User:Smellyturtle

DRAGONSTONE

PROLOGUE

The guards were surrounding him. He smiled, and the guards around were quite surprised that the man they were about to kill was smiling as if he were with some old friends. He was a rogue, tall with fair, brown hair. The guards had disarmed him a few minutes ago and the man was left wearing only light leather armour. The Guards, however, were wearing hard chain bodies, sturdy leather chaps and wielding sharp looking pikes.

        The guards started advancing on him and his smile grew wider. He reached into his coat and pulled out… a small wooden box? The guards stopped in their tracks, obviously confused by this small trinket. The man held the box out to the nearest guard and murmured something. The guard looked nervous, but after a few moments nothing happened and he let out a small sigh. Then a huge flame engulfed the guard, and a moment later, he was nothing but a pile of ashes. The Guards knew this looked bad and it showed in their faces. The man opened his mouth and said, “Run. I’ll give you ten seconds.” The guards stood there for a moment, taking in that the man they had been about to kill was telling them to run from them. Then they remembered what had happened to their friend. They all ran to the main tower and started raising the alarm. The man grinned and said to nobody in particular, “Glad that worked, this stupid thing only works once every half hour.”

CHAPTER ONE The Red Morning

Crow opened his eyes then wished he hadn’t. Light was flooding into his room; he assumed his mother had opened his curtains. He looked over and saw that his curtain was actually torn off its hook and on the floor and his window had been smashed. It took Crow a few moments to process what he was seeing. Then he threw back his sheets and ran downstairs. “MUM?” He ran into the kitchen and, to his horror, his mother lay on the floor covered in blood and motionless. He checked her pulse. None. Tears started pouring out of his eyes. No, he thought, No, this is just a dream and I will wake up soon. But the more he thought this the more he knew this was real. He grabbed his coat, yanked open the door and stepped outside.

        What he saw outside was horrible. All the houses around his were smashed and a few were on fire. One had actually collapsed into a heap of rubble. He looked for signs of life, but saw none. He started running up the road towards the Castle. Crow lived in the kingdom of Frowdal, home of the best carpenters in the northern sea.

The castle’s drawbridge had been destroyed with what looked like dragon fire. Dragons. No dragons had been sighted since the downfall of the evil King Derek. Everyone had wondered where they had gone, but after a few years most people concluded they had died with Derek. But now this had happened. Was Derek back? Was their a new reign of terror due for Frowdal? Crow climbed a rope strung to the battlements of the castle. On top of the wall he found many dead soldiers, all from his kingdom. Had none of the enemy been defeated? Was this a new race of super strong monsters? Crow turned back towards the wall and, to his surprise, came face to face with the ugliest thing he had ever seen in his life. It had patches of green skin here and patches of pink skin there. It had two huge horns coming out of the top of its ears and pointy ears. It only had one eye and a small snout with two big nostrils on the end. It had razor-sharp claws on its hands and feet and wore full chain mail. Its breath stank as it spoke into Crow’s face. It said, “You friend or foe?” All Crow could do was whimper and then he fainted.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow woke up on a pile of hay in a bouncing cart. He sat up, panicking for a moment until he remembered what had happened. All this succeeded in doing was making him feel worse. His Mum was dead, all his friends too probably. His home was gone and he had been captured by a strange creature. He started wondering why he hadn’t been killed along with everybody else when the cart suddenly stopped bouncing and the door to the cart opened. An ugly, scarred old man looked in at crow and said gruffly, “Up then, are ya? Better be getting you some proper clothes. Them things you’re wearing won’t help with nothin’.” Crow blushed. He was still wearing his nightshirt, old pants too small for him and his woollen jacket. The old man chucked a leather jerkin, a cotton shirt and some khaki trousers at him. They were too big for him and when he said so the old man just shrugged and said, “Where you’re going, you won’t be needing fancy clothes.” Crow gulped, he hadn’t thought about where he was going yet. “Well I’ll leave you to it, got a schedule to keep, I have.” Then he left Crow alone. Once Crow was dressed into his new outfit he had a proper look at his surroundings. He found a jug of water and some bread on a table which he helped himself to. Under an old tablecloth he found a locked chest which he quickly covered up again, for it had the symbol of death on its lock. No matter how long Old King Derek had been gone for everyone would be scared of that symbol. That symbol had been put on the front door of all his victims after they had died. Crow lay back down in the hay and started to think of what had happened to his homeland. Had anyone escaped? What will happen if Derek is still alive? What will happen to me? The cart stopped bouncing again and the old man came in and said, “This is your stop boy, hope to see you again. Though I doubt I will…” and with that he shoved Crow out of the cart and started riding off. Crow was grabbed by a buff man by the shoulders and twirled around. The man who had grabbed him was huge! At least 6 feet 5 inches tall. “You the little worm who survived the attack on that town? Well my name’s Groat and I’m your guide back to the stronghold where he can decide what will happen to you.” Crow had lots of questions to ask, but knew better than to ask them.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

The stronghold, it turned out, was actually a small town surrounded by thick, black, stone walls. At each corner of the wall stood a tower and in the middle of the town was a huge tower which was where Groat was taking Crow. Groat dragged Crow up a long flight of stairs until they ended up outside a thick wooden door with a sign on it saying, “KEEP OUT, HAZARDOUS AREA” Groat rapped his knuckles over the thick wood and a voice inside yelled, “ That better not be you again Finchley, because if it is…” The door flew open and out came an old, bespectacled, chemical stained man in a long flowing white coat. “Oh, it’s you Groat. Who is this young lad who is accompanying you this day?” The man eyed Crow curiously, muttering to himself all the while. Crow suspected he was a bit mad. “Err, this boy was caught wandering about one of our recently cured town by one of the wraiths. He claims to have lived in that town and slept through the attack, but the wraiths should have found him before now.” The old man’s eyes widened and he grabbed Crow’s arm and pulled him towards himself. “I think you should come inside.” He pulled Crow through the door and closed it in Groat’s face.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“So you think he is the one? This child is supposed to lead us to victory?” Lord Erik looked doubtful as he thought of this young boy leading their army to war. “Oh yes, I highly doubt the wraiths just happened to miss a boy so healthy sleeping in bed, helpless.” The old man was scratching his chin, thinking what to do next. Erik, however was feeling uncertain. “But he’s one of them. That town was showing evidence proving they had the crab virus.” The crab virus is a virus which spreads through your body slowly, mutating you and eventually corrupting your mind. “Yes and I will test the boy for symptoms, but for the mean time I need your permission to train him.” Erik thought about this request. Finally he said, “Fine, but don’t tell him anything about us or the crab virus. It will only get him worried.” “Thank you, my lord.” Then Bartholomew got up and left.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow was sitting in an armchair, looking at the various tubes and tools around him. He was tied to the armchair because the old man, who was called Bartholomew Ground, had said it was for his own safety. Crow was growing bored and when the old man finally got back he had fallen asleep in the armchair. Bartholomew grinned and grabbed a pipe with a canister sticking out the bottom. He pushed down on a button and a huge TOOT noise came bursting through the room. Crow yelped in surprise and toppled over his chair. Bartholomew laughed and stooped over to help him up. He untied the ropes binding Crow and said, “Right, no snoozing on the job, there’s too much work to be done!”

CHAPTER TWO A New Start

Crow dropped his training sword and sat down on a bench. “I never knew swinging a wooden sword was to tiring!” Crow said tiredly. Bartholomew had led him to a padded room within the tower, given him a sword, and expect him to have a go at fighting. Crow had never even held a sword because only children with rich parents learned the arts of a sword. “Ye gad! You barely even swung it! What do they teach in schools these days?” Bartholomew shook his head and muttered something under his breath. Crow asked him, not for the first time, “Why do I need to learn all this? Why did you attack my town? Who is responsible?” Crow was close to tears and Bartholomew just said simply, “All in good time my boy, all in good time.” He motioned for Crow to step back on to the mat and began once again to take him through the basics of sword fighting.

