The Hero’s Right Hand

Overwhelming heat permeated through the air and beat down on us. The others were sweating heavily and fought to keep themselves cool. Even if I could extinguish a flame, the ability to manipulate heat escaped me. It was like a soft presence all around me demanding my attention. There was no pain or annoyance but I could understand why it bothered the others. Our water reserves ran low. Food was scarce. The difficulty in hunting rose exponentially as we could not hide from any animals. Avant was having the most trouble with the heat under his fur. Either we needed to finish our mission and leave the desert or reach an oasis. Realistically, Spirefell was our only hope of getting respite.

Unfortunately the desert was not so easily traversable. A layer of sand carried on the wind and obscured our view. Even with large tires we could not speed over the soft ground. The lack of a structured path reminded me of our days on the Balur Sea. Without a strong sense of direction we could easily get lost in the sands. None of us dared stay atop the carriage as the winds grew stronger. The land felt as though it would swallow us whole without our vehicular support.

“That’s big debris! We have to be close to Spirefell!” I said as we passed a large stone halfway in the sand.

“We’ve passed that before,” Aisha groaned. “Though I don’t know how since we haven’t turned at all.”

The ground nearby shook as the stone lifted from the sand. Other rocks hidden underneath connected to the central one as it stood upright. Its head turned slowly to reveal a hole in place of an eye. No mouth presented itself but the golem didn’t need one to roar. With a wild swing of an arm it flung stones at us. Vofric masterfully weaved around them before accelerating.

He grunted. “We cannot stop and waste time on this creature. There may be more and the sand is difficult terrain to fight on.”

“It could possibly be stalling for the dragon. There are too many unknown variables,” Sariel said.

“Exactly. Remain focused on the task at hand.”

More rocks hurtled toward us but Vofric remained vigilant. It took a few minutes for the golem to give up. It simply dropped onto the sand and separated into a pile of innocuous stones. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the only one. The ground rumbled as more golems became aware of our presence. Swift movements got us through them but it was impossible to avoid them entirely. A rain of boulders chased after us. Vofric did his best to dodge but it was impossible. A few crashed into the wagon and shattered the planks around us. By the time we got away the back half of the wagon was connected precariously to the axle underneath.

Sariel began repairing what she could but her creations weren’t as sturdy as naturally molded ones. Worse was that we were quickly approaching Spirefell. In the distance were four small villages surrounding a collection of damaged towers. Even broken in half they stood nearly as tall as Dicoris Castle. Any positivity we felt towards the sight diminished at the looming shadow of a dragon overhead. It was slightly smaller than Edthecridaldyrth. Plumes of fire crashed with sand, instantly melting it. Citizens screamed in horror while running for safety. They were hindered by bright red kobolds supporting their master. There wasn’t an opportunity to look for Elmud or their allies.

“I don’t see any undead! Sariel, do kobolds regenerate?” Aisha asked.

“No! Kill them then we can attack the dragon collectively,” Sariel replied.

“Vofric, get as close to the spire as possible. You and Avant go north. Sariel, you go west. Kargon, east. I’ll go south and try to keep the dragon in that area.”

The party gave scattered acknowledgements as Vofric sped up more. Flashes of the carnage in Dawncaster rang in my head. Thankfully the villages were emptier. The occupants looked to be more prepared for a fight. Kobolds were held back but outnumbered the citizens. Shards of glass laid over multiple parts of the city. Even the smallest particles were superheating into a rain of microscopic blades. Part of me was jealous of how hot the dragon could burn.

Fireballs were common but the sound the dragon made was horrific. A high pitched whine emitted from glands in its mouth as gas poured out. Like a flood crashing through buildings, fire emanated from the beast’s throat. The combination of gas and flame created a massive orb that soared through the sky. We’d clearly caught the dragon’s attention as the fireball plummeted towards our carriage.

“Split up!” Aisha yelled as she leapt off.

There was no way to dodge the attack with our vehicle intact. Almost a year had passed in Sariel’s creation and we couldn’t spare a second to say our goodbyes. As we jumped off the carriage it was hit by the flaming orb. The engine exploded in spectacular fashion and propelled us towards our destinations. Sariel quickly disappeared in the western village while Aisha began an onslaught on the nearest kobold. Vofric, Avant, and I hesitated while looking at the center of Spirefell. Each obelisk drew sand towards it. The center became a massive sinkhole that no one risked approaching. Vofric slapped my back and pointed to the outer parts of the southern village. I hugged the walls while rushing towards my assigned territory. Vofric and Avant did similarly to get north.

