Dragon Prophecies

Chapter 1 The moonlight shone down upon the city of Alkaline, the jewel of humanity, the birth place of the Inquisition, and the home of the divine demigod, the Holy Master. The city was cradled between the Hollylyassa River and the Azure Ocean. Sea walls and ports protected the city's vast shoreline. Even in the moonlight tide, docked ships rocked harmoniously in gentle waves. The occasional cry of a seagull disturbed the night's salty breeze. Dikes protected the city from the constant batter of the elements and flood-meadows were placed in strategic areas, insuring the protection of humanity’s crown. Sewers dumped their waste freely into these artificial marshes and rinse with every high tide. Elegant cobblestone roads helped the populace move about the city. Clay tile roofs protected both owners and structures from the wildfires of the Gold Plains. Polished marble temples dedicated to the Iron Throne graced the city’s skyline but the true jewel was the Iron Fortress of the Holy Master. The Iron Fortress was a monolith that dominated the cityscape. Both house of worship and a fortress, the massive structure was the crowning achievement of human design and architecture. The building was designed to withstand any assault, physically or magically. Fear and excitement filled the night’s air. Torches lit the citadel’s wall and men were hidden within the darkness of archway. Sentries, armed with bows, crossbows, and bombarders, waited within the safety of torchlight. Many foolish thieves and assassins had met their end in a feeble attempt to penetrate the temple’s defenses. Fanatical protectors guarded the temple and protective spells had been woven into the iron foundation of the walls. Upon the highest archway, leading up to the mighty citadel, was a large red haired man in plate mail who stood in brooding silence. Monitoring the distant horizon for any signs of movement, his decorative armor gleamed in the firelight. A brazier burned next to him, keeping the nights chill at bay. He leaned heavily upon his halberd, a spear-like weapon designed to hew and jab. A slight movement of the shadows announced a small robed figure; he glanced over into the darkness of the archway where he was being observed. “What are you doing here?” the robust man demanded as he turned to face the threat. “Does your midnight vigil dull your senses?” the hidden robed figure asked in a low and commanding voice echoed from the safety of the corridor. “What do you know about keeping watch, Shen? You study your books, but know little about warfare. Why the Holy Master acknowledges you as an Inquisitor Lord, I’ll never know,” the red haired man growled. “Michael, your age is starting to show,” the shadowy figure teased. “It is only by our Master’s grace that your war wounds and past injuries have not killed you. It is my faith and knowledge of ancient text that makes me invaluable to our Master.” “Your words are written with blood and shit! When you die, I will enjoy burning your life’s work,” Michael snarled. He returned his gaze to the distant horizon. “Ignorance of a lowly warrior,” Shen mused. Michael grinned, the firelight danced off of his face, revealing the scars of past battles. “You cling to your books like a baby would cling to a mother’s teat,” he let out a halfhearted chuckle. “Words fall mute at the point of a sword.” “The pen is mightier than the sword,” Shen countered. He revealed a white feathered quill from beneath his robes. Michael’s grin only grew wider. “Let’s put your theory to the test,” He raised his halberd and leveled it directly at Shen. A sudden breeze made him pause. The breeze turned into a gust that nearly toppled him over. The blast of air made the torches and braziers whip all the citadel’s fires simultaneously extinguished. Cries of surprise and fear rose among the posted and hidden men. Michael turned to face a massive gold dragon staring down at him. He stumbled backwards in awe at the sudden appearance of the massive creature before him. He did not even hear the wing beats or the massive beast land. It was as if the giant golden beast appeared by magic! Shock and fear gripped Michael’s tongue as he stared up in awe and amazement. The gold dragon shimmered in a faint golden light, surrounding her in an aura of beauty and splendor. The dragon was graced with two smooth golden horns and several whiskers which resembled the barbels of a catfish.