        “Well you’re making progress so I think that’s enough for now.” Bartholomew led Crow to yet another room which had two basic beds, two clothes chests and a small kitchen with a larder, a small oven and a small table with two wooden chairs around it. “This is our room. You can go almost anywhere in the fortress, I’m going back to my lab and I will meet you back at this room in about three hours. Any questions?” Crow shook his head and Bartholomew left. Crow had some bread and cheese and then left the room, closing the door behind him.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Did you have a good time exploring the place Crow? I trust nobody gave you any bother.” Bartholomew waited for an answer while Crow swallowed. “Well this place is quite, ummmm, large…” Bartholomew just laughed and took a gulp of wine from his goblet, “Not what you’re used to, eh boy?” He chuckled and took a large bite off a chicken leg. This made Crow feel worse because he started thinking about where he used to live. He felt as though that was years ago, even though it was only that morning he had been there. The fortress was indeed very different to his village. He was glad none of those horrible creatures seemed to be around the place, although some of the guards did give him disgusted looks. He had met a nice man named Razzul who sold meat in the market and he had a daughter called Ruby who was about the same age as Crow. She had fair brown hair and green eyes. She was very confident and greeted Crow with a nice happy greeting. Ruby and her father treated him nicely enough and they asked about his life. Crow felt that this was the only highlight of his life now. “Did you hear me boy? I said that tomorrow I’m going to take you to see Lord Erik.” At the look of confusion on Crow’s face Bartholomew added, “Lord Erik is in charge of this… settlement. Now I think it’s about ready for bed so get put on once of the new nightshirts I got you.” He indicated the clothes chest at the end of the smallest bed and then pointed to a curtained off area. “Best to get changed in there.” Crow nodded and did as he was told.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow was woken by a rooster screeching near the open window. He saw that Bartholomew was already up and reading a newspaper at the table, drinking a mug of coffee. Crow got up, went to the window and looked outside. There he saw people bustling in the courtyard below and somebody was raising a flag which had a picture of what looked to be a dragon head. This added to Crow’s suspicions that Evil King Derek was in charge of this disaster. Bartholomew looked up and saw that Crow was awake and said cheerily, “Good morning to you, Young Crow! It is a fine morning is it not? I hope you are ready for our luncheon with Lord Erik. It is not until twelve ‘o’ clock of course so there is plenty of time yet.” Crow rubbed his eyes and started making some eggs for himself on the oven. He wasn’t sure what sure what he expected from this Lord Erik. Was he bad? Probably. If he destroyed whole cities for no good reason and commanded horrible creatures. Crow put on some of his new clothes and asked Bartholomew if he could go out to the marketplace and he said yes without hesitation.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Razzul saw Crow coming and greeted him warmly. Ruby looked up from her chopping board and saw him. She smiled at him with clean, white teeth. Crow grinned back and started helping her with the meat. They talked the whole time until Crow had to leave so he could make it back to the room. Bartholomew had left a note there telling him to meet him at the lab. Crow pretty much ran up the stairs and found not only Bartholomew, but also a tall young man with longish blonde hair and a broadsword slung over his shoulder. “Good of you to finally arrive Crow. This, as you probably guessed, is Lord Erik.” Erik held out his hand and Crow reluctantly shook it. Erik seemed to notice this and said, “Don’t worry, lad, I won’t bite.” He laughed and sat down on an armchair. Then, he said more seriously, “Well, I think it’s about time you knew what’s going on…”

        “How should we do this Bartholomew? Shall we let him ask the questions and we answer them?” Bartholomew nodded and Crow started feeling nervous. What to ask first? “Uuuuuh… How about telling me why my whole city is destroyed and why everybody is dead?”

Anger started churning in Crow’s stomach as he remembered yesterday morning. “Well, I can see why you should ask that. No doubt you had loved ones their. Well the answer to that is we are trying to stop the worst epidemic this world has ever seen from spreading. It is called the Crab Virus. It gets inside people and feeds off their D.N.A, slowly mutating the person in to a mindless monster, or as we call them, the Greygrue. Bartholomew here is looking for a cure, but so far we have drawn a blank.” As Crow absorbed all this information, Bartholomew got up and looked out the window. Crow asked his next question, “What was that thing that caught me on top of the castle wall?” Bartholomew answered this question, “That, my boy was a wraith. They are blind creatures invented by yours truly, made to sense peoples souls and kill them. We unleash them in cities showing the biggest symptoms of the virus. We are both utterly befuddled that they seemed to miss you entirely until the next morning and then it found you with ease. The only reason they don’t attack our people is because we all have a fang of a wraith with us at all times. In fact there is one in that ring of yours.” Crow looked at his hand and there was indeed a silver ring on his finger with a small chip of tooth fitted in the middle. Just then, suddenly, there was a loud BOOM from outside and the earth shook beneath them and a voice down below yelled, “All men to the dungeon! One of the Dragons has malfunctioned!”

CHAPTER THREE The Dragon-Knights

“Oh damn it! Those blasted builders promised me this couldn’t happen!” Erik ran out the door, closely followed by Bartholomew. Crow found himself alone and he wondered what he was going to do. Then he knew what to do; he would go find Ruby and Razzul to see if they were okay. He ran down the stairwell and went through the crowded foyer into the courtyard. The ground was full of cracks and a roaring could be heard far below him. He hurried towards the Marketplace and discovered that several tents had somehow caught fire. He went cautiously forward and discovered what had caused the fire. A grate in the middle of the market had smoke coming out and occasionally a flame would burst out. Crow covered his face with his sleeve and ran towards Razzul’s stall. He saw Ruby lying on the ground, unconscious, but there was no sign of Razzul. Crow picked Ruby up and ran out of the market. Once he was out he collapsed on to the ground, coughing. A couple of guards saw him lying there with Ruby. One of them picked up Ruby and took her towards the infirmary. The other one bent over Crow and said calmly, “Don’t worry son, you’re going to be fine. You’re a brave one, aren’t you? Running in to the flames like that. Well, better get you to the infirmary.” He picked Crow up and Crow fell into unconsciousness.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Will he be alright nurse?” The sound of Bartholomew’s concerned voice was the first thing Crow heard. He opened his eyes and saw Bartholomew and a nurse staring at him. Seeing him stir, Bartholomew smiled and said, “I’m very proud of you, Crow. You saved somebody while risking your own life. We are happy to say most of the people managed to escape the flames, though I’m sorry to say the young girl’s father has perished.” Crow thought that this was an awful shame and felt awfully sorry for Ruby, and then remembered his own family were all dead. Then Crow asked, “Where is Ruby? Is she alright?” Bartholomew nodded and patted Crow’s knee. “Don’t worry boy, she is currently being treated and you can see her soon.” Crow felt relieved by this news and went back to sleep.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

When Crow woke up again he was back in his and Bartholomew’s room. It was late afternoon, nobody was there and as Crow got up he saw a note on the table. It read:

Dear Crow

I am currently very busy investigating today’s disturbances. I am in the dungeons and if anything is wrong I have told the guards to give you clearance. Your friend Ruby is still in the infirmary bed and I am sure she will be very grateful if you visit her.

Your Fair Mentor, Bartholomew.

Crow pulled on some clean clothes and hurried out the door towards the infirmary. When he went in the matron recognised him and said Ruby was just in the Dormitory and that Crow could go in. Crow went in and saw Ruby lying in bed, reading a book on Egyptology. When she saw Crow she got up and hugged Crow. “Oh thank you, Crow! You risked your own life to save me! I’m very sad about my father though…” Ruby’s mind seemed to go miles away for a moment and then her attention snapped back to Crow. “Well I am forever in you debt and you have my undying gratitude.” Crow grinned and she smiled her perfect smile back at him. “Where are you staying now that… well, you know?” Crow felt nervous about mentioning Razzul in her presence. “I am staying in the room just opposite your one in fact with two apparently very nice people called Tom and Suzy Banks. You and I can see each other everyday now!” Crow thought this was a fabulous idea. “Well I’ll see you later then.” Before he left Ruby kissed him on the cheek and he felt himself blush. He hurried out and went towards the dungeon.

