[Book One: The Serdian War]

[Chapter 1]

-FRUEGEL----

My patience runs low. Half my guard is laying in wait outside this miserable village in the middle of the night. The thick fog sticks to my skin and the nats will not stop bitting at my neck. I've marched two hundred men to this damn village for one girl, leaving Hellena Prison severely underguarded, and for what? For one young defenseless girl? Curse that man to hell. I was fine before this ass showed up with orders from Emperor Dole.

My men have grown restless by the time the scouts reappear with their reports.

"Warden,...the village is quiet and the girl has been located."

"...good." I reply.

They stand by awaiting my orders, but this raid is not my doing. Not really. From the corner of my vision I see him approach. Impossibly quiet.

He rides up besides me, wrapped in his dark black cloak, fastened and inlaid with silver. His spaulders are forged of the same silver metal and engraved with characters I've never seen before. A hood is pulled over his face, as if to hide his true intent. Emperor Dole's only council member, the only man in Sandora whom our emperor would heed advice from, and I didn't even know so much as his name. I caught only brief glimpses of his face. He took his meals alone, rode alone, and spoke to no one except to convey the Emperors will. A man shrouded in mystery, and now he was here, with orders from the Emperor to capture this girl.

"Remember," started the man in the hood, "your only objective is the girl. Bring her to me unharmed." His voice was still. Showing no emotion, no fluctuation in his tone. His words giving away nothing.

Yet the way he spoke he tried my patience, his every word a hot knife striking a nerve. Who did he think he was talking to? I will not be ordered in front of my own men like this, belittled like some commoner. Once the emperor's orders are fufilled, I have to maintain the respect of my guard, and the best way to do that was with fear. I cannot appear weak. Fear is the best tool to command discipline, and I demanded the respect of my men. No, not tonight. Not any longer, I will not be ordered by this hooded man. I will not be seen as weak in front of my own men. I give the commands.

"Burn down the village." I order. "Take the girl alive,...do what you will with the rest."

The man in the hood gives no reaction to the order. He just watches as the archers light their arrows in the braisiers. The flame pierces the night sky as they leave the bows. In a matter of moments the straw roofs are a blaze. The light flickers on the stone buildings and turns the mist in the small town to a soft glow.

"Infantry!" I command, "Bring me the girl...alive."

They start off on there massive war boars, long spears in hand. Worn leather saddles and massive tusks, they make for a frightening presence on the battlefield. Hairy beasts with thick coarse hair, and black beady eyes, with a hide that can withstand any arrow. The beasts are made for war.

I ride in behind my guard. A few of the village swords come to the call of the warning bells in the village. My men run them down with no trouble. Farmers protecting their land with pitchforks really, they stood no chance at all.

"Fools" I laugh to myself.

I ride into the town square. The men are enjoying the spoils of sacking the village. From a small home I see a maiden, a young woman with curly golden hair and fair lips, her perky, ripe tits ripped from her blouse. I can make out the pink of her nipples in the light of the fire, bouncing as she struggles to free herself. The men are taking turns raping her. Three of them in total, spilling their seeds into her one after another. Her clothes torn and her body already bruised. They are sure to leave her with a bastard before the dawn breaks. The husband lays dead in the room, his throat slit. The blood pools under his body as the men take his wife only a few feet away from his corpse.

The captain of my guard approachs me, with his torch in hand. Although the light given off by the burning roofs no longer warrant its use.

"Great commander,...this way." He announces.

I follow him to the village well. Two of my guards are dragging a young brunette over. She is not much more then a child. A frail little thing, with white shorts hardly covering her ass and matching shirt, all trimmed with blue silks. A large brown leather belt covered most of her mid section, and matching it were soft shoulder pads, made of the same leather. My guards hold her up by her arms. Her head is hung low, and her feet are dragging behind her. She is unconscious, but alive.

The men bring her to my feet, and lay her on her back. I notice how strikingly beautiful she is.

"So, this is the girl..."

I brush the hair from her face and reach into my satchel, feeling around until my fingers close around the orb. I take the small object and hold it above her face, using my free hand to keep her head from falling to the side. The orb seems to glow in the moonlight. Dim at first, but building in brightness as I hold it over her. It reacts to her presence, and when the light is almost to bright to look at, it begins to slowly spill from the orb, and enter into her, fading away as her body drinks it in.

"Hmm.... indeed." I say, after the light has faded into nothing, confirming it's her. "Take her into custody."

