A Rogue Red Dragon -- Part I I

Part II - The Fight

As BlackHawke and his son rode that morning closer to the lair they saw the scorched farms and desolation. BlackHawke shook his head, "son, it isn't fair, these poor farmers lost everything and many their lives all because a dragon wanted to clear out the area around his lair." Llew nodded "but father is there any other way beside slaying this dragon?" BlackHawke shook his head no. "It seems that once a dragon starts this behavior there is no choice, right or wrong, it is all we can do." BlackHawke rides a bit more thinking of his dragon friends at home, glad they were his friend and silently wishing there was a way to change these giants and the way they act when they get labeled as a rogue dragon. Looking at his son, he speaks softly "remind me when we get home to ask T`Shel if there is anything we can do to change these rogue dragons. It would be better than slaying them." The two rode along silently each consumed by their thoughts. The most overriding one was that very soon they would be facing a large red dragon.

Once at the Lair, Llew took the ox and headed for the cave opening as BlackHawke climbed above the opening dragging the lance. Reaching the top, the lance was positioned so that when it was released it would slide down the mountain impaling itself into whatever got in its way. With this completed, BlackHawke waved to his son to position the bait. Llew moved apprehensively to the cave mouth pulling the reluctant ox behind him. Llew's knuckles were white as he gripped the hilt of his sword. Ready to fight if the dragon decided to take an early stroll. Kneeling, Llew drove the stake into the ground, the smell coming from the lair was bad and took his best concentration to keep from being overcome by it.

Things were progressing smoothly, the lance was being aimed and made ready and Llew was getting the ox set when the dragon changed their plans. Llew froze as a roar came from the cave and the noise filling his hears said "he is big". Looking to BlackHawke, Llew tried to yell, but the words were caught as before him the head of the Dragon came out of the cave. Quickly grabbing the sword, he took a defensive stand ready to fight for his life. "Run Llew" shouted BlackHawke. BlackHawke heard the noise and quickly moved to launch the lance but stopped. His son's position was such if the lance missed or glanced off the dragon, it would get him. Fear filled BlackHawke's eyes as he tried to find a solution before Llew was hurt. Llew jumped up .. sword ready .. "Come on Red Dragon, I am ready", he shouted but his heart trembled .. the heat from the dragons breath building and the stench of death filled the air. BlackHawke stood there. "Should I jump and try and drive my sword into his brain or throw the sword and hope for a quick kill." "I must distract him and give Llew time."

At that moment the first of several fireballs exploded next to Llew knocking him to the ground. Stunned, Llew struggled back to his feet, sword still in his hand. The Red Dragon slowly turned his head to the attacker above him and started the regeneration of his fireball. BlackHawke seeing this move scrambled across the rocks seeking cover. Llew sensing the distraction charged forward. With determination in his eyes and some luck, Llew slashed the giant in the neck exposed by being turned towards his father. Llew, surprised by the quickness of the Dragons movement was knocked against the cave wall by the Dragon's head turning around seeking the object that caused the pain in his soft skin of the neck.

Llew's eyes bulge as he slams into the rocks, his breath knock out and his knees weak from the force of the hit. Knowing he lucked out, BlackHawke rushed back to the lance and swinging his dagger and releasing it. The lance slides true and accurate. With deadly force the lance struck the dragon squarely on the head and impaling the dragon. With pain and rage, the Dragon starts thrashing about trying to get hold of his attackers and the object burning in his head. Llew stands there against the cave wall, his leg trapped as the dragon moves many of the loose boulders with his thrashing about. Fireballs fly in numerous directions as the dragon vents his anger. Llew continues to stab the dragon when ever his movement brings him into range.

BlackHawke grabs a small tree limb as he tries to leverage a boulder so it will fall on the dragon. "If I can move this, it will do some damage when it hits" thought BlackHawke. Just as the boulder moves, BlackHawke feels his side rips open, a searing burning pain fills his mind. "My side" he cries. Slowly with what seems an eternity, Llew frees his leg and slides along the wall trying to get some distance from the thrashing and flailing dragon. BlackHawke slips to his knees, lightheaded from the flash of pain. Putting his shoulder to the limb, BlackHawke pushes with his full weight, "I have to do this" he grunts. The boulder moves slowly, gaining momentum as it starts to tumble down the mountain.

Collapsing on the ground .. BlackHawke watches the boulder strike the lance, driving it deeper and to the point of making the lance go into the hard ground. Llew watches in amazement as the boulder hits the lance and stakes the dragon to the ground. Now the Dragon is impaled but his tail and body move uncontrollably. Several times Llew dodges the thrashing tail as BlackHawke feebly calls out "Watch out". BlackHawke laying there holding onto a crack in a stone ledge fights to remain conscious as the pain in his side sears through his body.

