Omensent: Revealing the Dragon

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Omensent

Revealing the Dragon

Book Four of the Dragon Lord Series

By Barry A. Gibbons

Omensent

Revealing the Dragon

Book Four of the Dragon Lord Series

By

Barry A. Gibbons

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © License Notes

Copyright © 2012 By Barry A. Gibbons II All Rights Reserved

This Smashwords Edition EBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This Book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Omensent

The Dragon Lord Series

Omensent

Birth of a Dragon Lord

Book one of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Rise of the Shadow Dragons

Book two of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Wrath of a Dragon God

Book three of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Revealing the Dragon

Book four of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Princess of Dragons

Book five of the Dragon Lord Series

****

Omensent

Dragons Falling

Book six of the Dragon Lord Series

Prelude

It will be any time now. The enormous dragon grumbled, His iridescent scales shifting colors eerily in the firelight. He leaned in and carefully breathed more flames into the pile of stones, which had been carefully stacked around a dozen or so large, leathery-looking eggs. They will hatch soon, and then the next step of my plan can be set into motion.

This is madness, Draco. A second dragon hissed. This beast was nearly as large as the other, but its scales were the color of polished gold. It watched in disapproval as Draco breathed more flames into the pile of stones. You have plunged the world into chaos for the sake of your plans. Every day that passes, another god or goddess leaves their place among the heavens and returns to the world that we all agreed we would leave behind, lest it be destroyed.

It will all be worth it, Estheryal, when our children have once again taken this world as their own. The iridescent dragon grumbled. For far too long now we have watched as the mortals of this world spread throughout the land, infecting nearly every inch of its splendor with their vileness. That time will now come to a close as our new children are born into this world. They will sweep across the lands, purifying it with flame, and quenching it in the blood of mortals.

You’re leading our children down a dangerous path, Draco. The Serpent Mother warned. There will be war, not only among our children and the mortals, but among the gods, as well. They will not stand idly by while their children are slaughtered. Besides, The golden dragon snorted in disdain. most of our children will be unable to aid you in your war. They are still under the influence of the Dragon Sword and the mortal who wields it. He is unlike any other man that has ever lived, and has already proved that he is willing to face down a god, even if it means his own death.

Ah yes, the Dragon Lord. Draco murmured, looking up from the flames. He is quite remarkable, for a mortal. But he will not be a problem for much longer. He gently stroked one of the leathery eggs with a razor-sharp claw. I have made special plans for this so-called Dragon Lord. I learned much about him after our last confrontation. There is much more to him than what appears on the surface. He has power besides that of the trinket he carries, and a strength that radiates from his very being. But he is only a man, and a man can be broken. Once he has been dealt with, and our children released from his influence, they will sweep across the land purging the world of the mortal scourge.

This is complete madness. Estheryal repeated, turning away. I shall have no part in your designs. You are leading our children down a path that may lead them to their destruction. Turn away before it’s too late.

I cannot. Draco whispered, watching as the Serpent Mother disappeared into the darkness. I have come too far to turn back now.

A loud rattling drew his attention back to the leathery eggs, one of which was twitching violently. There was a sudden tearing sound, and a large crack began to form on the surface.

He watched in satisfaction as his new creation struggled to emerge from its shell, then turned to stare down at the world below, eager for the next step in His plan to finally begin.

Chapter 1

The huge panther flashed through the shadows at the edge of the dense forest, its eyes locked on the large buck that was fleeing in blind fear through the darkness. The cat moved with an agile swiftness as it rushed to cover the distance between itself and its prey, which was quickly tiring from its panicked flight. It soon overtook the large buck and launched itself forward, landing squarely on the deer’s back. Razor-sharp claws dug deep into the beast’s hide, and long fangs suddenly latched onto its throat, bringing the buck to a skidding stop, sending both the predator and prey tumbling, but the massive cat still refused to relinquish its deadly grip. The buck struggled desperately to break free, but the muscles on the panther’s back suddenly surged, and the loud snap of bone echoed through the night. The deer twitched several times, and then fell limp.

