Govannon rides away a little ways in fear, even as he tries to dismount so as not to be too far away.
Govannon’s horse bolts as well, throwing him off much like Dolgrin’s. The horse quickly falls in pace with the other running horse.
Everyone’s horse bolts in fear, leaving their riders on the flat of their backs with a towering green dragon looking above them. Fear seems to deep into each of you, but Dolgrin manages to regain a modicum of composure as he stands and clutches his hammer, ready to defend himself to the death.
”So tell me again, mortals, as you cower in fear before my grandeur,” the dragon says as it looms over you, it’s acrid breath washing over you and drops of saliva sizzle and melt the stone as it falls from its mouth, ”What can you truly offer me that I cannot simply take? You offer prosperity, from the diminutive hovels you call towns? Ha! I have visited them all, and found them all wanting. You offer me peace, I ask you what it is that I have to fear?”
He continues to leer down at you, but seeing you are all still quite shaken up from its massive nature, it adds ”Perhaps a less impressive form would be more fitting for your feeble minds.”
It growls some words of magic, and it’s form coalesces down to that of a human man, wearing a crown made of gold fashioned to appear as twisted branches and twigs. It wears a cloak of emerald green, trimmed in pristine white fur. It’s clothing appears to be just as immaculate. ”I give you until this hideous form fades to convince me to not just slay you all and claim your pathetic fiefdoms as my own.”
Dolgrin looks to the rest of you, and mutters to Govannon ”Fine mess ye’ve got us in, lad...”
"...Y-your ...personal power cannot be denied. We may seem-and may be-insignifcant to you. But you know men and their world. They perhaps are vermin to you. Always encroaching, invading, dying. We could offer a ...permanent buffer between you and the rest of them. Eventually, they'll find insane wizards or barbarians with just the right items to defeat you. It will take them generations, surely, but what are our lifespans compared to yours? Would it not be better for you to focus on actual goals and not pests?"
Having bested a dragon not long ago, Govannon struggles to find his feet... and confidence.
Surely this creature will not be my comfortable neighbor! he thinks worriedly.
As the others make overtures, he studies the beast to try and determine just how tough it may be.
(shaken)
Flaith looks at the immense form and takes a deep breath.
"Because you know taking what you need now would be pretty stupid, and you know it. Otherwise you would have. You can take a lamb and eat it. But that is just a tiny, if tasty morsel. But you can wait till it grows and you have wool for many years. And if you nurtur it, you can even grow more sheep and more sheep and more wool and more wool.
Same with us. You can destroy us. We will fight of course, most likely we will not win, but the gods are sometimes fickle and you might get hurt. But our fiefdoms are small with few people. But alas, let us grow and they will produce many wonderful things. Food, art, music, ale! A being such immense as you, well you have seen it all. How has your life been in the last couple of decades. Do you not crave some interesting moments in your life. Some distraction? A new pet project? A hobby? Let us prosper and someone as mighty and wise will do VERY well."
Galendir keeps his head down not looking the creature in they eye until he changes form. That is useful, so he probably has visited our baronies
"Ancient one. The others have stated reasons. I will have you think on history. What king or ruler has truly had lasting effect ruling through fear. You are wise, and cunning or you would not have grown to your age. You have taken what you want for so long. What is a year or two to you but a drop of water in a large lake. Give us a chance. A chance to show you another way. Allow us a little time. If it is not us there will be others that come in our place."
Galendir bows.
"I am Baron Galendir D'Arden. I am protector of the Barony of the Dawn to the north west. I have made alliance already with the fey north of me and will prove to make the land prosperous for all in my borders. Though we do have other things to offer as well. One as ancient as you surely likes to be entertained. Allow me to regale you with a story."
Galendir will spin an old tale of sword and sorcery but make the dragon the victor ending with sitting on his mountain of gold, but all was done through peace and not war.
The dragon smirks as everyone thus far supplicates themselves, essentially begging for his mercy in long winded and eloquent ways. He looks to Dolgrin and Govannon, ”And what about you, Little Dwarf and Quiet One? Do you not have anything to say to sway my opinion on the matter?”
