Dragon Riders

~Bella~

"So...." King Hanik said. "I think I can afford to post you out just below me, and equal to General Ianeil. I grimaced.
Hanik smiled. "I would post you higher, but I fear I shall get enough of his reknown retaliation just by putting you in an equal position. You shall be an ambassador, mayhap a spy, and most definitely a trainer. You can educate the privates and give them some of your plentiful experience to build on. Yes, that should do...."
"I won't have to correspond with the General, will I?" I inquired, sincerely hoping for a negative response.
Hanik smiled knowingly, and said, "Now, now. None of that. Two officers of the same rank cannot survive in battle without communication, darling."
I sighed in defeat. "When shall I begin? Now?"
"Yes. Now would be best. The training fields are to the left of the Great Hall. Greta will be there to guide you to the Alpha training area, where you will meet Ianeil. The man can be quite wanton, so you'd best keep your eye out. Then, Greta will take you to the Privates' division. Do what you will from there."
"Yes, sir," I said.

Greta did meet me at the entrance. She was a slight woman with wispy brown hair and a broad, plain face.
"This way, Miss Tial," she said, master of the poker face she wore.
It took nearly fifteen minutes of utter silence to get to the fields. The Alpha company was training at the very front. I could still recognize General Ianeil from his long, red hair and refined elfin features. His tapered ears poked out of his hairstyle.
I pulled myself up proudly, and walked forward.
"General Ianeil," I spat. "My uncle has instructed me that I am to speak to you before I go to the Privates' training field."
He spun around. "Bella Tial." He spoke the words as if my name was a curse. "And what have you been up to since last I saw you?"
I raised one of my delicate eyebrows. "That is none of your business, General."
That seemed to trigger something in him, and I could feel a presence attempt to touch my mind. I set up the iron-hard barriers I had been trained to use against telepaths. His tendril of thought was propelled away.
"I see that Ariadne has trained you well."
I shook my head. "Not at all. It was my father who taught me this." I tossed back my hair.
"Well, then...." His voice trailed off. He cleared his throat and began again. "Report directly to Ciru. He will begin your training."
I looked at Ianeil incredulously. "Training? From a human and a command sergeant major? I think not. King Hanik has given me the rank of ambassador and trainer to the Privates. You think he would position me, his only niece, below every soldier in his army? I, who have over a decade of experience in Riding, magic, and fighting? I, who have more experience than even you?"
Ianeil looked at me darkly. "You are still below me, Tial."
I bit my lip to keep from smiling. "Did I not make my point clear? I am at the highest rank there is, aside from Kingship itself. I am the king's ward, a princess, and, hence, equal to the rank of General."
Ianeil's glare was filled with obstinacy and contempt. "Leave my presence, wretch. There is no way the King would ever allow such a girl to equal the rank of General. My rank is fit for one and one alone, and I refuse to budge on that."
"Prepare for disappointment, General Ianeil." I glanced at the position of the sun, which was just beginning to rise. "I'd better be off. I have many privates to train."
Ianeil's mouth was still half open when I left, as if he was about to retort. I laughed to myself. The man's temper would be the end of him.

*From now on if you see a completely capitilized word that means its one of Ray's compulsions.*

Azrayel-

Ray shifted inside the tent, studying the night sky through an open screen in the roof. Storm clouds skudded across the sky and the air was sharp with the tang of rain. Sighing he glanced over and saw Ciru back lit by the camp fire outside. Ian had gone to report for something or other and wouldn't be back until morning.

He felt Taiou and Yoru, their voices were distant but still clear. "What are you going to do you Ray?"

"I don't know guys, I just don't know." Ray answered silently so they wouldn't be heard. "I'm no hero. But neither am I willing to surrender what shreds of honor remain within me. Either way we're going to have to go back to my tribe.

Taiou's voice echoed carrying a sense of warmth and familiarity. Will you be all right doing that?"

Ray stood up and went to the back of the tent where he had laid his equipment. "I remember the day the tribe banished me like it was yesterday. The truths I had held to be irrefutable were all inverted."

Ray pulled the black mask attached to his cloak on, he drew one of the scimitars it pulsed a pale icy blue. He slit a hole in the back of the tent and slipped out, a silent shadow in the desert night.

It was different from earlier. Here in the desert he was at home, the sands, canyons, and extensive cave systems. Were his friends and allies. Here Ray was the hunter. In the desert, he was king.

