The Winged Scavenger

Armored Scavenger's (Towarzysz Husarz's) fanfiction. 
This is the third part of the series: The Scavenger Series #1: Darkness Rising
The second part is The Armored Scavenger. 
To continue reading, the next part is The Topaz Gem Prophecy.
Happy reading! Post a comment if you'd like! :)
== Prologue ==
Many years ago...
The room was dark and stone walls kept any warmth from creeping inside. Lack of light made it impossible to see even a few inches ahead. Inside laid a man, who had been there for an immeasurable amount of time. Day, weeks, it did not matter to him.
As he laid on the stone table, strapped down by thick ropes that should have been torn off by now, he looked up at nothing. The ceiling was pitch black, and this was the only sight this man had looked at for the entire time. He couldn't even move.
His eyes squinted as the ceiling became more brighter. He could hear the footsteps of two men walking down a fleet of stone stairs, the jingling of keys, and the low grunts of a far-away conversation.
"Tell us where it is, and all this pain can stop," a voice called out.
He said nothing. Even if he wanted to, his throat was so dry and hoarse that he couldn't even produce a cough. His lips were so parched that it pained him to move them at all. His entire body yearned for movement, but as long as he was held down, it made things worse and worse.
The voice called out again, this time more clear and booming.
"This can stop..." it began.
Then a whip crashed down on the man on the table. A stinging sensation began on his leg. Again the whip hit, and then again. It tore through his trousers, and a wetness stained them and his leg together.
"Just tell us now. No pain. Everyone wins," the voice continued as more unbearable punishment was brought down on the poor man, who was unable to scream or yelp out in pain. He could not move nor beg.
"Another day then." The lashing ended, and the voice went away. Footsteps went back up the steps, then out into the unknown.
Meanwhile, the man remained on the table. He wanted to weep bitterly. Tears went down his cheek and his mouth opened, but no sound came out.
== Part 1: The Great Commander ==
=== Chapter 1: An Adventure ===
The sun rose just as Wladyslaw woke up from his slumber. He dreamed of waking up to go on his adventure, and sure enough it was now time.
His study was just the way it was when he left it the night before. Nowak stretched out his body and went to prepare for his day. Outside of his window, he watched the rising sun cast its orange light on Pyrrhia. Pyrha, the ancient home of men, now the graveyard of lowly beasts.
Nowak gathered the books and scrolls he could not leave behind and packed them in a small sack that may have once held potatoes. His party had their orders from yesterday, so he estimated that he had an hour before breakfast, and another one before the final good-byes were to be shared.
A chest that should have been under his bed was hastily placed by the door last evening. Wladyslaw opened it to find a number of weapons. He took careful consideration while choosing what he would bring with him. He immediately took out his szhablija, his personal saber. This was his favorite weapon for as long as he could remember. He had three different ones before this one, but this one was the best he ever had owned. Next, Nowak grabbed his longsword, a koncerz. He could poke with this and slash with his saber. Perfect dual-wield weapons, if he didn't bring a shield.
A flintlock, rare in this day and age, was a must. It would surprise most bandits and maybe even soldiers. More than once he had used it and he even had time to reload for another shot before the shock of the enemy wore off. Last was his lance, a kopia. Nowak left it down in the stable by his treasured horse, Evergreen. He never had a braver or stronger stallion in his life.
It was time for breakfast. Wladyslaw told the page to bring his belongings down with him into the banquet hall. He also requested that his armor be brought there as well, so he could dress right after he ate.
After a delicious meal of honey bread and fresh milk, Wladyslaw had the page help him put on his armor. It took a few minutes.
Wladyslaw was a huzar, or a winged knight. Other kingdoms had their knights, their samurais, and their marksmen, but no one else had these prestigious, honorable, ancient warriors. Wings fluttering in the air as they charged down a hill, armor glistening in the sun, and the enemy running away in terror at the sight of these majestic horsemen. Not anyone could be a huzar. You needed money, patriotism, bravery, gut, and training.
He suited up, except for the wings which weren't needed until a battle, or a helmet, because it was too nice out to cover up his face. Instead he had a fur cap on his head and an animal skin for a cape.
Nowak left the banquet hall and went to the stables for his horse. There he met part of his party. Two mounted reiters geared up. A reiter was similar to a knight, but did not wear full plate body armor and wielded a carbine, which was a short musket. A regular knight dressed in white was walking out the door with his stallion, while another one yelled at his servant for bringing him the wrong pair of riding gloves.
Evergreen waited in his stall, and Wladyslaw mounted. Evergreen's white coat glistened in the bright sun as they rode out of the stables. On the way out, Nowak's page handed him the sack of scrolls and a lance. The kopia was at least six feet long, but since it was hollow it was quite light, just a tad bit unbalanced.
Outside, the last of the party was beginning to join the small group. Two reiters, four knights, a huzar, and a tactician from the West soon were ready. Two more men galloped their way to join the party. Both young cavalrymen, they were named Aleksander Koniecpolski of Koniecpol, another huzar, and the other he did not know. He appeared to be an Olai, a mounted archer from the Khan.
The time for departure came and soon the eleven men began their expedition. First stop was a town near the Eastern Sea. Someone important he knew was there, someone who could help with Wladyslaw's quest to save this world.
The day grew brighter and brighter as his beloved home grew farther and farther away.
=== Chapter 2: Unfortunate Accident ===
The journey would take them about a week if they moved a good distance each day. There was no hurry, they would get there without rushing. Wladyslaw's thoughts were on the future, his scrolls, and on his companions.
But Wladyslaw remained silent. He rode on his horse, listening to the quiet sounds of the world. No one dared say a word in order to keep hidden from many dangers.
By nightfall they had reached the Eastern Sea. The Diamond Spray Delta was in view, and the earth smelled of fresh mud and wheat. This was the most fertile land in all of Pyrrhia, yet it could barely be used. Dragons flew back and forth over the delta, and there were no trees to mask any person's presence.
After a long day of traveling, the party came to a halt before the delta disappeared from sight. Wladyslaw ordered his men to make camp in a more forested area. After setting up the tents, they had dinner and they all went to sleep. All but Wladyslaw, who stayed up by the fire, which he kept going. He had trouble falling asleep.
Once everyone was in their tents and asleep, the Grand Hetman unraveled a scroll, one of the many he had brought with him. On that piece of paper was a map, marked with places not found on most other maps. Wladyslaw looked at it and found what he was looking for. On the map he put his finger on a town southeast of his current location, by the peninsula. Satisfied, he rolled the scroll up again and packed it away. The moon, only one tonight, was high up in the starry sky. Wladyslaw crawled into his tent and went to sleep. Soon the sun would rise and his journey would continue.
The next day...
