Meric the Storyman: Rega and the Dragonstones
Chapter 22: Gold Dragon

Rega, Dexir, Doman, and Lobaki helped Fisor and the archers first gather what firewood they could find in the area. With the corpses that needed to be burned, it would take a lot. Once a pyre large enough was built, they helped carry the four hill giant corpses so they could be burned. Rega checked the giant’s belongings, not finding much. He found a worn gold coin and a few silver ones. Nothing else seemed to be of any value.

Cupramos was still standing over his son. There were visible tears on the elder copper dragon’s face. Nearby, lay the blue dragon’s corpse. It would take the combined effort of Soliat, in his silver dragon form, and everyone else to get it over to the makeshift pyre. Lobaki made sure to take a few blue dragon scales to add to her collection. Once there, additional wood was placed around it and the hill giant corpses. Soon a large fire was going, consuming the dead creatures. A foul, thick, black smoke came from the fire.

Soliat went over to Cupramos and said something to him in a language Rega did not understand. The silver dragon then took flight, heading towards the south. Everyone gathered around Tamaranos, paying their respects. Soon, they were joined by Stice, Lano and the brownies.

Cupramos finally spoke to them. “He was a good son. Sometimes he was quick to action, like today, but overall he meant well.”

In about an hour’s time, Soliat returned along with a small brood of dragons. In addition to Soliat, Rega saw another silver dragon, a brass dragon, a bronze dragon, a copper dragon and two gold dragons. As the dragons came near, they each dropped a harness on the ground near Tamaranos’ body. Fisor and his archers picked them up and started attaching them to the fallen copper dragon’s limbs and neck. When this was complete, they attached the other ends to five of the waiting dragons. Soliat and the other gold dragon came up to Rega and his group.

“I would like to introduce Colnhe, the Gold Council member.” said Soliat. “He will ride with you to Makloran. We now know that you are being sought by the evil dragons, so it is best you keep an escort so you can get to Makloran safely.”

Colnhe transformed into a middle-aged man. He was wearing a white robe with gold trim. He said, “It is a pleasure to finally meet you and your friends, Rega of Ractah. I wish it was under better circumstances.”

Once the elves finished making sure the harnesses were connected securely, the five dragons wearing them took flight, carefully lifting Tamaranos from the ground. They headed towards the south. Cupramos took flight and followed.

Soliat said, “They are taking him to the Council of Dragonlair meeting area. He will be given a proper burial ceremony.” He then said something in what Rega assumed to be dragon-tongue to Colnhe before taking flight and following the other dragons too.

Colnhe stood there watching the departing dragons until they became small glinting specs in the sky. He then turned to Fisor and asked, “Could you spare a few of your men to ride along with us?”

Fisor answered, “Of course, Lord Colnhe. Stamik, Tinate and Hilwes can ride with you.”

Upon hearing their names, the three elves mounted horses and waited behind the wagon.

Stice then said, “There is room for you in the wagon, Lord Colnhe.”

The Gold Council member climbed up into the wagon. “We should be able to make it to Makloran in a couple days time, if there are no problems.” he said. “May your journey be safe, Fisor. The day is drawing near.”

Fisor and the remaining archers turned back in the direction of Estu. They were to meet up with King Motagula.

Dexir and Doman took the lead, followed by Lobaki. Rega stayed back and rode alongside the wagon. There were a few things he wanted to discuss with Colnhe. The three elves took up the rear position.

Glancing back in the wagon, Colnhe smiled and asked, “Would that be Redbottom Leaf by chance?”

“Khalo dead!” yelled Hulafason upon being told about the fight from the wyvern. “And you say this group of humanoids is being protected by good dragons?”

The wyvern nodded.

“It is time then to gather the armies.” said Hulafason, more to himself than the wyvern. He then called out to his guards.

In came two large blue dragons.

“Send out word to all the battle masters.” ordered Hulafason. “I want our remaining armies to get here now! Also, start sending out patrols to watch for anything or anyone coming close. Those good dragons are up to something and we need to be prepared.”

Taking another puff from his pipe first, Colnhe answered Rega’s question, “Not all good dragons are given the burial ceremony. Tamaranos was the son of a Council member. He was slowly being guided to take over for his father one day. We dragons may have long lives, but we do grow old.”