Dolgrin growls ”I’ll nay beg fer me life ta ye or ta anyone, ya slimy slug!” as he lunges towards the dragon!
It immediately shifts back to its full form with a snarl, and slams his front claw over Dolgrin with an earth shaking impact! Dolgrin is hopelessly pinned beneath its claws, his hammer and shield falling to either side. The dwarf lord strains futilely beneath the dragon’s grasp as the dragon lowers its head down to glare at him...
Govannon… waffles. He does not fear death, nor does he yearn for it. Do we face death here? he thinks, somewhat choked by the adrenaline running through his system.
I need a smoke and time to think.
Then Dolgrin rushes forward, only to be pinned by the giant beast. So quickly, and seemingly without effort. Could such a creature be real? He wonders indeed if they face an illusion, but has no way to easily test his theory.
In the end, he joins the others in their supplication, though it churns his stomach. ”Yes, King of the Forest. Indeed, I am lord of the human domain to the east, and I would engage with you diplomatically rather than with claw and sword.”
He bows his head sadly and with great trembling, though with fear or rage it is hard to say - or indeed separate the emotions.
Moving forward Flaith stands before the dragon, her knees shaking, but still.
"Please release him. Yes he is missing manners, but you are much more than this. Do you need to show him that you are bigger, stronger, more powerful than him. And do you prefer slaves or people who you can win through your wisdom? You should do so very easely! You are old and with your age comes untold experience. Is not defiance... refreshing?"
The dragon snaps it’s head towards Flaith, ”Slaves and servants are different terminology for the same thing, mortal! It matters not to me! Wisdom is but another facet of strength I possess, and to try to convince me to favor one of my skills over another is a folly I shall not fall for!” He looks back down at Dolgrin and snarls, ”This pathetic dwarf chose his fate by challenging me directly. And you have spoken your peace already!” he says as he turns his long neck to look at Govannon. ”But this one, this one has finally spoken, and I would hear his plea before making my decision.”
Govannon wonders exactly what plea the dragon wants to hear. He also doesn't like what he must mean by 'chose his fate'... He will not leave Dolgrin here to die this day solely because he was strong enough to resist.
"We will leave as we have come, whole and as a group. For surely a lasting peace cannot be based on bloodshed and death."
"As a neighbor, what would you wish for you and your lizard folk? Surely there are some needs we can fulfill through fair and open trade."
He continue to grasp at straws, looking for an amicable way out of this difficulty. However, he begins to sweat in his armor, and he hopes it should not effect his grasp, should he need to draw his blade.
”You will leave as I allow it!” the dragon bellows at Govannon! ”There is plenty of peace that can be found from blood and death, for the victor.”
He turns his head slowly, regarding each of you in turn. ”You can leave with your lives. In return, you WILL repay this most fortunate blessing I offer you in several ways.”
The dragon seems to visibly relax. It repositions itself a bit and actually lays down, keeping its claw firmly planted over Dolgrin like a cage. After a moment of studying you, it resumes, ”My name is Karistran. Know that I do not generally prefer to resort to violence by default, but more often than not you weak minded humanoids respond best to more primitive means. Ultimately, however, your place in the grand scheme of things still needed to be reinforced. I will be sparing your lives for now, as I have said before. Including this one,” he gives Dolgrin a squeeze to indicate who he means, the dragons claws digging the earth slightly in thick troughs. ”I will be accompanying you back to your town to the east. You call it Vista. There, you will clear out the western side of the island of any who inhabit it, and we will have a more detailed discussion of the terms of our future relationship, free of the prying eyes of your overly curious subjects. However, this dwarf’s rudeness must be punished. As such, I will be claiming his hammer and shield as recompense.”
”O’er me dead body an’ pappies beard trimmins ye will!” Dolgrin says as he reaches hopelessly to grip them again.
The dragon casually moves Dolgrin away from them and reaches over with another claw and picks them up and places them beneath his chest. ”Also, the pair of lizardfolk you hold captive will be released back into my custody. They are mine.”
Galendir nods.
"There were never our captives ancient one, as you wish."
Galendir looks to the men and speaks in draconic.
"Go you are free as you always were."
