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Leo and the Dragon Ch. 01

By: Blind_Justice



Author's Notes:

Thanks once more to bikoukumori, for fearlessly slaughtering my spelling and grammar gremlins. Also a big thanks to fellow authors redskyes and Handley_Page for helpful additions and insight.

As usual, there's only adults having fun here.





Winter was approaching fast in Storm Harbour. The first frost had hit early in the eleventh month and even now, at noon, the air was crisp, with bitingly cold blasts of wind coming in from the rough seas. The Guardsmen patrolling the crowded market had their hoods up and made their way slowly along the aisles, stopping longer and longer at each food stall, trying to soak up some of the warmth the grills, ovens and boiling kettles of soup promised. Suddenly commotion erupted, with people jostling even more than usual.

A young woman, wrapped in expensive furs, pointed and shrieked, "He stole my purse! Catch that man!"

Sergeant Kreel, pudgy, tired and hungry, forced his body into pursuit of the whip-thin man dashing through the crowds. After a few short steps, he already wheezed like a pair of bellows and the passer-bys blocking his path didn't make things any easier. 

"We need a better strategy," he huffed, slapping his second-in-command on the shoulder. "You follow him, I will try to keep a lookout. And you, rookie, go get reinforcements. We need to block off the market before he escapes! Move it, people!"

Three men ran off after the thief, who nimbly dodged into side passages, easily keeping his pursuers at bay. Thaion, the youngest member of the patrol, grumbled in indignation. He was the fastest and fittest of their number. Granted, he just had come to the big city from his homestead of River Crossing but he was proud to serve the City Guard and secretly wondered how his peers could let their stamina and pride deteriorate like this. They were happy to make their rounds, chat with long-time acquaintances and behave more like criminals running a protection racket than officers of the law. And all he ever got to do were annoying fetch tasks or signal duty. Snorting in disgust, he sprinted off towards the nearest Guard station. 

Rounding a corner, still mumbling to himself about his comrades' lack of discipline, he solidly slammed into a pillar of metal. Sputtering apologies, his eyes widened in surprise as he beheld the obstacle he had just ran into. In front of him was a veritable giant of a man. Nearly six foot eight in his massive polished plate armour, the chest piece moulded to resemble a roaring lion's head, he towered over Thaion's slender form. On his back, in a simple leather sling, he carried a massive hammer and had a thick, fur-lined cloak wrapped around his shoulders, to ward off the cold. 

"Can I help you, private?" the man in armour inquired.

"Huh? Who are you?" Thaion shot back.

In answer, the man in armour opened his cloak, proudly displaying a Guard emblem painted onto his right shoulder plate.

"I am Leo, Fist of Justice and Officer of the City Guard. So, what's the problem?"

"Oh, thank the heavens, sir," Thaion breathed. "There's a thief at the market and I fear he will get away if no one will help the rest of the squad."

"If it isn't too late already," Leo mused. "Were you headed for the Guard Station on Trident Road?" 

Thaion nodded emphatically. 

"Well, proceed and get the men. I'll see what I can do in the meantime," Leo said, wrapping his cloak around himself.

***

The shouting grew louder as Leo pushed his way through the crowds.

"Thief! Stop the thief!"

"He made off with my purse!"

"Catch him! Curses, where did he go?"

Leo let his gaze drift over the pushing and pulling throng of people milling about like a pandemonic maelstrom in the central Market Square of Storm Harbour. Nearly a head taller than everyone around him, he easily was able to spot the source of the commotion. A slender man, his hair slicked to his scalp, was ducking and weaving between the stalls, slipping from narrow aisle to narrow aisle in a mad dash to escape the pursuing Guardsmen. The thief twirled and dove nearly effortlessly through the stalls and aisles, his cloak billowing out behind him. He even had the cheek to snatch another purse from a customer who was about to pay a dwarven smith for his wares. Tapping the small holy symbol inlaid in his left shoulder guard, Leo muttered a swift prayer. Suddenly, the mass of people parted, opening a clear path between himself and the thief, who threw a quick glance over his shoulder. He saw the Guards converging on his position and bolted, directly towards Leo, obviously not believing his luck. The armoured man slowly reached under his cloak, pulling a bola from his belt. The thief was nearly upon him when Leo threw wide his cloak, revealing the symbol of the Guard on his so far cloak-covered right pauldron. The thief froze for a heartbeat, then he threw himself sideways, trying to dive into the sea of people. Again, Leo tapped his shoulder. Instead of muttering though, his voice rolled over the crowd, easily drowning out the sea of sounds of market day.

"In the name of Lord Justice, I command you. STAY!"

With a disbelieving look on his face, the thief froze in mid-jump. A moment later, the bolas tangled up his legs. The commanding magic evaporated and the thief finished his movement, toppling to the ground in an undignified jumble of limbs. The Fist of Justice pounced on him, keeping the thief's struggling form pinned to the ground by the sheer weight of his armoured knee. 

"On my authority as Fist of Justice and Officer of the Guard, you are hereby placed under arrest on account of multiple cases of theft," he snarled. His helmet, visor in the shape of a furious, snarling man, was only inches from the thief's terrified face. Close up, the armoured man could clearly see three coins tattooed onto the cheek of the thief, a sure sign he was with the Guild. Moments later, the Guards patrol arrived, saluting sloppily.

"Thanks for taking care of that weasel, sir," Sergeant Kreel huffed. 

"Lucky for you I was in the vicinity," Leo said, rising. Without any apparent effort, he hoisted the thief to his feet. "Otherwise, the Thieves' Guild would have made merry on your account tonight."

"Yes sir, I know, sir," Kreel panted. Too much standing around ogling the passing girls, not enough exercise at the barracks, Leo mused. He waited until a Guardsman had safely shackled the thief, then he saluted them and strode off.

***

After walking through the late-autumnal streets, the tavern was overly warm. Leo unhooked the chin strap of his helmet and pulled the thing off his head, shaking out long blond curls in the process. Every eye in the room was on him. Almost every eye. An auburn-haired woman was leaning over her glass at the bar, seemingly oblivious to everything around her. 

"Go on, nothing to see here, really," the armoured man chuckled, self-consciously, making his way towards the bar. Setting the heavy helmet down onto the polished wood, he took a seat next to the woman.

"I have missed you today. You haven't been on your rounds," he said, softly brushing her shoulder with his gauntlet.

"Oh, for Mercy's sake, would you please fuck off and let me drink in peace, Leo?" the woman snapped, slanted green eyes blazing up at him, her words slurred by too much strong drink. She wore a simple white robe and the smell of ozone was heavy around her. She leaned back, the fabric of her robe rustling as if buffeted by a strong wind, and fixed Leo with a mean stare.

"Who do I have to bribe in this town to drown my sorrow in peace and quiet, huh?"

"Going by the amount of glass arrayed in front of you, I guess you already did a pretty good job of drowning whatever is bugging you, Shilana," Leo said, motioning the barkeep over.

"What the fuck do you know, hatchling?" Shilana snapped, gulping down the rest of her drink. Shivering as the strong alcohol poured down her throat, she brushed an errant strand of hair behind a long, pointed ear. "You haven't known me long enough to even begin to understand the troubles I'm carrying with me," she said, almost tenderly. 

"Not long enough? Shilana, we've been partners for almost four years now," Leo protested. The barkeep, a bald dwarf with a mighty full beard, looked expectantly up at him. 

"Tea, please. With a shot of rum, if you have it," Leo said, before turning his attention back to Shilana, who was intently studying the row of bottles lining the back of the bar.

"What, 'fraid to drink with the lady?" the dwarf snickered.

"Believe me, you don't want a drunk mage and a drunk paladin in your tavern, good sir," Leo chuckled.

"What's this?" Shilana asked, unsteady finger pointing at a stout black flask. A menacing aura seemed to surround it.

"Oh, keen eye, good lady. 'Tis stone water, the finest me kin can brew. But I'm 'fraid a tender dear like you..." the barkeep began. Shilana cut him off with a swipe of her hand, tiny bolts of electricity sparking off her fingertips.

"Shut up and pour. That's what you're here for, fuzzy face," she snapped. The dwarf wrinkled his forehead, beard bristling in indignation, obviously thinking about drawing whatever weapon he had stashed under the bar. A small shake of the head from Leo convinced him otherwise. Grumbling to himself in his harsh language, he grabbed the stone water bottle and uncorked it, holding the stopper in Shilana's face. Her eyes promptly began to water.

"Ah, the good stuff. I'll take a double-strength one," she hissed.

"That might very well kill ya, pointy-ears," the dwarf said sweetly but poured obligingly.

"Thank you," Shilana smiled, saluted Leo and tipped the drink down her throat. Her delicate elven features flushed, but she didn't cough. Smiling bitterly, she sighed and leaned against Leo, not minding the ridges of his chest piece pushing into her.

"Leo, I'm almost two hundred and seventy years old. Four years to me is a passing acquaintance," she almost whispered.

"Yeah, sometimes I'm forgetting that you're an elf," he chuckled softly, fiddling with the straps holding his gauntlets in place. Pulling them off, he brushed Shilana's hair out of her face so that he could see her sparkling green eyes. He added quietly, "But for a human, four years is much, much longer, and it can carry far more meaning."

For a moment, just a moment, Shilana's hard exterior almost broke.

"Must be the charming company I'm surrounding myself with," she smirked before sitting up straight again. "Like my father always said: 'Cities corrupt people'. Look what I'm doing here," she said, smiling wryly.

"You're helping the Guard tremendously with your battle magics," Leo said, thankfully accepting the steaming cup the dwarven barkeep handed him. 

"I only wish I could have helped my own people when they needed it," Shilana sighed, motioning the barkeep to refill her glass.

"What do you mean?" Leo asked softly, stirring his tea with a spoon.

"Today is the anniversary of my village's destruction, Leo. Two centuries but still I can hear every scream, every bit of raucous laughter as the dark elves slaughtered, raped and pillaged. Two centuries..." she choked before wrapping her arms around Leo's neck, burying her face in the cold, unyielding metal of his chest plate. The sobs shook her frail body. At a loss for words, Leo placed his arms around her slender shoulders and gently held her. The tears didn't stop. Carefully caressing her hair and back, as if afraid to break anything, Leo looked at the dwarf.

"I can give ya a room, if ye want ter console the lady," the dwarf leered, "Gets her outta me face too."

Leo just nodded and hugged Shilana close to his body. The dwarf pulled a grubby key from his apron and slid it across the bar. Leo snatched it and hooked the key around a finger, then he took Shilana into his arms, effortlessly carrying her up a dangerously creaking set of stairs.

"If I didn't know better, I'd guess you're trying to lay me," Shilana slurred between sobs.

"You know I'd never do that," Leo grumbled, fiddling with the door lock. 

"Why? Am I not beautiful to you?" Shilana purred, teasing his neck with slender fingertips.

"It would be... wrong, in so many ways," Leo mumbled, ducking into the small room. The smell of old sheets and chamberpots, too long uncleaned, assaulted his nose. "Especially in this dump," he growled, easing Shilana down onto the bed. 

"Really, Leo, I wouldn't mind. I could do with some tenderness right now," Shilana moaned. Leo closed the door into the face of two gawping servants before taking one long step and pushing open the small window, letting in shockingly cold night air. 

"No."

"Why not?" Shilana pouted, fiddling with the laces holding the collar of her robe together.

"You are my friend, Shilana. You are drunk. You are sad. Forcing myself on you now would just be... wrong," Leo answered, helplessly spreading his hands.

"Oh, your eyes say otherwise," Shilana smirked, swaying precariously as she tried to pull open her robe. Leo enclosed both her hands with one of his.

"Stop, please. Not like this. If you want to do it, let's do this when you're sober," Leo whispered.

"But I wanna," Shilana moaned, slipping her hands from his grasp. With a snarl, she almost ripped the robe off her slender body.

"Forgive me, my friend," Leo whispered, tapping his shoulder armour. Shilana looked at him, sudden understanding dawning.

"In the name of Lord Justice, I command you. Go to sleep."

"You fucking... bas-... tard..." Shilana complained before crumpling onto the mattress. Leo gingerly wrapped her in her robe, making sure not to touch her small breasts. Then he tucked her in, pulled a chair up to the bed and began his vigil. 

Her dreams were uneasy, that much Leo could tell. Shilana tossed and turned in bed, moaning and crying in her sleep. Whatever had happened two centuries ago, it was tormenting her still. Leo had no idea what it was, but he hated to see his dear friend suffer. Gently, as not to wake her, he began to caress her hair, hoping that somehow his touch might drive the demons away that were haunting her. 

He watched her sleep. Without noticing, his own thoughts drifted off, back to the day when they'd met for the first time. Leo had just arrived from the monastery where young orphans were trained to become paladins in the service of Lord Justice. Storm Harbour spread out before him, a huge, dark grey crescent hugging the ocean. His mind raced as he tried to comprehend the thousands and thousands of people who would mill around in its streets. 

Shilana awaited him on the last hilltop before the city, a regal auburn-haired beauty wrapped in a simple white robe, the breeze tugging at her hair. 

"Are you Leo?" she asked, not unkindly. He just nodded. Females were a rare sight in the monastery, elven females were rarer still. He had of course learned about all the different races inhabiting the Western Continent but meeting one such exotic being was excitingly new. To his surprise, she eyed him nearly as curiously.

"What?" Leo asked, a little confused.

"I'm just trying to figure out what makes you so special that I had to walk all the way out here to welcome you is all," she mused, before bowing. "I am Shilana Elbharyl, battlemage of the City Guard and your new partner."

"Nice to meet you, Lady Shilana," Leo began, before his voice trailed off as Shilana started laughing and shaking her head. 

"No 'lady,' Leo. Just 'Shilana,' please. We are to work together for the foreseeable future, until you're familiar with the city. This kind of formality will only get in the way." Under her breath, she added, "And on my nerves." Leo pretended not to have heard that. 

"So, what makes you so special?" Shilana asked again, easily falling into step next to Leo.

"I am a Fist of Justice, mil-.. Shilana," he said, as if that explained everything. 

"Sorry, still no idea. Care to elaborate?" the elven woman asked.

"I am what most people outside my order would call a 'paladin.' I am to guard those too weak to fend for themselves, to protect them from false judgement. To do so, my Lord Justice has granted me a measure of his power. I can smite the evil or heal the wounded. I can detect the intentions of those near me and I can sense if someone is lying."

"So, you would know if I were to attack you?" Shilana inquired, eyeing him warily.

"Only if I invoke the name of my Lord, which I don't do lightly. All this power comes at a price. I must be prudent in using my abilities, my Lord frowns upon frivolous squandering of his magic."

"So, what does a guy like you do for fun?" Shilana asked, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.

"I don't know. Until now, I didn't have much in the way of spare time. I have spent every waking minute to prepare for service in His name," Leo shrugged, shifting the weight of his small pack onto his other shoulder. 

"Must have been a dreary existence," Shilana guessed, her smile taking much of the sting from that remark.

"Not at all. But I fear all that combat training, all the prayers haven't really prepared me for such a huge city," Leo admitted, gazing towards majestic Storm Harbour.

"Stick with me, I'll show you around," Shilana said, slapping his armour-clad shoulder.

Much had happened since that sunny afternoon almost four years ago. Together, they had liberated a village overrun by an orcish warband, had fought side-by-side with mercenaries to repulse numerous pirate incursions into Storm Harbour territory and fought off monsters rampaging through the countryside but never had Leo seen Shilana gloomy like tonight. He thought they had become close through all the adventures but with a pang of guilt he realized that he knew barely a thing about her. Shilana kept her secrets close and she seemed to harbour a fair share of them. 

His eyes fluttered open as he felt her stare on him. Outside, dawn was approaching. Shilana leaned on one elbow, eyeing him intently.

"Don't tell me you've been guarding me the whole night," Shilana muttered, her voice thick with sleep.

"You already know, why should I state the obvious," Leo responded, smiling fondly.

"Ooh, my head hurts. We didn't fight last night, did we?" she sighed, rubbing her temples. 

"No, we didn't. You had a wee bit too much to drink is all," he chuckled, filling the cracked porcelain bowl on the washing table with water which he brought over to the bed along with a threadbare towel.

"'A wee bit?'" Shilana snorted, "My head feels like some orcs are using it for kicking practice!"

"If you hadn't set your sights on seducing me, you might feel even worse. This 'stone water' must be one hell of a brew," Leo chuckled, holding the bowl while Shilana splashed water into her face. Sputtering, her head whipped up.

"What? Seducing you?"

"That's what I said," he grinned playfully. Her gaze became thoughtful for a moment, then she giggled.

"I must have failed miserably," she groaned.

"It just takes two for a good seduction and I felt the circumstances weren't right," Leo mumbled.

"Aw, you and your inability to lie, damn you." Shilana blushed, splashing some water into his face.

"I am capable of lying, Shilana. But if I do, Lord Justice would be most displeased with me. So I choose not to," Leo explained, wiping his face with a corner of the towel.

"Ugh, and to think that we have to work today," she groaned. "I feel awful."

"The good news is that we are to support the guards at the Land Gate. As long as no foreign dignitaries or orcish warbands are inbound, it should give you ample time to recover. At least you could sleep, somewhat," Leo commented.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind a couple dozen orcs to torch," Shilana grinned. "Would get my mind off my dreams," she added.

"In which you are haunted by the spectres of the dark elves who destroyed your village," Leo guessed.


Leo and the Dragon Ch. 01



The elven woman growled in the back of her throat. Leo knew her well enough to stifle any further questions. To his surprise, Shilana went on.

"Leo, they raped me. They herded everyone from our village into the Speakers' Hall and raped me in front of the whole damn village. Then they had me choose who to sacrifice to their blasted Chaos Queen. They could have killed me or dragged me into slavery like the others but they chose not to. Instead they left me in the ruins of my home. How would you feel?" she whispered, fresh tears welling up in her eyes. 

"I-" Leo began but stopped. There were no words appropriate to the enormity of her tragedy, no amount of sympathy could undo what she had suffered through. He shook his head, apologetically, before placing the wash bowl onto its pedestal. He wrapped Shilana into a tender hug.

"I wish I could do more," he mumbled into her hair.

"Believe me, that's a good start," she sighed.

***

They reached the Land Gate as it was opened, six Guardsmen pulling at each massive door leaf. Outside, a long line of early arrivals waited, itching to get into Storm Harbour. Shilana had the traffic stay for a few minutes more as she traced a large semicircle in front of the gate, pouring glittering dust into the frosty grass and dirt.

"What's she doin'?" a passing Guard asked Leo, who was watching from inside the gateway.

