Arrr my pirate family and plundering practitioners of the pirate arts! Captain D here with the Dragon Master Slak-tor himself! In the flesh and ready to stun you with the continuing tale of our friend and pirate legend Captain K and the crew of the Dragon Fire! As you remember, last week as you sat on the deck of the Silver Wing, Captain K and his away band of adventurers had made it within sight of The Foundry island! Lets join our heroes there now!!
(Silver Skull of Destiny thanks to @dixiesilverminer)
Passing through the light mist surrounding the island they gently banked around a jagged cliff and now flew over a jungle like valley. The terrain below was hilly and densely populated by exotic trees and vegetation.
The plush landscape began to thin and the land became barren, almost desert like, but this area was dotted with pools and lakes of steaming water. Geysers blew jets scalding water and steam high into the air above. More smoke and steam bellowed from deep fissures in ground making this part of the island inhospitable.
“The island is volcanic!” First Mate D exclaimed.
“So it would seem…” Captain K agreed. “Well, we won’t be landing down there! Can we circle back to the forest?”
(Captain K thanks to @dixiesilverminer)
(Slak-Tor thanks to @slacker-stacker)
Slak Tor nodded and suddenly Tarakona rolled to the right as he banked towards the sea. There was a short surprised shout from the mage and she grasped at D’s shoulders as the green valley came back into view and dragon slowly began to level.
“You should really warn us before you do something like that!” Key Wee blurted angrily.
(Key-Wee)
“My apologies Arch-mage, most times I fly alone.” Slak Tor explained and although he felt guilty for having given no warning, an unseen smile traced his lips as the patted Tarakona’s neck.
“How about there?” Captain K shouted against the wind and pointed at a beach at the edge of the forest. “Can we set down there?” He asked.
“As you wish Captain.” Slak Tor nodded. “Hold on! Going down!” He announced with a grin.
“Thank you!” Key Wee said in a calmer tone, but with sarcastic graciousness.
Take us down gently please. We must remember our other riders. Slak Tor said in his thoughts.
Very well… A deep voice replied in his mind.
Tarakona dipped forward and gently glided towards the beach. As they lowered in altitude, he began to beat his wings to slow them, extended his clawed feet and came to a rest in the white sand.
(Tarakona thanks to @slacker-stacker)
The party climbed from the dragons back thankful to be on their feet for a time.
“Captain, may I ask a question?” Key Wee asked.
“Of course Arch-mage… What is your question?”
“Why did you have us land here? Why not deeper into the interior of the island?”
K nodded. “Good question!” He said. “We know the Metals Guild is here, just not where. They are known to not take kindly to strangers just dropping in on them out of the sky. We also have no idea of the island’s population, and we are more likely to be noticed riding a dragon than by traveling by foot. This is not anything we need to rush into. We must think this through and be smart about how we approach the Vulcans.” He explained.
“I agree.” Sir Bentley said rubbing at his long whiskers. “By day, we are visible and vulnerable to discovery. If the guild finds out we are here before we are ready…”
“It would be over before it begins.” Captain K finished the thought. “We need to find a place to camp. Then, by night, let Tarakona and Slak Tor can fly recon and be our eyes. Any villages will have fires burning and lights to see after the sun sets. They won’t be as easily seen and we can remain hidden until we get our bearings and more information on the location of this foundry.”
“A very sound plan…” D mumbled to himself.
“Yes” Slak Tor agreed. “A sound plan indeed. But, what about my big friend here?” He asked jerking a thumb back towards the dragon. “There is no way he is walking through all those trees and you don’t want him flying to give away our position.”
Captain K thought for a moment. “Can’t he just hover over the tree tops? The lower the better.”
“Yes, I suppose he could, but it will be hard for him and take much energy. He won’t be able to glide like normal flight, but it can be done.” He agreed.
“Good, then let’s move! We need to find a place to camp before nightfall.
Using swords and knives, the group cut their way through the heavy undergrowth; all the while the beat of Tarakona’s wings could be heard above, hidden by the jungle’s canopy.
The terrain was rough, untamed and difficult to traverse. However it was very beautiful and yet unnerving at the same time. The buzz of unseen insects was constant, the air still and the calls of exotic birds and animals echoed about them as they traveled.
Bright flowering plants dotted the forest floor and Key Wee smiled at a cluster of red-orange blossoms.
“Beautiful flowers here!” She exclaimed.