He then looks back to the dragon.
"Shall we go then?"
Flaith looks at Govannon.
"I think you should seek another way to expand. I could imagine that this could be dangerous!"
He does not respond to his queen with the dragon's breath so close, but keeps his trap shut, though he seethes quietly.
The dragon gives you all the chance to gather your horses in peace, but looks to the lizardfolk you released and says something to them in Draconic.
Once you are mounted, he follows you quietly within the water, his steps sloshing it up and churning the already murky water up even more. Once you near the lake, it comes up closer and says ”Take your boat to the island. Clear the western shore of prying eyes and ears. If even one eavesdropper is noticed, I shall lay waste to the whole village, then we shall try this again. When it is done, clang a sword against a shield while they are submerged under water.”
The dragon then wades into the water and submerged itself beneath the surface...
A ferry boat is anchored around the next bend, and the boatman waves and bows to the Barons. ”Greetin’s me’Lords, me’Lady! Back to Bista for ye all?”
"Yes, please. And fast!"
After the horses are safely tied she looks at the others and replies.
"That was not pleasant!"
"You know, sooner or later, we're going to have to fight him and that's a fact. He's not the fey. He's a dragon. They take, and take, and cannot be reasoned with."
"The only question is, do we do it now, or later? If later, we're going to be in a horrible bargaining position when he joins us. We'll basically have to roll over on every demand."
He shakes his head sadly, wondering how it's come to this. Damn dragons!
"Well, I, for one, have no desire to commit suicide by ancient dragon. IF we ever fight it, it will be when we're better prepared. It showed us mercy and for that I'm thankful. We should meet its demands. I won't throw my life and those of my subjects away for your damn macho pride!"
Dolgrin just grumbles under his breath in Dwarven.
As talk turns to dragons, the ferryman grows concerned. He looks to Govannon and asks, ”D-dragon, me’Lord? Did ye meet another one? Will ye be slaying it as well?” As he asks his questions, rising from the water behind the man is Karistran’s single horn, soon followed by the dragon’s steely gaze. It glowers at you all before grabbing the ferryman in a claw and plucking him from the boat! He holds the man just beneath the surface of the water!
”Perhaps I did not make myself clear,” Karistran says as he effortlessly holds the struggling man just inches beneath the surface. ”My presence here is to be kept secret. Yet the first person you meet you begin blabbering about my existence. I suppose it is partly my fault. You mortals have such simple minds that instruction often needs spelled out to the letter. So let me reiterate exactly what you are to do here.” The boatman’s desperate struggle to reach the air just inches away grows in intensity.
”You will go to Vista. You will clear the western shore of anyone who could see or hear us speak. You will return once the area is completely secure, with maps of the region to study. You will be given the remainder of my terms then. All of this is to be done WITHOUT revealing my presence! Further failure to meet these simple instructions will be met with more stringent punishment,” as he rants, the boatman’s flailing grows weaker until it stops entirely. The dragon looks at the man’s body, now floating still in the water. ”This death could have been avoided. Instead it is on your shoulders for being fools.” He picks the body up and tosses it into its mouth, swallowing it down like a child gobbling up candy.
”Also,” the dragon says with a more intense glare, ”My ears work perfectly fine under water. I heard you already plotting to slay me after my generosity in the woods. That can not stand.” He mutters a spell and then begins looking you each over before adding, ”You men, hand over your weapons. And you,” he says looking at Flaith, ”That headband. Then we can move on from this transgression and proceed with negotiation, unless you’d prefer to test your mettle here and now? And once I am finished, I shall lay claim to your subjects directly. In fact...that may have been the simpler solution all along. Or can you prove me wrong by showing you have the sense to know your place in the food chain?”
Lucius genuflects and throws his crossbow away. "I tried to tell them, Your Glory! I know my place and I will see your will done!"
Flaith undoes her headband and hands it over.
"Here you are. We know our place!"
Galendir draws and submits offering his sword. He remains quiet not offering any words.
Govannonn watches as the dragon kills one of his own. He draws his scimitar, but rather than doing what he should with it, he hands it over.
"Fine."
The dragon collects the weapons and looks at you all coldly.
