Post by Grr on Mar 7, 2010 16:18:40 GMT -8
The Tale of the First Dragonslayer
The war with the dragons still rages on. Slowly, we, the humans, are losing this war. But our defenses are holding, but for how much longer? The king's advisers have come up with a plan that will turn the war in our favor, but the plan itself is very dangerous. The adviser's, with the help of many reliable sources, have discovered a emormous island in the uncharted areas of the Hreigon Sea. But, it is home to six anicent and powerful dragon elementals. Fire, water, wind, earth, darkness, and light. However, legend tells that any who defeat one of these dragons gain a powerful gem containing the element of the defeated dragon. But they are not the only inhabitants of the island....
The king was told of this, and has ordered five hundred of his best soldiers to sail to this island. I was one of them. My name is Dirktral. Son of Hernlet and Silinna.
Weeks before the departure, the king had us train, with many of the Elite Soldiers. They trained all of us how to use the many different styles of weapons effectively, spot and detect traps, to work as a team, and, for the few of the soldiers who could wield magic, how to heal the wounds of their fellow soldiers, and how to use magic to distract or injure whatever monster that we might encounter on the mysterious island.
After all the intense training, the day to depart has arrived. The ship that we're using to sail to the island was huge. Larger than most of the military ships in the king's shipyard. The name of the ship was the S.S. Gerald, a ship who has weathered many battles and attacks from monsters. The families of the soldiers came to see them off, all but myself. I had no wife and my mother and father died several years ago. The time soon came for the five hundred men to board the giant vessel, carrying in crates of supplies, weapons, and tools. The walk boards were pulled in, the anchor was pulled out of the harbor, and the sails were drawn. The families cheered and cried, as they saw their sons and husbands off. Most of them believed that they would see them again, but the other families, and myself, knew that nearly all or all of us soldiers would never see our kingdom again.
Three days have past, and trying to pass the time was hard, for those who couldn't use magic mostly. Though I mainly kept to myself. Luckily, on a ship full of soldiers, it wasn't hard to find a partener to train with. Even though it was training, I do get a few cuts. It's not because I was careless or that I was lucky to be one of the best figthers in the king's army. Its only that my eyesight hasn't been always the same. I first started to lose my eyesight when I was a sqauire for a knight, but I never told anyone. Not even my parents. They were so proud that their only son could become a soldier in the kings army, so I didn't want to make them worry. But now, my sight is to where everything blury. One day, I was woken up in the middle of the night, by one of the magic weilders. "What do you want," I asked, annoied.
"I've noticed you have had a few cuts from your training today. But I've known you for five years, and I haven't seen you like this. Is there something wrong with you?" Thats when I recognized the voice," Arfrel?"
The magic weilder nodded," yes Dirktral. It's me." Arfrel was one of my closest friends in the army, but he always had a hood or a helmet on his head, so his face was always covered. Plus his voice always sounded strange. As if he had a minor illness. But I can always trust him with anything. "Alright, I'll tell you, but you must never tell anyone else about this, promise?"
"Promise," he replied.
"Okey. The truth is is that my eyesight has started to fail me. And-"
"Would you like me to make you magical visor that will enhance your sight," Arfrel asked, interupting me. I thought about it, then nodded," if you can do that for me."
"For you, anything Dirktral," Arfral said. "I'll start working on one as soon as I find a visor that will fit you." With that agreement, Arfral left, and left me to sleep for the rest of the night.
Everyday, for two months, Arfral was never seen by anyone else but me, except for when it was time for the meals. He finally found a visor. The visor was essentially a helm that covered only the top half of the face. But it was ok, and a good thing too, since it was style of helms that we were given. And, Arfral said that he was about five days away from finishing the enchantment on the visor. Which was good, because in about eight days, the captian expected that we would reach the island, which we have named 'The Isle of the Elements.' But the hardest part about waiting for the visor was to act normal around the rest of the army until the island was reached. But I could bare it. After the five days of waiting, Arfral woke me again at night. "Dirktral, wake up."
Again I was annoied, but I sat up," did you finish the visor?"
Arfral's blurred head nodded," here," he said, pulling out the visor," try it on." I accepted the visor from Arfral and placed it on my head. What I saw was amazing. I could see Arfrals hooded head completely. Very little detail was there, but there was more....Something I couldn't describe other than, not only could I see the world more clearly, but I could also see what people really were. Looking at Arfral, I could see his face, but it wasn't a face of a...."Arfral, you're a woman!?"