“Careful My Lady!” Sir Bentley warned. “Remember Narnia? Dark beauty, Ms… We must all be aware dark beauty!”
“You, of course, are wise Sir Bentley.” She agreed.
(Sir Bentley)
Pressing on, they broke through the trees into a large clearing, the ground was cover in a plush green grass and they found Tarakona resting in its center as he waited for them.
“Well, this looks like a nice place to camp.” Captain K remarked scanning the area. “Let’s build a small fire and set up camp. We are quickly loosing light.”
Everyone worked together to gather a stock of firewood and logs to use as low benches around the newly dug fire pit. A single blast from Tarakona’s nostrils set wood ablaze.
Night had fallen sooner than expected, but the group has settled around the fire and began to eat, all but Slak Tor.
The dragon master stood in the shadows facing his massive companion. Deep growls and grunts could be heard and Slak Tor spoke words to soft to be heard by his friends until he reached up and patted Tarakona’s neck.
“I understand… Then go my friend… Please do not forget Captain K’s wishes.” He smiled.
The dragon instantly stood on his hind claws, spread his wings and took off into the night.
Rejoining his friends, Slak Tor took a seat by the fire and joined them in eating one of his rationed meals.
“Sir?” The hare asked politely.
“Yes, Sir Bentley?”
“It almost sounded like you and Tarakona were…” He paused.
“Were what?” He tilted his head in question.
“Talking!” Bentley finished.
Slak Tor laughed. “That is because we were!” He grinned
“Wait a minute!” Captain K interrupted. “If the dragon can talk, then why didn’t you tell us about that?”
“Because you didn’t ask Captain…” He said as a matter of fact. “Captain, I mean no disrespect and I will follow your orders to the letter, but there are some secrets I do keep.” He respectfully inclined his head. “I am sure there are many secrets and tactics you wish to keep to yourself?”
Captain K stared at the man for a moment and then nodded. “Agreed my old friend. We all have secrets of our ways. I will not press further.” He smiled.
“Personally, I would like to know more about this dark beauty Sir Bentley was talking about earlier!” First Mate D offered. “I have never heard of that before. What does it mean?” He asked.
The large rabbit straightened and grinned. “It means that not all things that are beautiful are safe Master D!”
“I don’t understand…” D pondered the response.
“Well!” Bentley began. “Take a master worked sword!” He said happily. “Beautiful in its construction, carvings and it very craftsmanship, that is until the one wielding it kills you!” He chuckled, and then became serious. “The realms of men, magic and nature can be most cruel. The most beautiful objects are often deadly.” He explained.
“Ouch!” D exclaimed slapping at his neck.
“Oh!” Key Wee yelped and swiped at her shoulder
“What’s going on?” K asked in alarm.
“There must be bees here” D slurred in a sudden stupor and slumped to the ground quickly joined by the mage.
(Captain K thanks to @dixiesilverminer)
Slak Tor jerked and reached behind his back. “They got me too! Right in the middle of the back where I…” He fell to the ground unconscious.
“Bentley, get ready…” He began, but found the hare laying face first in the grass. “What is going on here? He said turning to find a very large bearded man with hard brown eyes and wearing full armor smiling down at him.
He carried an oversized spiked mace and his chest plate bore the symbol of a wedge shaped face of a bear.
(Symbol thanks to @slacker-stacker)
(Warriors Weapon {Lucille by The Bear: Thanks to Chef Capone Jr.} ) Please visit his Youtube channel HERE
Captain K held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. “We come here only for help; we mean no harm to anyone…”
“No you don’t!” The huge warrior said in calm disbelief.
“We only wish to speak to Lady Vulcan.” He explained.
“I don’t care!” The warrior growled.
Captain K saw a large gloved fist hurtling towards his face and then darkness.
Oh my what will become of our band of pirate adventurers? What does this warrior want? Who does he work for if anyone? Oh my the suspense I don't know if I will be able to make it to next #piratesunday, but the real question is will you?? Make sure to be back here next #piratesunday to come face to face with our friends fates!!
Please make sure to check out the crazy pirate that makes #piratesunday so strong @stokjockey!!
Also, swing by and check out @dixiesilverminer and the post that has inspired this amazing pirate-verse right HERE
Make sure to check out the crafter of this tale on YouTube Slacker Stacker right HERE
Please upvote, resteem, and reply my friends!! Thanks you from Captain D and Slak-tor the Dragon Master!!
(Precious thanks to @silversaver888)