Dragon Riders

*damn it my parents canceled the camping trip. Looks like I won't be gone yet.*

Ciru

We seem to be constantly moving camp now, Ciru. It's as if we're nothing but an enormous patrol.

The Dark Knight glanced over at Otraol, Granted, we have had a much higher amount of contact with the Saviours recently.

Otraol turned, appearing not to have heard him. Ciru frowned, taking a step towards him, Otraol?

They're here. Shyen's fighting another dragon...Gautier! The dragon's wings snapped to either side of him as he began to rise, angling towards where he knew them to be. Ciru swung himself into the saddle as Otraol rose, drawing his sword as they closed.

Shyen and Gautier had taken to the skies already, corkscrewing and diving as they fought. They were equally matched, but Gautier seemed more desperate, and that could be problematic, Help Shyen, Otraol. I'm going to find Ianeil and Ariadne. With that, he threw himself from the dragon's back, plummeting towards the ground before reversing the gravity around him enough to halt his fall.

By the time he reached the two generals, the fight was already over. Ianeil had the point of his scimitar in Ariadne's back, though it hadn't stopped her struggling, "Pleased to make your acquaintance, you bastard," she growled.

Ciru grinned, they had the general. That was a bargaining chip useful to any commander, and he had no doubt Ianeil would make use of the opportunity, "Bastard? I assure you, general, Ian is nothing of the sort."

She sneered at him, "Ciru? I can barely recognise you through the scarring. Still just a Sergeant?"

**Sorry if it's long **

~Ariadne~

"Ciru? I can barely recognise you through the scarring. Still just a Sergeant?" Ari sneered.

Ciru's face went a little red as he slightly lifted his head and puffed out his chest. "That's Command Sergeant Major, to you, my dear."

Ari winced as pain shot up her arm that was forced behind her back.

Up in the sky, Otraol came to help Shyen fight. Gautier corkscrewed downwards and barely missed Otraol's teeth snapping near his wing, sharply coming back up and raking his claws against Shyen's side. She roared in pain.

That's for giving me the nice facial, Gautier said. He had claw marks down his jaw and over his left eye; he had to keep his eye closed to avoid his wound bleeding into it. And what's with the two to one ratio? You Dark Knights can never fight fair, can you?! he roared, charging at Otraol and Shyen. They flew towards him, ready for impact, when suddenly another dragon came down from overhead, making contact with Otraol and knocking him downwards. Shyen and Gautier stopped in shock.

Corporal Kory and Gale, reporting for duty, Gautier, said the dragon. It's armor gleamed in the morning light. The rest of the battalion is right behind me, sir.

Good, good, Gautier said hurriedly. Shyen looked like she was ready to charge again. Have Corporal Kory assist the General. She's down on the ground, not far from here. Hurry!

As Gale and the Corporal flew down to the General, Shyen barreled into Gautier, corkscrewing downwards.

Ari, Gautier gasped. Someone is...coming down to assist you.

Ian and Ciru both saw the shock in Ari's face, both of surprise and worry.

Gautier! Gautier, are you all right?!

Yes, dear, I'm fine.... he said with strain. Shyen and Otraol are a bit much to handle both at one time.

What?! "Gautier is fighting two to one?! That's not fair!" Ari shouted, struggling even harder, desperate to help her friend.

Ciru got on his knees so he was face to face with Ari. "Life isn't fair, General," he said, bitterness in his voice.

Ari suddenly felt all of Ian's weight gone, and she was able to move her trapped arms. Forced to react quickly, she lunged at Ciru, dagger at the ready.

Ciru met her with his own sword, blocking her attack. They were stuck; no one could go any farther without being stabbed by the other. This gave Ari the opportunity to see what had caused Ian to let go of her. She looked over to see Ian locked in battle with one of her own, dressed in armor.

The other man had a moment to turn for a second and throw Ari a second sword he had on his person. "General! The battalion is here!" he said, getting back to his own fight.

Ari caught it just in time to block Ciru's attack. They were forced backwards, away from each other, but lunged forward again.

