The Quest For the Gems

Armored Scavenger's fan-fict. 
This is the fifth story in the series: The Scavenger Series #1: Darkness Rising
The fourth part of the series is The Topaz Gem Prophecy.
If you like this then continue reading in the sixth part: Second Scorching
Comment are welcome. Enjoy reading! :)
== Prologue ==
Human Pyrrhia was on fire.
Now known as the Battle of Sand Peak, the first skirmish between any of the scavenger nations now erupted into a total world war. Every country knew this would happen eventually. Now, as expected, everyone prepared for the fight.
Soon every warrior available now stood in an army ready to be ordered to go off to the war. Officers, landowners, rulers, and generals, all off them started to form strategies.
Clauseus I of Cecuria had his own plans for the war. He stood in a room in his palace with some of his advisers and war leaders.
"Everything is going according to plan, my friends. Soon we will win the war and then the dragons of Pyrrhia will be wiped out, so that we can rule this world as it was meant to be," he addressed to them. "But first, there are things to...take care of..."
"What sort of things?" asked Concordius Agathe, Clauseus' right-hand man. He was a young, intelligent, and passionate man who was loyal entirely and only to Clauseus.
"Some...inconveniences. For now I will only share the three most important ones to you all. First, we must remove Khan Koyuk from his throne."
Everyone gasped.
"But why? He is on our side. He isn't a bad ruler either!" exclaimed one of the generals.
Another one asked, "How can we do this? What has he done?"
Clauseus foresaw this coming. He silenced them and explained. "The Khan is plotting against us. As soon as he finds an opportunity he will take it and betray us. He must be eliminated and a new khan, loyal to us, must take his place. Fortunately for us, we have a candidate."
"How do you know?" asked another in the room.
Suddenly a short man walked in. He was listening from outside the room until he heard this question. He was from the Khanate. He wore a leather coat and warm fur boots. He also wore a royal helmet on his head, where he had dark black hair and a Fu Manchu mustache.
"My friends, this is Kramuk Noyan, the most trusted adviser to the Khan. He is the individual who gave us this information and the one I want to take the throne," explained Clauseus, who grinned maliciously at the newcomer.
Noyan stood next to Clauseus. He stood only up to Clauseus' chin, but everyone there could see the fire in the man's eyes. He was not to be messed with.
"Next, Grand Hetman Wladyslaw Nowak must be taken care of as well. He cannot live in my plan, so he must be taken out as well. That man can lead armies just like myself, honestly...maybe even better. With him gone we will lift a very troublesome weight off our shoulders," Clauseus announced as he was grabbing a cup of water fir himself to drink.
"And lastly, the Prophecy," he said.
The whole room nearly erupted into laughter. Only Kramuk, Concordius, Clauseus, and two generals did not even muster up a chuckle.
Clauseus grinned in a very sinister way. That made the four other individuals not laughing be put on edge. "Yes, laugh it up, but I tell you now, this is not a mere story or legend. It is real, and it cannot be fulfilled." Or else my plan will not work, you idiots!
"How shall we carry this out?" asked Concordius.
"Kill all who stand in our way...," explained Clauseus, as he suddenly left the room. His mind was filled with disturbing thoughts. 
Yes, kill them I say, but can they? That blasted Wladyslaw is leading them, now what? If they find them...! So many things can go wrong. Wladyslaw can stop me, but I won't let him. Where is he now? Where? The gems...soon they will get them, they can't! Wladyslaw, Wladyslaw, Wladyslaw! 
Clauseus left the room grumbling, leaving everyone else to look at each other with confusion, and even worry...
== Part 1: The Sergeant's Group ==
=== Chapter 1: The Ice-cold Kaldan ===
This is stupid!
That was the thought of Karolina Magnusdottir, the Kaldan picked for the Prophecy.
It was two days into Sergeant Daisuke "Dire" Fujiwara's long journey to the desert in search for the blue topaz gems that were supposedly hidden there. They had so far managed to travel to the edge of Zelengorodian territory, meaning that soon they would be entering land where the people would be hostile towards them.
And Karolina was not looking forward to that. She made it known to everyone on the first day. First off, she always traveled separately from the rest of the group. While Sergeant "Dire", Casimir Nowak-Meckleburg, Makena Okoro, and Prince Dustum Khan rode way ahead of her, they would have to periodically wait for her to catch up. By the end of the day, Dire was so unnerved and exhausted from her that he was too tired to finish his dinner and he went straight to his tent.
Secondly, Karolina did not talk at all. She always remained silent whenever one of the others tried to stir up a conversation, and then she just remained entirely mute until they gave up and rejoined with the rest of the group. When she was satisfied she returned to her cursing and grumbling under her breath. That was the only noise she made.
Thirdly, she hated each and every one of them. In her mind she could have made a list for insults for each. 
Well, first we have Dire. Pfft, sergeant is the highest rank he will ever get. Makena, the girl that knows literally nothing of the world outside of her rainforest, but still manages to be so kind and sweet. It's making me ill. Oh, then there is Dustum. I can just picture that dumb smile of his that I just want to punch when I get a chance. And he is trying to make moves on me! Ha! 
But worst of all, Casimir. That guy can barely mutter a word without having a second thought. He is so pathetic. The only one he can talk to is his brother, I heard, who is probably a gazillion miles away from now. And don't get me started on when he does talk. Who cares if he has a dragon friend, it will be dead before this war ends. Ugh, humans and dragons liking each other, that is a whole other level of mushy that I can't believe can be allowed or even exist.
Fourth of all, and most importantly, she did not even think that the prophecy existed!
'Great, I'm stuck here with idiots who still believe in that lie. The Great, the Magnificent, the Guy Who I Should Worship Everyday of My Entire Life and Have a Picture of Him On My Wall, the Very Idiotic and Naive Wladyslaw Nowak. I'm sure he just made up it all just to give some pathetic hope to his side. I mean, HOW IN THE THREE MOONS IS HE THAT HIGH RANKED!!!? HOW IS HE LEADING THIS!!!? Was King Jan of Bielska drunk when he made him Grand Hetman? What amazing and death-defying achievements has he done that I can't do?
That was all that Karolina thought about all day. It would be surprising if she thought up some insults for the nine others in the other two groups. It was nighttime when she went to bed. And what a coincidence that Casimir's dragon friend, who was allowed to tag along with the group somehow, slept conveniently next to her tent. She muttered dark thoughts like killing it in her sleep, but she herself fell asleep before she knew it. Maybe she would have another chance tomorrow night, but maybe on all of them. Two days had passed, but for her it felt like a lifetime.
=== Chapter 2: Prince of the Tribes ===
The next morning arrived. It was beautiful; the sunrise turned red to gold as it showed itself to all of Pyrrhia. It was the third day of the journey, and Dustum could not help but wake up with enthusiasm and excitement. He was in the prophecy, he would help so many, and he would be loved by so many.
And I am surrounded by good friends. Well, almost. That Karolina is a bit like a rock, but I know I can reach out to her and she will be my friend. And the others: Dire, a most wonderful guide and guardian; I am glad he is with us. Makena, the friendliest person in all of Pyrrhia, and she can create remedies for any sicknesses. And Casimir, brother of the Grand Hetman. A little quiet, but I can trust him, I know it.
The group left once everything was packed and ready. Soon they would be leaving friendly mountain territory; now it would be hostile, scorching desert. They all wore desert tunics and turbans, clothing that would not only protect them from the elements, but disguise their appearances. The Sultan ruled that land, and he certainly would not want them traversing over it. The desert soon came into sight. The sand mixed with rocks as the border was crossed.
Dustum was excited. He had been to the desert before, though it was not the same as it would be on this quest. Near his home on the southern border, the Khanate touched and included part of the great vast desert. However, it was not as hot as it was going to be and that land far north was more of a wasteland.
Maybe it isn't as hot as they say, thought Dustum, who urged his horse on forward. Out of everyone in the entire group, Dustum was the best rider. It was not surprising since all from the Khanate were excellent horsemen. They were as quick as lighting, and their arrows never seemed to miss their target. Dire rode normally but with a bit of caution. Makena struggled as it was her first time on horseback, but Dustum was more than happy to assist her, sometimes riding alongside her. Casimir was second to Dustum at riding. Dustum heard about how Casimir was trained as a knight and was then trained by the Grand Hetman of Bielska. He wasn't as good as Dustum, but he was good. Karolina, believe it or not, but it wasn't hard to understand, rode in the back, sometimes so far away that the rest of them had to wait for her. But Dustum was not discouraged. He thought it was amusing, in a way.
The group finally and officially trekked into Sultanate territory. The sun was blazing, the sky was clear and blue, and the sand was so hot that the horses sometimes twitched in discomfort. It was going to be night soon. Dustum wondered how far until they were close to the so-called Scorpion Den. It might be another three or four days if they traveled the entire day and rested only at night. It would be more comfortable to travel at night, however it would otherwise be impossible to sleep during the sweltering daylight hours.
The group traveled until the sun almost set. When it did the temperature dropped so low that Dustum could notice. Where he lived it was usually chilly, but he was amazed at how it could be hot one part of the day and cold during the other.
Camp was set up and dinner was eaten. Tents were made and soon sleep would come. Dustum was about to go lay down but he noticed that the dragon, who he learned Casimir befriended in some way, was acting peculiar. He kept staring in one particular direction. Casimir also noticed and pulled out a small telescope and looked in that area. He gasped and he started to wave his arms at the dragon and pointed to him to the sky.
"Fly away! We can't let them find you. Go!" he commanded, worried and loud.
"Who?!" asked Dire, who ran to Casimir.
"Soldiers...coming right at us!" The dragon realized this and flew behind a sand dune.
It's going to be all right. Dustum reassured himself. Its all going to be all right.
The soldiers were closing in.
