The Dragon Queen
Chapel and Sulu froze as their young friend's frantic cries reached them. "Pavel?" Christine called as they ran back searching for him. To her horror, she saw Chekov in the clutches of a slimy tentacle that was dragging him towards a spouting pool of mud.
With a yell, Sulu dashed forward but before he could bring the silver blade down, another tentacle snaked from the pool with lightning speed and snarled itself around his legs. As he fell in an ungainly heap, Sulu cracked his head on a rock and lay still; his sword pinned under his body.
Christine broke out in a cold sweat. She had to do something. Her gaze fell on the dropped axe and with grim determination she ran over, crouched down and grasped the handle. She gasped with exertion. She could scarcely lift the thing!
'I must,' she told herself.
Gripping the shaft in both hands, she forced the axe up. Now she could understand why Chekov had been struggling to carry the thing for it had not been made for human strength. Christine gritted her teeth, telling herself that she was a strong woman who regularly worked out with weights. 'I will wield this axe.'
With a defiant cry she swung the weapon and struck, with all of her might, at the tentacle that crushed Pavel's leg. There was a piercing shriek from beneath the pool but Christine ignored it and continued to hack at the repulsive flesh as thick blood spouted in the air. She was covered in the rancid fluid but continued, her muscles screaming in protest, until Chekov's ankle was released. Swiftly turning her attention to Sulu, she attacked the slimy feeler imprisoning him until, with an obscene squelch, it severed under the sharp edge of the axe. The ear-splitting howl that followed sent churning waves of nausea through Christine, and deafened her. However, she ignored the ringing in her ears and began the grisly task of freeing Sulu's legs. Even now the tentacle still clung like a leech and the helmsman groaned with pain. Christine flung the obnoxious flesh away, and once Sulu began to regain consciousness, she half carried him a safe distance away to the river bank before returning to assist the now crawling Chekov.
"Christine," the young ensign murmured.
As she helped Chekov away, the warning in the prophecy sprang to Christine's mind. How true it had been but she could think about it later. Right now her arms and back ached. She needed proper medication and rest but that, at the moment, was impossible. She gave thanks for the elven clothing, which defied all dirt, but even after every trace of the blood had been removed from her skin she could still smell it. It would take a lot more to wash the odour off.
She shrugged and turned her attention to her companions. Sulu had a mild concussion, bruises and some scrapes but his natural fitness and ebullient nature soon overcame any distress. Chekov's ankle was badly swollen and the only treatment available was a soak in the cold water of the river. The ankle showed immediate signs of improvement and Christine could only conclude that this water, like Wynonna's river, had curative properties. She took an elven scarf from her backpack and used it as a bandage to give the damaged ankle support.
As they sat by the sunlit waters the two men offered their thanks. Christine smiled and waved away their effusive compliments. "I was just doing my duty," she said.
"Now you sound like Mr Spock," Chekov exclaimed.
Christine hugged her knees against her chest. Chekov's well-intentioned words only served to remind her of the mysterious Vulcan whom she adored. Was he alive? She allowed them time to rest then rousing herself said, "C'mon, I think we all need to bathe again before we go on."
The men grumbled but didn't protest and, much refreshed, they continued their journey. They followed the river for several days. Chekov's ankle strengthened and, after a few more immersions, he was able to walk without discomfort. By the time they reached higher ground the three travellers were full of high spirits and an exhilarating sense of adventure.
A stark mountain range lay ahead. It was clearly marked on the ancient map as Drachenfell - dragon rock. Its snow encrusted peaks glistened in the bright mid-day sun and Christine could see flying creatures circling in the sky. Not birds - of that she was sure - but larger like... She couldn't finish the thought. The others did not mention it either but she could tell, by their expressions, that they shared her fears.
Before tackling the daunting climb, they gathered fruits and berries to supplement their dwindling supplies. Chekov screwed up his nose at their collection. "I'd give anything for a good meal," he murmured wistfully.
"Well, you could try to kill a rabbit with that axe," Sulu suggested.