As the men carry off the girl, the hooded man approaches me again. I am quiet with my words,

"Is this really necessary?" I ask, when my men are at a safe distance. "Who is she?"

"That is none of you concern." He replies coldly.

With that, he leaves me. I command my captain to gather our men, instructing him to leave a wagon and a one unit to finish the plundering. Perhaps this shit hole of a village can turn up some valuables. A few men should be able to handle the job. I just want to return to Hellena, the sooner the better. We ride out before dawn, the village still smoldering.

-ROSE----

The sun is just breaking over the horizon as I make my way to summit. I step out onto the rocky peak, the stones still cold to the touch and slick from the night air. I can see the vast forest stretch before me from here. Trees seem only as large as a blade of grass. The air is thinner up here and it takes more effort to breath. I rest myself against the boulder and steady my breath. I have been searching for him for months. I now stand a several hundred feet above the forest, with a full view of my surroundings. Nothing but emptiness between the cliff face and the treetops. Rumors of a monster in the forest have been whispered in the local villages and I aim to find it. If the whispers could be believed, I was in the perfect place to spot him.

The morning light shines off my armor and brings out the deep purple of the dye. The gold trim is frayed and for the first time in awhile I realize how worn my armored dress has become. One boot remains at my thigh, but the other had been torn beyond repair from a unguarded blow to the leg. I have since stitched the leather and it now rides up to my calf. With only a few inches of skin showing between my armor and boot on one leg, and near the entirety of the other leg showing, I often get strange looks. I tend to ignore the stares. I could care less. One look of my rapier and most men advert their eyes. Those that dont will only learn their manners in a much harder fashion.

I brush the hair from my face and scan the forest. The woods are quiet from here, all that can be heard is the howling of the wind passing over the rocks. I never advert my eyes. The quiet gives me time to think, but i take that with bitterness. I've had enough time to think. Far to much time.

White smoke rises in the distance. The night before I could see the soft glow of a fire as I made my way up the mountain face. The white of the smoke indicates to me that the fire is now out. I quickly remind myself it's none of my concern. Pulling out a wet stone I sharpen my blade. Nothing to do now but wait. Hours pass.

In the distance a group of birds take flight. Startled by something in the forest, they fly off in all directions. The trees are disturbed, swaying back and forth, some toppling over. There is something out there. Something big. My eyes focus, drawing in the massive void between myself and the scene. Moments later the beast raises his head above the treetops.

"The green tusked dragon,... Feyrbrand" I whispered to myself.

The monster I have spent the last few months searching for. Seems the whispers were founded in truth. Returning the rapier to its sheath, I turn to the edge and run with all my speed. I need to clear the rock face. I dive off the stone ledge and for the first time in a long time I feel a sense of freedom as I plummet towards the earth, the cool morning air rushing over my face.

-DART----

Beams of sunlight pierce the tree canopy, bathing the forest with warmth. I can hear birds fluttering from tree to tree and the sound of a young doe frolicking in the foliage somewhere off in the distance. I have been crossing the forest for a week and was nearly home now. It's been five years since I've left Seles. I wonder how much has changed. I doubt very much had, the sleepy little village never saw much change. It had been a quiet place to live when I arrived as a child, and it hadn't changed at all when I left.

I wonder if anyone will recognize me? I still had the same blonde hair that stood out in all directions, but my body has been harden by battle over the years. I was tougher, more lean then when I left home. I felt beyond my 23 years. I doubt anyone but Shana would recognize me now. I wonder if she'll be impressed. She was only thirteen when I left, but we were close. Both being orphans, I looked out for her growing up, she was a little sister to me. I know she hasn't forgotten.

I rest my broadsword against a stone and sit upon a tree stump. Pulling the parchment from my belt, I unroll it and read it's words with care.

"Chance of war more likely..." I conclude.

Even on my distant journey I've heard about the trouble building between King Albert of Basil and Emperor Dole of Sandora. Tensions are high, but all I care about is getting home. I've been gone too long, and I yearn to see how Shana has grown.

My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of passing hooves. I reach for my sword and head towards the noise to get a better view. The terrain is easy to navigate and the sounds are not far off. I cover the ground easily enough.