Rega nodded in understanding and then asked, “Soliat has been very vague about them. How about you? What can you tell me about the Dragonstones?”

Colnhe raised an eyebrow at this question and then chuckled. “Would you believe that we are not really sure it will actually work?” Seeing surprise on Rega’s face, he continued. “The spells placed in the gems were done a long time ago. We did choose gems that were nearly flawless, so they should be able to retain the magic placed in them for ages. However, since their power has never been released, we are all hoping everything works as intended. And that, my young friend, is as much as I’m going to tell you about them.”

“Fair enough.” said Rega. “One last question. What was your thought on hiring me to gather the Dragonstones?”

Colnhe answered, “A good question, that is. I listened to both sides of the argument, as both had merits. Hiring you was thought by some to be following the ways of a thief. They thought it was not how good dragons should behave. On the other hand, taking the gems back by force was thought by others to be an act of thievery, an act worse than hiring someone to do it. The real dilemma came from the Ruby and the Emerald. The true nature of the Ruby Dragonstone had long been forgotten with the dwarven folk. As for the Emerald Dragonstone, the halflings had never been told about the true nature. Those two would have to be taken. I sided in hiring you.”

Colnhe took another long puff from his pipe. “This really is phenomenal stuff. I can see why the bronze dragons enjoy you halflings so much.” he said to Stice and Lano. “I really need to get away more often. I spend half my time in Council affairs and the other half in Makloran with the Wizard’s Guild.”

The group made good progress traveling. When it was time to stop and set up camp, Rega noticed it was not too far from a place Milrop and he had met up with a certain individual to deliver a sealed letter. He became quiet and did not participate in any of the conversations taking place, something that did not go unnoticed from the others.

Once the camp was set up, Doman went about preparing what he could to eat. He used up the remaining venison and had added some local wild vegetables that the elves had been sent out to forage.

“This is very good.” said Colnhe to the half-orc. “I continue to be surprised with what you non-dragon species are capable of.”

Rega ate, but remained quiet throughout the meal.

The next morning, Colnhe woke to see Doman speaking with what looked to be a field mouse. The half-orc spotted Colnhe watching him and explained, “I was just asking where we could find some nuts and berries so I could add them to the morning oats. It gives them some flavor.”

Colnhe smiled and replied, “You really are amazing. I have never met a half-orc like you, and that is sad. Obviously, your race does have something it can contribute to the greater good of society.”

“Why thank you, Lord Colnhe.” replied Doman, bowing his head to the Gold Council member.

After the morning meal was done and the campsite was cleaned up, they continued to Makloran. Dexir decided it was finally time to talk to his friend and find out what was bugging him.

“Ok, enough of this silent treatment. What is it about Makloran making you act like this?” he asked Rega.

Rega remained silent a few moments before he finally answered. “When I was first starting out with Milrop, we had a job in Makloran. I never saw exactly whose house it was, but I now suspect it was one of the thieves’ guild leaders. The one named Brolo. Anyway, a couple years later, Milrop and I were visited by him. I thought for sure that he knew it had been us that broke into his house, but he didn’t let on that was so. Instead, he wanted us to expand the guild, offering us the chance to set up a branch in Ractah.”

“So you obviously decided not to join them. How did he take it?” asked Dexir.

“Not well.” answered Rega. “He felt so sure that we would join him that he made the long journey to meet with us. It all turned out to be a waste of time for him. I just dread knowing that I’ll be near him on his own turf, so to speak.”

This was not the only thing on Rega’s mind. There was still the issue with multiple wizards being together in one area. It was on the night before they were to get to Makloran when Rega found an opportunity to talk with Doman. Colnhe had flown off soon after camp had been set, and the three elven escorts were out gathering things for the half-orc.

Rega pulled Doman aside from the others before starting. “I have a special task of you, my friend. I am not fully trusting of this Wizard’s Guild. I would like you to be especially observant and let me know if you spot anything that stands out as even a little bit strange.”

Doman replied, “Fortunately, I am now able to tell if a powerful magic is in my vicinity, so I will be extra mindful.”

“Thank you.” said Rega. “I would feel better if Solait were with us. I like Colnhe, but he seems to be more aloof than the others, if you know what I mean. Plus he has already mentioned that he spends a lot of time with the Wizard’s Guild.”

Doman returned to the meal preparations while Rega remained in thought a few moments more.

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