        When Crow arrived at the stairway down to the Dungeons a guard stopped him and asked his name and business. Crow told him he was there to see Bartholomew and the guard let him go down. Crow found Bartholomew talking to a man in a white coat holding a clipboard. Crow caught snatches of conversation as he walked towards them. “Lord Erik… Dragons… Cages… Precautions… Lazy Building…” Crow wondered how they were keeping dragons and nobody seemed to know about it. Bartholomew looked up and saw Crow coming towards them. He beamed and patted Crow on the back, “Well done again, Crow. You did a magnificent thing today that I’m sure I, let alone Ruby, will forget.” Bartholomew winked at him and asked, “So what brings you here? Is everything running smoothly?” Crow wondered why he was there and said, “I just wanted to know what happened. What is all this about dragons? I thought they were all extinct…” Bartholomew’s grin disappeared and he started walking off down the hall, beckoning for Crow to follow. Crow walked briskly to keep up with Bartholomew’s strides and they soon arrived at a secure, solid steel door.                                                                                           Bartholomew put the key in and turned it. After several thunking sounds it opened and a blast of hot air hit Crow. He thought that this must be where the dragons are kept. They went in and Crow saw that he was mistaken; the place was full of cages containing, not dragons, but odd looking machines curled up and with smoke coming out. “What are all these things? Are they used to power the fort or something?” Crow asked. Bartholomew shook his head and said, “No, boy. These are the dragons. They aren’t the animal kind of dragon, but machines built with dragon-like qualities. For instance they can breathe fire and fly.” Crow looked doubtfully at one of the nearest machines, thinking it looked more like a scrap metal heap than a high functioning dragon replica. “If they are dragons what kind of power do they run off? It seems pretty impossible to actually power one enough to fly and breathe fire.” Bartholomew’s grin returned and he said, “Aaaah, you remind me of myself in my youth. Indeed it should prove impossible to find something to power all these wonderful beasts. But it wasn’t and we did. Follow me.” And he started walking towards yet another solidly-built door.”
        Inside was much different to the other room; this one was full of cords and machinery. Crow almost tripped on a big pipe as he came in. In the middle of the room was a big metal container. “In that box is all the answers to our energy problems. It is a special rock, or what I like to call it, the Dragonstone. It provides energy and gives our Dragons the ability of shooting real dragonfire. The only downside to it is that these dragons can’t be controlled by anybody. They need a certain kind of person, or what we call them, Dragon Knights. There are only two that we know of and they are Lord Erik and the dead tyrant King Derek. Though I suspect that we have found another one, you. You see not only can a dragon knight command a dragon, but all otherworldly creatures. Such as Wraiths. That is why you survived the attack on your village. Sadly, the only real way to prove it is for you to attempt to ride one of our dragons. Don’t worry; I won’t make you do it now, but soon. You see, the crab virus is not the only thing we are combating. But that story is for another day, and unless there was another issue, I shall be leaving.” And with that he led Crow out of the Solid doors and locked them.

CHAPTER FOUR The Greygrue Incident

Crow had only been in the stronghold a short time but it felt like he had lived there for years. So much had happened in the last two days, his mother dead, the hideous wraith, his home destroyed, Ruby’s father dying. He lay in bed, unwilling to get up, stuck in his thoughts. Finally he heard Bartholomew setting the kettle on the stove while humming quietly. Crow opened his eyes and stretched his arms, blinking sleepily. “Oh, good morning Crow. Today we are going to try again with sword training and also some horse riding.” Bartholomew said this like it was a treat, but secretly, Crow hated horse riding, in fact, he hated horses altogether. They’re big eyes staring at him, looking into his mind. Crow knew this was a bit far fetched but couldn’t get the idea out of his head. But to spare Bartholomew’s feelings he smiled half-heartedly and ate some toast.

        “Have you ever ridden a horse before?” asked the stable boy, Tom. “Well, yes a couple of times but I’m not very comfortable on one…” Tom laughed and helped Crow onto one of the smaller horses. Crow almost fell off straight away, but managed to regain his balance just as Bartholomew walked into the stable. “Already mounted are we Crow my boy? Well, I’ll just be a moment.” Tom rushed off and came quickly back with a white horse already saddled up. Bartholomew grinned and said, “This is Felix. I am the only one who can ride him.” As if showing this point, Felix bent down on one knee so Bartholomew could get on easily. When he was Felix started slowly out of the stable, followed closely by Crow’s horse, Trent. Crow soon became used to the steady rhythm of the hoofs hitting the ground and actually started to enjoy himself. They steadily became faster and faster until they were at a swift canter, far into the countryside. Then a vast blue shape enveloped the land beyond them. The ocean. In the distance, Crow could see a small green island. When he asked Bartholomew what it was, his features became grim and he answered bitterly, “That is the home of the Greygrue. They are the people who originally started spreading the crab virus. They have only set foot on this beach once, and when they did, the local farmers took care of them by themselves, seeing as it was very few Greygrue. We believe those farmers are the first ones to get the Crab virus. But enough of this, it is almost time for lunch!” So he reared his horse around and took off back towards the castle.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“So, this boy really is to be my successor?” asked Lord Erik. “Indeed, my lord. He was so very quick at catching on with horse riding, and yet he can barely swing a sword!” exclaimed Bartholomew, grinning. “If you are sure, he will take my place as lord if anything is to happen to me. For now, keep him safe. We can’t have that Greygrue scum getting there clammy hands on him.” Lord Erik grimaced at the thought of that. “Yes, my lord. I must go attend to an experiment now.” Bartholomew slipped out the door, and Lord Erik sat behind his desk, thinking of more war tactics. He was thrilled he was not the only one of his kind, apart from King Derek. He thought about the old king, his father. He would continue on his work, to kill the Greygrue. Oh, yes, this boy will help a lot.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Are you sure we won’t get caught?” Crow asked Ruby. “Of course I’m sure; I’ve done it a million times. Geez, you’re such a wuss sometimes!” They were outside the stable door now and Ruby turned to Crow. “Well, this is the point of no return. After this there’s no backing out of it, and, if somehow we get caught, we have to share the blame.” Crow thought about this as Ruby pushed open the stable door. It was the middle of the night and Crow didn’t doubt Ruby’s plan one bit, but he still felt nervous about sneaking out. Finally he nodded to her and she grinned and said, “Maybe you’re not such a wuss after all.” Crow saddled up Trent as Ruby picked out a smaller, more slender horse named Sapphire. “That name is quite appropriate considering the rider,” observed Crow. Ruby pulled a face and moved her horse out the open stable doors. Crow followed her and soon they were both out of sight of the stronghold. “Okay, if we follow the road south for about twenty minutes, we’ll end up in a village called Runhfide. Or, if we follow the road a while north, we can go to the ocean. If you want, we can even go for a boat ride.” Crow had never been on a boat before, so he chose the second option.

         When the sea came in to sight, Crow could see the outline of Greygrue Island. Then he noticed a man in thin leather armour sleeping on the beach. “I wonder who he is,” said Crow. The man stirred, sat up, and said,

“If you are referring to me, I am a humble rogue using this here beach as my bed.” He then got up and looked Crow and Ruby straight up and down. “So, now that you know who I am, what about you. Two young people, desperately in love but your families hate each other, so you have come to the beach searching for peace and romance?” Crow and Ruby both looked at each other, then to the rogue and said at the same time, “No!” The rogue chuckled and sat back down. After a while, during which Crow and Ruby just stared at the rogue, he said, “Okay, I was kinda hoping you kids would leave me alone after that, but fine. If you must know my name is Red, or at least that’s what I’m called by everybody. How about you? I mean, I doubt you come from anywhere near here, since you came from the south, and there’s not anything there for miles.” Ruby stepped forward and said, “I am Ruby, and this is Crow. We are citizens of the Stronghold of Hort.” The Rogue looked thoughtful for a second, then said, “Is that the place that loony Erik guy lives? Well, I have a message for you to take him…”

