Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Adledross: Hunting with Dragon Riders</big>====


The field before the Reen camp is filled with dragons. Thick bodied, well muscled, with long strong wings. Not fire-breathers but they clearly seem eager to use their teeth. 
Watching the dragons they seem to be stretching short wicked upper arms to adjust riding harness. They clearly are intelligent if not verbal. Sounds of eager growls and roars fill the area.
The warriors each have a 6' pole, shaved to a point. Each has at least one or two short cudgels. They seem somehow vulnerable out of armor, but as a race they seems strong and well muscled with massively strong looking legs. They have a tendency for short trimmed hair, shaven clean in the back. None have beards save mustaches which seem a common fashion. 
Count Roland stands behind a man nearly 9' tall with a crudely made maul. the tall man steps forward when Roland points Realmer out.
"Cohort Commander! I am Wing Leader Talodak. Well met by dragon light. We stand ready. Out entire flight will go. If other raid our camp they will find nothing. Our plan is to drop 5 miles from the clearing. We can fall great distances. If your people can not they will deed to cling to our warriors. Once we land, we will wait an hour till all the flights are delivered. Then we march. Our people will wait for my signal before attacking. We would like to try to secure 200 beasts. We have made a deal for 50 with the Horseman. A sign of good will with a future reciprocity. I suggest if the Amberites offer a similar sum they will receive the same future reciprocity or we will be wroth with them. Does this suit our accord, as Count Roland earlier described?"

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Wing Commander Talodak. I am 1st Cohort Commander Relmopator. Well met by moonlight and magic. We will be leaving a small contingent behind to guard our camp, as we have more than nothing to lose if raided again. Your plan for the hunt sounds solid and we agree to the culling of extra beasts and the sharing of them with the Horsemen. However, I would like to add to the plan slightly and add a two pronged side mission to take place at the same time."
"I have information that there are two caches between here and the melon fields; one weapons, the other heavy clothing. If your Dragons fly low and slow, our combined efforts should be able to spot these caches from the air. One is directly in our path, a few hours march from here, the other about halfway to the field, but much further south. We have some troops specialized in heavily wooded areas that could be dropped, with a few of your men, to find and secure these caches for Amber's Cohorts and Anzara Reen's Wings to split evenly. We can pick them up on the way back."
"A slight addition to the hunt; once we have culled our beasts and harvested the melons we desire, please leave enough melons behind to draw the remaining pigs back to the area once we have left. I have made an agreement with the Kanzari Kzin; they will pass near that area in a couple of days and I told them of the hip pigs. They will trade what they find with us fairly and if they reach the Northern Plains first, will share prime space with Amber and Anzara Reen. Do we still have an Accord, Wing Commander?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He starts to look to Roland, but Fort, on your other side says Loudly, "Golly! Are those real dragons? I only heard of them in fairy tales!!! Do wee really ride on them?"
Talodak looks at Fort in surprise. Roland stutters as he looses the moment to object.. "Ah.. yes,, they are real dragons and we will fly on them.... ah... Yes, Commander, weapons and clothes would be welcome. Our forces had intended to visit the orc band after the dragons had finished with them. It may be orc made but its edged weapons and armor till we find better.. It get cold in the air o clothes are welcome too. A fair split-clothes, weapons planted and Orcish. While my men could carry many weapons I suggest we restrict arms to one apiece till both companies are at least armed. Extras split evenly. I have no love for the Kzin, and my great-uncle Roland even less love for them. But if we are filled with meat, melon, weapon and clothes, let the Kzin know they are welcome to what we leave behind'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Despite a lack of love for the Kzin, we are on good terms with them now; let us take advantage of that while we can. The plan is sound. A fair split; we have an Accord."
Realmer extends his hand to Talodak, but he guards his Psyche against intrusion when they shake hands.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
HE shakes quickly and turns, "MOUNT!!!!!! Commander I have a dragon that is large for it kind. I understand you have a giant? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes. ALEXANDIR!" Realmer calls out. When he arrives. "Talodak, Alexandir; our giant."
"Amber Cohorts! Pair up with a Rider and mount up!" Realmer shouts. He picks a Rider that is not Roland but makes an Amber Hand Sign to Fort to pair up with him (Roland)... followed by a wink.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort puts his hand on Roland's bicep. "Oh y lord, id\s your dragon strong enough to carry me and someone as strong a virile as you?"
