Omensent: Wrath of a Dragon God Page 3

  For Leia's part, she found her new adornment fascinating. Her eyes were wide with astonished curiosity as she stared at the strange stone, seeming almost hypnotized by the strange object.

  They were just preparing to dig in the sumptuous feast that had been placed before them, when a large bearded man dressed in a rough leather jerkin came stumping into the hall.

  "Shirk!" Damion greeted him, still balancing his daughter on one leg as he attempted the fill his plate with some sausages. "I was wondering where you had wandered off to. We haven't seen you for a few weeks."

  The rough looking man flopped down in a chair. "I had heard a few rumors of some highwaymen attempting to set up shop here in the mountains. I thought I would go investigate."

  "By yourself?" Veren asked, raising his face from his hands. "You should have let me know what you were planning. I could have sent some men with you to help insure your safety." His expression was disapproving.

  Shirk snorted. "They would have all just gotten themselves killed. These highwaymen can spot a guardsman from a mile away. Luckily for me, they can also spot a fellow criminal when they see him. After searching for them for a couple of days, I was finally able to locate them to the south, camped out in a gulley half way between Sevria and the foothills that border the mountains."

  "Why would they set up camp so far from any settlements?" Dar asked in confusion.

  The big bearded man snorted, then gestured at Damion, who was busy fighting his daughter for a sausage. "They were hoping to stay below Damion's radar. They figured that if they set up camp far enough away from Sevria they might be avoid being noticed."

  "Were you able to discover anything useful?" Sly asked, sniffing at one of the containers of juice suspiciously. After a small experimental sip, he replaced it on the table, then asked a passing servant to bring several pitchers of spiced wine.

  Shirk nodded, taking one of the loaves of bread and tearing off a large chunk. "It took me a couple of days, but I was finally able to gain their confidence, and get them talking. Apparently, someone has paid them a great deal of gold to ambush the trade caravans that are moving to the south. When I asked why, their leader, a skinny little toad named Brody, said that their employer wished for the trade to be disrupted in the area, but didn't explain why. I guess this person is paying them quite well, and they get to keep whatever they are able to steal from the caravans that they ambush, so there was no shortage of volunteers for the job. They're not the most organized group, but there are a lot of them."

  "What would anyone gain by disrupting the trade moving through the mountains?" Lady Skie asked with a baffled expression.

  "It's probably some merchant trying to corner the market on goods, and trying to kill off some competition in the process." Damarius said, trying to brush some egg out of his beard. "Have they ambushed any caravans yet?"

  Shirk nodded, dipping the piece of bread in one of the jars of honey butter, and taking a huge bite. "We haven't heard about it because they are careful to make sure that they don't leave any survivors to spread the word. Once everyone is dead, they drag the bodies into the brush, then plunder the caravans, stripping them of anything of value. They take the horses with them back to their camp, and dump the stripped down wagons in a gulley a half mile or so from the trade road. It's actually not a bad operation that they have going, for amateurs anyway."

  Veren glanced over at Damion. "Do you want me and Shirk to take a few men and go take care of them? We can't just leave them out there to prey upon the caravans. It won't be long before word finally trickles back to the Merchant's Guild that their caravans are disappearing somewhere in these mountains."

  Damion thought about it for several moments. "I've got a better idea."

  "You're not running off to slaughter a bunch of highwaymen on your daughter's birthday!" Raven declared suddenly, her hazel eyes flashing. "I'll make sure you eat nothing but hay for the next month if you even try!"

  Damion laughed, although he did quickly pile more eggs and sausages onto his plate. "Actually, I thought I would ask Slither to have a few of the dragonspawn run them off."

  "That reminds me," Veren grunted, finally rousing himself enough to start filling his plate with food. "Slither has been seen skulking around the edge of the forest for the last few days. I was going to tell you when you returned, but..."

  "But you were too busy laying unconscious, face down in the middle of the street?" Damion chuckled.

  Veren blushed, but didn't reply.

  "Don't worry about it. I went and had a chat with him late last night. He had been trying to get my attention, otherwise he would make sure that he wasn't seen."

  "What did he want?" Sly asked curiously. "I meant to ask, but we were a little busy last night, and it somehow slipped my mind."

  Damion rolled his eyes. "He wanted to give me a warning." He glanced over at Damarius, who had tried to take a drink of juice only to have his brow lock dip into the glass, and was now busy wringing the sticky nectar from his hair. "He told me that there were rumors being passed around the dragonspawn that the dragon god, Draco, had returned to the world once again."

  "That wouldn't surprise me." The old wizard stated as he continued to tried and wring the juice from his hair. "The constellation that represented their god suddenly vanished from the heavens. I would be surprised if they weren't inventing all sorts of stories to explain its disappearance."

  "He went on to warn me that the Draco was preparing to reclaim the world, and the I was somehow the key to how He was going to achieve His goals."