"She's laying down wards to help us discover concealed dangers. This spell will alert us to any disguised troublemakers," Leo explained.

"Won't the carts and people destroy the dust line?" the soldier wondered, wrinkling his brow in his open-faced helmet.

"Just watch," Leo suggested, pointing to Shilana who was standing inside the semicircle, chanting. A moment later, the dust line exploded in a blazing streak of iridescent light and vanished. Shilana strode over to them, brushing her hands off on the sides of her flapping robe.

"That should do it for today," she sighed, wiping sweat off her brow. The Guardsman waved for the anxiously onlooking farmers to proceed. No one moved.

"Go on, it won't harm you!" Shilana yelled. Under her breath, she muttered, "Fucking superstitious peasants!" 

"They don't know any better," Leo mildly admonished her. Then he strode towards the first cart and hailed the nervously fidgeting farmer.

"Come, good sir. You can enter our fair city now," he said, smiling cheerfully.

"Uhh, oi don't know, sah," the farmer muttered, wringing his wool cap in his calloused hands. "Last time oi was here, they wasn't doin' this. Ya think 'tis safe?"

"Absolutely. Here, watch," Leo said, stepping through the space where the shimmering line had been.

"Oh, for Mercy's sake, husband, get a fucken' move on," a female voice from behind the driver's perch snapped. Wrapped in a thick layer of hides and scarves, a hawk-nosed woman leered at Leo. As if whipped himself, the farmer tapped the behind of his oxen with his switch and the animals trotted on, mooing in confusion as the magic washed over them. Nothing obvious happened. The farmer looked around as he passed the ward, shivering as if someone had poured ice water down his back.

"See, that wasn't too bad, was it," Leo asked, walking alongside the cart.

"Well, oi could do without," the farmer said, again shivering.

"We need to make sure that no hidden invaders might sneak by so that Storm Harbour can be your haven if the orcs or dark elves or anyone else decides to attack this land," Leo said. The farmer nodded thankfully and slapped his reins. The oxen picked up speed and Leo stopped inside the gate.

"I wonder where you find this patience," Shilana snorted, pulling her robe tighter around herself.

"It comes with the territory," Leo smiled and opened the door to the gatehouse. "Lord Justice wants us to treat everybody fairly, no matter if they are Storm Lords or beggars. Everybody deserves that."

"No, not everybody. Especially not those cursed dark elves," Shilana snarled, flopping down onto a chair near the fireplace.

"Everybody, without exception. As long as they are peaceful and willing to talk, I cannot strike the first blow," Leo emphasized.

"That will be your undoing one day, just you wait," Shilana grumbled darkly. Leo just shrugged and unhooked his weapon from his back, a long-hefted, two-handed war maul. He leaned against the massive stone desk dominating the room and began to clean the weapon, applying oils to the richly engraved, but well-worn, hammer head.

The hours trickled past. Shilana mostly dozed next to the fireplace while Leo spent much of his time looking out of the window, taking in the endless stream of merchants, farmers and mercenaries who were coming and going through the Land Gate. This late in the year, many wandering bands of adventurers or merchants settled down for the winter and Storm Harbour, with its mighty walls and coastal location, was an ideal hibernating place. Leo watched the Guardsmen bicker with a heavily armed band of warriors who were unwilling to surrender their weapons for inspection as Shilana brushed his hand.

"Hey, want something to eat? I'm sick of being cooped up in here, maybe a quick walk to the market-" She stopped, her eyes taking on a far-away look.

"What is it?" Leo asked, taking the hilt of his weapon.

"The ward just went off. I think it might get interesting after all," the mage hissed. A quick word later, a beautiful longstaff appeared in her hand. Most of it was crafted from a single straight Icewood trunk while the top was made from a glittering star sapphire, the deep blue gem flickering with arcane energies. She muttered a few more quick words and mystic energies surrounded her, enveloping Shilana in a protective force field.

Leo donned his helmet and fastened the chin strap, then he threw the door to the gatehouse open. 

"Commander, keep a sharp eye out; the ward just went off," he called to the Guardsmen. Within moments, half a dozen soldiers surrounded two thickly cloaked and veiled riders, the latest in the slowly thinning stream of people seeking Storm Harbour's hospitality. Lacking any alternatives, they reined in their horses and spread their hands in the universal gesture of peace. 

"What have you woven into the ward?" Leo asked under his breath as they walked, fully prepared and armed, towards the riders.

"Oh, you know, the usual. Demons, shapeshifters, necromancers and dark elves. Why?" Shilana asked back, a grim smile tugging at her lips.

Instead of answering her, Leo addressed the two riders, hefting his maul one-handedly in a show of force.

"Please dismount. We will not harm you unless you give us reason to do so." 

Without hesitation, both riders slid from their horses. Two soldiers stepped in, covered by the long spears of their fellows, and took their reins, leading the animals to the side. Pressured by the steadily shrinking ring of men, the veiled riders had no choice but to move towards Leo and Shilana. 

"Come with us," Leo ordered.

The shorter of the two shot nervous glances left and right, obviously itching to flee or to attack, but a steadying gaze by the taller one caused her to fall in. A few steps later, the smaller one hissed something at the larger one in a language Leo couldn't understand. Next to him, Shilana tensed up. But before Leo could ask if she understood, the taller one whispered back, in the Common tongue,

"Because he cannot lie."

With Shilana bringing up the rear and closing the door, the foursome entered the gatehouse. Leo strode towards the massive stone desk, removing his helmet as he went. The roaring fireplace framed his armoured frame most spectacularly and both visitors paused in mid-stride as he turned around, plonking the heavy hammer down between his feet. Slowly, as if taking in every wrinkle of their cloaks, every speck of dirt from their travels, his gaze swept down over the visitors. 

"My colleague, Shilana," he began without preamble, indicating the elven woman leaning against the door. "I am Leo, Fist of Justice. You will state your business and we will judge if you may stay."

In response, the taller one of the pair slowly reached up and lowered her hood. A flood of snow white hair cascaded over her shoulders and she fixed Leo with a friendly little smile. Her skin was black as midnight, her ears ended in a sharp point, but her blue eyes held nothing but curiosity and warmth. Shilana inhaled sharply. Leo couldn't blame her, for right between them, at least one dark elf was standing, the very beings that caused Shilana so much suffering.

"Tear, Arach." the dark elf said, her long finger pointing at herself and her companion in turn. "And please rest assured that we don't mean any harm. We are followers of the Moon Maiden seeking shelter from the winter in your fair city. And if I may be so bold to ask, have you seen others of our kind pass this way?"

"What, more kinslayers from Down Below?" Shilana's eyes sparked as she joined Leo at the desk, her face not even trying to conceal her hatred. Leo laid a hand on her arm, causing her to snarl in anger. The smaller one had lowered her hood as well, revealing yet another dark elven female, this one was quite a bit younger than Tear, her inquisitive amber eyes darting this way and that. 

"I sense only sincerity coming from you both so I invite you into our city. Our City Guard will shelter you from any harm that might follow you," Leo announced.

Shilana and the smaller dark elf, Arach, whispered, almost in unison: "You wish." 

Shilana cocked her head and shot her a searching look. Arach grinned at her, cheekily, and shrugged.

"To answer your second question: Yes, we know of another band of the Moon Maiden's Faithful. They live in Oak House, in the northern quarters of the city," Leo went on. He turned to the large city map hanging over the fireplace and pointed out a certain point in the convoluted mess of streets, squares and buildings that made up most of the city.

"Are they prisoners or under house arrest?" Arach wondered, suspiciously. 

"No, why?" Leo asked back, a little surprised.

"Because you seem to know an awful lot about them," she remarked. 

Shilana was studying her feet just now, a look of slight embarrassment on her delicate features.

"Dark elves are an endangered species around here, friendly or not." Leo explained, much kinder now. "It is our duty to keep harm as far away from them as possible." 

He laid his hand on Shilana's shoulder but the elven woman gruffly shook it off and stormed out of the room, muttering something about "checking up on the ramparts."

"She's from a raided village, I gather?" Tear asked, sympathy in her eyes, as the door slammed shut again in the wake of the furious mage.

"You have a sharp eye." Leo commented.

"Nah, I've seen her type way too often already. It's always the same, sadly." Tear sighed. Then her little smile came back. "Are we free to go then?" she asked.

"Sure. Don't do anything stupid and you shall be fine. I will order one of the men to guide you, if you want."

"That would be splendid!" Tear smiled thankfully as she went over to Leo and wrapped him in her arms, placing a friendly little peck on his cheek which caused him to blush furiously. But he made no move to disentangle himself from her. Emboldened, she repeated the kiss on his other cheek, causing an even more violent blush. Then she had mercy on the poor man and returned to Arach's side, picking up her bundle and, motioning her to follow, left the watch house. Leo shook his head in wonder. Women. A moment later, he put on his helmet and went outside, calling for a Guard to accompany the new arrivals to Oak House. Then he went looking for his fuming friend. 

***

The winter months were cold and quiet. Leo, when not on Guard duty, honed his skills at the House of Justice or spent time talking and drinking, measuredly, with Shilana. The issue of letting the followers of the Moon Maiden seek shelter in Storm Harbour was slowly, inexorably, straining their friendship. They argued more often, like on this night shortly after New Year's Eve.

"Believe me, there are no 'good' dark elves. They are scum, lying, treacherous, brutal and obsessed. In their language, there is no word for 'love' but fourty-three alone for 'killing,'" Shilana hissed over her metal goblet. She needn't have bothered, the tavern was bursting with chatter and noise while, outside a ferocious winter storm was howling, the snow thumping in huge clumps against the wooden shutters.

"And I'm telling you, my magic didn't fail me. I sensed only peace and goodness from the one called Tear," Leo said, placing a placating hand on Shilana's. She snorted and withdrew hers, using it to guide her goblet to her mouth.

"Yeah, and what about that Arach girl? You didn't elaborate on her intentions too much," Shilana snarled.

"That's because she seemed to be confused about her own feelings as well. But I can sense the absence of evil as well as the presence of good. One does not necessarily preclude the other. And I felt no evil coming from her either. So my call was justified."

"Have you ever, ever, thought about the possibility that they were tricking you, Leo?" the mage snapped, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

"That would imply hostile intent and I sensed none," Leo countered. His composure was driving Shilana up the walls.

"Maybe because they shielded their thoughts from you?" she screamed, slamming the goblet hard onto the table top. The stem bent dangerously and she almost spilled her wine all over the place. Casting a quick mending spell, she fixed the goblet and continued, a little less vicious.

"You are not infallible. You can't be," she almost pleaded.

"Why? Because the idea of 'good' dark elves would make your world so much more complicated? Shilana, you of all people should know that there are no absolutes. You, of all people, should understand that. Your whole life revolves around altering the fabric of reality, messing with the building blocks of our world. For normal people, it's impossible to conjure lightning out of the blue but you can do it. Who says dark elves can't change?" Leo reasoned, trying to calm her down.

"I can't talk to you about it," Shilana snapped, rising from her chair. "Your 'everything is innocent until proven' attitude makes me sick! You are a bloody whelp, what do you know about the world?" She tossed the goblet to the floor and fled from the tavern. 

As if she had drenched him with a bucket of ice water, Leo shook himself. That last remark had stung. Sure, Shilana had a flaring temper, but normally, she unleashed it only in battle. This whole situation was eating at her, and Leo wondered if he could ease her burden. But no matter how much Shilana raged against it, he knew he was right. These two dark elves, and their peers living in Oak House, were no threat. Neither to him, to his city, nor to Shilana. Sighing, he rose and went into the storm.



Leo and the Dragon Ch. 02



Author's Notes:

Thanks again to bikoukumori, for a stellar editing job, and to fellow authors redskyes and Handley_Page for helpful additions and insight.

This is part two of four. If you've stumbled here via the tag search, I'd ask you to go and start with part one for maximum enjoyment.

And as always: Only adults having all the fun.




Part Two

"You have sent for me, sir?" Leo asked, standing at attention in the sun-flooded office of Urs the Sailor, one of the five Storm Lords ruling Storm Harbour. The aging merchant looked up from his papers and fixed Leo with a penetrating, steel-grey stare.

"Huh, who'd have thought you're that young. When I sent for a paladin, I expected a man of more years. How old are you, son?" he asked, brushing a grey strand of hair behind his ear. Leo noticed that half his earlobe was missing, the remainder had a very irregular edge to it.

"Just turned twenty-three, sir," Leo answered, blinking in the blazing early spring sun reflecting off every highly polished wood surface.

"Congrats. As I said, I was expecting someone with more battles under his belt," the older man repeated.

"I am the only paladin in Storm Harbour at the moment, sir. I am also quite capable in battle. I have beaten back the orc raid on Ivy Glen three years ago, only supported by a handful of militia and Lady Shilana, who was kind enough to lend me her magic. I have also aided this city in three battles against the Pirates-"

"- of the Shivering Rocks, I know. I have read your file. But I never imagined that the Hero of Storm Harbour was such a green whelp," the Storm Lord cut him off. Even after this sting, Leo's face remained impassive.

"Well, at least you're no vain hothead like those mercenary captains I have consulted before sending for you," Urs continued. "I have a most delicate task for you. But I'm not quite sure if you're experienced enough to tackle it."

"You'll only know if I fail, sir," Leo said, neither chagrin nor cockiness lacing his voice.

"Ah, what the heck. I can't afford to send a full mercenary company on this fool's errand and I damn well can't sacrifice our City Guard on it either. So listen, boy," Urs said, emphasizing the last word, "for this is important. We believe there's a dragon hiding somewhere around Storm Harbour and we also believe he is actively recruiting cultists in this very city, trying to subvert us. During the winter, several noble heirs were abducted, with outrageously high ransom notes left behind," the Storm Lord explained.

"Why didn't I hear about this?" Leo asked, a little confused. "I am a duty officer of the Guard, after all."

"To avoid general unrest, only a select handful of people knew. Storm Lords, senior Guard officials. No offence, lad, but you were just not important enough to know. Besides, all victims have been found whole after their parents paid up. But now, things have changed. The first dead bodies have turned up and they're not pretty." Urs rose, motioning Leo to follow. 

Together, they left the office and went into the basement. Urs removed an ornately carved ring with a circular seal from his finger and pressed the seal into a certain spot on a certain sconce lining the walls of the wine cellar of his Old Harbour villa. With the clicking and rattling of a hidden mechanism, part of the wall swung inwards and the Storm Lord beckoned Leo to enter the newly revealed passage.

"Where are we going?" the paladin asked, accepting a torch the Storm Lord handed him.

"I have called for an expert who can help us discover more clues about the bodies and I want you to be there as well. Maybe we're just over-imagining things. But if you ask me, we're truly facing a dragon."

Silently, they walked through the hidden hallway, slowly tilting downwards. Leo suspected, after a few minutes, they'd end up near or below the harbour. The steady drips of moisture hitting the roughly-hewn stone floor suggested as much. Eventually, the passage ended in front of an algae-encrusted trellis gate. Urs tapped against it with his ring, and the gate creaked open. Leo looked around, taking in the shell-and-wave decor laid into the barrel ceiling.

"We must be underneath the Sea-Father's temple," he surmised.

"Yes, that's where the bodies ended up," Urs confirmed. They reached another archway, this one guarded by two men in moist-looking scale armour brandishing wickedly barbed tridents, their faces obscured by masks that made them look like antediluvian denizens of the deep, neither fish nor man. 

"Has Voron arrived yet?" Urs snapped at one of the guards who nodded his head, the eyes behind the mask blazing in anger. The guards stepped aside, opening the way for Leo and the Storm Lord to proceed.

"Who's this Voron fellow? Haven't heard of him yet," Leo asked.

"A necromancer I have sent for. Should be able to tell us the cause of death. If anyone can, then Voron," Urs snickered. Leo stopped in mid-stride.

"Sir, I have to inform you-" he began

"Yes, I know. You are forbidden from associating with people of questionable character. You can rest assured, this one's with the Undertakers," the Storm Lord said, dismissing Leo's objection.

"I would prefer it if you used my Lord Death's proper title, mortal," a voice rasped from the shadows. A moment later, a pair of pale, luminescent eyes appeared in the darkness, framed by a black hood. 

Leo drew his weapon, ready to smite the apparition before him. A moment later, dark robes rustled and Voron raised a pale, long-fingered hand, gesturing. The darkness surrounding the robed figure lessened somewhat and Leo noticed he wasn't facing some undead abomination but a surprisingly curvy woman, the black robe moulding itself to the shape of her wide hips and ample behind. Nevertheless, he invoked his intention-seeking magics. Voron placed her hands on her hips, cocked her head and looked up into Leo's tense face, a naughty smile playing around her thin lips.

"Satisfied? Or do you need even more evidence that I'm no evil, eeeeeevil monstrosity?" she giggled, her voice again that eerie, netherworldly rasp. With a long, curved black fingernail, she slowly parted the collar of her robe teasingly, nearly exposing her breasts.

"I-I think that's quite enough," Leo stammered, blinking away his spell.

"Has your search been ...satisfactory?" Voron purred, not bothering to close her robe again. Leo smiled in apology.

"I am sorry I doubted you," he said, addressing both his companions. "But why does Lord Death have necromancers? I thought-"

"You thought we would bring the dead back to life, admit it," Voron chuckled. "You're wrong though. Lord Death is the Keeper of the Dead, every walking corpse, every spectre haunting the night is anathema to him. It is my duty, and the duty of my fellow necromancers, to combat those which would not sleep the eternal sleep. And who better to fight the terrors of the grave than those who know the most about how they're made? The necromancers you are looking for are working alone, defying the will of the gods, or they are in league with the Triad of Evil, Lord Slaughter, Lady Desire and Lord Hatred."

"Enough theology," Urs snapped. "Now, shall we get to the task at hand?"

"Yes, let's," Voron rasped, slapping Leo's armoured behind before striding off into the darkness ahead. A few moments later, Leo and Urs joined her. Voron was standing next to two slabs of chiselled stone, upon which were the remains of two gruesomely mutilated bodies. One was little more than a barely recognizable male torso, huge teeth marks bisecting the chest from right shoulder to left hip, the other one was definitely female. Whatever had killed her had ripped her lower body off. But the killer didn't stop there, he even mutilated her breasts, the horrid wounds like a pair of grotesque, empty eye sockets. The bodies had been in the ocean for quite some time, their skin blotchy and bloated, with dozens of smaller bite marks on them from the fish who nabbed a bite in passing. Leo made a warding sign against his holy symbol, invoking the name of Lord Justice to carry him through this ordeal. 

"What makes you sure these two corpses are related?" Leo asked, striding around the slabs.