Bright and early the next day, the small group woke up and traveled right after breakfast. Wladyslaw was determined to get to the town, which was nearly five days away. The most difficult part of the journey was yet to come: the marsh.
"We need to be extremely cautious in these parts. Of the marsh and its inhabitants." he warned. He sent a reiter to double back and tell the rest of the party, which was lagging behind. Meanwhile, the two scouts he had sent ahead earlier came back. The swamps were dangerously difficult to cross, and he knew it. His scroll showed a path that was used by travelers because the land was solid. That was the path he wanted to take.
By noon, the flat plains surrounding the delta began to disappear entirely. Wetlands were ahead now.
Wladyslaw and his soldiers halted at a large swampy area. The map had been wrong, this land was not solid. He cursed his map and the sky, but kept his composure. Just find a way around.
It took many long and tiring hours to go around the marsh, but by evening they had gotten back on track and the path they wanted came back. Apparently there were certain parts of the trail that they had to cross the wet land. Wladyslaw insisted they find some sort of cover before nightfall. The group went on.
At one point they reached a village or settlement of some sort. With two moons just coming out, Wladyslaw could tell something was amiss. They weren't man-made.
"Mud Dragons. Blast it! We stumbled upon one of their homes!" muttered Wladyslaw under his breathe, but loud enough for the knight next to him to hear his remark. He fell back a few spots from the front.
They slowly and quietly moved at the edge of the village. No one was out, it was already nighttime. The group moved only a few yards a minute, trying to keep the noise to a bare minimum. One false move and they would be toast, literally.
Wladyslaw and most of his men were on the other side of the large MudWing settlement. The village itself was organized somewhat in a circle where there was little vegetation, just clear land. However, some of it was not solid, but mud.
One of the huzars and three of the knights had yet to cross. They were moving slowly, the moonlight glistening off their armor. Things were going well until one of the knights ran into a large piece of a tree, possibly a log. But then the ground began to open up.
What is going on? he asked himself. He scanned the ground, yet nothing looked out of place, but still the ground was giving way. Nothing but the peculiar looking log or object sticking up from the ground. He made his way closer for a better look. It was moving. The moon's light was bright enough for him to see from a few feet away that this was no log. It was a living being. Breathing.
It's not a log, it's a SNOUT! Wladyslaw's eyes widened.
He had no time to react properly. He waved at the men still crossing, urging them to move hurriedly. The group already on the other side watched their leader, not knowing what was going on. The tactician, an old gentleman from the desert, rode up to him. "What are you doing?"
Immediately the dragon began to awake from its slumber.
"GO!" yelled Wladyslaw. "Go, go, go! Get out of there!"
Unfortunately, the cavalry had no chance.
The MudWing pushed itself up from the mud. The ground below the men rose up, carrying them far up, and then down deep into the mud. Wladyslaw went in for the distraction.
It may have been able to happen, but the mud trapped his horse, and Wladyslaw fell into the mud. Face-first, his body violently jerked as he crashed into the soft mud, and he pathetically tried to get up. Meanwhile, the four other soldiers and the tactician were lucky to escape certain death, thanks to the distraction by their leader.
From a far off distance, the whole party was overwhelmed in chaos. They all tried to think of a way to save their hetman, but instead, they clumsily stumbled over each other. Meanwhile, Wladyslaw barely managed to get up from the ground on to his feet. Regaining his balance, he managed to avoid a claw slash from the dragon. He ran clumsily in the mud, tripping and stumbling at times. Then a surge of pain struck him in the leg. It burned as his foot was scorched from the dragon's breathe. Thankfully the dragon was still sleepy and could not aim as well then if he was fully awake.
Wladyslaw hurled himself through the mud trying to get away. The scorched leg felt as if it was still burning, and the sensation slowed him down. Every inch he moved felt like it could have been his last. His party, after reorganizing themselves, drew up a quick plan to save their hetman. They would distract the dragon, allowing some of them to pull Wladyslaw away to 'safety'. Arrows and bullets flew toward the risen MudWing, and the cavalry went in for the skirmish.
The mud made things fatally difficult to move in. The distraction did work, however. The dragon turned its gaze to the three mounted soldiers riding towards it. Meanwhile, the others stood in the distance, and a rescue party went in for Nowak.
In the mud, the two huzars and the Olai pulled Wladyslaw out. He was drenched in mud, and he could not move by himself. He roared in pain, trying to clutch his leg, but his back began to ache. The three put him on the Olai's horse so he could get away. But out of nowhere, the dragon came back. The men kept going on, determined to save Nowak. Knowing what would happen next, two of them carried him off the horse, which was making slow progress, and made a run for it with him on their shoulders. Zytosz Matejko, one of the huzars, noted in his journal afterwards:
We barely got the Hetman off the horse before that monster shot out a breath of fire. My back was singed, my wings burnt to a crisp, but we kept going on. I only knew that if we didn't get him to safety the whole kingdom could be in such a danger that I couldn't even imagine it. That is why Koniecpolski, the Olai and I did what we did. Our lives were his. Praise the moons we had reinforcements. Let them be in a better place now.
Zytosz Matejko, Sergeant.
=== Chapter 3: Assistance ===
Only six had survived the encounter. Wladyslaw, burnt and wounded, Matejko, Aleksander, Olai, the tactician, and one of the reiters. The rest did not make it, but they rather gave their own lives for their commander. Luck was on their side from then on. No one chased after them all the way to the town. For three days the crew trudged through thick mud until grass finally took over the ground.
The town of Taurysos was the largest settlement in the East. It was fortified by giant, formidable stone walls and an iron gate. A castle lied in the center of the town, with villages scattering the surrounding area. The entire area around the town was lush with trees, wild grasses, and a little ways away, the sea. The five entered the town along with farmers, merchants, and townspeople going about their daily lives.
After renting a room in an old tavern near the center, Aleksander and Zytosz carried Wladyslaw up the stairs into their room. Olai and the tactician went into town for food, and possibly a doctor. The owner of the place didn't even ask what happened. Things like this happened all the time.
Wladyslaw was put into a straw cot and his muddy bag on the floor. He dismissed his soldiers, and they went into town. Zytosz went after the other two who went, while Aleksander stopped in the tavern downstairs for a drink. He didn't expect such rudeness from the bartender when he ordered some water, and most of the room tried to look away from him or move out of his way. Then he noticed a collage of posters nailed on the wall.
There were images of people: a wealthy nobleman, a mameluke, an knight, and even a huzar. With them was a ripped image of a blue dragon with webbing and gills. Underneath those images was a saying written in both the Common Tongue and traditional Aredonian. Dij lam treit ua Pryrhi. "Death to the traitors of Pyrrhia".