**This is gonna hurt, but oh well...**

Ianeil

I charged the newcomer, letting go of Ari. I would probably regret that later, but there wasn't much I could do about it at the moment.

I slammed into the Corporal with brutal strength and speed, making him stagger backwards, away from me. He exclaimed incoherently, for I attacked again, driving him farther away with lethal swings of my sword. All he could do was hold onto his blade's hilt with both hands and step backwards. No chance was the way I worked. No chance to attack, no chance to escape. Then...

The backs of his legs collided with a log; he began to fall...I used my ability to take command of his body and send him flying across the small clearing, where he hit a tree and collapsed, unconscious.

I saw them, then. The Damalian army coming in, ready for combat. "Shit!" Shyen, are you all right?

I heard her strain in her tone. I've been better. Gautier's a handful!

I returned to the main battle to see Ciru still fighting with Ari.

"Ciru! Take charge of the army! They're here!"

He looked at me as I dove in and met Ari's attacks with my own, covering Ciru as he nodded and left.

*Sorry guys, if it seems like Ray is going off on his own, the idea is for him to deal with his past in order to decide which faction to side with.*

Azrayel-

The sun had begun to rise, and the entire camp buzzed with activity. Word had spread fast that the outcast prince had returned to stake his claim. There was less then an hour left until the Challenge. Ray rubbed Taiou's and Yoru's heads, seeking comfort in the mind to mind connection.

A faint shadow passed over the camp and the trio stiffened. Ray glanced up but whoever it was was already gone. Taiou shifted nervously, "That was a dragon's shadow."

"Obviously." Yoru rolled his eyes at his brother. "But is it a Saviour or a Dark Knight?"

Shrugging Ray stripped out of his cloak and jacket. "Who knows. Either way lets hope they don't interrupt until the challenge is over."

Ray stiffened when he heard a scuffling sound behind him. Whirling he saw a boy of ten or eleven summers standing in front of him. He watched the dragons with awe, before turning to face Ray. "The grounds are ready. If you would come with me."

Nodding Ray followed the boy to the center of the camp again. Taiou and Yoru glanced at each other before following. The circle was different now, debris had been cleared away and the lamps around it were lit, lighting the camp brilliantly.

Kale stood in the center of the camp, dressed in the same light tunic and breeches as Ray. Both young men bowed to the shaman before drawing their weapons.

Ray was the first to rush in Kale blocked his scimitars with an axe. Snarling Ray pressed hard against him before whirling away around his one time friend. "You should have made sure I died years ago Kale."

Scoffing Kale chopped his axe at Ray's head but Ray ducked easily. "No matter. It's a mistake that's easily remedied."

Blood trickled from a cut on his temple where Kale's axe had grazed him. Ray bared his teeth in a feral grin. "You're a fool Kale. Last blood is worth far more then first." The two came at each other in a clash of steel, sparks flying from the weapons.

Ciru

He hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether to try to help Ianeil. But the orders stood, he needed to get the army under control. Ciru scowled as he ran for a clearing, cursing his decision to send half of them in pursuit of Azrayel. Now all he had to command was half the vanguard - not even half the main army - against the full might of the Saviours. He had no choice, they'd have to retreat.

Otraol, give the order to retreat. And call back the patrols, maybe we can ambush them in the desert and deter them from chasing us all the way to Athanasia.

He stopped in the clearing, seeing the Dark Knights above him panicking, thrown into chaos by the surprise attack of the Saviour army. Then they began to show some semblance of control, apparently Otraol's instructions had gotten through to them. They pulled back into a fighting withdrawl, magic and fire flying between the two armies.

Otraol, can you and Shyen defeat Gautier this time?

Perhaps, the dragon replied, and Ciru could hear the pain in his voice. It was a hard fight for all three of the dragons, But if the Saviours get close, we'll have to pull out, we don't have enough without the main army.

**Stupid internet...deleted my finished post... lets see if I can remember what I wrote...**

~Ariadne~

Ian blocked Ari's attack before her sword met Ciru's neck as he ducked out of the fight.