"Shh!" Arfral quickly looked around to see if anyone else woke up, but no one did. Then, he looked back at me," can you keep a secert?"
I couldn't believe this! Somehow, a woman has snuck into the kings army. And in his kingdom, though women had more freedoms than most other kingdoms around ours, would not allow any woman join in his army, no matter how great of a fighter thay were. But Arfral, IF that was her real name, was my closest friend, and the only person I could count on. Hesiantly, I nodded," I will keep this a secert."
"That's not the only thing I don't want anyone else to know," she said, speaking in her actual voice, which, I had to admit, was beautiful.
"Then what's the other secert then, Arfral, if that's your real name," I said, looking at her face. For the first time, I saw her eyes, which had the color of the forest leaves, and hair as black as night, but she had it cut short.
Arfral sighed," Dirktral, Arfral is not my real name. My real name is Isayi. Please, I'm sorry for lying to you for all these years, but there's a reason why I did...."
"And that reason is," I asked, looking at Isayi with annoyance.
Isayi was silent, then shook her head," nevermind. But please, keep this a secert."
"I will Isayi. You know me well enough to know that I keep my promises." With the visors enchantment, I saw her smile," thank you Dirktral. Now, hide that visor until we reach the island. If someone find it and uses it, they'll suspect something." I nodded, and placed it in the pouch hanging above my bed. "Ok, now, let me sleep, 'Arfral.'"
"Good night, Dirktral," Isayi, or Arfral replied, getting up to leave. But, about an hour after she left, I had a hard time going back to sleep. There was something about her that made me restless. I just figured that it was what she didn't tell me, and pushed that aside, and finally went back to sleep.
The S.S. Gerald has finally reached the island. "Alright," the captain began to announce, "before all of you leave, gather up any weapons, armor, and supplies you can. The king's orders is that you all leave the ship. If this plan works, we will have come closer to finishing the war with the dragons!"
Almost all the soldiers yelled in answer, raising their weapons and banging their sheilds or armor. I remained silent and went to gather what I wanted. I have choosen to travel light. I simply grabbed a shoulder and torso armor, left arm armor, and grieaves. For my weapon I grabbed a double-bladed spear. The butt end had a shorter blade than the top. Then I grabbed several pouches and tied them to my belt. When I got back on the deck, they were either still cheering or bragging about how they were chosen as a soldier for the kings army. I thought that they were all pathetic. All they sought glory and praise. I just wanted to go back home, where I knew the dangers, though how little their were. But here, we could all die within the hour. But it was too late to turn back now. "Hey," Arfral tapped my shoulder from behind, talking in deep voice. I turned to face her," you still have that visor?" I nodded," of course." I pulled it out and again placed it back on my head. Once again, my sight was restored. "Again, thanks for doing this for me, Arfral."
"Don't mention it," Arfral replied," ok. Come on, it's time to go do what we were trained to do." I smiled slightly, and went marching with the rest of the soldiers. Good bye comfort, I thought to myself, hello death.
We set up camp after a few hours of exploring. Some of the scouts continued on ahead to servey the surrounding area. But that was when everyone first stopped to set up camp, and it was getting dark. We didn't want to send anymore out and risk losing more men. And we haven't seen any flares either. Each soldier were given five flares, which the kings magicans come up with months before, to carry with them at all times once they left the ship. Four for emergancies, and the last one, which is bigger than the other four, for when the mission is complete. But the sky was clear. Which worried several of the soldiers. Then whispers were heard.
"Maybe they were attacked by monsters," I heard one soldier say. Then I heard another repliy," maybe they just ran off. Traitors." I sighed at the soldiers' stupidity. They shouldn't worry about someone who is probably dead already. And, even if they were traitor's, then they would still be attacked. But whatever the situation was, I would stay calm, and wait for anything that might, and will happen.
As I slept, since I wasn't chosen as one of the soldiers to stand guard around the camp, I had a strange dream. I saw the island, but I was high above the island. The area I recognized, which was the area we landed on, was miles of jungle. But it stops abruptly to a clearing in the very center of the island. In the clearing was a giant temple. This temple was bright white, with gold trim. It seemed to be made of pure light. And there were five other enterances of the same size. The temple to the very north of the island was carved into a volcano, lava cascaded over what would be the enterance. The walls of the temple glowed with a dull orange. The temple to the very east of the island was made entirely of ice. The land around it was frozen solid. Yet a waterfall flowed into a pond behind the temple. The temple southeast of the white temple was made of stone. It was surrounded by swurling sands. The temple to the southwest of the white temple floated high above the ground. Winds whipped and swurled around the temple. And the last temple, which was to the very western edge of the island was built with human bones. The enterance itself was a giant dragon skull. I realized that the temples must be home to the six dragon elementals that were rumored to be on this island. Suddenly, I heard a female voice, call to me from the darkness," go to the Temple of Light. There, you shall take your first step toward your destiny."