=== Chapter 3: Dire Luck ===
It's only the third day and already we get caught. Oh, come on! screamed the Sergeant's mind. But his mind was running a mile a minute. "Casimir, Karolina, Makena! Get into the tent and hide! Dustum, don't say a word, I'll handle this!" he ordered in a hurry. The soldiers drew nearer and nearer.
Makena was about to ask why, but Casimir urged her into the tent. Karolina was already inside, so they closed the tent flap.
Because it would be very suspicious if they found a Bielskan, a Reen, and a Kaldan together with a Khanate prince and a Pyrrhian knight. 
"What are you going to do?" asked Dustum, who stood right next to the sergeant, gazing at the incoming warriors. There were only two of them; one wearing shiny lamellar armor, the other with only yellow padding. The one with the armor had a bag of war javelins on his back while the other with no armor had nothing other than his sword. Both rode on tan desert horses.
What to do, what to do? "We have to think of an alias, now," he whispered to Dustum. And hope that the other three don't make a sound.
Dustum perked up. "I know," he said. "We can pretend to be travelers, or something."
"But they will search our tents and our luggage regardless. There is no solution."
"Come on, sarge, have a little faith," brightened Dustum. The Sergeant had always liked the young prince, even when he was cocky and optimistic, but now was the worst possible time for it.
"Or we could always take them out...," the prince said suddenly and unexpectedly. Dire turned immediately to glance at him. He never was the violent type...
"Well, that's what my father always says. 'If you can't figure out a problem, just get rid of it.' And I have no ideas and they are almost here."
Dire reached for his sword, hidden under his cloak. If he needed it, he guessed he would have to do what he had to do. Dustum, unfortunately, realized he was unarmed. "Great...," he muttered under his breath.
Oh, all right, no big deal, I just have to take the lives of two men who probably have nothing to do with us. Oh, I almost forgot, they have weapons, and one has armor. Great idea Daisuke, you really blundered into another fine conundrum. 
For being under a lot of pressure, Dustum didn't seem to look very nervous. Yes, he was a little shaky and his eyes were a little bigger than usual, even though his eyes were usually wide as he talked in most situations. Otherwise, he seemed quite ready for anything.
"Hey, you! Don't move!" ordered the armored soldier, shouting, galloping quickly towards them. Within seconds they reached Dire and Dustum.
"State your business!" yelled the soldier.
"Er, um...." started Dustum.
Dire's stomach twisted. He had to speak before they did something to Dustum or become more suspicious. "We are just returning home to, er.....Renenets...yes, Renenets. You know, by the Scorpion Den," he lied. This is hopeless.
"All right, we just need to check your belongings before we let you go. These are dangerous times, and we can't let anyone coming in be let through without an inspection," he explained as he dismounted and walked over to Dire.
"What are you bringing in with you?" asked the other guard, who also dismounted. He had dark black hair, no facial hair, and an eye-patch over his left eye. The armored man wore a helmet with a mail veil so his face was completely hidden except for his eyes, which were almost grey, but it was hard to tell in the dark.
"Oh, only tents, horses, food, you know, supplies for our journey." Thankfully not all of the tents were set up yet, or we'd be finished.
"We'll have to search each tent," explained the guard, pushing past Dire and Dustum to proceed to the next tent. Dire grabbed his shoulder. "Wait! I-I, I mean, why don't I make some tea for you two. Surely you must be thirsty from your patrolling."
"We have no time," snapped the soldier, who walked back to his horse. He crossed his arms as the other guard continued to walk to the tents.
"We have nothing at all, we are poor. This is all we have. There is no need to check," pleaded Dire desperately.
"We will leave once you are cleared, promise," said the yellow padded soldier.
The armored guard was about to open the tent flap when Dire lunged at him. "Hey! Doesn't everyone have a right to have some privacy," he barked, but then quickly backed off.
"You are in the Remelian Sultanate! It's the Sultan's lands, not yours! WE WILL INSPECT YOUR TENT. Or...are you hiding something!?" hollered the armored guard, pushing Dire to the sandy ground. The sand did not feel hot anymore, but cold like the night to Dire.
The guard ripped open the tent opening and looked inside, stunned. "Who are they?!" he shouted. The soldier walked closer to see what was the matter. Dire just laid in the sand, frozen. This is the end...
Just then the dragon came. The red dragonet that Casimir urged to fly away was coming back. He hovered above the camp and the two Remelians looked in shock.
This is our window! thought Dire as he rose up and jumped onto the soldier, who stood bewildered. Dire's pounce totally took the soldier by surprise and soon Dire had him pinned down in the sand. It seemed the others took notice and followed his example. The small group of four youngsters all jumped on and brought down the other guard.
The dragonet landed in the sand, grinning. Casimir waved at him, and the dragonet raised his head, proudly.
Ah. Now that is what we are fighting for... 
=== Chapter 4: Kidnapping ===
Makena stood by her friend Casimir as the sergeant and Dustum tied the two soldier's arms and legs together so they couldn't run away. Then during the rest of the night they slept, except for Dire, who kept guard all night long. By morning he was so cranky that it was wise to leave him alone because he would not sleep for at least another day.
The group and their two prisoners traversed through the blazing, hot, and scorching desert. Makena was used to very hot conditions in the rainforest, but this hot was dry, not wet. It made a huge difference. She thought it wouldn't do much to her, but she was wrong. Every few minutes she wanted a drink of water, but Dustum or Casimir always reminded her to save the water for later. Karolina kept riding far behind, and Makena thought she was also very exhausted, but she did not realize that the Kaldan was just not the most friendliest person she would ever met. Everyone else was nice to her, yet Karolina just didn't do or say anything.
Makena never rode a horse, but Dustum was kind enough to show her how. Horses were beautiful creatures in her mind, and she named hers Carrot, because she loved to eat the orange plant. She is really sweet. She doesn't go too fast and she doesn't go too slow. Just give her water, food, and be gentle and she is perfect.
The group traveled until it was almost sunset. In the distance, Makena could see large buildings just randomly placed along the horizon. She went to Dire, who looked very tired, and asked him without even considering he hadn't slept last night.
"Is that a human town?" asked Makena, curiously.
Dire looked sleepily at her. But then he grinned and chuckled. "Haa. That is no human town, Makena. That is a dragon settlement," he explained.
Dustum, Casimir, and even Karolina rode a little faster to listen to their conversation. Dire noticed and raised his head to look at them. He pointed at the buildings in the distance and announced, "That is what is called the Scorpion Den. That means we are getting very close to our destination. Also, we must find a place where dragons will not find us. Because in the day, they most certainly will catch us."
So the group traveled a little bit farther away near a sand dune where they set up camp, but not as big as they normally would. Dire said they would leave before first light and they would leave very quickly.
However, their plan would soon end the next day.
The next day...
Makena was woken up by Dire, who finally got some sleep. It was still very dark and she could barely see him when he rushed into her tent. Nonetheless, she packed up her tent and was ready for the day. She was so excited. Today is the day we get our gems! Yayyyy!
It was the fourth day of their journey.
Everyone else got ready and soon they were off. They had to go past the Scorpion Den, but they couldn't travel too far from the den or else they could lose the path, according to Dire. So they were taking a risk. Makena didn't know it yet but soon she would wish that the risk was not taken.
"I need two volunteers to go and scout the land ahead of us. So who?" asked Dire right before they left.
"I will!" volunteered Makena, raising her hand up high.
"Ok, one more."
"All right, I'll do it," said Casimir, also raising his hand. Dustum slapped Casimir playfully on the back and the two had a short friendly conversation on which of them should go. Casimir and Makena then rode ahead and soon the Scorpion Den was in view. But what they didn't see was the SandWing waiting, hidden. When the two rode a little further, that dragon flew into the sky, then it swooped and snatched both Casimir and Makena, humans and their horses.
They left the others on the ground to look in horror at them flying towards the Den. They could do nothing to save them now.
=== Chapter 5: The Scorpion Den ===
The dragon's claws gripped tightly against Casimir. The horses kept whinnying and tried to break free, while he just laid there, knowing once a dragon has gotten you there was no getting out. He couldn't see Makena and he didn't hear her make a noise. Either she was being very quiet or it was a very unfortunate end for her. But he himself was silent as well so there was a chance.
They got closer and closer to the Scorpion Den. Casimir knew little about it. He read in a scroll that it was some sort of settlement and it had a marketplace of some sort, but that was all it said about the dragons. It also said that it used to be the site of the palaces of the ancient pharaohs before the Scorching.
Soon they were at the entrance; tall walls stood there. A very muscular dragon stopped them. The dragon who caught Casimir and his friend Makena gave the guard the two horses and she let him through. Now we are inside the Scorpion Den.
They made their way through alleyways. Smells, sights, and sounds all took Casimir by surprise. He never imagined there would be so many dragons in one place, and he saw how dragons actually lived with his own eyes. It fascinated him. However, fear once again engulfed him as he pondered over where he was going and what was going to happen to him.
They continued to make their way through the busy and crowded streets. Other dragons looked enviously and wickedly at the two humans, and Casimir felt very uncomfortable. He might not trust the dragon who kidnapped him, but he felt better in his talons than the ones staring at him. He even thought he heard the dragon who had him almost fight a dragon who tried to take Makena, making her scream.
But before long they reached an oasis, the center of the Scorpion Den. The dragon set both Makena and Casimir down on the ground. The two ran to each other.
"What is going on, Casimir?" asked Makena with fright and worry.
"Don't worry Makena, just stay by me," Casimir reassured her. Makena definitely didn't find the answer helpful or reassuring, but she made no attempt to ask again. Her once friendly and a little naive personality became very different, very fast.
The dragon must have thought that the two would run away once he set them on their feet. In fact, Makena was almost ready to bolt anywhere away from the dragon. But instead she stayed at Casimir's side. The dragon looked a little surprised, but relieved that he didn't have to chase them down.
Well, dragon, we humans are all full of surprises, thought Casimir. The two of them were then herded into a large white tent near the edge of the oasis. They were forced to go inside. The dragon lifted the tent flap and soon Casimir could see everything. There was a carpet on the floor, a skylight at the top, a dais, and a few desert dragon crowded inside.
