The Dragon Riders

Ianeil sat atop his dragon's back, looking out over the fort's grounds. The batallion was forming up in the courtyard, the first three companies all foot soldiers, the fourth a calvary, and the fifth consisting of dragon riders.

To think, all of these men were under his command. Him, the youngest officer in the Verlassen's history. Him, a twenty-two-year-old elf, already a Lieutenant Colonel, a battalion commander. With his father's history among the Verlassen riders, Ian was surprised he had any rank at all... And now, by some miracle, he was starting his third week of being a battalion commander.

Just think of it this way: it's a good chance to prove yourself, his dragon crooned, her red scales glistening in the dawn's rays. She was a young sow, only twenty herself, and not quite five tons in weight yet. But Shyen was loyal and playful, a personality complementary to Ianeil's nonchalant, compassionate one.

The sun finally showed its bright face, and he shifted on Shyen's back. If you say so. I just pray that this first mission is not too much to handle...I'm a little nervous.

We'll just have to wait and see, I guess.

He chuckled at her nonchalance before addressing the man next to him, a command sergeant major. The human had been the only friend he'd kept after his father's betrayal, and they were still as close. "Ciru, have them fall in and move out."

The thirty-year-old human nodded, instantly calling commands. More shouting followed, the company mottos clashing and echoing as the first sergeants called commands. Shyen roared in response, taking flight and soaring over the formation of one thousand men and fifty dragon teams. Ian saluted his officers, hoping he sounded more assertive than he felt. "Captains! Take charge of your companies! Move out!"

Ariadne stood and observed her training soldiers from a distance. Look at them, Gautier. They're getting stronger by the day. I'm very proud to be their General.

Gautier chuckled, making the earth underneath his shake and rays of light playing along his pearly scales. His head rest on the ground next to where his partner stood, five feet taller than Ariadne's height, 5' 2". You're always proud to be their General, my dear, no matter how stupid some of them act sometimes.

Ari smiled up at him, her grey elven eyes glistening with excitement. You know me so well, Gautier. How could I ever get by without you?

The corners of his young eyes crinkled as Gautier's upper lip slid from his sharp white teeth in a smile.
I don't think you could, darling. Now, Gautier said as he rose to his feet, let's go see what our sky patrol has to report to us.

Can't wait, Ariadne said sarcastically as Gautier lowered himself once again so Ari could climb in the leather saddle strapped to his back. I wonder what Hanik has in store for us this time. It's been forever since he tried to invade. He probably still has the smallest army in the world.

I don't know, Gautier warned as he took to the skies. He's had time to build a pretty big army, and he makes sure to let us know he's still there.

***Well, I'm back from Honor Band. It went GREAT!! Now I just have to deal with and pacify my boyfriend, having been miserable without me for three days. XD ***



Shyen glided high, hiding in the clouds above while the foot soldiers marched ever so slowly far below. The dragon rider company had split into squads and separated, scouting ahead and covering the flanks of the batallion.

Shyen, talk to the other lieutenant colonels; find out where the rest of the army is located.

Sure thing. There was a pause in which she crooned softly to herself, eyes slightly out of focus as she conversed with the dragons over...however far apart they were. All Ianeil knew was that his batallion was ahead, leading the charge into the heart of Damalian country.

Second and Third are about three hundred leagues to the south, while fourth is another hundred north, only a hundred leagues from our capital. Fifth is still AT the capital; they're not ready to move out yet. We're alone out here.

"Shit..." Ian hissed. "That means, if we're attacked - "

Suicide -

"Homocide." He sighed. "We have to turn back, or at least halt for now. There's no way we can handle an entire army on our own."

Smart thinking, Ian. You know, Hanik will be coronating himself king in a couple of days; maybe he'll annoint you as General. You're tactful enough for it. A pause. See! I told you you'd prove yourself!

"Maybe, maybe not. Let's not forget what my father did."

But you're not your father. Sure, you look like him, but you're not him.

Shyen had a point there. Ian smiled at her, amber eyes sparkling slightly. He pat his companion's red, smooth-scaled neck; it was somewhat ironic that his long ponytail was almost the exact same hue. "Thanks, my girl. I appreciate that." The two turned around then, and Ian addressed the batallion.

After Ariadne checked the sky patrol, she landed inside the King's private courtyard. Wait here, Gautier, she told her muscular dragon. I'll only be a few minutes.

Of course, he replied, stretching.

Ari smiled and blew him a kiss, then walked into the castle and down the hall, where she found three soldiers lounging around. She squared her shoulders and held her chin high. Strutting over to them she said, "Where are you three supposed to be? No soldiers are stationed in this section." She saw on their arms that they had the ranks of privates.