Aleksander moved along to a seat in the back. He could hear the whispered sounds of sneering and disgruntlement as he passed by each individual. From upstairs ran down a young caretaker. Before he could even take a sip the messenger tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hetman Nowak requests your presence immediately," she said. Before he could ask why, Aleksander was upstairs, spilling his drink on the floor. The tavern keeper just sighed and went for his cleaning rags.
The messenger knocked on the door and it opened almost immediately. A middle-aged wealthy looking man let them inside. He wore a fine fur coat with silk embroidery. His hat had the largest feather Aleksander had ever seen and the man wore so many rings that it seemed his fingers were made of them. His large shape shuffled clumsily out of the way to let Aleksander through the entrance way. He then pointed inside to Wladyslaw, looking at a scroll in bed.
Nowak looked better now, his face had some color to it, but when he looked at his foot he knew he wasn't getting up anytime soon. When Aleksander entered, Wladyslaw perked up.
"Ah, there you are! I've been waiting for you. Come. Sit down." he said, with a hint of hurry in his voice. Aleksander took the seat next to the bed. He watched as his leader attempted to talk to him.
"Aleksander, come closer," groaned the injured man. "These burns are serious. I won't be leaving this town for at least a week or so. And frankly, I don't have time to just lie around here. This is urgent," he said in a serious tone. Aleksander listened and looked at the wealthy man standing by, who tried to make it seem he wasn't eavesdropping. Apparently, he was a doctor. Olai and the tactician went out for nothing.
"I am listening, my lord." Aleksander replied.
"Aleks...I have just received news that my brother has gone...missing," said Wladyslaw. A worried expression was on him.
Koniecpolski thought, I have never seen him so worried before. Not even when facing a battle outnumbered five-to-one. He must think something dreadful has happened to him.
His train of thought was interrupted. "Koniecpolski, of course I am worried, he's my brother, my only one at that, but its much bigger than that. If you complete my task I will tell you what is going on, everything and why we are here in the first place. Maybe you'll take part in it. But...you need to get my brother."
Aleks stood, not knowing what to do. "Sir? You want me? But..."
Wladyslaw raised his hand. "Will you do it?"
Aleks thought of his commitment to Wladyslaw. Nearly four years ago to this day, his village was raided by a dragon.
Most of his family and friends had ran away. He had given up when he was trapped, regretting his lingering around for a tad bit more. Suddenly he heard horses and the shouts of men. He looked up at the line of winged men on the horizon. They charged down and drove the dragon away with their lances. The dragon found that it was pointless to do anything else and decided it was a waste of time, so then it flew off. One man dismounted and ran to Aleksander. It was the man laying before him today.
Aleks wiped off a tear. "Yes, my lord. Yes." he announced with passion.
Wladyslaw looked at Aleskander. The seriousness never left him. "Good man. I heard that he was last seen not too far from the mountain dragon palace. Start there. Up north. Maybe the locals will help you."
"Shall I meet you back here, sir?" asked Aleks.
"No." responded Wladyslaw. Aleksander looked at him questionably. "When you find Casimir, if you do, you will meet me farther up the peninsula. If I am not there then go looking for me. If you give up, go back to the King."
"Will I be alone?" asked Aleks. He didn't feel happy if he was going alone.
"Take Matejko. Also, before you leave, find a man by the name of Cornelius. Then you will be ready."
"Yes, sir. Why, if I may ask?"
"Don't worry about it. Remember, I am counting on you."
== Part 2: The Winged Freelancer ==
=== Chapter 4: The Search ===
It took fours days until Aleksander and his crew reached home turf: the united land of Bielska and Kosburg. It was then time to go on the hunt. If the hetman's brother, Casimir, was indeed near the palace, they'd better hurry or else they wouldn't have anyone to rescue if they were too late. Aleksander traveled with his friend, Zytosz Matejko, a hardened soldier and somewhat rich nobleman. On the way they stopped in a village named Nidos, where they picked up a new companion.
The new addition to the group was a man named Cornelius. Cornelius Augustus, a Cecurian. Cecurians were a tribe who lived in eastern Pyrrhia, famous for their great cities, a university, and mostly for fishing. Cornelius was nice enough. He was perhaps the most amusing person Aleks had ever been with. He told many hilarious riddles, poems, and jokes to keep their spirits up. They were things Aleksander started to get tired of really quickly.
To remain invisible to the rest of the world, the three traveled, by horse, through forests, and preferably at night. With help from some locals, they managed to get into view of the great dragon palace. No Casimir was found after a day and night of searching around. Aleksander began to curse under his breathe. He was worried their little search would be interrupted.
"He isn't here," noted Zytosz, who sighed after finishing his part of the search.
"Come now, he couldn't have stayed in one place, could he?" said Cornelius, trying to remain optimistic.
Even Zytosz had began to snap. He closed his eyes and breathed heavily. Cornelius took the message hard, but started to be more serious.
"Let's check that out," said Aleks. He pointed at a trail of large prints on the ground heading toward the mountains. If they found nothing, maybe the locals could help, which he doubted. There were actually two pairs of tracks, signifying two different dragons. After a few hours of riding, they reached the beginning of the great mountain chain.
"Ugh. We have to cross that." sighed Cornelius. He wasn't exactly the best built for traveling difficult terrain. In his whole twenty or so years of life, he spent most of his time studying in a school, barely traveling outside his town. Now he felt what an average person felt. Most people in the world have had to travel at time or another, because you never know when a dragon would like to settled down near your nice little cabin.
"Not necessarily. Look," remarked Aleksander, very observantly. "There's a cave. Let's check it out." The three dismounted, tied their horses by a very wooded part of a nearby forest, and they cautiously headed towards the opening. It was fairly large and it was roomier than expected. Aleks was about to head in when a hand pulled him back. It was Cornelius.
"Don't you hear that?" he said, looking frantic. Aleks listened. Sure enough there was a noise. Snoring? Breathing? Both? he thought. He continued on, taking one step at a time. Keeping close to the ground, the young huzar crept into the darkness. But as he went farther in, a dim light began to appear. It grew brighter and brighter. Then Aleksander could make out a fire. He stopped.
After a few moments, Zytosz and Cornelius began to worry. Fearing for their friend, they rushed in to find him. They ran, dodging boulders and rocks scattered out on the ground hidden from the lack of light. Then, at the fire, they saw Aleks, frozen into place.
"Aleks! Whats wrong!" cried out Cornelius. Zytosz immediately wrapped his hands around the scholar's mouth.
Aleks, surprised to find his two fellow rescuers, cringed. "Don't...say...another...word." he whispered boldly. Cornelius looked up and saw what had made Aleks stay in his place before.
They found Casimir. But they also found the owners of the tracks. Two red dragons, one curled up next to Casimir.