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Tom, come quickly! Ruby’s gone missing!” Suzy Banks, along with her husband Tom Banks, were Ruby’s adopted parents. When Suzy had gotten up to get some water, she had noticed that Ruby had left a candle lit when she left. Now Suzy was frantically looking around for places her new daughter could be. Of course, when she went to look in Crow’s home across the hall, Tom, Bartholomew and herself found Crow also missing. At this point Bartholomew said, “It looks like both our newly adopted children have decided to go for a night time stroll.” Suzy was not so calm about the situation and said, “If that boy of yours get either of them in to any danger, I’ll, I’ll…!” She let her voice trail off and left the room to search the Stronghold, leaving Bartholomew and Tom in Crow’s room. “Well, if you ask me, if anybody’s going to get them in to any kind of danger, it would be my daughter. Crow isn’t the sort to make any rash decisions, is he?” Tom said. Bartholomew grinned and said, “True, true. We were all lucky that he made the right decision about saving Ruby from that fire.” Bartholomew remembered how proud he had been of Crow for that. “To think that it’s only been two weeks since then is strange to think about…” Just then Suzy came back in and said, “Found the little buggers, found them putting their horses back in the stable. Apparently they have something to tell Lord Erik.” Bartholomew looked surprised at this and said, “Oh, really? Are they still at the stable? Well, I’ll see to them personally, don’t worry about a thing.” And with that he rushed out the door.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“I want you to tell him to meet me here tomorrow morning. But, of course to prove I’m worth his time, I’ll show you how serious this is.” Red pulled out a small wooden box from inside his cloak, raised it up in the air, and snapped it open, saying something under his breath. A roar of flame came out and Crow knew it was dragon flame, just from the smell of brimstone clinging to the air. Then, Crow saw another, normal flame rise up from the east. Red grinned at them and said, “What you are about to witness is something not many people can say they have seen before.” Crow swallowed, not knowing what to expect, but knew it wouldn’t at all good. Then, in the distance he saw some people, no, make that lots of people coming towards them. Then he knew what they were. They were Greygrue! Crow suddenly felt very weak, and he felt Ruby’s hand slip in to his, and he squeezed it to hopefully make her feel better. As they got closer, he could make out their details, their grey skin, hair that looked like seaweed, hard scales covering them from the neck down and eyes that glowed yellow in the night. They each had a pincer for one hand, and all wore a green and grey uniform. When they reached the three humans, instead of doing something terrifying, the leader broke out in to a grin and said to Red, “When you said you saw two people coming from Hort, I didn’t know you meant some kids.” Red laughed and turned to the two teenagers. “I introduce to you, Tobias, leader of the Greygrue Protection Committee, also known as the GPC. We want to know what Lord Erik is planning for the Greygrue, and whether he is willing to sign a treaty of peace, instead of slaying our people and blaming us on the Crab virus.” Crow didn’t know what to say, so, he and Ruby got on their horses and got out of there as fast as they could.

CHAPTER FIVE Otherworldly Surprises

“So you say a group called the ‘Greygrue Protection Committee’, has come to negotiate with us?” Erik paced his study, as Ruby and Crow told him about what had happened on the beach. “Hmm, well, personally, I see no reason to agree to anything those horrid creatures have to offer me. Though now is a perfect time to find out the enemy’s plans, and maybe even eliminate some of them. Fine, I’ll meet them tomorrow morning, and I want you, Crow, to come with me.” Crow didn’t like the prospect of even meeting the Greygrue, let alone a possible fight with them too. But he swallowed his worries and nodded. Erik grinned, “Of course, we will fly dragons there, just as a safety precaution. Now don’t be nervous, it’s just like riding a horse! Okay, you two have been through a lot tonight, so go get some sleep. I’ll see you in the dungeon at seven o’ clock sharp, Crow.” Erik led them out of his study and closed the door behind them.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow barely got any sleep, and when Bartholomew got him up at six, he felt exhausted. He stumbled in to his clothes, gulped down some toast, and left for the dungeon. Ruby was waiting just outside his room and had a look of concern in her eye. “Lord Erik shouldn’t be making you do this, it sounds dangerous!” Crow just kept walking and Ruby followed. When they reached the dungeon staircase, Crow turned to face Ruby. “Don’t worry about me; I can take care of myself. Anyway, how can I get hurt if I’m on a dragon? I feel sorrier for the Greygrue.” Ruby nodded reluctantly and turned away, but changed her mind and said, “Can I watch you take off?” Crow grinned and nodded.

        “So remember, you will have a special mental bond with the dragon, so you just have to think clearly what you want it to do.” Erik had already gone through the basics of dragon riding, but kept reminding him as they climbed on the two mechanical dragons. Crow heard a bell ringing the courtyard above them. There was a loud rumble and the roof above started to open. “On my signal, just will your dragon to take off. Don’t worry; they will flap on their own, so you don’t need to think about every wing beat.” When Erik gave Crow the thumbs up, Crow waved goodbye to Ruby and Bartholomew, who were watching from below. Crow found he just knew instinctively what to do, and in no time his dragon was in the air. Erik joined him and they hovered above the stronghold, people cheering below them. “Not bad for a first time, though you could learn some smoother moves and a few evasive manoeuvres. I’ll lead and you just keep following, okay?” Crow nodded and felt dizzy from a combination of exhaustion and exhilaration about flying.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Sir, two dragons have been spotted flying this way!” A younger member of the GPC had been on lookout duty a bit south and had spotted the two beasts while playing with his binoculars. Red and the Leader looked at each other. Finally Red said, “Two? Hmmm, so Lord Erik found another one, did he? No matter, if all goes to plan that won’t be an issue. Now, you.” He pointed to the young troop. “You will come with me and greet our guests. But first, clip this to your shirt…”

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow looked behind them and spotted about ten dark figures on the plain below. “Are those wraiths down there?” he asked Erik. Erik nodded, but didn’t say anything. Then, suddenly, Crow’s dragon suddenly seized up and started falling. Crow braced himself for a crash landing, but his dragon landed softly and jogged along the ground to stop itself falling over. Crow noticed that Lord Erik’s dragon had done the same thing. He also noticed the rogue, Red, from the previous night, and a GPC troop a few yards away. “Bloody hell, it was a trap! Crow, be on your guard. The wraiths should take care of this lot!” Erik was angry that he had led himself in to a trap, especially one made by the Greygrue. The wraiths arrived moments later, but did not attack the enemies. Red laughed, “It seems your little wraiths don’t feel like killing anybody here. Must be too busy admiring our new jewellery.” He gestured to a brooch on his cloak with a chip of tooth in the middle. The troop was also wearing one. Lord Erik’s face was now distorted with rage. “How dare you, a human helping these, these, THINGS! They are turning our people in to theirs!” Red held up his hand for silence and said, “Now, now, no need to make a song and dance out of it. Maybe if you heard their side of the story, you’d think differently. Now come, we wouldn’t want to keep the others waiting.” And Crow stood up and started walking behind Red, as if against his own will. He heard Erik mutter, “Cooperate with monsters? Un-bloody-likely!”

        After about twenty minutes of walking, they arrived at the beach Crow and Ruby had been at the previous night. The Greygrue seemed to have set up a camp there, and Crow saw that everybody was wearing a brooch similar to Red’s. Erik noticed this too and asked, “Where did you beasts get the fangs of a wraith? The only ones existing are locked tightly in my stronghold!” Red turned to him and said, “Yes, but where did they come from before then, Lord Erik? Did you honestly think you found the only ones existing? Well, they used to be, but we popped in to the otherworld and, shall we say, ‘captured’ some wraiths.” Erik’s eyes widened with surprise. “You went to the otherworld? But how? I thought King Derek closed the doorway after…” He glanced over at Crow and knew he had said too much. Crow wondered what the Greygrue were going to do with him, and if he’ll ever see Ruby again. Finally, exhaustion got the better of him, and he fainted.

CHAPTER SIX Threats of Death and Merry Conversations

Ruby and everybody else in the stronghold were getting worried. It had been eight hours since they had left for the beach. A group of soldiers were sent to the beach, and had come back with nothing. Ruby wondered if the Greygrue had tricked them, led them in to a trap. She remembered how friendly the GPC leader had been. He didn’t seem like a monster, if you ignored his mutilated body. Then again, Lord Erik seemed like a nice guy, but when it came to the Greygrue, he was like a beast, waiting for a chance to strike his prey. She wasn’t worried much about him anyway, she just wanted to know if Crow was okay. As day turned to night, and no news of Crow and Erik came, people began to give up hope, muttering about who will take over, and if they will share Lord Erik’s hatred to the Greygrue. Ruby swore that, no matter what, she would find Crow.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow groaned as he woke up, feeling something sharp digging in to his back. He opened his eyes, wondering for a moment where he was. Then he remembered that mornings events and closed his eyes again. He was in a jail cell, probably somewhere on the Greygrue Island. He opened his eyes again and noticed Erik in the cell beside his, his face pressed in to his hands. “You’re awake. You’ve been out for quite a while.” He looked up and gave Crow a grim look. “We’re locked up on those scum’s island. I can’t believe we were tricked by those monsters.” He put his head back in his hands and muttered something. Crow thought of how worried the people back in the stronghold must be. Ruby was right, he shouldn’t have gone with Erik. But it was too late for that now. He asked Erik, “What do we do now?” Erik looked up again and the ghost of a smile touched his lips. “We’ll escape of course.” He explained, “I don’t know how yet, but we will. Then we will exact revenge upon the Greygrue, destroy their precious island. But now, I need time to plan.” So he put his head back in his hand, and planned.