"I've compared the bite marks," Voron explained, pointing to the male torso. "It's rare you get such clean ones. Whatever killed him held him with its teeth while it ripped his arms and legs off, which implies some kind of manual dexterity. This one," she indicated the female torso, "has been toyed with. See the claw marks here?" Her fingers pulled at the edge of one of the gaping chest wounds, folding the skin open like pages in a book. "And again, bite marks. Of course only one half, but there are few predators who could rip a grown human or elf to pieces like this," she purred, fingertips brushing along the serrated tear where the torso just ... ended. 

"But we're here to make sure, aren't we?" Voron said. She opened her robe wider and reached into an inside pocket. As if by accident, one of her breasts was fully visible, nipple hardened. If through the chill down here or through arousal, Leo couldn't tell. He shivered. Voron withdrew a syringe from her robe, the whole apparatus nearly a foot long, most of which was the gleaming needle, and jabbed it unceremoniously into the first torso. She pulled on the plunger. Thick, almost black blood filled the tube.

"What are you doing, woman?" Leo snapped, again reaching for his hammer. "Haven't they suffered enough already?"

"Calm down, holy man," Voron hissed. "They are just lumps of flesh now; their souls have departed them. And when we're done here, I will make sure they receive a proper burial. But first, I need a bit of their blood for my magic. Only heartblood will do after all the time they're dead. Now hush, I need to concentrate."

With that, Voron turned towards a wall and chanted, the syllables sounding unwholesome and knotty. With a flourish, she squirted the blood against the wall where it stuck in a black rainbow. Slowly, drop by drop, the blood trickled down the wall, forming letters. Slender, feminine letters.

"I was Syleera, offering my body for the enjoyment of others. I was beaten. I was bound. I was fed to the dragon who tore my lower half from my upper half. But I didn't die then. I only died when he bit my head off, after inflicting terrible hurt upon me."

Leo turned to face Voron but before he could even begin to ask, she squirted the next black rainbow onto the wall, next to the other. This time the script was almost illegible, as if the deceased was barely able to write.

I was Hendar. I served the dragon. Wife and kid hungry. I stole coins for food. Dragon got angry. Killed me with teeth and claws.

"And then he ripped the poor soul limb from limb," Leo whispered.

"Well, according to legend, dragons hate nothing more than stealing," Voron rasped.

"As if we needed any more confirmation," Urs grumbled.

"Sir, whatever you may have planned – I'd like to volunteer. I want this thing punished for its crimes," Leo snarled, the fire of righteous justice burning in his eyes.

"Oh, never get between a man and his chosen prey, I say," Voron chuckled, fixing Leo with a hungry stare, her hand sliding down her front, caressing the robe-clad 'Y' formed by her thighs and her torso.

*** 

"Who would have thought. Dragonslayers, huh," Shilana mused, loosening the reins of her horse. The animal whinnied and accelerated. Leo flicked the reins of his heavy warhorse and trotted along behind her prancing steed.

"I'm really grateful you came along. I would have tried alone but it's great to have you for company," he said.

"Hey, hey, are you trying to flatter me?" Shilana teased, looking at Leo over her shoulder, eyes sparkling in mirth. 

"A little," he admitted. "Also, your magic will come in handy, no doubt."

"Oh, so it's my spellcraft you're after, not me," she pouted in mock indignity.

"I fail to see a distinction. Your magic is an integral part of you, I can't have one without the other," Leo smiled back, before turning serious. "Now we just need to find the monster and slay it. Shouldn't be too hard."

"Oh? On which facts do you base this assumption?" Shilana inquired, reining in her horse to ride alongside Leo's heavily armoured mount.

"From what Urs and I gathered, the dragon's lair has to have a connection to the ocean, since the corpses ended up in the Sea-Father's temple basin. And from what Voron told us, the dragon has to be at least a fully-grown adult, which means he needs an awful lot of room," Leo explained.

"Hm. Solid reasoning, I'll give you that. But have you thought about how to actually beat it when we've found it?" Shilana asked, her playful attitude almost completely vanished. "Any idea what kind of dragon you're dealing with? Fire dragon? Sea dragon? Swamp? Ice? Whatever it may be, an adult dragon is not to be trifled with. What's your plan?"

"You've got me there. This is my first dragon hunt. Actually, before Urs brought it up, I thought dragons were a myth. It has been ages since anyone near Storm Harbour has seen, let alone fought one."

"You'll need protection from its breath weapon, that's for sure. Luckily, I can arrange that. I should have an appropriate spell in my books somewhere. Then there's the matter of you not getting sliced to bits by its claws and teeth," Shilana went on.

"Oh, why me?" Leo asked, nudging her arm with his elbow.

"Because I'm not stupid enough to go toe-to-toe with a furious, hundred-sixty-foot, thirty ton, fire- or acid-breathing lizard, that's for sure. But rest easy, handsome. I can grant you a Stoneskin before you tangle with the beast," the mage purred, "but I will require handsome payment for that."

"You can have my share of the treasure," Leo said without batting an eye. "Urs asked me to bring back as much of the hoard as possible. He wants to give parts of it back to the families blackmailed out of their fortunes."

"And he wants a lot of it for his own coffers, I bet," Shilana hissed under her breath.

"Why do you have to be this cynical, Shilana?" Leo asked.

"Because I've been around this place longer than you, hatchling. And being stuck with humans tends to color your view on things," she sighed. 

They rode on in companionable silence, trotting along the road snaking away from Storm Harbour before turning north, into the countryside. The area became hilly and lightly forested but from every hilltop, they could still see the huge grey crescent-shaped city by the bay and the glittering white and silver of the ocean beyond.

Around noon, Shilana reined in her horse and fixed Leo with a sly look.

"Admit it, you have no clue where to look," she teased.

"Actually, I do have some ideas. My first guess would be the cliffs north of town. We should be there around dusk, and tomorrow we can have a look if the caves there are large enough for a dragon," he explained.

"As good a place to start as any. Race ya there," Shilana called and lightly kicked her horse. The animal sprinted off and Leo shook his head, urging his own mount to follow. Three hilltops later, he caught up with her. She had her horse stop on a ridge and sat there, almost frozen in place. Leo pulled up to her, following her gaze. Nestled into a small hollow next to a merrily babbling brook, two naked figures were cuddling in the grass. The warm rays of the early spring sun caressed gentle, black-skinned curves and glittered off hastily discarded armour pieces, clothing, backpacks and dropped weapons. Two dark elven females were kissing and caressing each other, occasional sighs and moans drifting up to the onlookers.

"It would be... so... easy," Shilana hissed, looking at her slender hand, tiny bolts of lightning sparking from her fingertips.

"Don't." Leo whispered, closing his gauntleted hand around her fingers. "They weren't the ones who attacked your village."

"The only good dark elf is a dead one," Shilana hissed, whipping her hand away from Leo. Then she brutally kicked her horse, galloping into the hollow.

"Shilana, wait!" Leo called, spurring on his mount. At his call, both women shot up, diving for their blades, out of the way of Shilana's angry charge. Without looking back, she stormed up the opposite hillside, vanishing behind the ridge. Slowing his horse, Leo dismounted. Both dark elven women looked at him, confusion on their faces. They didn't seem the least bit bothered by their nakedness.

"I have to apologize," Leo said, bowing deeply.

"No harm done, thanks to your warning" the taller woman said. Their eyes met and mutual recognition set in. 

"Wait, aren't you-" both began, stopped and chuckled. Leo motioned for her to go on. 

"You are that paladin who welcomed us into Storm Harbour," the taller dark elf began anew.

"The same," Leo smiled. "So, Tear and Arach. How has it been?"

"Very nice. I think I like Storm Harbour," Arach piped up, adjusting a slight silver necklace, a simple disc dangling between her perky breasts.

"That's good to hear. Again, I have to apologize for my companion," Leo went on.

"No need. She just startled us," Tear smiled at him, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "By the way, what are you doing out here? Don't tell me you've been keeping an eye on us," she teased, swaying her hips invitingly. Arach threw her a curious look before grinning wickedly and cuddling against Tear, caressing the taller dark elf's stomach and thigh.

"To be honest, I'm on a quest from the Storm Lords. A dragon is rumoured to have settled in these parts and I have been tasked to find and kill it."

"Wow. You and which army?" Tear asked, tousling Arach's hair. "Wait until we're alone, dear," she purred, sliding her hand over Arach's, which was busy teasing Tear's shaved sex.

"Why?" Arach pouted. She leaned in and licked one of Tear's nipples. The taller dark elf sighed in pleasure but disentangled herself from her companion.

"Because it's impolite to tease. Or would you like to join us?" Tear offered, extending a long-fingered hand in Leo's direction, a silver bracelet jingling. 

Leo blushed furiously.

"Maybe he prefers men?" Arach whispered, not quite subtly. Leo blushed even harder.

"Stop it, you imp. Don't you see you're embarrassing him?" Tear scolded playfully, throwing Leo an apologetic look.

"Oh, I haven't noticed," Arach purred. Then she closed the distance between them and hugged her naked body against Leo, her slender arms snaking around his neck before pulling him into a scorching kiss.

"I'm sorry, really," Arach whispered when their lips separated. Leo blinked in surprise.

"Are you always like that?" he asked, gently prying her hands off his shoulders.

"Only after a battle," Arach grinned. 

"Which reminds me. What are you doing out here?" Leo asked, taking a small step away from the beaming drow girl. From the corner of his eye, he saw Tear bending down, collecting her clothes and armour.

"We have been looking for a nice glade for the next Full Moon ceremony," Arach explained. "Since we're both priestesses of the Moon Maiden, we thought we could have a look around together. Well, and then we found this nice place and decided on a little sword practice, and then things went from there," she purred, caressing her breasts and swaying her hips while her eyes were locked with Leo's. Then she noticed Tear dressing as well.

"Hey, what'cha doing, love?" Arach asked.

"Getting ready to accompany this fine gentleman, of course," Tear smiled, pulling on her shirt.

"Why?" Leo and Arach asked together. 

"Because he'll need all the help he can get. I've battled a Deep Dragon while I was fresh out of the Academy and this beast nearly killed the whole patrol I was escorting before we could muster any kind of defence. If the surface dragons are only half as ferocious, you'll be lucky to come out alive, even with our help," she added, pulling up her trousers. 




Leo and the Dragon Ch. 02



"I thank you for that generous offer, but-" Leo began. Tear cut him off with a swipe of her hand. 

"You won't get rid of us that easily. If you companion still has trouble accepting us for what we are then she needs to get her head straight," Tear snapped, brooking no argument. 

"Maybe we can ... persuade her?" Arach smiled, bending over and offering Leo a peek between her thighs as she slowly picked up her undergarments.

"I don't think that will be quite so easy," Tear sighed. "She's from a raided village, after all, and those people are relentless in their grudges. Maybe eventually she will realize that clinging to that hatred will change nothing, but now? She's furious."

"Nevertheless, we have to try," Leo said softly, fetching his horse which quietly had trotted to the side of the stream, nibbling on some interesting grasses. He swung his armoured bulk into the saddle. 

"Can I ride with you? At least until we've found that mad woman of yours?" Arach asked, now fully dressed and armoured.

"If you don't mind that it's a little uncomfortable," Leo answered, extending a hand. Arach smiled, shook her head and rose from the ground, magically floating upwards until her head was level with Leo's. Then she laced her fingers with his and pulled herself onto the warhorse's back, wrapping her arms around Leo's body. 

"Where are your manners, sweetheart?" Tear scolded, gently.

"I must have left them at Oak House," Arach grinned, cuddling against Leo's cloaked back.

"Lucky for you I can ride too," Tear remarked, beginning a soft song. Her hands traced patterns into the air, each movement trailing silver streamers. A moment later, the light seemed to solidify and an indistinct silvery horse-like shape materialized. With a chuckle, Tear levitated onto its back, threading her hand into the the diaphanous mane of her light horse.

"Let's go and find your friend before this spell dissipates," she said, urging on her spectral mount. Leo nodded and followed suit, wondering what he'd got himself into. 

***

"No fucking way," Shilana snarled, bristling.

They had found her some time later, watching the sun sink into the roaring ocean below. Even now, she refused to turn and look Leo in the eye.

"Listen, I do respect your feelings-" he began, but Shilana cut him short, turning on her heel to face him, eyes blazing, sparks of lightning arcing between her hands.

"No, you don't. If you had respected my feelings, you would have refused their offer outright. Now, as things stand, I have to ask you. Me? Or them? Who will it be, Leo?" she almost screamed.

Arach and Tear watched them both. Leo was glad they didn't try to interfere. 

"Shilana, listen-" he started but, again, the furious elf woman cut him short.

"It's simple, Leo. Either me or them. You can't have all of us. I refuse to even talk to them," she snarled.

"That's a pity," Arach murmured, an angry scowl pulling at her lips.

"Shut the fuck up, girl," Shilana hissed, turning her attention back to Leo.

"Won't you at least listen to them?" he asked.

"No. I will not listen to them. I will not share the road with them. I will, under no fucking circumstances, share a camp site with them and I will not trust them with my life in battle against your blasted dragon," Shilana yelled.

"It's settled then. Come, Arach. I think we are not wanted here," Tear said, without malice in her voice.

"I wish I could knock some sense into that thick skull of hers," Arach said, brazenly challenging the furious mage with a long look. Shilana raised her hand, the sparks focussing in her palm. Leo quickly stepped between her and the dark elves. 

"Fine. If this is your decision, so be it!" Shilana shrieked. She snarled a quick incantation and vanished, leaving Leo to stare at empty space.

"But... I didn't say anything," Leo sighed, dropping his outstretched hand. 

"I think her mind was made up already. It's not your fault. If anyone is to blame, it's me," Tear said softly, coming up to stand next to Leo. "I shouldn't have insisted. I didn't realize it was this bad."

"Really? She wanted to trample us earlier, love," Arach snorted. "That's pretty obvious to me."

Tear turned to face her smirking companion. "We need to talk, later. You're not helping right now." Turning back to Leo, she said, "Do you want to return to Storm Harbour for the night, Leo?" 

"Maybe I should. I didn't pack much in the way of provisions, and no tent or bedroll. Shilana said she'd provide things with her magic."

"You could share with us. Our tent is easily large enough for three," Tear offered.

"Only if you let me help set up camp. I don't want to take advantage of your hospitality," Leo smiled gratefully.

"I think we have a deal, good sir," Tear beamed, breathing a kiss onto Leo's cheek.

***

The fire was crackling merrily and the smell of roasted bacon and mushrooms filled the air. Leo lazily stirred the skillet sputtering on a tripod over the campfire while Arach and Tear talked in their native tongue. Occasionally, their eyes would meet. Leo didn't understand much but, by Tear's tone, he guessed she was mildly admonishing the younger dark elf. Probably for her overly brazen behaviour. Grinning, Leo shrugged. He had to admit, the carefree attitude of the dark elven women was quite the stark contrast to Shilana's usual gloomy mood but he felt a little intimidated by their boldness. He still wore his full armour suit, fully intending to keep watch over his two companions, while Arach and Tear had changed out of their travelling clothes and wore slightly transparent, silvery robes around the camp site. He would have doubted their experience as adventurers were it not for their ever-present weapons. All in all, he felt, this was definitely an interesting arrangement, although he still hoped that Shilana would reconsider and rejoin them. He really felt her absence, after only four short, battle-filled years, she had become a part of his life, and her sudden, violent departure left a sullen ache in his stomach.

A tender hand brushed his cheek. Leo's eyes flicked open and he looked into Arach's startlingly amber eyes.

"You might stop dreaming about me and keep stirring the fry. I don't want to munch on coal tonight, you hear?" she purred. Leo sprung to the task, again stirring the skillet's content. Arach again leaned in, kissed his cheek and whispered, "If all fails, it's your meat I'd like to nibble on," into his ear. 

Leo blushed.

"Hey, stop pestering the cook and help me prepare the bedrolls," Tear called from the other side of the fire.

"It's funny. You'd think such a hunk of a man could easily handle a tiny thing like me," Arach giggled, sashaying around the fire before ducking into the tent. "But he blushes like a girl whenever I touch him."

"Pay her no heed. She's still learning the ways of the surface," Tear smiled at Leo. A folded cloak came flying out of the tent and hit her in the head. 

"Oh, just you wait, you little devil," Tear hissed and dove into the tent. A moment later, shrill shrieks and giggles could be heard as they tumbled around inside. Leo took the fry off the fire and began to divvy up the food, pouring generous helpings of bacon and mushrooms into wooden bowls he had at hand.

"Ladies, dinner's ready!" he called, hoping to be heard over the exuberant wrestling going on in the tent. 

"Oh, how nice," a menacing voice growled behind him. Leo half-turned and looked up. Only a few paces away, a trio of twelve-foot ogres hovered just inside the fire's light. They wore roughly-stitched leathers and furs but were surprisingly well armed. Maybe deserters from one of the mercenary companies operating in the area, Leo mused.

"Yeah, gimme some," the second ogre drooled. He opened his mouth and a long, pointy tongue snaked over the gleaming ivory of his tusks, spittle dripping to the ground, beside the head of a wickedly spiked mace.

"And no sudden movements," the third ogre hissed, training a huge crossbow at Leo's face. The shiny, armour-piercing bolt didn't waver. 

"And while you're at it, hand us all yer valerables... value-, fuck, yer shiny things!" the first Ogre stammered, threateningly lifting a huge, notched battle-axe.

"No one fucks with our paladin! Except us, that is!" a female voice piped up from the tent. Simultaneously, all three ogre heads swivelled, taking in Arach and Tear, robes open, hair tousled. Tear gave her wrist a little shake and a slender longsword appeared in her fingers, shining like an errant moonbeam.

The crossbow-wielding ogre snarled, "One move and he's dead!" again focussing on Leo. 

"I think you don't quite understand the situation you're in, boys," Tear purred, not the least bit flustered. Leo watched her intently, trying to figure out what she had planned. His hammer was a good arm's length away from him, there was no way he could reach it in time before the crossbow-wielder fired. At this range even his magically hardened armour wouldn't stop the bolt and gods beware if he aimed for his head.

"Huh? We're bigger'n you. And you'd better drop that pointy stick of yers before anyone gets hurt," the first ogre rumbled, thoughtfully fingering his belt buckle.

"Males. Always in the dark about us women," Tear snarled, nudging Arach with her elbow. A moment later, two globes of darkness settled over the ogres' heads. Leo rolled to the side and snatched up his hammer. With a nasty thrum, the crossbow bolt buried itself in the grass where his body was just an instant before. Arach raced around the fire, picking up her sword as she ran, heading for the darkness, wearing nothing more than her flapping robe and a vicious smile. The ogres jostled and cursed inside the magical darkness.