  "What would a god need with a mortal?" Shirk asked in confusion. "If this Draco is actually a god, then couldn't He just use His power to carry out His plans?"

  "If you believe in the ancient tales," Damarius told them in a sagely tone. "the gods all once roamed this world, but they began to war amongst one another. After a number of explosive confrontations, they all finally agreed that they're quarrelling would soon consume the world, and that they would all have to leave to avoid its complete destruction, allowing its dominion to fall into the hands of destiny. Since leaving the world to the mortals, the gods only interact with mortals through certain chosen people, priests, prophets, monks, and the like."

  "Well," Damion declared in a firm voice. "He's mistaken if He thinks I'm going to help Him take over the world. Besides, there isn't really any proof that the dragon god has returned."

  "There is someone who may be able to tell us if He has, though." Dar reminded them. "If anyone would know what happened to that constellation, and if the rumors are true, it would be Tempest."

  "You're right." Damion agreed, handing Leia over to her mother. "Tempest would probably have a bit more insight in the subject. I'll go pay her a visit later tonight. I'll also get in touch with Slither and have him scare off those highwaymen."

  "Just make sure that he brings us back whatever valuables they leave behind." Shirk told him, a greedy gleam in his eyes. "They had collected quite a bite of treasure from the caravans that they have already ambushed. It would be a shame to just leave it all there."

  Chapter 3

  Later that evening, after he had spent the day enjoying the company of his friends and family while they celebrated the anniversary of Leia's birth, Damion helped Raven tuck the weary young child into her bed, then set off in search of Slither.

  Snowfeather, who had spent the majority of the day sleeping in a dark room adjoining their private quarters, emerged to glide silently overhead, keeping watch for any hidden dangers.

  It didn't take long to locate the crippled shadowspawn, who appeared from the edge of the forest as soon as he approached. After ordering the beast to gather a few dozen dragonspawn to aid it in running off the bandits, carefully stressing that no one was to be killed, he hurried off to pay a visit to Tempest in her remote mountain lair.

  He quickly moved through the rough countryside on foot until it began to grow too treacherous, then he paused, using his magic to slip into the for
m of a large black panther. In this new form, he was able to travel across the mountainous terrain much faster, and he soon arrived at the mouth of the scarlet dragon's hidden lair, located high up on a nearly unscaleable cliff side.

  "Why don't you go ahead and go hunting." The huge warrior told Snowfeather as he shifted back into his own form. "It may be a while before I am ready to return to Sevria."

  "Very well." Snowfeather hooted, disappearing into the darkness on silent wings. "I will be nearby searching for something to eat. Let me know when you are ready to return."

  Damion carefully made his way deeper into the cavern, following it deep into the cliff side, until it finally opened up into a huge chamber that was littered with glittering treasure. Huge lumps of pure gold, silver, and platinum lay scattered about in large piles, mixed with gigantic uncut gems of every color and hue. Piles of coins lay heaped in great golden mounds, surrounded by huge glittering diamonds, all seemingly cast aside carelessly.

  In the center of the hoard of treasure, sleeping with her wings and tail tucked close to her massive body, was the enormous scarlet dragon Tempest. The huge beast open one huge orb-like eye, and fixed it on him as he approached. "Dragonkin!" She rumbled in surprise, lifting her head from the large pile of gold coins that she had been using as a pillow. "I'm rather surprised at seeing you here. It's the anniversary of your first offspring's birth, is it not?"

  "It is," Damion told her with a nod. "but some unsettling rumors have reached my ears, and I was hoping that you may have some insight on their origins."

  "I'll certainly try my best." The huge beast settled before him. "What are these rumors you have been hearing?"

  "I was returning from Sierra late last night, and the castle guard alerted me to the fact that Slither had been seen lurking around the edge of the forest."

  Tempest made an indelicate sound. "I don't see how you can associate with that creature. It is an abomination."

  "Slither isn't so bad, once you get used to him. Besides, he's done a great job at keeping the rest of the dragonspawn in check. Since he took the horde in hand, there hasn't been a single report of a dragonspawn attack anywhere in the mountains."

  "Well, I guess it may be good for something." The huge dragon conceded reluctantly.

  Damion laughed. "Anyway, I figured he was allowing himself to be seen to get my attention, so I ventured out to see him." His face fell. "He said that there were rumors spreading through the horde that the dragon god, Draco, had returned to the world once again."

  Tempest sat in thoughtful silence for several long moments, then finally asked. "Was that all it had to say?"

  Damion shook his head. "He warned me that Draco had returned to reclaim the world that once belonged Him and His children, and that I was the tool in which He would achieve His goals." He looked up at her with concern. "I would have dismissed it as nonsense if not for the fact the constellation of the dragon god has disappeared from the heavens. Damarius seems to think that the dragonspawn are just creating stories to help explain its disappearance, but..." His expression was one of doubt.