Casimir looked carefully at each. One, however, caught his eye. A smaller one was talking with a dragonet, a young dragon. The small dragon wore a gold bracelet on her forearm, and a copper chain with a pendant around her neck. She was yellow like the sand and had small brown speckles on her back.
She looks so young. She doesn't have a lot of treasure on her. But she looks like the leader. Kind of like Wladyslaw.
Wladyslaw. Casimir wondered how he was doing with his group. Yes. Wladyslaw. Doesn't wear much treasure either. Only on formal occasions does he wear a golden chain necklace around his neck, and a ring or two. Otherwise the only thing he wears is his robes or his armor, which is quite nice by itself. The wings, the pelt, the helmet; he doesn't need more. 
The lead dragon, Casimir presumed she was, looked down at the two. She started talking to the kidnapper and the conversation went on for a while. Meanwhile, Casimir stared at the dragonet. He stood only a bit taller than Casimir and he had a dark amber earring in one ear. He gave Casimir suspicious glances, and Casimir in return did the same. The dragonet feinted a lunge but was surprised when Casimir didn't take off in terror. Casimir did jump back, but stood his ground. Makena looked at Casimir in shock. She must be thinking of how I am not so afraid of them. Well, Makena, I have quite a story for you, if we make it out.
The dragons stopped talking and the lead dragon shook her head, indicating no for something. The kidnapper then left and the two humans were left in the tent, not knowing what to do.
"Makena, listen to me closely. When I give the word, run like you have never ran before, got it?" whispered Casimir.
Makena nodded, but Casimir knew she was asking why. And she has every right to. It's the only thing I can think of. Maybe it's instinct.
The dragon with the modest amount of treasure leaned close to Casimir's face. So close that he could she her very large eyes clearly, at least to a human's point of view. She looked at him, considering. Casimir felt that this dragon was different than most, for some reason. Well, I'm amazed I am not dead yet. 
Casimir then moved his glance to a small pile of some unfortunate lizard's bones a few feet away. Maybe I am not on the menu after all, thought Casimir, hopeful. He also saw the possible remains of their two horses.
Casimir stared right back into the dragon's eyes. Then suddenly, he walked forward. The dragon looked curiously and almost shocked at him. Makena stared at him as if he were crazy. Casimir continued to walk slowly towards the dragon. He didn't have much, but he took off his turban so she could see his face.
I am an idiot, thought Casimir.
Casimir then bowed and scraped his right leg (drawing it back), his right hand holding the turban while having his arm to his chest.
The entire tent was stunned. Never had they seen a human bow down to a dragon before. The dragon who Casimir bowed down to grabbed Casimir and Makena gently in her talons. She flew off to the entrance of the Scorpion Den and let them go.
Casimir looked at the dragon. She looked him with a content face. She then bowed her head to Casimir ever so slightly, and Casimir performed his bow once again. This time Makena curtseyed as well. Then they were off.
"How did you know that would work!" asked Makena with such a startled and joyful shout.
"I didn't," admitted Casimir. "But not all dragons are the fire-breathing, village-burning, human-killing monsters many of us like to think. Don't you see, this is why we are fighting to stop Clauseus. This is why the Prophecy must be fulfilled."
"And I will be with you every step of the way." said Makena, who then playfully punched Casimir in the arm.
"I guess showing her respect and manning up was our ticket out, but truthfully it was done on the spot. Thank the moons she wasn't hungry, or any other dragon there."
The two then reached the camp where Dire and the others stood paralyzed at their return. They were surprised at how they even returned, and even more at how quickly they did. Makena told everyone about how Casimir saved them both.
Dire put his hand proudly on Casimir's shoulder, which reminded Casimir yet again of his brother. Dustum hugged them both, and even Karolina looked amazed. She even began to respect him.
I did what I had to do, even if I didn't know that would lead me to my freedom. But now we can continue on.
And so the group, the SkyWing dragonet, and their two prisoners once again continued to travel. It was midday so Dire said they could reach the gems by nightfall. Casimir looked back and saw the dragon who he bowed to watch them go.
He felt safe knowing she was watching over them. Soon they would get the gems, and maybe he could get to know the mountain dragonet, and this dragon who let him and his friends go. I can't wait to get a gem!
The gems now grew even closer, if the stories and legends were true...
=== Chapter 6: The Desert Gems ===
The group was now close to the prophesied gems. At least according to Dire. They had traveled for a few hours and soon they realized it was almost dark. But Dire did not seemed worried. "We are almost there," he reassured, encouraging his companions onward.
They traversed a little while longer until Dire suddenly stopped. "Here we are," he declared.
The group looked in the distance. A small oasis laid there, and the moonlight of two of the moons made it glow. It was a beautiful sight, one that none of them would ever forget.
"So....where are they?" asked Karolina. If they are even real...,she thought. Right now she really hoped that they were. Since Casimir and Makena were let go by a dragon she began to rethink her thoughts. Maybe some of them are different.
"All I see is water," stated Dustum.
"Bingo," proclaimed Dire.
The group stared at each other. Even the two guards who had nothing to do with them gazed at him, puzzled.
"What do you mean, 'bingo'?" questioned Karolina. "Where are the gems. Tell us!" she demanded.
"The gems were buried in the sand at the bottom of this oasis, so no one could ever get to them. There is a chest buried there, and inside are the gems."
The group was very excited. They all hurried to the waters. It was not very deep and the water was murky, so that explained why there was no settlement there. The perfect hiding spot.
Dire reached for his shovel and walked into the water. Then he began digging up the sand on the floor of the oasis. But for almost an hour he had no luck. He kept trying for another hour, but still nothing.
"I don't understand. It must be here!" shouted Dire. A surge of fear was among everyone.
What if they don't exist. Is it all a lie? Oh, no! No gems! What if they were stolen, I bet they were stolen. No! No! NO! I can't believe it. But the Prophecy...! The minds of everyone was filled with worry.
Suddenly, the dragonet that accompanied them caught there attention. Casimir saw his gaze and look at where the SkyWing was looking. Another oasis!
"Dire! This is the wrong oasis. There is another one over there!" bellowed Casimir to Dire. The group then rushed to that one. Dire took out his wet shovel and began to dig again. This oasis was shallow. It didn't take long for him to find what he was looking for. He didn't even need the shovel at all.
Dire pulled out a metal chest with a lock on it. He set it down before the rest of them. They were all wondering how they were going to open it when suddenly Dire took out a hammer and completely obliterated the lock. That solved that problem.
He then opened the chest. Everyone looked inside. Inside were five small blue topaz amulets that were strung by silver chains. Dire took out each of them and held them in his hand.
"Listen everybody. This is the moment you were all waiting for. These gems will give you the power to understand dragon speech and writing. Also, it also acts like a dreamvisitor. But please don't give each other nightmares, that's not what they are for. So one for me and one for each of the four of you," he said. He distributed one to each of them. First to himself, then to Casimir, then Makena, then Dustum, and then finally Karolina.
They all put the amulets round their necks and began to wonder if they worked. Casimir whispered something to each of them and they all nodded. The dragonet looked at them and after a few second the humans all shouted, "CAN YOU HEAR US!"
The dragon fell backwards on the sand. He squawked, "Wh-wh-what! Scavengers talking! What in blazes!? Maybe spending too much time with them has made me crazy." The dragonet took multiple deep breaths.
"Did you hear all that loud and clear?" asked Dustum.
"Yes!" The four other humans shouted in amazement.
"Dustum, this is amazing!" praised Makena. Casimir was practically jumping for joy. Makena was grinning more than ever. Dustum couldn't believe his ears. Dire felt relieved, and Karolina smiled for possibly the first time ever.
"Dustum!?" asked a voice. It was one of the prisoners, the one with armor. "Prince Dustum Khan!?"
Dustum looked at him. Everyone looked at the soldier. Dustum sighed. "Well, I guess my cover is blown."
"It is you!" said the other prisoner. "What are you doing here?" he asked, bewildered.
"I am part of the Prophecy, gentlemen. Even if my father is on the wrong side of the war at this time."
"Your father...." started the guard, confused.
"What? What do you mean, 'my father'?" asked Dustum.
The soldier looked at Dustum with sadness. "Your father was a great man, my boy. A truly remarkable man."
Dustum looked at him hard, trying to look tough. But inside his heart was breaking apart, bit by bit.
"Your father was found dead three days ago. I am so sorry, Dustum," said the guard remorsefully.
"Everyone thinks you are dead as well. Khan Kramek Noyan said so. But now that you are alive, you have to take your throne back," uttered the other.
Everyone looked at Dustum. The always friendly, happy-go-lucky young man he always was now became a saddened man who now had a difficult choice. He could go home and take his rightful throne, or stay and be part of the prophecy.
"No. My father wanted me to fulfill the prophecy. I promised him and I won't break it." Dad, you always did love me and did all you could to help me. If you are up there, dad, then you will see me stay true to my promise, like the promise of raising me so many years ago. I love you!
And so Dire's group founded the gems. Now they head back to Terchen until the other groups also found their gems. The two prisoners that they captured were now their friends and they too willingly wanted to join them.
Dire was proud. His group was lucky to have found the gems so fast; in only about a week. However, the other two groups would not have so much luck in their journey...
== Part 2: The Captain's Group ==
=== Chapter 7: Beginning Troubles ===
We better get there soon..., thought Koniecpolski furiously. I can't stand this...
Aleksander's group was to travel far into the heart of the cold, desolate northern tundra. The group of five consisted of some very interesting members. Captain Aleksander Koniecpolski, a freelancing cavalier, partially led the group. He was a mercenary of the Union of Bielska and Kosburg, though he was Bielskan himself and had expensive huzar armor. He wore only chain mail for this mission, feeling it would be more practical.
