Dragon's Breath

Zorb checked the calculations on the dash as his ship zoomed through space. His controls went crazy as he entered the meteor field. Lightning appeared out of nowhere, striking the fragile ship. As the crew hit the ground, the instruments flickered as they dove into an odd planet. Its fields were green and lacked any bases. The strange planet seemed simple, and yet Zorb still kept his guard. The land was empty until a small creature, ridden by a new species, appeared. Zorb walked out of the opening wearing his galactic translator.

The other species spoke, “Why did you enter this realm?”

“My ship has been sent here, and I mean no harm,” Zorb replied.

“Do you wish to attack my land?” the species asked.

“I wish to meet your leader for a peaceful talk,” Zorb answered.

“I will let my leader know of your request,” the species replied.

Zorb went back into the ship and ordered the techs to start repairing it. This world did not seem right as the damage was estimated. This civilization was rather easy, but was it too easy to defeat?

The rider rode back to King Aloquette’s castle. The spring day was welcomed in the cold, bitter walls that held cold. The messenger entered the room in haste. His words jumble as the new visitors. Their strange color was alarming, and Aloquette decided to meet them.

“Send them this message to meet at the dining hall and have a feast for them,” King Aloquette stated.

The messenger was sent back to the strange metal castle as the leader came out to greet again. His solemn face accepted the terms as he studied the young man. The gentle meeting was sent as both parties began preparing. The King ordered the finest meat and mead brought to the hall. This could be a new alliance with the warring kingdoms of the north. So much was needed as the dragon riders were sent forth.

The skies were clear as dragon riders were sailing high in the air. The air was fine and warm as spring was entering the land of Olemuster. It was full of joy as the army trained after such a winter season. Some snow lay about, but the green was finally coming through as new life began. The hills rolled in all their beauty, with the lake gleaming. A scout dragon flew as fast as he could. As the out-of-breath scout ran towards the duke. His face showed shock, but the duke called all the troops together.

“Which enemy is at our gate on this settled day?” the duke stated.

“There is a flying metal castle in the sky beyond wishing to talk to the king,” the scout replied.

“Flying metal castle wanting a meeting,” the duke repeated.

“With strange green colored creatures,” the scout replied.

“Get your dragons ready, as a new, strange kingdom that may want to invade our great land,” the duke commanded.

The dragon riders rose above the clouds as they headed towards the strange sight. All the kingdom woke up to a new threat as the peaceful season had just ended.

Zorb was screaming as if the ship was still not fixed. The engines still needed time, and the meeting was coming sooner to meet the leader of the weak species. The attack vessels were being prepared in case anything went wrong. This could be a success and a devilish place. He fitted his finest white garment as he prepared for his engagement with the strange species that seemed to be so backwards. His fellow officers joined him as he went in the smaller attack vessel to the great hall, where anything could happen.

The great hall was spanned with such a feast just waiting for the guests of honor. The king sat proudly with the finest stags, and the mead poured into the glasses. It would be a grand event to bring a new ally into the fold. One with a flying castle would even be better. The guard stood proud as each servant was ready. The guest entered and saw the walls with tapestries and the candlelit grandeur. Zorb could only snob at such simplicity with a building made of simple stone. He greeted the king and bowed. The king led them to the seats at the front table, and they sat just watching the strange creatures walk around the room. Drinks were given in honor of the guest as they raised their glasses. Zorb looked at the strange liquid as the king smiled at the guest. The drinks were sipped when Zorb choked. His face was now bright green as he screeched. The whole hall turned silent.

“What is the problem with mead? It is the finest in the kingdom,” the king questioned.

“You have tried to poison me when we could have been allies,” Zorb replied.

“There is no poison, just a grand feast, and mead is not poison,” the king answered.

“I do not believe you, and now we are at war, you barbarians,” Zorb screamed and stormed off to his vessel. The king was screaming angrily that he did not honor the feast that he prepared. His armies set dispatches as war was on the horizon.

The mounted knights rode to the field in full fury. The disrespect would be repaid. The whole army was heading as Zorb was trying to get his lasers working. The army had a chance without their advanced weapons. The techs were working furiously, tackling the weapons after fixing the engine. The small vessels stood guard as more small creatures emerged from the woods. Their weapons aimed at fire seared their ships, and large creatures came out of the side of the field. The shields could only handle as the claws scraped the metal ships. They scrambled as the large creatures attacked. The king watched in pleasure as the invaders scrambled. Zorb could only see his army faltering as he beamed his smaller vessels. His last command was to blast the engines and get out of this crazy land. The king and his army were celebrating as the metal castle flew off with the small metal dragons. The feast was resumed as they celebrated the defeat of the enemy at the Battle of Dragon’s Breath.