"Kill a rabbit! Vat do you take me for?" Chekov protested.
"Let's pack our goodies and go on," Christine said, with a smile. "We have quite a way to travel yet."
They walked steadily up a winding track that eventually ended in a grassy plateau. As evening approached they reached a blackened crater. The ground was unnaturally hot and they scrambled across scarcely taking the time to catch their breath before continuing. If dragons were flying about they did not want to be sitting targets. Christine anxiously scanned the skies but nothing could be seen now except graceful gliding birds. Perhaps she had been mistaken. She sincerely hoped so, pushed her worry aside, and helped the men make camp under a sheltering overhang.
They lost count of the days as they journeyed over increasingly difficult terrain. As they climbed higher, the air became thinner and they began to struggle for breath. Their progress slowed but determined, they continued until late one afternoon, a black emptiness loomed up on the rock face.
"It's a cavern," Sulu said. "Come on."
Moonlight shone into part of the interior and thankful for the protection the cave would provide against the chill, they entered. After a makeshift meal from their diminishing provisions they settled down to sleep, huddling together for warmth. As Christine was about to fall asleep a rustling sound from the far end of the cave disturbed her. She sat up. "Listen," she whispered. There was total silence for a few moments then the noise repeated. It sounded closer and Christine's tension mounted. "Do you hear it?"
"Yes," Sulu murmured. "Damn, I wish we had a light."
"M... Maybe it's a d...dragon," Chekov stammered.
"How did you ever make it through the Academy, Pavel?" Sulu asked. "You jump at everything."
"Ve didn't get taught how to cope with trolls and dragons at the Academy."
"Quiet," Christine snapped. She listened to the progression of their unknown visitor. Soon it would reach the edge of the moonlit area.
As Chekov clutched at the axe and Sulu held his sword ready, Christine reached out, searching for something to use as a weapon. Her fingers touched a pebble then a larger stone. It was better than nothing so she clasped it and waited. There was a scratching directly ahead. A sharply clawed foot scraped along the ground into the light, its three toes each as thick as her wrist. The creature's shrill caterwaul caused her stomach to churn in fear and, as the unknown visitor became visible, Christine could not restrain a startled cry.
Chekov bit his lip. The massive creature emerging into the light had an eagle's wings and head, pointed upstanding horse's ears and the body of a golden lion. Its sharp beak opened menacingly.
"I think it's a gryphon." Christine's amazed whisper broke the silence.
"Is it dangerous?" Sulu asked, his hand tightening on his sword hilt.
"I don't know," she replied.
Chekov tried to recall the legends he had read as a boy. "They guard treasure. It's not going to be wery friendly if it thinks ve are going to steal from it."
"Okay," Sulu cautioned. "Let's back off. I don't think we'd win in a fight with this creature."
They picked up their scattered gear and retreated. Chekov gripped the heavy axe and determinedly lifted it before following the others. The gryphon stared at him with unblinking eyes and took several steps after them. It screeched like a tormented soul, spread its wings and hovered.
"Hurry," Chekov urged and almost pushed his friends out of the cave.
As the three hastily emerged into the cold night air they were only too pleased to have escaped unharmed. A light flurry of snow greeted them. Chekov looked up into the crisp night sky and drew his cloak more tightly around him. "Ve are going to freeze to death if ve don't find shelter," he complained.
"Pavel's right," Christine agreed. "But we can't walk around this mountain-side in the dark. We could fall and break our necks."
"I don't see much choice," Sulu argued. "We'll have to continue as long as the moonlight is bright enough to see by and hope we can find another cave."
"Yes, but vat if we find a dragon this time?" Chekov asked.
"That's what we're here for, Pavel," Christine commented.
