*thump* *thump* *thump*

'A few citizens looked up at the noise, interrupted from their daily life. It sounded like a large earthquake was approaching from the north. The pounding grew closer and closer, people in the northernmost part of the city saw a cloud of dust rising along the northern road.

*thump*

One particularly intelligent citizen ran to find the mayor. The plump, friendly old man was walking around the city, greeting citizens and making a general nuisance of himself. The boy, Geofry, clutched the mayor's sleeve.

"The Marauders are coming!!! Lock the gates! Save the city! They'll kill us all!!"

The aging man looked down at the boy's terrified face and mopped the sweat that began to bead on his forehead.

*THUMP*

The mayor wished the city had not been left in his hands. He tried to compose himself and think of a plan. Geofry clung to his arm and was eventually pried off by a few guards.

In his office, the mayor reviewed the status of the army, the city, and its citizens. They had fallen on hard times after King Havoc and Queen Cait had left them without a ruler. There was no hope of standing against Highlord Oge. The massacre would only be less than that of Shalonesti because there would be less military men to die. The mayor's hand fell on a scrap of paper that had been delivered to him by that brisk reporter. He reread it with interest. Her report indicated that Highlord Oge was not too harsh on the citizens of Shalonesti, and that those of the Marauders who had killed innocents had been punished.

"Bless you, Marti. You may have saved our people."

*Knock* *Knock*

A strong voice rang out from the northern gates. The words boomed across the city for all to hear.

"I give you the same terms that were offered to King Terri of Shalonesti. You may fight me, and be destroyed, or you may open your gates and allow me to enter."

Silence ensued. The citizens didn't know what to do. There had been no call for war. There was no one to lead them into battle. The mayor stayed in his office, afraid his presence would be a sign of resistance.
(CONTINUED IN NEXT HISTORY NOTE)

After a few moments of confused silence, Highlord Oge cleared his throat. There were no sounds in the city, no preparation of war, no calls for battle. Hammurabi looked at him, puzzled. Grimlok stood impassively, awaiting orders. Highlord Oge nodded at Chronus, who smiled eagerly and quickly scaled the walls of the city.

Inside the gate house there was no one. The mayor had already ordered everyone to retreat from the gates. Disappointed, the bloodthirsty elf opened the gates and Oge led his troops in. The line of knights, soldiers and cavalry seemed to stretch on forever. There was not enough room for them to walk more than 4 abreast. Seeing the potential problem, Oge sent Metrox with orders to have the rest of the army camp outside the gates.

The mayor awaited them on Main Street. With very little ceremony he handed over the keys to the city and King Havoc's crown.

"We will not oppose you, Highlord Oge. You may have the city"

Oge watched him, mildly surprised. He had not thought anyone would be intelligent enough to hand over their city.

"You may continue your duties as they were." Oge told the mayor, handing the keys to the city back. He raised his voice and looked to the people around him. They didn't seem very curious about him, except for one pale-faced boy that looked absolutely terrified. Oge grinned. "You now answer to me. You will go on about your lives as normal and none of you will be harmed"

A few people cheered. Most of them just kept going about their business. The apathy of the citizens was appalling. Oge snarled, turning to face his troops.

"You have your orders!"

At once his well trained army scattered, joining their particular battalion leaders and fulfilling their orders.

The whole time, the city was strangely quiet. The mayor had slipped away to his offices without notice and aside from a few curious citizens, everyone seemed to ignore him.

He almost preferred to win by battle. Some patriotism would do these people some good - almost.

In Althainia, a ceremony where Highlord was named Emperor Oge stunned everyone. Silence filled the crowd as Oge spoke.

Citizens of Althainia, New Thalos, and Shalonesti,

I have claimed the throne of Althainia. Do not call me King. We are bigger and greater than any one King could hope to be. King Terri of the Shalonesti and Sultana Myra of New Thalos have agreed and signed a proclamation unifying us all to the Empire of Althainia. They will lead their kingdoms still, and we shall work together to increase the quality of our kingdoms under this one Empire. I will lead the marauders no more, I leave that task in the hands of General Krothgar. I will still pay for the marauder's headquarters on another continent, but not if they resist this ruling. If they do, they will lose, I have wealth and can beat them. Any attack upon Shalonesti and new Thalos, means you must fight the entire Empire! This is the beginning of the makings of the most powerful Empire ever known! I am confident that the Emperor of Verminasia and the King of Arkane will work with us. Long live the Althainian Empire.