He shared his leadership with General Fahima Assaf, a knight of the Order and a native of the desert. She despised working with Koniecpolski. Fahima said she wouldn't listen to a mere mercenary, and as a general she shouldn't have to share any of the power. 
But we are working together! I can't stand her! Aleksander was on the brink of exploding into rage. 
The General also seemed to take full charge without the consent of the Captain, even though they were supposed to share the leadership. Fahima worked with the rest of the group by herself. 
If that's the way she wants to do things, then fine! I'm done with this! Aleksander couldn't be more outraged at the general. Wladyslaw probably never thought this would happen. Oh, I wish he could see us now. 
Apart from the two guardians, there were three other young people in the group. Two of them were good friends. Alexei von Ross was a young scribe from Kosburg, and his friend, Cornelius Augustus, a Cecurian scholar, had many things in common. One of them was listening to Fahima, and only her. They gave all their consent and ideas to the general, while Aleksander was left to think by himself.
The remaining member was Mika Hayakawa, who was from the Shogunate. Out of all of them, she was the worst, even more terrible than Fahima. She always spoke out against everyone. She said that dragons were downright monsters and even in her sleep she probably dreamed about killing dragons. If Aleksander could guess, her dreams have probably come true before. 
Good idea council! Oh, let's just pick a girl who actually wants to kill a dragon. Sure! That is totally who we want in order to save everyone! 
Every night Aleksander always made sure he was safe from her. He never knew if she would suddenly turn for the worse. Only time would tell.
Aleksander had no allies. It seemed that he had very few to start with anyway. It was nighttime and everyone was asleep, but he was still in his sleeping bag, thinking. Aleksander had quite a lonely life if he thought about it. The only two people he trusted were the Nowaks. His former best friend, Zytosz, left to join Clauseus, making him a traitor to his country and to Aleks. Aleksander's own family didn't want him; in fact he couldn't even guess where they were. He only knew of his sister, but she lived far away after she left home and had fled to the rainforest.
He sighed. It had been almost ten days, but now they were on the edge of the tundra, where it would be freezing cold all day and all night long. Even now the captain huddled closer to his sheet, shivering. Soon he would see snow and ice, and ice dragons. But at least his group was not venturing entirely into enemy territory. There was a possibility that the Kaldans would come to their aid if they found them.
The tenth night was now over, but his thoughts were still on fire. Why couldn't I have had the Kaldan instead. Who thought up these groups? Why didn't Fahima go to the desert? Who cares about diversity at this point!? Or Dustum, why not him?
The group had to travel from Terchen, through the mountains, and then through the Khanate. Aleksander had no idea what was going on in that land. The Khan's armies were in confusion, as if they had no idea who was in charge or what they were supposed to do. It made travel through the flat land easy.
Aleksander woke up from his slumber on the eleventh day. He packed up his belongings and prepared for the long journey ahead. He put his sabre in its scabbard and he picked up his home-made one-handed axe. He wrapped a large animal pelt around himself and got onto his reindeer, which could go through the cold weather. On the border was a small outpost of knights that lent them the animals.
Soon they were ready. The rest of the group mounted onto their reindeer and began to move out with, unsurprisingly, Assaf in the lead. The captain brought up the rear, and according to everyone else he would defend them from anyone following behind them. Aleks was smart enough to know that wasn't the real reason why he was put in the back away from everyone else.
A sound took his attention away. He looked to his right and gazed in both puzzlement and relief. The red mountain dragon that kidnapped Casimir and followed his rescue party back was there, literally there.
Why is she here?
The dragon looked at him. Aleks began to move and she followed. He stopped again and she halted as well, then looked at him again with confusion, waiting for him to move again. She is following us, well, me.
There were two of them when Aleksander met them. One dragonet and one adult dragon. Back at Terchen Aleks saw the young male go with Casimir's group. Maybe they are having more luck than we are. 
The dragonet seemed to like being around Casimir, while this female seemed more interested in Aleksander.
Aleks looked at her in a new way of thinking. Maybe....maybe I do have an ally here. Yes, a friend.
And so the group entered the frozen tundra, where soon things would get worse before they got better, if things did get better....
=== Chapter 8: The Northwestern Land ===
It was irritably cold. Cornelius found whatever cloth he could find and wrapped it around his body and head. Under all of the blankets was a fur coat, hat, and boots. Even with all of the layers, the Cecurian could still feel the stinging chill seep through.
Cornelius was used to the warmer eastern sea where there was no ice, no snow, and no cold. He wished he was in his house with a fireplace, a soft, comfortable bed, and the waves crashing into the shore. He then immediately pushed all those thoughts out of his head. If I keep thinking these things it will only make me even more homesick.
At least he wasn't freezing to death, or at least he hoped. He couldn't believe people could actually live there in the land they were in, and they probably didn't even need coats and blankets like he did. In fact, Captain Koniecpolski only wore one fur pelt over himself. He didn't seem that cold at all.
He may be young, but he is a good captain, he would think from time to time. Maybe I should trust him more, like how I am trusting the General. Maybe I should support him, not ignore him from now on.
He knew his friend Alexei wouldn't follow in his footsteps. Alexei put his full trust on General Assaf. Alexei didn't trust the captain and hardly paid any attention to him. Alexei's arguments such as Aleksander's lack of experience were reasonable, Cornelius guessed, but still the scholar felt that the mercenary had some good ideas.
Cornelius was never fond of dragons, so when he all of a sudden saw the Captain riding on his mount with one by his side at the rear, he knew that Aleks was someone different. Cornelius didn't fear her, but he wanted the red dragon to stay as far away from him as possible. It wasn't that he hated dragons, he just wasn't sure he could be right next to one. He began to think a little more highly of Koniecpolski, something he hadn't done from the beginning when he helped rescue Casimir Nowak.
"Cornelius, you hanging in there?" asked Alexei, who was riding to Cornelius' right. He wore less layers than Cornelius.
"I'll live. I just hope it doesn't get much colder than this," he replied back.
"Well, you are in for a real treat, the farther we go up north, the colder it will get," stated Alexei.
"Yeah? Well, it will be even more colder at night without the sun," said Cornelius, teeth chattering.
Alexei grinned. The two loved to have these kinds of conversations where they debated over everything.
It was almost nightfall when things really started to get chilly. Camp was almost set up a little farther to the north by a small hill. It would not be long until they would see the first glimpse of snow and ice. There the group would have to endure the highest difficulty. But in order to get what they were seeking for, they would have to go there. Assaf urged that they needed to move on so they could cover a little more ground, however, Koniecpolski said they should stay and make camp by the hill so they could really prepare for the cold ahead. The disagreement turned out to become a heated argument. For a few minutes the two gradually got louder and louder and Cornelius soon worried one of them would snap. However, Koniecpolski gave up after Alexei and Mika joined Assaf's side. Cornelius remained neutral, but he was compelled to join the Captain. It did seem like a good idea to cover some more ground, but he was exhausted and who knew how much colder it was going to get on top of what it already was.
Aleksander stormed away and went back to his position in the rear. The group traveled for about another hour when it really was starting to become dark and cold. They made camp and ate a quick, dry meal. Then it was time to sleep. Aleksander was putting out a campfire so that no dragons would find them. They decided they would sacrifice a little warmth for stealth. Cornelius walked up to the captain.
He briefly remarked, "Captain, I thought that your idea to camp earlier was better."
The Captain's face remained emotionless, or at least it seemed to be in the dark, but Cornelius could feel that the captain felt a little better. The moons tonight shined off Aleks' teeth as he spoke. "This is why I want to work together. Don't worry about Fahima, Cornelius, she knows what she is doing. I just lost my temper tonight. All right?"
"All right. Good night, Captain."
"Good night, Cornelius," replied Aleksander.
Cornelius went back to his tent to go to sleep. Before he closed up he saw the red mountain dragon move closer to Aleks' location. The Captain waved to the dragon and in return he got a wave back. Aleksander went to sleep in his tent while the dragon went to sleep almost directly next to the tent itself.
Cornelius closed his tent, but as he did he could see snowflakes falling down onto the ground, one by one.
Maybe it wouldn't have mattered where we camped," he thought as he went to sleep.
In fact, it did not. It snowed both there and where they were earlier. But the weather was nothing yet, later it would be much, much more inhospitable.
=== Chapter 9: Final Straw ===
She didn't like him, and she knew he didn't like her back. But they were stuck together for the time-being. He was too young, too inexperienced, and too relaxed. He couldn't qualify as a leader, and he definitely should not get a gem.
Fahima sighed. All her life she had commanded armies, helped advise war leaders, fought on the front lines, and never, never had she ever disliked a soldier.
Soldier, no, mercenary. That was a very tense issue between the two guardians. Assaf was a general who had pledged her life to the Order of Pyrrhia, while Aleksander only did it for the money. All mercenaries were the same. He was not an exception.
The cold didn't help either. That night it had snowed so much that Fahima could barely get out of her tent. Assaf had never been this far up north in her life, and this snow was the most she had ever witnessed. That morning, as they were packing up their belongings, Aleksander passed by and complained to her very quickly and sharply.
"We should have waited last night." Then, as quickly as he came, he left. 
That made Fahima angry. That storm was moving south so it wouldn't have mattered anyway! Now we can get to the gems faster, you camel. 
Within an hour they were ready to continue on. Aleksander rode in the back, but he seemed to take it personally.
So someone can protect our backs, what do you think!? But some of her hate towards him was also part of why she wanted him there. Next was Cornelius and Alexei, the two smart ones in the group. Alexei knew how to fight, but it was hard to tell from just looking at him. Cornelius had probably never even held a sword until now, but it was like he had a built-in library in his mind. They were satisfactory.
Mika was something else, on the other hand. One reason Fahima liked her was because she had fire in her. She also seemed to look up to the General. But Assaf was careful around her and had some anger against the girl because she constantly said or thought something negative about dragons, the gems, or the others. That put Fahima a little on edge, but she didn't do much about it. I'm sure it will soon work itself out. Why else would they have chosen her for this?