Ari and Ian lunged, parried and dove, but never happened to land a blow on the other person. Ari winced as sharp needles of pain shot up her injured arm. "I'm going to have to go to a healer after I kill you, Ian. Thanks a lot," she said sarcastically.

They lunged at each other, their blades clashing, swords getting stuck at the hilt. Neither drew back, just kept an equal amount of pressure upon the other.

"That won't be necessary, because I'll save you the trouble of going to a healer by finishing you off." Ian said, his voice as strained as Ari's.

Up in the sky, Gautier was still fighting Shyen and Otraol, but they weren't getting anywhere either. They were all as strong as the other due to more intensive training than anyone else in their battalions. They were all wore out, but no one wanted to be claimed the loser. Ari...we can't...get any closer, panted Gautier. The Dark Knights are retreating...but they're fighting back, too...lost too many men and dragon's on both sides...too evenly matched...we have to retreat...they won't come any closer if we do...we're going to have to get Haven and Ley later...can't risk the entire battalion on just one man and dragon.

Fine, Ari grunted. Tell the battalion to fall back, but keep fighting. If Shyen and Otraol give you any more trouble, send in some more dragons to help you.

After Gautier gave his orders, he focused all of his attention on Shyen and Otraol once more. So, what's it gonna be? he asked the pair. Both of our battalions can't take much more--they're all retreating. You wanna keep fighting to the death, or save our strength to help our riders and fight each another day?

Viedna

The three pursuers were amateurs and easily evaded. Once Viedna was sure that they had given up and returned to the camp, he doubled back to follow them. The battle above the Dark Knight camp was in full swing, as the forward elements of the Saviours battled the Dark Knight's Vanguard. Every passing minute would tip the battle further in the Saviours favour however, as they were receiving reinforcements while the Dark Knights were not.

Roslyn and Viedna cruised along the outskirts of the battle, close enought to observe without being targeted by either side.

Both sides are beginning a withdrawal, but the Saviours will push the offensive if they receive enough reinforcements. Roslyn noted

As the Dark Knights prepared to flee, they set fire to the tents they had not packed up, ensuring the Saviours would keep nothing of value after the battle. Amidst the enveloping flames on the ground, Viedna saw Ianeil's tent, identifiable by it's stark grey colouring.

If Ianeil *is* in charge, whatever written orders he is following or had planned to follow will be in that tent... Viedna began.

We can't approach, lest we be seen to enter the battle.

Drop me a little closer and I'll run the distance. Riders wont target a land target except perhaps with ranged magic.

Roslyn was silent for a moment before replying, very well.

Viedna snuck across the battlefield, ignoring the occasional sensation of magic failing around him. Rushing through the Dark Knight's camp, he came to Ianeil's tent, finding it unguarded. Inside he found a dark wooden chest filled with papers. Stuffing them into his robes, Viedna didn't hear another figure enter the tent.

"What are you doing here, traitor?"
Viedna spun around, and saw a familiar face, one of the Dark Knights.

"Markus, your brethren are retreating, perhaps you should do the same."

The Dark knight did not reply, but then he was not the most eloquent of Riders. Instead he unsheathed his sword and rushed at Viedna, who did not have time to draw his own blade. Instead, he caught the blade on his left steel glove, before whirling within Markus's reach and jabbing into the Knight's neck with his right hand.

Markus collapsed to the ground, gasping. Viedna turned back to the tent, collecting the rest of scrolls before leaving the paralysed Knight within the tent, which was just beginning to catch flame.

Ianeil

I groaned against her strength, only just managing to counter her. Damn, she's strong! I never thought a woman would be such a challenge for me! I smirked when I remembered. I had been so caught up in the physical battle, I forgot about my magic! I saw her tense and eyes widen; she expected something, that was certain.

"You're not that bad a fighter, I'll give you that," I sneered, putting pressure against the blades. "But you are no match for me!"

I let my expression sober into a solid glare as I let my telekenisis sweep the clearing, enveloping our swords and her. I had her, and there was no escape. She stammered when I forced her away from me, twisting her sword arm until she had to release the blade's hilt. The weapon fell to the ground, where I picked it up and held it in a free hand. That was that.