*************************************************************
The interview!
Journalists: Will the Marauders back off?
Emperor Oge: They will if they want their new Headquarters. Without co-operation, they will have nothing except a homeless army and there is no telling how many of them will go with me.

Journalists: What prompted all of this?
Emperor Oge: I saw greater glory in this. A lot of Marauders have stopped being warriors and are instead becoming ruthless thugs. I only hope that KrothGar can do a better job than I.

Journalists: How much money did you take with you?
Emperor Oge: 99% of all money of the Marauders was collected by me. Most of the Marauders just boasted behind my accomplishments while I made the contacts with the backers.

Journalists: Do you still own New Thalos and Shalonesti?
Emperor Oge: They will run their own Kingdoms, but they belong to the Althainian Empire. We ALL will work together to better improve our Kingdoms. The first thing we will work on is our regeneration rooms in ALL kingdoms.

Emperor Oge: No more questions at this time, I have much to do.

The troops screamed their battle cries.

"Archers, get in formation and fire at my command" The archers raised their bows and fired arrows over the city walls. Arrows dashed down into building and citizens alike. General Gew quickly organized his troops.

The city gates opened to the surprise of the Althainian commanders. "These Goblins ARE stupid, they WANT us to come in" said one. Another higher ranking officer shouted "NO! It is a trap. Hold your ground!"

Suddenly, several goblins wielding long spears and swords dashed out of the gate riding their wolves.

The Althainian Captain shouted "Their cavalry approaches, pike men to the front!"

A battle ensued. The Goblins retreated back into their gates immediately having their now positioned archers fire into the army of Althainia. Pike men perished, some dying not because of arrow wounds, but because of the venom that goblins coat all weapons with.

Darkness fell and both warring armies prepared for the next day.

Subject: Invasion Arkane.... again.

The Verminasian soldier looked at the Northern gate of Arkane. Well, that's what it was called, even though no gate stands there. None has stood since Arkane fell to his Army the first time. The only sign of resistance these last few days had been the continued boulder being launched from within the city somewhere. He had lost a few friends in those onslaughts but not nearly enough to sway their sizable force. Finally the order came down. "CHARGE!!!!" His adrenalin pumping into overdrive, he breaks into a full run, his battalion around him. The fallen gate looming before, still no resistance, other than the occasional boulder lunging into his army behind him. Blood lust fills his soul and he belts out a war cry, mirrored by the men who follow him. Still nothing. Something wasn't right, but by now they were in full charge, no turning back. Three whole battalions pour into the gates open archway. As soon as the third enters, loud yells reach out from behind. The soldier turns and sees his men burning; hot oil splashing over them. Then the arrows began. Seemingly out of nowhere, archers on both sides of the battalions start pummeling them with arrows and then the soldier sees them, two mages, and one on each side. Explosions rip through his ranks. The oil on his men is igniting and building a wall of fire. The Verminasian army still outside the wall cease in their charge. For the burning mass before them is impenetrable. Pike men rush out of the houses around the gate and close ranks melee breaks out. The soldier fights, taking down some the pike men, as his men fight with true valor. Of course with a wall of fire behind you and an army around you, you tend to fight with valor. The soldier and his ragtag battalion, what was left of it, continue to smash through the ranks of pike men. The soldier turns, slaying the young pike man who just ran his friend through. Then he feels it: the burning pain in his side. He turns slowly and sees the reason. A knight, bearing the mark of the Marauders stands before him, his sword dripping blood, an evil leer on his face. The soldier falls to his knees and with the last of his strength, brings his sword to bear and splits the knight in half. Before the Knight even hits the ground, the soldier drops. His blood pumps out in spurts and then gently slows to a trickle. The young soldier, known to some as Benigaris succumbs to the gods request for his soul and he perishes. The last of the three battalions that had entered. Silence then takes to the airs. All is calm as the fires dwindle to a mere whisper of what they were.

Althainia under Attack.