        After what seemed like a lifetime, a Greygrue guard came in, pushed some bread and water in to their cells, and said, “After you have finished your food, I am to take you to see the Emperor.” Crow almost choked on his food, they had an emperor? From what he had heard from Erik and Bartholomew, they were no better than animals. But from his point of view, they were as civilised as humans, if not more so. Erik scoffed and said, “You beasts have an emperor? What, does he have the nicest shade of grey in his skin, or the biggest pincer?” Crow thought this was more than a bit childish, but kept his mouth closed for the time being. 
        After they had both finished eating, the guard put blindfolds on both of them, then led them through what felt like a maze. They passed through a doorway and the guard took their blindfolds off. Crow gasped at what he saw. It was a big room, about twenty feet high, with paintings and golden patterns lining the walls. In the middle was a large throne, surrounded by smaller thrones, which looked as though they had been made of glass. A Greygrue man sat in the larger throne, and the guard left the room, leaving Crow, Erik, and who seemed to be the Emperor alone. After an awkward silence, the Emperor gestured to the Humans and said, “Sit my friends, and I shall treat you with honour if you treat me with honour.” Erik didn’t appear to like this and expressed his emotion by kicking one of the smaller thrones, and earned a sore toe for his troubles. “That wasn’t very sensible, was it? Usually, we sit on chairs here.” This remark seemed to drive Erik off the edge and he grabbed a bottle of wine from the table beside the throne he had just kicked, smashed it over the throne, and held the broken bottle towards the king, yelling, “I’ll kill you! You can’t speak ill of me, you beast!” 

“I wouldn’t recommend that.” Crow was startled by Red, stepping out from behind the Emperor’s throne. He seemed to mutter something under his breath, and Erik’s eyes seemed to cloud over. Erik bowed to the Emperor, then proceeded towards the exit. Erik seemed to regain control of his voice for a second before he left and shouted, “You just wait, you beasts! I’ll kill you all for what you did to my father!” Then he was gone, leaving Crow alone with Red and the Emperor.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Do you think they’ll be okay? I should be helping look for them. Crow saved my life; I should try repaying the favour!” Ruby had already tried this, but didn’t know what else to do. “Yes, but Crow knew exactly where you were when he saved you. Also, you weren’t being taken captive by monsters, were you?” Suzy was getting tired of arguing with her daughter. Ruby screamed and went in to her room, slamming the door behind her. Crow had been missing for over a day now, but nobody had the guts to go to Greygrue Island, instead they just kept searching the mainland, even though everyone knew they wouldn’t find anything. She thought about how they were probably torturing him at that moment. Oh, poor Crow, I can’t think of what peril you must be going through right now!

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Right at that moment Crow was pouring himself another glass of the best fruit juice he had ever drunk. The Emperor, whose name was actually Elliot, had said it was made from a fruit only grown on their island. The seats were made of a crystal also found on their island. Crow had spent about two hours talking to Elliot, about his Mother being killed by wraiths, being taken to the stronghold, about Ruby and Bartholomew. Crow also found out that Red was also a sorcerer, but his powers were somewhat limited by a curse cast by King Derek, and only someone of his bloodline could lift it, hence why he needed Erik. Elliot explained to Crow that the Crab virus was not spread by the Greygrue, but by a spell King Derek cast many years ago, a spell that opened a doorway to a place called the otherworld, where creatures such as Wraiths, Dragons and even the Greygrue themselves had come from. It had been closed by Red, who was cursed for doing so, and the doorway left a cloud of magical decay that turned certain people in to Greygrue.

        After a while, Crow realised he and Erik had been gone for more than a day, and wondered how worried everyone must be. When he explained this to Emperor Elliot, he shook his head and said, “I’m sorry, you can’t return. You are welcome to live here, on the island. We will provide a house and get you a job if you would like.” Crow thought this sounded much better than being locked up again, like Erik had been, but he couldn’t help missing Ruby, so he took a deep breath and said, “Can I at least take one person from the stronghold? A girl, named Ruby. I will ask her if she wants to come, and if she does, she can stay with me.” The Emperor thought this through and finally said, “Alright, but on one condition. Actually, two. One is that you tell the people of the stronghold to never threaten us again, and secondly, you acquire a certain stone we seek. I believe it’s called the Dragonstone.” Crow remembered Bartholomew showing the Dragonstone to him, remembered him telling Crow how it could power pretty much everything. He wondered what the Emperor could need it for, but didn’t ask. However, he did ask, “How do I get to the stronghold?” The Emperor smiled and said,

“How do you think? You will ride your dragon of course!”

CHAPTER SEVEN Gone without a trace

Crow was flying fast towards the stronghold astride his dragon, with Red holding on behind him. Crow sometimes forgot he was riding a machine, because it moved so gracefully and seemed to have a mind of its own. Finally the stronghold came in to sight. When people saw Crow on his dragon, some cheered, others yelled out questions about Erik and the Greygrue. The courtyard opened up and Crow landed his Dragon in the dungeon.

        Nobody was in dungeon when they got there, so Red got up and quickly opened the door. “You go and find that girl, Ruby, while I get the Dragonstone. Be quick, I can only keep this place secure for so long!” Crow ran out the door, up the stairs of the dungeon and pretty much ran straight in to Bartholomew. “Crow, m’boy, you’re back! Thank the Gods.” 

“Sorry, Bartholomew, gotta be quick, don’t go down there if you know what’s good for you!” Crow ran past Bartholomew and took the main staircase two steps at a time. He was about to step onto Ruby’s floor when she came sprinted down towards him, and hugged him so hard he almost fell back down the stairs. “Don’t you ever scare us like that again, you moron!” Then, out of the blue, she kissed him right on the lips.

        Crow was startled and was speechless for a few moments, and Ruby blushed a deep red. Then, finally, Crow said, “I can’t stay here, the Greygrue are watching me. I am only here to ask if you want to come with me. They offered us a home, jobs and everything. They are actually really nice people!” He told her about Elliot, about how they only captured them to defend themselves. Ruby chewed her lip, which meant she was thinking very hard. After what seemed like a lifetime, she said, “Okay, I’ll go. But it better all you say it is!” Crow was startled in to laughter and they ran down the stairs. All the doors in the Stronghold seemed to be locked, so nobody could get out of their rooms, or in to the main tower. It also meant Bartholomew was locked inside the main tower. He was in the dungeon, trying to get the dragon room door open. He saw Crow and yelled, “What is this, you are betraying us? I thought we were in this together, saving the world from the crab virus!” Crow shook his head and said, “That’s what you think, but you are wrong. The Greygrue are not the monsters, humans are!” And with that he pushed Bartholomew out of the way, opened the door, and prepared himself for a bumpy ride.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Lord Erik knew that Crow had betrayed him, had become one of them. He had heard the whole conversation. All those lies, making Derek look like the evil one. The Greygrue didn’t belong in this world, true; they had come from the otherworld. True, Derek had opened a doorway to another world, but he hadn’t intended it to be bad. But all that rubbish about magical decay was pathetic lies to cover up their faults. He was going to escape this horrid place and teach Crow a lesson. Not kill him, no, he was too useful. But he won’t have his nice little life with Bartholomew. He would go through the hard, cruel training Derek had put Erik through, to teach him some discipline. Erik started whistling through the small window in his cell and a guard came in and told him to stop. Erik ignored him and whistled louder. A louder, higher pitched whistle came from the distance and then lots of startled yells. Erik grinned at the sight of his dragon flying towards him. The dragon used it powerful jaws to rip part of the roof off his cell, and picked Erik up carefully. The guard produced a throwing knife from his belt, but it bounced harmlessly off the dragons armour. Then Erik and Dragon took off in to the night, leaving Greygrue Island behind them.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow swore as the courtyard started closing above them, and his dragon’s wings scraped the sides as they took off. Arrows whizzed past them or bounced off the dragon until they were away from the stronghold. Ruby clung tightly to Crow, obviously not comfortable flying. Crow felt so relaxed flying, like nothing could get him as long as he was in the air. “So much has happened lately, it’s almost too much to handle.” Ruby sounded anxious, almost scared. Crow frowned, not in the short time he had known Ruby, had she been scared. Then again, they were in a pretty complicated situation. When Crow came within hearing range of Greygrue Island, he heard bells ringing everywhere. Red groaned, “That means a prisoner has escaped.” Crow knew this meant Erik was gone, which was bad news for everyone.