Llew stands there hacking at the dragon trying to get the killing blow before he is beat to death with that tail. ""Llew" cries BlackHawke coughing and a thin wisp of blood darkens his lips. Llew looks up as he sees BlackHawke pull the Dragonslayer from the sheath and slide it down towards him. "Here son, this will do the job" BlackHawke half coughs and talks. Llew picks up the sword and mulls "This is so light how can it do any damage, mine is heavy and just bounces off." Llew swings the sword and his eyes open wide as the blade slices through the scales with seemingly little effort. Seeing this Llew swings harder and faster ..each blow hastening the death to this giant of a dragon.

While Llew was doing this, BlackHawke let his grip go and slide down the face of the mountain. Each bounce and rock sending white hot pains through his body. Just as BlackHawke hits the bottom he sees the Dragon roll to his side, his neck nearly severed and his head straight up as it is still impaled on the lance. As the Dragon dies, Llew stands there covered in blood, pieces of dragon scale and amazed at the sword and how it so easily sliced through the dragons coarse and thick scales. After the initial shock of the fight dies off, Llew call to his father. "Father, the Red Dragon is dead".

BlackHawke by now had climbed to his feet, each breath and step hurting. "Well done Llew ... You are now a Dragonslayer." Llew smiles "anyone can be with this sword ... it was very easy." BlackHawke shakes his head, "Nay son, to kill a Dragon is not done by strength but by thinking." "Remember son, these are noble animals and we have many friends in Camelot who are Dragons." "I have only ever killed the rogue ones ... the ones who threaten or destroy people. And I hope you will live by the same code." Llew smiles, the excitement of his first kill fresh in his mind. BlackHawke continues to tell his son things to think about as he goes about collecting certain things. Nearly an hour later, Llew and BlackHawke sit outside the cave resting and basking in the feelings that permeates the air as father and son have faced death together and lived.

BlackHawke and Llew spend the rest of the afternoon making a sled for each of the ox and then loading treasure from the Lair. "Rest son," BlackHawke exclaims, "we will ride all night." BlackHawke rests against the cave wall, drawing his furs close, his eyes masking the pain filling his body. Wondering if he will ever fight again, for unknown to his son he was unable to grip the sword hilt tight enough to control it. Llew replies "yes father, I will" as he continues to move about, still excited and pumped from the days fight. BlackHawke closes his eyes saying a silent prayer, "Lord, let us return safely and not have to fight anyone."

A Rogue Red Dragon -- Part I

Part I - The Search

It was a cold and snowy day as BlackHawke and his son Llew entered the mountains in search of the Red Dragon. As they rode along BlackHawke's mind wandered back to a time many years prior when he faced another Dragon in these mountains. That fight nearly cost him his life and the Dragon was also hurt and unable to finish the fight. How accurate these mountains are named 'Thylos Dran or View of the Skull', BlackHawke mulled silently. Oblivious was BlackHawke to his son, it seemed that Llew had been steadily chattering ever since they started their climb into this hills. But his daydreaming was shattered when Llew shouted, "There he is!!" Instantly, BlackHawke's mind was sharp and searching, his hand resting on the Dragonslayer laying across his saddle, and tugging on the rope tied to the saddle horn on one end and the necks of two oxen. More than once Llew had questioned the need for the oxen. "Father, those old animals are just slowing us down, let's leave it behind!" exclaimed Llew. BlackHawke chuckled, knowing the anxiousness of youth and the thrill of the first Dragon Hunt. "Easy son, this old animal may save your life!!" replied BlackHawke.

Not more than 5 miles in front of them, nestled in the overhang of a cliff was the opening to the lair. Llew's exclamation was prompted when he saw the Red Dragon circling, fresh from a kill and then entering the lair. Llew urged his mount on, quickening the pace. BlackHawke on the other hand rode at the same pace, slow and deliberate. "Son, relax, he will be there when we get there" shouted BlackHawke, but his words fell on closed ears, Llew was facing his first rogue dragon. Stopping in a grove of trees at the base of the mountain, BlackHawke dismounted and started setting up camp. "Father, come on, he is too near to stop now!!" pleaded Llew. BlackHawke closed the pleas out and continued to setup the cold camp for the night. "Son, he has been here for a while, I doubt he will leave tonight, besides I am tired and would rather rest before I faced that mean thing." BlackHawke replied. Llew realizing that his father meant what he said, reluctantly turned back to the camp. But every few minutes, Llew was turning to search the opening to the lair as if he was guarding it to make sure the dragon did not escape.