The guards over Althainia's East gate had been relieved to see the goblin army disappear from sight the other day. Their passage through Althainia had been tense at best. But now they were gone so the guards relaxed a little. Then came the alarm, Goblins had been sighted in the sewers. A call to arms was issued and many rushed in. Politics then got involved and no orders were issued. It was believed that the goblins were trying to catch up with their other force en route to New Thalos to join in New Thalos' defense. The belief was mistaken. Before light had fallen on the city, the goblins emerged from the sewers. The flaming arrows began devastating the houses and people. Then the war cry. An eerie sound of pure hatred and vengeance. All those who heard it knew what was to come. The city folks began to panic and to run out the gates to try and seek safety, those who left out the east gates where cut down by a waiting army of goblins. A bugle blares and then another war cry. The city was under siege. The guards closed the gates as fast as they could but the goblins where upon them in no time. The gate never finished closing as the guards fell. The forces of Althainia rallied together and began to defend their city. Explosions resounded, huge rocks pummeled the walls and houses of the city. Everywhere you looked there was destruction and mayhem. The Althainian archers began to send flight after flight into the oncoming goblins taking down many and leaving a stench that no amount of cleaning would ever remove from the kingdom streets. Soon the first 2 elements of archers where overrun by well armored and well armed knights and cavalry. The archers fell. The Althainian forces are being pushed back to the center of the city and are defending like mad men. Many Goblins fall to their fury as do many Althainian's fall to the goblins sheer force.

The battle continues...

No kingdom deaths have happened this day.

Blood flows freely, deep within city of Althainia. Many on both sides have fallen. The battle goes on. Outside the sewers, the goblin forces continue to back the Althainian's towards the center of the city. Then an outcry is heard from the goblins rear. Fresh pike men join into the fray, impaling many goblins as they turn, cornered. The gore stains the streets as both sides fight a vicious battle for survival.

On the eastern gate front, arrows fly and swords clash. The goblins are slowly gaining ground as the Althainian soldiers are being driven back. Then you hear it, "Militia, for Althainia", the flood of Human settlers armed with old swords, pitchforks, hoes, you name it, if it could bludgeon or maim, they had it. The goblins maintain their ground but the drive forward has stopped.

The war continues.

Two ships where found today by an Armada warship. The carried the flags of Althainia Empire, Althainia Kingdom, New Thalos, and Dolund'ir. One was burning and rapidly sunk into the ocean. Armada sent out armed divers and quickly boarded the other ship. They report that goblins where lighting small fires on the ship and that yells and bashing noises could be heard from below. The divers quietly took out the goblin guards over the cargo holds and unlatched the hold door. The sight was nothing short of astounding. In the hold were several battalions of elven and human soldiers. The soldiers were quick to group and aided the divers in recapturing the ship. On board the rescued ship was none other than Culain. He is now commanding the ship as it returns to Althainia. The crew of the sunk ship has also been captured while attempting to flee in a lifeboat. The captains of the ships have walked the planks and are no longer among us. The Undauntable now tows the crippled surviving ship in for repairs and to reunite the survivors with their families and leaders.

Explosions erupt in the battlements as archers fall from the walls to their deaths, but not before sending another deadly swarm of arrows deep into the hearts of their enemy. The goblins force then divides, one force heading back east. A few hours later, the sound of warfare can be heard in that direction as well. The goblins at the gate continue now against an angry militia.

By the sewers, more pike men join the fray, but are mostly held at bay by the goblin archers assigned to that area. Several fall before they even get close enough to attack. The knights and cavalry of Dolund'ir continue to push and start making leeway again as the Althainian defenders start to fall back again.

The battle continues.

One player death this day, Lancelot died with honor in battle.

The gore and masses of bodies continue to pile up as the battle next to the sewers continues. Goblins, humans, and elves alike continue to fight with vigor, even as they become more and more exhausted. The fighting has been going on for days and both sides are starting to feel it. The goblins forward progress has once again been halted, but they do maintain their position.

At the East Gate, The goblins finish off the archers on the walls. They then enter the city and attack a small horde of soldiers protecting some mages. The mage sets a round of explosions off in the goblins ranks sending body parts flying into the air. But the goblins overtake them. The East Gate has fallen.

Outside the east gate, goblin Archers sent flights of arrows into the advancing New Thalos forces. Then all becomes quiet. Then it happens, a variable wall of arrows comes pouring into the goblin forces, then explosions. When the dust clears, no living goblins remain outside the gates.