"What the hell are you doing?" she barked, frozen in place by my magic.

"It's telekenisis; I control things with my mind. It's powerful enough, I could kill you right now without even wasting effort."

"So do it, then, bastard! You are a Dark Knight, after all!"

I stared at her. "You think I'm that cold?"

"I know you are!"

I clicked my tongue, her words starting the flame that was my wicked temper. Without warning, I put more pressure against her abdomen and throat, eventually making her silently whimper. I would torture her some, just to save my own skin, then let her go.

Shyen, fall out. Be ready to pick me up in the canyons.

But -

Do it. Do not test me.

I looked up to see her flying away, movements slow and careful as blood stained her already blood red hide. I turned my gaze on Ari, then. She glared back.

"I'll kill you," was all she said.

I hit her with enough mental force to send her flying out of the clearing and into the fields where the last of her army was retreating. Next went her sword, where it landed point first beside her.

**Mmm... ice cream... ^__^ I like how the story is going! Keep it up guys; you rock! We'll get this published in no time! **

~Ariadne~

....dear! Ari, get up! Both of the battalions are gone now; we have to get you home and cleaned up. Can you hear me?

Ari woke up to Gautier standing over her, the sun silhouetting his shadow. She was lying in a field near the Damalian forest. She looked up at Gautier and saw dried blood covering most f his face; one of his eyes were closed due to a deep gash going down it. What time is it?

It's midday. I didn't want to carry you back because I didn't want to make any injuries you have worse; all of the medics are attending the other soldiers. Some soldiers that didn't have any injuries insisted on taking you back themselves--I said no; you might've accidentally killed 'em by instinct, Gautier chuckled.

Ari laughed but then winced in pain, clutching her abdomen. Her throat felt like it was on fire. "Damn him," muttered Ari. "I'm gonna kill that man, Gautier. I swear it."

Stick with mind-speak, dear. It'll be better if you don't physically talk. Hop on my back--I'll try and fly easy so it's not too painful.

Made me unconcious. That bastard, mumbled Ariadne to herself as Gautier helped her up.

She muttered a few more curses before Gautier said, At least I know you're alright; your mouth's as sharp as ever. He laughed so hard his sides were shaking; it sounded like loud wind chimes in a storm. You're gonna scare the pants off all of your soldiers!

Ari glared at Gautier as she painfully climbed on his back. Don't make me put you on my list, she snapped. She centered herself on the nape of his neck and the front of his shoulders, determined to stay balanced and lie on his neck at the same time.

Dear, your list is so long, we'll both be dead by the time you get to me, he chuckled. The wind chimes sounded softer and more gentle now.

Good, Ari grumbled. That way I can torture you for eternity in the afterlife.

Gautier laughed all the way back to the castle.

Ianeil

Another reach, another pull, another step, another stretch. And it starts all over again. I eased my way up the cliff face, toward a ledge half-way up the canyon's sheer walls. Ciru waited for me there, with our shaken and weary dragons.

I clambered onto the ledge, slapping dust off my black leather vest, breeches, and cape.

"General, are you - " Ciru began.

"I'm fine. Just pissed off," I snapped, marching quickly to Shyen, who drew slightly away. She didn't like it when I was mad; she'd told me, once, that I scared her.

"Yes, sir." He watched me carefully, silently mounting his own steed. "What now?"

"Head to the capital. I have to speak with Hanik."

After you calm down, Shyen added. I slapped her muzzle with my magic, making her flinch. What? It's the truth!

I growled as we took flight. I had Shyen glide next to Otraol just long enough to speak one last time. "Somehow, they knew where we were. There's a spy in the ranks, and we have to find him."

I guided Shyen forward at once, taking off, hopefully fast enough that the thrill of speed would calm my temper. Unfortunately, the capital showed itself too soon, and I was still in a very foul mood.

