Dragon Riders

Garrel

Viedna was walking into the room where the other riders had gathered to meet when Garrel grabbed his shoulder.
"That was foolhardy."
"No more so than Crysilla, and certainly less than the boy's. The magic he commanded was powerful, but dangerous in the extreme."

Rather than ask how Viedna knew his, he continued with his original line of thought, "you leapt from a tower onto the back of an unwilling flying beast."
Viedna shrugged, "it wasn't so dangerous. Roslyn and I have done the maneouver dozens of times. It isn't like I have a death wish or anything of that sort."

Garrel stared at him for a moment, unreassured. "You need to learn to work in a group. I bet even when you were in reconnaissance you were a lone scout."

"Hah, don't try to do this kind of reading on me Garrel, I'm far better at it than you. I might, for instance, ask why you seem so terrified of the girl who greeted us at the entrance to the city, but I won't, because it isn't my place. Come, the others have gathered inside, and I'm sure everyone's bursting with questions for the boy."

Garrel had grown gradually more worried as Viedna began, but it was the thoroughly enjoyed tone with which he ended his invitation that worried Garrel. There was something wrong with his new friend, some sort of anxiety that simmered beneath the surface.

The two entered the room just as Ciru and Ian left for the balcony.

"So, do we get an exposition of sorts from you Azrayel, or do we proceed along the path of gradual illumination?" Viedna said, his tone somewhat jaunty.

*I'm alright with people joining just as long as they post regularly.*

Azrayel/Crysilla-

Ray gave Viedna a wry smile. "Nice timing we were just about to start. But really there's not much to tell."
He shifted as Taiou and Yoru pressed against them and he rubbed their backs.

"On my fathers side I am a descendant of the Desert Princes, but then every clan chief is to one extant or another. From my father I also received the lore of the Desert Riders. And I figured out where the sacred grounds were. But it's my mother's blood that you want to know about. From her, I am direct descendant of the World King, Ashara 'an Kallen. Thirteen hundred years ago, he conquered the world, using four weapons tuned to him. It is said they were forged by the gods themselves."

Shaking his head Ray continued. "Regardless, once the World King ruled the people were united, or at least as united as they'd ever been. There was no open war, and for a time the world had peace. But when Ashara died, his heirs were still children. They were systematically hunted down, once everyone thought them dead, a war erupted that consumed everything in its path. The world was divided up like a toy to be shared. It was from the ashes of that war that the nations of today rose up.

"And in the chaos the weapons were lost, scattered around the world. Naturally, people went looking for them. But it was to their shame when they learned that the weapons could only be used by Ashara or those who carry his blood."

Ari shifted, wincing, she reached up and rubbed her temple. "This may make me sound stupid, but if all of his heirs were hunted down, then how?"

Smiling Ray shook his head. "Not stupid. You've hit on the root of the problem Ari. One of his children did survive. His youngest child and only daughter, lived. She was taken in and hidden by the high elves. Of course, they erased all record of her existence before that. Once people that the weapons were bound to the bloodline they were doubly careful.

"Too careful," Viedna leaned against the wall, eyes dancing with laughter. "They were so secretive, they lost much of what they themselves hid."

"Right. Most of what I know comes from a bare bones account that was several generations removed from the fact. It was my great-great grandmother, who left the elves after the rest of her family died of sickness. She left searching for her ancestors weapons, and she found the Light of Ashara here in Kettia. So she stayed, she got married, had kids, and life went on.

My mother and her sisters were the first to take an interest in the artifact. And it cost them their lives. And that brings us to present day." He said sarcastically. "Any questions class?"

"Very funny." Garrel looked at him, searching. "Alright, were any of the other weapons ever found?"

Ray shook his head. "No, just this one, and its use is primarily defense. Although, there was some obscure in a journal connecting the sword to Athanasia and Damali."

"Not good." Ari murmured into her glass. "Alright, is there anyone else who can use them."

"Not that I know of. I know I'm the last in the desert. A few minor descendants might have survived in the high elven vales. But no direct descendants."

"Why?" Viedna asked cocking his head to one side.

Ray smiled faintly. "Because whatever is in our blood to make us different has two side effects. It's like a time bomb, no telling when it will go off. The other side effect isn't important, just that the children of that line are almost always girls."

"Alright here's the problem." Ari set down the mug and looked around the room. "Kaniy and Nerad know the lore as well as any dragon rider. They heard what you said when you used it. And you can bet they'll go squealing to Hanik."

Ray brushed back red-black hair, violet eyes flashing. "You think once he knows he'll order my capture."

Ari nodded. "Yes, I do."