Inside the gate, Goblins rush to close the gates. A barricade is quickly thrown together to reinforce the gate. Archers take positions on the walls, and the waiting game begins.

Two player deaths this sorrowful day, Azog of Dolund'ir, and Callak in support of Althainia and New Thalos.

New Thalos officials have yet to comment on the situation.

The Althainian force made their formations as commanders rode their mounts back and forth checking equipment and answering the newer troops last minute questions.

The signal was given and a line of archers raised their bows and prepared to begin the assault on Dolund'ir. A catapult was loaded and brought to the front.

Above the walls on Dolund'ir crossbow men stood prepared to respond.

Kalaman raised his mace and then sharply brought it downward. Along with the war cries of hundreds of Althainian soldiers a flock of arrows flew through the sky landing over the walls. The catapult was unleashed as a huge boulder crashed into the Dolund'ir wall, cracking it. Kalaman gave the signal again and again the arrows flew and the boulder hit the wall again, inches from where it hit last time. That was the opening Althainia had needed. Crossbowmen and Archers alike lined up towards the wall and begin to take a closer position.

A goblin stood tall and fired his crossbow at an approaching archer, missing widely.

Asuraka released his arrow from his bow. It flew straight into the crossbowmen's neck and his limp body fell from the wall.

A siege tower was placed before the opening of the wall. Shadrael began to cast his protective spells upon several units of infantry and mace men as they began to assault the city itself. A battering was brought forth to the gate and the soldiers prepared for close battle.

Tarion gave the signal and the goblins opened the gates and poured out by the hundreds. Swords and maces collided with swords and cheap hand made weapons from the large militia force gathered by the Goblin leader. Goblin crossbowmen fired their weapons at close range as goblin pikemen defended the gap in the cities walls from climbing Althainia mace men. Blood poured as many of the goblin militia could hear goblin bones break from the maces as they bashed into their bones. Several hundred militias turned around to flee. Only Kahn Tarion's presence kept 70% of the militia from turning and running. The battle ensued with Cetjem and his men defending the wall well as Brudon's unit of infantry fell victim to Kheldan's unit of macemen. Just when all seemed lost, a large Dragon swooped down from the sky. A bolt of lighting left his mouth and struck Shadrael, dropping him to the ground unconscious.

Jormungander grinned and flew by for another swoop. On his next pass he breathed a bolt of lightning from over 200 feet away. It struck Armathor along with 6 other macemen dressed in chain mail. All dropped the ground, Armathor barely breathing and crawling to safety. The dragon landed and swung his massive claws at a group of nearby pikemen, instantly killing most of them.

Xiervence motioned his knights to ride toward the dragon with lances forward. Only a moment before impaling the dragon, several goblin infantry slashed at the knights' horses, giving Jormungander enough notice to turn and leap into flight. An arrow pierced Jormungander's wing which only seemed to enrage the enormous Dragon. A quick swoop produced the dragon's lunch as the archer Asuraka was bitten and dragged into the air and swallowed almost whole by Jormungander. Several archers stood in fright, unable to move. Althainian macemen and infantry continued to push forward as a several militia dropped to their might.

The fight had lasted until nightfall, where both forces seemed content to await daylight before the next battle begins. The goblins fell behind a closed city wall as the Althainian's camped close to the city. The Great Blue dragon sought solace elsewhere, to digest his meal.

Formations were made and just as light came about the goblins stormed out of their gates. The battle continued just as it ended the night before. Furious war cries deafened many as blades, maces, and polearms swung into their enemies.

Above all of the noise was a *crack* of thunder as a lightning bolt slammed into an unsuspecting Althainian maceman, burning his face to a crisp.

A couple of hundred of Althainia militia who had volunteered to travel along days before to help bring their nation a victory against these goblins stood in fear. "We didn't sign up to die, we signed up to win!" shouted one man. The Althainian militia began their retreat towards their home.

The mage Kentanin sent a massive fireball into the air slamming into Jormungander's body. The enormous Blue Dragon came smoking down into the ground crushing a unit of Althainia Macemen. Immediately, Xiervence led his knights on the charge against the stunned Dragon. A unit of Goblin Pikemen quickly surrounded the Dragon and brought down 3 of the 6 knights from their mounts. Others were caught by goblin crossbowmen and knocked clean from their horses.