Ciru

He shook his head, unable to comprehend it. A spy? In all probability it was Bella or Haven, but neither of them knew where the camp had been moved to. That meant that there had to be someone in his own ranks who he'd missed. Perhaps...what had Markus said? They'd retrieved him from Ianeil's tent before it had burnt to the ground, and he'd said something about a traitor stealing the papers.

Ciru had his doubts, though. Markus was, for his lack of intelligence, an excellent swordsman. Moreover, he was what people expected a Dark Knight to be. If he had found a traitor in there, pilfering the orders that Ianeil had just received, he would have had no aversion to simply stabbing him in the back.

Either way, they'd need to change all their plans completely. The Saviours would have Ian's papers now, and that in itself could thwart most of their well-laid plans.

In the meantime, however, he needed to speak with Markus. The soldier was beside him, having been brought there on his orders. Ciru turned to him, "I'm not going to patronise you, Markus. You're a good soldier, and you don't deserve that. We'll keep this short. Can you identify the traitor?"

He nodded, snarling a little, "Harlequin."

Viedna, then. Markus had given the name most of the soldiers knew him by. If Viedna was still lived, and he'd joined the Saviours, that could prove incredibly problematic. That magic-deadening aura of his was what had kept him alive when he'd fled Athanasia, and if he turned it against them it could cause serious problems. Then again, Markus could just be lying. Ciru looked at one of the lieutenants, "Is Captain Nerad still alive?"

"Yes, sir."

"Have him interrogate Markus, using every way possible. I need to know if Harlequin is still alive."

~Ariadne~

With Ari's foul mood, she proved to be a handful for everyone she came up against, though that was no surprise to anyone in the battalion, or even the castle for that matter. She hated to be touched with medical tools, and she definitely showed it. Gautier tried calming her down, but it was no use--once she was pumped up, she stayed there from a couple of hours to even days on end. The Prince of Damali finally came to her, ordering her to go and at least get some practice time in the training yard, or lie down. Afraid that she might hurt someone even more badly, she decided to take the latter, figuring everyone was bruised up enough as it was. Ari went to her room, took a hot bath, and took a nap. Gautier perched on the roof above her bedroom, making sure that no one entered to save their life.

**All I got for now; sorry.**

**I'm doing this with C.J.'s permission. Sorry, whoever was controlling Haven. You were gone too long!**

Ianeil

I stepped down, off of Shyen's back, and motioned for her to fly away. She needed rest, perhaps even medical attention, but she didn't leave. She refused to leave me.

So you don't kill anyone, had been her reason.

But, I would almost do just that. Haven strode across the courtyard, passing a mocking salute at me, and grinning smugly. "Well, hey, there, General! Too bad we got our asses kicked, huh?" I caught the humor in his voice.

I turned and stood in front of him. Next to him, I was easily six inches taller and in better shape. "If you know what's good for you, leave me alone."

He acted like he was afraid and scampered back a few feet, over exaggerating timidness. "Oh, yes, sir!"

I snarled as I turned away. How I wanted to wring his neck and get it over with...put us all out of our misery by eliminating the problem. And as I walked away, I heard him mutter. "Not like I have to listen to you anyway. I'm not a Dark Knight, but you'll never know."

I heard him, and Shyen roared. My temper snapped. I spun on my heel, drawing a dagger out of my boot as I bolted. I had the kid on the ground, on his back, the next instant, my hand around his throat. Shyen attacked his dragon, Ley, keeping it off me.

"A Saviour, huh? Too bad," I hissed. "You would have been a great dragon rider."

I held my knife against his neck, barely resisting the urge to kill him then and there. After all, that would be the outcome, anyway. He would die by Hanik's orders.

I continued. "I ought to kill you now, kid, but you better be glad I've got better control. No, I won't kill you, but you'll wish I did after the king gets a hold of you."

With a final glare, I sheathed my knife, and let Haven have all of my anger, pushing him against the stone courtyard floor with my telekenisis. The stone eventually cracked against his flesh, cutting him slightly. I made the boy cry out finally; he passed out, and I freed him. I was a little calmer, but still not enough.

I stood and waved at a pair of lieutenants. "Take him to King Hanik. I'm going for a walk."

With that, I left.