"Ready?" Tear asked, joining Leo and grinning as viciously as Arach who was circling the globes.

"That's not the most honorable way of dealing with these brutes, is it?" Leo asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Here's honorable," Tear smirked, plucking up the bolt. "Sometimes you'll need to be a little sneaky. So, ready?"

Leo nodded grimly. "You bet."

Tear tapped his shoulder then she cancelled her globe of darkness. The mace-wielder blinked at the sudden return of his vision, the crossbow-user dropped his weapon and yanked two huge, wickedly serrated daggers from his fur cloak. 

"In the name of Lord Justice, I challenge thee!" Leo called, raising his hammer. The weapon burst into light, a glaring white radiance flaring from the hammer-head. Tear winced beside him, shook tears from her eyes and charged the mace-wielder. Leo fell in with her, swinging his hammer in a wide arc before him. The ogres stumbled backwards, bumping into their comrade still fumbling around in Arach's globe of darkness.

"You take up an awful lot of space," Tear chuckled, weaving past Leo's swings and jumping into the air, her robe fluttering around her body, displaying a pair of shapely bum cheeks as she levitated upwards. In mid-jump, she cancelled the magic and came crashing down, swinging her blade in a furious two-handed downstroke that nearly sliced the ogre in two. He ducked to the side in the last instant but the attack found his shoulder nonetheless, cutting flesh and cracking bone with the impact. 

Arach, sword in hand, dove into her globe of darkness. A moment later, the ogre within squealed, a high-pitched sound of utter distress. Leo wondered what the impish dark elf had done but the dagger-wielding ogre was upon him, using his speed and reach against Leo. 

Before the paladin knew, the ogre was past his defense, loosing a hail of stabs and cuts at him. Most were deflected by Leo's ornate armour but enough found gaps and seams to pierce through. Leo felt hot blood gush from several stabs, pooling inside his rigid armour pieces. Changing the grip on his hammer, Leo countered, forcing the ogre back step by step with short jabs and thrusts. 

Tear and the mace-wielder were surprisingly well-matched. What she lacked in raw strength, she more than made up with grace and agility, dodging his deadly blows, slipping the tip of her blade past his angry swipes.

"Stay still, damn you!" the furious ogre cursed, blood and spittle pouring from his mouth.

"You wish. One hit with your club and I'm just a pretty stain in the grass. Not my idea of leaving this world, really," Tear quipped, redoubling her efforts. Even with only one arm, the ogre kept her at bay, his inhuman endurance keeping him on his feet where an ordinary human would long have collapsed from pain and blood loss.

"What's up, holy man? Can't hit me?" the dagger-wielding ogre smirked, cutting across Leo's face, scattering blond hair everywhere. 

"Just you wait," Leo snarled, ramming his hammer into the ogre's stomach. The beast groaned, folding almost double. Leo's next hit, a wicked uppercut, smashed into its downturned face, the force of the blow yanking the monster back upright until it toppled backwards in a shower of teeth, bone fragments and gore. He turned to face Tear and her opponent, still trading blows.

"Need help?" Leo asked, circling around the ogre, trying to get into its flank.

"Leo, please," Tear sneered, evading a nasty overhead smash by twirling to the side, her robe opening to display her sweat-slicked breasts. "I've been playing with ogres since I was about seventy," she laughed. 

"I'll kill you for your arrogance!" her opponent roared, dropping his mace and going for her throat. Tear actually stepped into him then the ogre gave a quiet little gasp, trying to gulp air into his lungs.

"Never, ever drop your weapon when fighting a dark elven female," she hissed, viciously twisting her blade which she had rammed into the Ogre's abdomen. He choked, a trickle of blood flowing from the corner of his mouth. With a silky hiss, Tear withdrew her sword and ran him through again, this time piercing his heart. Sighing almost gently, the ogre dropped to his knees and toppled onto the side. 

"Took you long enough." Breathing heavily, Arach appeared beside them. Her robe was a tattered, ripped mess, her body and hair blood-spattered, a thick rivulet of blood snaking down her slender neck.

"By the Maiden, what happened to you?" Tear gasped, racing to her friend's side. Arach brushed a bloody strand of hair behind her ear, showing that most of it was missing.

"He didn't want to play nice, that bastard," Arach growled but her face still held a triumphant grin. Leo looked past her, noting the curled-up figure of the remaining ogre. Gingerly, he stepped over to it and prodded it with his boot. The ogre rolled onto his back, his eyeless face gaping at Leo, a ragged gash leaking blood from his throat. Arach joined Leo, picking up her sword.

"What happened?" Leo asked.

"I didn't pay attention, that's what happened," Arach snarled. "I stabbed his balls then he snatched me while I circled around him. We grappled, fought, he bit my ear off then I found his dagger and showed him who's boss," she explained, wincing. "You don't look too well yourself, by the way," Arach noted. 

Leo nodded. He had underestimated his opponent's dexterity and paid the price.

"Come, let me help you," Arach offered, tugging at his arm.

"We should remove the corpses from our camp site first," Leo countered.

"I disagree. You need healing, now. Get this armour off you," Arach ordered, her amber eyes boring into Leo's. To his own surprise, he just shrugged and began to unstrap his chest plate, the inside slick with his blood. His pauldrons followed then his arm casings, elbow plates, bracers, codpiece, thigh armours, knee joints, shin plates and foot guards.

"Damn, that's a whole cartload of metal you're lugging around," Arach breathed in awe. "And it still didn't protect you from that ogre." Leo gnashed his teeth as he fumbled with the laces of his gambeson which was already soaked through with red. 

"Just hold still a moment," Arach commanded, pulling at the sticky undergarment. Groaning, Leo wriggled out of it and shivered as the night air caressed his naked torso. Arach looked unusually serious as she began a low song then she placed both hands onto his torso, chanting gently. A warm, greenish radiance enveloped her hands then spread over Leo's blood-slicked body. The magic coursed through him, closing up the wounds. Leo sighed in relief as the pain faded away.

Tear joined them, bringing a bowl of water and a few clean pieces of fabric. Leo thankfully accepted the bowl and started to swab at his bloody skin. 

"Okay, now me," Arach smiled, shedding her robe.

"Eager little vixen, you," Tear giggled, slapping Arach's behind. She grabbed a fresh rag and began to clean up Arach's ruined ear.

"How bad is it?" the younger dark elf asked. 

"Nothing the Maiden can't heal," Tear said, invoking a healing spell of her own. Arach hissed in annoyance as her ear grew back slowly, cartilage crunching softly as her mutilated auricle reformed. 

Together, they dragged the corpses from their camp site before using a nearby stream to clean themselves up. Leo tried his best to wash out his gambeson before returning to camp. Tear awaited him outside the tent.

"What about guards?" Leo asked, placing the dripping undergarment next to the fire.

"Let the Maiden handle it. We all deserve a good night's rest. And tomorrow we'll find us a dragon."

With that, Tear began a soft song, swaying in time to her words, her arms beckoning, her voice calling for aid. Leo waited, frozen in place, and looked on as a shaft of moonlight poured down from the heavens, forming itself into a shimmering silver image of a dark elven woman, garbed in a long, flowing mantle of moonlight.

"Will you stand watch over us tonight?" Tear asked, almost timidly.

"Yes," the apparition answered, her ethereal voice whispering if from a long way off. 

"Thank you," Tear smiled and bowed, beckoning for Leo to follow her. 

Cautiously, the paladin ducked into the tent.

***

Something warm and smooth pressed against him, causing him to stir. Leo blinked his eyes open. The first faint rays of the sun filtered through the seams into the tent. He was still on the bedroll the dark elves had offered him earlier but he wasn't alone. Arach, a sleepy smile playing around her lips, looked at him.

"Morning, handsome," she purred, writhing against him. To his surprise, he was naked, as was she, her slender body smooth against him.

"What are you doing?" Leo croaked, realizing his arm was draped over her hip, his hand resting on her shapely behind.

"Getting to know you better, silly," Arach teased, leaning in, breathing a peck onto his lips. Then he felt one of her hands sliding between their bodies, tracing the chiselled muscles of his stomach. Leo gulped. Her fingertips crept lower, caressing the soft spot where his leg met his hips. He blushed as he realized how hard he was.

"Come on, I won't bite," Arach whispered, leaning in for another kiss. At the same time, her fingertips brushed his member and her eyes widened in surprise.

"So, you not only have a huge hammer but a mighty rod as well..." she quipped. Then she stopped, her lips only a hair away from his. "What's wrong?" she asked, concern in her eyes. Leo blushed even harder, casting down his gaze, which only showed him her perky breasts, nipples hard and brushing against the blond fuzz of his own chest. Blinking furiously, he looked back into her eyes.

"I-I don't quite know how to say this..." Leo began, voice catching. Arach's fingers were languidly exploring his hardness but her eyes never left his.

"We're battle companions now, there shouldn't be any secrets between us," Arach breathed, pecking the tip of his nose. Leo sighed in defeat.

"I... have never..." he began, before stopping again and gasping in pleasure. 

"Been with a woman before?" Arach finished for him, her voice surprisingly gentle. Blushing furiously, Leo nodded, closing his eyes.




Leo and the Dragon Ch. 02



He felt Arach's fingertips brush his cheek. Surprised, he opened his eyes again. Arach looked at him, wonder in her eyes.

"Really?" she asked, brushing her hand back down his body. But instead of wrapping around his member again, she rested her palm on his hip and scooted closer, cuddling against him.

"I must not lie," Leo said, smiling ruefully.

"Why?" Arach asked, leaning her forehead against him.

"Why I must not lie?" Leo asked, mildly confused.

"No, I know that already," Arach whispered. "I was talking about you not being with any woman. Don't tell me you prefer men," she scolded him playfully.

"I haven't been with any man either," Leo smirked. "There just wasn't the right place, the right time or the right person."

"Hm." Arach's look became thoughtful. "You're completely different from what I'm used to," she mused. "Normally, males are falling over themselves to lay me. But not you. Why? Am I not beautiful to you?" She leaned back, offering her body for closer inspection. Despite himself, Leo couldn't resist and let his eyes wander. Arach was a slip of a woman, just over five four, maybe hundred-ten pounds of lean, finely toned muscles, her breasts two small handfuls. Despite her youth, her body already had scars, some sword slashes that had not healed all too well.

"You are very beautiful," Leo breathed, shivering in the cool morning air. Arach cuddled closer. 

"That's a nice compliment, thank you," she purred, humping her hips into him. 

"No compliment, just the truth," Leo said, emphatically.

"Okay, so I'm beautiful to you," Arach reasoned. "What's holding you back? I'm pretty much offering myself to you," she added, swinging one leg over his hip. Suddenly, his member was brushing against her hot sex. She sighed and slid along his length, coating it with hot moisture.

"Don't tell me you're not a little curious," Arach whispered, her breath catching.

Leo growled in the back of his throat, his hands grabbing her hips, forcing her into stillness. Arach moaned softly, her sex throbbing against his hardness. "Don't tell me you're saving yourself for that crazy elf mage of yours," Arach sighed, humping her hips into Leo. He gasped at the unfamiliar sensations, then he shook his head, neither pushing her away nor pulling her closer. 

"Shilana?" he rasped. Arach melted against him, looking deep into his eyes. Shaking his head in confusion, Leo stammered, "I-... I really haven't thought about her like... this."

"Do you want me?" she asked, swaying her hips, thereby rubbing her sopping sex along his aching member. Leo growled. 

"Your body screams 'yes', you know?" Arach explained with a grin, swaying her hips again.

"But my head... I'm confused," Leo snarled, obviously torn between the raw passion tearing through his body and his sensibility.

"For Mercy's sake, Arach, have pity on him," Tear sighed, from the other bedroll. 

Both Arach and Leo froze, looking over at her. Tear was leaning on one elbow, one slender hand disappearing under her cover, making slow, rustling noises. A sly smile played around her lips as she watched them.

"Take your time. It's not like you're being married off tonight," Tear laughed, rising smoothly. Her cover pooled at her feet and she stepped over to Leo's bedroll, slipping under the cover on his other side. Leo stiffened as her hot, naked body cuddled into his back, breasts pressing into his shoulders, and her hand came around, caressing his stomach.

"There will be enough nights to find out if you're made for each other. Arach, just relent a bit and let Leo find his stride. And Leo..." Tear purred into his ear, before gently nibbling at his neck, "if you have any questions regarding women, just ask. We're happy to answer. We're happy to show. And if you want, we can teach you, too."



Leo and the Dragon Ch. 03



Author's Note:

Thanks to bikoukumori for a wonderful editing job and fellow authors redskyes and Handley_Page for helpful additions and insight.

This is part three of four. If you stumbled into here via the tag search, I'd ask you to start from part one for maximum enjoyment.

And as always, only adults having fun here. 




Part Three

The days went by. In ever widening circles, Leo, Arach and Tear explored the hills and cliff sides around Storm Harbour for any hints that might lead to the discovery of the dragon's lair but so far their search had been in vain. There were several seaside caverns but most of them simply ended after a couple dozen meters. Others went deeper into the cliff sides but tended to be flooded during high tide which made them unlikely places for a dragon's hoard. Shilana didn't return and Leo was torn between the fun he was having with the two dark elves and his obligation to his friend. By day, they were travelling the countryside, at night they would share their tent, often times cuddling together under the blankets, Tear and Arach teasing him, inviting him to join in their lovemaking but never pushing him beyond his comfort zone.

During a resupply trip into the city, he excused himself from his companions and made a quick round through Shilana's usual haunts but no one had seen her for the last week. A little uneasy, Leo returned to Oak House to collect his battle companions. Tear and Arach awaited him outside Oak House, a plot of land cornered by four interweaving, massive oak trees. Between the freshly sprouting green of the boughs, several small buildings could be seen, busy dark elves bustling this way and that. Both women smiled fondly as he emerged from the sea of people pushing through the street. Leo couldn't help but smile back. He had warmed to his companions and slowly accepted their welcoming, irreverent way of living. Sometimes, when he was laying alone on his bedroll, hearing their clandestine moans and kisses, his mind wandered and he imagined how it would be to submit to one or, gods above, both of them, leaving him achingly hard and gasping for breath. But to his own surprise, he couldn't find the courage, yet.

"Hey, what are you dreaming about?" Arach teased him.

"You, little minx," Leo smiled, tousling her hair fondly. Arach looked at him in surprise. 

"Got all the supplies we need?" Leo asked Tear. She patted the pack horse nuzzling her other hand, indicating the bags of supplies tethered onto its back. 

"Everything we could ever need. I also got you this," she smiled, handing Leo a small silver necklace with an eye-shaped locket dangling from it.

"What's that?" the paladin asked, accepting the gift gratefully.

"A darkvision charm. With it, you can see in the dark like us," Arach beamed.

"I was thinking. You're making us an easy target when underground. Usually, you'd need a torch to be of any use in the caves but with this you're much better off. Both hands free and all," Tear explained. 

"Also, we've had a long talk with our High Priestess," Arach went on, preparing her own horse for departure. "We seem to have exhausted all obvious possibilities. The only thing we've yet to try are the Depths Below. There are enough subterranean connections to the ocean, according to Mother Avea. Maybe we can find the dragon there."

"Aren't dragons creatures of the sky?" Leo asked doubting, shoving the necklace into a belt pocket. "I thought with their wings, they would need every chance of flying they can get."

"With a being able to use magic, you don't need the proverbial cave entrance," Tear elaborated. "Also, dragons are both intelligent and paranoid. They don't want anyone finding their hoards. So I wouldn't put it past one to hide its riches deep underground instead of close to the surface, where we've been looking."

"That makes an awful lot of sense," Leo sighed, swinging his armoured bulk into the saddle of his own warhorse. "So, lets find us an entrance to the Depths Below."

***

Before him, the passage gaped like the maw of some primal beast, the last bit of light swallowed by the inky depths beyond. Arach and Tear quickly found an entrance into the Depths Below, the endless warren of corridors, caves and grottoes beneath the Surface. Leo pulled the charm Tear and Arach had given him over his head and blinked. Suddenly, the faint, errant rays of the sun that had managed to penetrate this deep into the cave they had entered seemed to disappear and the rocks surrounding him began to take shape, contours and details jumping out at him he hadn't previously noticed. In wonder, he looked at his companions. It was as if the darkness held no secrets any more. He could make out every wrinkle in Tear's cloak, practically count the strands of hair that had escaped her cowl.

"Better?" Arach asked, shifting the weight of her pack. They had left their horses outside and had distributed their supplies between themselves.

"Yeah, surprisingly so," Leo nodded, blinking. "It's a little strange, seeing only in black and white, but the clarity is amazing."

"Glad you like it," she smiled, ducking into the passage. Her cloak rustled softly then she was out of sight. 

"Now you, I'll bring up the rear," Tear said, patting Leo's armoured behind. Leo folded almost double and wedged himself into the passage, the pauldrons of his armour scraping along the rough rocks. He winced.

"Try going a little sideways. Have one shoulder lead," Tear instructed. Even then, almost every step produced a screech, a ring or a rattle.

"Now I understand why you don't bother with plate armour," Leo huffed. They had only walked a few dozen meters and he was already starting to pant from the unusual exertion.

"Oh, our soldiers have plate armours but they're not as bulky as yours," Tear whispered, her voice carrying surprisingly well despite its softness. "Also, they're mostly used in open battles, like when one House tries to wipe out another. Why is yours this massive anyway?" 

Another clear ring echoed through the passage. "Well, it was meant to intimidate the sinners," Leo winced. 

"Now it's just announcing our arrival to anything within twenty miles," Arach hissed in annoyance.

"Can't be helped now. Stripping him here would solve nothing, plus we would have to lug around all that metal on top of our other gear," Tear mused.

"Oh, I wouldn't mind stripping our good paladin," Arach teased, effortlessly weaving between stone bumps and stalagmites. The longer Leo watched her, the more impressed he became. For Arach, and Tear he presumed, this was natural. They didn't even seem to concentrate on how they moved, their bodies weaved and leaned almost subconsciously, their arms easily helping with their balance while they constantly shifted their stance, evading the hazards posed by the irregularly formed walls and ceilings. And, despite being armoured with chain shirts, loaded down with a bulging equipment pack and their own weapons, they made barely a sound. 

Eventually, the passage opened up a bit, allowing even Leo a few dozen meters without banging his armour into anything. Arach was kneeling on the floor, inspecting some rocks.

"What is it, dear?" Tear asked from behind Leo.

