Free Onyx Dragon (Book 1) by Shawn E. Crapo Page B

his gaze. “There it is.”
    The two men looked down over the valley where the temple stood, finally in full view. Dol Drakkar lie in ruin, with the tower being the only remaining vertical structure. The temple itself was carved into the shape of a dragon’s skull, with the fanged, open mouth serving as the main entrance. Like the ancient staircase, the temple was overgrown with weeds, vines, and other wretched-looking foliage. It was a fearsome scene.
    Surrounding the foreboding structure were the ruins of an ancient city, built in a series of concentric circles. Though once bustling with life, all that remained now were crumbled walls and rubble, spread out like a macabre maze around the tower. Fortunately, the road to the temple was clear, so navigating through the maze would be unnecessary. The prospect of strolling through such a desolate and seemingly inhospitable environment did not appeal to either of the two men.
    “It’s frightening,” Wrothgaar exclaimed. “More frightening than I ever imagined.”
    Eamon nodded, urging his horse forward. “Not a very pleasant place, I agree, but I do not imagine it’s very dangerous,” he said. “Other than any wildlife that may inhabit the old city, it’s probably empty.”
    “I hope you’re right,” Wrothgaar said. “But what of the Priests?”
    “If they’re still here,” Eamon replied, “I’m sure they’ll welcome us.”
    Wrothgaar grunted. “I’ve never cared too much for Priests, either.”
     
    Khalid twisted his graying beard in frustration as he glared at the city of Taryn. It was a walled city, fortified as a castle would be, and was thus nearly impenetrable. It seemed the citizens of Eirenoch were more advanced than the primitives his company had encountered on the nearby islands and in the North.
    He knew his only means of laying waste to the walls and attacking the city was to bring the Defiler to the gates. There, the fearsome beast could kill any archers mounted on the walls, and his men could climb them in safety. Not that he cared anything for his soldiers; they were mere fodder to be sacrificed for the greater good, but his numbers were already few.
    “Rajeesh!” he called to his lieutenant.
    Within seconds, the man was at his side. “Yes, my master?”
    “Awaken the Defiler,” the Sheikh commanded, his grin widening. “We march on the city immediately.”
    Rajeesh bowed, then scurried off to do his master’s bidding. Khalid sat down on his sedia, commanding his slaves to lift and carry him to a good vantage point.
    “Prepare to advance!” he gave the order as he whipped his slaves, prompting them to walk faster. “We attack.”
    The Sheikh’s soldiers lined up without question, their faces hungry for blood. Khalid ordered his spearmen to the front of the line, the infantry in the middle, and the archers in the rear. He stayed behind them, as was his custom, and gave the final order.
    “Forward!”
    With a single foot stomp to signal their obedience, the men marched forward. Khalid followed, seated upon his portable throne, his anticipation growing as they neared the city walls. He would use the Defiler sparingly, the creature having been fatigued by its brief battle with the banshee. Then, the melee could begin.
    With two hundred men, and the Defiler, the battle was sure to be won. It would be quite a show.
     
    The Taryn guards saw the approaching army as it exited the valley. It was a fairly large force, to be sure, but Taryn’s guards numbered at least five hundred. Nevertheless, the alarm was sounded.
    The townspeople scattered as the bells rang. Soldiers and militiamen grabbed their weapons and ran to their posts, urging the civilians to seek shelter, and the blacksmith passed weapons out to all of the men who volunteered to help in the defense.
    Soon, the city walls were lined with archers, and the catapults were manned, as well. The soldiers clapped their shields with their swords in preparation, building their own