Chekov chuckled and said no more as Sulu led the way, Christine walked in the centre and he brought up the rear. As they climbed a narrow path, the temperature grew progressively colder. The axe seemed to double in weight and although Chekov was fit, the conditions were appalling, he was exhausted and his still weakened ankle was beginning to throb again. He gritted his teeth and struggled through the increasingly thickening snowstorm until he felt it impossible to take another step. Suddenly he stumbled and fell, his foot twisting under him. He yelped in pain as strong hands lifted him to his feet and half carried him along. He cursed his weakness and hobbled along as best he could, trying to ease the burden on his companions. The snow fell heavily onto his face, covering his hair in a cap of white, chilling him to the bone. Would this nightmarish journey ever end? Would he ever be warm again?
"Cave ahead," Sulu's muffled voice reached him.
They hurried towards the dark haven and moments later were inside. With caution, they walked forward and soon were free from the driving snow. Chekov shivered but he followed the other two towards a dim red light in the distance. He was puzzled. This cave was quite different to their previous one for there was warmth in the air. He was about to speak but Christine gestured for silence and he nodded. If there was something here they didn't want to alert it.
Sulu stopped, looked around and indicated a natural alcove in the rock face. Chekov understood and he and Christine settled down into its shelter as Sulu slowly walked on ahead.
Christine soaked her scarf in water from her flask and bound Chekov's ankle with it. "I don't know what damage has been done, Pavel. The water's power might not be effective enough. You'll need regen treatment to fix your ankle properly."
"I'll manage, Christine," he said confidently, but wondered if they would ever see the ship again. Sickbay was his least favourite place but right now he would have given anything to be there.
Sulu slid in beside them. "There's an enormous dragon asleep in the next chamber," he exclaimed in an excited whisper. "It's all gold scales and claws and its breath is warming the whole place. There's so much treasure. Jewels, gold, silver, like an Aladdin's cave!"
"Is it the place mentioned in the Book of Prophecy?" Chekov asked.
"Could be. There's a mound of animal bones; maybe remnants of the dragon's meals," Sulu said.
"My rhyme says to wear the stone from the dragon's lair," Christine said.
"Then I'll go and find the stone," Chekov volunteered.
Christine gripped his arm. "You can't go. It's too dangerous for you in there with that swollen ankle. I can wear the cloak."
"No," Chekov replied. He would not put Christine at risk. "I took the cloak from the vampire so I must be the one intended to find the stone."
"Why?" Christine protested. "There's no basis for that assumption. I'm the one who is to use the stone. Hikaru, what do you think?"
Sulu leaned closer. "He may be right, Christine. Everything points to Pavel being the one to go."
"I don't agree," the nurse protested.
"Chekov will go," Sulu said. "I don't like it. I'd rather go myself but he better do it now while the dragon is asleep. Will your ankle hold out, Pavel?"
Chekov nodded. He drew the cloak closely about himself and crawled out of the alcove. He stood up, placed the hood over his head, and checked that he was totally covered before inching towards the light. As he neared the entrance of the inner chamber, the sounds of breathing could be heard but he swallowed his fear and peered in. Lichen on the rock walls emitted a warm red glow and although prepared by Sulu's description, the sight of the giant beast was still a shock. Its head was as tall as the average human and its tail lay in a thick coil loosely surrounding a collection of animal bones. Behind it, heaped into a mound that reached the ceiling, was a glittering hoard of jewels and weapons.
Chekov called on Academy relaxation training and reminded himself of his invisibility. 'The dragon can't possibly find me.' With that comforting thought he gingerly stepped over the scaled tail and crouched down. He scanned the heap; not daring to move anything in case he made a noise, which might disturb the sleeping monster. Nothing. He stood up, wiped the sweat from his face, and circled the bones. He ignored his aching ankle as he stopped often to check for signs of the elusive gem.
His eye caught a glimpse of colour. He paused and looked more closely. 'Yes,' he thought excitedly as he scrabbled at the remains of once living creatures in an attempt to reach his goal. His fingers closed on the gem and brought it out from its hiding place. It lay in the palm of his hand, a multifaceted stone on a gold chain, with every shade from the palest coral pink to blood red flitting across its surface. He smiled with satisfaction, lost in the beauty before his eyes. He closed his fingers over his find, slipped his hand inside the cloak and turned to leave only to find himself staring into the mesmerising depth of one of the dragon's crystalline eyes. The hairs on the back of his neck rose. 'I can't be seen. Careful now. Don't rush. You'll be out of here in no time.'