Maradomin

The soldier ran into the tent, in the tent there was only a dim light of one candle lighting the place.
"Sir!" shouted the soldier. Maradomin lifted his head from his books on his desk and turned around on his chair. "Yes, Laviant, what is it?"
Laviant banged hist breastplate and stood straight before Maradomin "It is the Command sergeant major, sir." He said in disgust, A figure came into the then, it was a man. He was not too old, he had brown hair and a dark knights commanders uniform. "Now, now. Show some respect for your commander... Private Laviant. I could just get offended."
"Good day Helios." Said Maradomin from under his hood. Helios gazed at him coldly
"It's sir to you, Maradomin! You better remember that, or else." Helios said angrily
"Or else what? You know as well as I that I could break you here and now sir." Maradomin spit out
Helios gave him an ice cold look. "You know, I have heard of treason within your ranks, Maradomin. I hope what I hear are lies." Helios smirked "Think what would happen if the king would hear."
"I have nothing to do with such things, Helios. Besides there is no proof." Maradomin said coldly
"I don't think that would be a problem for the king." Helios was still smirking. Laviant behind him was looking at Helios in rage.
"Watch your tongue Helios, I hope you aren't spreading lies... You know what the king does with liars." Maradomin said
"I hope for your sake that your not a rebel. Moor. I shall take my leave" and with this he was gone.
Laviant turned to Maradomin "Master he is on to us, and he insulted you, may I finish him?" Laviant looked anxious.
Maradomin turned too speak to Laviant "Not yet. His time will come. If we kill him now, we will be also susspected and that would not be a good thing for the plans. When his time comes, I'll be sure to give you the honor."
Laviant smiled "Thank you master" He said
"Now leave Laviant, I must continue my research. Oh and remember to notify me if there is any progress."
"Yes master, I shall take my leave." Laviant bang his breast plate and left
Maradomin looked on his desk, there were his research of the weapons of the gods.
He sighed at the sign of his work. He took a box from the table and oppened it, in the box there was a book. Maradomin waved his hand, and the candle went off. In the dark if somebody would have lisstenned hard they could have hear Maradomin read the book "´I shall smite thee, foul demon of the under world.` Ha ha. That is a classic." Well even the masters of darkness need some rest

I'm back!!!! Sorry for the long absence. I was...ahem...grounded. for the whole summer! Well, I learned my lesson, and I can't wait to get back to writing! I just have to look for an opening....Sylverdawn (no offense!) ended with my character talking....

LUV YA ALL!!!

~CJ

P.S. all caps completely necessary.

**Welcome back, CJ!**

Ciru

"You're right, of course, Ian. They won't have waited. On top of that, they'll have noticed by now that when they were banished from the city, I didn't go with them. They might've wondered why at first, but it wouldn't have taken that long for them to figure out that I have no intention of harming this city or anyone in it. And they'll have gone back to Hanik by now and told him all of that. No, I have to stay here."

Ianeil nodded, "I thought you'd see that side of it, which just leaves us with one question - what now?"

Ciru shrugged, "Unless you or someone inside has an idea of what our next move should be, I guess it's up to the Dark Knights."

Nerad and Kaniy

The two of them burst into the throne room, the air splitting open as Kaniy teleported them in. The dragons were already in the courtyard, but the news concerning what had happened in the Desert City couldn't wait.

The king looked up, evidently shocked and angry, "What do you two think you're doing? You know I won't tolerate this kind of intrusion! Get out!"

Kaniy, ever the diplomat, put out one hand to stop Nerad reacting with the same insane fury that afflicted their king, then spoke, "Sir, with all due respect, this news can't wait. Ciru's turned as well."

"As I expected! Ianeil's right hand was always going to be as untrustworthy as the man himself!" Hanik looked around, "Where is he?"

"We were banished from the city before we realised he'd gone over. The prince used one of the World King's weapons. My lord, we've found Ashara's heir."

Hanik's eyes danced with insane glee, "Excellent! Find as many men as you need, and find a way to kill him. The attack on Damali will be second to this. You will kill him. And then deal with the traitors. Take that sergeant who plays with darkness...his name escapes me."

The king looked to one of his aides, who cleared his throat nervously, knowing the price of even the smallest failure for those who weren't needed, "Maradomin, sir?"

The king grinned wildly, cackling a little, "Yes, him. One of the other perfect assassins. Captain, Lieutenant, find him and have him help you in this matter."

Maradomin

He sat on his chair, when Laviant ran inside the tent. "Sir!"
Maradomin turned around "Yes Laviant?" Maradomin asked. He lit the candle again.
Laviant caught his breath, and banged his breastplate, "We found a spy."