I never heard the voice before, but I cried out," what do you mean? Who are you?"
"All will be revealed soon enough, warrior."
I was awoke to with a start. It was still very late. What did she mean, 'your destiny'? Am I to be the only survivor of this suicide mission? I pondered this before I fell asleep again. When I woke up again, it was morning. I heard the others packing up camp. Then Arfral came into my tent," hey Dirktral, it's-. Oh! You're already awake."
"Yeah," I replied.
"Well, come on. We're moving out."
"Okay. I'm getting up." Then I remembered about the scouts from last night," hey, Arfral, any word on the scouts?" Arfral shook her head," no. There was nothing from them. No flare. No noise. Nothing."
Of course, I knew that their wouldn't be any word from the missing men. But, I wanted to see if I was wrong. But, unfortunately, I wasn't. "Alright."
"Okay." Then, Arfral left me to pack up my tent. Which I did quickly. When I finished, a voice was heard over all the noise of the packing up. "Alright, listen up! You all have ten minutes to finish, then we're heading north! Those who are not done will be left behind!"
I don't know what came over me, but I yelled out," who made you the leader?" Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at me. The soldier who was just talking, who everyone knew as a bully, he was bigger than me, more muscular, and what I considered THE example of an idiot, looked at me with anger," what did you say?"
"You heard me," I retorted. Trent, the soldier who just announced the order, banged his shield. Knowing what that meant, everyone else made a open circle, only leaving me and Trent in the circle. "Are you challenging my authority?"
"How can I challenge your authority if you didn't have any to begin with?" Trent growled at me. "Then are you asking for a fight for right of leadership?"
I spat at him," you are not fit to be the leader of anyone! And neither am I." Trent smirked, "is there anyone else here that thinks that he is right? That I shouldn't take the position of leader?" Only a few hands was rose from the crowd. "And those who believe that I should become the leader?" Those who didn't raise their hands now did. Trent then looked at Dirktral and smirked, looking victorious," so, Dirktral, what are you going to do now?"
I looked around at the crowd. "Those who have agreed with me step forward." The crowd stood aside for those who rose their hands. There were only five soldiers, including Arfral, came forward. "Good, now, answer this question, would like to have your lives left in the hands of an idiot?" They all shook their heads. "Then come with me."
Trent laughed," you think that the six of you will survive long on this island, alone?"
I shrugged," but there's no guarantee that any of you will survive on this island either."
Trent just shrugged," fine. Go. You won't be missed." No needing to be told a second time, or wanting to listen to him talk again, I headed to the north. Arfral and the others followed me. Before we were far, the last thing I heard from Trent was ," alright, we're going to circle around the island, to know our terrain, and to find the ideal spot to...."
It was noon when we stopped for a meal. Luckily, everyone, including myself, brought along the provisions we gathered. Besides Arfral, I looked at the four other soldiers. The one right across from me wore full battle armor and carried around a sword and shield. He had a scruffy brown bread, short hair, and brown eyes. And he introduced himself as Isaac. The soldier to his left wore more flexiable scale armor, his weapon of choice was a sheild and hammer. He had dark blonde hair, green eyes, and had an elvish face. He said his name was Undast. The short one leaning against a nearby tree had low-cut, black hair, and had dull gray eyes. The only armor he wore was a leather vest with plates of armor studded onto the vest. He perferred to use long bladed daggers. He didn't talk much, but he said his name was Rilus. The last soldier, aside from Arfral, had a body that almost rivaled an orcs'. His armor included bracers, graives, and a helmet. The rest of his armor was a bear pelt. His weapon was a great axe, made esspecially for him, since he was the tallest of us. He didn't talk much either, but he did say his name was Berkural, but it sounded as if he had trouble even speaking, which might be because of a scar the ran across his neck. "You all already know me, from the dispute Trent and I had," I said. Then Arfral stepped forward, who was still in her soldier disguse," my name is Arfral. I'm a magic wielder. "That's good," Isaac said, after shallowing some of the food he had in his mouth," because we'll need one if we will want to stand a chance out here." The other three nodded. Arfral shook her head. "One magic weilder alone cannot make a army. Or group."
