ercy ission - Part 2- Dragon Quest

The Dragon Makes A Request

The companions stood in shocked silence for a moment, as did the other adventurers standing amidst the shattered remnants of the Whispering Palm's garden. Eventually Trimus broke the silence.
"Is this legal?" he asked of no one in particular.
"I believe so." An unusually wiry dwarf with close-cropped hair and beard replied to Trimus' question. "As far as I know it is up to the tribunal. They decide who can take part in the tournament and they add up the scores. If you want my opinion it is they that rule not the king and queen."
The dragon coughed politely. "I have issued the challenge, I will take part in the tournament. I will return in six days to await the tribunal's decision." With that the dragon flapped his large leathery wings and thrust himself into the air, circling the city once before heading out over the sea.

The city was in confusion. Never before had a dragon taken part in the Challenge of Adventurers. The taverns and restaurants of Ierendi were a hotbed of gossip. Would the King and Queen defend their crowns? Would any one else dare take on the dragon? What would happen if the dragon won? What would happen if the dragon lost? Several parties departed the Adventurers Club. They were happy to fight other adventurers, but a dragon, now that was different. Bets were placed and much money changed hands as the island was gripped by 'Tourney Fever.'

Mulling over the day's events, drinking iced fruit juices and eating skewered shellfish, Trimus and the others were planning what to do next. Mora, the herbalist in the market, had not been able to find any Yellowtonguecap fungus nor any fresh Firebloodleaf. She did have some dried Yellowtonguecap, which Trimus bought just in case they could not find any fresh. The herbalist also gave them directions and a sketch map of Roister Island where some of the fresh items may be found. "Roister Island?" queried Jodotha. "I heard some strange news regarding Roister Island. Ruce the Birdman spotted a small floating island heading towards Roister Island. The story goes that the great hero Ronowac, drove all the evil sea creatures onto a corner of the island then severed it with his mighty sword. The island floated away and the island was never threatened again. The locals think that the floating island might be the creatures returning. As you can imagine the people are in a panic and are looking for signs and portents that might point towards a new hero to save them as Ronowac did."

They returned to the skyship where Colloran report no change in Rintrah's condition. As dawn broke Ako took the Phoenix into the air and headed south along the coast before setting out across the ocean towards Roister Island. Some hours later the Phoenix landed on a low hummock amidst the swamps of the northeastern corner of Roister Island. A few miles to the south a low volcano emitted belches of steam, which formed a long white tail as they were blown west by the wind. Leaving Cain with Rintrah the others stepped out into the oppressive tropical heat. Ako concentrated on the image of the Yellowtonguecap fungus he had shown by the herbalist then cast a spell.
"It's that way." He said confidently pointing out into the swamp. The landscape was mostly flat with occasional low islands that provided a habitat for small stands of dense trees.
"It would be." Grumbled Trimus hitching his robes up and tucking the ends into his belt so that they would not get too dirty.

The companions had barely started to move across the swamp when a pair of crocodiles burst from the muddy water. Darkhawk and Colloran pushed the others behind and despatched the reptiles swiftly but not before both had taken minor wounds. Not only that but the combat had attracted the attention of other, more deadly foe.
"There's more trouble coming." Said Colloran pointing to the south. The others followed his eyes and spotted a large group of lizardmen paddling on all fours through the swamp towards them. "They've seen us." Jodotha climbed a nearby tree both for protection and for the possibility of a surprise attack. When they were sure that the lizardmen had seen them and there was no chance of escape Trimus cast a sleep spell. Three of the creatures sagged into the swamp but the others came on, ignoring their slumbering companions. At a grunted command the lizardmen launched a volley of stone tipped spears at the companions. A number hit Trimus while a yell from the tree suggested that Jodotha had also been struck at least once. Furiously Trimus summoned an ice storm from his staff. The powerful hail pummelled the lizardmen and finally encased them in a layer of ice.

The companions swiftly searched the bodies but found nothing more interesting than a few swamp fish and a collection of bone fishhooks. Ako and Darkhawk led them on through more of the swamp, the few trails and paths that they could find often narrowed to nothingness leaving the companions no option but to wade through deep smelly mud and stagnant pools. As Darkhawk's heavy boots broke through the spongy cap of the swamp for the umpteenth time that day the large fighter swore and pulled his feet free, almost toppling over in the process. He was too occupied with trying to stand up to notice the strange mist bubbling up from his footprints. The mist started to take on the form of thin insubstantial humanoids. Sensing evil Ako spun around and held his holy symbol out at arm's length. Two of the wraiths evaporated immediately while Colloran dispelled the other with a single blow from his sword.

They stumbled on like this for several more hours until they came to a stand of mangroves at the head of a brackish inlet. The trees stilt like roots were partly covered by water but higher up the trunks large, yellow, ear like growths of fungus could be seen. Using his silver dagger Trimus cut some of the fungus away and placed it in a pouch.
"One down, two to go." Grinned the mage.
"I will see if I can locate the Firebloodleaf with magic." Said Ako before concentrating on the words of the prayer to Normanus. He waited a few moments then pointed westward. "That way." He said with confidence. They trekked westwards for a while before coming to a stand of copse of dead trees, covered with a trailing mass of vines. Amongst the creepers was one with large blood red leaves. Again Trimus picked some with his dagger and packed them carefully in a pouch. "We will have to return to Ierendi City and talk some more with Deluna. Perhaps she has knowledge of where we could find some Lunareyespike." Said Trimus. The others agreed and they trudged tiredly back through the swamp to the skyship, happily without encountering any more hostile creatures.