I make it to a well traveled road in time to see several soldiers on their war pigs, hauling a wagon behind them. I postion myself behind a tree as not to be seen by the passing soldiers. I cannot see any banners. I wait out of sight until they pass a safe distance away. When the group had passed I make my way to the road, watching the dust settle as they make their way in the distance. Suddenly I hear the heavy hooves behind me. Stupid I tell myself. I turn to see two straggling soldiers still on their mounts.

"Who are you!" Demands one of them, lowering their spear to my throat.

I feel the steel tip dig into my skin and feel a trickle of blood run down my neck.

"Are you a dog of Basil?!" The other question.

I was foolish to allow myself to be taken by suprise. I lean my head back, away from the head of his spear and unsheath my sword. I knock away his spear in doing so and prepare to fight.

"You dare draw a sword on us!" Says the one mounted further away.

I read the situation carefully. The rest of the soldiers are gar enough away by now. I can make my stand and be lost in the woods before they return. I know these woods. Shana and I have spent many days hunting in the area growing up. I was always envious of her ability with a bow, she was an excellent shot, a natural since the day she first picked up a bow, although she never could stand the sight of blood. I was always the one to skin and gut the kill.

The two soldiers move forward, their spears leveled and ready to strike. I raise my arm guard in preperation, poised to counter the thrust.

The ground shakes as the trees behind the two riders part way. The two pigs stand on their hind legs, rearing up and letting out a loud squeal. Two massive legs appear. As large as a tree trunk, covered in green scales. The talons of the monster were as long as a sword and several times as thick.

"What in the hell....!" Cried one of the soldiers!

The two quickly grabbed the reins and pulled their beast away. They left me in the dust, alone with this monster, fleeing for their lives.

I step back away from the beast and tighten the grip on my sword. What the fuck is this thing? A massive head breaks through the canopy and I look the beast in its eye. It's green and speckled with flakes of gold. The black of its eyes look is a narrow slit like that if a cats. I see the monster, and I k own it sees me. Through the trees and branches comes a massive arms, splintering wood as it breaks through the foliage, the claws coming straight for me. I grip my sword with both hands and swing into the claws. The sword dosent break through the scales, and I am sent spiraling through the air when the beast connects with my armor. I roll several times before coming to a stop on my side.

"I've got to get the hell out of here" I say to myself.

I have no time to gather myself, the breath is knocked out of me and my vision is shaken. I pull myself up and run for my life. I hear the foot steps of the beast in persuit. The air hurts to breath but I put one foot in front of the other and push forward. I feel the ground shaking, it almost causes me to fall with each thump. I can hear the trees breaking and falling to the forest floor. I don't think I'm going to escape. I can feel this monster getting closer and closer. I don't stand a chance.

I will not die this way, running for my life. No, I am through running. I turn to face the beast. If today is my day, I will die on my feet, standing my ground. I tighten my grip on the sword and prepare for the onslaught.

-ROSE----

The path of destruction makes it easy to follow the dragon. I can now see him in the distance, distracted with chasing his prey. Perhaps a stag or bear. It dosent matter any longer, the dragon is my prey now. I close in on the beast, I've flanked him from behind and he is to busy to notice my presence.

In the wake of destruction, the dragon has knocked over a large tree, it's trunk angled upwards. I run up the makeshift ramp, and launch myself from its top. I will drop in on the dragon while it's head hangs low, I will send my rapier through its neck. I fly through the air when I see him. A young man. The dragons prey.

I am taken back, I loose focus. His blond hair, that face. He reminds me of someone long since lost. He has out a broadsword, poised to strike the dragon head on. His red breast plate and rugged jeans, the arm guard attached to his armor. It was all so fimiliar. He is brave to stand against Feyrbrand alone. Brave but stupid. He is going to die.

Against my better judgment I decided against my strike. I land on top of the dragons neck and take a second leap at the young warrior. I don't know why, but something tells me to intervene. My presence has distracts Feyrbrand and he snaps back in my direction, his teeth aimed to kill. I roll through the air, missing his bite. The young warrior in red notices me about the time I land in front of him. His eyes are wide, but i have no time to explain. I grab him by the breastplate and pull him close in. I take another leap and jump into the safety of a crevasse in the rocks. I press my body against him. We are safety out of reach from Feyrbrand, for now.

"Who are you?" Asks the man in red, puzzled by the turn of events. I press in closer to him, my reply almost a whisper.

"Shhh... if you don't want to die." My words are short and to the point. It's all that needs to be said to convey my point.

