Rise of Dragons pt1

The Face of Hope

It was a cool morning within the mountains during the month of October as clouds brushed up against the white peaked mountains. Rain droplets feel like rose pedals among the lower altitudes of the mountain range. Evergreen trees and small shrubs encased the landscape below the white caps of the peaks as the terrain slopped to form small hills and the eventually massive stretch of plains beyond the mountain's reach. Grey monolithic blocks were the only interruption of green on the expansive plains.

Two large quadruped creatures stood on a rock outcropping on the mountainous slope facing the plains. While they did not tower over the surrounding trees of the mountain, they did tower over most of the shrubs and smaller saplings. The creatures resembled large fierce reptiles, however what set them apart from the normal lizard, besides their size, were the pair of wings that folded nicely against their scaly backs.

A bright light engulfed the area of grey monolithic blocks on the plains. Only seconds later did the two reptilian creatures hear the faint rumble of an explosion as the bright light slowly began to ascend into the clouded sky. The two creatures continued to watch and listen to the low rumble until nothing more could be seen and no more could be heard.

"So this is it then? They succeeded," The creature on the right, said to his companion.

The other creature growled softly before replying, "They were always better with their paws and talons…"

"Of course, or we would be the ones residing and building the large monuments they have."

"Don't remind me… We must return to the Rock of Firescale. There is nothing more we can do here."

Black sooty smoke collected on the ceiling of the cave and almost seemed to flow towards the single small opening. The smell of burning evergreen pine filled the air as many bonfires were scattered throughout the large cave chamber. Circular levels of stone were carved out of the cavern's wall, which gave the chamber the look of a stone stadium. The levels all circled around one 'stage' where four large reptilian creatures lay. Around them, the levels of stone gradually began to fill as more of the same species entered through two of the entrances on the top levels. It was common to see a few unfurl their wings and glide from one side to another.

The cavern was become deadly silent as the last creature took their seat on the front row, not even the many fires seemed to disrupt the silence. "Brothers and Sisters," A loud booming voice rang coming from one of the four creatures on the center platform, "We gather here today to present the most distressing news. Our long term foe, the race only known to us and to them as well as Gryphons, has sent forth their own and their technology into the stars above. Today is the day that there is no longer a possibility of taking back the land that rightfully belongs to us. We may have the advantage of the strength, but that alone cannot overcome and overtake the venomous and deadly bite of their technology and their sheer numbers." The creature paused to let his words sink into his audience before speaking once more.

"I, and the elders of the tribes and clans, have been discussing what to do next on this matter. We managed to narrow down our options to two. We can either remain hidden and allow the bitter cold to wear down our hatchlings and eggs or… or we can surrender and fall under the rule of our foe's leader."

Loud groans and disgusted roars filled the auditorium shortly after the speaker gave their options. "We will absolutely not bow down to those flightless fouls!" a creature roared which was soon followed by more cries of protest.

Suddenly someone roared louder than anyone else within the cavern that day. "SILENCE!" it bellowed, his roar was unmistakably male. Before he could begin to voice another speech to his fellow brethren a small and feeble figure on the front row began.

"Your shouts of anguish and protest are understandable my ancient brethren," the figure said, standing. His words barely made it to the central platform. He was different from the others, much different. He stood upright on two legs rather than being on all four. He also wore a plain black cloak, which concealed his face; only his scaly muzzle was visible. "For your leaders have not explored every option available. We can still fight, yes, but we cannot fight with the tooth and claw we are accustomed to. Oh no, we must change our tactics if we not only wish to retake the land that is rightfully ours, but also survive in this ever changing world."

The center dragon growled lowly at the unknown, upright figure. "Dathlar… You were banished many decades ago. Why have you dishonored you and your family name by returning?"

The figure grinned beneath his cloak, "Ah Firescale, I wouldn't have expected anything different. However, isn't it obvious why I have returned? I have knowledge that could prevent the clans from surrendering. After all, that is your intent. While you and our race may be prideful, we are also wise and do the best for ourselves and the future as a whole. You know that better than anyone in this room."

Firescale's growl grudgingly subsided, which was briskly followed by a snort and a plume of angry smoke that flowed from his flared nostrils. "Proceed, Dathlar."

"A wise decision for the clans, Firescale." The figure then raised his voice to uneven proportions so he could be heard by all within the stone auditorium, "I have studied our enemies for six and thirty years. I have learned much about them, their strengths and weaknesses. Using this knowledge we can overthrow our oppressors and rise to our former stature and titles. This newfound goal of ours will not be easy to reach, but it is certainly not impossible. Listen to me and I will lead us to the riches of victory and the genocide of our enemies!"

The crowd of dragons roared with applauds at the conclusion of Dathlar's short, but motivating speech, even the dragons on the stage seemed to be impressed with the alternative. Everyone was excited, everyone but Firescale. Dathlar's banishment occurred for a reason.