Roland scowls at Fort and turns to hurriedly follow the quick man, asking him questions and sticking to him till they mount the dragon. Fort slips up in front of Roland at first but Roland pulls him by the arm roughly and throws him behind. Fort squeals.
the dragon take to the air in moments
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Flying fast and with good coordination Tal leads the dragon slower and low after a time the dragons over out to make several rows of dragons the riders start looking below as do passengers.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The ground troops are lowered and begin ground spaced out because of their few numbers
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The ground looks heavily overgrown with vegetation but seems maneuverable with effort.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal sees something and wheels the dragon north. Flying to another rider thy hover.
The rider point to his rider, a native Amberite, ho signs to Relmopator that below is a structure...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer signs back that he will investigate, then dives off the back of the Dragon and Shape Shifts into his Avatar/Animal Form; a very large vulture. He brings up the Pattern and looks through its lens as he glides down, he focuses on the area below the dragons. He continues to fly down to the tops of the trees in the area below the hovering dragons. He looks for a building and any guards or signs of troops near it.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
There is a haphazard pile of bricks about 8"x"8"x 3". A rough estimate is a pile of maybe 3000 of them.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smells the air with his increased vulture olfactory senses, searching for signs of creatures near by or the smell of metal or oil. If he deems it safe, he will land and Shape Shift to his Human Form and look around the pile of bricks.... there must be more here than meets the eye.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The smell of oiled metal is strong beneath the bricks. He figures that t a thiird of the way below the bricks
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to the sky between the foliage, when he meets the eyes of the Amber soldier he Signed with before, he will Sign to him that the weapons have been found. Then Realmer will pick through the bricks until he reaches the weapons caches... hoping to get first pick.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The Soldat spreads the word and the dragons start converging.
Realmer removes probably 30 bricks when he hears a click followed by a thousand sword and 2970 brick erupting into the air around him at if the whole pile had been under immense pressure. The hoard rushes up as if shot from a cannon. Buffeting him with blades and bricks, bashing him around in sudden violence.
Smashing against a tree, his lack of bad stuff keeping the sword pinning him to a tree only cutting his chest not impaling it. hanging there in the sound of swords and bricks falling back to the ground he figures his enthusiasm over rode his normal care and caution. A well-learned lesson to lay at Benedict's feet someday,
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Ouch" Realmer groans. He allows his Shape Shifting to take care of closing the open wound as he slowly and carefully pulls the sword out and to stop any internal bleeding from the bricks, then he just sits with his back to the tree, laughing at himself and his folly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dragon riders and troops start dropping to the ground. Their massive legs bending on landing. They start getting organized and sorting the broadswords and fighting dagger out .
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks at you, the sword in your hand, the ripped clothes, and the scattered debris.
"I gather you are...attached ..to that blade? So, pressure trap..now we know. Let me look at the next cache..its a specialty of mine.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, no. If you want it, it's yours." Realmer drops the sword and laughs a bit more to cover his pain.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Roland comes over after a few minutes. "Looks like 1100 broad blades. 800 daggers. and around 6000 bricks. We don't need bricks but you might for building material. We can leave them here for now and get them later. We should be armed shortly. Considering this collection I am more certain then ever that seeking the next cache is a good idea.'
Fort nods, "Lets ask Wing leader Tal what he thinks, yes?"
Roland scowls with a grudging smile, "Oh by all means"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer grabs the bloody blade he just dropped and uses it to get to his feet slowly, then says, "We don't really need the bricks, but may take them if time and weight permit on the return trip. I agree that seeking the next cache is a good idea" he looks to Roland and nods, "And that we should seek the counsel of Wing Commander Talodak" he nods to Fort, "before making hasty decisions."
Realmer turns to Fort, "And feel free to check all caches, if traps are your specialty, for they are not mine. But I should have known better. But in my own defense; it has been over a hundred years since I was a dungeon delving adventurer."
He chuckles again at his folly, then winces in pain, then laughs some more.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "the lessons of our youth are often the ones forgotten first."
Roland nods, " yes, small wounds heal fast, but may be forgotten hardest. Especially wounds against ones vanity. " he makes a hand sign to a rider who runs to where Tal and Dand are sorting and passing out blades.
Tal comes over with a hand full of daggers. "Commander, these are fine blades. We shall have 150 broadblades extra. I propose we match each with a dagger though not all of ours will have them. I've asked your Companion commander to lead a squad of riders to sight the next cache, though not to approach it. I've detail one wing rider& Amberites to swing North and sight the Kzin and another to sight the far orc band. All should be armed soon." He waits on Realmer's responds but casts a wide eye at Roland who briefly nods approval . He offers daggers around. Fort takes two daggers and passes on a broad blade.