 

***

 

Sariel didn’t bother taking the high ground while assisting the villagers. The bright scales of the kobolds caught her eye within the panicking masses. Arrows brushed the hairs of citizens as they passed by to pierce their targets. It was obvious the lizard-like creatures would be stronger than undead but Sariel had still underestimated them. Her empowered arrows were not enough to break through scales. More modifications were needed before she could trivialize the monsters’ defenses.

Spirefell guards saw the elven ranger trying to help and joined her. She stowed her bow and summoned two shortswords to engage at close range. A group of kobolds beset upon the temporary allies. The draconic elf blocked one with her blades. Forcing it back proved easy but the simple swords still didn’t break through kobold armor. Thankfully assessing the necessary modifications was easier up close. Sariel defended herself with one blade while modifying the other. When it was complete she swapped her stance.

Inspired by her skill, more citizens picked up arms to fight. It was clear they expected raids based on Khergrin’s fall. The guards took the lead in ordering their fellow villagers while Sariel focused on her craft.

With each modification of a blade her attacks grew in finesse. Serpentlike strikes weaved through wild kobold flailing. Scales continued to repel attacks but the reaction was less than before. Sariel used thorns to create a serrated edge on one blade. With a furious swipe she caught a kobold and tore through its scales. It was too stunned to stop her other blade. Thorns appeared on it as it made contact with the kobold’s neck and ripped through it.

Blood sprayed across the floor as the monster dropped like weights. The sight of a deceased kobold invigorated the Spirefell combatants. They attacked with a ferocity not unlike the very monsters raiding them. Sariel stepped back as the crowd advanced forward. A quick examination of the blade allowed her to replicate it as an arrowhead. The projectile would be heavier than her usual ones. Arching the shot was crucial for landing a blow.

Drawing the bow back was tough with the barbed arrow. Its weight made the entire weapon unruly but Sariel stayed firm. Wherever the dragon was, it roared and shook Spirefell. Still the elf remained steadfast. Hot air emanated from her lips as she loosed the arrow. It propelled skyward slowly and passed the villagers. It sped up the instant gravity pulled the arrowhead downward. Drumming in the wind accompanied the blades as they cut through the air.

Only a couple kobolds saw the arrow coming but neither could move out of the way. The arrow pierced through the head of one kobold and out the back. By some miracle its momentum carried it through the leg of another kobold before jamming into the sand. Using the snare, a villager lopped the head off the trapped monster.

“Again!” a guard commanded.

Sariel was multiple steps ahead as a rain of arrows fell upon her enemies.

 

***

 

Vofric and Avant arrived at a village with multiple buildings under attack. The kobolds moved in loose formation and spread out to cause mayhem. A few guards fought back but many retreated as they were disarmed. The monsters were master treasure collectors. Tactics used in their retrievals worked surprisingly well in combat.

Vofric took a deep breath and drew his warhammer. There wouldn’t be a repeat of Khergrin if he had any say.

“Avant, rush to any building under attack and provide assistance. Send mana to me if you need backup,” he commanded.

The owlbear growled then charged towards an open door. A group of citizens hid behind a single guard trying to fight back against a kobold. They were evenly matched if only because the Spirefell resident’s weapon was broken. The smallest misjudgement of distance would cost them their life. Fear filled the air as residents took notice of the young beast entering the room. They feared him. Avant knew little of his kind but until he proved he was a hero, the average person would always be scared.

He roared and charged at his prey. Mana infused feathers turned them into a spiked shield. The kobold foolishly believed Avant to be an ally. It was the perfect opportunity. Like a jagged dagger, his beak pierced through the monster’s hide. While still inside he opened his mouth then ripped it out. A massive gash was left on the kobold’s side. In shock it dropped its weapon. The Spirefell guard immediately grabbed it and used the opening to slice through the monster’s torso. Even as it died, the civilians stayed wary of the blood soaked owlbear. Avant shook his head and nodded to the door. He could only hope they understood as he left.

Thankfully, Vofric clearly showed where their allegiances lied. A few kobolds had heard Avant’s roar and re-entered the village. The paladin knew he couldn’t cut through their scales. However, he didn’t need to. With a prayer he bolstered his warhammer and slammed it into the nearest enemy. Nothing could stop the swing. Vofric tilted the hammer in midair and smeared the monster on the sand. It weakly gurgled as light faded from its eyes.

Avant rushed to his side as they became outnumbered. Spirefell guards stood by and watched in awe.

“Are you really a disciple of the Starcaller?” someone yelled.

“The… very same… that failed you,” Vofric admitted while fighting.

Another scoffed. “Isn’t there some better way to stop the kobolds? Shouldn’t you focus on the dragon?”