Maradomin shot up from the chair "Bring him in." Maradomin commanded,
he took a posture that made him look more important. Laviant looked a bit embarrassed, "Actually, it is a she."

Maradomin looked at him "That is of no importance. Now! Bring her in."
"Yes Master." Laviant went outside for a brief second "Bring her in!" Maradomin heard him shout

When Laviant came in behind him were two men carrying a brown haired woman. The woman was of quite light weight but not too light. She was quite tall, her hair went down till her upper stomach. Se was wearing a women's breastplate with the mark of the dark-knights on it. She looked quite unhappy with her situation.

"Kneel before the great master Maradomin." Laviant forced the woman to kneel before Maradomin by pushing her knees forward.
"You are not my master!" She spit out
Laviant slapped the woman on the head.

"Show respect to the master, woman" Laviant commanded
The woman looked up at Maradomin with hatred.

"Are you scared of me, Maradomin? Having your thugs hitting me. You just sit there like a coward."
Laviant was about to slap her again but Maradomin stopped him "She is correct. Take her shackles off and give her, her sword back. Now lady, if you win me I'll let you free. If you loose... well we will see what will happen." Maradomin turned to the two other men "Jack and Sam, leave us." He turned to Laviant "You as well." he said. The men banged their breastplates and left. The woman looked at Maradomin for a short while and then attacked.

"You know, Maradomin. My rank is a captain, and for what I have heard it sounds like that you are only a sergeant." Their sword met and a spark rose.

Maradomin was silent. The woman banged at him from left and right but it felt like that his weapon would have rose from the shadows themselves. "Darkness unravel" Maradomin shout out. The shadows stretched and took a grip of the woman, she dropped her sword with a clang. Maradomin walked to her and said "The only reason I am not a general is because I do not want to be." He said with an ice cold voice.

At this precise moment Laviant ran in "The captain is here, Sir!" Laviant said. Maradomin turned to the woman, and let her go. Laviant tied her up again and put a rope on her mouth so that she could not shout. Laviant threw her in a secret passage just under the tents carpet.
"Let them in." said Maradomin

The captain walked in and said "Maradomin. The king need your assassin skills

**Lord, think you could make your posts a little cleaner? It's hard to understand them... Try putting a space between your paragraphs. It helps a lot. Thanks.**


**Where's Billy? It's his turn to post...**

*sorry, I'd like to point out that most villains would want Ray alive, to use him.*

yes I do. MUHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAH

*Hanik is the strongest ruler around. He may not need, or at least, may not think he needs, Azrayel to win. If he thinks he doesnt, then Azrayel is merely a threat to him. If Billy doesnt post next, I will tommorow*

**Sorry about not posting sooner, I haven't been on too much lately because of exams. As for killing Azrayel, I'd have to agree with Rubric, at least from Hanik and Nerad's perspectives. If Maradomin wants him alive, he could appeal to Kaniy, although that's not saying Kaniy would bow to Maradomin.**

Nerad

He watched the sergeant for a long moment, suspicious. There was something about Maradomin, not the kind of internal conflict that had always accompanied Ciru and Ianeil, but something like barely restrained ambition. They'd have to keep a closer eye on Maradomin now that there weren't as many of the more powerful riders around to keep him in check.

"Maradomin, the king needs use of your assassin skills."

The man tilted his head to one side, eyes staring blankly at Nerad, trying to put him off balance, "Does he? Might I ask who the target is?"

Nerad returned Maradomin's flat look, "High Prince Azrayel of the Desert Kingdoms. You will be accompanying Lieutenant Kaniy and I, sergeant." He smiled, "And leave your men behind, it will just be the three of us, just like when Kaniy and I went with Ciru to the desert city." He added, the subtext of his words clear. He turned on his heel and left the tent.

Maradomin


"Azrayel?" You could not see the shock on Maradomin's face as he was a master at hiding his feelings.

"Laviant!" Maradomin shouted Laviant banged his breastplate

"Yes, master?" Laviant said, Maradomin still stood still on the mat.

"Go tell Garen that were leaving." Maradomin commanded

"You aren't really going alone, are you master?" Laviant asked concerned

"Of course I will, go alone... But notify the spies in the area, that I'm coming. I might need their help."

"I'll take the woman with me. Get her some black clothes." Maradomin smiled under his hood "She can work as my hostage against that prince." Maradomin spit out

"But will you really kill hi, sire?" Laviant asked

"No. I need him... I need him alive, for the ritual." Maradomin shed his sword "Or I can't use this sword at its highest level. I need his blood."