Fort-"Wing leader, Cohort commander, with your permissions, I'll take my dragon-driver and join the advance. "
Roland looks about to say something else but catches a look from Fort and just smiles, flipping a dagger around a hand casually.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Roland, sweety, do I have these right?" He runs through a dozen hand signs..
Roland scowls, "Yes, sweetbread, Up, Down, Check Below, Check the skyline ahead, drop passenger,, and the rest...You picked those up after seeing them perhaps once each?"
Fort nods, "Its my profession...knowing things, and drinking"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Roland-"you seem to have lots of professions."
Fort nods, "Well I change it every thousand years. Its what thrice crowned bards do. We are collectors."
Roland looks at Fort hard, as if in many ways seeing him for the first time. "Thrice crowned bard? For the love of the Blue God, you are really a Thrice Crowned Bard?"
He looks at Realmer. "truly?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer addresses Roland: "As far as all the stories and rumors I have heard about Fort; yes, it's true."
Then he address Fort: "Our childhood lessons are usually the first to be forgotten; especially lessons like, sharing, working together and listening to our Elders and Leaders."
Realmer then turns to look at Roland and says, "I find wounds to my vanity to be the lessons I remember best, regardless of size. It is bad enough to do something foolish, but worse when it is witnessed... like today's little incident. I will surely not forget this day or this lesson; ever."
Realmer turns to Tal: "There should be 100 extra broad blades; don't forget the 50 still in my camp in need of weapons... but I think not all will take swords... But we can sort that out once we're back at Camp. In regards to my Champion; if you are referring to Alexandir, he is prohibited from leadership roles. Assign one of your men to lead the mission but allow Alex to accompany. He may give advice, but he is not to lead; Boney's direct orders. The rest sounds solid. Fort, you may accompany the wing to the advance. Good job on the Hand Signs... I watched Gangdis to the same to Hagalta's troops during a battle drill. And I once knew a Dwarf named Lannister that drank and knew things.... or so he thought."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort mumbles, "well we have the same order for Count Roland here. Advise, not lead. He is only allowed to lead a mission if it is comprised of him only. I also understood the same regarding your giant. I was more concerned with the dragon to bear him then the role in command. It said the fastest dragon may not be the leader but he reaches the battle first. Also, he has made it clear he need not ride the back of one of my men in the fall. He says he is a god of war and can fall from the stars and land on the ground ready to fight. Such men are double edged daggers, are they not? I propose dropping dropping everyone some miles out, to surround the pigs. Then once battle is engaged have your giant and Count Roland drop with a cadre into the middle."
fort, "have to remember that when Alex is onboard a Star Fleet ship. "
Tal-"Also I was including your troops in the blade disposition. We have 150 extra after everyone that wishes gets a broad blade. But once we collect the orc arms we can split things better. We are armed. Sub-commander Fort. Find your rider and tell him to find my scouting wing seeking the other Cache, with your commander's permission of course."
Fort nod, starts to lave, "Oh, Commander Realmer, bear this in mind. These guys can jump and land from over 100 feet. Turns out they can leap from the ground to the air that high too. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer listens to Talodak talk and nods. He looks to Fort and smiles, then says "I knew about the falling, but not the jumping. Thank you and Good Fortunes on your mission."
Realmer turns to Tal as Fort leaves. "I had also thought to have you drop the men some distance out to surround the herd, but dropping Alex and a cadre with him in the middle after the herd is surrounded is an excellent addition. And in regards to Alex and men like him; they are indeed double edged. The problem is they are used to command but haven't truly learned what it is to be a soldier. To be a good commander, one must first learn how to be a good soldier. And to be a good soldier, one must know what it is to be a commander. Alex and Roland are learning the first one here and now. I believe I am here to learn the second, as back in Amber, I would surely not be commanding forces. In my youth I was an Adventurer, later a Shadow Traveler, then after I arrived in Amber, a cloistered Bookworm, then most recently, an Ambassador. I was never a soldier or a leader, but I knew I would need this course in order to survive what I feel is to come, and I knew I could survive it, as I have survived many other painful and torturous things during my Adventuring Years, and those were lessons I have not forgotten."
Realmer is silent for a moment, then looks Tal in the eyes. "This is our time to Command, Talodak, let us make good use of it. Your plan is solid, let us move to the hunt."