The huge cat slowly released its grip on the buck’s throat, and then struggled to untangle itself from the limp form. It paused for a long moment, still panting from the exertion of the chase, and then began to survey its kill with gleaming eyes.

A large snowy white owl suddenly ghosted in from the darkness and landed on a low hanging branch directly over the buck’s lifeless body. Good kill, Damion. It chirped approvingly, eyeing the deer with an appraising eye. It should provide you with enough meat to last you for the rest of the trip.

The panther glanced up at the owl for a moment, then its body suddenly blurred strangely. When the blurring finally stopped, the huge cat had disappeared. In its place stood an enormous warrior with long chestnut-colored hair, wearing an intricate set of armor made up of hundreds of overlapping steel scales. He stood nearly eight feet in height, with a physique molded by years of training in the art of combat. He had a youthful face, marred only by a thick ridge of red brow scales that began just above the bridge of his nose and stretched across his brows to each temple, the result of a savage dragonspawn attack his mother had suffered while he was still in her womb. She survived the attack long enough to give birth to Damion a few months later, but the attack left its stain upon the huge warrior, marking him for life, and infusing his blood with that of the dragons.

The warrior looked up at the snowy white owl and smiled. Not too bad. He said aloud. At least we won’t be eating trail rations anymore.

"Speak for yourself." The huge owl chirped. I’m not that partial to deer meat. I think I’ll just go find myself a nice plump rabbit instead. I’ll meet you back at camp.

Don’t take too long. I want you close to the camp to keep an eye on everything. The huge warrior watched as the massive owl disappeared into the darkness on silent wings, then lifted the deer effortlessly onto his broad shoulders, and set off on foot through the darkness in search of his camp.

It only took him a few minutes to locate the secluded clearing where he and the others had set up camp for the evening. He let out a low whistle to alert the pair of soldiers standing guard of his presence, and then stepped into the firelight with his kill.

Good night for hunting, Lord Omensent? One of the soldiers asked the big warrior curiously.

It wasn’t too bad. Damion replied, dropping the buck near the fire. We should have enough fresh meat now to last us until we reach Sevria.

If you would have let us stop off in Crete for supplies, you wouldn’t have had to go hunting. A beautiful young woman with long flowing black hair declared in a tart tone. She was dressed in a tight-fitting leather armor which had been dyed black, and carried a long bow lightly in one hand. And your wife and daughter would have already eaten, instead of being forced to sit around waiting for you to finish having your fun. She suddenly smiled mischievously, then walked over and gave the huge warrior a long lingering kiss.

I didn’t want to stop in Crete. Damion murmured to his young wife. The Merchant’s Guild there is run by a pompous ass by the name of Ignan. The second he heard we had arrived in town, he would have rushed to find us in the hopes of convincing us to allow his caravans to sell their wares in Sevria without paying their share of taxes. We would have been stuck there for hours. That man just doesn’t know how to take no for an answer.

So instead, you force your wife and daughter to starve to death while you go traipsing off in the woods? A scruffy little man snorted as he lounged against a tree stump, a wineskin held loosely in one hand. Raven hasn’t stopped complaining since you left!

That’s why I left her here with you, Sly. The huge warrior laughed, nudging his wife playfully.

Raven’s jaw dropped open in surprise, then she punched Damion in his arm.

Where’s Leia? Damion looked around the campsite curiously.

She got bored with waiting for you to return with her dinner. The young woman smiled, her eyes twinkling. She went into the tent to play, hoping to take her mind off the fact that she’s starving to death.

The huge warrior rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. Okay, okay. I can take a hint. He glanced over at Sly, who was taking a long drink from his wineskin. Do you want to give me a hand butchering this buck?

Not really, The scruffy little man burped thunderously. but I’ll probably starve to death before you finally get around to doing it, so I guess I had better help.