One of the privates smiled. "We're off duty, ma'am." he sauntered up to her. Ari didn't move as he stood so close to her that she could smell the soap he used that morning. She stood straight and glared at up him as a mischevious twinkle gleamed in his eyes. "What about you?"

"Leon, quit hitting on the General. I'm so sorry, ma'am, he's just enlisted, and--"

"Hush up, Killian. Let's see how smart this new soldier is," Ari snapped. "Do you really think I'd share your bed with you, Private? I know what you stupid boys think about, and let me tell you, I don't find it flattering!" She roared. "Stand down, before you become castrated."

Private Leon laughed. "You're gonna castrate me?" He casually slipped his arm around her waist.

His buddies winced and one of them cried, "Leon, don't--!"

Ari's eyes flashed with anger as quickly she gripped his arm without hesitation and twisted it forcefully behind his back, sending him to his knees. She shoved him into the ground facefirst and, taking out her dagger from her belt, put its tip on the ground and twirled it, causing the sun to shine on the steel. "Now," she whispered close to his ear as he suddenly stiffened. "I was having the best day before you confronted me. Would you like to be the person to turn it sour because I have to cut off your buddies down there, or would you like to still be a man when I'm finished?"

***Lol, that's funny. I also drew a picture of Ariadne for you; I'll post it later, when I have more time to post. I hope you like it; I based it off written descriptions of her - being sexy and aggressive.***



Ian leaned against a tree, watching the batallion below him, sheltered in the canyon. It had been an hour since he had to quarrel with the captains on why they were halting.

But it's to be expected, Shyen and Ciru had told him. Your father was a traitor, you resemble your father, and you've only been a Lieutenant Colonel for a couple weeks. They haven't accepted you as their leader yet...and they probably won't for another while. You just have to show them that you are in charge, you know what you're doing, and you can be trusted.

As simple as that was, it still frustrated him. He growled as he began to pace again, clenching and unclenching his hands to try and vent his anger.




***All I have time for. I also have an idea that is similar to the original but not the original "first meeting." K?***

**KK, thats fine. I can't wait to see what you drew! ^_^ I'm not able to post much right now; I'm on my new phone! *squeal!* I'm so excited! ^_^ By the way, it's your turn to post on Wolf's Howl. **

Once Ari had dealt with the unruly soldier, she sent them off to the training yard and headed to the throne room. She nodded to the burly gaurds on either side of the giant oak doors and knocked loudly.

**Sorry, all I got for now. I'm kinda busy.**

There was a knock against a tree trunk. The officers had set up a small tent between three trees, using the branches as the supports for the ceiling. Ian was sitting on a log they had moved to use as a bench; maps and written plans were in his lap.

"Yes?" he asked, looking up to see one of his captains, the tall and pale-haired one. Nerad, wasn't it?

"The captains and I would like to have a meeting with you, about what's going on," Nerad sneered. Ian didn't like the man; he was obviously the true definition of evil, with dark eyes and a malicious tongue that spat damning phrases...

"I've told every one of you there is nothing more to discuss," Ian somehow managed to maintain his nonchalant forbearance. "I've told you all I know; when circumstances change, I'll let you know."

"I don't believe you."

"I don't really care if you believe me or not. Hanik named me Lieutenant Colonel of this battalion. What I say goes. End of story. You're dismissed." Nerad didn't move. Ian held the man's dark glare with a firm one of his own. "Captain, I would hate to write you up and send you packing."

When Nerad scoffed, Ian rose. But someone beat him to the next event. A hand clamped against Nerad's shoulder, spinning him around. Ciru stood behind him, just as tall and dangerous-looking with half his face wickedly scarred. His voice was stern and cutting. "The battalion commander dismissed you. Get back to your company. Now."

Ian sighed when Nerad walked away, growling under his breath. The young elf looked at Ciru appreciatively. "Thanks...I just..."

"It's hard. I understand. That's why I'm here for you." The human waved at Ian before leaving back to his post.

"Come in," Ari heard the King say on the other side of the door.


**lol, sorry, extremely busy. Hey, I had a drill meet this weekend, and my b-day is this sunday!! ^_^**

***CJ...I'm not going to post until you get something better written. I can understand about the being-busy part, but any time you DO get a chance to post, can't you think of something better? If you can't think of anything, stick with the original storybook's basic plot.

Sorry...I'm just tired, annoyed to the point I want to punch somebody's face in, and my foot hurts - the sole of my foot was literally shredded by a screw that came through my shoe.***