Darkness came as the two waited for the right time to continue their journey. BlackHawke made sure that Feston was secured for the night and then sat down under a tree. Drawing his cape close about him and then sliding a couple of furs over him, he settled in for a cold and snowy night. "Man, do I wish we could have a fire, sure would make my bones feel better." BlackHawke looked up at Llew, the guy was still pacing about. BlackHawke, chuckling, shook his head, and snuggled deeper into the furs smiling at his anxious and energetic son.

Some time that night Llew fell asleep, laying on the ground, furs have wrapped around him and his hand griping the sword hilt tight. Many things ran through his mind, Will I get scared and run?. Will I make a mistake and get myself hurt or killed or worse yet, kill my father? For a long time Llew tossed as sleep was slow in coming. More questions pooped into his mind, why two ox? And why not attack at night? Laying there watching the stars pass his mind wandered home. What would they think of him killing a dragon?, What of Aria? Would she be there? And what of Lady Susan, would his father be preoccupied with thoughts of her?

Finally as the moon crested the black sky, Llew fell asleep, the hours of riding and the drain of his excitement catching up. The sun had barely risen when Llew was awakened from his sleep by the bellowing of the two oxen. Jumping up as if in mortal danger, Llew reacted and searched the trees as the clang of his sword filled the air. Turning to see if BlackHawke was still asleep, he spots the empty furs. Looking quickly around, he doesn't see his father anywhere in sight. After a bit Llew relaxes as he realizes the ox were just being an animal, with no danger near, Llew sits and waits for his father to return.

After what seemed an eternity, BlackHawke returns and greets his son. "Well, Llew, pack your bags, the Red Dragon is dead. We can leave!!" "What!!!!" exclaimed Llew. "How can that be, you wouldn't leave me here and go after him alone." pouted Llew. BlackHawke chuckles, "No son, he is alive and meaner than any dragon I have ever seen, you will get your chance to look death in the face!" Llew looks up smiling but his eyes also show the worry with facing death. After several hours of planning, discussing and preparing things, BlackHawke stood, "Tomorrow at sunrise we attack" and then he goes and snuggles into his furs in preparation of another cold and snowy night. Reluctantly Llew goes to his bed roll, not wanting to wait again but also knowing tomorrow will be long and hard.

Several hours before the sun even thought of rising BlackHawke and Llew were up and preparing for the days events. Weapons checked and sharpened, the Ox prepared and the large lance checked one last time. With things finally ready, BlackHawke takes the rope and looks at Llew, "Son, it is time. If you want, you may remain behind and there will be no dishonor." Llew looks up quickly replying "No way, I am here to slay a dragon and face what ever it takes to do it!!" Together they strike of towards the lair, silence and determination firmly seated in their minds and heart.

The Tarns

The Battle With The Tarns

BlackHawke is traveling near the bluffs only a days ride from his Hall. BlackHawke winches and comes alert as he spots three Tarns stirring up a commotion near a small caves mouth. BlackHawke starts to swing around these three lest they see him when he spots something. BlackHawke stops and looking he sees a small child crying as she stands there scared in the caves opening. BlackHawke's every fiber comes alert as the Tarn claws at the opening .. its eyes shining with desire to kill. BlackHawke without even a blink of thought rushes forward as he is drawing the Dragonslayer from his back. BlackHawke is at a full run as he charges the nearest Tarn. BlackHawke ducks as the Tarn's head falls to the ground as his sword whistles through the air. BlackHawke without ever breaking stride wheels to face the Tarn as his back covers the cave opening. BlackHawke takes an attack position as the Tarn eyes this intruder into their meal time. BlackHawke slowly realizes that he now faces two hungry Tarn each bent on tasting that morsel of a child. BlackHawke shouts to the young girl to hide deep inside the cave and not to come out no matter what happens. BlackHawke breathes deeply .. his breath short from his run.

BlackHawke now realizes that he had charged at a full run covering nearly a mile. BlackHawke welcomes the rest as he watches the two remaining Tarn tear into the unfortunate third one. BlackHawke realizes this rest will come to an end as they finish their meal and seek more ... the girl and even him. BlackHawke stands at the ready Dragonslayer held tight and the shield held high, his heart sinks as he realizes that circling above are four more Tarn. BlackHawke is ever aware the feeding call is spreading through their ranks. BlackHawke slowly and unconsciously starts to work his boots into the soft ground .. his eyes never moving. BlackHawke has chosen his ground .. the girl will live if he has anything to say about it. BlackHawke hears her cry out ... Master, I have found an opening on the other side. BlackHawke shouts without hesitation .. Girl ... start digging and get free. BlackHawke hears the words that chill his heart ... Master it is too small for you. BlackHawke with exasperation .. Child .. please go now ... save your self .. the Hawke will ok. BlackHawke swallows hard and turns back ..his eyes scanning the feeding Tarns.

