This story is brought to you by the Kaw Writers Competition. Please be respectful in your critic. Please read the main thread first before commenting. Main thread: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=166295 ------- A lone figure walked across the scarred earth of the Vermeil Mountains. He crouched near the bodies of many soldiers who had fought to slay Moutous the Malevolent as he felt he coldness of their bodies. He moved his Vipers Cloak off of his shoulder as he whispered "Well dad you sure put up a good fight." As he stood his cape revealed the shining blue of the Electric Storm bow his father had given him. He reached the summit and turned back to the valley below filled with Orchards now Barren and Terrain not Traveled often. "I am Drake. The half Dragon and the only son of Moutous the Malevolent!" He exclaimed showing the bow to the few creatures below. Drake stooped and went into the cave where his father once resided. He remembered the gold and how it flowed from the back to the front almost as a wave from the distant shores. Drake recalled his fathers words from before he had left the Vermeil Mountain range. "Son I have to give you my second greatest treasure, my electric storm bow. This will serve you well when involved in a Battle Royale. This may seem a surprise to you but this may be the last time you ever see me. After your mother died the villagers have started to become furious with me. That's why I'm sending you away. Your Vipers Cloak will serve you well and don't hesitate to run from a battle. Good luck my son" Drake found himself saying even in the present day "But father I don't want to go. I want to stay with you." Drake looked down at the skull of his father and walked along the length of his body keeping his hand following the spine. At the end of his fathers body he walked into where he and his mother lived. It was apparently never found but many of the tapestries had fallen into disrepair. Drake collapsed. "Why did I leave maybe this could have been prevented and I would still have my father here. I could have brought the Unkari back with me and aid him." He slammed his fist into the ground. "It's my fault I could have saved him." Drake stood up and brushed off his light armor given to him by the Unkari. His Unkari hunter boots shone in the sun revealing a small amount of blood on the left side. He collected himself and walked out onto the edge of the cliff. Drake then left off the cliff and morphed into a full size dragon with shinning black scales. A scar was over his left eye and just before he hit the ground pulled up and started heading east towards the desert and the city of Damas where he could meet his ally Princess Arkosa. The flight was a blur for Drake as he had flown this route many times as a child. Past the New Growth of the forests and the Plains where Caldyor called home. He sighed and thought about how life was with his parents when people respected and cared about his family and called them the Guardians. Then Corruption spread in a whirl their Origins unknown. The Talons of Carnage did not reach there until his mother been killed by the Wyvern who also called the Vermeil mountains home. Moutous was distraught and the people were too until the Red Paladins took over the Orchards. They called Dragons the beings of hell and should be eliminated. This gained his father his title and a bounty was put on all dragons big or small. Drake finally arrived near the city of Damas. He landed on a ledge over looking the city from afar, keeping a watchful eye for approaching soldiers. The armies of Joarthe had been on the warpath to ensure that no one could stop the awakening of their leader. However the banners of the Southern kingdoms of Man appeared on the horizon marching for the city of Damas. He knew there was nothing to be done. Not even the Deathstalker could stop this mighty force of man. Drake realized what was going to happen is a three way war between Damas Joarthe and Man. However Damas would be the first target by both armies opposed. Drake flew off away from Damas towards the Unkari homeland where he had taken shelter the last 10 years. The Unkari's only wish was to stay neutral but keeping him hidden. Drake knew they wouldn't help him fight a war but they might know someone who will. He couldn't meet with just any Unkari though he had to meet their leader, the ultimate hunter who once held the key to unlocking the unltimate power yet left it so he could protect his tribe. He had to meet Ashe the King of the Unkari. He was the best Archer and shot with the deadliest aim that he could pierce Individual Emerald Hornets from within a swarm. Ashe also had infinite knowledge covering from the most attractive ladies throughout the land or where you can find the people most needed for a job. Drake had only met Ashe once before when he first entered the Unkari Tribe and Ashe saw untapped raw talent and ferocity in him that allowed him a spot in the tribe. Ashe wanted to personally train him as well but he allowed his personal trainer to do it instead. Drake had always felt calm around Ashe seeing him as a good friend and an everlasting ally. He landed in the center of the Unkari village and was met with open arms from his allies the