“It is of… no concern… until you… are all safe.”

Avant growled while tearing apart another kobold. There was distinct sarcasm in his voice.

“Let us speak on this later,” Vofric demanded. “If you do not wish for my assistance, raise your arms. Fight!”

A golden light burst from the dwarf and wreathed the weapons nearby. Selectively empowering them saved energy while bolstering anyone willing to fight. Thankfully, no one had enough qualms to simply standby to punish the adventurers. Guards yelled as they rushed to any unoccupied kobold. Others split off to secure the buildings and make sure no monsters got away.

 

***

 

It was unsurprising how readily villagers and guards accepted Aisha’s help. Some recognized her from stories of the party's accolades while others felt her heroic aura. Valefor drew the attention of the entire village upon being unsheathed. Kobolds that were mid-rampage took pause at the sight. They knew not to engage the Hero alone. Little did they know a numbers advantage meant nothing in the face of Aisha’s magic.

Every swing of her sword cut the life of a kobold short. A single attack felled multiple enemies. Some survived not due to dodging but because they were outside the range of Aisha’s attack. Foolishly, they rushed in for a chance against the Champion of Dawncaster. But she’d learned from the last onslaught. Lightning arched from her fingertips like a second blade. Its immaterial shape easily covered any opening Valefor couldn’t reach. Physical manifestations of mana had no trouble tearing through monstrous scales before sending a violent jolt of electricity through their blood.

Not even a minute passed before more than half the kobold raiders were killed. It was clear they’d come from the same path as the Hero’s party with how many monsters were in the southern village. Nevertheless, they were against a force far greater than themselves. At least for most of them.

One kobold stood back and watched the battle closely but did not engage. It didn’t even attack the civilians who were focused on the Hero’s majestic combat. Sharp silver eyes tracked every movement. No attack could escape its gaze. As the last kobold fell, the bystander rushed at Aisha. She was confident but knew not to underestimate any opponent. But nothing prepared her for its deft dodging. Both sword and lightning blade couldn’t connect with the kobold.

To her surprise, the monster didn’t attack and taunted her to try again. It was infuriating but Aisha still tried. The creature jumped over her blade. Midair was the perfect place to connect with lightning magic. Masterful control of its tail pulled the kobold under the attack.

Two arrows flew past Aisha and nearly connected with the monster. It leapt back and took a nonchalant stance.

Sariel rushed to Aisha’s side with her bow drawn.

“The western village is secure. Is this kobold really troubling you?”

Aisha grumbled. “Something is weird about it.”

The kobold’s eyes glinted in the sun as a wide smirk appeared across its face.

“My lady, it appears you have decided to trust others again. Is that a wise choice?”

Sariel’s eyes widened. Short breaths were all she could manage as the kobold transformed. Grey skin hugged a humanoid form with nondescript features. Silver orbs stared maliciously back at the elf.

“Veil!” Sariel roared and loosed an arrow.

He sprouted wings that carried him away from the attack. Upon landing they vanished as quickly as they appeared. More arrows flew towards him but he easily side stepped them. If a flurry came towards his position, he flew out of the way.

“Are you sure you should attack me, my lady?” he taunted. “How about a deal? Defeat our friend here and I’ll face you.”

A thick cloud of sand kicked up around the southern village. The sound of heavy wings flapped overhead. The smell of blood and fire wafted through the air. Screams from civilians drowned out any other comments from Veil. He vanished into the fleeing crowd. As much as it pained Sariel she stood her ground with Aisha. Encroaching darkness covered the village as the red dragon descended.

 

***

 

It didn’t take long for me to dispatch the kobolds in the eastern village. Resistance to fire did little when I primarily relied on raw strength. Crushing scales was never something I anticipated being capable of. While kobolds were fast, I could easily stop their attacks. The flames around my body took on a solidifying property. The astral arms I created were nowhere near as sturdy. It made no sense to me but there was no time to question it. The power provided from the ability was unmatched. Fiery punches exploded on impact, showering shattered scales into the very monsters they protected.

Civilians and guards alike were in awe of a barehanded warrior facing the monsters. I couldn’t deny it bolstered my confidence. So much so I didn’t fear the dragon descending nearby. Vofric and Avant ran past me on their way to the dragon. Spirefell villagers rooted for us as I joined them. While the citizens hid we reached the southern village where the others waited.

Vofric and Avant rushed over but I was immediately stopped by a creature dropping from the sky in front of me. Crimson scales across the dragonborn’s body shivered in excitement. Tar-like scars traced its visage as if one well placed strike would sunder it. My instincts failed me in assessing the individual’s strength. Likely because I’d beaten them before.