He prepared to leave but the dragon's wing spread with lightning speed, cuffed him across his upper torso, and knocked him into the sharp bones. He yelled as they dug into his skin, scraping him with their edges, then rose into the air to orbit around him like miniature asteroids. The dragon's face drew closer and he could smell its sweet-smelling breath. It opened its mouth to reveal rows of sharp teeth each as large as his hand.
He shuddered and cried out, "NO!" The gem slipped from his nerveless fingers as the beast's claws caught at his cloak and pulled it back. He was visible again.
***
"He's in trouble." Sulu scrambled out of the alcove.
Christine followed him into the other cave and they both stopped short at the sight of the giant reptile that lay with its tail coiled around the young ensign. Sulu drew his sword and prepared to defend their friend.
"Leave him be," Christine cried, in an attempt to divert the creature's attention. With agonising slowness, the large crested head turned to them. It was the most beautiful creature Christine had ever seen. 'I am looking at a dragon. A real live dragon!'
Sulu stepped in front of her and walked towards the beast. Ever the knight in armour, she thought fondly but she caught his arm and held it tightly. "No, Sulu, you can't take it on yourself."
"I have the sword," he replied. "Get back out of danger, Christine."
'The Lady is in no danger'. A melodious voice resounded in her head.
She frowned then drew Sulu back. "Did you hear a voice?"
"Chris, you heard someone speak?" he asked.
She nodded and faced the stare of the golden-eyed dragon. "Did you speak to me?"
The dragon's breath puffed warmly from its nostrils. 'I did, Lady. Are these humans your servants'?
Christine laughed much to Sulu's and the still imprisoned Chekov's surprise. "They are my friends," she replied. "Please release Pavel."
'Why did he try to steal from me?'
"We thought it the only way to get the stone."
"Who are you talking to?" a puzzled Sulu asked.
"Put the sword down. She won't harm us." Christine folded her arms across her chest. "Will you?"
Two rows of large teeth were revealed in a dragon smile. 'I promise I will not. I have awaited you, Lady of the Prophecy. Ask and the gemstone is yours.'
"Then you know about me?" Christine asked, needing to be sure about this dangerous creature. There were many tales about dragons and not all were flattering.
'I am Slievengyl Dragon-Queen. Since the time of my ancestress Peredwyr, all of her scions have awaited the Time of the Prophecy. The tale of Vajed Halfling-Prince has been told from generation to generation. We have been charged to give the stone of truth to she who can wield it.'
"We didn't know. Please forgive our trying to steal it," Christine apologised. It was a lesson to them though. It had been only too easy to assume the purpose of the cloak was to steal the gem. Who would have believed that she need only have asked? "How did you see Pavel? He wears a cloak of invisibility."
'Dragon magic can see through many illusions'. Slievengyl released the white-faced Chekov. He immediately scrambled over to them and almost fell into their arms.
Christine examined him. "You're okay, just a little bruised."
Chekov stared up at her wide-eyed. "Is that overgrown lizard communicating with you?" The dragon opened her mouth and hissed sizzling gusts of breath at him. He gasped as the heat reached him, and hid his face. "I'm sorry," he cried.
'I am not a lizard. They are puny, inferior creatures.' The dragon's tone was offended.
Christine repeated those words to her curious companions. They shook their heads and silently waited as she continued her conversation with the dragon. "Pavel's young and not always diplomatic."
'Indeed. He is the Callow Youth and the other is the Swordsman. I see it now. Ah, one must be tolerant. The male of any species is an impulsive, childlike creature. There are few exceptions.'
Christine could not restrain her laughter. "I know a few males who might disagree."