Feyrbrand rubs his face against the rock face in fustration. He had our scent, but cannot reach us. He is irritated, and after a few minutes, his attempts subside and he retreats into the forest, reluctant to forfeit his prey.

When enough time passes, I release my hold on the blonde haired man and we emerge from the safety of the rocks. The beast headed west. It will be nothing to catch up to him again. I haven't lost that much time.

" What was that thing" he asks me.

I am still looking out towards the path that Feyrbrand took. I should have let this man die. What is it to me? Why had I been swayed to save his life? I cannot say for sure. I turn to face him, taking him in at a closer look. He had only one arm guarded, his sword hand was free of armor. Smart....it leaves his sword arm unhindered in battle. His breastplate, spaulders, and arm guard were all forged from a red ore. He wore two belts loosely around his waist, with plenty of storage for supplies. He must have been well traveled. His jeans were worn from use, but he had the sense to wear knee guards to prevent the fabric from wearing through. He seemed rugged and handsome, or I would assume. I haven't laid with a man in a long time. I didn't have time for such things, I hadn't thought about such things in a long, long time. He is looking at me, and for the first time since I can remember, I don't mind.

"It's a dragon" I tell him.

I see the look on his face as he comprehends my words. Dragons were after all beasts that lived only in legend. Long since perished from this world. They existed only in children's fairy tales now.

"Dragon?!" He replies, still trying to understand.

"Yes..." I explain to him, "but it's strange, the village could of been easily destroyed without the use of a dragon."

I remember the fire in the distance the night before. It's to much of a coincidence that the dragon is here in the forest with those soldiers. The two must be connected. The whispers said where the soldiers went, so to did the monster. Not that it mattered much, just an observation.

"Village...? You're not talking about Seles are you...? Then those soldiers were..." I could see his expression change as he took in the news. He turned away from me, and headed out to the forest as fast as he could.

"There won't be anything left by now." The words are cold as they leave my lips, but it's the truth.

He stops at the spund of my voice and turns to face me. Clearly shaken.

"Seles is MY village!" He informs me. With that he turns away and is gone into the woods, headed for the white smoke far in the distance.

Moments later the gem in my armor begins to glow. A unmistakable dark violet hue to the jewel. I take the stone jewel into my hand and examine it. It's been so long since its given off any light. I never thought I would see it shine again.

"Oh my god...that man must be....No. There is no way..."

Feyrbrand would have to wait, this took precedence over a dragon, legendary or not. I return the jewel to its clasp in my dress and follow after that man in the red armor. I head into the forest, keeping a safe distance as not to be seen by him.l

[Chapter 2]

-DART----

I can see the white smoke raising in the distance as I clear the hillside. Seles, my home is turned to ruble. Those soldiers must have been from Sandora. How could they? Why would they? It didn't make any sense. Seles was far into Basil's territory and didn't offer any strategic strongholds or spoils. Why? Why would they come so far into Basil to attack Seles.

My lungs are burning with every breath as I make my way into the village. I have to find Shana, I have to make sure she is ok. I head to the south end of town where she lives near the water well. As I round the corner I can hear two voices. Soldiers are still here.

"Didn't you get enough killing" pleas a farmer. his cover alls are worn and he is coveted in ash, pleading the for his life. A soldier runs his blade through the man's chest. He is dying before my eyes, and I can take no more.

I emerge from around the corner to confront the men. This is senseless, why were they here? why Seles? This is a nightmare unfolding before my eyes.

I draw my sword and run at the man closest to me. His back is turned as he stands over the wounded villager. The sword pierces his back and protrudes through his chest leaving a spray of blood across the face of the man he's just ran down. The other turns around suprised. I pull my sword from his body, using a foot to kick away the corpse.

I see him reach for his spear. He thrust at me and I side swipe the iron hear away from me with the broad side of my sword. He is off balance and I throw my shoulder into him, knocking him over. As he scrambles to his feet I lower the tip of my sword to his chest. He's defeated and dosent make a move. Looking uo at me the son of a bitch only says I'm a little to late. I feel the rage wash over my body. I rear my blade back and take his head from his shoulder. The body topples over and his head comes to a rest a few feet away. I take only a moment to spit on his corpse before turning to the villager, still clinging to life, just barely.

I drop to his side and support his head....Sam. I remember him. He owned a farm a few miles away, he would give Shana and I an apple every time we passed on our way into the forest. He never faultered. He was kind. He didn't deserve this.

"Dart?" He calls to me, his voice only a whisper. "Is it really you?"