Before they could get started, a young girl of about six appeared from one of the tents that had been erected at the far side of the clearing, and with a squeal of delight, she hurried straight to the huge warrior. Daddy!

Damion smiled as his daughter quickly scampered up his tree trunk-like legs, and then nimbly scaled his back until she was perched on one of his broad shoulders. Careful, He warned her with a laugh. You don’t want to fall on your face and end up looking like Sly.

Hey! The scruffy little man objected with a scowl.

Both Damion and Leia laughed.

What took you so long? The young girl demanded, cuffing her father in the back of his head.

I had to chase down our dinner. He gestured to the buck. What do you think?

You left us to starve while you chased down this little thing? She demanded in mock outrage. I thought you loved us!

Damion laughed again, then reached up and gently removed the young girl from his shoulder and sat her on the ground. Let us get this deer butchered, and then we can start dinner.

He and Sly quickly set about dismembering Damion’s kill, and they were soon settled in around the fire enjoying their meal.

I hope all of this running around you’ve had us doing this spring is actually going to prove to be worth all of the trouble that it’s been. Sly muttered sourly, gulping down a huge chunk of venison. I still don’t see why the dwarven envoy couldn’t have just met with us in Sevria.

You know that most dwarves won’t journey from far from their caverns. Raven reminded him with a shrug. In fact, I was surprised that he met us aboveground.

They had spent the last several weeks journeying to the extensive maze of tunnels deep beneath the Deolan grasslands, where the southern dwarves had lived in virtual seclusion for centuries.

I was a profitable meeting. Damion commented, tossing another strip of venison into a pan, and then sitting the pan onto the coals of their campfire. The dwarven craftsmen craft some of the finest wares in the world, and they’ve agreed to begin sending caravans with more everyday items to Sevria, along with their shipments of weapons and armor. We really need that extra revenue.

Damion’s father, Lord Michael Steelheart, had been Lord and Protector of Sevria, a small town nestled in a tiny valley deep within the Godstear Mountains. When Lord Michael was murdered, the responsibility of protecting Sevria fell to Damion, and it was a responsibility that he took very seriously. Sevria was a necessary haven for those traveling the trade road, which was one of the only established routes leading through the wild mountain range. Being so isolated, their little town depended on the caravans that passed through the mountains on their way to and from the coastal city of Sierra for a large part of their commerce.

Dwarven wares will be a welcome change from the cheap gnomish goods that the merchants of Sierra have been foisting off on us. Raven observed, settling down behind Leia so she could brush the young girl’s long black hair. I heard the kitchen staff back at the castle complaining that their new pots all had holes in them.

"That doesn’t explain why we all had to go. Sly grunted. Couldn’t we have just sent an envoy to meet with them on our behalf?"

Damion rolled his eyes. We’ve been through this already. This was the first opportunity we have had to visit Garth since he became King. We wanted to give him our condolences for the death of his father, and our congratulations at his elevation to King of the Southern Dwarves.

"But why did I have to come along?" The scruffy little man complained, draining the last few drops from his wineskin.

Because little Leia wanted to see a dwarf for herself. Raven smiled, still brushing the young girl’s hair. and you didn’t want her running off to meet them all by herself, now did you? Not after her last adventure.

Everyone knew she was referring to an incident several years before when Leia was abducted from her crib by a witch who fled with her across the sea to the eastern continent. After a long frantic chase, they were finally able to rescue the young girl, though Damion had been forced to face down the Dragon God in the process.

All I’m saying is that we have nice soft beds waiting for us back at the Serpent’s Keep, Sly groaned as he pushed himself up to his feet. and sleeping on the cold hard ground isn’t as novel an experience as it used to be. He stumped over and began rummaging around their packs. He soon returned carrying another wineskin.

We would have arrived in Sevria a week ago if you hadn’t insisted on lingering so you could drink more of that dwarven ale. Damion told him reasonably. But you insisted that we should linger a few more days.

You should know better than to listen to me by now. The scruffy little man sniffed dismissively.