When he got to the canyon edge he found Taiou and Yoru waiting for him, once again in their wolf forms. They leaped down from a short ledge and stood beside. Yoru tilted his head his silver and blue pelt gleaming in the darkness. "Never doubt yourself Ray, we will follow you to the ends of the earth if need be."

Ray smiled slightly running his hands over the wolves. "I know you've got to face the past sometime. Come on we won't have much of a head start. I cast SLEEP over the camp but both Haven and Ciru are stubborn. They'll shake it off soon.

The trio ran out into the desert heading towards the distant lights on the horizon, the camp of the desert tribes.

Ciru

It wasn't long before Ciru awoke, Otraol still sleeping. It unnerved him - it wasn't like either of them to simply drift off on watch, especially at the same time. Something was wrong. Otraol. The black dragon stirred, shifting about a little. Otraol! Wake up! His eyes shot open, immediately searching the camp. He attempted no excuse, what was the point when they were linked by mind? Ciru tore the tent flap aside, seeing Haven sleeping, and a hole in the back of the tent. Evidently, Azrayel had escaped.

Shall I contact Shyen?

Ciru shook his head. Involving the general in this was the last thing he wanted. After all, whether or not someone had exerted a power over him, he had lost a promising dragon rider. Have the main camp double the patrols. We'll need to search the canyons around here as soon as possible. Not every spare rider though. If Azrayel decides to try his hand at being a Saviour, it would be simple for him to set up an ambush.

He took a seat in the tent, fixing his eyes on Haven. This one wouldn't get the jump on him. Ciru thought for a long moment, connecting things in his mind. He appeared confused for a second, then a slow grin of realisation slowly crept across his face. Best friends indeed. If Azrayel and Haven really were best friends, why had Haven been abandoned like this? Ciru was going to have some serious questions for him when he awoke.

Shyen says that Bella claims she equals Ianeil in rank now. Something's gone wrong.

Ciru shrugged, Of course. The king's mad, remember? It shouldn't be long before his favour swings back to Ian for one reason or another, and drops Bella back.

Well, for now, she's been given the privilege of training the privates. Not the ones that are already out here, the ones that are still in Athanasia. I think we'd best head back there once these two have awoken. Naturally, we'll have to assume that she knows who you are by name, and give ourselves alternatives.

Ciru nodded. If they introduced themselves to this new general as Ciru and Otraol, she'd turn on them immediately. If, however, they were appointed by Ianeil as the messengers between him and Bella, his role would be made far easier. It was a believable story as well, Ian would want to remain as far as possible from Bella.

**Sorry, Rubric, but I have to post!! Oh, and I'm not losing my internet, so it's all good! And yes, Ayumi, I'm sure you do have more experience than me, you've been in ROTC longer than I have.**

~Ariadne~

"They're this way!" Viedna called back to Ari.

They had reached the outskirts of the forest surrounding Damali, and a little ways off in a small canyon lay a camp. Roslyn and Gautier flew up high, so they wouldn't be sensed or seen by the Dark Knights on patrol.

So, this is where they've been hiding, commented Gautier. He saw in the corner of his eye two dragons flying in the other direction, away from the camp and Damali. That seems to be Azrayel and his two dragons. Shall we go after them, Ari?

No, Gautier. He's none of our concern; he can do as he pleases.

"Your lost soldier is in a tent with other Dragon Riders," Viedna shouted over the wind, but only loud enough for Ariadne to hear.

"Thank you," Ari shouted back. "Your help is much appreciated. You are free to go, but welcome to stay. If you're staying, you might want to prepare for battle." Gautier, call all the patrols to get their battle armor. Tell them to make sure that all captains get their companies up and ready. Dawn is when we attack.

Are we going back for armor, dear? Or are we going to stay?

We're staying. They've gotten away from us so many times before, we're not losing them again.

Viedna

Fight? His own brethren?

We knew it would come to this when we decided to seek out the Saviours. Roslyn chided him. Better to fight for the allies of a foolish king than fight for the minions of mad one.

But why fight at all, we could merely...watch.

And be counted cowards by the Saviours? Finding their lost rider will not be enough to keep us from their prison, we need allies.

And if we come upon old comrades like Ianeil and Shyen, shall we slay them? Viedna demanded.

What other choice do we have?

Viedna fumed as Roslyn continued to circle. Ariadne had landed with her dragon so that she was not distracted while communicating with her subordinates

Perhaps we do not have to fight... today. Roslyn ventured.