Slievengyl bent her head and rummaged amongst the pile of bones until the ruby's glow could be seen. The dragon slithered back as if inviting Christine to approach. Showing only a slight touch of nervousness and with the hope that neither of her chivalrous companions would attempt something foolish, Christine stepped forward. There was little guarantee that the dragon posed no threat to them. It was a formidable beast and could probably incinerate them with one blast of her firepower.
'I rarely eat humans,' an amused rumble sounded in her mind.
Christine flushed with embarrassment, smiled slightly and leaned over to pick up the finely crafted rope-work gold chain. The magnificent ruby swung gently from side to side, a soft red glow radiating outward from its depths. "It's gorgeous," she commented, fascinated by its beauty.
Slievengyl's breath gusted around Christine. It was pleasantly sweet, warm and comforting and she drew it into her lungs before slipping the pendant over her head. The ruby rested against her breasts as if it belonged there and she sighed as a feeling of wellbeing encompassed her.
'The stone belonged to Delwen Sorceress-Queen of Arigol. After Delwen's death a servant stole it. The foolish girl was driven by fear and fled into the hills where she was killed by one of my ancestors. It has remained here for countless centuries awaiting the one whose destiny is to use it in the final struggle against Evil. You are the true bearer of this gem and can wield its power to unmask evil no matter the guise.'
Christine stroked the stone's surface. "I hope I'll be worthy of the honour," she said with a smile. "But where do I start? We've become separated from our companions and don't know where they are."
Slievengyl opened her enormous mouth and a long forked tongue emerged. Christine almost retreated but held onto her courage as it delicately touched her hand and licked at her skin. 'I will send messengers to my children. Perhaps they will discover the whereabouts of your friends. Then plans can be made.'
"Then will you help us overthrow the Evil?" Christine asked.
The dragon was silent, closed her eyes and was still.
Christine briefed her friends and they listened in amazed silence until she had finished.
"How do we know we can trust her?" Sulu asked.
"Yes, and vill she help us or keep us prisoner here?" Chekov added.
Christine could not answer their questions. The legends surrounding these creatures were contradictory. In some they were noble and wise, in others deceitful, vicious predators but she had a feeling that this magnificent golden dragon was trustworthy. If she was wrong then a terrible price would be paid for reaching Slievengyl's domain. Their lives would be forfeit and the prophecy would remain unfulfilled. However, all those accepted for starship duty understood the ever-present danger, which was a major part of their lives. They worked at the frontier in exploration; going into unknown situations was their job but this world, so familiar yet so alien was possibly their most dangerous mission yet.
Deciding there was little else that could be done at present the three young officers retrieved their rucksacks, settled down into a corner of the dragon's cave and nibbled at their remaining rations. Christine leaned against the hard walls and closed her eyes, her mind wandering as it often did to one particular being.
'Is this truly the Halfling of the Prophecy?' The dragon's voice disrupted her dream.
She sat up and stared at the speaker. "It's impolite, not to mention intrusive, to eavesdrop on another's thoughts."
Slievengyl shuffled around to face the three humans. 'I ask your pardon, Lady. Their intensity disturbed me and I assumed you were communicating them to me. You are the first human I have spoken to. I am unfamiliar with your ways.'
Christine blushed furiously. She was uncomfortably aware of the two curious men beside her. She brushed a stray lock of hair back from her forehead, assured her friends that all was well and settled down again. "I'm sorry I disturbed you," she said. "Yes, it is he."
'Dragons do not dream as humans do. It was most interesting.' There was amusement in Slievengyl's tone. 'I have contacted my servants. All have taken wing. Do not fear, Lady. We will find your other companions. Tell me of the world outside and the details pertaining to your arrival.'
"Very well", she replied.
The ruby glowed and warmed her fingertips while Christine explained, as best she could, how the seven of them had been brought to Arigol and what had befallen them. After the tale had ended, Slievengyl was silent. Weary from their long hard trek and the shock of meeting a gryphon and dragon, Christine finally succumbed to sleep.
***
A keening moan brought the humans instantly alert.