Especially when it involves ale. Leia giggled, causing everyone but Sly to laugh.

It’s not a crime to enjoy the occasional sip of ale. Sly told them in a lofty tone, causing them to laugh even harder.

Where’s Snowfeather? Leia asked curiously. I haven’t seen him in a while. The young girl and the huge snow owl had become quite close as she grew, mostly because Snowfeather had taken it upon himself to spend nearly every waking moment by her side, determined to ensure no one was able to get close to her without him knowing.

He said he wasn’t interested in deer for dinner. Damion told her, checking the strip of venison still sizzling on the coals. He said he’d return after he found himself something else to eat. He should be returning soon.

It was only a few minutes later that the sudden rustle of feathers drew everyone's attention to Snowfeather, who dropped down from the darkness with a rabbit clenched firmly in his beak. He landed softly just outside of the light of the fire, and then dropped his prize on the ground before him.

"Did you see anything interesting while you were out hunting?" Damion asked silently, finishing off the last piece of venison on his plate.

"Not really." The huge owl hooted. It seems fairly quiet tonight. There were a couple of dragonspawn skulking around the area, but they moved off to the south.

Is there something wrong? Raven asked the huge warrior, her face clouded with concern.

Damion smiled, and then shook his head. Everything is just fine, my love. Snowfeather said that the area seems safe.

The young woman smiled in relief, and then led Leia into one of the tents to settle down for the night, leaving Damion and Sly to linger near the fire.

We should reach Sevria sometime tomorrow evening. Sly observed, taking a long drink from his wineskin, and then tossing it to the huge warrior. We’ve been on the road for quite a while. You’re probably going to have a mountain of paperwork and trade proposals waiting on you when you get back.

It shouldn’t be all that bad. Damion disagreed. Aunt Skie and Shirk promised to look after everything while we were gone. I’m sure they were able to take care of any proposals that may have arrived in our absence. He took a long pull from the wineskin, and then tossed it back to the scruffy little man.

Have you noticed how much time Lady Skie and Shirk have been spending together? Sly smirked in amusement. I think there may be something going on there.

You really think so? For some reason, Damion had a hard time picturing his childhood nanny falling in love with Shirk, who had spent most of his life as an outlaw before meeting Damion and the others.

Oh yes. The scruffy man assured him. They never leave one another’s side. I tried to broach the subject with Shirk a few times, but he always ignores my questions. He can’t fool me, though.

Did you ever ask Aunt Skie about it?

Sly’s face fell. Once. She asked me what I had heard, and then threatened to rip my beard out hair by hair if I didn’t mind my own business. He suddenly smirked again. She seemed awful flustered by my question, though, almost like a thief caught with his hand in someone else’s purse. There’s something going on between them, mark my words.

So what if there is? Damion shrugged, unconcerned. Shirk is a good man at heart. He would never do anything to hurt or dishonor Aunt Skie. He suddenly frowned. I wonder if Damarius suspects anything.

I doubt it. He spends most of his time down in the Vaults conducting his crazy experiments. I doubt if he even realizes we’ve been gone. The scruffy little man suddenly snorted in amusement. Can you imagine how he’ll react once he finds out?

Damion couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of the old wizard discovering his only daughter was secretly being courted by the disreputable old bandit.

Damarius, Lady Skie’s father, was an eccentric old sorcerer, and one of Damion’s oldest friends. When the huge warrior began displaying the ability to use magic at a young age, Lady Skie had taken him to live in Damarius’s secluded cottage, where the old wizard had taught him how to control his magic and develop his powers. Damarius now resided in the lowest levels of the Serpent’s Keep, also known as the Vaults, and spent most of his time tinkering with his various experiments and inventions.

Well, Shirk had better hope he doesn’t find out. Sly murmured, taking another drink from the wineskin, and then settling back against the tree stump. Damarius would probably turn him into a slug.

They lingered for a few more minutes by the fire, then adjourned to their tents for the night, leaving Snowfeather and the two soldiers to stand watch over the camp.

