The journey begins

[Therious]

Polyphemus swooped low over Therious and the newly hatched white dragon. He spun through the air as he passed their heads and squawked loudly, in an attempt to taunt the beast into following him. On the ground below the young dragon ran and flapped his wings trying to take flight, to no avail. Therious smirked, it would not be long before these two would be sharing the thinner air above him. Moreover, not more time would pass before this dragon would carry his weight in to the heavens.

The trio had been provided with a small entourage of guards to protect them on their trip. The planned route would lead them out of Aberon to the west and under the Beor Mountains. The caverns below would provide them with much needed cover. The first stop would be in Orthiad, to hear reports on the nearby Urgal activity. It was hopped that the group would be able to move down the Beartooth river, as it would cut nearly two weeks off of the travel time necessary to reach Farthen Dur. However recent news of an Urgal village cropping up in area had his guard on alert.

Therious reveled in his good fortune. He had left his home, family, and all the safety and comforts of home on little more than a whim, and it had panned out. He had decided that the moment his training was completed in Ellesmera he would pay he mother a visit in Ceris. Hopefully, she would now understand his imperative need to leave her side.

"It's time," the lead guard informed Therious.

Therious reached down and grabbed the dragon, lifting him above his head,

"Take flight little one, it is a skill you will desperately need in the coming weeks."

He gently pushed the dragon from his hands and watched as the dragon stretched his wings capturing th air beneath them lifting up into the air for his first time. Polyphemus again swooped down to their level beckoning the dragon to follow him, a challenge the challenge the dragon gladly accepted.

Before join the group on the new journey, Therious paused. A blessing was needed for thier safety. He closed his eyes and raised his staff as high as he could, the stone in it and those which adourned his necklace and belt shown brightly. In a deep booming voice he spoke these words,

"Unna skjaldborg pomnuria iet lagsmad'rs klaed'a nosu un hljod'r atrid' "

(Grant protection to my companions,
clothe us with silent movement.)

As the word exited his mouth a blue mist left his staff and gathered in the air above the group. It seemed to rain down upon them and solidify as it faded away.

Therious smiled and made short work of the distance the group had made before him.

[Therious]

The first leg of the journey had been rather uneventful, thus providing Therious an opportunity to bond not only with his new hatchling, but with his gaurd as well. The ranking officer was a tall strong man by the name of Leopold. He had spent most of his life serving in Surda's military, and was as close to knighthood as one could be. Therious anticipated that upon his safe transport to Du Weldenvarden that Leopold would be giving the kings blessing into knighthood.

Polyphemus had spent the majority of his time leading the hatchling through the finer points of aerodynamics.

"He is progressing quite well, and his growth is astonishing. Not much time will pass before his wings will not spread fully within the confines of these underground surroundings."[/i] Polyphemus had told Therious.

Orthiad was a ghost town. The caves which had led them there had opened into a massive underground room. Unlike Farthen Dur there was no opening a the top of the room. The ceiling was covered in immense stalactites, and sparkling stones imbedded in the rock. The buildings were carved out of the huge stalagmites scattered around the floor of the room. In the center of the room the ceiling and floor had been smoothed except for a fountain which appeared to have been run dry.

The group gathered in the center of the room and set up camp, no fire was built as there was no fuel to speak of. They ate stale bread and filled thier waterskins with the mineral water from the barely trickling fountain. No attempt had been made by the remaining townspeople to greet thier visitors.

"Argetlam," Leopold adressed Therous. It was title and a level of respect he had not yet become accustomed to, "Our hope had been to gather intel from the townspeople here about the nearby Urgal encampment, as well as stock our supplies. However, we did not anticipate this level of dessertion. I have sent scouts thoughout the town to find any help they might come across. Unfortunatly I fear we will have to continue with no additional support. Moreover, due to the lacking supplies we will have no choice but to head down the Beartooth river to shorten the trip."

Leopold bowed slightly and took his leave of the rider. This news was unsettling, as leaving the comfort and security of the dwarven caves would leave them vunerable not only to the Empire but to anyone else, including Urgals. Therious hung his head and closed his eyes. He searched his mind and was unable to find a better course of action than the one previously suggested, it was then that he was taken by surprise. An unfamiliar intursion into his mind had presented itself.

"Blar' Ethibril, though I am not fully grown I swear that no harm will come to you. "[/i]

His head snapped up and he glanced around, just before him stood his dragon, who now shared his size with a large dog. The dragon blinked expectantly at him as though awaiting a response.

"Your word is strong, and I appreciate your pledge, but I am sure that I can care for myself, as well as protect you from possible harm."[/i]

The dragon reared up and snarled, showing his teeth, "Do not mock me! I am the great Jormangundr, and I am in no need of protection. I will once again grow to be the strongest of all dragons. It will not be my folly that will put us to an end this time!"[/i]

Jormangundr snorted and smoke exploded from his nostrils. He spread his massive wings and flung himself into the air. He flew far to the other side of the deserted village and hid himself from view.

"I shall follow him sire. He is gruff but his intentions are good."Polyphemus made short work of the distance and accompanied his newest friend.