Chapter 12.1. Silver Dragons.

The gentle lapping of water against wooden hull provided soothing backdrop to Lilith’s contemplative musings, as she gazed out across vast expanse of Kebelek river. Lush foliage flanked both banks, emerald canopy stretched in unbroken horizon – a verdant tapestry of woven nature itself.

Cian stood beside her, weathered features etched in relief, by dappled sunlight, filtering through overhead branches.

– This place reminds me elven lands, – she mused softly: – The way light dances on leaves, scent of the air… It’s almost like stepping into dream, long forgotten.

The mercenaries continued their journey downstream, currents carrying them inexorably toward confluence with Gala, river looming ever nearer each passing day. As waters merged to form mighty Taraka river, Lilith felt sense of anticipation, building within her chest – knowing that soon enough they would leave lush confines of paradise-like forest behind.

For now she took Tuatha Dé Danann language lessons from Cian. She always tried to learn new languages and peaceful journey allowed her to perfect her skill in Cian’s native language. Days turned into weeks, months slipping by in haze sun-drenched afternoons, spent basking in warm embrace of golden rays. The river served as lifeblood of civilizations dotted shores, bustling market towns giving way to quiet fishing villages, as kilometers passed beneath keel.

Despite tranquil setting surrounding them, Lilith could not shake lingering sense of unease, which had plagued her since leaving Kebelek behind. Dreams filled with fragmented visions of ancient relic burned brightly at forefront of her mind – whispering secrets yet to be uncovered. Ahead loomed Taraka, another town ruled by Tuatha Dé Danann god Gobniu. Lilith knew true tests were yet to come, but she stood ready to face whatever lay ahead – united under banner of duty alongside loyal companion Cian by her side. And soon she saw it, great Taraka, the town of greatest blacksmith and artifact maker in Dark Continent – Gobniu.

 

* * *

 

Graig followed the mysterious Dravid through winding passages of Iron Mountains, his heart pounding with each step closer to their goal. The errand Ronan had sent him on seemed simple enough –  locate hidden tomb and accompany Dravid, while keeping an eye on him. But as they ventured deeper into mountains, Graig couldn’t shake feeling that this quest held dangers beyond his understanding.

Dravid moved with purpose, his silhouette barely visible in gloom ahead. As they reached final door blocking entrance, an icy breeze whispered past, carrying echoes of long-forgotten screams. Dravid looked at a map, which they stole from royal treasury and nodded.

– We should find it soon.

– Find what?

– You are not from Holy Griffin Empire originally. So you do not know much about this land and its history? Well, not many know the story, which concerns us.

– What story?

– It began long ago. Around two thousand years ago. Back them, Holy Griffin Empire, was a powerful kingdom, but much smaller. It had two main allies and protectors – Angels and Silver Dragons. Dragons use to live in a forest near Angel Lake. The king back then had a wife, but she lived in a different town, while he enjoyed company of many mistresses. One of his aristocrats introduced him to a beautiful woman. King was fascinated by her. She was young, bewitching and mysterious…

 

The young woman stood before the ornate mirror, her long hair cascading down back as she brushed it with deliberate strokes. Her gaze remained fixed on own reflection, eyes filled with secretive knowledge.

King approached from behind, his presence commanding, yet vulnerable in moment.

– Who are you really? – he asked softly, unable to resist temptation any longer.

The woman turned to face him, a smile playing lips that hinted at depths unknown.

– I am what this kingdom needs, – she purred, stepping closer until mere inches separated them.

Her fingers traced along jawline, trailing down neck before coming to rest over heart. The king felt pulse quicken under touch, drawn inexplicably towards mystery, surrounding her very being…

– What do you seek from me? – he breathed, already knowing answer, even as he posed question.

The woman leaned in close, lips brushing ear as she whispered: – Eternal power… and a place by your side. I can give you both… if only you’re willing to take risk.

Her hand slipped lower then, resting possessively upon stomach.

– I carry our future within me, – she declared boldly, eyes shining with determination that bordered with obsession.

The king stared at her in wonderment, realizing truly the game they played went far beyond mere affairs of heart. This was power struggle unlike any other…and he found himself willing to stake everything upon its outcome.

She leaned in closer, her breath hot against his skin as she whispered:

– The Silver Dragons… they are not what they seem. For centuries, they’ve guarded your kingdom, but at what cost?

The king frowned, sensing a darkness lurking behind words.

– What do you mean? – he asked cautiously.

Her lips curled into a sly smirk.

– Oh, my dear king, the dragons hoard more than just gold and jewels in their lair. They keep ancient secrets – forbidden knowledge that could destroy your realm if unleashed.

The woman’s fingers traced along his jawline, her touch electric with hidden promise.

– But imagine… with such power at our disposal, we could reshape this land as we see fit. No more bowing to divine will of angels or dragonkind alike.

Her hand slipped lower then, coming rest possessively upon stomach where life grew inside her:

– This child shall be born into world, where mortal rulers reign supreme, – she declared boldly: – All it takes is willingness to break shackles of tradition… and embrace true potential that destiny holds for us both.

 

Dravid paused and looked at a map.

– Back then archangel Michael was jealous of dragons. They were more powerful, than his angel army. Had more accomplishments, and worked closer with human during battles, allowing humans to ride on their backs. He wanted to become more influential than dragons. Who knows, if it was slip of a tong, or manipulation from his part.

 

In the dimly lit passageway, King met Archangel Michael, his expression grave with concern.

– Michael, – he began hesitantly: – I fear for safety of Silver Dragons. You know they’ve been steadfast allies to our kingdom since time immemorial?

The archangel nodded slowly, his golden wings rustling softly behind him.

– Aye, ’tis true indeed. The dragons have proven invaluable in battles past, – he admitted grudgingly: – But tell me King, what troubles you about their well-being?

King took a deep breath before continuing.

– It’s just… I heard whispers lately, suggesting perhaps that they are not as invulnerable, as we’ve come to believe, – he glanced around nervously: – Is there anything – any weakness at all – that could be exploited against them, which we should protect them from?

Michael’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

– Well now, – he mused, stroking chin in contemplation: – Their scales are nigh impregnable, like orichalcum armor itself! And magic has little effect upon dragon flesh, – the archangel leaned closer then, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper: – But there is one thing known bring, low even mightiest of wyrms, – he paused for dramatic effect before adding: – Poison. For all their power and resilience, dragons remain vulnerable to subtle arts of venom and toxins.

King felt icy chill run down spine at implications behind words. Could he really entertain thought of turning on allies, who had stood beside kingdom for generations? But then again…

The promise whispered by his lover still echoed in mind – eternal power and dominion over all creation!