Chapter 2

Finally! Sly sighed in relief as the enormous granite wall that surrounded the town of Sevria finally loomed into view. I was beginning to think we’d never get home!

Does this mean you’re finally going to quit whining? Damion asked mildly.

Yes, Sly told him unabashedly. Yes, it does. He nudged his horse into a canter.

They followed the scruffy little man between two massive dragon skulls which had been mounted directly onto the granite battlements, and through the only gate leading to the small mountain town.

Welcome home, Lord Omensent. One of the soldiers guarding the gate greeted Damion respectfully. Did you have a pleasant trip?

It was enjoyable enough. Damion replied, reining in his huge prancing warhorse. It would have been much nicer if Sly hadn’t complained the entire trip.

Blah, blah, blah. Sly grunted, nudging his mare with his heels. I’m heading on into town for a drink. I’ll meet up with you later.

Damion chuckled as he watched his old friend trot off towards town, then looked back to the soldier. Were there any problems while we were gone?

Nothing serious. The soldier shrugged. We had a couple of merchants try to sneak their caravans out of town without anyone noticing, but they didn’t even make it out of the gates. Lady Skie was quite put out with them. It wasn’t the first time these merchants had tried to avoid paying their taxes. She fined both merchants an outrageous amount, and then banned them from selling their wares in Sevria for a year.

That seems a little harsh, Raven observed, then she shrugged. but I’m sure Lady Skie had good reason for banning them for an entire year.

The merchants in question were notorious for selling those inferior gnomish wares that have been flooding the region. The soldier shrugged, unconcerned. Their goods won’t be missed.

They moved on through the battlements towards the huge castle that towered over the town. Named the Serpent's Keep by the local people in honor of the huge beasts that carved the castle from the mountainside, it stood as a symbol of the bond between the majestic scarlet serpents, and the man who freed them from their enslavement.

They were nearly halfway to the castle when a huge reptilian creature stepped from the shadows and hurried towards them. The beast was nearly eight feet tall, with a heavily-muscled body that was covered in thick black scales that seemed to almost absorb the darkness around it. It had a large head topped with two spiraling horns, and a long whip-like tail that lashed by and forth restlessly.

Massster, The huge shadowspawn hissed, dropping to one knee. You have returned.

Slither, Damion told the shadowspawn with a sigh. I have told you a hundred times that you do not have to call me master anymore. You can just call me Damion.

The huge warrior had spared the beast's life several years before, after it and a number of other dragonspawn attacked him. In exchange for his mercy, the shadowspawn swore eternal loyalty to Damion. He quickly proved to be a valuable asset when it came to dealing with the dragonspawn. When Leia had been kidnapped from her crib, the shadowy beast managed to track the kidnappers to the northern coast, enabling Damion and the others to pick up their trail with little difficulty. When they finally returned with little Leia, he rewarded the shadowspawn's loyalty by releasing it from its pledge, healing its crippled arm, and even giving the beast its own set of chambers in the lower levels of the castle. After a bit of apprehension from the people of Sevria, Slither had settled in, and even managed to form a bond with many of the soldiers who guarded the city.

Yesss, mas... Damion. The reptilian beast quickly stood. Did you encounter any trouble while on the road? The beast hissed, seeming pleased by the companions' return.

Nothing serious. Were there any problems with the dragonspawn while we were gone?

Nay. Slither shook his head. The ssspawn have been quiet. Many have gone into hiding. They believe Draco returned to Hisss place in the heavensss becaussse He wasss dissspleasssed with them. They fear Hisss coming punissshment.

At least it keeps them out of our hair. Raven said with a shrug. With them busy trying to avoid the Dragon God's wrath, they'll be too preoccupied to bother any of the caravans traveling along the trade route.

Where are you heading this evening? Damion asked the shadowspawn curiously.

SSSlither isss going to visssit the tavern. The huge beast licked his lips eagerly. They have a hog roasssting on the ssspit that looksss quite appetizing.