"Yes..." I answer. "Sam,...what happened here!? Why was Seles attacked?"

"War...Imperial Sandora,...they attacked us..." His breath is growing shallow now. He is coughing up blood now, it runs down his neck, staining his clothes.

"What about the truce?"

"The truce,... yeah, I never imagined they would come this far to attack Seles,... Dart, there is something you should know, it's Shana,....they...." His words are muffled as he struggles for breath, he repeats Shanas name once more then his body goes limp in my arms.

"What about Shana!...hey wait!" It's to late, he's gone.

I lay him to the ground and close his eyes. He can rest now, but i cant. The village is is still in hurt. I pull myself to my feet and continue to the town square. I see bodies everywhere, it was a massacre. Men women and children lay dead in the street, houses burned to its stilts, those that survived seem to be wandering around lost, or paralize. A few can be heard screaming, their cries of mourn deafening in the air. I come across a old man laying face down, he's injured but alive. I run to his side and turn him over. Its Plos, the spiritual healer of Seles.
"Hang on" I say, trying my best to comfort him.

"That voice....Dart,...is that you?"

"Yes Plos, it's me." I help him to his feet and move him over to the wall a few feet away, and rest him against the stones. He is still composing himself, his voice is weak.

"It's only a light wound, I can treat it later,...but Dart...you should know, it's Shana..." His voice trails off, hesitating to continue.

He looks up at me, and I can see that pain on his face. My heart sinks into my stomach. No, not shana, it can't be...

"Shana,..." I can barely say the words, "What happened with Shana?"

"She's alive,...but they took her, she's gone Dart. It seems that she was their primary purpose. They drug her out to the well, and most men left after they had her in custody."

I feel the relief come over me and I finally take a breath, but the moment flees as quickly as its come.

"Why?...where did they take her?" My mind is racing faster then I can think. There is so much I don't understand.

"...I'm sorry Dart, I don't know." His voice trails off and his eyes focus in on something behind me. I can see the panic in his eyes.

I grip my broadsword and turn. Three men approach, two are dressed in the same leathers as the soldiers I killed and the ones that fled in the forest the day before, but it's the one in the center that captures my attention. He is carrying a well made short sword and heavy forged armor. He is an officer, he has answers that I need. I will make him talk.

I raise my sword with one arm and point it directly at the officer, I want their to be no mistake who I am threatening.

"You...!" I demand, "where did they take Shana."

The two foot soldiers look to their captain bewildered. I have under minded their leader. It's exactly what I want.

"You've killed two foot soldiers," he says, "it's no reason to get arrogant boy,...."

"Shana..." I repeat, my voice louder then before. "Where is she."

"Ahhh... you must mean the girl. Don't worry about her boy,... By now she is enjoying the hospitality of Fruegel."

He dosen't need to say any more. Fruegel, the head Warden of Hellena Prison. Cruel and ruthless, most men would choose to fall on their swords then be spent to that hell. I tighten my fingers around the hilt and take my stance.

"Kill him." Orders the officer.

The two approach at the same time. I turn my body to make myself a smaller target. A spear comes at me and I parry the head of the spear towards the second soldier. I take the opportunity to kick him to the ground, buying myself some time. I am facing one opponent now, if only for a moment, but a moment is all I need. He thrusts his spear at my chest and I step to the side, taking his weapon between my arm and ribs. I lock in his spear, and with my sword hand I break his weapon in two, disarming him. He looks down at his spear in disbelief and it's all the time I need, my next blow takes him in the leg and he falls to his knees. When he looks up at me I have the iron tip end of his broken spear in my free hand, I press it through his throat.

His brother in arms is to his feet now, I swing my sword around my body and knock away his spear once again. keeping my momentum, I bring the blade around another full spin and step in closer to my target. The tip of the blade cuts through his mid section. It dosent cut all the way through though, just enough to leave him holding his guts in his hands as he dies.

The officer is no fool, he turns to run, but i cant let him get away. He has a lead though and is moving fast. I retrieve the spear that is still in tack and take two running steps, throwing it with all my might. He is quick but not quick enough, the spear hits the back of his knee, blowing out his kneecap as it exits the other side. He is down.