Aydur, Ramakaran, u Ludru, mon benyn! cursed Aleksander. By the moons of Aydur, Ramakaran, and Ludru!
=== Chapter 5: Unexpected ===
For the longest moment, nothing happened. The young cavalier watched the two mountain dragons sleep in peace, occasionally rolling from one side to their other side. The fire eventually burned out, leaving embers behind. A hole on top of the ceiling let the smoke out.
Aleksander decided it would be best to get a move on soon, before the dragons woke up. Casimir was huddled near one of the dragons, the smaller of the two, with its tail dangerously close to the sleeping boy's head. The huzar looked back at Zytosz and Cornelius, who were both unsure whether they wanted to play this waiting game or just get it over with. Slowly tip-toeing across, Aleksander made his way to his "damsel".
Within seconds, Aleksander got to Casimir, shook him up, and did not wait to clamp his hand over the open mouth of the boy, and then proceeded to drag him out of the cave.
The dragons may not had heard any of that, but their recent twitching signaled they were about to wake. Aleksander pushed Casimir out of his grasp and shoved him in the direction of the entrance. Casimir did not struggle against them and followed them unwillingly. Waiting at the entrance were Cornelius and Zytosz, both soaking wet from the newly pouring rainstorm and their own sweat. The three got to their horses and they mounted Casimir on one of them.
"Who are you?" asked Casimir in a nervous voice, the first words Aleksander had heard in a long time. "Well, you going to answer that?" Casimir tried to drown his fright, but it was obvious that he was worried of the three unknown men that literally dragged him out of his warm room, as he was opening his eyes and trying to comprehend what was happening.
"Casimir, yes? Aleksander Koniecpolski, mercenary under the banner of the Grand Hetman," hailed Aleks, as he untied the horse.
"How do I know you are telling the truth? You could be anyone!", exclaimed Casimir.
"Who else wears huzar armor? Hm, some lucky bandits? No, kid, I am under the command of the Hetman. The Grand Hetman has sent me to get you immediately. He wants you. Now."
"Grand Hetman? Why would he want me. He probably doesn't even know me. Unless..."
"If you are Nowak then he wants you. Lord Wladyslaw has been worrying about you, probably ever since you left Jade. So he says."
Casimir felt suspicious, but he went along with it. No one would dare use a noble's name for an excuse to benefit themselves. Especially someone with so much power. "Take me to him then!"
Aleks felt relieved. Good. 
A loud noise shook the ground. "A..a-leks! The dragons!" yelled Cornelius, running away without his horse. Aleks remembered and grabbed the now fully-awaken Casimir.
"What were they doing with you? he asked angrily. He had forgotten all about them. Even now he imagined what might happen if they were spotted. At that moment a head popped out of the cave. It caught sight of them and blinked. Aleks, Zytosz, and Cornelius, who tripped, stared back, wide-eyed, mouth open, knees trembling.
"Run...," whispered Aleksander. They slowly moved farther and farther back. The dragon looked curiously at them, slowly moving forward. Just then a squeal broke out. A small dragon, far smaller than the large one, but in similar color, rushed out of the cave. It looked around and saw them as well. It looked at Casimir directly.
It spoke in some sort of tongue, then he ran right towards them.
Aleks, Zytosz, and Cornelius all ran.
"GO, go, go!" bellowed Aleksander, pushing Casimir back.
"Oh moon! Oh moons!" cried Zytosz, storming his way through the brush.
Aleks had been in numerous battles, but he was definitely not ready for a dragon. Memories of his burning village came back to him. The three ran for a long time, until they finally realized no one was chasing after them.
Where is Casimir? thought Aleksander. Casimir was nowhere to be seen. Was he caught, eaten, burnt to ashes?!
The three unwillingly retraced their steps back to the cave. Somewhere along the way Aleks must have lost grip of Casimir and he must have been left behind.
Aleks looked over from behind a green bush near the cave entrance. He couldn't believe his eyes. Casimir was standing right in front of the two dragons. Casimir looked minuscule compared to them. The small dragon looked into Casimir's eyes, and Casimir looked into the dragon's. The SkyWing giggled, while the bigger dragon watched them, but occasionally looked around and up at the sky.
The thing was, Casimir did not try to run, nor did he seem afraid. A little uncomfortable, but he wasn't running around, screaming. Casimir placed his hand on one of the dragon's talons. The dragon grinned.
Great Pyrrhia, what is this....? thought Aleksander in disbelief.
=== Chapter 6: The Beginning of Something Bigger ===
Aleksander never thought this could be possible.
"How is this happening?!" he shouted. Never in his knowledge of history had he ever heard about a dragon and human befriending each other, let alone standing together. He thought he was dreaming. He then realized everyone was staring at him for shouting.
Casimir let go of the dragon and walked up to Aleks, who stood blankly in front of them.
"Do not doubt your eyes, my good sir. What you see is real." The dragons looked ever curiously at them. "Do not let all those rumors fool you. Yes, I know many, many of them are horrid, but give others a chance. Like I gave them."
The smaller dragon approached them from their right side. It sniffed at Aleks, who recovered from his short paralysis. The goofy image of a somewhat not-so-terrifying dragon didn't seem to cause him any more worry. He did not expect himself to feel relieved. He soon found himself feeling strangely safe.
He held out his hand to the dragon. It grinned at him and turned back at the other dragon, smiling with the widest grin. She sighed and rolled her eyes, but Aleks could see a hint of a smile coming on.
I doubt myself... thought the young cavalier.
An hour or so later...
Aleksander and Casimir kept their distance from each other on their way back. The two dragons followed behind them, while he and Zytosz led, with Casimir talking with Cornelius in between. The two became friends, and occasionally the younger dragon would come up to Casimir and do something playful. The bigger female stayed by herself, watching the skies. Aleks rode onward, eyeing the beasts from a distance. Zytosz did the same, but he actually had his weapon out and ready.
The trip back was not too worrisome, they had dragons with them of course, but Koniecpolski wasn't sure if they would do anything if they were to get in trouble. It was still somewhat comforting to have them there. At the same time it was also very frightening to have them come with, because Aleksander knew dragons were crafty creatures.
Crossing marshes and rivers, the group reached the town where they would rest before heading off in search of Wladyslaw, to whom they would return his brother. They kept a fast pace, wanting to return as fast as possible.
"Your "friends" must stay outside, Casimir. It is impossible to bring them. Have them stay somewhere out of sight. Alright?" Zytosz knew the dragons would cause problems. The group left the dragons behind to wait until the next day. Somehow Casimir managed to keep them to stay put, but Aleksander was sure it was obvious to them.
As they headed towards the town, they were stopped by a man. A townsman who recognized them on the path asked them to pull over to the side of the dirt road. The two dragons watched from a distance.
