partly true. Because while the greymist mountains themselves were solid, a chamber was formed around an ancient dormant dragon, deep within their core. It had settled there many years before the first civilizations out of sheer boredom and never so much as twitched.

But when the fires of industry lit up around Kordamar and weapons began to leave the forges made from iron and silver, the dragon stirred and made the mountains shake. All of Kordamar half expected the mountains to explode, but instead, a small hole broke the farthest peak and revealed the cavern in which the dragon slept.

The town of Arkenfell never stood a chance. Boulders crushed their buildings and the dragon’s breath finished the job. The nearest town of Fenglow saw Arkenfell get wiped from existence and braced for –what they believed was- inevitable annihilation. But it never came.

Grumner, master archer to the towns guard of Fenglow grew restless. The arrow he had readied, almost a thorn in his side as the dragon flew away from rather than towards his town. His restless bow arm however kept his weapon readied until the creature disappeared from sight. Then, he slowly relaxed and stowed his arrow back in his quiver. An almost disappointing action to him as he fully intended to loose every arrow he’d readied. So, reluctantly, he made a silent vow to himself to shoot that overgrown lizard the first chance he got.

“Grumner!” the captain of the towns guard finally bellowed.

“Sir!” he replied.

“Briefing! Come down!”

“Sir! Right away sir!” Grumner replied as he ran down to the barracks.

Turner Falinx, the guard sent to relieve Grumner of his post almost fell twice as Grumner passed, but he said nothing. He didn't even sigh when his blade fell from his hand for the umpteenth time. He was used to the shoddy material and the complete disregard by the towns guard ‘elite’ as they liked to call themselves. But even then, he stayed loyal. So he walked up the stairs with tearful eyes as the immediate cold cut into his brittle skin. Meanwhile, Grumner swung around the barracks’ final corner and shot inside almost like a gust of wind, which surprised even his supervisor Mernal Belinson, whom he’d known for years.

“Grumner,’ Mernal mused, “how good of you to come so quickly.”

“Of course sir,” Grumner replied mockingly, “why was I summoned?”

“Well,” Mernal began, “I’m sure you’re aware of recent developments?”

“I’m aware of a giant dragon tearing the mountain asunder and laying waste to a village without a moment’s notice, yes.” Grumner snapped.

“Then you know we can’t possibly take care of this problem alone.” Mernal continued, seemingly unaffected.

Grumner nodded, a grim expression resting on his brow and a gaze which locked on the mountains. He knew they’d have to get help, but he was also aware that the nearest town was a four day’s ride away, meaning any help would come too late.

Mernal laughed suddenly and said: “it’s settled then, you’ll go!”

Grumner grunted and gave Mernal a twisted smile saying “Sir, yes sir”.

The following day, he would have to leave, packed to the brim with supplies and weapons he would rather do without. And the captain would make sure he hadn't forgotten a thing.

The dim lit hills of Covestrand had always been a hated destination, but with the newest threat, this was especially true as the hills had turned into something of a hell. The large open field would make him a sitting duck. Then again, where dragons were concerned, Grumner was quite convinced one would always be a sitting duck. So without further hesitation, he rode. Under the cover of trees, in the tall grass and off to the city of Barnhead where –hopefully- reinforcements were waiting. Though Grumner had to consider that what he was about to ask them was nothing short of pure folly. And if it was up to him, he’d say no in their stead.

At least during the journey, the tent was dry and the prey was good enough to sustain him along the way. Something he couldn't say for the barracks in Arkenfell as it was full of holes and surrounded by a forest far too dangerous to hunt in and the added bonus of someone to answer to. Grumner wasn't sure just then if he’d go back, if it wasn't for the obligation to the people there. Gods knew he wouldn't stay if not for them. They needed him, not the slug he was made to call sir.

He lay himself down and waited for sleep to take him, but it took a long time for it to happen. Even then, when it finally did come, it only lasted for the shortest while. A mere four hours and the cold bit his exposed nose and burnt in his eyes, like a serpent slithering out from out of the shadows to end his unfortunate life. He snorted then lifted his head and a dagger to go along with it, fully expecting some thief to try his luck. But he saw nothing until he poked his head out from his tent and was faced with the tormented features of a guard from the walls of Arkenfell.
Grumner’s heart sank and his weapon fell from his grip as the spirit spoke with a faraway voice.

“You run a fool’s errand.” It spat.

“Do you think I don’t know!?” Grumner replied.

“The dragon wants metals for its hoard.”

“And you think I’m running away because I’m afraid?”

“No. I think you run, because you mean to fight.”

Grumner smiled at the thought. Oh yes, he meant to fight and kill and hang trophies from his walls after what that despicable creature had done.

“You will gain nothing and lose everything.” The spirit continued.

“If I do nothing, we all lose everything!” Grumner yelled in frustration.

“That is false. If you do nothing, you live.”

“What kind of statement is that!? What good is life for me if I can’t spend it protecting the people I know and love!?”

“What good is death, when the reason for your death tears more souls from this realm?”

Grumner snorted and picked up his bow menacingly.
“You may be a spirit and a frustrated one at that, but if you try to stop me, I will end you. Again.”

A deep wailing sigh came from the apparition which then faded into nothing, leaving Grumner alone with his frustrations and weapons, and nowhere to put them.