"Well said," Rilus said, getting up from the tree," but now, there is a matter at hand... Who will lead us?" They were all silent, then turned their heads to me.
"Me," I asked.
"Well, you are the one who told us to follow you. And we did," Undast replied," so, you're the leader."
"Where to next, leader," Berkural managed. Isaac, Rilus, and even Arfral nodded in agreement. Dirktral was stunned. They all trusted him. But this time, he felt at ease to lead these five soldiers. It'd be easier for him to lead five rather than five hundred. "Alright," Dirktral said, deciding to take the role of leader," we'll first go to the center of the island."
"Ok," Rilus said.
"Whatever you say, boss," Undast said. Isaac and Berkural nodded. Everyone gathered their equipment, and headed north, toward the center of the island.
Knowing where to go, based on the vision Dirktral had last night, he took the front, and let the other's follow behind. They all heard rushling in the bushes as they trekked through the forest, but nothing leaped from the bushes, yet. Dirktral stopped and so did the others. Rilus, being right behind Dirktral, whispered," we're surrounded."
Dirktral whispered back," how many?"
"About twenty."
"Did you see what they are?"
Rilus shook his head slowly, being cautious," no. Their movements are familiar, but they're hiding too well. But everyone should be prepared for anything." I nodded, but suddenly, whatever was hiding in the bushes sprang out and quickly surrounded us. They walked around us in a circle, pointing their spears at us. They were forest elves. Rilus, being on elf himself, carefully said that we should show them that we are not a threat to them. Everyone dropped their weapons and held their hands up, except for Rilus, who began to speak in his native tongue. I didn't understand what he said, but it seemed to settle the elves very much. Then one elf started to speak to Rilus, but in a angry tone.
"What do they want," I asked Rilus.
"They are angry that we tresspassed on their land."
"Can't we just say sorry and leave?"
Rilus shook his head, and looked alittle disgusted at what Dirktral asked," do you think a dragon would let anyone go if they just said 'sorry'? No. With elves that are not used to anyone else other than themselves, its the same thing. But, these elves will give us a chance to go, but their leader must give the order."
"Order?" But before I could say anything else, the elves surrounding us all hollared and beat the ground with the butt end of their spear. A roar was heard, and two of the elves moved to let a elegantly dressed elf woman riding a bear through. The bear stopped within feet of us. The elven woman got off the bear and observed the six of us. She placed her hand on my chin, then pulled my head so she can she my face. She had long, flowing, light blonde hair and sky-blue eyes. She suddenly gasped, slapped the nearest wood elf, and started to yell at all of them. "What is she saying," I asked Rilus.
"She says that the dragon of light has sent them to only find us. Not attack us."
"Why would a dragon want to see me?"
Rilus shrugged. I then looked at the elven woman, who has finished yelling at her brethern, and got back on the bear again. "You are free to journey to the Temple of Light, But," she pointed at me," the dragon of light only wishes to see you." She barked a command at the other elves, who jumped back into the bushes, and then rode the bear toward where the other elves disappeared to.
Knowing that we would have to be cautious, we continued to travel north. The forest began to get thicker and thicker with trees. We were going deeper into the forest. Fog began to roll in. Remnants of anicent stone to come into view through the thick fog. The further we walked, more and more stones came into view. "I have a bad feeling about this," Berkural said in a hushed, yet gruff voice. Everyone readied their weapons, including myself, and continued to travel into the fog. The sound of whispers and clicking could be heard as we walked further. The faint outline of a building in disrepair came into view through the thick fog. A twig breaking suddenly broke the whispering and clicking, and silence fell over the forest. We stopped walking, and formed a circle, facing out toward the fog, waiting for anything that would attack us. I looked toward the anicent structure, and the enterance was only a short distance away.
"Everyone," I said quietly, getting their attention," follow me. Quietly." I started to carefully walk over to the enterance, with the others following closely behind. Suddenly, a creature lunged from the fog, and tackled Rilus, knocking him into the fog and onto the ground. From what I saw of the creature, it was very short, deep gray skin, and had dark green hair. A screech was heard, and Rilus quickly rejoined the group, a few scartches on his leather armor and blood dripping off of his long daggers. "Goblins," he said, breathing heavily," and that was not the last of them."