        When Crow landed on the island, he was led by another guard to the Emperor’s throne room, but this time he didn’t bother with a blindfold. When they arrived the Emperor didn’t look as happy as he had that morning. “Lord Erik broke out of jail about twenty minutes ago, taking his dragon with him. Crow, I am going to have to ask a favour of you. If Lord Erik continues to pose as a threat, can we call upon you to help?” Crow nodded almost instantly and a look of slight relief spread across the Emperor’s face. Then he noticed Ruby, “This must be young Ruby, the girl from the fire. Crow must care greatly for you; he seems to have risked his life for you twice now.” Crow and Ruby blushed, remembering what had happened on the stairs. Elliot laughed and said, “Well, as promised, you now have a house on the outskirts of the island. You have enough room to keep your dragon there, young Crow, and from this day on you are both citizens of Greygrue Island.” Crow liked this arrangement, but would miss Bartholomew’s company. But at least he had Ruby. “A guard will escort you to the house. Now, Red, I believe you have the Dragonstone…”

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Lord Erik knew he shouldn’t return to his stronghold just yet, because it was the first place those beasts would look for him. So he hid in a large cave dug in to a cliff, just big enough to fit his dragon and himself. From what Erik had seen, the Greygrue had become more powerful and intelligent than when King Derek had released them from the Otherworld. Erik knew he had to seek outside help to obliterate his foes, help from this world and perhaps out of it.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow pushed open the door to his and Ruby’s new farmhouse. On the kitchen table he found a small pile of Greygrue currency, some eggs, some milk and some bread. Crow had been given a job in the GPC as a captain, and Ruby had been given a job in harvesting fruit and vegetables. As Ruby put the food and drink in the larder, Crow went to check out the bedrooms. Their were three bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other two with normal beds. When Crow suggested Ruby take the double bed, she glared at him. “What, because I’m a girl I’m too weak to sleep in a single bed. Or are you just too strong?” Crow then suggested they both sleep in the single beds, and this seemed satisfactory to Ruby. When Crow went out to the backyard, he found Red, hooking the Dragonstone up to his dragon. When Crow asked what he was doing, Red explained, “If your dragon isn’t hooked to a power source for too long, it just gives up and dies. As long as it’s hooked to the Dragonstone every once in a while, it will live as long as you want it to.” Red connected the last cord to the dragon and the Dragonstone started glowing slightly. Red waved goodbye to Crow, jumped on a horse, and rode towards the Emperor’s palace.

CHAPTER EIGHT The Mystery Friend

For the past two months Crow had done the same thing each day: Get up, go to work, come home, practice sword fighting, have dinner, go to bed. Now, he was extremely bored. He wanted change. Ruby was feeling the exact same way, if not worse. Elliot had noticed Crow’s growing discomfort, and he payed Crow a visit at the military building.

        People knelt down as the emperor passed, and Crow copied them. “Rise, m’boy, no need for formality. May we have a word in private?” Elliot gestured to an empty training room. When they were inside Elliot said, “I feel something is wrong with you, young Crow. Your effort in recent exercises has dropped, and you look vacant a lot of the time.” Crow shook his head and said, “Well, it’s just I’m bored of doing the same thing each day. Also, I miss the people back at… in the stronghold.” He had been about to say home, but remembered his home had been destroyed, and this was his new home. Elliot laughed and said, “Restless little chap, aren’t ya? Remind me a bit of myself in my youth. No worries, young Crow, we’ll send you on a scouting mission. That’ll take you a little out of the ordinary.” Crow thought this sounded a lot better than the current arrangements and said, “Well, that sounds alright. Ruby is also pretty bored, can she come with me?” Elliot had heard of the girl’s talent when she was training with Crow in their backyard. She was actually better than Crow himself, and had taught Crow some moves. He finally said, “Alright, the girl is quite good with a sword I believe. She can accompany you, as well as nine of my troops. You will depart tomorrow.”

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC) Erik had watched how his stronghold fared without him. The Greygrue had indeed all but taken it over. They had taken the remaining two dragons from the dungeon back to their island, plus all the Wraiths. Most of the villagers had packed up and left, some stayed, trying to get rid of the Greygrue from the inside. Bartholomew rarely went outside, and always stayed well away from the Greygrue. Erik knew he would need his friend to defeat the beasts, so tonight, he would do just that.

        Bartholomew was about to blow out the lantern in his room when the slightest tap on the door caught his attention. If it was the Greygrue, he would be very angry. He opened the door slightly, and almost yelled in surprise from who he saw. It was Lord Erik. “My lord, I thought the Greygrue had captured you. How can you be here?” Lord Erik held up his hand for silence and uttered one word, “Soon.” Bartholomew nodded and started following Erik closely. They snuck through a secret back door not even Bartholomew had known about, where the Greygrue wouldn’t see them. They flew on Erik’s dragon in to the night.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“I can’t believe I get to come too! Oh, I love you Crow!” Ruby had agreed fully on the idea of leaving the island. “Don’t get too excited, it’s only for a week, and we’ll be walking most of the time, and sleeping under the stars.” Ruby shook her head, “That’s the best way to sleep. When I was little, my dad would take me camping outside the stronghold.” “So, had you lived in the stronghold your whole life?” “Well, I was born in Rhjul, but my mother died just after I was born, and my dad said there was better business in the stronghold.” Crow was surprised to hear she was born in Rhjul, since it was in the northern lands, one of the desert cities. “Wow, so you come from the desert?” Crow asked. Ruby nodded. “Well, I’m off to bed. Gotta save my energy for tomorrow. Good night, Crow.” Once she left, Crow grinned. Life had certainly become better.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Bartholomew had listened to Lord Erik’s tale of how he escaped from the Greygrues’ fortress. Lord Erik had emphasised it a bit, adding some killing in for effect, but the base of it was true; he had escaped. When Bartholomew asked where they were headed, Erik simply said, “To meet an old friend.” Bartholomew knew Erik wasn’t going to say any more on the subject, so he changed the subject. “So where is Crow now? I had a little run in with him back at the stronghold, took the girl Ruby with him. Has he really gone traitor?” Erik nodded and said regretfully, “The boy was conned in to thinking we were the bad guys with a few lies and some friendly chat. He is just a child after all. Don’t worry, I’m sure we can get him back somehow. Though, the enemy will be even more dangerous, with a Beast Master on their side.” Bartholomew couldn’t agree more.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Crow and Ruby went to the palace early, and discovered the only other person there was Red. “You kids are up bright and early. I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here, and it’s because I’ve decided you deserve to enjoy my company. Please, don’t cheer too loud.” Crow grinned at Ruby, but she did not return it. Instead a look of concern crossed her face. “Are you with us because the trip will be more dangerous than the Emperor thought?” Red’s grin faded and he nodded somewhat grimly. “Lord Erik was spotted entering and leaving the stronghold. He had another man with him as he left; the one that tried to stop you when we were picking up the Dragonstone.” Crow gasped, Erik had Bartholomew? Crow couldn’t believe that somebody who had been such a good friend could help a selfish, cruel person like Erik. “But enough on this misery, let’s get ready before anybody else gets here, to make them feel inadequate!

        They had spent two hours on the boat to get to the mainland; landing on the beach Crow had met Red. That felt like it had been a lifetime ago. They walked for a long time, which suited Crow fine, since he was in the best shape he had ever been in his life, but Ruby had only been sitting around peeling fruit all day for two months, so was not quite so fit. She trailed behind the group, her face burning up from the heat of the sun beating down on her. Finally, Crow noticed she had fallen behind and told her they would stop soon to set up camp. She almost breathed a sigh of relief, but didn’t want to look pathetic in front of Crow. She remembered back when he had been afraid to go for a night time horse ride. Now, he was in an army, and she peeled fruit. She missed the days back in the stronghold, working for her father, just walking around with Crow. Times had definitely changed.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC) Bartholomew could not quite believe what he was seeing. He was staring at Erik’s ‘friend`. His ‘friend` had turned out to be a man Bartholomew, and everybody else, thought was dead. The man was talking hurriedly to Erik, as if they knew each other so well. Bartholomew was working on Erik’s dragon, trying to work out a way to charge it without the Dragonstone. It was running out of energy, it would only last another three days or so. He had been surprised it had lasted two months, usually they could only store enough power for one month at most. But it had lasted this long, but the glow in its eyes was fading, and it’s heart getting dimmer. Bartholomew’s gaze was drawn back to Erik’s friend. He was alive, thought Bartholomew, but how?