That day they traveled very far, but they still had some difficulties. Snow had piled up almost everywhere, ice made it sometimes dangerously slippery, and the cold could have inflicted dangerous frostbite the second they were not careful. The gathering clouds blocked out any warmth from the sun and the wind howled and flung snow wherever it wanted.
That night everyone was exhausted and went to sleep almost immediately when they stopped. They set up their tents and fires and made a small camp. They ate quickly and that was it for them. They all slept. Almost everyone.
It was the middle of the night when Fahima woke up to the sound footsteps walking in the snow. Light from a torch shined through the tent. The general also heard soft breathing and then a dark figure emerged, walking away from Assaf's tent. Fahima got up quietly and took a sword with her. She was prepared for anything, or anyone. She slowly left her tent and followed the figure's torch. It was approaching Alek's tent. Fahima now ran towards it. The figure must not have realized so it was not prepared when Fahima tackled her down.
"Get off of me!" yelled it, a her, laying face-down on the ground. Fahima was shocked to realize that the it was Mika.
"What in the three moons are you doing out in this hour!?" the general asked harshly. Fahima now realized Mika had a sword and then she held Mika down even more roughly.
"Nothing!" Mika answered, muffled because of the ground and snow pressed against her face. Aleksander then rushed out of his tent, hearing the commotion.
"What is going on? Fahima? Mika?" he asked, puzzled. He stood in the snow, not shivering, even without any extra covering. He did not look happy to be woken.
"TELL. US. NOW!" ordered Fahima, still pinning Mika to the ground.
"Get off of me," demanded Mika in response. Fahima considered for a moment, then got off of her. She then took Mika's sword from off the ground.
Mika confessed. "I was trying to destroy that beast for good. I know it was going to kill all of us, I know it! So I took the sword. I was going to slit its throat quickly so it wouldn't make any noise. And if anyone else got in the way I'd kill them too. Then I was going to run away while the rest of you were still sleeping. I would have been long gone before you would have figured it out."
Fahima was shocked at what she had just heard. She couldn't even think straight anymore. Mika had always seemed to have wanted to kill a dragon, but it was hard to realize that she was actually going to.
Aleksander was also very shocked. But that shock turned into anger very quickly. "Go to your tent now!" he barked. Mika did as she was told, surprisingly. Her face was very enraged as well. The two guardians escorted her there, carefully eyeing her. 
Then Fahima spoke.
"It's your fault! You should have done something! Now we have a killer in our group!" the general snapped.
She expected the captain to back down, but instead he used a few words of his own. "Me!? How is it my fault? I can't do anything when I am at the back! She is at your side almost the entire day! The fault is yours, not mine!"
"I am too busy leading this operation! I can't do my job and help her at the same time! You should have gotten someone else to stop her from becoming this way."
"I can't! They all flock to your leadership. They won't listen to what I say, only to you. Only you could have done anything. Nice to see your leadership is helping us a lot. Thank you so much. Our journey has gone wonderfully well," he barked sharply back.
Fahima hissed. How dare you! She then charged at the captain, punching him hard in the jaw. He staggered back, falling on to the snow, looking up at her with surprise. He breathed heavily.
Fahima realized what she had done and then tried to help Aleksander back onto his feet. Instead, the Captain pushed her arm away and got up on his own. "Fine. Do what you want. I'll be bloody surprised if we live through this," he muttered as he walked away to his dragon friend.
Fahima glared at him with hate. But then it died down. This isn't going the way I wanted it. I don't want to hate him. I didn't want to hit him.
That night Fahima stood guarding Mika's tent. She could see Aleksander in the distance, laying next to the dragon, staring at Mika's tent as well. Fahima sighed. Now he is going to hate me more than ever, she thought glumly.
It was going to be a long rest of the trip.
=== Chapter 10: Divisions ===
Alexei didn't know why yet, but for some reason the group seemed to have split into three parts. The General and Mika were together at the front, however it was because Fahima was forcing the girl to, and the general kept an eye on her at all times.
Cornelius and Alexei traveled together. They talked to each other about the gems or the war, but they mainly talked about the cold.
Captain Koniecpolski traveled at the back with the red mountain dragon. The Captain seemed to be enraged and very unpredictable lately, and even Cornelius, who was sympathetic towards him, now avoided him entirely. The dragon finally seemed to be of use to Alexei. 
Lately there had been a few encounters with silver-scaled ice dragons this far up north. Whenever one of them spotted the group it would get closer and closer until the red mountain dragon showed herself, which wasn't a problem with her standing out in the great white land. The red dragon was very intimidating and whenever an unfamiliar dragon approached them, it soon cowered away. Alexei wondered how much longer this would last.
If all things worked out then it would be long. Within a week and a half they would reach their destination. It was quick and easy to go from Terchen to the edge of the Khanate, but not from the edge of the flatland to somewhere in the heart of the tundra. Meanwhile, constant snowstorms and frigid temperatures slowed their pace. Dragons spotting them also made the group wary, and usually they would have to wait until their own dragon cleared the way. On more than one occasion they had to wait for hours as they allowed entire ice dragon armies to move without spotting the little human adventurers. The red dragon would fly into the clouds and wait there for the entire time. The Captain would then refuse to go on until the dragon rested and recovered from the event. The General seemed to become more tolerable to him, but she still would threaten to leave him. Aleksander, however, didn't show any emotion to her.
I wonder what happened? Alexei thought. It has now been almost one entire week. They had traveled less with more time, but soon it was going to be worth it. However, anything could still happen, and no doubt a terrible disaster could loom overhead, or under their feet.
The group continued to travel until they reached a frozen lake that they had to cross. Fahima said they should check to see if it was strong enough to support them, then they would go straight ahead. The Captain, who had by this time cooled down, agreed. The ice seemed sturdy enough, so the entire group went on ahead. When they reached an island in the middle of the lake, they took a short rest. After the rest they went on ahead, thinking the other side was also safe.
However, when Fahima and Mika went on ahead they plunged into the frozen waters, ice first breaking under the hooves of the reindeer. With screams and surprised shrieks the two were in the water, freezing. Alexei ran over to help, but instead he slipped onto the ice and he too fell in.
"Help!" he screamed along with the others. The water was so cold, not even the worst of blizzards could compare. I wonder if I will freeze to death or drown, thought Alexei nervously, trying to keep his head above water.
Meanwhile, Cornelius and Aleksander tried to help in any way they could, which was almost impossible. Aleksander crawled on his stomach towards them with a scarf in one of his hands, hoping he could get it over to them so he could pull them to safety. Cornelius was freaking out, but he managed to calm himself and was getting blankets, coats, and whatever that could provide warmth to the three when they were rescued. If they were rescued.
Sooo coldd.... That was Alexei's only thought. It soon began to be difficult to keep himself floating. There was no piece of ice or anything for him to hold onto. Soon his muscles began to give up on him, his lower body and his chest were wet and freezing, and his senses were dulled. It wouldn't be long until he lost consciousness, when he would surely drown.
Though he couldn't see them, Fahima managed to get a hold on the edge of the ice, while Mika was in a position similar to himself. Suddenly, like a streak of red, the dragon came. She swooped down and took Alexei in one talon and Mika in the other. The dragon then dropped them at Cornelius, who had dry blankets and coats waiting for them. Alexei then saw from his spot, laying on a blanket in Cornelius' arms, Captain Koniecpolski pulling General Assaf out from the waters with the scarf.
"Hang in there you two, it'll be all right! Just stay with me!" reassured Cornelius, trying to sound calm, but failing miserably. Aleks carried the General over to them. Alexei could faintly hear them talking.
"I knew I should have led this team all along!" screeched Aleksander.
"Nah. I don't think I would have pulled you out. Thanks," thanked the general, a faint smile on her face. Aleks looked at her in surprise, but then chuckled.
It will be okay now. Brrrrr. Alexei looked to his right and there was the big, red, heroic dragon. Alexei looked at his hero, then he thought to himself. Thank you so much. You saved my life. He paused, then continued. This is why we need to win. For her, for the dragons who are our friends, our heroes.
=== Chapter 11: Frozen Treasure ===
I can't believe it! She saved me, she actually saved me? wondered Mika as she huddled near the fire, recovering from her plunge into the water. Her life as she knew it had now changed forever. For her whole life she had been taught to hate dragons, always told that they were going to kill and eat her, kill everyone she loved, and bring her pain. But now this happened, the opposite of what she knew.
It left a lasting effect on her. It was only days before when she tried to kill that same dragon, but if she did she would have now regretted it. How could I have acted that way...
Mika now looked at dragons with a new pair of eyes, gone was her hate, gone was her old self. The new Mika was born. Mika, Fahima, and Alexei were all huddled together next to a fire set alight by the dragon herself. They drank warm liquids such as tea or soup, and they had to change from their wet clothing into new dry ones. They all laid down in a pile of furs, which were warm and cozy. For two days they did this, until they recovered enough to go on. From then on they would make stops to rest again and again. Mika had a cold but was lucky to have survived hypothermia. In another three days she was almost perfectly normal as she was before. That was just one of the good things that happened that day.
"We are almost there!" announced General Assaf, riding alongside Captain Koniecpolski. Since the incident the two had become much more closer to each other. Soon they became decent companions and they were relieved when Mika told everyone her new feelings. Cornelius and Alexei now rode alongside Mika at times, and they created a trio of friends. The dragon interacted with everyone now, to some extent. She usually just flew overhead and checked on them at times, but she was by herself most of the time.
"Everyone, stop," ordered Aleksander suddenly. They all did. He then pulled out a scroll that looked to be very old and ancient. He got off his reindeer and proceeded to go further on foot. He walked and looked down at the piece of paper at the same time. The captain approached a small mound of snow maybe a hundred feet in the distance. When he got there he turned to his left and walked forward.
"Come on, let's follow him," said the General.