What do you mean?

There will be other battles, the Saviours have a clear advantage in numbers here now that they know where this camp is, and if they plan to attack at dawn it seems unlikely that this Dark Knight vanguard will be reinforced by then.

The boy.. began Viedna, refferring to the one they had seen sneaking out of the Dark Knight camp.

You sensed it too?I thought it nothing more than the night playing tricks on my senses

We should follow him, see if he is as...odd as he seems

Roslyn abruptly plumeted toward the clearing where Ariadne was composing her offence.

"We will not join the fight today, though we hope we have given you advantage enough by locating the camp," reasoned Viedna, "for now we have a small matter to attend to." Roslyn turned to leave.

"What matter?" asked Ariadne, clearly annoyed that he would leave before the battle.

"Nothing to do with this conflict, you can see the camp through the trees," Viedna gestured toward the distant tents, "rest assurred I will not warn them, and you would see if I did. I will return to honour the debt I owe you; after this battle."

With nothing more than that Roslyn took flight from the clearing, leaving Ariadne and Gautier to coordinate their battle strategy before their forces arrived.

*I noticed that Bella claims to have over a decade of Dragon Riding experience...isn't she 14? If I've misunderstood this don't worry about it, but we seem to have a few very young generals floating around, 14 is just...too young even with a mad uncle pulling the strings. Is aging her up possible? Also if Bella's previous dragon was killed by Ianeil in battle, that implies he knew she was working with the saviours*

*I forgot to explain. Bella's first dragon, Hiro, hatched for her on her fourth birthday. Wait, does that seem unreallistic, please tell me. I didn't mean to say that Hiro got killed in battle. There was an 'incident' where Ian contronted Bella (she was 9 at the time) and killed Hiro, and almost killed her because he suspected her of the murder of her father. However, this was all cleared up by her uncle and Bella was cleared of all charges. I think Ian must still suspect her, though.... Don't worry. As the wise Puppet-Version of Ron Weasley says: "I have a plan!"*

**Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I couldn't think of anything to go with what everyone else had put**

Ciru

A pair of Dark Knights had come to collect Haven close to half an hour beforehand. The unfortunate boy had been barely awake when they'd arrived, too tired to attempt any kind of trick or protest before they'd shackled him and sent his dragon ahead of theirs. He was on his way to the dungeons of Athanasia now, and chances were he wouldn't be returning for a long time, if at all.

Otraol was busy circling the camp above him, staying in contact with the patrols that were looking for Azrayel. Virtually half the camp was airborne now. Ciru frowned as he saw the black dragon seem to flinch for a moment, before changing the direction he was flying completely, Otraol, what's wrong?

One of the patrols has reported something very worrying. The Saviours look like they know where the camp is - most of their force must be on their way here now!

Damn it! How could they have found us, the camp's nowhere near Haven! Someone must have betrayed us...no matter, give the order to break camp, we have to move back to Athanasia now and link up with the rest of the Dark Knights.

The dragon flinched again, moving down towards him now, Ian won't be happy with this...sacrificing the forward position-

Is the only thing we can do now! Ciru growled, We can't hold against the full force of the Saviours. Besides, Ian isn't here right now, and anyone who's seen me aiding him over the last few days should know better than to question my orders now. Especially in a situation like this.

*Sorry if it's long.*

Azrayel-

Ray crossed the desert quickly, war was coming to the kingdoms, and when it started the nomadic tribes, would no doubt move inland. Into the desert depths that only they knew how to survive in. It was a few hours befre dawn when Ray, Taiou, and Yoru came within sight of the camp. The sky was just beginning to lighten and the stars were fading from sight.

The people of the camp were just beginning to stir, the men wore browns and tans, colors made to blend in with the desert. While the women wore dresses in bright colors, vibrant reds, and brilliant yellows, brights greens, and soft blues. The whole camp went silent when Ray strode through the boundary, Taiou and Yoru trailed behind hackles raised and coats glinting in the firelight.

Mothers snatched the younger children up and hid them in the tents. The older children and men grabbed weapons and gathered around the women. Ray ignored it all with the pride and grace inherent in the Royal Family's of the desert tribe.

"They act like I'm a monster." Ray murmured, softly enough that only Taiou and Yoru, or another dragon would hear.