I walk up to him quickly. He's already told me everything I need to know. He is on his belly dragging his useless leg behind him, still trying to flee. The spear snaps off when i stomp it, to the ground, and he shroeks in pain. I grab him by the hair and drag over to the well. I tie the bucket rope around his neck and kick him Into the darkness. The scream echoes of the stone walls for a moment, followed by the sound of the rope whipping tight and breaking bones. The well falls silent, all except the creaking of wood as the rope sways with its load.

I return to the side of Plos. He is going to be ok.

"Dart...you have to help Shana." He tells me.

"I will." I say, "I will rescue Shana and I will return to Seles."

There are enough people still standing to help the injured. Plos is to his feet now and is taking in the damage.

"I can help the survivors, you just worry about her Dart."

His words are conforting. I gather some supplies and make sure there are no soldiers left in Seles. When I am certain the village is safe, I take the officers mount and head southwest out of the village. Hellena awaits, Shana awaits.

-SHANA----

A bump in the road wakes me. I am laying in a straw bed in the back of a caged wagon. My head hurts and I've felt like I've been sleeping for days. I try to rise to my feet but i cannot stand, I'm caged like an animal. Why? Two soldiers are riding besides me when they noticed I'm awake.

"Who are you?" I ask, "where are you taking me?"

"Shut you mouth girl, or I'll shut it for you."

I am getting no answers. I sit back in my cage and try to figure out where I am. The road is made of white sand and I can smell the ocean. We are far from Seles, further then I've ever been. There is no forest here, and the few trees we pass are diffrent then anything I've ever seen. The bark is white and grey, they are smaller then the ones I've know my whole life, but they seem already fully grown. The grass is a golden color and stands as tall as a man, it sways in the wind. It's hotter here and the air tastes salty. I lay back in the wagon, I they throw in stale bread and I get a cup of water once a day, when the sun is highest in the sky. Days pass this way.

We are closer to the ocean now, I can here the seagulls calling and the waves breaking in the beach, eventually we get there. It towers of the shoreline. Hellena Prison. Carved into a island out to sea, a narrow bridge of rock connecting it to the mainland. It it taller then anything I've ever seen, taller then the oldest trees in the forest, standing strong in the water and looking fierce and cold against the blue backdrop of the sea. I can smell fires bring as we cross the narrow bridge. I hear the sound of chains rolling and the thund of the drawbridge landing on the rocks in front of us. we cross and I see it's made of oak, reinforced with iron. The wagon comes to a stop and I'm pulled out of my cage for the first time in a long time.

I try to stand but my legs are weak, and I fall to the floor.

"Clean her up and throw her into the sky cell." Orders one of the men.

Two men grab me by the arms and I'm dragged around. They take me across a wooden sky bridge and I realize that the prison is carved out of the rock. There are chambers connected by bridges made of rope and wood everywhere. They seem to connect everything. I'm dragged through a maze of passages before the two men come to a stop.

A platform is lowered in front of us. It is connected to several ropes and made of wood. We step onto it and I can feel the heat coming through the floorboards, I look down between the planks and realize we are suspended over a river of burning lava a hundred feet below. The view makes me dizzy and soon we are being g lifted into the air. The seem to be raised I possible high before everything comes to a swinging stop. I am walked down a path and see several cells on our way up the steps. Some are empty and some have prisioners. They are dirty and seemed starved. They don't make a sound as we pass.

When we finally reach my cell, I've concluded I'm at the top of the tower. The men throw me in and toss in some more stale bread on the floor. It's a modest room, the walls are cold and damp. There is no bed, but a pile of straw like you would find in a stable. There is a small window to high for me to see out of, and in the stone is a troft carved, it angles from one end of the cell to the other running through holed in the wall, it stinks to hell.

"Remove your clothes." One orders.

I hesitate, did they really just say that?

"Remove your clothes or we will remove them for you."

They are watching me, waiting for me to undress. I move slowly, but i don't resist, it won't do any good. I am there property now. I loosen the laces on my shirt and pull it over my head. My nipples stand hard at the cold air. I can feel there eyes on my, I don't want to, but i remove my belt and let my shorts fall to the floor. I'm standing in front of them now with just my boots on. I cover myself with my hands.

"Shoes too." He commands.

I see him watching as I uncover myself to remove my shoes, the floor is cold and the stones are rough against my feet. I am completely naked and on display for the two, my clothes and shoes in a pile on the floor.

"Hand them here." The other says, and I pass my clothes through the iron bars. I see then toss my clothes into a corner near my cell and they leave me to myself, crying naked I'm the corner.