The war with the dragons still rages on. Slowly, we, the humans, are losing this war. But our defenses are holding, but for how much longer? The king's advisers have come up with a plan that will turn the war in our favor, but the plan itself is very dangerous. The adviser's, with the help of many reliable sources, have discovered a emormous island in the uncharted areas of the Hreigon Sea. But, it is home to six anicent and powerful dragon elementals. Fire, water, wind, earth, darkness, and light. However, legend tells that any who defeat one of these dragons gain a powerful gem containing the element of the defeated dragon. But they are not the only inhabitants of the island....
The king was told of this, and has ordered five hundred of his best soldiers to sail to this island. I was one of them. My name is Dirktral. Son of Hernlet and Silinna.
Weeks before the departure, the king had us train, with many of the Elite Soldiers. They trained all of us how to use the many different styles of weapons effectively, spot and detect traps, to work as a team, and, for the few of the soldiers who could wield magic, how to heal the wounds of their fellow soldiers, and how to use magic to distract or injure whatever monster that we might encounter on the mysterious island.
After all the intense training, the day to depart has arrived. The ship that we're using to sail to the island was huge. Larger than most of the military ships in the king's shipyard. The name of the ship was the S.S. Gerald, a ship who has weathered many battles and attacks from monsters. The families of the soldiers came to see them off, all but myself. I had no wife and my mother and father died several years ago. The time soon came for the five hundred men to board the giant vessel, carrying in crates of supplies, weapons, and tools. The walk boards were pulled in, the anchor was pulled out of the harbor, and the sails were drawn. The families cheered and cried, as they saw their sons and husbands off. Most of them believed that they would see them again, but the other families, and myself, knew that nearly all or all of us soldiers would never see our kingdom again.
Three days have past, and trying to pass the time was hard, for those who couldn't use magic mostly. Though I mainly kept to myself. Luckily, on a ship full of soldiers, it wasn't hard to find a partener to train with. Even though it was training, I do get a few cuts. It's not because I was careless or that I was lucky to be one of the best figthers in the king's army. Its only that my eyesight hasn't been always the same. I first started to lose my eyesight when I was a sqauire for a knight, but I never told anyone. Not even my parents. They were so proud that their only son could become a soldier in the kings army, so I didn't want to make them worry. But now, my sight is to where everything blury. One day, I was woken up in the middle of the night, by one of the magic weilders. "What do you want," I asked, annoied.
"I've noticed you have had a few cuts from your training today. But I've known you for five years, and I haven't seen you like this. Is there something wrong with you?" Thats when I recognized the voice," Arfrel?"
The magic weilder nodded," yes Dirktral. It's me." Arfrel was one of my closest friends in the army, but he always had a hood or a helmet on his head, so his face was always covered. Plus his voice always sounded strange. As if he had a minor illness. But I can always trust him with anything. "Alright, I'll tell you, but you must never tell anyone else about this, promise?"
"Promise," he replied.
"Okey. The truth is is that my eyesight has started to fail me. And-"
"Would you like me to make you magical visor that will enhance your sight," Arfrel asked, interupting me. I thought about it, then nodded," if you can do that for me."
"For you, anything Dirktral," Arfral said. "I'll start working on one as soon as I find a visor that will fit you." With that agreement, Arfral left, and left me to sleep for the rest of the night.
Everyday, for two months, Arfral was never seen by anyone else but me, except for when it was time for the meals. He finally found a visor. The visor was essentially a helm that covered only the top half of the face. But it was ok, and a good thing too, since it was style of helms that we were given. And, Arfral said that he was about five days away from finishing the enchantment on the visor. Which was good, because in about eight days, the captian expected that we would reach the island, which we have named 'The Isle of the Elements.' But the hardest part about waiting for the visor was to act normal around the rest of the army until the island was reached. But I could bare it. After the five days of waiting, Arfral woke me again at night. "Dirktral, wake up."
Again I was annoied, but I sat up," did you finish the visor?"
Arfral's blurred head nodded," here," he said, pulling out the visor," try it on." I accepted the visor from Arfral and placed it on my head. What I saw was amazing. I could see Arfrals hooded head completely. Very little detail was there, but there was more....Something I couldn't describe other than, not only could I see the world more clearly, but I could also see what people really were. Looking at Arfral, I could see his face, but it wasn't a face of a...."Arfral, you're a woman!?"