"Looks like this area is well-travelled. Huh, they even dropped some coins here," Arach explained, holding up a bent copper piece.

"Maybe we'll meet some of these travellers. Perhaps they have noticed something odd around these parts," Leo guessed.

"Or maybe they will try to kill us and take our stuff," Arach chuckled while rising, brushing dirt off her knees. "It's not like on the Surface down here. Here, the weapons speak first and then, maybe, pleasantries are exchanged." She smiled grimly and started down the passage again. 

"Sounds like a nice place you've dragged me into," Leo snickered.

"It's just because we dark elves have such a flattering reputation," Tear sighed behind him. "Most peoples down here regard us as hereditary enemies, not worth the breath it would take to talk to us."

"Why is that?" Leo asked, trying to disentangle his cloak from a strangely bent stalagmite. Tear caught up with him and, with a quick hand, freed the garment.

"Most civilizations have something they can trade with which others might need. Not ours. We are conquerors, Leo. Our race can only take, preferably by force. Sure, now that we have established a dominion, we can sell off our ill-gotten goods but whatever it is we possess, it belonged to someone else at one point or another. Land, resources, slaves. Most other folks, especially those longer-lived than yours, hate us with a passion."

Leo mulled this over while they descended further. He tried to emulate the way his companions walked but, even with his best efforts, he was even taller than Tear and wider in the shoulders too and many a move he made was still accompanied by a painful screech or crack. Eventually, after a small eternity, Arach stopped and held her hand up, leaning against the wall next to another fissure.

"What?" Tear hissed from behind, even her patience tested by the slow, noisy progress.

"I think there's someone down there," Arach whispered, pointing into the opening. "Want me to scout it out?" she grinned, hand on the hilt of her sword.

"Best not to get split up, love," Tear cautioned. "You think we can get our stalwart companion through here?"

"I think even a drunk Minotaur would fit, provided he'd tuck in his horns," Arach giggled and ducked into the crack. A moment later her head popped back out, "Just be mindful of the drop, it's at least twenty feet," 

"Fine, let's do it then," Leo snarled, ducking into the fissure. The moulded lion's head on his chest piece screamed against the rocks and suddenly his foot stepped into empty air. Cursing under his breath, he wedged his shoulders into the cleft, digging for purchase. A moment later, Tear's hand was there, steadying him.

"Whoa, slow down, handsome. It wouldn't do to have to scrape you off the floor of that cavern," Tear smiled, breathing a quick kiss onto his lips before pulling Leo into a stable standing position again.

"Arach?" Tear whispered past Leo's breastplate. Silence answered her.

"Let's get you down there, quick. Hold onto me," Tear urged, wrapping her arms around Leo's neck." Oh, and brace yourself," she added, a vicious grin on her lips. Leo tentatively hugged her close. Then Tear stepped out into nothingness, pulling the surprised paladin with her. They fell but something cushioned their descent. Instead of shattering their legs, they landed as if from a fall half its height. Tear spun away from Leo, her blade sparking into life as she shook out her wrist. Leo followed suit, unhooking his hammer, slowly turning around. The clatter of weapons answered them. Leo stared into at least a dozen menacing crossbow bolt points and even more menacing, bearded faces peering at them from under cowls and helmets. Arach, gagged, was held off to the side by two more armoured, squat forms.

"I think ye should reconsider," a gravelly voice greeted them. The ring of crossbows parted and another dwarf stepped into the circle. He wore a sleek, black fur coat over a fine chain shirt, his silver hair was pulled back into a dozen slender braids, each one held in place by a metal ring. His beard was trimmed close to his jawline and his smile showed a hint of gold. Casually, he hefted an ornate axe.

"We are followers of the Moon Maiden. We mean you no harm," Tear said, dismissing her sword and spreading her arms in a placating gesture. 

"Ye're awfully far away from home, elf," the dwarf said, thoughtfully stroking his beard. "Now, what am I supposed ta do with ye and yer little friend here?"

"Listen, good sir. We have no quarrel with you or your kind. Just let us be on our way," Tear reasoned.

"There is no reason for hostilities," Leo boomed. As if for the first time, the eyes of the dwarf flashed over to him. They were steel-grey and held no hint of humor.

"There's always reason for hostilities, boyo," the dwarf rumbled. "That's why I'm such a happy businessman. Yer kind is practic'ly droolin' over the weapons me and me kin are providin'. And I don't take too kindly to dark elves sneakin' up on me," he growled, fixing Arach with a long, hard stare.

"Why don't we start all over again?" Leo asked, plonking down his hammer in front of him. "My name is Leo, Fist of Justice, Hero of Storm Harbour, and these fine ladies here are Tear and Arach, my travelling companions. We are on business for the Storm Lords."

The fur-clad dwarf stroked his beard some more. "Hero of Storm Harbour, eh? For a 'hero,' you're an awfully clumsy spelunker, anyone told you that yet? Me boys could hear ye from miles away," he smirked. "But I like the business part. You think there'd be some in it for us as well?"

Tear leaned against Leo, her lips on his ear. "Be careful. For all we know, they could be the dragon's henchmen," she whispered. Leo nodded, acknowledging her advice.

"That depends. You didn't come across a dragon or his henchmen down here, did you?" Leo asked, invoking his intention-seeking magic in the process.

"A dragon, you say? Well, if we had known that a blasted dragon would be roostin' here, we would just have killed it and taken its shinies," the dwarf chuckled. "What we did find were some strange fellas though, trying to be all secretive, huntin' for food. But even a blind goblin would've noticed they were surface dwellers away from home. Now things're startin' ta make sense."

"If you would hand us our companion back, we'd be happy to be on our way, then. We have business with these fellows," Leo said. His long, hard look at the dwarves had confirmed his suspicions. They were a ruthless bunch but not evil. He hoped they could reach an agreement without the use of force. 

"Oho, after we've been this friendly, ye are itchin' to get away? Our hospitality not good 'nough for ya, boyo?" the dwarf snarled.

"I don't consider holding my friend hostage an act of friendliness," Tear hissed. 

"Oh, but it is. We could have snuffed her as easily," the dwarf sneered, meaningfully tapping his axe-head against his thigh. "But ye're right o' course," he nodded, turning to his companions. He barked a quick string of words in the gnarly language of his kin and Arach stepped over to Leo and Tear, spitting out the gag.

"Took you long enough," she hissed, cuddling against Tear.

"What happened?" Tear asked, caressing Arach's hair.

"Dropped down, right in front of their axes. They had camouflaged themselves damn well," Arach complained.

"Ye can't be too careful around these parts. 'Tis dark elf country," the dwarf said then he snapped his fingers. "About this dragon of yers..."

"Are you offering your services?" Arach spat.

"Yeah, why not?" the dwarf grinned. "If there's loot involved, we're all for it. Plus, we're carrying a nice bit of kit around. Maybe there's somethin' ye'd like? Oh, wait, were are me manners. I'm Calgore dok'Calgore, trader and mercenary cap'n." He extended a heavily jewelled hand. Leo shook it. "Nice to meet you." 

Around them, the dwarves were settling down, putting down backpacks and cloaks, unrolling bales of wares. Within minutes, the floor of the cave resembled nothing more than a miniature market, with a merry bonfire lighting up the surprisingly spacious cavern which even held a small spring.

"We should settle down for the night as well," Tear suggested, dropping her own pack.

"Yeah, the more, the merrier," Calgore leered, openly eyeing both dark elven women. "I'm sure me boys will have the odd bit and piece ye ladies might enjoy," he added, indicating the dwarves surrounding them. "And you, good sir, could do with a new suit o' armour, by the way."

Leo looked down. His once magnificent armour was dented, pocked and scratched in numerous places, the formerly snarling lion's head now bearing a rather lop-sided grin. 

"You're carrying a whole plate suit with you?" he asked, incredulously.

"Of course. And not just any old pile o' junk!" Calgore smiled, pulling Leo along. They ended up in front of a whistling red-bearded dwarf, placing expensive-looking bracers and belts onto his cloak. 

"Come on, nephew, show him what ya got," Calgore urged the dwarf. He stood and placed one broad, plated belt around his ample hips. The belt buckle looked like a horned helmet and closed with a satisfying click. Then he intoned a word under his breath, and with a mighty rattle and clanging, armour plates sprouted from the belt, covering his torso, arms and legs in a shimmering cascade of metal before enveloping his head in a massive, horned helmet. Leo whistled appreciatively. 

"That's one handy trick," he conceded, "but I'm a little short on coin right now."

"Ah, but that's the beauty of it. You'll give us your old suit and can have one of these," Calgore said.

"I don't know. This is a masterwork armour," Leo said, patting his breastplate, "but I don't think it's even close in value to what you're offering me. I couldn't-"

"Oh, but I do insist," Calgore boomed, slamming his hand into Leo's back, setting his armour a-rattle. "Even if we can't sell this armour, we can melt it down and use the material instead. Come on, you won't regret it!"

Leo weighed his options. He liked his old suit of armour, the familiar weight and bulk gave him security. But if today was any indication, things would only get more cramped and who knew what dangers awaited them further in, closer to the dragon's hoard. And there was no denying the impracticality of a full plate - it took him almost five minutes to get into that thing, even with Arach and Tear helping him set every strap, fixing every buckle. Nodding to himself, Leo turned towards Calgore.

"I think you've just got yourself a deal," Leo agreed.

***

Half an hour later, they had settled in. Tear and Arach insisted on erecting the tent while Leo tried on his new folding armour. It was lighter than his old one but he quickly began to appreciate the added mobility. It took only a moment to assemble so he could move unencumbered while not in danger yet still be prepared for a fight.

Calgore trotted over to them, a satisfied smile on his bearded face.

"Come, join us for feast and drink. And then we'll need to negotiate the terms," he rumbled.

"Terms?" Leo asked. 

"Yes. I was under the impression you would like to hire some or all of me boys for the assault on the dragon," Calgore grinned. "No hire without a proper contract."

"Fine, we'll humor you, " Tear said, exiting the tent. She wore one of her silvery robes, her hair pouring down to her waist in a loose braid. "Coming, Arach?"

"Yeah, right away," the younger dark elf called, joining them. 

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd be trying to flatter me," Calgore huffed, almost drooling over the women.

"With so many strong, heavily armed men around us, surely we're allowed a little decadence, right?" Tear teased, dancing towards the bonfire.

Leo, Arach and Calgore followed her, the dwarf speculatively eyeing her swaying behind.

Sitting down around the bonfire, Calgore ordered some of his 'boys' to fetch food and drink.

"How many of them are your relatives?" Arach asked once they were alone.

"All o' them. I'm their clan patriarch and they're me family and me employees. I only trust family with me shinies," Calgore chuckled. "Now, the terms. How much are ye willing ta pay?"

"For what exactly?" Tear asked, warily

"Oh, for the last known locations of the henchmen, for starters," Calgore offered, displaying his gold teeth.

"You'll need to understand that we're not carrying that much in coin with us," Tear began.

"I already know," Calgore nodded, eagerly rubbing his hands. "It's about the hoard, o' course. Half of it sounds like a good basis for negotiations."




Leo and the Dragon Ch. 03



"I dimly remember a dwarven saying," Tear mused. "'Don't divide the loot before the dragon is slain.' Is that about right?" she asked, a pleased smile tugging at her lips. 

"Not only beautiful like the Hearthmother but well-versed in our ways as well. You know what? Screw the hoard and marry me instead," Calgore rumbled, patting Tear's thigh.

"Oh, you flatter me, Patriarch," she laughed, before wrapping her arm around Arach's shoulder. Locking eyes with Calgore, she pulled Arach close and began to kiss her, hungrily. Arach moaned into her mouth before slipping one hand into Tear's robe. 

Calgore harrumphed, averting his gaze.

"I fear she has already chosen her lover," Leo apologized, a good-natured grin playing around his lips.

"Are they always like this?" Calgore grumbled, eyeing the still kissing dark elves.

"All the time," Leo chuckled.

"Lucky you," Calgore mumbled. His fellows had returned and offered mugs of beer, sizzling pieces of meat wrapped in molten cheese and thick slices of dark bread.

"So, about that hoard," Calgore muttered around a bite of meat.

"I have been tasked by the Storm Lords to return as much of it to the city as possible. It is suspected that much of the coin comes from ransoms blackmailed during the winter," Leo explained.

"We're talking 'dragon' here, boyo," Calgore said, a greedy smile twisting his lips. "There'd be more gold, gems and magic than ye could ever hope ta carry!"

"So, you're offering not only your help in killing the dragon but in carrying the loot as well?" Tear cut in, pulling her robe tight around herself.

"For the right price, that is. Half of it," Calgore demanded.

"Listen, we appreciate the offer but I'm in a terrible position here," Leo explained, opening his arms wide. "If it were just me, I'd gladly accept. I don't care much for riches. But I have my lord and master to consider. How about this? You help us with the dragon and then you can negotiate the details with the Storm Lords themselves? I'll make sure to let them know how much you've helped me."

"Hm. I think I need to think on this," Calgore grumbled, drumming his fingers on the lip of the platter he was eating from.

"It's pretty easy, isn't it?" Arach piped up from her mug of beer. "Either you join us for a stab at the prize or we'll pay you a couple dozen gold for the information about the henchmen and we go our separate ways. What'll it be?"

Leo chewed slowly on his meal, again admiring the candor with which Arach cut into the heart of the matter. Their eyes met and the dark elven girl blew him a little kiss. 

"We've wanted to visit Storm Harbour anyways," Calgore rumbled, obviously coming to a decision. "Alright. We'll jump through yer hoops." Louder, he called "Boys, tomorrow we'll be huntin' us a dragon!" Enthusiastic cheers answered him, along with the clonking of iron steins slamming into each other in salutes.

***

"You really think it's okay?" Leo asked, still standing in the entrance to the tent. The bonfire had been doused and the snoring of half a dozen satisfied dwarves could be heard. Arach leaned against him, her hand fiddling with the laces of his gambeson.

"They said they'd put up guards so why should you butt in?" she purred, sliding her hand under the garment. "I'd rather have you here, with us," Arach added, turning him to face her. 

"I agree," Tear said from below. She had already crawled onto the bedroll but didn't bother to pull the cover over herself. With his darkvision charm, Leo could see her caressing herself, long fingers sliding over her breasts and between her thighs. Their eyes met and Tear smiled at him, invitingly. "Also, you've had quite the rough day. Allow yourself some rest. If we really find the dragon tomorrow, you'd best be in top shape."

Leo mulled this over then he stepped back from the tent flap and pulled his gambeson over his head. He felt swift hands on his crotch and, a moment later, his loincloth was gone, the cool cavern air brushing his privates. He threw his garment to the side and looked around. Arach was kneeling in front of him, a playful smile on her lips. Like a stage magician, she brandished his loin cloth before letting it drop to the floor.

"Naughty imp, you," Leo whispered at her. 

"You have no idea, handsome," Arach whispered back. Her hand came up but, before she touched him, she tilted her head and looked up at him.

Their eyes met. Leo knew that tomorrow he could die. He had fought in hard, almost impossible battles before but there was nothing to compare the threat of a dragon to. And, for some strange reason, he felt the time was right. If tomorrow truly was the last day of his life, he wanted to share his last night with this strange, wonderful woman. Arach had shown that she wanted him. She had respected his wish when he said 'no.' And he had to admit, he was curious. So he looked deep into her eyes and nodded slightly. 

Her hands came up, brushing along his thighs. Leo shivered at the gentle touch, feeling his member throb and twitch with every of his thundering heartbeats. Arach's hands caressed up his hips, wandering along his sides and converged on his behind, pulling him closer. He took a small step forward, almost standing over kneeling Arach. She leaned into him, kissing his stomach, inhaling deeply between each peck onto his chiselled abdomen. Her tongue darted into his belly button, causing both to chuckle. Leo's hands came down and ruffled her hair. Much like a cat, Arach bumped her head into his hands, teasing him to take control. Almost overwhelmed by her gentle assault, Leo just tousled her hair, caressing her scalp, her pointy ears. Arach kissed lower, her hot breath wafting over his painfully erect hardness. Her hands kneaded his behind then she looked up, her eyes full of promise.

"Last chance to bail, holy man," she purred, her body pressed into his legs.

"What about you and Tear?" Leo asked. 

Arach smiled at him. "I love her, dearly. But no one said she'd have to be the only one. So, wanna bail?" Arach challenged him, brushing his hardness against her cheek.

"I never bail," Leo growled, threading his fingers into her hair.

"Just my kind of man then," Arach whispered. One of her hands came around and gently closed around his hardness, guiding the rampant shaft towards her lips. She blew on it, causing Leo to shiver.

"You little imp," Leo breathed, frozen in place. Their eyes met and Arach slowly enveloped his tip with her lips, her tongue teasing, caressing, as he slid deeper into her mouth.

"Mmmmm," Arach purred, before letting him spring free again. Leo gasped in pleasure.

"You may want to lie down," Tear purred from her bedroll. Leo started in surprise, he had almost forgotten she was still there. She threw him a playful wink before turning onto her side, facing them. One long-fingered hand brushed down between her legs.

"Go on, don't mind me," Tear breathed. "Oh, and Arach, be gentle. You remember how, right?" 

"Of course," Arach grumbled, flopping down next to Leo. With a wicked grin, she leaned in and kissed him, full on the mouth. In surprise, his lips parted and Arach's tongue began to tease him. On instinct, he wrapped her into his arms and pulled her close, revelling in the feel of her hot, slender body against his, her firm breasts rubbing against his chest. Arach moaned into his mouth. Leo opened his eyes, afraid he might have hurt her with his mighty embrace. 

Arach grinned at him, gasping for breath. "And she tells me I should be gentle?" she huffed in mock indignation. Then she leaned into Leo, causing him to end up on his back.

"Now you're mine, paladin," Arach growled, straddling him, placing her moist sex straight onto his hardness. While Leo sighed his assent, she languidly rubbed along his shaft, bending low to press as much of her body against him.

"You think so?" Leo growled back, his arms wrapped around her body, pressing her into him. One hand began a slow, deliberate exploration of her back. His fingertips discovered faint scars criss-crossing her back, all the way from the shoulders down to her behind. Arach lifted her hips off Leo's throbbing hardness, pressing her behind into his large hands.

"Hmmmm, I like the way you touch me," Arach sighed.

"What happened to your back?" Leo asked, breathing kisses onto Arach's face and neck.

"Whips," she answered before silencing further questions with her lips. Again, she lowered herself onto his rod, revelling in its length sliding between her lower lips, each vein, each bump sending delicious sensations through her being.

"What..." Leo began when they came up for air, lips separating.