Xiervence gasped one of his last breaths. He stood, dizzy and his vision blurry. He felt his body get yanked into the air and all went black. "The dragon has me" he thought to himself.

Meanwhile the unit of goblin crossbowmen began an attack on their Althainian rivals. Arball ordered that the crossbowmen stand their ground and exchange fire. Yawg seeing this, ordered his unit of crossbowmen to flank the goblin unit. It took only 11 minutes to rid this battle of goblin crossbow attacks.

Xiervence awoke. He immediately felt his chest and legs surprised to not have dragon teeth marks in him. Florellia, the cleric smiled at him. Xiervence immediately asked what happened, he was sure the dragon had him. Florellia responded "Rowen made a dashing run leaning off his horse and pulling you on to his. You should thank him, his mount caught a pointed arrow immediately afterwards and his leg when the horse fell. But he brought you to me, broken leg and all."

Jormungander rose and blindly swung his claws in anger and pain. His strike took out a group of Goblin militia and a group of Althainian Pikemen before he could see clearly. A sharp painful cut tore into his neck as Armathor slashed his sword at the Great Beast. Blood trickled from Jormunganders neck as he leapt into the air in attempt to escape. He only got 40 feet into the air before he fell back down to earth. The Althainians charged at the Dragon and had him cornered. Looking around Jormungander saw a vast cave and quickly made his escape into it.

Hours upon hours of battle had occurred and many soldiers fought until they dropped from weariness. The Althainians had managed to slay most of the Goblin Infantry and a good portion of the Goblin Militia. Upon darkness, the goblins retreated back within their walls and the Althainians took some much needed rest. Only the catapult remained active this night as Althainia lunged boulders over the walls into the city and the cleric Florellia healed many wounds allowing soldiers some much deserved rest. Soldiers had surrounded the entrance of the cave to prevent an escape from the Dragon, if it still lived.

Kahn Tarion knew his numbers were slimming and pondered his next move. He strolled through the streets of Dolund'ir when he was approached by a green goblin covered in dark cloth. Tarion took an interest since this goblins color seemed different. In one fluent movement the goblin pulled a dagger and lunged for Tarion's throat, nicking him slightly. Tarion removed his sword and beheaded the off balance assassin. Someone wanted him dead but whom?

Midnight came with no events. This battle looked as if it may be decided by one more day.

Blood trickled from the Great Wyrm's neck. Jormungander snarled heavily but soon realized his mistake. With every sound he made a flock of crossbowmen's arrows followed by a fireball entered the dark cave. Jormungander's anger flared but he remained still, pondering his next move.

Dawn appeared and the Althainians prepared for what they hoped would be a final assault. Cormion, a wizard from Althainia had arrived this morning through a magical gate. Kentanin, the other wizard was stationed outside of the cave where the blue dragon had hidden through the night. Crutos, a Knight of Althainia who was second in command of the only remaining macemen division asked calmly "Are the goblins still asleep?" Kalaman shrugged and shouted, "Lets wake them up!" With that command a well aimed boulder was launched into the Dolund'ir wall, rocking its foundation. Kalaman and Crutos both chuckled. The light hearted humor was interrupted by the Shadows of Dragons approaching. "What now??" shouted Kalaman. Tannker ran up to Kalaman's post shouting and waving his arms. "It's a Brass Dragon, sir! It's come to help!"

Paziameira landed and nudged them gently with her snout. She looked around and clicked her teeth in annoyance. "Where is it"? The large Brass Dragon asked.

Kalaman knew who the "it" the large female dragon was referring to. "He has holed himself up in a cave all night. We have it injured." Paziameira made no response and walked over the cave.

(((BAAAM))) A wall of the Dolund'ir city shook with a force so powerful, it knocked Sheng who was leaning on it completely to the ground. Sheng stood up quickly, his head ringing. Jerluk laughed and then spoke without emotion. "Bad place to rest, no?" Sheng muttered and drew his sword. Tarion shouted down the ranks, "Let us go! Remember, we win or we die!"

Cormion approached Kalaman. "Another Dragon approaches, and its that of a green one. Shall I cast a fireball at it?" Kalaman did not pause before he answered. "NO! No one harm the green beast. I have word from the King that this beast came here to slay the Blue, some sort of Chromatic rivalry. Do not harm it!" Crutos smirked and stated quietly "I wonder what the Brass will think about the Green's help."