"Vat is it?" Chekov asked, nervously looking around.
Sulu gripped the sword hilt and rose to a low crouch. "I don't know. Christine, will you ask?"
The nurse stood up and faced Slievengyl. The giant creature began to breathe smoke and with a start, Christine grabbed Sulu and Chekov's arms and tried to drag them back. "Get behind her," she said. "Something evil approaches."
Sulu's eyes were drawn to the ruby. Its colour deepened to a dark blood red and it seemed to pulse with life. Was it detecting a new evil? Or was it reacting to the dragon, perhaps a previously hidden manifestation of its true nature? Slievengyl's tail slowly lashed from side to side, the golden scales reflecting crimson in the red-hued light. How was he to know the correct course of action to take?
"Sulu," Christine cried. "Trust me." Her face was ashen.
He grabbed Pavel under the elbow and almost carried him over the dragon's tail. Christine followed and the three of them stumbled into the glittering treasure.
Chekov picked himself up and rubbed at his thigh. "Something cut me."
Christine examined the skin while Sulu stood behind the dragon's back with his sword ready. There was silence now but a carrion smell began to permeate the air. It was impossible to avoid breathing it in and Sulu fought to control his nausea. Chekov took the cloak off and covering his mouth and nose with a corner, offered the remainder of the garment to his friends. They accepted and Sulu found that the stench lessened under the material's protection. They watched in horrified fascination as a dark figure slithered into the cave. It looked like a vulture with its large wings and sharp clawed feet but as it drew nearer its true appearance registered, and - as one - the humans recoiled. This foul creature had tangled, filthy grey hair writhing with moving worm-like strands that slithered against its skin. Sunken ancient eyes in a deceptively young face stared malevolently at them and a sharp toothed mouth opened, spraying yellow sputum in the air.
"It's a harpy," Christine whispered.
"It's vile." Sulu gagged and pressed the material tightly against his face. Why was the harpy here? If Slievengyl was on the side of right then... A moment from the past resounded in his mind. Wynonna, the river goddess, had told them of the rumour concerning Medrikhor's attempt to win the dragon-kind. As Sulu looked at Christine he knew that she was also recalling those words. Although Christine had spoken with Slievengyl she had unable to discover where the dragon's loyalty lay. Now they would find out if they had a friend or if they were to be delivered over to this disgusting beast. They had little chance against the might of the dragon but if necessary he would fight.
After all did he not possess the Sword of Prophecy?
***
Christine listened to the exchange between the dragon and its ghastly visitor. The harpy's malignant gaze raked them and her flesh crept. The stench intensified until even the protective cloth could scarcely mask it.
"My master requires your answer, Slievengyl Dragon-Queen. Do you accept his rule and join us in the final war against the simpering creatures of this land? Will you torch the last eldritch strongholds with your great fire?"
The dragon-kind swears allegiance to none. My ancestors have lived in these mountains since Time began. Before even your master was spawned.'
"Medrikhor will command all who live in Arigol. It is his destiny. He will destroy any who oppose him. Even you, mighty dragon."
Slievengyl raised her head and stared at the harpy. It looked insignificant beside her large bulk and Christine detected anger in the dragon's formidable aura. 'You threaten me' White smoke puffed from the wide nostrils.
"You harbour creatures whom my master requires. Relinquish them to me." The harpy's leathery wings unfolded.
The two men moved closer to Christine and she could sense their horror. She fought to control her fear at the thought of being in the creature's clutches and carried by its needle-sharp claws to Medrikhor's lair. If the dragon did not side with them, their fate at Evil's hands would not be a pretty one.
'Do not presume to command me', Slievengyl said.
"Obey, dragon." The harpy's tone dripped with insolence.
Slievengyl showed her teeth. 'Foolish creature,' she commented as fire blasted from her open mouth and incinerated the harpy on the spot.