"Don't go in my friends. You are not welcomed there anymore. I...I can't explain because I have to go, just heed my warning," he said as hurried off, looking disturbed.
What choice did they have? It was the only settlement nearby, and Aleksander certainly was not going to sleep outside with those dragons. Aleksander urged his companions on, despite the warning not to. Before they even set foot inside the walls, they were stopped by guards.
Their armor, their weapons, everything is not right. These guards weren't here before. Wait... he thought before one of the guards spoke.
"You are not welcomed here, huzar! Turn back now before we have to take you in." he said in domineering words. His accent turned on something in his mind.
Of course, the armor, the weapons, the accent. They're from the marsh!
"You're an Aredonian! What are you doing here!?" hissed Aleksander as his eyes went wide. "Nowak!" he shouted, thinking his commanding officer was in danger. He realized what the warning was at that second, but it was too late.
"He works with that Nowak scum! Get him!" ordered the guard after he had heard them. He readied his weapon, a long spear, while all the others ran to knock Aleksander off his horse. Aleksander's horse immediately sped away when one of the guards tried to throw his spear, barely missing. Cornelius, Zytosz, and Casimir soon followed. The guards tried to pursue, but they did not go after them. Instead, the ten or so strange Aredonian guards returned to the town and closed the gate.
Later, in a field, the exhausted Aleksander, Zytosz, Cornelius, and Casimir finally stopped to rest, confident they weren't being chased anymore. Aleks fell onto the grassy ground, exhausted.
"What's going on!?" he yelled to himself when he finally had the strength to.
Cornelius was the first to answer. "I don't know, but...oh my..." he said, with his voice quickly fading.
"What?" asked Casimir.
"So it has begun..."
"What! What has begun?" said Zytosz, literally taking the young man by the shoulders and shaking him. "WHAT!"
Cornelius looked at him with a worried face, almost pale white. "It's Clauseus. He's taken over by force. He's begun his campaign. Just like he said in his speech weeks ago!"
Aleksander looked. No words could describe what he was feeling. But one was clear: worry.
What about Wladyslaw? Did he make it out, was he taken prisoner, or was he slain? 
He couldn't imagine what had happened. He remembered the hetman's last words though.
'When you find Casimir, if you do, you will meet me farther up the peninsula. If I am not there then go looking for me. If you give up go back to the King.'
"Come, my friends. We need to find him. The Grand Hetman awaits us." Aleksander had to wait and see. His being yearned for his master to be alive, but another part told him he was gone. He'd have to find him, hopefully, and see for himself.
=== Chapter 7: A Book ===
It was up to him. He knew that, but wished it would not stay in his thoughts. He was getting nervous, worried about the dangers, and the fact that he may not find his commander ever again.
He had already thought out a plan to find his beloved leader. In fact, that very person was the one who drew it up. It all came back in a dream that night.
One night, in front of the crackling fire, Koniecpolski found that a mysterious book had fallen out of Wladyslaw's bags. He didn't remember ever seeing it before. He picked it up and opened it. There was no title, only a leather covering. On page one was a picture of Nowak in a regal stance, under it was his own personal stamp. The next page was strange. It was a map. From the looks of it, it was a map of Pyrrhia, but with more markings, more places, and even little symbols representing troop movements. Some of them weren't human locations, but rather that of dragons.
The next few pages were even stranger. They had sketches and drawing of dragons to the most perfect detail. Perfect proportions and accurate characteristics, and even a human to dragon scale. Curious it was. 
The next one had writing, but he could not make them out for they were not of his language. They looked like claw scratches and marks, not human letters. Aleks sighed and flipped to the next page.
This one had an odd picture of a gem on a chain. Very odd. And also a picture of a cavern opening on the side. It was also in unreadable markings. But when he continued on to the next and last few pages, the writing changed to a human language. He could read it. They were instructions, steps that led to something he did not know. The first one was to reach the end of the peninsula by the bay. That was where he would go.
The last few pages had pictures and names of people he did and did not recognize. He counted twelve spots, with Casimir, Cornelius, Wladyslaw among the filled ones. The rest were empty. However, each spot was marked with the name of a country, but the spot for the name was blank. Casimir's name was written in ink that was fresh, but Wladyslaw's was long since dried out. It puzzled him. He went through the book again but stopped from exhaustion. He put the book back into its rightful bag, just before Wladyslaw marched to check his belongings. Then he fell asleep, dreaming about what it all could mean.
Aleksander woke up abruptly that night after the dream. "What is this? What have I seen?"
To the peninsula, yes, but what then? What is happening to my world? Aleksander shook his head and blocked out his deep and anxious thoughts. He needed sleep.
== Part 3: Winged Man ==
=== Chapter 8: Beautiful Creature ===
In a little village in the Bay of a Thousand Scales...
He was alright. He was not harmed.
Wladyslaw sat in a wooden chair, overlooking some letters. He had escaped the takeover of the city, and had traveled to a tiny island off the coast of mainland Pyrrhia. The island was surrounded by water only at high tide, but at low tide one could walk across the shallow waters. There were only a few quiet houses, perfect for staying a while when being looked for.
His letters were disturbing. Reports from his soldiers, friends, and spies indicate that trouble was brewing all around him. Aredonia, a kingdom located in the great marshes and swamps, had invaded and occupied some important cities and villages along eastern Pyrrhia. No one knows why, and no one knows what to do next.
Wladyslaw had been nursed back to health during his time at the town and here at this small village. Wladyslaw sent a messenger to go to his king to let him know where he was. People from all around were looking for him. He encountered both people who wanted to help him, and people who wanted to capture him. Wladyslaw was wanted, wanted for reasons he did not know yet for sure.
The ocean breeze gave Wladyslaw a chill. Roaring waves crashed unto the rocks and wind howled into the room. A storm was coming. Wladyslaw went to the window and closed it. From behind it, he saw a patrol returning, crossing the small land bridge made possible by the low tide. The two men looked like poor peasants with swords, but in reality they were the Olai, from the land where the desert and tundra meet, and Hans, the surviving reiter. Reiters wore helmets, light body armor, and are known for great skill of using firearms on horseback. No one would know who they really were.
They were let into the cottage. The storm had arrived. After a quick meal of bread with butter, Wladyslaw went to sleep. It had been days since he last heard from Aleksander.
The next morning...
After a hard time sleeping during the thunderstorm, Wladyslaw and his men left the village for a quick and brisk ride along the shoreline. Wladyslaw had never been to the ocean before in his life, but now it seems it is the only thing he could see, for as far as the horizon sat. Another storm was slowly making its way towards them. Wladyslaw sent his men back, but he decided to ride on further. Something about the waves crashing, the sky greying, and the wind blowing made him excited. He felt like he was preparing to go into battle.