The gates flung open and the army of Dolund'ir ran towards the Althainians. Battle cries flared and the battle begun. Mostly unnoticed, a goblin Shaman by the name of Chanker turned himself into a coyote and quietly made his way towards the cave. As he approached the cave the coyote changed shape into a small, baby bear. The Althainians watched as the small cub wandere towards the cave.

Yawg, a ranger and leader of the crossbowmen saw the cub approach. "Let it be. The cub probably lives in the cave. I do not know if it has family left there, but we should not interfere with nature". Those under his command knew he meant what he said when it comes to protecting natures beasts. Those without blue scales and 50 foot tails that is.

Once safe inside the cave, Chanker unshifted into his Goblin form. "No be afraid blue one, I come here to heal your wounds."

The brass dragon approached the cave.

(continued in part 2)

Paziameira sniffed the air from within the caves vast opening. The sniff echoed loudly.

"A Metallic! I will not die lying down!" Jormungander stood tall and inhaled a deep breath taking almost a minute to gather as much air as he could. "NO! , DO NOT!" Yell Chanker but his please were too late. A VERY loud thundering sound CRACKED through the cave sending an enormous bolt through the cave to the opening. The Althainian crossbow unit and the wizard both caught the force of this massive bolt sending them to ground.

Kentanin skins flared on fire with only his magic saving him from death. Rowen was not so lucky, all that stood in his place were his boots. Yawg was knocked several feet away and burned severely, but for the moment he was breathing.

Paziameira evaded the blast, using the reflexes her birthright had given her. However, the flash had completely blinded her. The echo from the lighting blast shook the cave and quickly, the cave began to come down.

Chanker screamed "Now you see what you done! Now we both is tr..." A large boulder from the cave crashed down on top of Chanker, completely crushing him. Jormungander tried to make his way towards the entrance but was smashed with one large boulder and then another. Within seconds, he was completely buried under tons of solid rock.

Paziameira turned to exit the cave, but could only rely on her sense of smell. Her too, within seconds, was buried under this massive cave which had suddenly become a mountain.

Kentanin gasped in pain and disbelief. Why had he been the only one to survive? What had the gods had in store for him? A large silver figure stood over him now. "Maybe I am dead."

Xiervanthian stood above him and then he glanced at the cave. Before him were two dying mortals, Kentanin and Yawg. But he knew Paziameira went into that cave. He spotted a cleric earlier at the Althainia camp and he could save these men, but what of Paziameira? This choice was not easy. Xiervanthian moaned in a tone that only a dragon could as he picked up Kentanin and Yawg's near lifeless bodies and carried them back to the Althainian healer.

At the battle field the goblin and Althainian armies clashed. Vejita slashes one goblin infantrymen and then another before being brought down by a hoard of goblin militia.

Tarion brought down his sword into Vejita's chest followed by a strong pike slash from Cetjem, removing Vejita's head.

On the other side of the battlefield, an arrow from Arball found its way into Sheng's neck. Sheng slumped down onto his knees, and then fell over dead.

Smaragdinus enjoyed watching the carnage around him. He turned around and saw another Althainian infantry unit reinforcing the other. Smaragdinus grinned evilly and took in an enormous breath. A cloud of chlorine gas spread amongst the Althainian army may of them gasping for air and dying moments after contact. Smaragdinus leapt into his green cloud of gas and began to claw and bite the Althainian army he had betrayed to death.

Tarion slashed an Althainian infantryman and then shouted some more orders. From behind him came a smashing blow to the back of Tarion's head. Kalaman has gotten a clean hit with his mace to Tarions skull and Tarion lay in a bloodied heap. The goblin army stood in terror as their leader went down. Kalaman immediately turned to face the dragon that was tearing apart his army bit by bit.

Smaragdinus ripped the limbs off an Althainian crossbowman and then slashed his tail across a row of infantrymen sending them to the ground. Kalaman swung his bloody mace into Smaragdinus's side. Smaragdinus grinned at Kalaman and brought the force of his claws down at him. Before contact was made Smaragdinus was swatted by a great silver tail which sent it flying back into some trees.