”Good. I will be patiently awaiting your signal to rejoin you on the shore,” he says before silently slipping beneath the waves once again.
After a few moments silence, Dolgrin, seething, mutters ”Any o’ ye know ‘ow ta work a ferry?”
Govannon takes up the oars, "I've seen it done." he poles/rows/pulls the rest of the way to shore.
"I've been worked by a few fairies, but that's different."
The rest of the trip to the shore of the island holding Vista is a quiet and somber ride. But otherwise uneventful. The boat pulls up to dock and the horses are unhobbled and disembarked. Dolgrin climbs to shore before looking around over the water and turning back to the rest of you and grumbles quietly ”Surely we kinnae le’ this ta ‘appen, but wha’ kin we do?”
"We keep quite on this. We will govern our provinces. And await its demands!"
Galendir nods in agreement.
"We have no power here. We do what we can for the people."
"Agreed. We went into that swamp to make peace. So let's do what we can." Fearful of being overheard, he says nothing further, but waits.
Oh, just to be sure the west bank is clear of observers, Govannon will take to the air, flying around the vicinity and looking for errant lumberjacks and the like. If he finds anyone, he'll drive them off...
Once the area is cleared of the three logging crews working the western side of the island and any stragglers are relocated, the signal to the dragon is given.
The water a moment later churns and up comes Karistran, looking down on you all smugly. ”Cease with the downtrodden looks. Your luck has changed for the better, having the privilege of my mercy. Now, show me your maps.”
Dolgrin quietly unrolls his copy of the kingdom map he has prepared, and allows the dragon to look them over. The dragon studies them a bit and then says unexcitedly, ”As I had surmised. Now then. Let it be known that none of your kind are I even consider entering this area,” he says, tracing the southwestern area nearest your kingdoms with a claw. ”Any who do are mine to do with as I desire. Without repercussion. Also, I expect a monthly tribute. Primarily in times, maps, treatises on advances in academia in the mortal world, but also some emeralds and gold.”
”In return,” the dragon says, glaring at you all, ”We can live in peace. In fact, if your mortal minds prove incapable of a task, you may send word by the envoy I place in your cities and I shall consider providing you my expertise. No promises, but I may deem it worth responding to. I also expect to be invited, without my identity being revealed, to any major social functions you each have. If I want to attend, I will be welcome.”
_________
Galendir nods,
"I agree on behalf of the Barony of the Dawn."
"Carnivalia would be delighted to entertain you at your leisure, sire. You are beyond generous to allow us not only our lives, but said lives are bettered through knowing you."
"I think your demands are as generous as you are powerful. We understand just too well the wisdom of this agreement. Let there be peace, and an influx in art and society."
"I agree, let there be peace between us."
Karistran looks smugly at the four of you, his gaze finally settling on Dolgrin. The dwarf crosses his arms and says ”Like we really ‘ave a choice in tha matter!”
The dragon smirks ”Ah! So you are capable of intelligent though, dwarf. I was beginning to wonder if your species was capable of it!”
Dolgrin’s face turns red, but he doesn’t say anything more to cause problems.
”Have your shipments sent to the western bank of the lake near the mouth of the river on the first of the month. Do not let them be late. My lizardfolk will pick the tribute up,” the dragon says as it slinks back into the water and out of sight.
__________
As the Barons return to Govannon’s city, Rusty makes his way to you all. ”Hey B-, I mean, My Lord,” he says with an uncomfortable looking bow, ”A messenger has arrived, alongside a representative from Nighthelm.”
Dolgrin arches an eyebrow at this revelation. Rusty continues, ”He has requested to speak with you all personally.”
"Do I at least have time to change? I look an absolute wreck!"
Govannon affixes his decidedly unmagical scimitar to his belt and makes a mental note to get a backup weapon for his backup weapon. I'm going to need some cash to replace what's been lost. So far this whole trip hasn't been very profitable. he bemuses to himself.
"You look fine Lucius. We've things to attend to, so let's get to it." He tries to put a good face on his countenance and heads out to see what Nighthelm wants.
"Well things hopefully can't get worse today. A bit of good news would be welcome."