Dragon Realm
Episode 27's

Small animals roamed the field for the first time in its existence. A small burrow bit a blade of grass. The birds above are singing. The green ocean did nothing. Unlike the dragons, these creatures are welcome.

IN PENACLES, THERE IS NO SUN.

Fog covers the land almost as much as night. The firewood had been collected quickly, enough for two months. Soldiers were watching vigilantly from the city walls to look for signs of the enemy. They could only see a little in the fog that enveloped everything.

No one travels on the road anymore. Lord Gryphon has ordered all traffic stopped. It keeps people in. Why no train arrives in the city is anyone's guess. It is expected that just looking at the fog will make the unwary travelers retreat. If not …

Food will not be a problem. The Gryphon, knowing many of his enemies, had long ordered the storage of grain, water, and other food. The workers are also trained to prevent rats and other small pests. Overall, they tend to succeed.

CABE studied his reflection in the mirror. There was no doubt in his mind that what he saw was real; the silver line in his hair now covered almost half of his head. What that means, he doesn't know. However, it scared him. It has to do with his birthright. Coming from a family he did, it could only mean trouble.

Someone knocked on the door. Cabe walked over and opened it. It was the Gryphon Lord, standing patiently and without fanfare. He nodded to the young witch and then noticed the change in her hair. An expression passed through the inhuman face so quickly that Cabe was unsure what it was.

"Sorry for bothering you, but I wonder if you'll step into the watchtower nearest to me."

Curious, Cabe agreed. They left his room, the Gryphon taking the lead. The ruler of Penacles was silent the entire time. Cabe thought of a hundred reasons for this trip, but threw it all away. He had to remain dissatisfied until his host told him.

They reached the top of the tower only after a stunning climb. The chili stopped, but the lion bird was not seen in the slightest. When he had regained his breath, he looked at where the Gryphon was now pointing. At first, all he saw was fog; it was intoxicating, and Cabe was eager to return to the palace. Then he saw a dark movement in the distance. That doesn't seem right. What could make himself visible in such a fog from that distance?

The answer came to him. His stomach wants to wrap.

“Yes, my friend, it's the Lochivar army. Do you know why their darkness pierced through the fog itself? I wasn't. Usually, they should not be visible. The Gray Mist was their home; they knew how to shape it to their liking even when it had bent their minds. In that case, why would it betray them now?”

"Someone bothering?"

The gryphon looked at him sharply. "You're right. I think maybe Shade's not dead. Or he did this before his death. Black horse! Maybe that creature! Or enemies who do not allow the interference of others.”

“Azran?”

“Yes, it could be. He will crave the City of Knowledge. Good thinking." Disturbed, Cabe noticed the swelling mass. "How quickly will they attack?"

"How fast? As fast as they can! Fortunately, we can prepare a small surprise for them.”

Even as the Gryphon spoke, the sounds of people running back and forth and moving large objects could be heard. Cabe wanted to ask the details, but it was clear that his host wanted this to be a surprise for him as well as for the Lochivarites.

The lady joined them. Cabe felt a surge of emotion sweep over him, but he managed to endure it. After all, to this woman she might be nothing more than a little child. He smiled at her, looked back up the stairs towards the top, and faced the Gryphon.

“You two will be in the tallest tower. How's things going? I can feel the smell of that Wyvern bastard even in my sleep!”

Lord Gryphon chuckled, a strange action for a person who had a face like him. “I imagine so. You are just in time to see the opening shot. Coming."

They stood up and watched, Cabe and Gwen were curious, the lion bird was smiling grimly now. Below, most of the sounds of movement had stopped. The city defenders are ready and waiting for news. The Gryphon stared at the bloated dark blob for another minute and then dropped something onto the edge. He looked at his two colleagues.

As if beckoned, a series of sounds exploded. To Cabe, they looked like someone who was breaking wood in half. Large projectiles briefly appeared in the thick fog in front of them. Within seconds, they disappeared towards the approaching enemy.

“Cetapel. Nothing new about them, save their reach. ”

“Wait, Mistress. The watch."

Missiles take time to reach their targets. However, when the first one did, the two humans retreated, shocked all over their faces.

“By Havak!” shouted the witch. "What was that?"

A cold glint was seen in the eyes of the lion bird. “Last justice!”

A huge burst of green flames flowed out wherever the projectile landed. Some missed, but most found some parts of the enemy. The light from the fire caused the Gray Fog to change color to slightly different. There were obviously people on fire everywhere, but the dark form of the army continued to advance at an incredible speed.

Cabe watched with a terrible admiration. "What was that?"

“Something I found in the library. Two potions, separated, were placed in the missile compartment. When the missile hit the ground, the violent action caused the inner container to rupture and mix two liquids. That's result. It's quite effective. One of the few items from the library that I managed to use.”

Lady witnessed the legion's progress. "Not good enough. They still come. It seems like an endless line. ”

“I don't expect this to stop them. However, it will soften them and reduce the chances. We will deal with the survivors when we have to. ”

More flying projectiles. It was clear from their accuracy that those people had been practicing for this for quite some time. Cabe commented on this and received a nod of approval from the Gryphon.

“Only a fool would believe in the ghost of Lochivar. We know today is coming, and we estimate their most likely route.”

“Black Dragon must have thought of that. He doesn't have to care how much he loses. ”

“Unfortunately, he has more soldiers to lose than us. He hopes to bring us by sheer numbers. He might do it, especially if the Dragon Emperor army joined him.” The Gryphon watched another volley. “In secret, I believe Black wants the city for himself. That's in our favor.”

After the first few attacks, it was clear to the attackers that their protection had been lost. Quickly, efficiently, the Lochivar army spread along the hills and fields. Successful shots became rare; only a few people would be hit, if any. The Gryphon called for a ceasefire.

Cabe became agitated. "What's going on now?"

“It will depend on our visitors. I dare say they might return the favor we just gave them. ”

Sure enough, it was only a short while before the dark forms began to separate from most of the powers. Bigger than a man, they flew into the air. That they were some kind of dragon was immediately apparent. Whether it is airdrake or firerake is uncertain. The ruler of Penacles paced back and forth, waiting.

They approached the city in two formations. One hundred meters from the wall, they split, one group to the left, the other to the right. Gryphon beckoned to his archer. The first dragon moved to attack.

The front set of archers was released. The sky was filled with arrows, but even as the shafts searched for their targets, more dragons entered the battle. The second row is fired. The drakes in front suffered heavy casualties, and some fell to the ground quickly. However, the next group came closer. The third and last line of archers of the Gryphon were fired. More dragons are dead. The first set almost finished reloading before they were forced to fire. His strategy was clear; black sacrificed numbers so that his assassins in the air could get close enough to carry out a deadly attack. Meanwhile, the Lochivarites moved closer and closer.