"I've been a bad, bad girl at school," Arach grinned and began to slide down his body, nibbling and kissing along his neck. Instead of more questions, a soft moan escaped Leo's lips as her hands again found his member and played with it. Arach's lips travelled down his chest, sucking on one of his nipples.

"I'd never thought..." Leo began, shivering in delight as Arach's tongue swirled around his nipple.

"That's Arach," Tear sighed, her breath ragged, "bringing out the unexpected in people." 

Leo's head turned to face her but Tear shook her head, smiling, a long, glistening finger pointing down Leo's body.

Arach bit into his side, her teeth grazing the skin. Leo twitched.

"Tonight you're mine," Arach hissed, her mouth kissing hot sparks from his abdomen as she licked and nibbled back down towards his achingly hard member. Leo tousled Arach's hair, his fingertips caressing her neck and shoulders as she again began to tease his cock, long, measured licks along his shaft, from the base to the tip. Leo sighed in pleasure, his hips coming off the bedroll to force his rod into closer contact with that hot, insistent mouth tormenting him. 

"You like what I'm doing to you, hm?" Arach sighed, flicking her tongue against his tip.

Leo growled in answer, wanting nothing more than to push his cock deep into that hot mouth of hers. Or wherever she wanted him. As if reading his thoughts, Arach wrapped her lips around him, sucking him deeper and deeper into that hot, velvety mouth. Leo dug his hands into her hair, holding on for his life, for his sanity. He had never felt anything that good before, not even when the holy rage of Lord Justice poured through his veins. This was so much gentler, so much more personal than the flaring battle-lust, the urge to smite the wicked. His hips came off the bedroll, thrusting into her mouth. Arach growled encouragingly, her mouth sliding along his shaft. Then, almost brutally, she stopped, crawling on top of Leo.

"Alright, enough teasing. I want you. Now," she hissed. 

"What do I do?" Leo asked, breathless.

"Relax," Arach ordered, a radiant smile playing around her eyes. Almost gently, she slid along Leo's body until the furiously leaking tip of his hardness rested at her velvety entrance. Arach shivered, sliding his bulbous tip along her slit, teasing herself with it. Then she pushed down, gently, slowly, impaling herself onto him, her breath escaping her in a long, drawn-out moan.

"Anyone ever told you how goddamn good you feel?" she rasped, coming down inch upon glorious inch onto his meat.

"No, never," Leo moaned, flexing his hands by his sides, not sure where best to put them. Arach smiled, steadying herself on one of his shoulders, and placed his hands onto her breasts, leaning into his large palms.

"That was more like a rhetorical question," Arach moaned, rocking her hips back and forth, teasing herself with his length before sliding ever further downwards. Then he felt her nether lips brush his pelvis. He was inside her, completely surrounded by her. It felt hard to comprehend that such a lithe slip of a woman could take him but here she was, a triumphant smile playing around her lips.

"How does it feel?" Arach asked, leaning in, offering her lips for a kiss. Leo crunched up and kissed her, tentatively brushing his tongue against her lips. Her mouth opened and their tongues duelled while Arach's velvety tunnel fluttered around him.

"I have never felt anything like this," Leo rasped. "It's wonderful." His voice caught. Arach lifted her hips up a bit and came down again, moaning. 

A scream answered her.

Then there was the clamor of weapons hitting stone, voices shouting. Another scream, pain-filled.

"You've got to be kidding," Arach groaned, shuddering atop Leo. Next to them, Tear was already on her feet, snatching her robe.

"Where are you going?" Arach yelled, torn between concern for her friend and her own raging passion.

"Outside. They need help. Please, come quick," Tear breathed. Then she ducked out of the tent. Arach, still riding Leo's hardness, shook her head.

The tent flap exploded inward, a long, scythe-like leg slashing through the fabric, kicking Tear across the tent. 

"Ow, now I'm angry," Tear snarled, shedding her robe. A nasty cut went down from her throat between her breasts, leaking blood. She murmured a quick prayer, encasing her naked body in a glimmering suit of armour, then she dove back outside. 

"Awww, fuck!" Arach cursed, rising off Leo. The paladin blinked as Arach repeated Tear's spell, causing a suit of glimmering moonlight armour to appear on her naked form.

"Coming? Whoever interrupted us, I swear by the Maiden he's gonna pay, damnit!" Arach spat, snatching up her sword.



Leo and the Dragon Ch. 04



Author's Note:

A huge thanks to bikoukumori for a splendid editing job, and to fellow authors redskyes and Handley_Page for helpful additions and insight.

This is part four of four. If you've stumbled here via the tag search, I'd ask you to go back to part one for maximum enjoyment.

As always, there's only adults having fun here.

Part Four

When Leo ducked outside a few moments later, hammer in hand, folding armour encasing his sweating body, he saw wounded and dying dwarves everywhere. He still had to make out what exactly had attacked them but there was no denying something fierce had stumbled upon their camp. Tear, Arach and Calgore, along with one of Calgore's surviving dwarves, were standing back-to-back, slowly turning. Leo cast his intention-seeking magic and peered around. Suddenly, something crashed into him from behind, hissing viciously. He rolled forward, thankful for the new armour which allowed such a move, rose and turned, catching a bulbous ...something vanish before his eyes.

"Get ready!" Tear yelled. A heartbeat later, Leo spotted it. A huge, abnormally swollen spider-like monster, easily the size of a draft horse, appeared before his friends, slashing its forelegs at them. Tear blocked the attack and Arach stabbed at the monster's thorax. The blade was harmlessly deflected by hard chitin plates and the monster vanished, seemingly without a trace. 

Again, something crashed into Leo, this time a pair of mandibles locked onto his shoulders, trying to pierce the metal covering him. The paladin twisted his neck around, looking into malicious, faceted eyes. This was not your usual giant spider, he realized. The octagon of eyes held a murderous, alien intelligence chilling him through and through. Suddenly, his opponent flinched and hissed in anger, the mandibles opening. Leo noticed a crossbow bolt sticking out of one of the beast's legs and noticed a dwarf, coughing up blood, winching up his crossbow for another shot. Leo turned around, his hammer ready to strike, but the spider-thing had already vanished. Or were there more than one? The dwarf screamed. Leo turned just in time to see two forelegs erupting from his chest. Effortlessly, the spider-monster hoisted the struggling dwarf up to it's mandibles. With a brutal crunch, the mandibles crushed his neck, cutting short the screams.

"Leo, behind you!" Arach shrieked. Leo whirled on his heels, swinging his hammer in a wide arc. The mandibles of yet another spider-thing clicked closed next to his ear then his hammer crashed into the legs, shattering chitin like brittle china. The monster screamed, a thin, ear-piercing whistling wail of pain, and tried to slink away. 

"Oh no, you don't," Leo snarled, feeling his righteous anger rise. He grabbed his hammer in a two-handed grip and charged, slamming the heavy weapon into the spider-thing's armoured side for all he was worth. The hammer crunched through chitinous plates, pulverizing legs and the monster's exoskeleton, burying itself in a stinking pulp of flesh underneath. 

The spider-thing wailed again, and two more hissing voices answered it. Leo growled in fury as he battered his opponent with more blows, each hit shattering more chitin, exposing vulnerable flesh and innards. The mandibles jabbed at his face but the beast was too busy trying to get its damaged side away from the fuming paladin to mount much in the way of resistance. With a final scream of rage, Leo brought his hammer down onto the spider's head, crushing its cranium, brains splattering everywhere. Huffing, he turned around and caught a roaring pillar of flame enveloping another of the beasts. Arach pumped her fist triumphantly as the monster curled up and burned to a crisp in the wake of her flame strike. 

The last spider-monster appeared, legs flailing, nearly killing Calgore with a flurry of slashes. The silver-bearded dwarf cursed, cleaving his axe across the monster's legs. Then he pulled something from a pocket of his coat and tossed it into the beast's maw. Leo thought the spider-thing looked surprised for a moment.

"Now try to vanish on me, you fucking piece o' shit," he growled, raising his axe. The spider-thing scuttled backwards, shaking its head in a surprisingly comprehensible gesture of confusion.

"Can't, huh?" Calgore chuckled, advancing menacingly. With a ruthless slash, he severed one of the beast's legs. "No wonder, you just gulped down a disjunction stone. No more magic tricks from you. And now you pay for me boys," he snarled, chopping off the next leg. The spider-thing scuttled backwards, trying to put as much distance between itself and the furious dwarf. Another leg clattered to the floor. Suddenly, the beast's abdomen bumped into a wall.

"That's right, no more escape for you," Calgore snarled. The spider-monster hissed then started to assault Calgore with a barrage of bites and stabs with its remaining legs, trying to take down the dwarf in its death throes. Suddenly, a crossbow twanged, the bolt burying itself in the spider-thing's head. Calgore turned on his heels. 

Tear lowered the weapon. "It's over," she said, dropping the crossbow altogether. Her armour had dissipated and Leo could see half a dozen swollen cuts and bruises.

"Oh hell, no. I wasn't half done here!" Calgore roared, advancing on the naked dark elf. 

"It's over. Let's see how many of your people we can save. No time to play with the beasts," Tear sighed before dropping to her knees. Arach ran to her side, chanting a prayer to the Moon Maiden and pressing her hands onto Tear's body.

"Huh, can't even save yerself!" Calgore fumed. Leo knelt down next to a feebly coughing dwarf. He sported only a small cut on his shoulder, where the beast's mandibles had grazed him, but his forehead felt clammy and his pupils were dilated. A sure sign of poisoning. Leo pressed his hands onto the dwarf's body and called upon Lord Justice. The dwarf groaned and twisted under Leo's hands, a viscous fluid leaking from the cut in his shoulder.

"You should be okay soon," Leo mumbled. The dwarf looked up at him in confusion. Leo recognized him, it was the one who gave him his folding armour. "The poison has left your body. You should be okay soon," he repeated before rising, ignoring the cursing Calgore. There were others to be saved.

***

"You know, if we wait until tomorrow, we could bring some of them back," Tear offered, rubbing her shoulder through her robe. 

"Yeah, I'm sure the Moon Maiden will grant us the magic to bring your people back to life," Arach added, brushing wet hair out of her face. 

They were again sitting around the fire but this time the mood was completely different. Less than half a dozen dwarves remained, many of them weakened from the poison the spider-things, Tear called them "void spiders," employed. 

"Don't bother," Calgore grumbled, taking another pull from a small steel flask. The pungent stench of stone water assaulted Leo's nostrils.

"If there's a chance to bring them back, wouldn't you want to take it?" Tear asked, gently caressing Calgore's forearm.

"No, I wouldn't want to spit their ancestors in the face by hauling their valiant souls back into their bodies. If a dwarf dies fighting, he earns a place at the Soul-Forger's anvil and who am I to deny 'em that?" Calgore snarled, brusquely brushing her hand off his arm.

"They deserve a proper burial, and that's what they'll get. And then my boys and I'll go home," Calgore grumbled.

"Wow, what happened to 'tomorrow we'll hunt us a dragon?'" Arach jibed.

"No dragon is worth what we've paid already," Calgore muttered. When he looked up, Leo clearly could see defeat written all over the dwarf's face.

"I respect your decision but I also would like you to know that I'd have liked you by our side," Leo said, sympathy in his voice.

"Huh. Open yer eyes, boyo! Half o' me boys are dead! The other half can hardly keep upright! We'll be lucky to make it to Storm Harbour like that, and I still have to leave nearly half of the trade goods behind. No, you and yer lassies go ahead, kill the dragon. Maybe, if ye end up in Storm Harbour again, ye can buy us a drink," Calgore choked. Then he rose and retreated into his bedroll, ending the discussion. Unable to sleep himself, Leo sat upright in their tent, now ragged from several void spider slashes, and even here he could hear the muffled sobs of a broken-hearted old dwarf. 

*** 

"I still don't understand why he wouldn't let us bring his people back," Arach complained softly as they trudged through the tunnels. 

"You of all people should know," Tear whispered past Leo. "Faith is a strange thing sometimes and can lead people on curious paths. You can't force him, to Calgore a resurrection spell is anathema, in much the same way as the Chaos Queen and their followers see us as evil beings. We may know better but it is so much more difficult to get the point into a believer's head."

"You are not only beautiful but wise to boot," Leo said, ducking beneath a grotesquely bent stalactite. With his new armour, the one he could summon or dismiss at will, progress was much faster and, according to Arach, even somewhat quieter as well. They were making good time and moved purposefully towards the last known position of the odd surface dwellers Calgore and his clansmen had met.

"Now you're really trying to flatter me," Tear chuckled, closing the distance to Leo in a few quick, silent steps. Then she slipped her hands under his cloak, caressing his flanks with extended fingernails. The paladin shuddered under her touch.

"He's trying to get into your pants, Tear darling," Arach teased, still a couple steps ahead of them.

"And I'm half in the mood to let him. Would you mind?" the older woman asked.

"Now? What happened to 'we should hurry before they get away?'" Arach asked in mild exasperation.

Before Tear could answer, though, they heard the sounds of running footsteps, interspersed by something soft hitting unyielding stone, grunts of pain and annoyance. Arach melted into the cleft between two stalactites, crouching down to hide even better. Leo quickly looked around but he was the last one standing in the open. Shrugging, he dove into another hollow and held his breath. The frantic, irregular steps came closer, and farther off in the distance he could hear shouts and more running. A moment later, he saw a hooded, cloaked figure stumble into his field of vision. Almost in oblivious haste, he shuffled down the corridor, past Arach who silently rose from her hiding spot. Leo left his as well, holding out his arm at about chest level. The hooded figure slammed solidly into him and lost its balance, crumpling to the floor in an undignified heap. Sitting up, it scrabbled backwards, each movement accompanied by the jingle of coin-filled garments.

"Don't hurt me, I'll pay anything you want," the hooded figure wheezed, its voice cracking in hysteria, its hands flailing in front of its face. Thanks to his darkvision charm, Leo easily saw the sorry state the person was in. Its cloak was tattered and Leo could clearly see every cut, every gash where the runner had hit some obstacle, many places looked wet and raw. The figure scrabbled backwards until its bum made contact with Arach's boots, the young dark elf cocking her head in curiosity.

"You are running through the Depths without a light source?" she asked, bending down to help the sitting figure to its feet.

"Who the fuck are you?" the figure screamed, turning away from the voice and crawling towards Leo again.

"Arach, be so kind and keep watch. The others should be here any minute now," Tear whispered. Then she chanted some quick words and the corridor brightened. Not by much but to Leo it felt as if the moon was peeking out from some dark clouds, a silver radiance pooling on the floor. The figure looked up, its gaze taking in Leo's boots, trousers, vest and finally his face. Recognition was mutual, surprisingly, because Leo had seen this person before. On his cheek, three coins were tattoed. 

"Heh, fancy meeting you here," Leo growled. With contemptuous ease, he yanked the man to his feet. To his surprise, the thief grabbed Leo's vest.

"Please, by all that is holy, save me. I don't wanna die!" the thief howled, trying to shake Leo and failed miserably.

"Fresh out of prison and now this," Leo chided, not unkindly. Quickly, he patted the man down. Everywhere his hand made contact, he could feel pockets, money belts or even seams practically bursting with coins and gems.

"I don't want to be dragon food!" the thief screamed.

"For Mercy's sake, stop screaming like that," Tear hissed, appearing next to the thief. The man gulped noisily as he stared into her icy cool eyes.

"I just don't wanna die," he whispered loudly.

"Then shut the hell up and maybe we can save your sorry ass," Tear snarled, slinking past Leo and the thief. A moment later the paladin could hear both dark elves whisper frantically. Then, Tear came back.

"Hide. And whatever you do, keep quiet," she ordered. Leo pulled the shivering and mumbling thief into a small cul-de-sac off the corridor. Tear nodded and left, dropping a globe of darkness over them. 

"What. Are. They. Up. To," the thief breathed into Leo's ear. 

The paladin crinkled his nose at the man's bad breath then he sighed back. "Something sneaky, I presume. Hush."

The seconds trickled past like drops of syrup. Then, from somewhere in the distance, Leo could hear singing, beautiful and most of all, loud. There were no words to the song but it stirred his heart. A moment later, a second voice joined the first, this time from a another direction, in a haunting harmony to the initial song. The frantic, running sounds, now almost upon them, stopped and Leo could hear, just barely, a whispered conversation.

"Now what? Do you hear that?"

"I'm not deaf, ya know."

"What about that cutpurse, could he be doing it?"

"Nah, you heard his voice. Squealed like a pig, he did."

"With all that noise around, how are we supposed to find him?"

"Search me. This singing gives me the willies. Let's turn back."

"And what do we tell the Master?"

"Hey, there's so many beasts down here, one o' them is bound to off him, with all the jink he's carryin'."

"You know what the Master said. If we don't bring back the money, we're next on his menu."

"You worry too much. He was just too fast for us, end o' story. Sooner or later he'll either end up in the belly of one o'those critters down here or he falls and snaps his neck. If he does, we can still go out again and reclaim the loot, if Master is still so keen on it. Come on, I'm sick o' them tunnels already."

It was hard to hear but Leo was certain the footsteps had receded into the distance, accompanied by some mumbling. Eventually, the song faded as well. There was only silence, interspersed by the occasional, panicked exhalations of the thief.

"Fine friends you have," Leo whispered into the ear of the thief.

"Friends? Hardly. They joined for the same reason I did," the thief complained, tapping his vest. The coins jingled softly.

Leo nodded to himself. Money. He still struggled with the concept why amassing money would make you more desirable or a better person or bring you happiness. Yes, you could buy all the things you wanted but the never-ending pursuit of gold brought out the worst in people. Leo was content with the few things he had, a small cell in the temple of Lord Justice, a hot meal every day and some silver to buy drinks for himself or Shilana. Every few months he had so much leftover money from his work in the City Guard that he saw no other alternative than to donate it to a temple in need. 

"Joined?" Leo prodded.

"You know, the 'Magnificent Order of the Shining Scale,' man," the thief whispered back, sarcasm dropping off every syllable.

"Go on," Leo hissed, gripping the thief's elbow even tighter.

"Go on with what?" the thief asked.

"What did you do for the dragon?" Leo felt the man stiffen at his dangerously low snarl.

"Umm... ya know, jus' the usual..." the thief began, slipping into gutter slang.

"Tell me, all of it. And Lord Justice commands you, you will tell the truth," Leo ordered, even risking to speak aloud. 

"Hey, keep the fuck quiet," the thief hissed, recoiling at Leo's harsh tone. But then the magic took hold of him and he began to speak, haltingly at first, but with more and more urgency, almost like a man at a confessional.