Yoru bared his teeth in a snarl. "In a lot of ways. At least to them. After all Ray, you broke the most sacred laws of your people." Taiou followed his brother's train of thought. "Not to mention you were still a child when you were banished. No normal child could have survived alone in the desert."

Ray smiled wryly as he stepped into the center of the encampment. "Well that's true. Still, I feel bad for leaving Haven behind. But this is important, it must be done."

The center of the encampment was a circle of packed sand ringed with torches and at the back stood a large tent. The tribal chiefs tent. Ray stiffened when the new chief stepped out of the tent. Kale, Ray's former best friend stood in front of him wearing the crown of the desert king. A thin circlet made of topaz, carved with intricate symbols that gleamed with magic. But the crown didn't shine, as it would when worn by the true king.

Glaring at Kale, Ray threw back his hood. His long red-black hair shone softly in the firelight, and his amathyst eyes seemed to draw the flames into them and spit them back out.

Kale sneered at Ray before pitching his voice so that those gathered could hear him speak. "What are you doing here outcast?" His voice all but dripped with contempt, for his one time friend. Kale gestured to the soldiers "Guards seize him."

"NOBODY MOVE." Once, that voice would have made him flinch. Now Ray was older and knew better. He felt charged with power, for the first time in years Ray felt alive. "You know why I'm here Kale." His voice pulsed with magic compelling the listeners to hear him and obey. "Kale, you have won your crown through treachery and deciet and I am here to take back what is rightfully mine."

In one smooth move Ray drew his scimitars and assumed a fighting stance. "Time and past, for things to change." He murmured to himself before shouting for the entire camp to hear. "I challenge you Kale!"

For one instant Kale looked shocked before he leaned back and laughed. "And what do you have to challenge with Azrayel. As a banished one you can't challenge by blood, only by deed. So what will I be Azrayel by blood or by deed"

Smiling Ray nodded at Taiou and Yoru, in a smooth movement the twins shed their wolven forms and became dragons once again. The crowd was shocked into silence and fear flickered across Kale's face. Clearly, so that all present would know he was sure Ray spoke. "By deed."

Into the silence, one of the tribesmen spoke. His voice low, but in the tense quiet everyone heard him. "The challenge cannot be denied."

**I have returned!!! Yay!!! Now, where was I?**

Ianeil

Bella, Bella, Bella...That girl would make me lose my temper before the war was even started! Why did she have to return anyway? And why did Hanik make her, more or less, a princess, someone I would have to consider my equal and work with?

Come. Let's fly. Shyen crooned, popping her tail.

I nodded, and strode across the courtyard, to her side, and mounted her. We rose, and were off.

I found an awesome picture of Ariadne!!! here's the link: http://pixieshollow.com/pics/elvengrl.jpg (except, y'know, with white hair and 5 earrings in one ear )oh, and also, I won't be able to post starting tomorrow until Tuesday. sorry!

~Ariadne~

As Gautier landed in some trees nearby, Ari said, I'm going to check things out. You stay here and keep a lookout. Tell me if anyone is coming.

Gautier nodded, fully alert.

Ariadne crept through the trees, making sure not to step on anything that would cause any noise. She stayed low and hid in some bushes, far away from the Dark Knights' camp but close enough so she could see it.

Damn it, Gautier, they're moving the camp!! They must have sensed we were here! Call the Saviors to us at once! It's an emergency! We can't let them get away! Ari stayed in the bushes while Gautier gave the order, taking her dagger out of her boot, just in case she would need it.

(duh Duh DUH!!) *giggle*

Viedna

One of the things you picked up during reconnaissance was to never staycloser to the ground than neccesary.

As Roslyn arched across the sky, Viedna was glad that they had learned this. Behind and below them, a trio of Dargon Riders, Dark Knights no doubt, followed the same trail as Viedna; Azrayel's trail.

Had they been lower they would have ben spotted, instead Viedna was given the initiative to act. He pulled Roslyn in, hiding her in a bank of cloud as the Knights gained on them.

No doubt this trio was part of a search party sent as soon as the Dark Knights had realised that the boy had left their camp. Though he was still unsure of the curiosity that had led him to follow the boy's trail, experience told Viedna that once their hospitality was spurned, the Knights would not let the boy escape freely.

The Riders soon passed below him, and Viedna's fear was confirmed by the Dark Knight emblem emblazoned on their shields. A silent command to Roslyn sent the two barrelling out of the clouds toward the three riders, falling with the force of an avalanche.