As they flew back to the city they spotted the floating island to the south east of the main island in the Ierendian archipelago. Turning the skyship invisible they flew low above the mysterious island and hovered for a moment, scanning it for life. The island was very green and appeared to be moving at a very slow pace, though what was causing the motion was impossible to tell. If there was anyone or anything living on the island it was well hidden as none of the companions could detect any. They continued their flight back to Ierendi and as night was falling slept in the Phoenix before heading into town. There was no change in Rintrah's condition, Cain had not heard him speak since the others had left on their search.

After a swift breakfast they journeyed into the city and found Delorna working her stall, in an unusually quiet market.
"Many people are staying inside, or packing up and leaving. It's all on account of the dragon." She said in a low whisper as if not to worry her few customers. "Have you any Lunareyespike?" asked Trimus.
"No. Mora might though." She pointed out another stall a few streets away. "They say the dragon's from Arentilla, never heard of the place, have you?"
"No we havn't." snapped Trimus. "That's Mora you say, the stall with the blue and green awning?"
"Yes that's her. The tribunal doesn't want the dragon to enter the challenge. I can understand that, can't you? They say they will do anything to stop him."

Leaving Delorna behind they walked through the market to Mora's stall. Mora was a small, wizened woman who moved slowly behind her wares, which included dried fruits and herbs and what appeared to be pickled organs in jars. She grinned a toothless smile as the companions approached.
"Now what can I do for you gentlemen." She asked, her voice thin and reedy. "Some love potion no doubt, or a way of making you strong and brave to challenge the dragon perhaps?"
"No, we are looking for some Lunareyespike." Said Ako, quickly but not harshly.
"Ooo!" exclaimed Mora. "I don't have none of that young sir. Now what would you be wanting that for? Not going to poison someone are you? They be very sharp and dangerous. They say his sister using cobra venom smeared on Lunareyespike poisoned the third duke of Kelvin. No I don't have any. Difficult to find it is, high up in the mountains, none on Ierendi as far as I know.

"Dragon sighted!" came a loud call from the harbour, repeated by tens of throats as the message swept through the market closely followed by a ripple of fear.
Darkhawk changed form into that of the Celestial Knight and flew to the harbour. He stood still and silent as the dragon circled the harbour twice before landing. The dragon ignored Darkhawk at first, preferring instead to arrange its wings neatly pick at the remains of a meal that had lodged between its teeth.
Eventually Darkhawk broke the silence. "Greetings Dragon Prince. I come from the tribunal to ask if there is something we can offer you instead of the Ierendian throne." Within his armour Darkhawk felt rivulets of sweat run along his spine. Would the dragon know he was lying? Would he ask for something he and his companions couldn't offer?
The dragon didn't respond for several minutes. It adjusted it's position so that it was lying across the quayside, tail dangling into the cool water, head resting upon it's arms. As it shifted position several small shacks, fortunately empty of all but nets and lobster pots were crushed and pushed into the harbour.
"Celestial knight, there is something I want." The dragon's voice was oily with charm, its eyes seemed to bore into Darkhawk's soul. "I require assistance, it is a dangerous task but one that is well beyond the capabilities of one such as yourself and companions of equal worth."
"And you will not then try for the throne?" asked Darkhawk.
The dragon smiled and chuckled, a sound like an army marching over gravel. "No. Why would I want to rule a backwater like this. I have my friends, my family, the skies, good fishing, and good hunting in Arentilla. Here I would have to mix with humans, dwarves, elves and worst of all halflings. Urgh!" The dragon shook it's head as if to rid itself of a bad taste. "I can sense you are hesitant. Is there something else you want? Something for yourself, or a friend perhaps?" A small smile lifted the corners of the dragon's mouth as it looked at Darkhawk.
"We need some Lunareyespike, do you know where we may find some?"
"Is that all? Well some does grow on my mountain, but why you would want some I don't know. It doesn't taste good nor does is it look pretty, but if that is what you want then take some by all means. In all my years I don't think I will ever understand humans. Bring your colleagues and tell those fools with their toothpicks to go away before I loose my patience." The dragon pointed idly with a claw to a small group of guardsmen with halberds creeping between the buildings towards the harbour. Darkhawk waved them away while keeping his eyes on the dragon.
"I will return shortly with my colleagues." He said sketching a bow before turning and walking swiftly back to the others.

"What does he want." Hissed Trimus as Darkhawk and the others returned to the harbour where a crowd of frightened but curious townsfolk was gathering, keeping well back from the dragon whose eyes were nearly, but not quite shut.
"He didn't say." Replied Darkhawk.
"He didn't say!" exclaimed Trimus almost stopping causing Cain to bump into him from behind. "He could want anything. 'Kill the emperor of Thyatis, bring me the Tree of Life from Alfheim, kill all the halflings in the Five Shires."
"The latter may be true." muttered Darkhawk remembering the dragon's grimace. "But if it was then he would not be asking a Celestial Knight to do the work." "Perhaps he suspects you are an impostor." Suggested Jodotha slyly.
"I am not an impostor. I am an apprentice." Replied Darkhawk through gritted teeth. "Anyway no arguments we are here now."
The dragon opened his eyes and yawned, revealing long curved teeth. "An interesting group of friends Sir knight. Shall we travel to my island to discuss terms, it is a little too public here." Seeing a frown cross Trimus' face the dragon gave a mocking smile. "Don't worry I'm not going to eat you!" A long red tongue darted out and licked the dragon's scaly lips. The dragon's throat convulsed twice and it spat out a smooth granite boulder. "If you would all put your hands upon this stone we can travel back to my island." After a brief hesitation all placed their hands upon the stone. The dragon spoke an incantation and instantly Trimus and the others found themselves upon a wide stone platform high in a range of mountains.

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