-FRUEGEL----

The smell of death and the heat rising from the pits of hell welcome me home. It's good to be home. The girl is in custody and the spirits of the men are high again, all is right now. I cross the main bridge to retire for the night when the hooded man approaches from the other side, meeting me in the middle.

"The girl,..." I start in, "Who is she,...tell me."

"The fate of the world rests with her." He states, and turns away from me.

"What! What the fuck dose that mean?!" I demand.

He turns to face me, drawing his sword unrealistically fast. The tip is pressed against me as he speaks.

"It is not for the likes of you to know, all you need to do is follow orders,...and understand this, if any harm comes to that girl, it will cost you your head."

The sword disappears behind his cloak and he leaves me standing alone on the bridge. The rage burns inside me, but i cannot seize him without defying Emperor Dole. I continue across the bridge where one of my guards stand.

"Warden,...are you going to stand for that?" He asks.

I snatch him by the throat and throw him from the ledge into the fires far below. His screams ring of the rocky walls on his way down, the few men who came running to investigate soon turn their attention away at the sight of me. They know better to question my actions.

"Order some meat and wine, we will have a feast to celebrate our victory in Seles." I command.

"Yes sir." They answer, and climb the steps to retire to my chamber for the evening.

The doors of my room swing open and I am pleased to find two whores waiting in my bed. The men must have known I was in a foul mood, the captain of the guard always sees fit to provide me with whores; when it suits the men to try and calm my temper. They look up at me when I enter the room, I instruct them to continue and turn my attention towards the table that has the wine. I finish several cups and watch the women work their tongues over each other's bodies. The warmth of the wine and the smell of the Jasmine coming from the girls dose its job well enough, I undress and join the women in bed. One has red hair and the other dark black, two of my favorites.

I take the one with black hair from behind, I feel her warmth hugging around my cock as she laps eagarly between the red head's legs, her moans are muffled in her juices. I motion for the young red head to come to me and pull myself from the whore and have the fair skinned red headed woman taste her juices from my cock. It twitches when she lick at the head. for several moments I enjoy her mouth, then return the head of my shaft to the other woman's ass. It takes a bit of pressure, but i enter her ass easily enough, she is a whore afterall, no need to be gentle or kind. I push all the way in and she cries out in pain. I don't subside with my thrusts, instead I push into her hole as deep as I can. When I do pull myself from her ass, it is only to enjoy the mouth of the other girl. I enjoy seeing the gapping hole left in my wake, and enjoy pressing back into her when her ass has returned to being a tight little ring of skin.

It isn't long before I spill my seed into her. I leave my cock inside until I wither and her ass pushes me out, my cum trickling down her thigh.

I drink another cup of wine and take the red haired woman before retiring for the night. I think I will keep these two until the feast. I close my eyes with a whore in each arm. It's good to be home I tell myself. Good indeed.

-DART----

I run the boar so hard his heart gives out. I've made it through the forest and I am following the coast line down to Hellena.

Soon I am staring at the rocky path leading over the water to Hellena. There is no way I can cross without being seen. I could try to swim, but the walls are steep and patrolled ofter. I get comfortable behind some rocks and try to complicate my options. I seem to have very few, but i have to figure it out, Shana needs me.

I am thinking of my options when I hear a cart coming up the road. I can smell the meat coming from the covered wagon. I don't have much time to decide. This may be my only chance. I let the wagon pass my position and come up from behind. I jump into the back and hide myself behind a few sacks of potatoes. I hope this works.

I feel the wagon come to a stop. We're at the drawbridge.

"Halt...! Who goes there?" I hear a guard approach.

"Fresh meat and fish" I hear the driver reply.

"Ahhh... good. Fruegel will be pleased. I'll inspect the load."

I hear his footsteps coming closer. When he pulls back the canvas of the wagon I hold my breath. He looks, but not very well.

"Let him through." He orders.

I exhale with relief. I've played it quiet so far, and I still have the element of suprise. They wagon comes to a stop and the driver retrieves a barrel of mead. I hear him rolling it off. Taking a quick look through the covers of the tent, I'm sure it is clear. I jump from the wagon and head for a dry storage room. I will wait here until dark. Judging from the amount of spirits in the wagon, I know it will be easier to navigate through the prison when the guards have a full belly and half drunk.

After most of the day has passed I exit my hiding spot and start to navigate Hellena. I stick to the shadows, and remain unseen for the most part. One guard notice me, but i dispose of him quickly. The burning river far below makes for easy disposal of the body. I head for the main cells, hopefull to find Shana when I see a few guards escorting two captured knights. The green of their armor tells me they are from Basil.