"But he said stop," pointed out Alexei.
"I outrank him and I don't follow orders from him. So I say we stop boring ourselves to death and see what he is up to," she said. She and the captain may have thawed out some hate, but they were still far from being close friends.
"Yeah, I don't want to wait until his slow bones finally gets there, I want to be there when he finds the gems," said Mika, urging her reindeer forward. She beckoned for the rest of them to follow her.
The rest of the group then followed the Captain. He was searching rigorously through the snow, looking for the gems. It seemed that there were a lot of mounds in the area. He checked some of them while passing by others.
"Which one are you looking for," asked Mika, surprising Aleks when she suddenly was right next to him without him noticing.
"Whoa, I didn't even notice you there before. Well, in this field are possibly hundreds of mounds made out of rock and they are all now covered with snow. Deep inside the one in the middle of this field are the gems safe in a locked chest."
"Where is the middle one then?" asked Mika, interested.
"How am I supposed to know? Any of them could be it!" he replied, frustrated.
This just got complicated. Hundreds of them, and only one we need. Good for hiding, bad for finding. Good job ancient ancestors, we really appreciate the hard work you put in to enrage us. Let us thank you by checking every single one. Mika thought, with a hint of sarcasm.
Hold on... She had an idea.
"Captain, why don't you climb on the back of the dragon so you could get a bird's-eye view from above. Then you could find the middle one with no problem," she suggested with enthusiasm about her genius idea.
The Captain stared at her for a moment, thinking. He then grinned and laughed, "I knew your brain was full of amazing ideas. Of course!"
Aleks waved at the dragon who flew overhead. The dragon flew down and landed gently next to Aleks, puzzled. Aleks then pointed to himself, to the dragon's back, then to the sky. Hope this works.
The dragon looked at Aleksander, then to the sky. She looked at him with such confusion that Mika soon believed it was hopeless. But then the dragon had a realization, and now she looked bewildered at the captain's request. The very glimpse of communication between the dragon and the human made her seem amazed. The dragon then laid down on the ground, curious to see what the human's next move was going to be.
Aleksander climbed onto her back and he then pointed to the sky once more. She lifted off, with the man on her back holding on tight. She seemed to be okay with it, but felt awkward having a creature grasping onto her. The Captain looked down from way overhead. It wasn't too high or else he wouldn't be able to spot the three or four foot high mounds. He seemed to have spotted the 'one'. He then tapped the dragon to get her attention, and then pointed to the ground where he was looking at. She complied and in a flash she was there.
Aleksander dismounted from her and ran to one of the mounds. He pushed away snow from it and began to yell for a pickaxe. The group moved quickly to his position. The General handed over to him an iron pickaxe and he began to hack away at the rocks. Once they were all gone the man began to break the frozen ground underneath. In an hour or so he managed to dig a few feet down when he hit a metallic box. He quickly retrieved it and he, with gloves to keep his hands from becoming uncomfortable from the frozen metal, put it on the ground. Fahima then produced a key from a small bag around her neck which no one seemed to have noticed before. Though the key fit the lock was too frozen to turn the key. The group tried to thaw out the lock by a fire. When that took too long Fahima got out a chisel and hammer and began to open the chest by force. She succeeded and it was then time.
"The gems..." she said as she looked inside, "Are here."
== Part 3: The Hetman's Group ==
=== Chapter 12: Early Woes ===
The last group's time, Grand Hetman Wladyslaw's, took the longest. From Terchen they left to go reach an island in the Bay of a Thousand Scales, named Moon Island. It was not going to be easy. And it all started from the beginning.
It should be easy for now, its later when we have to start worrying for real, thought Wladyslaw Nowak. Wladyslaw Nowak was a very unique person in Pyrrhia. From his personality to his appearance, and even his leadership had no duplicate. He had a friendly appearance, but inside he was full of anxiety and distrust to almost everyone he met. He had always said and felt that he liked dragons, but as of now there was only room for one, the SeaWing he saved weeks ago. He knew his journey was going to be full of them now, especially out at sea. He hoped the SeaWing he had could help them reach their destination in one piece.
There was also another thing Wladyslaw hated about himself. He always kept things to himself. When he asked the king of his country to give him permission to this, he did not say what he was going to do. Even now there were things he knew that others should know, but he didn't tell them. If Wladyslaw had any negative traits, this was what he considered his major one.
As for appearance, on this journey he wore armor, of course, but not the wings that he usually would wear. The wings worn traditionally by the hussars, winged knights, of Bielska, his country, were used for different reasons, reasons that weren't going to be happening on the quest. If Wladyslaw had another bad trait, it was showing himself off without realizing it. He always wore his wings, but he did not need them. That was something he realized when he began to feel the unnecessary weight on his back. So for this journey he would wear the protection that he needed, and only that.
Leadership was something he was good at. Very good. His reputation made him very popular in Pyrrhia, or respected among enemies, and gave him his very high and prestigious rank. Early in his career he had helped win battles against bandits who threatened villages in his homeland. Outnumbered, he still managed to win crushing victories. He never lost, but in reality he never had a challenge that he could be proud of. He was well-liked and respected, but Wladyslaw himself did not feel like he deserved it. That is why he wanted to do something that he could say he was proud of.
Did he feel like he deserved the rank, 'Grand Hetman of the Crown of Bielska-Kosburg?' No. But there really was no one else who did. People often remarked how humble he dressed, or how he lived, but that was because, in his mind and heart, he felt like he didn't deserve any of it. He wasn't alone, as many others felt the same way.
From Terchen he would first visit his homeland. Bielska. This Kingdom was unique, home of a people who used the rich delta to grow crops, the sea to use ships, the mountains for grazing, and the flat land for war. This country had made a name for itself in recent times, but in the past it had its ups and downs. Wladyslaw helped make it what it was now.
For six days his group traveled this land, carefully avoiding dragons and people. It was not hard for the people, since there were not many of them to start with. If Wladyslaw could guess the number of people living in his nation, he could say there would be around eight or nine hundred, maybe less. Before the Scorching it was in the millions.
Even if they did meet someone, it wouldn't have mattered. Inside every country's borders, maybe half of them didn't even know such a country existed. Most people in Pyrrhia lived in small villages, maybe a town, living secluded from everyone else. Wladyslaw knew from experience that not one of them would care there was a war going on as long as it didn't touch them. Or even know there was one.
The first problem the group faced was the morale and confidence of their leader. Nowak and his group safely made it to the delta, where they would soon go to a small port.
This port looked very run-down, but it was not abandoned. A family who lived there owned a boat that could take the five of them to Moon Island, named that because one could see the moons very clearly at certain times in the year. It was going to be a dangerous journey. But none of them, not even Wladyslaw, could have imagined how terrible it was going to be.
At night the group quickly set sail. There was wind. Good, it might take us there very quickly. Tonight, maybe by morning...
They set sail and the boat was quick. It was a small vessel, but it held all five of them comfortably. The SeaWing, from what Wladyslaw could tell, swam alongside them. Fortunately for them she was there. Countless SeaWings spotted them, but Wladyslaw's SeaWing 'companion' managed to tell them off. Some watched from a distance, but they quickly left to find something more interesting.
It was almost three days at sea until Moon Island came into sight. At first Wladyslaw thought his partner, Alexandria Anagnos' navigation was off, but he put his trust in her and they got there just fine.
They got to the shore in a few hours and finally stepped onto dry land. Wladyslaw quickly went to work. It was midday when he finally founded the spot he was supposed to dig in. He worked so fast and hurriedly that the rest of the group tried to calm him down. But Wladyslaw felt like he had no time, so he dug and he dug. The rest of the group, Alexandria, Ivan, Cecilia, and Almas, helped.
Wladyslaw managed to get the chest onto the surface by himself. It was made of wood and had a iron lock. He got a key and opened the chest. Inside, like he expected, where five topaz medallions on chains. Deep inside him, relief came to Nowak.
They are here, just like I was told. Now comes the hard part...
The group found their gems in about nine days, but their return trip would cost them more time than they hoped.
=== Chapter 13: Return to the Mainland ===
The return trip for the group was a disaster. 
Cecilia hoped that it would be over quickly so they could save Pyrrhia as soon as possible. She knew life on the sea was difficult since her father had been a fisherman until a SeaWing got him. Her mother then raised her, sending her to train at the Order when she was young. Early on she had hung out with the designated 'popular girls', but she felt awful whenever her popularity was tested and what she had to do to prove it.
After she graduated she traveled with a new group to a different training center and fortress in northern Pyrrhia. Her group was raided by a dragon and Cecilia and a few others managed to escape. They later became good friends. Cecilia was happy that Ivan Kozlov, her Zelengorodian friend, was placed into the same group as her. Ivan was an individual that did not talk a lot, despite even Cecilia's best attempts. However, he was a good listener and really paid attention to what she said. That was what Cecilia really liked about him. He was a warrior at heart, but she knew deep down that his heart was not made out of stone.
Almas, on the other hand, was captivating. She was an individual that Cecilia founded amusing. Almas, a Remelian, a desert people, was obsessed with her appearance. She always gave tips to Cecilia on how to do her hair or other things to improve her looks. When Cecilia finally got tired of the tips, she cut her hair short and the next time Almas came over to inform her about something again, she was shocked. Cecilia grew to like her short hair.
The two guardians were great people, at least according to her. Alexandria Anagnos was a woman whom she admired. After her mother joined the side Cecilia didn't support, she lacked a strong role model. Alexandria was perfect. The Cecurian centurion was like a second mother to her, and to everyone actually. She was kind to everyone, always asked how they were doing, and made sure they were happy. She made Ivan smile and talked about being a warrior, talked to Almas and complimented her on her beauty, and conversed with Cecilia about her enthusiasm about saving Pyrrhia.
And now they could save Pyrrhia. The moment Cecilia put on her topaz medallion she couldn't wait to talk to or listen to a dragon. It seemed none of them could. And they conveniently had one right in front of them. Wladyslaw Nowak, the leader of the entire operation, gathered everyone around the dragon, waiting for it to speak.