It was early that morning when he heard a peculiar noise. He followed it to a small area of vegetation and in it the sound grew louder. He urged his new horse forward. His old horse didn't make it, but his companions lent him a new one for the time being. The closer he got the louder the sound became. It sounded like snoring, but louder than any that he had heard before. There was something peculiar in the plants, something off with the color.
When he reached the green, he leaned forward to a sight he never thought he would see. There was a blue dragon curled up, sleeping in the soft plants.
She was beautiful. The only flaw was a cut on her snout, a battle wound of some sort. There were no other noticeable injuries, and the cut was healing anyways. She also wore a dazzling silver necklace around her neck. As she slept, Wladyslaw hid behind a tree, waiting to see what would happen, and how he would get out of there safely? But really he hoped, deep in his heart, that it would be a friendly dragon, and maybe a friend.
Oh, foolish me, wanting things that could never happen. Am I just like a child who thinks everyone is perfect?
A half an hour or so later, the dragon began to move. Wladyslaw tied his horse to a tree, then returned just in time. She kept turning on her back then back to her side, as if she was getting uncomfortable sleeping anymore. Then she awoke. Wladyslaw fled to a tree a little further back.
Wladyslaw was mystified when her eyes opened. They were deep blue, the color of the sapphires, the deep blue ocean. Wladyslaw had never seen eyes like that, that size and that color combined. He moved to a more concealed area just to be safe. The dragon yawned multiple times while waking up. She then dug up a large bulky sack that she buried in a well-covered dirt hole. In it was what she loved: jewels, gold, silver, and other treasures. It was getting chilly outside and a gray overcast filled the sky. The storm was closing in. Sparks of lightning lit up the mainland. Wladyslaw looked carefully at the dragon. The treasure did not interest him, he had enough of that already. It was the SeaWing that he had his eyes on.
But Wladyslaw heard something. It sounded like footsteps and heavy breathing. Small shapes appeared in the bushes that was on the opposite side of his location. Wladyslaw looked closer. They were people, armed. They wore dull grey helmets and swords were held by their belts. They were keeping an eye on the dragon, but their gaze was on their more valuable target: him.
The group of four sneaked across the vegetation, pulling out their swords. The blue dragon hummed to herself, turning the heads of the hunters for a few moments.
Wladyslaw pulled out his own weapon. It was four to one. The hetman felt he could take them on. He was more well-armed, and well-armored. But he couldn't hope to keep his focus on four targets at once.
Just then an idea popped into his mind.
Wladyslaw moved closer towards the dragon. She could be used as a distraction, or better yet, she could fight for him.
But then he felt guilty about it. The hunters came closer, and Wladyslaw made up his mind. He continued his original plan.
=== Chapter 9: Defense ===
The dragon continued to lie peacefully on the ground inspecting her bag. The hunters continued to creep closer towards Wladyslaw. One of them briefly took a glance at the dragon, seeing if it would notice them. Rain began to fall, making dripping noises as it collided with puddles created the night before. Most of the ground would soon become muddy.
The band left their cover and made their presence officially known to the hetman. One of them accidentally tripped in the mud and alerted the dragon. The dragon looked up in a flash. Wladyslaw and the others froze. In her line of sight was Wladyslaw, who stopped trying to get closer the moment she looked at him. She quickly closed the bag of treasure and made a menacing expression at him. Her blue eyes glared coldly at him, the same eyes he previously looked at with awe. Now it was with fear. The dragon looked as if she was going to make a move towards him so he braced himself.
The dragon slyly made her way towards Wladyslaw, who was knee deep in mud, trying to back away to the trees. He knew the aquatic dragons had no great abilities on land, but he wasn't much himself to begin with. The hunters did not advance any further, but rather they locked on to an easier target, the dragon's treasure bag. It was still in the grasp of the SeaWing, and since their real target was probably about to get killed, the timing was perfect.
Meanwhile, the SeaWing bolted towards him, teeth trying to gnaw their way into Wladyslaw. The man tripped, falling sideways, almost twisting his ankle. He was nearly trampled, but none of the four giant webbed feet managed to crush him. The dragon, too, couldn't set her feet down right and slid on the muddy ground. She crashed into a tree, while Wladyslaw got up, pain shooting through his right leg.
Then the band of the now thieves found an almost irresistible opportunity. They rushed in with swords and spears and, to the dragon's great shock, attacked. She was taken by surprise and did not notice they were on top of her until it was too late. One of them drove his spear through the vulnerable part of her tail and she yelped in pain. She back-taloned him into a tree. However, the others began to stab and jab and poke their weapons at the weak spots of the dragon.
Something in Wladyslaw caused him anger and hate.
She didn't do anything...I am your target! You greedy ruffians!
Wladyslaw pulled his saber out of the mud and stumbled his way towards the battle. Two of the brigands were assaulting the dragon, who had been pushed back to a cluster of trees. She could not move with sharp spears pointing at her. The brigand who had been knocked away before had come back, while the fourth faced Wladyslaw.
Wladyslaw lunged at the robber, who was a young female. She wore mail armor and her blonde hair was soaked from the rain. He tried to swing his blade in every direction possible, but she was too quick. Once, she even managed to get a blow in, but the thick armor of the hetman stopped it from doing any serious harm. She stared in disbelief for a second, but it was one second too long. Wladyslaw disarmed her, with her sword flying out of her hand. She ran away.
The other bandit, an older, dark haired man, jabbed his sword at the dragon's leg. It didn't do much at first, but soon it caused the blue dragon pain. She almost managed to get a bite at her attacker, who was quick to avoid. Another bandit, with soaked leather clothing, climbed onto the back of the dragon. However, she tossed and turned and the bandit flew off, landing among the bushes.
Wladyslaw marched his way towards the fight, drenched in rain and covered in mud. He was tired, but still had some fight left in him. Now there were two more to go.
One of the bandits saw him, turned, and then ran at the hetman with his sword wildly. Wladyslaw stealthily pulled out his flintlock pistol. He fired a shot at his assailant, and the bullet went through his chest. He groaned and collapsed to the ground.
Wladyslaw looked terrifying. His armor looked like a dark grey, both blood and water was dripping down him. His eyes were fiercely set on his last opponent, his teeth grinding, his breath heavy. His boots were muddy, and his steps were heavy. The last enemy, a female, was striking at the dragon's wings, tearing one. She also managed to cut part of the dragon's neck, which was now red.
The bandit looked at Wladyslaw and was petrified at his appearance. Then the talons of the SeaWing smashed down upon her, ending it all. The bandit was crushed into the ground, and her body laid motionless. There was no sight of anymore danger.
The dragon tried to move, but then fell to the wet ground.