Unkari including their sign of affection from one Huntress, A quetzal Feather, which he accepted with a smile. He made his way to Ashe's Tree Hut which had a large balcony upon which he could address his tribe. Drake passed by his tent which he stopped in to retrieve his sword IceTail forged by himself soon after he became part of the Unkari. It was forged from the Rime Moth during their annual migration through the Unkari homelands, and when combined forms an Unbreakable blade. Drake walked into the entrance of Ashe's Hut to find him eating a hearty meal of Quetzal Stew and other various WarBeasts that happened to come into the sight of his hunters. "Ah my good Friend Drake how are you? I knew you would come back one day into my hut to talk. I would have expected you to come sooner though," Ashe said motioning to the chair opposite him. Drake sat down and Ashe gave him a large Salmon and a Quetzal Breats that crackled under the strength of Drakes Grasp. For a large bird they had micro bones which makes them easy to catch. "Thank you your Highness I have a few question about my Father well more about an army to fight against his enemies, the red Paladins. Also do you know of anywhere I can find a powerful necromancer?" Drake asked without hesitation as he took a large bite out of the Salmon. Ashe leaned back into his throne as he thought about what had been asked. "Your first question is easier to answer but harder to get results where your second is more frightening to consider yet easier done. The army of the Red Paladins has met their demise already except for the elite command group and army. There are mercenaries that roam the world far and wide searching for them," Ashe replied with a small smirk, "however us Unkari have actually captured Rancor and let him into our arena to fight. Yet he has escaped but cannot get far you can find him on your own." Ashe leaned back into his throne and finished his meal. Drake paused before asking again about the necromancer. "You can find various people like that in the far eastern kingdom of Valeronia, which lies across the sea, lead by the fearless young Princess who calls herself the Princess of the White Rose. She will help you but for a cost, and if you fail in this task you won't live much longer to regret it." Ashe said striking fear into the heart of Drake. His mind raced. What would she want from him, what if it was his bow or his sword. What if she refused to help him. Ashe could see the concern in Drakes Face, and stood up. "Drake, you'll be fine she doesn't ask for you to part with belongings just something that she needs help with."Ashe said with a soothing smile on his face. Drake stood and thanked Ashe for the food and the information. "I will depart in the morning for Valeronia, until then I will stay in my old tent." Drake projected with confidence, as he walked up to the door. Drake nodded a goodbye to his friend Ashe and exited the hut to find the Huntress who had given him the Quetzal Feather waiting for him. Drake smiled at her. "Hey Drake how are you? I'm Caitlyn if you don't remember me." She said with much effort against her frightened mind. Drake smiled. "Of course I remember you, you were the girl in my hunting class a few years ago, and the one who helped me make my tent when I first got here." Drake replied with joy. Caitlyn smiled a little. Drake started walking towards his tent but she stayed in place. "Do you want me to come with you?" Caitlyn asked after much hesitation. Drake turned and looked at her. "Of course but I don't think the best huntress in the village should be scared of me" Drake joked as she ran up to him. She accidently bumped into him several times while they were walking towards his tent. Drake had felt attracted to her ever since he reached the village. She was beautiful and had always been the best huntress in the village. However he had been unsure if she had ever felt the same for him so always hesitated around her. Drake soon realized after getting into his tent he needed to move towards the necromancer as fast as he could. Drake held Caitlyn close, he was never good with long drawn out goodbyes. "Caitlyn I will be back soon I need to go to Valeronia and pick up a few things" Drake said sorrowfully. He let go, walked out of the tent and flew off into the sky. He realized Rancor could wait and hopefully Caitlyn would too. He flew across biomes of roaring oceans where mighty armadas once sailed, and plains where battles had been, yet left still in a haunting calm that swept over the land. Drake reached Valeronia after a day of travel and landed at the gates of the palace. Inside lay his answer to the necromancer and to see if his journey was worth the effort. He opened he doors and walked up to the throne of the Princess of the White Rose. Drake kneeled before her. "Your majesty I am Drake, your humblest servant, and I ask if you have a necromancer who would be able to assist me with a task?" He said with utmost gratitude. The Princess looked at him and smiled cunningly. "And Drake what will you give me in exchange for this information." She smirked and rose from her throne. She gracefully walked down the steps and lifted Drakes chin. "Will you swear your life in service, run errands for me, or