“Let your party handle the beast. You and I have a score to settle,” Elmud said.

Before I could respond they grabbed me by the collar and flew back to the eastern village. One swing of their arm sent me across the sand covered street. The strength was unexpected but I was able to straighten myself out. Upon finding my footing I immediately ignited. I couldn’t close the gap between us in a single jump but powerful strides propelled me quickly. Elmud didn’t bother moving and took the full brunt of a cross. Fire immunity was something we shared but explosive force should have at least pushed them back. Instead, the dragonborn stood unscathed with my fist against their face.

“Come on, try again. It’s been a year. You must have more to show for it,” they said in an unamused tone.

I sent a quick jab accompanied by an astral arm. Neither had any effect. Something was wrong with my magic. The sturdy flames on my arm were stronger than my astral magic. I wound up and sent a cross towards my opponent. They didn’t dodge. My fist was stopped short by Elmud grabbing my palm. 

“Disappointing,” Elmud muttered.

“In me or yourself for losing to me?” I scoffed. “What’s up with the kobolds, by the way? Can’t you do anything on your own?”

The dragonborn growled and tightened their grip. It was impossible to describe the feeling of bone against bone. They popped, fractured, then tore through skin. Every part of my hand shattered. Blood erupted from the wounds. I didn’t realize how loudly I howled from the overwhelming pain.

Elmud’s cockshire attitude was long gone. A furious swing tore my arm from its socket with bones cracking from the rebound. I was flung skyward with Elmud flying close behind me. Reliance on their natural claws showed the difference in our races. Skin tore apart and only luck kept my insides in the proper place. I couldn't lift a finger to defend myself. Any attempt was stopped by a clawed strike. Ribbons of skin tore from my arms. Sand in the air burned as it dug into my bare muscles.

I was grabbed again and spun in the air before being released. My limp body plummeted towards the southern village. I was only aware of the location because of the dragon holding off my allies. They struggled to make progress against the massive beast. I had no chance of helping with Elmud’s neverending onslaught. As we got close they kicked me down to the ground. Stones and loose rocks cut into me as I skidded to a stop. Elmud crashed down next to me and propped me up.

“You’ve done nothing for a whole year! To think you beat me before,” they scoffed and ran their claws into my chest. “Some hero you turned out to be, Kargon.”

Another attack ripped through me.

“Overconfidence is unbecoming of a simpleton like you.”

More rapid strikes tore into me. I was a bloody pulp waiting to crumple.

“You’re only here due to the chosen one’s foolish expectations.”

Through bloodied vision I could barely make out Elmud’s next attack. The stance was similar to my cross. Every action he took was to mock me. And I could do nothing to stop him.

“Enough,” said a calm voice, as soft as the wind. It shouldn’t have carried far yet every person in Spirefell heard it.

From the ever-flowing sands in the center of the spires emerged a figure. Two long black horns jutted from his forehead and curled back, hanging over jet black hair. Bright red skin amplified black eyes with crimson irises. Each step taken demanded the attention of onlookers, including the massive dragon that was fighting moments ago. While the loose sand caused trouble for the Hero’s party, this being had no such issue. His elegant tail with a barbed tip assisted with balance. On his back was a steel greatsword that put Rusty’s to shame. Black leather wrapped tightly around the hilt fit snugly in the tiefling’s hand. Even in my haze I knew who approached us.

I sputtered through bloody lips. “Aeraza.”

“Do not speak his name!” Elmud said and dug his claws into my face. With the blades, they lifted me and threw me toward my allies.

Aeraza walked slowly but something caused his movement to carry him further. The dragon finally left its stupor and roared. Fire built in its mouth as it turned to face the demon king. An imperceivable swipe from his greatsword cleanly bisected the dragon’s head. Stunned silence accompanied the sound of a gigantic monster crashing to the ground.

The rest of my party stood frozen as our enemy easily stopped the monster they failed to. I was fading quickly. Pain overwhelmed my senses.

“Kharim’s successor,” Aeraza said while staring at Aisha. He let out a soft hum then turned to Elmud. “We go.”

The dragonborn grumbled then took to the sky. With his talons he picked up Veil and Aeraza. To take the dragon head with them, Veil transformed his arm into a massive claw. They didn’t care for any other piece of the beast and flew away.

Sariel almost fired an arrow but Vofric stopped her. He pointed to me with a panicked look on his face. Avant ran to me and stared, unaware what to do. Aisha rushed to my side with tears in her eyes. I could no longer hear what was being said. I couldn’t sense anything. Not even my shattered insides. There was simply nothing.