BlackHawke breathes deeply his mind set .. his eyes counting ... 6 Tarn ... his heart knows ... I am but 1. BlackHawke hears the girl sobbing as she digs furiously at the small opening. BlackHawke whispers a small prayer ... God let her escape and help me to remain brave in the face of the enemy. BlackHawke shifts his shield as his hand brushes the crystal collar hanging on his belt. BlackHawke stands there his heart at rest .. linna my love .. I face the Black Dragon .. and your love is safe. BlackHawke's spirit's raise as the girl's voice shouts ..Master I am free .. I will dig some more for you. BlackHawke shouts ..NO girl go free now ... as two Tarns ... still hungry turn to him .. ready for more. BlackHawke pleads to her ..save yourself ... please go now .. tears in his eyes .. go now ..his voice trailing off. BlackHawke braces himself for the attack as he hears the girl crying and saying, Master, my father, the Administrator of KoRoBa will save you ..I promise he will come. BlackHawke hears her footsteps and voice dying as she runs to her home. BlackHawke steels himself for what is to come ... child, his heart speaks ... Home is but a hard days run. BlackHawke eyes tear up and he hopes for her safe journey ... child .. be well .. safe travels. BlackHawke is brought back to reality as the first Tarns claw slices his side. BlackHawke takes a deep breath as he feels the blood run down his leg. BlackHawke starts to say "A knight is Honorable and vows to ....

The Dragonslayer whistles through the air ... the battle has begun. BlackHawke steps into the fight, his heart singing and his skills honed by many years of experience. BlackHawke's eyes are narrow and focused, as he swings the great sword sparingly and accurately. BlackHawke smiles weakly as each blow draws blood, but he knows they are too many and time short. BlackHawke allows his mind to drift to the girl .. is she safe, but he brought back to reality as a beak or talon bites his into his skin. BlackHawke's vision blurred by blood, his own and that of the Tarns quickly swipes his face, wondering long can he can hold out. BlackHawke grins .. a rest as a wounded Tarn draws the attention of the others. BlackHawke kneels, his sword planted in the ground hilt first .. the blade acting as a giant spike, his shield slung over his back. BlackHawke kneeling there, breath labored, the aches of many wounds, searches for an escape ... but sees none. BlackHawke's heart knows the truth ... there is only one way out ... through those great birds. BlackHawke rips his tunic and stuffs the piece into his left side, stopping the flow from his deepest wound. BlackHawke holds his defense as he watches the Tarns rip the wounded one into pieces .. his eyes winch as his mind considers what the future may hold. BlackHawke quickly comes alert as a younger Tarn advances ... full of eating but hungry for blood.

BlackHawke stands, his legs weak and arms sore, takes the sword in hand and his shield at the ready ... the plan is made. BlackHawke steps into the bird striking hard, the Tarn screaming as the blade enters its chest. BlackHawke spinning to his left, his whole body screaming from the pain in his side continues the attack. BlackHawke's mind racked with pain drops to his knee and swings Dragonslayer with his whole body. BlackHawke feels the impact throughout his shoulders as the blade bites deep into the birds leg, severing it, the Tarns wings flapping wildly in pain. BlackHawke slowly returns to his feet, stepping back, smiling at his quick kill. BlackHawke's eye glass over as he feels his whole left side explodes in pain, his breath stolen from him. BlackHawke's mind fights for control and consciousness as his shield falls helplessly to the ground. BlackHawke reaches for the shield but his arm hangs there ... darkness covering his thoughts as he fights to hold on. BlackHawke slips to his knees, breathing labored like his lungs were on fire, his left arm unresponsive. BlackHawke falls further down .. his chest feeling like hot brand is run through him, blood at the corner of his mouth. BlackHawke feels the coolness of the ground on his cheek as he lays there, his body unresponsive .. his eyes still fighting ..but little else. BlackHawke softly whispers ..linna .. girl .. you are safe .. your Master loves you ... as darkness wins. BlackHawke squeezes the sword hilt desperately trying to regain control ... but the pain is greater and he knows that now the fight is over ... his journey complete.

"A Tarn is a Hawk-like animal except it stands some 30' tall"