  The huge dragon looked grim. "It was exactly one year ago tonight that the constellation of the dragon god, Draco, disappeared from its place among the stars, where He had watched over this world for untold eons. It is safe to say that every serpent on the planet felt the moment when He decided to abandon His watch over His children."

  Damion shuddered. "I remember the sudden feeling of dread, and the overwhelming sensation that something was horribly wrong. That's when I went outside and saw the constellation had vanished."

  "We all felt that same dread." She murmured in a subdued voice. "You, the dragons, the dragonspawn, we all felt the moment that Draco left His place among the heavens. The entire universe heaved and convulsed around us. It's not often when a god decides to leave their place watching over their children, and the tremors from their footsteps can be felt throughout all of creation."

  "So the constellations really are the gods looking down upon us?"

  Tempest nodded. "Every group of stars belongs to a god, and every god has an opposite watching their every move from across the heavens."

  "Every god has an opposite?" Damion was surprised by this revelation. "Like a rival?"

  "Precisely. Everything has an opposite. Light and dark, black and white, day and night. There is a balance that must always be maintained for the universe to continue to exist."

  Damion took a moment to absorb this. "So does Draco have a rival?"

  "Of course. Her name is Estheryal, the Serpent Mother. Her constellation is only visible on the darkest of nights."

  "What will She do now that Draco has vanished from the heavens?"

  Tempest grunted, and shook her head. "There's no predicting what a god may choose to do. But if I were guess, She will do what most gods do, She will watch."

  Damion's expression had grown concerned. "Do you think that Draco has returned?"

  Tempest shrugged. "I'm not sure, but if there are rumors floating around that He has returned to this world, I certainly wouldn't dismiss them."

  "Don't you think He would have made His presence known once He returned?"

  Tempest scratched her scaly chin thoughtfully. "It's hard to know the mind of any god, but I do know that they must work through mortals. They were forced to leave this world thousands of years ago to keep their various wars from destroying the entire planet. With they left, they all agreed never to take a direct hand in the events and affairs of mortals. If they were to take direct action in the events that shape our would, their rivals would immediately move to counter them, renewing their age old war. As long as they use mortals to carry out their biddings, the accord between the gods continues to remain binding."

  Damion frowned. "Slither said that the rumors say that He will achieve His goals through me." He was silent for a moment. "Is there any way for us to locate Him, if He has returned, that is?"

  Tempest shook her great head. "He is a god. He will not be found, unless He wishes to be found. Though their footsteps may resound throughout the universe, a god can still conceal their presence from anyone they choose." She gave him an amused look. "Were you planning to go charging off on a new quest to face a dragon god? Is the idea of facing a mere dragon no longer thrilling enough for you?"

  Damion laughed. "I've had quite enough of that, thank you! I am quite content in my role as father. Leia has brought a peace into my life unlike anything I have known before." His face fell. "But these rumors have me worried. I do not want my wife and child put into danger."

  Tempest nodded approvingly. "I would expect no less from you, Dragonkin." She heaved a great sigh of regret. "We may have blundered when we destroyed the brood. I have no doubt that their deaths caused Draco great anger. Looking back, it may have been better to try to force another oath from the brood mother, and send them back to their banishment."

  Damion shook his head. "She would have never have consented to that. She would have rather seen her brood destroyed before returning to her banishment."

  "It no longer matters. The deaths of so many shadow dragons surely drew Draco's attention. If He has returned, that would be the reason."

  "Then He intends to take revenge upon me?"

  Tempest thought about his question for a moment. "I find it highly doubtful that He has returned to take revenge. That could cause more deaths among His children. I'm not exactly sure what He is planning, but I doubt that it involves seeking your death."

  "That's something, at least." Damion said, breathing a silent sigh of relief. He hadn't fancied the idea of being forced to contend with a god. "Do you have any suggestions?"

  Tempest shrugged her massive shoulders. "There is really nothing you can do, but sit back and wait to find out if He truly has plans that involve you."

  Damion snarled. "I hate just sitting around waiting for something to happen."

  "Try not to think about it." She suggested with a toothy smile. "Just return home and con
centrate on making some more children."

  ************

  Damion found Damarius, Dar, Sly, and Raven awaiting his return in the comfortable office where he usually conducted his day to day business of running of the castle.

  "Was you able to discover anything useful?" Dar asked eagerly. Tempest was one the childlike sprite's oldest and most dearest friends. He had searched for over four hundred years for a way to free the scarlet dragons from their prison inside of the Dragon Gem, and had been instrumental in aiding Damion in recovering and joining the gem and the Dragon Sword, releasing the scarlet dragons into the world once again. "Was Tempest able to shed any insight into why the dragonspawn are convinced that their god has returned?"

  "She had a few ideas, but nothing solid to go on." He walked over to the oversized chair that had been placed behind an enormous desk, both of which he had been forced to have specially made to accommodate his massive frame, then paused to allow Snowfeather to hop down from his place on Damion's shoulder. He finally collapsed into his chair with a tired sigh.