It didn't take long. "What are they doing?" murmured the dragon questioningly.
The humans looked at her with both shock and relief. It worked! thought Cecilia, dazed.
"Three moons! Did you hear her? I heard her! Did you!" said Almas, practically jumping for joy.
"I heard. I heard!" replied Alexandria, who moved even closer to the sea dragon. Ivan had the widest eyes Cecilia had ever seen. His mouth was wide open, trying to comprehend what he had heard. He tried to speak, but the words just couldn't come out.
The dragon also reacted in a very dramatic way. She at first did not believe it.
"Did I imagine that? Was that you!? B-b-bu-but. What!" she said, her words coming out mixed and slurred. She laid down on the ground, clutching her head with her talons. She stared at the five humans in front of her.
"No. Impossible. I think spending too much time with them has finally drove me insane. Yeah, that must be it. I mean, come on, talking scavengers, be realistic. They can't talk, silly," she declared, trying to make herself think it was just her imagination.
Cecilia saw Wladyslaw go up to dumbfounded dragon and he reassured the dragon that she was not insane, nor hearing things. "It is all very real. As real as I am standing here, as real as the clouds, the water, the dirt, and the sun," he said powerfully, not knowing how loud he had to be in order for the dragon to hear him.
The SeaWing obviously had to take a moment to let herself calm down. "B-but how? How can I hear you, and you can understand me?!" she asked. The SeaWing was confused, as if nothing made sense anymore.
Alexandria and Wladyslaw both explained. Wladyslaw said that there were magical gemstones that would give the wearer the ability to talk to dragons and understand them. Alexandria then explained how they were going to save all of humanity. She had to explain that humanity were the 'scavengers' the dragons called them.
"I have sooo many questions! Like, can scavengers swim? What do you eat? Why did you murder the SandWing queen and cause the war? Why is one of you shiny and why isn't he wearing those interesting wings? Are scavengers really almost extinct?" It went on for a long time. But most of the questions were centered on why people did certain things.
Cecilia soon began to regret having worn the medallion that hung around her neck from a silver chain. Everything was now too noisy. Well, if it's for the greater good...
The group had to listen to her until they entered the boat and set sail for home. The dragon, who said her name was Seaweed, made sure no dragon threatened them. For hours they sailed back to the Pyrrhian mainland, which took nearly two days.
We are almost home! thought Cecilia as she saw the land in the distance. They were almost to the shore when something shot through the water. Seaweed? No. She's up there. Seaweed was flying over head, so whatever was in the water was not her.
Cecilia was on edge now. Ivan noticed and asked what was wrong. She pointed to the sea. He leaned over and at that moment something struck the boat from underneath!
The boat was split into pieces and the five were tossed into the air and flung down into the sea. As she floated Cecilia looked into the water. A figure was approaching them. Another dragon!
=== Chapter 14: Trouble on Land and In Sea ===
Ivan struggled to hold on to the piece of the ship floating in the sea. It was even more challenging knowing that something was swimming underneath him in the clear blue waters. He breathed heavily and panted as he held on for dear life. He was not a good swimmer and he really hoped it didn't come down to him sinking down to the bottom of the sea if he let go.
But by being strong, trained and having hearty Zelengorodian blood in his system, he held on. The waves violently smashed into him, drenching him until he was soaked from head to toe. Blast this! Who would do this to me! he thought angrily.
He didn't realize the waves were pushing him to the shore. Instead, he looked in awe at the being that attacked his boat. A single SeaWing dragon revealed its head and upper body from beneath the waves. He had deep, dark blue scales, an ear was ripped at the edge, teeth were yellowed, and he was enormous! No wonder he could have destroyed the boat in one hit.
The dragon looked at Ivan. Ivan tried not to make direct eye contact. He was at the mercy of this water dragon, and Ivan had no way of defending himself. He had no weapon, and even if he did it would be pretty useless. If it was rare for a person to kill a dragon in the first place, what was the chance of him doing that on water? It was up to the dragon to decide what would happen. Ivan had also forgotten about the medallion he had gotten only a few days ago. In fact, he didn't even realize it was there around his neck at that moment.
Ivan instead looked to see where his companions were. Mysteriously, they were not anywhere he looked. Not on any piece of debris, though most of it was small and couldn't support a person. They weren't treading water, which led Ivan believe he was the only survivor. I guess only I'm left...
The water dragon submerged back into the water, then it swam towards him. Within seconds the dragon shot right at him through the water. He swam so fast and so gracefully that Ivan couldn't believe what he was seeing. But it wasn't until he finally realized the living torpedo was coming at him that he heard the sound of wing-beats. He looked up but before he could make out what it was a pair of blue-colored claws grabbed onto him and literally snatched him up from the piece of wood.
The dragon in the sea jumped out of the water and narrowly missed Ivan. If he were only twice the height he was then he would have been bitten into two. He tried to catch his breath as he was securely held in the claws of the new dragon. But she wasn't new. It was the dragon who had followed his group since the beginning. He tried to look at her, but from the way he was held he could only see a glimpse of her head, her body, and the continent.
Pyrrhia! Ivan thought. The dragon had brought him back home. The two reached the shore and Ivan was put down onto the sand, but he ended up falling head first. Fortunately it wasn't from a great height. He held his head with one arm and with his blurry vision he saw his companions run towards him. Cecilia practically slid the last bit and she fell down next to Ivan, who remained on the sand. Cecilia knelt and hugged Ivan.
Almas joined the Cecurian girl and sat down on the sand, with Alexandria looking down at the three of them, happy to see Ivan in one piece.
But Wladyslaw wasn't with them. "Where is Nowak!?" asked Alexandria. They all looked around and they saw him running maniacally towards them, almost tripping on multiple occasions.
"What the..." started the Cecurian centurion, but before she could start again Wladyslaw yelled out.
"Get up! UP! UP! Now! We have to go now!" he ordered. When he got to them he stopped to get a breath.
"What! Why?" asked Almas. "I just sat down," she complained, grumpily.
The rest of them wondered why Wladyslaw was warning them. They looked at where he was running from and they saw a large group of men, soldiers armed with weapons, coming after them.
"Let's go!" shouted Alexandria. Ivan slowly managed to get onto his two feet. He looked as the soldiers grew near. Aredonians, the main enemy of Pyrrhia's peace, and to him. They wore their armor (resembling real-life Spartan armor), a solid bronze cuirass, along with a bronze helmet (real-life Later Corinthian style) and each had a leather shield, a spear, and a short sword. They charged at them, all twelve of them. They must have been patrolling the coast when they spotted the destruction of the ship with two sea dragons in the process.
"Stop there, scum!" yelled one of the Aredonians. The only difference between he and the rest of the soldiers was his distinguishing black-and-white colored horsehair on top of his helmet, instead of the typical red the others wore.
The five had no intention on stopping. "Come on, come on!" urged Wladyslaw. He was the only one armed since Alexandria must have lost her sword when she was flung into the water.
"Get them!" barked the Aredonian when the five clearly made no effort to stop. The Aredonians were then allowed by their commander to chase after the group without having to stay in formation.
By then Ivan had his head cleared and his vision became normal again. He and his companions began running up the coast. If they got north enough they would once again be in friendly territory. But the soldiers were well on their tail.
The difference from being an Aredonian soldier and being a knight like Ivan was that Aredonians were soldiers to the core. They were taught at an early age, then immediately enlisted in the army. If Ivan thought he was tough, he wouldn't want to know how tough his foes were.
Soon Ivan became tired. His muscles began to ache, but he kept going on. It seems Aredonian warrior muscles were made to never get tired, thought Ivan.
Almas then suddenly fell face-down into the sand. The other four stopped to looked at what had happened. They began to go back for her in a flash, which meant more pain for Ivan.
The enemy grew near. Soon they would be on top of them and take them prisoner, or worse. The familiar sound of wings beating caught Ivan's attention. She's back again!
The SeaWing plunged into the sea ahead of the soldiers. The dragon reemerged and slammed her tail into the water. A huge wave was created and it moved towards the shore. The Aredonians were a breath away when the five ran. Then the wave slammed into the coast.
When Ivan looked back he saw the twelve soldiers, drenched and dazed on the sand behind him. It wouldn't be long before they would be on their tracks again.
=== Chapter 15: Friendly Territory ===
Almas hoped she wouldn't have to run much further. However, she knew it was going to take at least a day before she would be somewhere safe. She was exhausted, her feet hurt, and she was worried the soldiers they met were still chasing after them. Who knew what they would do to her if she was captured. Probably something not nice.
The coast was easy to follow and the terrain was very easy to travel over. But running through it with all one's speed made it ten times harder than it was. She didn't trip over any rocks or anything but she knew she came close to. Alexandria was at the lead with Wladyslaw at the back. She thought both were insane throughout the adventure but she knew better than to distrust them.
The group then stopped running and began to take frequent rests. They would catch their breath, rest for a few minutes, and then run again. Thankfully they had a dragon to alert them if someone came by. Almas just loved the beauty of the dragon that accompanied them, and she thought of new ways for her to look just as good. When she would have the chance to, she decided she would try them out.
For now she would have to wait. It had been one entire day since their boat was attacked, and a few since they received their gems. Almas loved the look of hers on herself, and loved it's awesome and mysterious beauty around her neck. 
It was now nighttime. The five strayed away from the beach to an open pasture. They would sleep here while they took shifts every once in a while to look out for enemies.
On one occasion, when it was Cecilia's turn, Cecilia saw something and woke Wladyslaw up. In fact, it made everyone wake up, because no one really slept very deep with all the worry and tension. Even when Cecilia tried her best only to wake one of them up, she woke everyone. They hurried to see what was the matter. Almas was shocked.