Since taking up residence in Sevria, the huge shadowspawn had adapted surprisingly quickly to living among humans. Many of the locals who were terrified of the great beast quickly grew to like him as he made himself indispensable, helping with everything from the protection of Sevria, to assisting the townspeople with their everyday chores. The people repaid his aid by providing the beast with all of the food and drink it could consume.

Whatever you do, don't try challenging Sly to another drinking contest. Raven warned the shadowspawn with an amused smile. It took a half a dozen men to carry you up to the castle last time.

SSSlither will not try that again. The shadowspawn swore to the young woman. It'sss unnatural how much ale that little man can consssume. The huge reptilian beast turned its gaze to Leia, who was perched atop her father's prancing warhorse. And how wasss your trip, little one?

It was fun! Leia smiled at the shadowspawn happily. The dwarves were really nice, although they were shorter than I expected.

In the years following the young girl's abduction, Leia and Slither had formed a bond that surprised everyone in Sevria. The young girl spent a great deal of time with the huge shadowspawn, who always escorted her wherever she went to ensure her safety, and even stood guard outside her chamber door at night to make sure there were no further attempts to abduct her while she slept.

SSSlither isss that happy you enjoyed your trip, little one.

Have you seen Shirk and Aunt Skie this evening? Damion asked curiously.

They were in your office up in the cassstle when I lassst sssaw them. Slither shrugged.

Damion thanked the massive shadowspawn, then nudged his prancing warhorse with his heels and led the way up to the castle.

They found Lady Skie and Shirk in Damion's office, enjoying a quiet candlelight dinner for two.

Looks romantic. Damion commented as he, Raven, and Leia entered the room, causing both Lady Skie and Shirk to jump guiltily.

Damion! Shirk exclaimed, jumped to his feet. What little bit of the old bandit's face that was visible behind his vast beard was flaming red. You're finally back!

How was your trip? Lady Skie asked calmly. She looked completely unflustered by being caught having a romantic dinner with the old bandit.

It was good. Damion told her, smiling as Leia dashed over and climbed into Lady Skie's lap with a squeal of joy. Being elevated to King of the Southern Dwarves has brought out a confidence in Garth that wasn't there before.

Were you able to come to a new trade agreement with them? Shirk asked, returning to his seat.

We were. They will be sending caravans full of household goods along with their shipments of weapons and armor from now on.

That's good news. The old bandit grunted. It's well known that dwarven goods are all of the highest quality, and we've been getting bombarded with complaints about the shoddy gnomish goods that have been flooding the area. Hopefully this will solve the problem.

We heard that you had a problem with a couple of merchants trying to sneak away without paying their taxes. Raven commented, taking the seat next to Lady Skie.

Lady Skie's face fell. Both caravans attempted to depart in the dead of night in the hopes of avoiding paying their taxes, but the gate guards stopped them before they could escape.

We heard. Damion laughed. The soldiers at the gate informed us. They mentioned you banned them from selling their wares in Sevria for a year.

She not only banned them, Shirk chortled. She fined them a thousand gold pieces each for being repeat offenders.

I thought it would teach them a lesson. Lady Skie shrugged. They'll think twice before trying to skip out without paying their fair share, and perhaps it may dissuade other merchants from attempting the same.

Sounds fair to me. Damion agreed. How did the merchants take it?

They didn't take it well. Lady Skie smiled sweetly. One of them completely lost his composure and began to hurl vile insults at me, until Shirk slammed him into the wall hard enough to rattle the foundations of the castle. After that, the men were more than happy to pay their fines and taxes, just so they could get away from him.

I should have gutted him on the spot, Shirk growled. and then took the gold from his carcass.

Lady Skie tried to conceal her smile, but failed.

A young man suddenly entered the office and stopped with a surprised look on his face. Lord Omensent? When did you return?