Wladyslaw ran down to her side. He stumbled right in front of her head. The dragon looked at him with big eyes, blue as the ocean. She was not sure what to make of the wet, armored human who helped her out. Then she moaned and cried.
Wladyslaw saw her wing was slightly torn, it would heal, but her neck was bloody. The bleeding had stopped, but she was now too light-headed and exhausted. Wladyslaw could have finished her off. The eyes never allowed that thought to enter.
Just then a small group of men were calling him. He had been gone too long.
"Hetman! Hetman! Where are you!?" They yelled.
Wladyslaw yelled back, barely having enough strength, "Help, help her!"
The group spotted him and looked in shock at the scene. Wladyslaw yelled again to get them out of their daze. Immediately they all tried to go, but they picked one messenger to go back to the village.
Wladyslaw put his arms around the dragon's neck, carefully as not to touch the wound. He whispered to her, "It will be okay."
It will be okay...
Wladyslaw fell back to the ground, his eyes to the stormy sky. Men were arriving.
=== Chapter 10: A List ===
Wladyslaw lay beside the dragon as a group of people arrived. The rain was pounding hard on the water and the land, and grey storm clouds loomed overhead.
Nearly thirty people came in to treat the dragon. Carts of cloth, bandages, and various herbs and medications arrived through the muddy ground. Wladyslaw laid right next to the SeaWing the whole time. He began to give orders and watched as they began to treat the blue creature. They cleaned the wounds, wrapped large pieces of cloth and bandage around them, put in a disinfectant made of alcohol and saltwater, and made soothing, relaxing noises to calm her down. She didn't make any sudden moves, but there was much confusion in her and the people helping her.
Wladyslaw got up and walked to the dragon, meeting her face-to-face. He took off his helmet and let her see his face: brown eyes, beard, and hair. She stared right back at him with deep blue eyes. He wasn't sure if the liquid by her eyes were tears or just rain, but he didn't have to see to know she was grateful. Wladyslaw's leg had another shot of pain go through and he crumpled down to the ground.
The dragon was slowly led to the village by hesitant bystanders. Wladyslaw refused to move until everyone agreed to direct the SeaWing, who surprisingly complied.
Nowak then allowed himself to be carried back to the village. One doctor believed that the hetman's leg was twisted, and that he was dehydrated. Three young teens carried Wladyslaw on sheets of linen, struggling. Before the storm had passed, Wladyslaw and his helpers reached the village. The hetman was lifted from his sheets and carried to the bed he stayed in during his visit.
Before obeying the doctor's order of laying in bed, Wladyslaw had his armor removed with aid from an unseasoned page. He ordered the page to then be left alone unless it was the doctor or something urgent had happened. The page left, leaving Wladyslaw alone.
He grabbed out one of the books from his pack. It was his own notes with a leather cover. He flipped through the pages until he got to the one he wanted. He had a very important list on that page, of certain individuals. The list was incomplete.
"Ah", Wladyslaw muttered to himself. There is no time left. I need to choose now. It has to be complete.
He took a few moments to think, then jotted down some names in the blank spaces. Only five were previously filled, but now thirteen were hastily chosen. It read like this:
Chosen for a special event; when the time is right they will be gathered and given what they need.
Grand Hetman Wladyslaw Nowak- Guardian
Aleksander Koniecpolski- Guardian
Sergeant Daisuke Fujiwara- Guardian
General Fahima Assaf -Guardian
Alexandria Anagnos -Guardian
Casimir Nowak- Bielska
Alexei von Ross- Kosburg
Ivan Kozlov- Zelengorod
Cecilia Angeletti- Aredonia
Cornelius Augustus- Cecuria
Karolina Magnusdottir - Kalda
Makena Okoro -Reen
-Remel
Mika Hayakawa -Shogunate
-Khanate
Wladyslaw looked at the incomplete list. He couldn't think of any other names for the rest. He only needed to have two more. Then everything would be ready.
Curse me for not taking enough time to pick carefully, but if it works out, praise be the moons.
A large thud outside turned his attention away from his book.
What was that?
Wladyslaw grunted as he hobbled over to the window. He pushed away the shades and looked into the outdoors. Waves were calming down, the sky was lightening, and the wind continued to howl its way wherever it liked. A crowd had gathered around the blue dragon that had been led to the village. She looked around frantically, and the village kept both their distance and their eyes on her. Her eyes then saw something, and she shuffled her way to the house of the hetman.
What is she doing?
The dragon reached the window and bent her head down to make eye contact. Then she gently pressed a talon against the window.
Wladyslaw had no other way to react than pressing his own hand against the window where the talon was.
He continued to look as the dragon made the village look in wonder and dumbfounded everyone.
=== Chapter 11: Reunification ===
Aleks on his return...
Aleks began to hate all things wet and dripping. Never had he seen so much rain before in his life. And to make it worse, he had to travel with it pouring down on him. He swore that the next time it rained he would never travel again for the next hundred years and hate everything.
The thought of returning to his commander urged him on, however. He was determined to get back, return his leader's brother, and get whatever was his reward. As long as he got a dry, warm place, he would be satisfied. Fortunately, he believed he was on the right track. Whenever he passed a traveler, they implied that a party of men that looked like soldiers had passed by a few days ago.
Aleks was just relieved that he was alive. Now his efforts might not be in vain. As he traveled more, he began to see a village at the tip of the peninsula. It was a small quiet port that local fishermen and merchants rarely came to for business. However, it was very important, strategically, for it guarded the entrance to the bay. Before they even reached the first building, someone rode up to them. Aleks recognized him. He was a Kosburgen knight.
"HALT! Identify yourselves," he commanded. He rode a brown and white horse and wore a coat of mail, no decorated surcoat. He wore a helmet that only covered the top of his head, but the Kosburgen lion was clearly shown on the horse's garments.
"Aleksander Koniecpolski, reporting to Grand Hetman Wladyslaw Nowak. With me are some companions and the Hetman's brother, Casimir Nowak," he stated, giving a quick salute. The knight thought for a moment and before long motioned them to come with him. As the group walked, Aleks could feel the growing number of eyes looking at him. Suspicious, cautious.
They reached a house near the shore. On the way there, Aleks was surprised at the unexpected amount of people who were there. Aleks never would have thought this many people could have lived here.
The knight lagged behind and rode next to Aleksander. Aleks gave the knight a document with his leader's stamp. The knight nodded and gave the paper back. Then he asked out of both curiosity and distrust.
"Who are they?" he asked. He gestured his head back to Aleksander's companions.
"Casimir Nowak, like I said. The huzar is Sergeant Zytosz Matejko, and the fellow over there with the green tunic is Cornelius Augustus, a Cecurian university student." Koniepolski nodded his head at the knight, but the Kosburgen wasn't satisfied.