Xiervanthian pounced on Smaragdinus clawing and biting into the Green Dragons hide. Smaragdinus responded with a cloud of gas all over Xiervanthian, choking the great silver dragon. The silver rose into the air above the poisonous gas and breathed a gas of his own, a cloud of paralyzing gas. Smaragdinus slowly fell, losing control of his muscles. Xiervanthian followed that breath by a cone of cold air making Smaragdinus's muscles go completely numb and the Large Wyrm fell to the ground, completely vulnerable. An Althainian crossbowman and former Slayer stood above the now harmless dragon. Kheldan placed his foot upon the dragons head and shot a lethal arrow right into both of Smaragdinus's eyes, ending this beast's life.

Nightfall had completely taken over and the goblin militia had dragged Tarion's breathing, but motionless body back within the city walls. The goblins retreated and closed themselves in the city as every wondered what the next dawn would bring.

Hours later, a filthy brass hand was found. "She's nute breathen." Bilbanus stated. The Dwarven team unburied the lifeless dragon and through much training in leverage tied and pulled the Great Wyrm's corpse from the cave. Paziameira's lifeless form laid on her stomached, looking as majestic as when she were alive. Gehran gave his orders "Let's fetch the cleric and see whute she cune do." Bilbanus interrupted, "Gehran, she bae dead." With but one glance Bilbanus knew it didn't matter to Gehran.

Florellia approached the Great Wyrms corpse and placed her hands upon the Dragons chest where the heart lied beneath. She prayed for 2 hours straight without any results. An already exhausted Florellia fell asleep with all hope lost.

The dwarves held their head in silence. No one noticed the group of Earth Elementals that entered the cave.

The sun peaked up over the trees and hills waking the army of Althainia. A battalion of Calvary and a handful of knights had arrived this morning and were discussing their orders with Kalaman. The smell of a freshly killed cow took over even the awful stench of Dolund'ir as many men enjoyed what could very well be their last meal. Kalaman thought to himself," If this is our last meal, at least it will be one of fresh meat and not anything dried. That food is for Rangers."

The smell of freshly grilled steak carried over to Florellia, which awoke her. She stood, still very exhausted and tried to open her eyes. She stood in complete shock. "The dragon, its gone!" And then it hit her. Florellia ran towards Kalaman screaming and throwing her hands and cursing. "You animals! You ate the Dragon" Many soldiers' faces turned sour as the spit out the chewed up meat in their mouths. A couple of Dwarven soldiers shook their heads, a few muttering that Dragon meat was not half bad. Kalaman laughed heartedly. "This is cow!" He blared trying to talk in mud laugh. Suddenly, a great gust of wind blew Florellia's hair back and the Brass Dragon landed before her. "Where is it? " asked Paziameira, blinking innocently. Florellia blushed a deep red and muttered something about a long night.

The Althainian force had armored up and prepared for another long day of battle. As it had the days before, the catapult began launching boulders (some supplied by Jormunganders lightning blast) at the Goblin city.

Jerluk readied his troops. The goblins numbers had dwindled, but 2 units of infantry had been gathered from their reserves and a handful of knights had formed. Grozz and Brudon received their orders and left to their units. Gaira eyed the Calvary outside the city and gathered his pikemen, ready to take out the riders. He grinned as he thought to himself what a hero in also killing the horses would make him. The meat would be well met. Cetjem rounded his knights and prepared for battle.

Back in his throne room, Tarion could do nothing but ache. Every breath he took and every word he muttered lit the back of his head on fire he thought. He was comforted by his blurred vision since most units now seemed twice as big.

(Continued in part 2)

Xiervanthian landed and struck a blow at a few infantrymen, killing them instantly. Cetjam and his knights rode full speed with lances lowered and delivered a frightful blow to Xiervanthian's stomached and chest. The great silver dragon roared in pain taking a rider to his death with a quick tail smash that crushed the rider's spine.