enthrall me with tales of your adventures?" Drake stammered "I will do anything that pleases your Majesty" she smiled as the words flowed from his mouth. She motioned for him to rise. "A necromancer lives in the Capitol city you can find him in the tavern, all I ask in return for this is when your task is done I want your heart" the Princess graciously said. Drakes heart dropped for a split second, not at the fact that a beautiful Princess wants his love, but at the conflict he now faced with himself. "Thank you your Majesty I will return here when my task is done" Drake smiled hiding his terror and nervousness. The Princess smiled and returned to her throne. "I will see you soon then I hope, handsome." She giggled and smiled at Drake who left her palace quickly. "Well what can I do, I need the necromancer but I love Caitlyn and can't leave her. But I guess that isn't a pressing matter right now" Drake thought as he walked toward the tavern. He had to find the necromancer and then go back to the Vermeil Mountains that's what is important. Drake entered the tavern and was greeted by a hooded figure with a skull on his cloak. Drake searched around but realized he had forgotten to ask for the name of this person. He then bumped into the cloaked figure he had met at the entrance. "I'm sorry, but do you happen to be a necromancer? I'm looking for one and I will pay very well for one who can do a task for me" Drake asked him cautiously. The cloaked figure put his hand to his lips and motioned for Drake to follow him. He led Drake to a table away form everyone else in the tavern. "I am the one you seek Drake son of Moutous the Dragon" said the cloaked figure. Drakes jaw dropped. His mind raced with the thoughts, how did he know and can I trust him. "The answers are I am also a skilled Mage, and yes you can trust me, my name is Malthazar" he bowed and showed respect to Drake. "Alright I guess let's get down to business then. I need my father to be resurrected from the grave. His skeleton still lies at the peak of the Vermeil Mountains I can take you there if you can revive him." Drake said with confidence towards the necromancer. He smiled. "There's not a moment to waste I shall teleport you there now" Malthazar clapped his hands and purple haze enveloped them and suddenly they were next to the skeletal remains of his father. Drake was again taken back to his childhood and he danced and sang with his mother and practiced flying with his mother. "How long will it take for you to bring him back?" Drake questioned abruptly, snapping from his dream filled state. The Mage turned to him and pondered. "Three weeks to fully resurrect him but if I am interrupted at all he may be brought back with no memories of you and will attack." Malthazar said with confidence. "Alright I will leave you with but two questions. Can you see the future and if so can you see alternate futures depending on a choice?" Drake meekly asked. Malthazar nodded in reply. "You want to see the future depending on your choice of girl am I correct in that assumption?" Malthazar asked. Drake nodded. "Here let me show you, this is if you choose Caitlyn your Unkari girlfriend" The world around Drake dissipated into nothing and suddenly he was watching his life unfold. He would marry Caitlyn and become a great hunting duo, Ashe would take him in as a son and he would inherit the village at his passing. In his older age he would go hunting and Caitlyn would accompany him. They would both die from an invasion from elves and his whole tribe would perish. Drake awoke with a start. "Now for your other life," Malthazar smiled. "Wait I'm not ready......." The world faded to black and he appeared with the Princess. He was now king of the land with two children. They had everything and the people of Valeronia loved their monarchs, however a storm arose in the east. Drake had not killed Rancor the Razer and he was attacking Valeronia with his Vanished Paladins. Drake fought along with his armies until Rancor slew his Princess, then Drake killed Rancor and was struck by a holy wrath and collapsed but was not dead. The Princess whom he had married had been given divine powers upon death and had saved him to be immortal. Drake awoke again. To live forever with knowing you failed your city, or to die trying to preserve it. Drake then left Malthazar to his spells. He camped out at the bottom of the mountains as the days slowly drew by thinking on his dilemma. After three weeks the necromancer came down to his tent and told him it was time. Drake knew he had to have a clear mind and he could deal with his problems at a later date. Now was the awakening of his father from the grave. The trek up the mountain was nothing but treacherous but they reached the summit and the spell was cast. The skeleton started to rumble and shake the very ground, smoke signals rose from the mountains, and the wings of his father started to beat. The skeletal dragon of Moutous was now alive. "What happened to his flesh and skin?" Drake asked curiously. Malthazar sighed. "That was the sacrifice that had to be made to allow him to keep his memory" he replied. The skeletal being shook it's head and let a thunderous rattle of bones throughout the valley. "Father........" The End