A regiment of Aredonian and Cecurian troops loyal to King Clauseus were camped out within eyesight. They were following them but must not have known they too were resting. With this new information the five humans and the dragon slowly slipped away and continued on their way through the darkness.
Within a few hours it was morning. The five were already awake from the previous night's scare. Surprisingly, that day Wladyslaw seemed calmer. Almas didn't understand and was curious. She walked up to him and asked him a question.
"Why are you in such a good mood today?" she asked.
Wladyslaw looked at her. Almas usually did not talk to Nowak unless it was important. Hearing something casual for a change made him surprised. He looked down at the ground, but raised his head up to look at Almas, grinning.
"Today we cross into good land. My home. We will rest, and then we go to Terchen, where it all began," he replied.
"But weren't you at all scared last night!?"
Wladyslaw looked at her. Then he did the unthinkable, laugh. "Well, only if you didn't realize something like me," he said, unable to hide his grin. "I knew there was a reason why they weren't right on top of us. We must already be in friendly territory!"
Already! We are! thought Almas. Her hopes rose. Maybe they would find a place to actually rest for a day or so. She really hoped so.
The day went on and they kept going. Wladyslaw said there should be some settlement nearby. The delta was to their north as well as the river. They were heading west now, towards the mountains. In all of Pyrrhia, Almas thought the mountains were the safest place anyone could live at. Many places to hide.
They managed to go on with the fish the dragon caught from the nearby river. Every once and a while she would try to stir up a conversation, but then another dragon would be close and she would plunge back into the water. The humans would try to hide in the grasses, laying down. After the threat had past, and the muddy brown or crimson red dragons had passed, they would continue on.
Within seven days the mountains grew very near. They had gone further south along the river, and soon they forgot anyone was following them. It wasn't until they saw enemy soldiers on the other side of the river that they knew they had been too careless.
The soldiers had no hard time spotting them. There might have been at least thirty of them crossing the river on foot. Wladyslaw's group ran away, trying to gain some ground before the soldiers finished crossing. However, they only managed to go a short distance before the Aredonians were on dry land and racing towards them. The SeaWing tried to do something, but with no fire she could only try to fly at the wall of spears. The dragon knew there was nothing she could do. Almas thought about the dragon picking each of them up and carrying them away, but there was no time.
Just then a bugle call was sounded from a distance. On the horizon Almas could barely make out a crowd of figures. She heard horses and men charging towards their location. Wladyslaw was waving one hand and yelling at them.
"Who are they!?" asked Almas, wanting to know what was going on.
"My allies! Our troops are here!" the man cheered, overjoyed.
Ours? she thought. She saw that the cavalry was almost near them. There were about twenty of them. "Who?"
"I say eight winged hussars and twelve Kosburgen knights," he answered back. The troops were now at their side.
"My lord!" said one of the knights. He wore chain mail, a black-and-white surcoat over it, a helmet, and had a shield with a black cross. His horse had its own armor as well.
The Aredonians held their ground. They went into formation, as to repel a cavalry charge. They still outnumbered their enemy, thirty to twenty-five, if you counted Wladyslaw and his band.
"Go back home, we have you outnumbered!" barked another knight. He wore the same attire as the other eleven of them.
The Aredonians held ground but something caught their attention. Unfortunately, they didn't see it until it was too late. Another army group outflanked the Aredonian's to their left.
There were five hussars, ten knights, and an artillery unit in the distance. The hussars charged and managed to take three Aredonians down without losing a single one of theirs. The Aredonians fell back and the knights hacked another two and the cavalry too fell back, with losing only two horses and two knights. The cannon fired open and the cannonball exploded in the middle of the Aredonians. After the smoke cleared the sight was gruesome.
Only nine of the thirty Aredonians survived, with four being severely wounded. They were captured without a fight and the battle was over.
We won. But is this happening all over Pyrrhia? We have to stop this, and soon. Before more wasted blood is spilled! thought Almas, now determined to make the prophecy come true.
=== Chapter 16: Back Where It All Began ===
We're here. 
Alexandria looked at the beautiful arched gateway that led into the city. People were moving in and out, merchants were selling their goods, farmers bringing in their crops to sell, and a whole lot more activity. At the end of the city was a passageway to the underground, where the city really began to become truly alive.
The five went down the wooden stairs. Alexandria wondered how old they were and if it needed to be replaced anytime soon. She didn't trust whether they could support them. Fortunately, they made it to the caverns just fine.
Down in the underground people lived in houses carved out of the mountain. Long ago this used to be a mine shaft, but now it was one of the largest human settlements in all of Pyrrhia. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the Great Hall. This was the heart of Terchen. The safest place a person could go to get away from dragons.
Paintings and stone carvings decorated the room. Some of them were thousands of years old depicting miners working in harsh conditions, but their sacrifice gave many people a safe haven. The entire floor was a beautiful mosaic, depicting the mountain range, with Jade Mountain being the highest point. Blue tiles made up the sky, with gold for the sun.
On every side of the room there were passageways that led further deep into the mountain. On one side there was the staircase made out of wood that the group used to descend. The hall was only one of hundreds of rooms. So far the mountain had been stable, and the local geologist believed the foundations would not collapse if they were supported at all times.
Alexandria and Wladyslaw, along with their group, were waiting to meet the rest of the groups. But it seemed everyone was waiting for them. Dire's group took less than a week to find their gems. Aleksander, half a month. Wladyslaw's group took slightly more time than Aleksander's, maybe only two days more.
Now they were all back together. Alexandria smiled when she saw Wladyslaw meet his brother again. They embraced each other, not caring if they were seen by all. Wladyslaw shook Aleksander's hand when he saw him and began to talk like good friends once more. Casimir then went to Ivan, Alexei, and Cecilia. The three then made an even larger group with Cornelius, Makena, Dustum, Mika, Almas, and Karolina. It seemed they had all became friends.
I guess everyone has changed because of this experience. Even me. Alexandria chatted with Fahima, who surprisingly became much more friendly. Dire joined Aleks and Wladyslaw and they too chatted and talked about their experiences.
That day Alexandria was glad to be in a nice, comfortable bed for a change. She was grateful that the food actually satisfied her and she was able to bathe herself again. Feeling refreshed, she and the other guardians met outside the underground lake. The water was dark blue and deep. A barricade blocked anyone from jumping over and in. It rounded around on three sides while the fourth side was the mountain. In the mountain, above the lake, was a niche which held a stone statue of a miner with a pickaxe in his hands.
Dire, Fahima, Aleksander, and Wladyslaw were all staring into the lake. They were calm and silent. Alexandria joined them.
"We got the gems," she said, hoping to start a conversation. "Now what?"
The other guardians did not answer right away. After a moment, Wladyslaw took his glance away from the lake and looked at the Cecurian. "For now...we rest. Our adventurers have had a very exhausting experience. So have we, and you, too. Our next phase will soon go into action."
"Next phase. The one you have not told us about," she muttered. Wladyslaw had never revealed what was to happen next.
But it appeared that he was still in the progress of thinking one up. "Well, it is not clear what we are supposed to do. We are supposed to think of something," he explained.
"The prophecy doesn't tell us?" she asked, a little shocked and infuriated.
Fahima spoke. "No. It does not. It's up to us. I read the whole prophecy and there is no mention of what we are supposed to do from now on."
"But I have an idea," answered Wladyslaw, politely waiting until Assaf was done talking. "We are supposed to use the gems, right?" Everyone nodded. "Well, we know there are three powers enchanted in them, yes?"
Yes. First the ability to communicate to dragons, second, the ability to go into one's dreams, and third, a power to ward off animus magic. 
"Aha! We can use them to help dragons and people get along. Then can warn people and dragons about Clauseus in their dreams. Then finally we use the gems to stop Clauseus, if he really is a mage."
The guardians looked at her, surprised. Even Wladyslaw seemed to be impressed. "Why...yes. Exactly, word for word."
Alexandria smiled. When people heard that she was a soldier, they usually forgot how smart she could be.
"It was simple, nothing really. But for now, lets wait and see what will happen next. This war isn't ending any sooner."
=== Epilogue ===
The rulers were getting restless. One side of the war sat together in a deep room in Terchen, with Wladyslaw as one of the war leaders. He sat next to King Jan, his good friend. Jan wore a fur coat to keep himself warm in the cold room. He also wore his golden crown. He seemed to be the only calm one in the room, but still slightly agitated.
"We need the prophecy to become true NOW!" screamed Grand Master Antile of Order of Pyrrhia, and the leader of the Anti-Coalition.
"What do you mean, now? I know this war is terrible but there is still an awful lot we have to do," Wladyslaw explained, trying to calm Antile down. Dire, Fahima, Aleksander, and Alexandria were all concerned.
"We are losing the war!" blurted out Ares, former king of Cecuria. He too was mad, but not as mad as Argus, who sat next to him.
Argus bellowed. "We lost so many of our allies! First, the Tsar was killed in battle and now the Zelengorodians have pulled out of the war because of their civil war between the dead tsar's brother and wife. The Reens are having problems with a rebellion, and finally the Khan was assassinated, so we won't get his support!" he explained in pure fury.
Legate Valedian of Cecuria, another war leader, told those gathered that so far the fighting had been relatively light. With the loss of so many allies and their troops he said that it would be difficult to either defend or attack. In fact, King Jarl of Kalda was unable to attend the meeting due to his isolation from the rest of his allies and he was unable to leave his tundra home.
"That is precisely why you must make this prophecy come true, before the war is truly lost," said King Jan.
"But, your Majesties, surely this is too much to ask of me on such short notice..." justified Wladyslaw.
"If you cannot make this happen, WE will! And we will do it our way, with or without your help!" barked Antile, who was as red as ever. Though old, he stood up tall and was very menacing.
Wladyslaw looked down at his hands. The meeting was over and the rulers left the room, leaving the guardians still inside.
What can I do...when time has run out...?
To be continued in Second Scorching 
Category:Content (Armored Scavenger)
Category:Fanfictions