"Not them. I meant the dragons!" he said, nearly shouting because of the wrong answer Aleks had given him.
"You see them?" he said, with surprise in his voice. The knight eyes became slits as he stared at Aleks with suspicion. Aleksander looked back over his shoulder, and sure enough, the two red dragons were terribly exposing themselves to everyone who had eyes.
Still following us! What do you want?
"Well, your friends better be careful. Wouldn't want something unfortunate to happen to them, now would they? We already have one too many," he muttered, riding up ahead of Aleks, leaving his side.
One too many? Was there something he didn't know about?
Before they reached the center of the village, Aleks felt something strange. A strange presence. As he turned the corner he spotted a blue dragon right in the middle of the square. Aleksander looked in shock. Right there was a crowd huddled around the dragon, looking curiously and uncertainly.
Aleksander and his companions were led to a small house near the center. They had to push past the crowd to get through. Two guards knocked on the door, and out came the hetman.
Immediately, Aleks cracked a smile. However, he then brought himself together and tried to act professional.
"Sir!", said Aleksander and Matejko in unison, saluting. Wladyslaw saluted back, walking towards them, with the two guards following closely at his side.
Wladyslaw and Aleks locked eyes, and then the commander's eyes went to his brother.
"Praise the bodies of light! You're alive!" Casimir ran towards his brothers with open arms, embracing for an eternity. Tears went down Casimir's face as he cried, and Wladyslaw stroked the hair on his younger brother's head. Wladyslaw looked over at Aleksander.
"Thank you so much Aleksander, than- thank you," he proclaimed, his voicing cracking out of emotion.
That evening...
After the reunification, the two brothers spoke for a long time in Wladyslaw's room. Outside there was a small party which the villagers held. There was some fish, bread, cheese, cake, and beverages to celebrate the safe returning of Casimir, but was really for the annual Festival of the Glowing Sea, which was celebrated every year during this time by the Cecurians. Aleks became popular with Nowak's guards and he conversed with them while eating his sandwich.
"Greeting, cavalier, so you saved master's brother. Nice job. No doubt he got something nice for you," said one of the guards. He was a burly, slightly hunchbacked old guard.
"I don't need any reward, it was an order." Aleksander did not want this to be a big deal. What was so special about all of this? It might have meant the world to his master, but he would have done it anyways.
Another guard came over with a drink in his hand. "Nice little party he threw for you, ain't it?"
Aleksander nodded. He knew it wasn't for him, but he didn't say anything.
Then one more guard came over. She was finishing a cube of cheese before she spoke. "It's pretty crazy out there, eh?"
"Is it?" asked Aleskander. He had been out of contact from the rest of the world for most of his time away.
"Aye. Pyrrhia is going to be divided soon. That Clauseus is getting more popular every day. Thank the heavens he has only a few nations on his side. Only Cecuria, Aredonia, and possibly the Khan. Hardly a match for a strong resistance", she said as they walked over to the tables of party food.
"Hope so," said Aleks as he reached for a slice of honey cake.
At that moment, Casimir and Wladyslaw walked out of their house and greeted all the guests. Wladyslaw asked everyone to quiet down so he could give a brief speech.
"Thank you all for coming here today. Today is a truly wonderful day my friends! My dear brother is safe and has been returned to me. Casimir, my dear brother!"
Casimir stood at the back of the room and politely nodded, acknowledging Wladyslaw. Though young, he was a hardened man whose childhood had passed by too fast.
Wladyslaw cleared his throat and continued to speak. "In addition to this great Festival, may Aleksander Koniecpolski stand? Zytosz Matejko and Cornelius Augustus, may you two do the same?"
The three stood, bewildered. "Give a round of applause for these three gentlemen, the rescuers of my brother! Thank you all dearly. Now, on to more serious, but happy matters." Those in attendance looked at each other and murmured.
"I fear I have misspoken. My friends, here standing are Captain Aleksander Koniecpolski and Captain Zytosz Matejko. I promote you to these ranks because of your gallantry, bravery, and selflessness. Long live you both! Hurrah!"
He raised his drink and in seconds, everyone was toasting them. Casimir and Cornelius were clapping with much respect and joy.
Captain! Wow, that's quite a change. Not ranked to an officer. That's pretty good.
The party went into the night, celebration filled the air in that part of Pyrrhia. But in other parts, permanent changes were happening. A new time was making its way to the humans of Pyrrhia.
=== Epilogue ===
A very dark night near the MudWing palace. A man stands on a small boat overlooking the palace.
"Is it done yet?" asked the man to his companion. He looked sharply with a menacing gaze, his armor and sword gleaming off the one moon's light. His laurel wreath laying perfectly on his head.
"Just about, your majesty," replied the companion, the rower.
"Good. Attention everybody! Soon, history will remember this as the beginning of a new era for humanity. Death and destruction to all dragons and their sympathizers!"
Before long, a small spark was seen in the distance on the palace. Then screaming, and soon after that there was a loud sound of wings flapping and roaring of dragons. A small flame was seen in the palace and quickly grew. It was put out, but soon after, a gigantic one was blazing at a village hidden nearby. The blaze brightened the sky and the land, the heat and smoke could be spread for miles. People were screaming, shrieking, crying.
The king looked at the village, the flames shining off his eyes. "Look everybody. The first innocent martyrs of our cause!"
This will just be the trigger. Soon all the pieces will be in place. For the glory of our most wonderful people! 
He smiled as his boat rowed him back to his own palace, safe and hidden away.
At the fortress of Blaze, a SandWing princess...
The time had come. Everything was ready.
A small band of Kaldan and Remelian nationalists worked together that night under the cover of the darkness to do their part of the plan. For hours upon hours, they dug under the palace with help from a wizard. They filled one of the rooms with gunpowder and explosives. With only one spark the whole area would blow, and trigger hatred in all the dragons in there. None of them might die, but it would be enough.
By the first crack of dawn, nearly all the people had fled and had ran for a few miles to a safe distance, except one. He would be the one who would set it all in motion. He heard footsteps and low conversing. It was time. He lit a torch and began to set the carts on fire. Heavy footsteps were approaching. Dragons were approaching.
The demolition man saw the flame edging closer and closer. He ran out of the room while the dragons looked, surprised at the tiny creature skittering by. The man hid behind a sturdy wall.
Glory to Kalda! he thought. Then it began.
The room exploded. The sound nearly deafened him, the foundation of the structure had shaken, and screams were in the air. The man ran out of the fortress unnoticed. He looked back after about half a mile of running. Black smoke rose from the room that blew up. It was just a tiny act. Maybe one or two of the dragons may have been hurt, maybe killed. The room might only have been damaged. The dragons would be angry, for sure.
That was for all you have done to all of us! But it only begins...
To Be Continued
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