Hello, Azel. Damion smiled at the young man, who had served as a castle page for several years before Sly took a liking to the boy and made him his assistant. Since then, Azel had become indispensable in the day to day running of the castle. We just arrived home a few minutes ago.

How did things go?

It went well. The dwarves have promised to begin sending more caravans. I'll brief you on everything later.

Have you eaten lately? Lady Skie asked Leia, who began picking at the food left over from her and Shirk's romantic dinner for two. Are you hungry?

Starving. Leia told her with an emphatic nod. Dad wouldn't let us stop for supplies in Crete, so we were forced to scavenge for food the entire trip back. She gave her father a sour look.

It wasn't that bad. Damion told his daughter in exasperation. You're just being melodramatic. His stomach suddenly gave a loud growl. But a hot meal definitely sounds good right now.

I'll see to it immediately. Azel told them with a half-bow. He turned to leave, then stopped. I almost forgot. There's a rather odd-looking fellow here asking to see you. I was going to inform Lady Skie of his arrival, but since you're here, you may want to see him. He claims to know you.

Does he have a name?

He says it's Captain Harper. He claims he's assisted you on a number of occasions, but he looks a little unreliable to me. I wasn't sure if I should believe him or not.

Captain Harper? Damion exclaimed in surprise. That old pirate is here? He laughed in delight. Go ahead and send him up immediately.

As you wish, milord. The young man hurried from the room, only to return moments later with a bearded man who was dressed in a bright blue vest adorned with large gold buttons, and wore a thick heavy gold chain that hung to the middle of his paunchy gut.

Captain Harper! Damion laughed in genuine glee. It's great to see you! What are you doing so far inland?

I came to see you. The old sailor grunted in a tired voice. He suddenly smiled as Leia slipped down from Lady Skie's lap and rushed over to throw her arms around him. Hello, little one. You've grown quite a bit since I last saw you.

Did you bring me anything? She asked excitedly.

The old sea captain laughed, then withdrew a small wrapped bundle tied shut with a bright red ribbon and handed it to the young girl, who squealed in excitement.

Leia quickly removed the ribbon and unwrapped the bundle to reveal a beautiful set of combs that had been carved from tortoise shell. They're wonderful! She threw her arms around Captain Harper once more, and then hurried over to show her gift to her mother.

Damion had met Captain Harper several years before when he and his late friend, Veren, set off across the sea to the northern continent in an effort to track down the brood mother of the shadow dragons. The good natured old captain had also been instrumental in helping them chase down the witch who abducted Leia.

So, how is life at sea, Captain? Shirk asked curiously.

It's as exciting as always. Captain Harper shrugged, dropping heavily into one of the cushioned chairs that surrounded the meeting table. The sea is much like a wife. One minute she can be calm and serene, and the next minute, she can be a roaring maelstrom that threatens to rip you limb from limb.

That's a woman for you. Damion nodded knowingly.

Hey! Raven, Lady Skie, and Leia all exclaimed simultaneously.

What brings you to Sevria? Shirk asked, taking a huge drink from his tankard to cover his laugh. It's not often that you tear yourself away from that ship of yours to come and pay us a visit.

There have been some things going on in the world which I thought Damion should be made aware of. Captain Harper grunted, his expression becoming serious. It all started a few months ago when I agreed to take a shipment of iron ore from the Pleiades Islands, which is about forty leagues west of Jaghera, to the port city of Salastar, on the western continent. He wrinkled his nose in distaste. "I'm not really fond of the western continent, nor its people, and was going to turn the job down, but the offer they made was very generous, so I accepted the contract, and agreed to transport the ore."

The western continent, huh? Shirk asked curiously. Is it true that they are all religious zealots over there?

That's a rather odd question coming from a man who grew up worshipping snakes. Lady Skie murmured, a playful smile hovering about her lips.

The old bandit blushed. I just meant I've heard some strange stories about those folk.

And most of them are probably true. The old sea captain grunted, scratching his beard thoughtfully. "The Etazk are a breed of their own. They worship Etaz, God of the