"Shh!" Arfral quickly looked around to see if anyone else woke up, but no one did. Then, he looked back at me," can you keep a secert?"
I couldn't believe this! Somehow, a woman has snuck into the kings army. And in his kingdom, though women had more freedoms than most other kingdoms around ours, would not allow any woman join in his army, no matter how great of a fighter thay were. But Arfral, IF that was her real name, was my closest friend, and the only person I could count on. Hesiantly, I nodded," I will keep this a secert."
"That's not the only thing I don't want anyone else to know," she said, speaking in her actual voice, which, I had to admit, was beautiful.
"Then what's the other secert then, Arfral, if that's your real name," I said, looking at her face. For the first time, I saw her eyes, which had the color of the forest leaves, and hair as black as night, but she had it cut short.
Arfral sighed," Dirktral, Arfral is not my real name. My real name is Isayi. Please, I'm sorry for lying to you for all these years, but there's a reason why I did...."
"And that reason is," I asked, looking at Isayi with annoyance.
Isayi was silent, then shook her head," nevermind. But please, keep this a secert."
"I will Isayi. You know me well enough to know that I keep my promises." With the visors enchantment, I saw her smile," thank you Dirktral. Now, hide that visor until we reach the island. If someone find it and uses it, they'll suspect something." I nodded, and placed it in the pouch hanging above my bed. "Ok, now, let me sleep, 'Arfral.'"
"Good night, Dirktral," Isayi, or Arfral replied, getting up to leave. But, about an hour after she left, I had a hard time going back to sleep. There was something about her that made me restless. I just figured that it was what she didn't tell me, and pushed that aside, and finally went back to sleep.
The S.S. Gerald has finally reached the island. "Alright," the captain began to announce, "before all of you leave, gather up any weapons, armor, and supplies you can. The king's orders is that you all leave the ship. If this plan works, we will have come closer to finishing the war with the dragons!"
Almost all the soldiers yelled in answer, raising their weapons and banging their sheilds or armor. I remained silent and went to gather what I wanted. I have choosen to travel light. I simply grabbed a shoulder and torso armor, left arm armor, and grieaves. For my weapon I grabbed a double-bladed spear. The butt end had a shorter blade than the top. Then I grabbed several pouches and tied them to my belt. When I got back on the deck, they were either still cheering or bragging about how they were chosen as a soldier for the kings army. I thought that they were all pathetic. All they sought glory and praise. I just wanted to go back home, where I knew the dangers, though how little their were. But here, we could all die within the hour. But it was too late to turn back now. "Hey," Arfral tapped my shoulder from behind, talking in deep voice. I turned to face her," you still have that visor?" I nodded," of course." I pulled it out and again placed it back on my head. Once again, my sight was restored. "Again, thanks for doing this for me, Arfral."
"Don't mention it," Arfral replied," ok. Come on, it's time to go do what we were trained to do." I smiled slightly, and went marching with the rest of the soldiers. Good bye comfort, I thought to myself, hello death.
We set up camp after a few hours of exploring. Some of the scouts continued on ahead to servey the surrounding area. But that was when everyone first stopped to set up camp, and it was getting dark. We didn't want to send anymore out and risk losing more men. And we haven't seen any flares either. Each soldier were given five flares, which the kings magicans come up with months before, to carry with them at all times once they left the ship. Four for emergancies, and the last one, which is bigger than the other four, for when the mission is complete. But the sky was clear. Which worried several of the soldiers. Then whispers were heard.
"Maybe they were attacked by monsters," I heard one soldier say. Then I heard another repliy," maybe they just ran off. Traitors." I sighed at the soldiers' stupidity. They shouldn't worry about someone who is probably dead already. And, even if they were traitor's, then they would still be attacked. But whatever the situation was, I would stay calm, and wait for anything that might, and will happen.
As I slept, since I wasn't chosen as one of the soldiers to stand guard around the camp, I had a strange dream. I saw the island, but I was high above the island. The area I recognized, which was the area we landed on, was miles of jungle. But it stops abruptly to a clearing in the very center of the island. In the clearing was a giant temple. This temple was bright white, with gold trim. It seemed to be made of pure light. And there were five other enterances of the same size. The temple to the very north of the island was carved into a volcano, lava cascaded over what would be the enterance. The walls of the temple glowed with a dull orange. The temple to the very east of the island was made entirely of ice. The land around it was frozen solid. Yet a waterfall flowed into a pond behind the temple. The temple southeast of the white temple was made of stone. It was surrounded by swurling sands. The temple to the southwest of the white temple floated high above the ground. Winds whipped and swurled around the temple. And the last temple, which was to the very western edge of the island was built with human bones. The enterance itself was a giant dragon skull. I realized that the temples must be home to the six dragon elementals that were rumored to be on this island. Suddenly, I heard a female voice, call to me from the darkness," go to the Temple of Light. There, you shall take your first step toward your destiny."