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Sir, a campfire has been spotted to the east! Apparently, the tyrant Erik is there, with two other men.” Crow was woken up by a scout with this news at about eleven o’ clock. His heart quickened and he thought about what he should do. Red seemed to know more than he when it came to making decisions. “Send two troops back to the boat, and take Crow with you. Crow, you will get your dragon and fly back here. The two troops can go get reinforcements. You,” he pointed to the scout, “You can track Erik if he starts moving.” Red then closed his eyes and started thinking. Crow and the two troops jogged back to the beach, which took just under an hour. The boats were still there, so they started rowing towards Greygrue Island.

        Elliot was informed of the sighting of Lord Erik, and sent fifty additional troops to apprehend him. Crow climbed onto his dragon, taking off in to night. When he got back to camp, the additional troops still had about an hour to get back to shore, so he went to check up on Ruby. She was outfitted in leather armour, and was holding a rapier in her sword hand. She had tied back her hair, and she looked ready for battle. “So, you’re gonna fight too?” Ruby nodded and grinned at Crow.

“Yes, why, do you think I can’t fight well enough?” Crow laughed and told her, “Actually, you could beat me in a swordfight against me, so you probably stand a better chance than me.” Ruby shook her head. “I would, if you didn’t have a great big dragon to ride in on, that can breathe fire!” Crow had almost forgotten that and shrugged, “Yeah, well, you should go, I have to get changed.” Ruby looked uncomfortable, and said quietly, “Hey, Crow? Try not to get hurt, okay?” Crow nodded. “You too.” They looked even more uncomfortable, and finally Ruby left the tent, leaving Crow feeling very confused.

        “Remember, we don’t want him dead! Also, leave the other two men alive, they might have valuable information on the enemies’ plans. Any questions? Good. Now, green squadron, you will hit them from the west, while red squadron strikes from the east. Crow, you will strike from the sky. I will accompany you.” Crow nodded as everyone else said, “Sir! Yes, Sir!” Crow was wearing Chain mail, thick leather armour, metal boots and gloves, and a heavy helmet. Red had said this was necessary in case he was forced off his dragon. When Crow had asked why Red wasn’t wearing the same, he had explained that his magic was still strong enough to cushion the fall. Ruby was in red squadron, and looked nervous. This would be a day to remember.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Bartholomew saw them first. The Greygrue had already found them. He told Erik about it, and Erik grinned. “Little pests wanna fight? Let’s give them a warm welcoming.” He jumped on to his dragon, leaving Bartholomew with the man who should have been dead.

CHAPTER NINE Another Great Escape

Crow and Red waited at the camp while both squadrons got in to position. “So, Red, if we do capture Erik, how are you going to convince him to revoke the spell.” Red looked unsure and shrugged, “I actually have no idea. It requires the person to say it of their own will, so I can’t force him.” Crow couldn’t see Erik doing this, so he understood Red’s look of frustration as he thought. Finally, both squadrons did their signal to say they were ready, and Crow took off, with Red sitting behind him. Lord Erik had been expecting them, and Crow saw the silhouette of his dragon taking off. It flew straight towards Crow, but instead of shooting flame, or knocking him off, he stopped right beside them. “Mage, I propose a deal. You give me the boy, and let me get away cleanly, I will revoke the curse on you.” Crow looked at Red, and was relieved to see a look of contempt on his face. “You can shove that deal up your…” The rest of Red’s remark was cut off by a huge explosion from the ground. The three people in the air looked down to see almost the whole Greygrue army running from… what was that? It was a huge serpent looking thing, apparently made of fire. Erik smiled, “Looks like things just got exciting boys!”

        Ruby ran with the rest of her squadron, feeling extremely nervous. As they got close, she caught a snatch of Bartholomew through the crowd. She angled her head to see who the other person was. What she saw knocked the breath out of her. No, it couldn’t possibly be – BOOM! A huge explosion knocked Ruby off her feet, making her hit her head on a rock. She felt blood seep out of her wound and, as the world faded, her last thought was a good one. Her father was alive; she had just seen him.
        Erik’s dragon did a somersault in midair to face the monster that had just appeared, and sped towards it. Red’s face was pale, and Crow asked what that thing was. “It’s a salamander king. From the Otherworld. This is bad, very, very bad.” From what Crow had been told about the otherworld, it was a place where mythical creatures came from. But according to the emperor, only one portal there still existed, and it was deep within the palace walls, where nobody could find it. Apparently, another portal had been created by King Derek, and some of the magic from it had seeped out of it in to him, letting him control the beasts within it. Lord Erik was the son of King Derek, so the magic was also with him. But why Crow? No, it could not be. Crow had never met his father. Could Erik be…? No, Crow would have to figure it out for himself. But now, he had to help his troops, and to find out if Ruby was alright.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“So, Razzul, how did you survive the fire? You are thought to be dead, even by your daughter, who has since turned traitor.” Razzul nodded sadly, “It was Erik’s decision; he needed a friend on the outside, but didn’t want anyone else to know, in case there were any spies inside the stronghold. So for the last few months I’ve been lying low, listening out for news of the Greygrue, but hearing none. Then, out of the blue, I hear Lord Erik was captured by the little beasts. Of course, my first thought was to return to the stronghold. But Lord Erik found me first, and told me to stay put, to await his arrival and here I am. Now, put these stones in numerical order, yes they have numbers on them, around me.” Bartholomew did what he was told, and when the whole ritual site was complete, the troops were almost on them. Razzul started chanting and a magic bubble seemed to surround them. Then, a deafening explosion erupted around them, knocking down the army with its shockwave. A giant, flaming beast, a hundred feet tall, scared the soldiers away with ease, few remaining, the ones that did soon engulfed by flame.

        Razzul stopped chanting and the magic bubble around them disappeared. Bartholomew spotted Lord Erik actually stroking the beast’s muzzle, and the beast seemed friendly. Sometimes Lord Erik’s Beast mastery astounded Bartholomew. Razzul looked around at the mass destruction he had caused. His eye caught on somebody, a human being, lying against a rock. His breath caught in his throat. It was his daughter. He ran over to her, scooping her up in his arms. He took her back to the campsite, using herbs to sooth her wound. Then Bartholomew broke the peaceful moment by shouting, “My Lord, Dragon coming from the South!”
        “Crow, you stand no chance against a king salamander! I’m sure Ruby is fine, most of the troops got away! There is no point putting your life in danger too!” Crow had grim determination in his eyes, and his dragon seemed to share his determination, as it sped towards the Salamander, towards Erik. Crow felt his Dragon brace up, the same way it had two months ago. “Magic! Don’t worry.” Red started muttering, and the dragon started flapping again. Erik pulled up beside him, wings beating in unison. “Boy, why did you join the enemy? Those beasts are using you! They have no respect for you or I, or any humans! As soon as they have the world, they will discard you!” Crow shook his head. Lord Erik was just a hating, manipulative man, who had a grudge against the Greygrue because he thought that they were spreading a disease. “Crow, don’t you see? They don’t belong in this world. They belong in the Otherworld.” Red turned to Erik, somehow maintaining his spell. “You know as well as I do the Greygrue originate from this world, Erik! Why do you think you can’t control them?” Erik snarled and his dragon dived down, collecting Bartholomew and Razzul. Crow gasped as they rose, not only from the shock of seeing Razzul, but that he had Ruby with him. “Ruby, no!” Crow tried to get Erik’s dragon, but Erik had years more experience with a dragon, and    
Easily lashed Crow’s dragon with his one’s tail, and took off into the night. Crow landed back at the camp, and started crying.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

“Ruby, you must understand, they are the bad ones, not us!” Razzul had tried to explain what had happened, but this only succeeded in making Ruby angrier. “No, dad, I’ve heard terrible things about Lord Erik. He wants to slaughter the Greygrue. They are people you know! They are civilised, much more civilised than Lord Erik! Also, he’s the son of King Derek! How many more reasons do you need to not trust him?” Razzul sighed, wondering if his daughter would ever see why they were fighting against the Greygrue. “Sweetie, if the Greygrue are so civilised, why did they attack us? Why would they turn innocent humans in to monsters?” Ruby explained what the Greygrue Emperor had said about the Crab virus, about how it had been started when Derek made the portal to the Otherworld. Razzul shook his head, “They have been feeding lies to you. Don’t worry, you’ll learn the truth if you stay with us.” Ruby almost screamed in frustration, “Don’t tell me I’ve been lied to. I lived with these so called ‘beasts` for two months! They are friendly people! Why can’t you just leave them alone?” Razzul sighed again. This will be hard work.