"You was right, I came jus' outta the cage. The guards gave me a couple coppers so I could grab some grub and a place to sleep for the night. Then there was this fella in the pub, all splendid robes an' such, telling about this organization, easy little things to do, lots of chances to hit it big. What was I to do? Just outta the cage, man. Who else would hire me, huh? So I took all the courage I had and asked 'im 'bout the job. Couldn't see much of his face, really, just a dark hood an' shit, but I felt his eyes, man, like fucking torches, almost lookin' me inside out. Anyways, he nods and waves another fella over who gives me five fucking gold, just like that, and tells me where to meet them, a few days later. I was thinking of taking the jink and bailing but every time I looked around, one of them fellas in the robes was watching me, standing all inconspicuous-like at a street corner or just next to the stall on the market where I was brunchin', so I thought better of it. Well, then I went where they told me to and ended up in the harbour proper, one big-ass storehouse, and I wasn't the only one. They had dozens more people in there, men, women, dwarves, elves, even a fucking mindo... minatar... you know, bull man! And then it got scary, 'cos this robed fella came around, looking all boss-like, asking everyone a single question. 'Are ye with us'. I will never forget that voice. You just had to say 'yes' 'cos saying 'no' would've been the last thing ya did."

The thief took a deep breath. Somewhere to the left, a soft giggle was heard. The thief nearly fainted.

"Swapping life stories already? Missed me?" It was Arach's voice, and a moment later, the drow girl appeared, all radiant smile. The magical darkness already had dissipated. Leo gestured at her, asking her to wait.

"Go on," he suggested. The thief nodded slowly.

"They gave each of us a job, tiny things, really. Like delivering a letter to a place, collecting bags from another, that kinda stuff."

"Nothing more than errant tasks?" Leo prodded.

"Well, in the beginning. But after a couple weeks, the robed fella came again and gave me a robe of my own, calling me 'prentice somethin'."

"Yes?"

"And then I had to go with these other fellas, underground-like. We was to haul boxes with stuff in, heavy lifting really. And I tell ya, there was bodies inside. And they moved."

"Go on."

"Well, I and the other fellas hauled them through passages in the sewers, down into some hidden cellars, and through a glowing doorway. And then I heard the screams."

"Screams?" Arach asked, an edge in her voice.

"Yea. Like someone was eaten alive. And then that robed fella came around and showed us. And then I decided I didn't wanna do this anymore," the thief almost sobbed.

"The dragon?" Arach asked, surprisingly gently. The thief nodded, emphatically.

"But he didn't look like no ordinary dragon. At first I thought he was just some red dude, having fun with this elf chick and all. 'Lucky bastard' I was thinkin', but then, pulling a massive cock out of that chick, he began to... change," the thief sobbed, slapping his hands over his face. "The screamin'. I didn't wanna look but I couldn't help myself. He picked up that elf chick and stuffed it into his mouth and then... and then..."

"He killed her," Leo said, flatly.

"No, he fucking shredded her to bits, man!" the thief howled, clawing at Leo in despair. "I don't wanna die like that!"




Leo and the Dragon Ch. 04



"You won't," Arach promised. The thief gulped and looked at her.

"Why not?" he asked, tears streaking down his face.

"Because I will rip your fucking heart out if you keep on shouting like that," the drow girl threatened, brandishing her blade.

"Where's Tear?" Leo asked, reassuringly tapping the thief's shoulder.

"Following the fools, of course. You know they'll die." 

"Yes, I guess the dragon won't be happy they let our friend here escape. But still, we should at least try to save them," Leo reasoned.

"What about him?" Arach asked, pointing at the silently crying thief, reliving his terrifying memories.

"Can you find this place again once we're done?" Leo inquired.

"But of course. Do you want to leave him here? Alone? Unarmed? Blind?" Arach retorted.

Leo turned to the thief, pulling out a small dagger and pressing the hilt into the thief's hand. "This place is relatively safe. As long as you keep quiet, you should be fine. Can you do that? We will be back for you, once we have killed the dragon," Leo promised.

The thief looked up at him, his face distorting into a horrible visage. Then, without warning, he began to laugh, a high, hysterical sound tinged with madness.

"You can't kill it! It will feast on your soul! No one, no one, you hear, can stand in its wake!" Screaming with mad laughter, his eyes rolling, he jumped at Arach, The drow girl stumbled back but it was too late already. The thief gasped wetly then he went to his knees, dragging her sword from suddenly numb fingers.

"I-..." she stuttered, looking at the man feebly writhing on the floor, her sword sticking out of his abdomen. With a last, horrible little laugh, he died.

"There was nothing you could have done," Leo whispered, catching up with Arach. She kneeled at yet another intersection, her fingers brushing over a small, silvery circle on one of the rocks. The smell of salt water was in the air and when the paladin listened really hard, he could hear the gentle lapping of waves from somewhere. 

"I know but that doesn't make it any less unsettling," she whispered back, leaning into Leo as he kneeled down next to her.

"Just another reason why we should hurry," Leo breathed into her ear, his fingers gently brushing Arach's neck. She sighed softly and snaked one arm around his waist. 

"Here's another one, we're still on the right track," she whispered, pointing at the shimmering circle.

"Good, let's make haste then," Leo murmured, half-hugging the drow girl against his chest before rising. 

"You know, we still have to finish your first time once this is over," Arach chuckled, rising as well.

"Aren't there more pressing matters than my virginity right now?" Leo asked, a little smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah, there are but thinking about them makes my stomach curl," the drow girl retorted. "Better to think of something long, hard and pleasant instead." Swaying her hips a little, she slipped into the corridor next to the marked rock. Leo fell into step behind her. Together they followed Tear's faintly glowing markings, crawling through the coiling warrens of the earth until Arach suddenly stopped and pulled Leo into a small side passage.

"Now what?" the paladin hissed, his lips brushing the drow girl's earlobe. 

"Listen," Arach whispered back.

Leo strained his ears. At first he wanted to shrug off Arach's warning but then he heard it, the soft clinking of metal on metal, muffled by thick cloth.

"Another cultist?" he sighed into Arach's ear.

"Let's find out, shall we?" 

She drew her blade and twirled back into the corridor they had just left. Leo followed suit, his hammer gripped just under the head. To his surprise, their pursuer stood in plain sight, his hands spread in the universal gesture of peace. It was no cultist but a red-bearded dwarf. He wore a thick cloak over a bulky suit of armour and a tall backpack made him appear almost hunchbacked. His eyes were surrounded by tired wrinkles but he shot the two companions a fierce grin. 

"What do you want?" Arach asked, more surprised than angry.

"A good day to ye too, woman," the dwarf grumbled. "I don't know what's gotten into ol' man Calgore but Zentam dok'Calgore never leaves a debt unpaid. Yer holy man saved me ass back there and for that I'm real grateful. Besides, I'm itchin' for a good, honest dragon-thrashin'."

"Are you sure you're already fit enough for a fight?" Leo asked, innocently. "The poison was some nasty stuff and-" 

The dwarf cut him off with a vicious snarl and a swipe of the hand. "Bah, nothin' a good fight won't get out of me. Are we going to kick the dragon's tail any time this century? Or are ye planning on some more blathering?"

Leo shook his head at the dwarf's attitude but Arach beat him to an answer.

"Well, we could always use more dragon bait. Welcome aboard, Zentam."

With a snort, the dwarf shouldered his gear and pushed past Arach and Leo. Shaking his head, the paladin fell in behind him. With the dwarf humming tunelessly into his beard, they continued to follow Tear's trail. A few minutes later Leo realized that it was slowly becoming brighter. And hotter as well.

"Is it just me or is the temperature going up?" Leo whispered at his companions.

"No, I feel it too. Also, it's getting awfully bright," Arach whispered back. Zentam said nothing but his sweat-matted beard spoke volumes. 

They silently followed the passage, trying their best to keep in the shadows. By now, it wasn't a mere hint of brightness, instead, an unsettling crimson radiance was oozing into the corridor, throwing disturbing shadows from each hard edge. Irritated, Leo palmed his forehead, wiping sweat from his brow.

"At least we now have absolute certainty on which kind of dragon we have to deal with," Arach grumbled.

"So? Which one?" Leo asked but he already had an inkling. There were enough myths and legends about the kings of the scaly beasts, the fire dragons, their obsession with their riches and their love for burning hot caverns. Even the thief's madness suddenly made sense, the tales spoke of lesser men going insane when faced with a furious dragon. Leo chided himself for not being more sensitive to the man's feelings, in the end it was him who had forced the thief to confront the specter of the raging dragon again and driven him over the edge. 

"The worst kind, o' course," Zentam snarled. A moment later he stopped dead in his tracks. Tear had dropped from the ceiling, her hair plastered to her skull.

"I see you've brought company," she whispered at Arach and Leo. "What has happened to the thief, though?"

"Poor guy lost it," Arach replied, casting down her gaze. "Fell into my sword. I'm sorry, there was nothing I could do to stop him."

"And what about you?" Tear asked Zentam, who was openly ogling the tall drow woman.

"What about me? I'm here for the fight and the loot. Got a problem with that?" the dwarf asked, an open challenge in his eyes.

Tear laughed, "Absolutely not! But we'd better hurry, the others just went in here. I'd hate to see them end up as dragon chow." With a small playful bow, she pointed at a painfully bright cave opening, sulphurous smoke pouring from it. 

"Let's get crackin' then," Zentam all but whooped, setting down his enormous backpack. From it, he pulled a large kite shield, painted an almost comically bright red. Next came a hefty war axe, one-bladed, but with a wicked spike fastened opposite the wide, single-edged blade. He settled the backpack back onto his shoulders, grabbed his weapon and shield and looked over at the others, battle-lust sparking from his eyes. "Comin'?"

Leo mumbled the command word that would bring his armour into existence. For a much too short moment, cool metal plates engulfed him then the air inside his armour began to heat up as well. Grumbling, he slid his visor closed and hefted his hammer.

"We'd better get to it, then," he snarled, striding purposefully into the cave, Zentam at his side. Tear and Arach shared an admiring chuckle then followed them. 

***

To their surprise, they met no resistance as they entered the lair itself. There were signs of habitation, bedrolls, crockery, a few barrels, a makeshift smithy. Some of the walls looked as if they had only recently cooled, with thick rivulets of molten stone pooling at their bases. Hot, acrid smoke rose from rifts in the floor, causing Leo and his companions to choke and cough painfully. When they passed the first open lava vein, Leo felt like he was boiled alive in his armour.

"Hold on," Tear whispered. She intoned a quick incantation and brushed her hand over Leo's shoulder. Suddenly, the oppressive heat lessened somewhat and he could breathe a little easier. 

"This will shield you from the dragon's fire, at least a bit," Tear explained. "Just don't try basking in the beast's burning breath."

"I'm not stupid enough to try," Leo chuckled. "Thanks for your concern though."

"You are very welcome, oh mighty hero," Tear giggled.

"Would ye two stop flirting already? We've got a dragon to kill," Zentam hissed.

Tear repeated the spell two more times, touching both Arach and herself. When she raised her hand a third time, Zentam shrugged her off. 

"Huh, compared to me smithy, this is but a mild breeze. Save yer spells for when ye really need them, lady," the dwarf smirked. 

Tear opened her mouth, no doubt a little barb at the ready, but then they heard the voice, booming, distorted by echoes, coming from a nearby opening. Together, they skulked through the hole in the wall and found themselves on a small natural balcony, overlooking a dizzyingly bright cavern. Pretty much everywhere they looked, they saw piles of glittering metals, sometimes melted together into bizarrely formed stalactites of gold with a gem frosting, sometimes neatly stacked piles of coins. The light came from a large, open lava pool hugging the right side of the cavern, forming a glowing crescent of blazing radiance. Tear and Arach hissed in annoyance as the brightness hurt their sensitive eyes. Huddled in a large semicircle in front of the dragon, about a dozen robed figures stood, surrounding two more of their numbers who had their hoods down. But all that radiance, all that splendor couldn't distract from the monstrosity lounging in the center of all the glitter and gold.

"Would ye look at all the shinies? Even with just one backpack full of it, I'm a made dwarf," Zentam drooled, his fingers drumming on the heft of his axe.

"Let's deal with the bigger problem first," Tear cautioned him, pointing at the beast.

Even up here, more than fifty feet away from it, Leo could feel the power, the malice radiating off that gigantic beast. Curled up like a napping cat, it measured almost a hundred and fifty feet from the narrow tip of its snout to the barbed tail spikes, large, bat-like wings draped over its side like a crimson blanket. Most of its head was a bewildering array of horns and fins, jutting in all directions. And then it yawned, displaying two rows of fangs longer than any man's arm. A long, forked tongue slithered out and tasted the air in front of it.

"You know I never threaten," the dragon rumbled, its bassy voice seemingly coming from Leo's stomach.

"But... but... yer Magnificence, what were we to do? The little fucker ran just too fast for us," one of the robed figures huddling in front of the dragon's perch pleaded.

Without warning, the head of the dragon lunged forward, the maw clamping shut over the speaker's midsection. A sickening crunch echoed through the cave as the dragon bit through flesh, muscle and spine, ripping the man's torso clean off his hips. The legs did one last, involuntary step before they collapsed. Instead of swallowing, the dragon turned its head sideways and spat the upper half of the dead cultist into the lava pool, where it burned up with a sickening hiss and the stench of frying flesh. 

"And you know there is only one thing I hate more than thieves; and that is liars," the dragon continued, as if nothing had happened. Its burning orange eyes swept over the other man, who was kneeling in a wet puddle by now, pleading incoherently for his life.

"Bring him into the pens," the dragon ordered, at no one in particular. "You others, go and find that thief. Bring me every little coin. And don't fail me in this," it added, its tongue nudging the mutilated corpse. Two robed figures grabbed the babbling man and hauled him away while the rest dispersed, leaving the dragon alone.

A few moments passed in silence. Leo was thinking furiously. Nothing he had experienced before could have prepared him for the task he was facing now. How could he even begin to damage the beast? How could he survive even a single bite? He shook his head, his gaze meeting Tear's. She seemed calm, relaxed even, a coy little smile playing around her lips. He knew she would help him in any way she could, without even thinking about her own well-being. In many ways, he realized, they were kindred spirits, placing the well-being of others before their own. Then he looked at Arach and saw the fire in her eyes, the will to see this through, one way or the other, and the desire to be with him until the end. Zentam seemed to be completely unfazed by the enormity of their opponent. If anything, he was practically bouncing on his feet, ready to butt heads with the dragon. And suddenly he realized that the dwarf's confidence was rubbing off on him. Leo felt that he wouldn't be fighting this battle alone. Together, he hoped, they could overcome any challenge. Filled with new-found resolve, hefting his hammer, he looked at the dragon.

Its head rose slowly, the orange eyes, pupils slitted like a cat's, focussed on him.

"You can come down now," the dragon rumbled. "Did you enjoy the show?"

"Your murdering ways end now!" Leo called, his voice carrying clearly through the cavern.

The dragon chuckled. Lazily, it dug its clawed forepaw into a pile of assorted items near its belly, producing a shining, silvery helmet. Placing it atop its smallest claw like a thimble, it wagged the helmet like a sock puppet.

"Die, evil beast," the dragon squealed before it puffed a small cloud of flame. In burning orange rivulets, the liquefied helmed dripped down its claw.

"These were his famous last words," the dragon grumbled. "But you are free to test your luck, hero. The stairs are that-a-way," he added, the claw pointing. 

Snarling, Leo led his companions down a dangerously narrow flight of natural steps until they were face to face with the beast. Close up, the dragon was even more intimidating, infernal heat pouring off the creature with every one of its bellow-like breaths. 

"To be honest, I half expected you to torch us while we came down the stairs," Leo rumbled.

"It has been decades since I've been challenged to a real fight. And you have no idea how hard it is to stay entertained, down here in the caverns. Raping your women gets old after a few months, really," the dragon smugly responded.

"Cocky bastard," Arach hissed. The dragon's head rose, fixing the drow girl with a long, hard stare.

"I'll make sure to get you acquainted with mine," the dragon promised, lazily coming to its feet and shaking out its wings. Leo had to crane his neck to keep his gaze locked onto the draconic visage, now hovering a good twenty feet over his head. He felt utterly out of his depth here. But there was no way in hell he'd let this beast near Arach! Grasping his hammer with both hands, Leo raised the weapon over his head.

"Lord Justice, give me strength!"

"You show him, tiger," Tear whispered, brushing her hand along Leo's back. He felt his whole body twitch, the weight of his hammer suddenly meaningless. Leo looked around but failed to see Zentam. The dwarf had disappeared from view. The dragon gave a bestial roar and swiped his claws forward but Leo already was in motion. Streaming silvery moonlight with every movement, his hammer a blazing star, he lunged at the dragon, throwing his whole weight behind this first blow. Out of the corner of his eye he caught Tear and Arach pale and cower then his weapon collided with the dragon's claw, scaly armour and blood spattering everywhere, bones crumbling with a sickening crunch. 

"I WILL KILL YOU FOR THAT!" the dragon roared, its scream of pain causing the ceiling to tremble. With a mighty crack, a stalactite fell from the ceiling into the lava pool, scattering searing droplets of molten stone everywhere. Leo didn't flinch as he got hit by them, instead he focussed his attention onto the huge target in front of him. He saw Zentam happily hewing at the dragon's hind leg, punctuating every chop of his axe with a nasty dwarven curse, especially since the blade failed to cause any discernible damage. A heartbeat later, the dragon roared again, its claw missing Leo by a hair as he dove under it, to get at the beast's belly. Zentam had turned his axe-head around and was shattering scale by scale with the wicked barb, causing the dragon to howl in pain every time his swings connected. 

"How do you like my darkness, you overgrown lizard?" Arach shouted, her voice somehow up in the air.

"Annoying. Just you wait. You will watch as I eat your companions alive, drow bitch," the dragon cursed, its head enveloped by a globe of blackness.

Leo launched another scale-shattering strike at the dragon's underside, his magically charged hammer head crunching through armoured scales like a battering ram through rotten wood. The dragon flinched and tried to get away from him, scrabbling backwards, its hindquarters disappearing into the lava. Even farther it crawled into the pool until it had completely submerged.

Leo looked around wildly, his battle rage urging him on to smite any target in sight.

"Where is he?" he yelled, turning to Tear who was mending a wicked burn on her arm.

"Taking a damn lava bath, that bloody coward! I was just getting started!" Zentam howled, raising his bloodied axe high above his head.