Wiervian slashed his sword into a goblin gut, the stench bringing tears to Wiervian's eyes as it had the days before. He slashed another goblin twirling around and catching a passing Goblin knight off guard removing its hand from its arm. Wiervian thought to himself "Shall I live, I will bury this stinking sword 200 feet under the earth." Armathor caught a blade to his right shoulder, blood spilling over his armor. The blade stuck, backing him into a tree. Having no other choice but to bear the pain and strike back, Armathor lunged at the attacking goblin impaling his sword into its neck. The lunge had caused the sword to drive into his shoulder deeper. Armathor knew he was done, and he laid still and watched the rest of the battle, hoping he would live to see the end. The mage Cormion unleashed a lightning bolt into a group of militia, who quickly fled this battle. Tawni led his Althianian Knights into the group of Dolund'ir pikemen, and a vicious battle ensued which was quickly interrupted by a now involved Brass Dragon flying above. Paziameira unleashed a dreadful wave of heat into the rear of the pikemen formation, melting much of their armor to their skin.

An injured blue dragon removed himself from the cave that had entrapped him for more than day. His leg was visible broken, and his scaled were mauled and torn. Every breath Jormungander took sounded like a light shrill. He knew already that at least one lung was punctured. His leathery wings were intact, although a bit charred. Jormungander weakly looked toward the battle. This was not going well but he knew there was little he could do. With a weak and painful leap into the air, Jormungander leaped into the air and flew into the horizon.

The remainder of the battle turned one sided. The pair of Great Wyrms and the Althainian army had defeated the force of Dolund'ir and had marched directly into the home city of the goblins. For this race to survive, a treaty must be formed. Tarion would have one last difficult choice to make.

Admiral Douji had volunteered to lead a macemen unit for the Marauders. Feeling embarrassed, he sought to reclaim his honor by fighting viciously in battle. He certainly earned the respect of the men under him. Who knew a sailor could fight on land with such skill and aggressiveness. Douji never seemed to tire.

Wiervian with lance down yelled a battle cry for the Coalition and charged at Douji. Douji stood calmly waiting for the mounted leader of cavalry to approach and with one swift move he ducked and rolled aside forcing Wiervian to miss his charge. Wiervian turned his horse to charge once more on a new target but he received a surprise as his mount turned. Douji had ran to the mount and crushed the side of its head with a swift and powerful mace blow to the side of its neck. The horse fell and Wiervian's leg was stuck under it. Douji grinned and raised his mace high above head preparing to crush Wiervian's skull. From nowhere the co-leader of this Althainian cavalry unit charged Douji. Denis made perfect contact to Douji's chest with his lance knocking him several feet back. Douji had lost his mace in the blow and had received a huge dent to his chest plate armor. The breath had been removed from him and all things blurred in and out. Denis unsheathed his sword and leapt off his mount to strike Douji with a final deathblow. Denis sword came straight down at Douji's heart but missed due to an instinctive reaction by Douji. The blade pierced Douji's left shoulder. Denis violently pulled the blade out and prepared for another strike. Another miss of the heart but again the blade pierced Douji's right shoulder. Denis changed position and swung his blade down in a chopping motion as to remove Douji of his head. His chop was cut short by a flying tackle by Klintauk. The force of this blow made both men drop their weapons.

This hand to hand combat was no contest. Klintauk being a Minotaur had a clear advantage over Denis the human. Within minutes, Klintauk had left Denis bruised, beaten, and unconscious while he went back for his weapon so that he could continue fighting.

The coalitions forced gained the upper hand after a half hour of continuous battle. Almost all of their forces had moved within the city. The dark clouds above moved with an uncanny fury. Something supernatural was above and it seemed only the two great wyrm reds knew exactly what. Gliding in circles the two reds sneered at each other, both wanting to outdo the other but neither came down. It seemed as if they were waiting for a command. Lighting struck in a violent ancient pattern and Sear swooped down. He inhaled a great breath and shot fire from his mouth and nostrils. On the ground a unit of Baliforian archers burned alive. Sear swooped low enough to take 2 Kender up into the air as if to show Pyros his prize. Upon reaching a high enough altitude, Sear bit the heads off both Kenders and shot them then down to the ground ablaze with his fire. Two streaking fiery heads collided with Vangars mounts knocking the Arkanian commander from his mount. Sear roared in delight as Pyros sneered. Swooping down low, Pyros place a single finger over one nostril and blew a stream of fire out the other. He had cut the last few Coalition forces out of Arkane. The Dragons roared in delight.

The black clouds dispersed with a sudden and magical effect and the two dragons flew west towards the ocean and out of the battle.

(part 3 continued in next history)