Christine gasped and looked at her companions. All three gazed at the dragon with awe. The heat within the cavern had risen and sweat beaded their faces but they took no notice of it as Slievengyl turned her head to them and stared, her faceted eyes constantly changing colour. The three humans retreated but their backs soon touched the cavern wall. There was nowhere left to go.
'Fear not, Lady,' the familiar voice said. 'I have made my decision. I will support the Heroes of the Prophecy. The dragon-kind will fight by your side. The upstart Medrikhor shall not dictate to me'.
After passing that message on to her delighted friends, Christine dared to touch the dragon's armoured neck. "Thank you, Slievengyl. We must now leave and try to find our companions. Knowing that you have pledged to help us will bring hope to all the oppressed folk of this land."
A slow rumble emerged from Slievengyl's throat. 'You will not leave without me, Lady. I will carry you wherever you wish to go. It will be simpler to find your friends from the sky. My kin may already have seen them.'
This was more than Christine had dared to hope. She thanked Slievengyl again, told the men about the offer and smiled as Sulu's and Chekov's mouths dropped open at the thought of riding on a dragon's back. "I know," she commiserated, "but I'm afraid she insists."
Sulu laughed heartily. "At least it'll be faster. This is just amazing, you know. We've come across creatures from so many different Terran legends. What'll we meet next? A Cyclops? A gorgon?"
"I'll be sick. I don't like heights," Chekov said. "And I don't vant to meet a Cyclops, thank you."
Christine shook her head. "Pavel, what are you doing on a starship?"
The young man's large brown eyes were twinkling. "Vell on a starship I'm surrounded by metal. Vat protection vill there be on that." He pointed at the scaled body.
Slievengyl tipped her head to one side as if listening. 'Lady, I have swords, daggers and spears aplenty amongst my treasure trove. Take as many as you will for I fear you shall have need of them in the great battle to come.'
"Thank you," Christine replied. She looked at the enormous hoard where all manner of precious jewels and artefacts lay piled up on top of one another. "We can take our pick," she said, gesturing her companions over.
Christine smiled as Sulu persuaded Chekov to leave the axe behind. They collected an assortment of finely crafted weapons, and after placing them in packs found amongst the hoard the companions prepared themselves for the journey. As dawn broke over the peaks of Drachenfell, they made their way to the cave entrance, cautiously clambered up the scaled legs of their new ally and settled on her back. Christine, at the dragon's request, sat against its broad neck with Chekov and Sulu behind. The three exchanged a few words of encouragement and hung on tightly to the dragon's plated hide as Slievengyl spread her vast translucent wings, and stepped out into nothingness.
Chekov's gulp was audible even above the rush of air sweeping past them as the dragon gracefully flew in the purple tinted sky. Bracing herself, Christine looked down at a land that looked so tiny and peaceful in the morning light.
'Where do you wish to go, Lady'? Slievengyl asked.
"We were separated from the others in the wood." It was as good a place to start as any.
'I have not entered the Wood of Wonders for many centuries. But wait, my children draw near and speak to me. They have heard many tales. A human male overpowered by ogres, a lady who speaks to all manner of creatures, an elf who climbs Medrikhor's castle, demons stalking every pathway.'
"They're alive." She turned her head. "The dragons have seen Uhura and maybe Spock."
Slievengyl effortlessly carried them away from her mountain home. As she flew some of her kin joined them. The dragons were individually recognisable. Christine easily distinguished their different colour markings and size of wingspan. Slievengyl was the largest and most impressive and even if they had not known she was the leader it would have been simple to guess. She flew at the head of her subjects like some ancient fighter squadron commander.
The tortured land of Arigol sped by beneath them. Medrikhor's forces rampaged across the land, killing and looting as they went, and now the full impact of these evil forces could be seen in the burnt-out villages, towns and destroyed farmlands. They flew over small groups of refugees fleeing from their torched homes and a few curious folk stopped for a moment to watch the flight of the dragons.
"Hurry, Slievengyl," Christine urged. "There's little time left. We must find the others."
The dragon readily agreed and in several hours, the Wood of Wonders could be seen on the horizon.