EPILOGUE

Crow scouted the area on his dragon for hours, searching for Erik. He found nothing; Erik must have gone very far. Erik’s monster had disappeared shortly after his escape, but the grass was scorched where it had appeared. Also, Red had found a patch of grass that had not been scorched, and discovered it was actually a ritual site, which explained how they had summoned the salamander. Crow knew he might never see Ruby again, but he’d keep looking, every day. He’d never give up.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Ruby looked in to the horizon, listening to the cart’s wheels squeak. Erik’s dragon had finally given up, and now it was stowed in the cart, taken apart so it could fit. Erik had not explained what they were going to do now, but none of that mattered anymore. She was going to get back to Crow, get back to the Greygrue. Nobody would stop her. Especially not her evil father.

Don’t go now! Stay tuned for a preview of the next book, Beyond the Gate

PROLOGUE

The king looked down at his kingdom, proud to see what had become of it. Five years ago, it had been poisoned by the magic of King Derek when he opened the gateway to the Outerworld. But now it was finally back to the way it was, the town bustling with Warghs, Greygrue and even some Torfs. Too bad his father wasn’t alive to see this. His death was also the result of King Derek’s evil. But, King Derek was now dead, and King Rudh the second, who rules the Otherworld kingdom of Kudhulgh, will make sure nothing happens to this city again. HE was just thinking this when the sky started to burst open, raining fire upon the whole city.

Erik, Razzul and Bartholomew were standing in a circle, setting up another ritual site. Ruby sat on a rock a few meters away, rolling her eyes. They had been to several different places, all rumoured to be the site where King Derek had opened the gateway to the Otherworld. Of course, they had all been false rumours. Now they were in a cold, wet forest, preparing for nothing to happen. Razzul started the chant, and the others followed. But, unlike the last few times, when nothing had happened, the ground shook slightly. Ruby’s eyes widened in surprise. The ground shook even more violently, until, just a meter away from Ruby, the ground started splitting. Ruby yelled in surprise as the ground started disappearing beneath her. Razzul yelled, “Ruby, run!” But, she had nowhere to run, and she fell.

CHAPTER ONE Enter the Rift

“Wake up Crow! You’ve got to see this!” Crow opened his eyes sleepily and saw Gerald, the neighbours son, standing wide eyed beside his bed. “What is it? You know you shouldn’t wake me up before dawn.” Crow was about to go back to sleep, but Gerald was set on keeping him awake. “Crow, this is important! There’s something strange happening to the west!” This got Crow’s full attention. The west was home to the tribal folk, where all the big forests were. That was where the latest sightings of Lord Erik had been recorded. Crow jumped out of bed and looked out the window. Just as Gerald had said, something strange was going on to the west. A huge darkness covered a large portion of jungle a few hundred kilometres away. “Gerald, send a message to the castle. Tell them to meet me at the port in approximately twenty minutes.” Gerald grinned. He loved helping Crow with army things. When he grew up, he wanted to be just like Crow, apart from the human thing. Too much skin.

“My daughter! What have we done?” Razzul was feeling as terrible as the day his wife had died, if not worse. This time, it had been his fault. He shouldn’t have let Ruby get so close to the ritual. “Get a hold of yourself Razzul. I’m sure she’s somewhere in the Otherworld. We may be able to find her.” Bartholomew was too excited to worry about a stupid little girl going missing. The only reason he had let her stay is because she was his only mage’s daughter. Bartholomew was also feeling mortified. He and Ruby didn’t have much of a `past, but she was still only young. “My lord, please reconsider this matter. She is only small, and if she is in the Otherworld, surely those beasts won’t look kindly upon her arrival.” This seemed to hit Erik. “You are quite right, my friend. These beasts will not harm another of our kind. They will pay for infecting our world!” With that, Erik swiftly tied a rope to a nearby rock and proceeded to abseil down the rift, quickly followed by his two companions.

“I say we hold her responsible! She has brought a new rain of terror upon our city! Kill her!” Cries such as these spread around the crowd surrounding Ruby. A person in a robe walked up to her and grabbed her arm. “Shut up you fools! She is too young to cast this degree of destruction. No, I imagine she is someone the magician who cast the portal has thrown in to be rid of her.” Suddenly Ruby shuddered and her eyes opened. Almost instantly, she closed them again. She was surrounded by strange creatures. She recognised some Greygrue, but the others were new to her. The creature holding her noticed this stir and said, “She is awake. Move aside, I will take her to the palace at once!” Ruby would have protested, but her body was spinning, and every bit of her ached.

“Crow, don’t land to close to the rift. It will try sucking your dragon back to its own dimension.” Red yelled over the wind as they flew towards the forest at full speed. A giant rift was visible from miles away, and Crow saw a cart sitting right beside it. So that was how Erik was getting around. Suddenly, a bright flash of light caught Crow’s eye. Red explained, “It’s energy discharge. Somebody must have either entered or exited the rift. Most probably Lord Erik. We must be cautious.” Crow rolled his eye, fighting back the sarcasm he wanted to throw at Red. Finally, he just agreed, “That is probably a good idea.” Crow found a clearing about a mile away from the rift. Red was fidgeting with a device on his belt. “This should get us into the rift safely. The magical decay would deteriorate your biological structure in seconds.” explained Red, “Though I have to admit, he’s done a much better job of it than King Derek did…” Crow clipped the device to his belt, and Red said, “Okay, jump on the count of three. One…” Red pushed Crow and jumped simultaneously. Crow didn’t have time to yell in surprise. He was lost in a whole world of swirling colours and pictures.

“What is the meaning of this? I thought all this nonsense between the worlds was over!” King Rudh was almost tone contained a note of hysteria as he looked at the chaos enveloping his city. Just then, a messenger came running in. “Your majesty… Girl… found in city… human… rift… shall I bring her in?” The messenger had obviously sprinted as fast as he could up the stairway, and was lost for breath. “A human hmmm? Yes, bring her in immediately. Maybe she can answer some of my questions…”

“But, my lord, if she did survive, wouldn’t the magics of the rift altered her DNA?” Bartholomew observed. Erik shrugged, “I could not care less for the fate of this girl. The only reason we are searching for her is that her father is the only known ancient mage left in the land, of course apart for that blasted Red, who was rendered useless by my father of course.” Erik laughed, though his eyes showed no humour. Razzul was far ahead of them, looking under debris and calling Ruby’s name. Suddenly, a voice from behind them interrupted the search. “You looking for a human? Like you but smaller and different shape?” The creature poked out its forked tongue and seemed to taste the air. Erik hesitated, wondering whether to see where this led to or to kill this hideous beast. Finally he decided, “Hello noble roargh, we are indeed looking for the person you describe. Will you take us to her?” The Roargh blinked. It was not used to being spoken to like royalty. “Depends, what’s in it for me?” The question pushed Erik off the edge. He spoke again, but his voice was layered with Beast Master’s magic, controlling the otherworldly being with ease. “You will take me and my companions to see the girl. Now.” The Roargh simply nodded and started walking towards the palace. Erik grimaced. The sooner they were gone from where these beasts outnumber us, the better.

05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)Smellyturtle (talk) 05:55, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Ruby woke up properly in an ordinary looking prison cell, with metal bars on the window and the door. “Hello? Where am I? Why am I here?” A tall cloaked figure came towards her cell and put his finger up to his lips and spoke softly, “Do not worry, this is only until the High Council figure out what to do with you. Now, I am Lord Remington the 8th, royal magician for his majesty the king of Kudhulgh. You fell quite a distance, is there anything I can get you?” Now that he mentioned it, Ruby noticed her throat was very dry, and when she spoke her voice was raspy. “Water, please.” Lord Remington did a bow and a jug of water and glass appeared on a tray in front of him. “Show off,” Ruby murmured as she reached for the water. As she brought it up to her face, a glint caught her eye. She looked closer and saw her reflection. It was the same face that had always stared back at her every time she looked in a mirror. Then she yelled in surprise, causing the tray, jug and glass to shatter on the ground. Ruby’s eyes had changed colour. They were now deep red. The colour of rubies.

To Be Continued…