"Move it dog!" Commands one of the guards.

Laughing he adds, "you will regret not being killed on the battlefield."

"A prison cell will not break me." One knight chimes in.

"A prison cell...? Ha! You two will be feed for Fruegel's pet." Replies the guard.

"If you want to kill me, do it now and be done with it." Says the other knight.

It is foolish of them to try and argue I think. Trying to help then will give away my position, and jeopardize my chances of getting Shana out alive. I don't like it, but I don't think I'm going to be able to save the Basil knights. There fate is in the hands of Soa now. I turn to walk away when I hear the unmistakable sound of steel against steel.

"I won't let them kill you." Comes a voice. I turn to see a guard with a spear through his chest.

At the other of the weapon stands a well built man of 30 years or so. He is a knight as well, but of higher rank. I can see the emblem of Basil on his silver breastplate. His spaulders are wide and he has armored gloves with matching wristguards. The deep green of his trousers stand out against the silver armor and his boosts travel as high as his knees guards. He is defiantly of the royal guard, from the short cut of his blondish brown hair, to his posture and handling of that spear, everything about him screams a royal knight.

"Sir Lavitz! " Cries the two men in custody.

"You bastard! How did you free yourself from your cell?" Demands the guards.

This isn't good. A breakout before I have Shana will only attract unwanted attention. One of the captured knights shoves his shoulder into the guard, knocking him over.

"Escape, ...return to Indles Castle; repot to King Albert." Orders the man they called Lavitz.

The two men run across the bright they way they had been brought in, hands still tied behind their back. From around the corner comes another two guards, responding to the noise.

The two knights freedom was short lived. I watch as the guards run their spears through the unarmed men, bound by the hands.

Four against one. This knight won't stand a chance, and after he falls, a search for any other escaped soldiers will be ordered. Best to end this quickly before any more attention is drawn.

The knight is engaged in combat when I come to his aid. The sound of steel fills the cavernous prison as the guards fall dead; by my sword and the knights spear, we send them to their gods.

He is amazingly graceful with his spear, his attacks quick and precise. He is well trained.when the last of the guards fall he locks weapons with me.

"I am not your enemy." I tell him.

I can see him weighing my words. He begins to speak, but we are interrupted by the approach of two more guards.

He withdraws this spear and we positioned ourselves back to back, each with our own target. I block the incoming attack and in a few moves the guard falls dead at my feet. I turn to see the knight has defeated his opponent as well.

When the echos of battle subside, and we realize no more guards have heard the commotion, I begin to drag the corpses over the ledge to meet a fiery grave. The knight helps me dispose of the bodies. When the deed is done he turns his attention to me.

"We didn't have time to introduce yourselves." He explains. "I am Sir Lavitz Slambert, head of the first knighthood of Basil, sworn sword and protector to King Albert of Basil, the one true and just king."

"Dart" I reply, I have to titles, no sworn alliances, no lord or lady whom I hold banner to.

"Lavitz." I ask, "do you know of a girl named Shana?...she is being held somewhere in this prison."

"I'm sorry,...I do not know of any such woman." He answers.

I tell him I will look elsewhere and turn to leave. I have no time to waist. The longer I stay here the greater the chance of being discovered.

"Wait,...I will come with you" he offers.

I am taken back by his offer. He has no reason to help me or Shana. He must see the look of contempt I give him, and offers a explanation.

"Look, Hellena is not an easy place to go through alone. This girl, she is important to you yes?"

"Very" I answer.

"Then we will find her and escape together, all of us" he sounds sincer.

"Why would you trust me?" I ask, "we just met."

"you are a skilled swordsman, I trusted you to guard me back in a fight,... it's the way I think."

"Ok then" I agree.

Knowing she wasn't held in the main cells of Hellena, we agree Shana must be somewhere in the sky tower. Hopefully one of the keys we procured from the guards will open her cell. Hold on Shana, I'm coming.

-SHANA----

 

Obviously unfinished, but it's a long story. Anyone fimiliar with the legend of dragoon knows what I'm talking about, throwing out what I got so far to see if there is going to be a fan base for it. Let me know!

 

That's barely an intro if you are based on the games lore . good read.
Thanks

 

Pretty good i have the game on ps3. Keep it coming very well written