Realmer looks for his Dragonrider, first on the ground, then in the air.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Fort showed he knew our hand signs. It might be good for all your troops to learn them for the future. And most of us can't jump that high. But a man must jum at least 40 ' to qualify to become a rider. Otherwise there is no point in trying. Pig for dinner."
he goes and leaps into his harness, pulling the Amberite up behind him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
flying forward hand signs pass the information that a high flier has spotted the herd and they are in place. Realmer's dragon rider leans back, "We're going to circle here. The left, right groups will be in position in a couple moments. Far side a few after that. Grab me on shoulder harness and wrap your legs around me now. When I go I shall twist left, and fall back. You will be below me for a few seconds. Do not let go. I'll spin hard against the fall to right my feet. If you panic of try to move your hands or feet it might unbalance me. Its a short flight to camp, don't be eager to get there through resurrection. Ready?"
Once Realmer is in place he feels the rider move and the fall begins. It 60' just above the treetops. Falling through the tips of branches isn't pleasant but it does no damage. He lands on his feet and helps Realmer to his.
Once Realmer is in place he feels the rider move and the fall begins. It 60' just above the treetops. Falling through the tips of branches isn't pleasant but it does no damage. He lands on his feet and helps Realmer to his.
"I was told to follow the Amber Commander's orders. We are 5 miles out. A short run. We shall know the twist of the wind once we are a few hundred yards away."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and says, "That was fun. OK, spread out for a wide formation, but keep it as tight as the terrain and foliage allows. Lead the way and move out."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
While running, Realmer allows his Shape Shifting to naturally assist, i.e.; increased lung capacity, longer legs, larger heart, etc. He paces the men, staying near the front and center of the running formation. He keeps his wits and senses about him as he runs with Amberites and Anzara Reen alike.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When they slow, nearing the melon patch and hip pigs, Realmer will enhance his Senses, specifically, smell and hearing and remain in the Running Form as this hunt is sure to involve a lot of it.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Reaching the patch,, a few hindered yards away, the smell is one familiar with pig farmers but somehow thicker. The beasts seem agitated and feisty though gorging themselves on the melons. Those seem 2' across and colored like watermelons in blue. The seem shoulder height, making calling them hip pigs a bit deceiving.
Your rider says, the teams are ready on your mark. He will signal the riders to drop the Giant and Count Roland
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer watches the hip pigs a few moments, wondering if it is the nearness of the troops or something else that has them agitated. He gives the order, but keeps his eyes and ears open for other threats.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Realmer looks up and sees a tiny dot just out of visual range. it grows faster as it falls a terminal velocity. It falls silently and lands with a loud thump. Count Roland jumps off the back of King Alexandir kos Korag. Without armor or magics he moves faster then any person Realmer has ever seen in combat. two giant lumpy cudgels lay waste to the hip pigs, each hit throwing it 30 yards away with a swat, to lay dead on the ground. Roland moves away and lays in with a broadsword in each hand and his killing is skilled and quick, but overshadowed by the Saint of Battle.
Shocked first, the pigs flee. Alex chases after, trying to outrun them and lay into them as he passes. Each one that his mauls touch falls dead. The herd scatters all directions and in moments is rushing those in concealment.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer gives the order to attack at the moment just before the pigs enter the trees, forcing them back into the clearing and into each other.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Drive them back! Keep them from escaping into the woods! Steady advance! Do not break the line! Kill what you can, but Drive Them Back!!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
as a line of a dozen are charging directly toward him, Realmer sees a dagger stick hard in the side of the head of one, making it fall forward and roll. A tan blur lands on the back of one, gabs its tusks over its head and tugs it hard to the side, causing 3 to tr dancing away but stumble I a pile.
Beside Realmer two Amberites and a dragon rider foot spears to the ground and level them at charging beasts. the Dragonrider and One Amberite score chest spikes that drive the blunt points deep in the beast chests. The other Amberite's pig avoids the point and crashes into the man, sinking a tusk in his stomach. With all his strength he punches a dagger into its neck causing it to thrash briefly, trying to toss the man whose strength is enough to withdraw the blade repeatedly and sink it deep several times before it dies.
Two are charging Realmer.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
With the broad sword already tightly gripped in his right hand, Realmer raises it over his head while pointing his left index finger at the pig on the left, his thumb raised, he drops his thumb to his index finger and releases a Power Gesture; Neural Disrupt, hoping the beast will stumble and fall. Realmer then focuses his attention on the pig on the right, dodging to his right to avoid the pig and its tusks, putting the pig on the left side of him, he then twists his body to the left, bringing the broad blade down, hard and fast, on the back of the pigs neck.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
the pig falls dead as the next one crashes sideways into Realer. Jumping back his second shot, battered and bruised he steps forward to meet the third.