"Yes, sire." Laviant banged his breastplate and stood up to leave

"Laviant." Maradomin said

"Yes?" asked Laviant and turned at the tent entrance

"Do not come after me. You hear?" Maradomin commanded

"B-but..." Laviant muttered

Maradomin walked to Laviant and placed his hand on Laviants head.

"Laviant. There are three reasons for why I do not want you to follow." Maradomin looked serious "Firstly is because I am concerned for the mission, Secondly: you are not powerful enough to take on the captain or lieutenant, third: I'm concerned of your health... I would not wish for harm to happen to my nephew."

Laviant bit his lip "Thank you unc... Master. But if I am not powerful enough to protect you, I cannot be your nephew."

Maradomin looked at him sternly "Don't push yourself Laviant. That is an order. I can handle this on my own. Besides I have the spies at my side."

"Now take your leave and bring us those black robes."

Laviant ran out. He came back soon with some black robes for the woman.

Maradomin opened the trap door under the mat. The woman tried to head bang him, but Maradomin easily avoided her head. "Put these on and come out." commanded Maradomin.

"Were leaving.”

**I'm going to go ahead and skip Ian and Ciru's conversation. So, Billy, are we letting Ciru turn rogue as well?**

Ian returned to the room, walking in at the end of the conversations. He had missed everything; oh well. Ari would fill him in later, no doubt.

He strode to a sofa, where he settled. Exhaustion was setting in. He would be in bed before dusk was complete, he knew. His shoulder also ached; the pain wasn't as bad as before and it had stopped bleeding, but it still annoyed him. He let his head rest against the arm of the chair; he stared at the ceiling.

He could hear Thorn, Ari, Ray, Cris, and Viedna talking, but he didn't hear the words. He closed his eyes and thought about the day, about the meeting and the al'aran, about Ciru and his betrayal, about everything, about last night when he couldn't have been killed, about Ari's kindness...

He dozed off before he realized it.

~Ariadne~

Ray brushed back red-black hair, violet eyes flashing. "You think once he knows he'll order my capture."

Ari nodded. "Yes, I do."

Ray sighed. "Well, you may be right. But they can't enter here, the barriers..."

Ari heard the door open and turned her head to see Ian walk in. She didn't pay much attention to what Ray was telling her; she kept her eyes on Ian, making sure he didn't unexpectedly collapse or anything. He slumped down sideways onto a large couch, resting his head on the arm of it. Seconds later, he dozed off.

"...can't break it, especially with the guards surrounding it."

Ari turned to Ray. "Ray, I don't mean to impose on anyones hospitality, but we've all had a long hard day. Do you think we could stay here for the night?"

Ray looked surprised. "Of course. We're gonna have to double up on rooms, however. With all of the other tribes here, there aren't many rooms left available."

"That's quite alright," Ari said, standing up. The room suddenly started spinning, and she was forced to sit back down.

Viedna, who had stayed leaning by a nearby wall, stepped towards her. "Ari, are you okay?" he asked, concerned. "Do you need help standing?"

"No, I do not," she snapped, angry. She sighed. "I can handle it, thank you." she said more softly, sorry she had been so rude when he only wanted to help. Ari stood more slowly, keeping one hand on the chair. When she knew she could stand without falling, she stood upright. "Ray, do you know which rooms are available?"

"All of the tribes are staying on the first couple of floors; the few rooms that are up here are still open. Any one of those are fine."

Ari nodded. "Thank you. Ian will bunk with me tonight." As she said it, her face became a deep shade of red. She walked towards him, nudging him awake. "Ian. Get your ass up. You're going to bed."

*How's that?*

**Setting something up? lol Ugh...God, my ribs hurt...I hate being accident prone. Last weekend I got a concussion; this weekend I bruised my ribs! And maybe next weekend I'll break something, , which would totally ruin my date...ugh... **

Thorn watched Ari move to Ian and wake him up. His mind raced; what was going on? Ari, taking in Ian, even though they had been enemies? What was up with that?

Ian nonetheless nodded, stretched, and slowly got to his feet. Thorn watched him closely; he looked pale, weak... Thorn strode over, meeting his son and his escort at the door.

"Do you need help?" he asked the young man.

Ian merely shook his head 'no.' Thorn watched the two generals walk slowly down the hall, to a door, and disappear inside.

Once inside, Ian eased in a chair, resting his head in his hand. He was exhausted, he knew, but something else was wrong. Was it just the pain? Was it the wound? Was it blood loss induced by the battle earlier? All he knew was that he felt, more or less, like shit.

Ari turned to him. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know. You?" His voice was soft.