"Watch out!" Arach yelled. Leo looked up, seeing the drow girl levitate near the top of the cavern. A moment later, he caught an infernally bright light to the side. Tackling Tear off her feet, he used his momentum to slide them both along the ground. A heartbeat later, he howled in pain as the soles of his boots turned crimson from the heat, the fiery cone of dragon breath immolating the space where he had been just a moment ago. Wildly, he looked around. Zentam just rose from behind his shield, the metal cooling with pained, pinging sounds. The dragon, no, a handsome, red-skinned man actually, was standing on the balcony where they had been only minutes ago, twin ribbons of smoke pouring from his nostrils.

"Did you really think attacking me in the heart of my own lair would be this easy?" he chided, pity in his voice. "There are more hidden byways than you can imagine. Swimming through molten lava, shifting my form? Child's play!" he boasted.

Then he jumped off the balcony, swelling and expanding in mid-air. The ground shook as the full weight of the beast landed on it. Leo and Tear got tossed around like a pair of rag dolls as the floor heaved and cracked. Before they could get to their feet, the dragon was upon them. Almost delicately he impaled Tear with his index claw, causing the drow woman to wail in anguish as his burning digit buried itself in her midsection. With the other claw, he almost playfully hoisted Leo to his feet before giving him a mighty shove. The paladin tumbled backwards, directly towards the lava pool. But before he could topple into the molten death trap, Arach was on him, throwing all her weight into him. Panting with the effort, she helped Leo find his footing then she screamed in fury. The dragon's head was only inches away from Tear's face, the forked tongue almost lovingly slobbering along her writhing form.




Leo and the Dragon Ch. 04



"You will make a fine plaything. I do so love women with fire. First they warm my bed then they warm my belly," it teased, twisting its claw in Tear's insides. 

Helplessly, she screamed her anguish into the cave. Leo roared, charging the dragon, wanting nothing more than to bash its face in. Arach was at his side, her sword a gleaming ray of gold in the light of the cavern. Her hand reached out and tapped Leo's arm. Almost on instinct, he jumped, barely clearing the tail the dragon swiped their way. As if in slow motion, he saw the dragon turn its head, opening its jaws, a glowing pinprick of white firing up in its gullet. Suddenly, Arach was gone, levitating upwards. Leo dove to the side, avoiding another fire blast by the skin of his teeth, coming to his feet thanks to the momentum of his mad dash. Then he was face to face with the dragon, the heat nearly knocking him senseless. Throwing all his might into the swing, he pounded his hammer into the dragon's jaw, scattering teeth and scale fragments everywhere. The dragon roared its fury into Leo's face, causing him to stumble backwards, shaking his head. Ears ringing, blinking moisture from his eyes, Leo saw Tear crawl away from where the dragon had pinned her to the floor, leaving a wet trail behind. Before the dragon could give chase, Zentam roared in fury, chopping his axe into one of the gashes left by their previous attacks, causing the beast to scream in fury and pain. Another globe of darkness materialized over its eyes. 

"Your parlor tricks won't work with me!" the dragon roared, its head whipping out of the darkness, seeking the pesky levitating drow girl. Arach dropped almost ten feet, avoiding the wyrm's snapping jaws by sheer luck. It snorted a plume of fire after her, causing Arach to wail as her flesh was scorched.

An inspiration struck Leo. There was another stalactite just above the dragon's back, its sharp point hanging over the beast's spinal ridge. All the shaking had caused several wide cracks to appear in the large, inverted stone needle. Offering a quick prayer to Lord Justice, hoping that the strength-increasing spell of the Moon Maiden would be enough, Leo spun in place and tossed his hammer. Whirling end over end, the glowing weapon arced past the dragon's head.

"Ha, you missed," the beast roared, head shooting down towards Leo. The paladin's gaze calmly followed the trajectory of his weapon. With stone shards flying everywhere, the hammer head squarely hit the stalactite, then the weapon dropped to the ground. The dragon looked from Leo to the stalactite and back again then a hideous grin distorted its lopsided, broken-jawed face.

"Awwww, lost your weapon, holy man?" the dragon teased. Its wings came forwards over its shoulders, nearly buffeting Leo off his feet. Then it struck Leo with its healthy claw, slicing cleanly through his armour and clothing, carving four deep, bloody furrows into his chest and abdomen before the claw glanced off his still intact armoured belt. The force of the hit was enough to send Leo sprawling, tumbling end over end like a discarded toy. 

"And now I'm done playing with you," the wyrm growled. "It was fun while it lasted, but-"

"Now just ye wait a damn bloody moment!" Zentam snarled, dropping his weapon and shield with a clamor that caused everybody to twitch in surprise. Even the dragon paused in mid-strike, instead looking at the bristling dwarf. Arach dropped to the ground next to Leo, a breathless prayer of thanks for the interruption on her lips. With her cloak flapping and clutching her holy symbol, she sprinted to where Tear was lying, whimpering feebly in a steadily growing pool of dark red. Frantically intoning the syllables of a healing spell, Arach dropped to her knees next to her lover and pressed her hands onto Tear's ravaged midsection.

Zentam had by now also dropped his backpack and was rummaging through its contents. The dragon's head whipped down, intent at snatching the insolent little man with its teeth, crushing it into a bloody pulp. At the last moment, the mighty beast stopped and recoiled at something the dwarf was brandishing with a flourish.

"Aha, I knew I still had it wit'me!" Zentam whooped, holding aloft a metal tube, ten inches long, rather wide and with a wick hanging from one end. Grinning at the dragon, he waved the thing around. 

"Ye know what this is, right? Filled up with blast powder it is. Yes, go ahead and eat me, ye overstuffed newt, but prepare for one serious case of indigestion when this little thing right 'ere gets cooked by your internal fires!"

"Don't you dare threaten me!" the dragon roared, nearly bowling Zentam off his feet with the force of the shout. 

"Threaten? Who said anything 'bout threatening?" Zentam huffed and trotted to the lava pool hugging one side of the makeshift battlefield. 

The dragon shook his head.

"You'll only hurt your friends when throwing this at me!" he grumbled.

Zentam bent down and used a half-molten ceremonial sword to light the wick, which flared to life with an ominous hiss. Turning to face Leo, he said, "And who said anything about throwing this at you?" He pulled his arm back and threw the missile.

In a wide arc the metal tube flew through the cavern, missing the dragon's snout by just a few inches. The dragon, intent on not colliding and possibly setting off the thing, even snaked his head back in a hurry. Leo caught it and finally understood what Zentam was all about. With his magically enhanced strength, he threw the hissing and smoking tube at the stalactite he failed to break loose earlier. The missile tumbled end over end and almost every eye in the cavern was on it. The throw was solid. Clanging softly, the tube hit the stone and the wick stopped to hiss. A moment later, an enormous detonation rocked the cave to its foundations as the blast powder tube exploded. Bits of ceiling rained down onto the combatants, nearly deafened by the explosion. And then, with a sharp clap, the stalactite cracked free from the ceiling. The dragon tried to toss its bulk sideways, even shielding its back with its wings, but to no avail. Like a massive guillotine, the heavy rock spire slammed into its back, pinning the beast to the floor, shattering its hip bones. The roars of the dragon were loud before but now they were overwhelming, rising in pitch and volume as the beast struggled against the massive weight boring down on it. With a savage grin, Leo got to his feet and reclaimed his hammer. He pondered if he should simply turn and walk away but he had to make sure this monster would never terrorize the land again. Hurting in a dozen places, the paladin limped towards the writhing head of the dragon.

"I hope you made peace with whatever dark deities your kind worships," he began, barely sidestepping as the dragon snapped his way, "because I will send you straight to them." With a mighty heave, he brought the hammer down.

***

Even the dragon's death was violent. Instead of simply huffing out its last breath, something deep inside the beast went out of control, consuming it in an infernal blaze, burning the dragon's corpse to a cinder, until only the fireproof scales remained. Leo carried his hurting frame to where the dark elves huddled. Arach had her hands pressed onto Tear's stomach, her fingers aglow with a soothing, greenish radiance. But even with her healing, the wound looked ghastly. The dragon had rammed its red-hot talon into Tear's soft midsection, the whole area around her stomach looked at the same time raw, minced and burned. Tear whimpered as her body was flooded with healing energy. Arach shot Leo a worried look. 

"I can't keep her together! You need to help me!" the younger drow called, an edge of despair in her voice.

Leo kneeled down at Tear's other side and invoked the name of Lord Justice, adding his own magical healing to Arach's. Gritting his teeth, he poured everything he had into the body of his friend, praying that she still could be saved. Tear moaned as her body slowly knitted, the ravaged flesh seemed to move and writhe under Leo's touch. 

"That's it, just a little more," Arach urged, intoning the words of yet another healing spell and pressing her hands onto Tear's ravaged stomach. Slowly, as if resisting every inch of the way, Tear's mangled flesh mended. Fresh, unbroken black skin grew under Leo's fingertips and Tear panted as the pain lessened. Yet another healing spell poured from Arach's fingertips and Tear sighed, her hands slowly clasping Leo's and Arach's. 

"Will she be all right?" Zentam asked. Leo had almost forgotten about the dwarf. But there he was, sweating profusely but otherwise unharmed, happily heaping helmetfuls of coins into his backpack. He was wearing a garishly jewel-encrusted crown on his head and grinned madly as he plonked an egg-sized ruby into his pack. 

"Yeah, I will," Tear groaned, using Leo's offered hands to come unsteadily to her feet. "But I have no desire to stick around much longer. Let's grab what we can and be out of here before the cultists come back."

***

With a splash, Arach slowly rose out of the steaming bathtub, the water cascading down her curves, her long hair plastered to her back, a wide smile on her face. She, Tear and Leo were sitting in the cellar of the Three Oaks Inn, in the small village of the same name. It was the first bit of civilization they found after leaving the Depths through a different passage than they had entered it. Now they were soaking in huge copper bathtubs the innkeeper had hurriedly prepared when Arach threw a plate-sized gold piece on his bar and had ordered the royal treatment for the companions. 

"Already done, little imp?" Tear asked, her arms spread, head comfortably leaning back on the lip of her own bath. Her nearly fatal wound had healed surprisingly well, only leaving a nasty scar on her stomach, and apart from sudden bouts of thoughtfulness, she seemed none the worse for wear.

"Far from it," Arach chirped and carefully placed one foot on the slick granite tiles, making sure to wriggle her behind Leo's way, before finally leaving the bathtub. She shivered in the relative chill of the cellar and scuttled over to Tear's bath which she entered with a contented sigh, wrapping her arms around her lover's neck. Then she began to whisper into Tear's ear, occasionally interrupted by little sobs. Tear's smile became radiant before she wrapped Arach into her arms, hugging her to her breasts. 

"It's all right. Thanks to you and Leo, I'm still in one piece. I really had forgotten what a nasty piece of work a dragon could be," she cooed softly, nibbling at Arach's ear. She looked up at Tear, her eyes still bright and wet, and Tear, smiling gently, kissed her cheeks, even licked up the errant tear still spilling from her eyes. Arach started to giggle helplessly then her hands came up, cupping Tear's breasts, caressing as much dark-skinned flesh as she could get her fingers on. 

"I really would have hated the thought of losing you," Arach sniffed but smiled nonetheless, bowing her head to capture one of Tear's nipples between her lips. Tear bent her head back, sighing in pleasure.

"You know, Leo would have taken good care of you," Tear whispered, her hands travelling up and down Arach's back, disappearing under the sudsy water for quick caresses of her behind. 

"I know but he isn't you. Without you, I'd still be completely lost and alone," Arach murmured, her own hands wandering under the water, "or even dead. The surface dwellers would have killed me, were it not for you." 

Tear gasped in surprise. "What are you doing?" she giggled, writhing against Arach.

"Oh, just checking if you're really whole. Mind sitting on the lip of the tub for a spell?" Arach suggested.

"I don't know, that might get a little chilly, don't you think?" Tear grinned at her but rose obediently from the waters, sitting down on the broad lip of the bathtub. With a low growl, Arach spread Tear's knees and her head all but disappeared between her thighs, kissing and licking with abandon.

Leo smiled inwardly as he rose from his own tub. It was so nice to see both of them returning to their usual, playful selves, he didn't want to intrude. So he wrapped himself in a towel and retreated to the room he and Zentam shared, quickly checking up on the dwarf on the way up. Since their arrival, Zentam was lodged at the bar, telling tales of his magnificent victory to the innkeeper and his two serving maids, with a steadily growing array of mugs and bottles in front of him. 

Up in the room Leo finally realized how wrung out he was. In their hurry to get as far away from the dragon's hoard, to avoid any contact with the cultists, they had barely slept in the last few days, and then there was the matter of their packs, filled to bursting with gems, jewellery and other valuables Leo intended to return to Storm Harbour so the Storm Lords could reimburse some of the people the cultists had blackmailed out of their fortunes. So, not bothering if it was only midday, Leo folded his towel and slipped under the covers of his bed, already asleep as his head hit the pillow. 

***

"Wake up, sleepyhead," someone whispered into his ear. Leo grumbled softly and tried to turn away but there was a weight pinning him to his back. Slightly irritated, his arm folded inwards, his hand landing smack dab on warm, supple, curvy skin. 

"Whuh?" the paladin mumbled, his eyes fluttering open. A pair of amber eyes was sparkling at him. Slowly, the cobwebs in his mind dissipated and recognition set in. "Arach? What are you doing here?" he stammered.

"Not taking any chances this time," she purred, moving against him. Leo noticed she was as naked as he was, sitting astride his hips. He also noticed that the room he and the dwarf were supposed to share was rather empty, only illuminated by a small wick lamp on the night stand.

"He's still downstairs, by now he ought to have bested a whole herd of dragons," Arach laughed softly, following Leo's gaze to the vacant bed. "It's just past midnight."

"And what about you and Tear?" he asked, realizing that his hands had wandered onto her shapely behind almost on their own. Arach wriggled under his touch, smoothing her behind into his palms.

"We've had our grand reunion, it took almost all afternoon," Arach whispered, leaning over Leo's chest and dragging her hardened nipples over his skin. He shuddered in pleasure at the sensation. "But I made a promise and a princess of House Undrearth keeps her promises and her threats both." Her lips brushed his nose, then she held still, an inviting smile on them. Leo realized she was again offering a chance to bail. He smiled back before pulling her into a tight embrace, gently bringing his lips against hers. Arach buried her hands in Leo's golden curls and really kissed him, her tongue slipping between his lips. This time he knew what she wanted and sought her out with his own. Arach sighed into his mouth and ground her body into him, pressing as much skin as possible against his broad chest. Her lips closed around Leo's lower lip and she sucked gently, making him gasp in surprise. Coming up for air, she chuckled throatily.

"We should hunt dragons more often, you know that? I could get used to the victory celebration afterwards," she purred. "Also, you're one quick learner."

"Thank you kindly, milady," Leo huffed, his hands caressing down her back and behind.

"But would you be overly angry if we skip the niceties and pick up where we were so rudely interrupted last time?" Arach suggested with a lewd grin, hands sliding down Leo's body. For emphasis, she dragged her sex, hot and moist, against his by now raging hardness. Leo shivered underneath her. 

"Not one bit," he rumbled, deep in his chest. 

With a radiant smile, Arach lifted herself off his hips, resting her weight on her knees to either side of him while she fondled his meat with both hands, rubbing the shiny helmet against her nether lips. Growling herself, she placed his tip at her opening and lowered herself slowly, head thrown back. Following a hunch, Leo placed his hands on her breasts, gently caressing and kneading the firm flesh, causing Arach to sigh contentedly as she slowly slid down his pole until she had his full length in her. Eyes sparkling with mirth, she leaned into Leo's hands, wrapping her hands around his wrists. 

"That's a good start, Leo. But surely you don't expect me to do all the work, hmm?" Arach teased, pushing herself off Leo, letting his member slide out inch by inch. The paladin had his eyes closed, revelling in the feeling of Arach's velvety tunnel fluttering and caressing his rod. Then the drow girl lowered herself again, slightly gyrating her hips slowly until their bodies touched again, adding her sighs of pleasure to his own.

"No, I don't expect that one bit," he growled, feeling those unfamiliar but wonderful surges rage through his body as she moved and shivered atop him. Almost on instinct, he humped his hips up when hers came down, driving himself even farther into the dark elven girl. Arach threw her head back again and moaned, a low, hungry sound.

Slowly, Arach rose, locking her gaze with Leo's. Again she lowered herself and Leo responded, raising his hips to meet her, driving himself deeper into her. Arach clawed her hands into his shoulders, her moan had turned into a low growl as she rose, quicker this time, daring Leo to impale himself into her like before. Faster and faster they moved until the bed creaked under their movements, each thrust shaking the wooden frame to its foundation, each thrust causing Arach to gasp or yelp in appreciation. Suddenly, Arach tensed up, head thrown back, mouth opened in a soundless scream. Her body shivered violently, her fingernails carved bloody furrows into Leo's shoulders. He stopped moving and looked at her in wonder.

"Are you all right?" he whispered, his hands gently caressing her sides. 

Arach blinked twice then she erupted into a good-natured bout of laughter. 

"Of course I am all right. Can't you tell? You've made me one very happy girl just now. It has been quite some time that I had the pleasure of... playing with a male so it came quicker than I had anticipated but I'm fine. Actually, more than fine," she murmured, caressing Leo's broad chest with her fingernails.

"So... are we done?" Leo asked, a little disappointedly. Arach smiled and tensed up a little, causing her insides to flex around Leo's rod, still embedded to the root in her.

"Does that feel like 'done?'" she asked breathlessly.

"Hardly," the paladin grinned back. To his surprise, Arach rose off him completely and pulled on his hand.

"Let me show you something. Would you get up for me?" she purred playfully. Throwing her a questioning look, Leo sat up and swung his legs off the bed. Once he was standing, Arach climbed back into bed, on all fours, and scooted backwards until her backside was brushing his hardness.

"Would you mind fucking me this way?" she asked, swaying her behind invitingly.

"Is that comfortable for you?" Leo asked, concern in his voice.

"Yes, I liked that very much when I was still back home. Just put your rod right here and take me," Arach suggested, spreading her legs and pointing with her slender fingers. Then she lowered her upper body onto a hastily claimed cushion. Tenderly, Leo rubbed his member against her crack, trying to find the spot she showed him. Arach moaned and stopped his clumsy exploration with gentle fingers.

"Yes, you could put it there but I think we both need to get used to one another before we actually do it," she giggled. Leo blushed furiously when he realized at which opening he had been stabbing. A moment later every thought of embarrassment was forgotten, though, when Arach's sex engulfed the head of his cock, guided by her deft fingers.