I never heard the voice before, but I cried out," what do you mean? Who are you?"
"All will be revealed soon enough, warrior."
I was awoke to with a start. It was still very late. What did she mean, 'your destiny'? Am I to be the only survivor of this suicide mission? I pondered this before I fell asleep again. When I woke up again, it was morning. I heard the others packing up camp. Then Arfral came into my tent," hey Dirktral, it's-. Oh! You're already awake."
"Yeah," I replied.
"Well, come on. We're moving out."
"Okay. I'm getting up." Then I remembered about the scouts from last night," hey, Arfral, any word on the scouts?" Arfral shook her head," no. There was nothing from them. No flare. No noise. Nothing."
Of course, I knew that their wouldn't be any word from the missing men. But, I wanted to see if I was wrong. But, unfortunately, I wasn't. "Alright."
"Okay." Then, Arfral left me to pack up my tent. Which I did quickly. When I finished, a voice was heard over all the noise of the packing up. "Alright, listen up! You all have ten minutes to finish, then we're heading north! Those who are not done will be left behind!"
I don't know what came over me, but I yelled out," who made you the leader?" Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at me. The soldier who was just talking, who everyone knew as a bully, he was bigger than me, more muscular, and what I considered THE example of an idiot, looked at me with anger," what did you say?"
"You heard me," I retorted. Trent, the soldier who just announced the order, banged his shield. Knowing what that meant, everyone else made a open circle, only leaving me and Trent in the circle. "Are you challenging my authority?"
"How can I challenge your authority if you didn't have any to begin with?" Trent growled at me. "Then are you asking for a fight for right of leadership?"
I spat at him," you are not fit to be the leader of anyone! And neither am I." Trent smirked, "is there anyone else here that thinks that he is right? That I shouldn't take the position of leader?" Only a few hands was rose from the crowd. "And those who believe that I should become the leader?" Those who didn't raise their hands now did. Trent then looked at Dirktral and smirked, looking victorious," so, Dirktral, what are you going to do now?"
I looked around at the crowd. "Those who have agreed with me step forward." The crowd stood aside for those who rose their hands. There were only five soldiers, including Arfral, came forward. "Good, now, answer this question, would like to have your lives left in the hands of an idiot?" They all shook their heads. "Then come with me."
Trent laughed," you think that the six of you will survive long on this island, alone?"
I shrugged," but there's no guarantee that any of you will survive on this island either."
Trent just shrugged," fine. Go. You won't be missed." No needing to be told a second time, or wanting to listen to him talk again, I headed to the north. Arfral and the others followed me. Before we were far, the last thing I heard from Trent was ," alright, we're going to circle around the island, to know our terrain, and to find the ideal spot to...."
It was noon when we stopped for a meal. Luckily, everyone, including myself, brought along the provisions we gathered. Besides Arfral, I looked at the four other soldiers. The one right across from me wore full battle armor and carried around a sword and shield. He had a scruffy brown bread, short hair, and brown eyes. And he introduced himself as Isaac. The soldier to his left wore more flexiable scale armor, his weapon of choice was a sheild and hammer. He had dark blonde hair, green eyes, and had an elvish face. He said his name was Undast. The short one leaning against a nearby tree had low-cut, black hair, and had dull gray eyes. The only armor he wore was a leather vest with plates of armor studded onto the vest. He perferred to use long bladed daggers. He didn't talk much, but he said his name was Rilus. The last soldier, aside from Arfral, had a body that almost rivaled an orcs'. His armor included bracers, graives, and a helmet. The rest of his armor was a bear pelt. His weapon was a great axe, made esspecially for him, since he was the tallest of us. He didn't talk much either, but he did say his name was Berkural, but it sounded as if he had trouble even speaking, which might be because of a scar the ran across his neck. "You all already know me, from the dispute Trent and I had," I said. Then Arfral stepped forward, who was still in her soldier disguse," my name is Arfral. I'm a magic wielder. "That's good," Isaac said, after shallowing some of the food he had in his mouth," because we'll need one if we will want to stand a chance out here." The other three nodded. Arfral shook her head. "One magic weilder alone cannot make a army. Or group."