As they dove, Viedna loosened the ties of a blade he kept on Roslyn's large saddle; three feet of blade and two of hilt, it was a cross between spear and sword; an exotic weapon Viedna had learned to use specifically for Dragon duels. He also loosened some of the ties keeping his legs locked in place.

It was not until the last moment that the trio, humans all, Viedna noted, noticed the charge. Turning in midair the three dragons became a muddle of flailing wings and tails. One rider raised his hand, from which a shower of iridescennt shards emerged; only to dissipate before they struck Roslyn. Such arcane tactics were useless against the ambushers.

Sweeping in under one of the attackers, Roslyn avoided the brunt of their attacks. Viedna struck out with his blade, severing several of the ties that bound the rider's saddle to his mount. Roslyn abruptly rose higher into the air, shouldering her way past one of the other dragons; allowing Viedna to kick with his unfettered foot with enough force to break the weakened ties of the saddle and sending the rider, still tied to his saddle, falling from his mount.

The riders, Viedna noted, were too focussed on attempting to use their magics against him to adapt to the fact that he was immune. The dragons proved quicker to respond and two launched themselves at Roslyn, who promply turned and fled. The third dragon launched into a plummeting dive, intent on catching it's rider before he fell.

Soon all three were in pursuit of Roslyn and Viedna, their search for the wayward Azrayel forgotten.

Lucky we noticed those riders when we did. Otherwise they would have follwed the trail as far as we. and seen the village Azrayel's trail leads to. Roslyn mused.

Since when did we start believing in luck? We will return to investigate this...boy as soon as this first assault of the Dark Knights is repelled. When the saviours have secured Damali we can turn our eyes back to such pursuits.

*Dang Blast it, first the delay til ayumi posted, now sylverdawn runs off just when i was going to catch up with Azrayel*

**Sorry I've been gone. A national art competition last week, my grandmother died two days ago...yeah...now my arm is killing me...ugh...**

Ianeil

Shyen hovered over the base, staring down as the last of the soldiers headed out of the camp. The move was almost complete...We'd be in a more concealed position soon...

Ian! I smell a Saviour!

Where?

On the ground!

I looked, and, indeed, there was a white dragon and white-haired Rider. It was a woman, probably in her late teens, and an elf. I drew my scimitar, ready to fight.

Shyen, alert Ciru and the officers. Have them ready for combat! If she's here, there may be others! Go!

She plummeted quickly, coming around behind where the Rider knelt, and I dropped from her back. I yelled as I landed on top of the girl.

**oh, Ayumi...I'm so sorry... *hands ayumi a cookie and gives big hug*. Well, turns out that I can still post. And if anyone sees Light_Devil (Haven) around, tell him to get his butt back here so he can post!! It's been awhile since he has; it's like he fell off the face of the earth.**

~Ariadne~

Ari! Behind you! shouted Gautier. He leapt off of the tree where he was perched, coming to her aid. Shyen came to meet him head on, roaring. He roared in return an they clashed, a mix of scales and teeth and claws.

Ariadne just barely turned around when she heard a man yell and land on top of her, her arms pinned. He knocked the breath out of her and she gasped, trying to get out from under him. She quickly got one of her arms free (luckily the one with the dagger) and made a sweeping motion in back of her, hoping to strike something with her dagger. She could feel her dagger pierce his flesh, but not deep enough to do any major damage. He grabbed her arm and pinned it roughly behind her back, keeping her upper body on the ground while sitting on her lower one. He pointed his scimitar at her back.

The man leaned in close, so his mouth was by her ear. "Where are your reinforcements?" he asked roughly. She could feel his warm breath on her ear; it sent chills up her spine.

"Nowhere you need to know." Ari struggled to get out of his grip even though she knew it would be of no use.

"Even though you may be trying to protect your fellow soldiers and General, it won't work. We're going to invade Damali and take to control, wether you like it or not. If you want, I can spare your life and you can live as my servant."

Despite being pinned, Ari laughed and flipped her hair to the side, trying to get a better look at her captor. "You must be joking. First of all, you insult me by degrading me as a lower rank than I actually am. Second, I would never serve you, not now, not ever. And I don't plan on dying anytime soon, Ianiel."

The sky was becoming a pinkish-orange shade, giving Ianiel more light to see better. He gasped. "General Ariadne?"

Ari struggled in Ian's grip and grunted with effort. "Please to make your acquaintance, you bastard."

**How's this?**