Beside him a trooper levels a bloody tipped pole and takes the next one, pulling it over his head to fall thrashing behind him he pulls his sword in time to throw a glancing shot as it rushes over him. Its jaw hanging lose, as the Amberite rolls with it and wraps the pommel to its head, stilling it. He stands and smiles at Realmer-"Looks like roast pig for dinner, eh!!? " Laughing, he looks for more rushing,
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer laughs along with the soldier, both at his zeal for the hunt and his own realization that he is enjoying this; the rush of it. He laughs louder and shouts "ROAST PIG FOR DAYS!!!!" Then rushes the next beast, taking advantage of the Running Form his body is still in, striding and springing, dodging and evading, leaping and spinning, slashing and hacking, blood flying, pigs squealing.
The smell of blood and rise in his adrenaline bring back memories of his years as a Vampyr... he begins shifting to his Chaos Form; winged Nosferatu vampire-looking creature... long sharp talons on hands and feet, long fangs, leathery wings, hardened skin. Realmer is barely aware he has done this, but realizes this Form is far better suited to combat so continues hunting taking full advantage of this Forms capabilities.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort leaps off a pig he was standing on the back of, riding it like a surf board.. "Commander!!! Our side is looking like 30. If the others are doing as well that's 120, and friggin Alex and Roland look like they got a solid 50 between them. Permission to go check on the Orc battle!?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Permission granted!" Realmer calls back to Fort as he leaps into the air, flapping his wings hard to gain a little height to get a better view of the field of battle, to get a quick count of dead pigs and to look for his next prey to dive upon with sword and claws.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort fly up beside you, big feather wings lifting him, "Hey one other thing.. Boney and a few other swells are flying off to our left. They have a forgetfulness spell on them so people looking at them see them while they are looking but forget it after they look away. its pretty powerful and I imagine I'm the only one it doesn't effect. I can't be forced to forget anything. So bear it in mind."
He races off east at a speed that rivals the dragons.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head to Fort then focuses on the herd. He calls out orders to keep the troops near him moving forward, he uses Hand Signs to communicate with those farther away. He keeps them moving into the clearing, pushing the herd back to the center allowing for more opportunities for kills.
Realmer will dive onto any pig or pigs that are about to overrun or severely injure a soldier, slashing or stabbing as needed.
Once it looks like they have more than 200 dead pigs, Realmer will shout out as loud as he can: "SOLDIERS!!! CEASE COMBAT!!! WE HAVE REACHED OUR GOAL!!! LET THE PIGS RUN!!!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Such orders are not immediate and some fights take time to finish as some pig stay to fight and others flee.
As the combat finishes Realmer sees Tal issuing orders to a group of both sides of troops, He waves to have you come down.
Alex and Roland are in the center laughing. They each have half a watermelon and are dripping in pig blood.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer flies down and Shapes Shifts back to his Adask (human) Form. He grabs a melon from the ground and cracks it open and enjoys the sweet pulp as he walks up to Talodak.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal smiles-"That was surprisingly messy. I've ordered wounded pigs slain and got some of my men dressing the beasts out. We usually leave the entrails for our dragons, taking heart, liver for our food and taking intestines for sausage but this isn't a normal situation. The dragons will be full. I do have a number of riders who will want the chunks to make sausage. Culinary types, you know.. Anyway, I suggest you detail one of the cohort commanders to take charge of your troops in this clean up. My second, Jusat over there will tell them how to bundle meat for transport. Funny thing is that it might be the melons we have the most trouble with. "
He bites deeply into the melon with it unusual taste for him.
'Also I know we couldn't find the second cache and came here to get this over. I suggest we detail a few riders and your troopers to go look again now that time isn't an issue."
"I saw you have wings... So offering to have you backsaddle with me isn't necessary. Would you like to fly with me to check on the Orc battle?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes a few more bites of melon as he listens and thinks...
"The men could stuff the organs to be kept into the cleaned out intestines. The melons could be stuffed into the emptied out body cavities' of the pigs. Also, tunics could be removed, tied off and filled with melons."
Realmer calls over the nearest Amberite Soldier. "Soldier. Find Commander Traxton and let him know he is in command of the clean up and gathering. Tell him to have the pigs taken to Sub-commander Jusat" Realmer points to the man, "for proper field dressing instructions. Pass the word to gather melons and put them in tied off tunics and the cleaned out pig carcasses."
Realmer calls over another soldier. "Soldier. Find Commander Kablin and tell him to team up with a Dragonrider and take a detail to search for the second cache. Tell the Commander to make sure he has a Trapfinder with him."
Realmer turns to Talodak. "I will take wing with you, Commander. To the Orc Battle."
Realmer Shifts into his Chaos Form and takes flight.