"Well said," Rilus said, getting up from the tree," but now, there is a matter at hand... Who will lead us?" They were all silent, then turned their heads to me.
"Me," I asked.
"Well, you are the one who told us to follow you. And we did," Undast replied," so, you're the leader."
"Where to next, leader," Berkural managed. Isaac, Rilus, and even Arfral nodded in agreement. Dirktral was stunned. They all trusted him. But this time, he felt at ease to lead these five soldiers. It'd be easier for him to lead five rather than five hundred. "Alright," Dirktral said, deciding to take the role of leader," we'll first go to the center of the island."
"Ok," Rilus said.
"Whatever you say, boss," Undast said. Isaac and Berkural nodded. Everyone gathered their equipment, and headed north, toward the center of the island.
Knowing where to go, based on the vision Dirktral had last night, he took the front, and let the other's follow behind. They all heard rushling in the bushes as they trekked through the forest, but nothing leaped from the bushes, yet. Dirktral stopped and so did the others. Rilus, being right behind Dirktral, whispered," we're surrounded."
Dirktral whispered back," how many?"
"About twenty."
"Did you see what they are?"
Rilus shook his head slowly, being cautious," no. Their movements are familiar, but they're hiding too well. But everyone should be prepared for anything." I nodded, but suddenly, whatever was hiding in the bushes sprang out and quickly surrounded us. They walked around us in a circle, pointing their spears at us. They were forest elves. Rilus, being on elf himself, carefully said that we should show them that we are not a threat to them. Everyone dropped their weapons and held their hands up, except for Rilus, who began to speak in his native tongue. I didn't understand what he said, but it seemed to settle the elves very much. Then one elf started to speak to Rilus, but in a angry tone.
"What do they want," I asked Rilus.
"They are angry that we tresspassed on their land."
"Can't we just say sorry and leave?"
Rilus shook his head, and looked alittle disgusted at what Dirktral asked," do you think a dragon would let anyone go if they just said 'sorry'? No. With elves that are not used to anyone else other than themselves, its the same thing. But, these elves will give us a chance to go, but their leader must give the order."
"Order?" But before I could say anything else, the elves surrounding us all hollared and beat the ground with the butt end of their spear. A roar was heard, and two of the elves moved to let a elegantly dressed elf woman riding a bear through. The bear stopped within feet of us. The elven woman got off the bear and observed the six of us. She placed her hand on my chin, then pulled my head so she can she my face. She had long, flowing, light blonde hair and sky-blue eyes. She suddenly gasped, slapped the nearest wood elf, and started to yell at all of them. "What is she saying," I asked Rilus.
"She says that the dragon of light has sent them to only find us. Not attack us."
"Why would a dragon want to see me?"
Rilus shrugged. I then looked at the elven woman, who has finished yelling at her brethern, and got back on the bear again. "You are free to journey to the Temple of Light, But," she pointed at me," the dragon of light only wishes to see you." She barked a command at the other elves, who jumped back into the bushes, and then rode the bear toward where the other elves disappeared to.
Knowing that we would have to be cautious, we continued to travel north. The forest began to get thicker and thicker with trees. We were going deeper into the forest. Fog began to roll in. Remnants of anicent stone to come into view through the thick fog. The further we walked, more and more stones came into view. "I have a bad feeling about this," Berkural said in a hushed, yet gruff voice. Everyone readied their weapons, including myself, and continued to travel into the fog. The sound of whispers and clicking could be heard as we walked further. The faint outline of a building in disrepair came into view through the thick fog. A twig breaking suddenly broke the whispering and clicking, and silence fell over the forest. We stopped walking, and formed a circle, facing out toward the fog, waiting for anything that would attack us. I looked toward the anicent structure, and the enterance was only a short distance away.
"Everyone," I said quietly, getting their attention," follow me. Quietly." I started to carefully walk over to the enterance, with the others following closely behind. Suddenly, a creature lunged from the fog, and tackled Rilus, knocking him into the fog and onto the ground. From what I saw of the creature, it was very short, deep gray skin, and had dark green hair. A screech was heard, and Rilus quickly rejoined the group, a few scartches on his leather armor and blood dripping off of his long daggers. "Goblins," he said, breathing heavily," and that was not the last of them."
