Deepforge by R.J. Washburn, Ron Washburn Page B

and deliver a fatal blow. You saved his life, not mine!”
    Bahamlo laughed. “That’s exactly what I mean. This is the first time any of you have challenged us to a fight, with no weapons by the way. Orogo, you’re still bleeding.”
    Orogo wiped away the blood on his split open nose.
    Bahamlo continued, “Thank you, Grognor. You have restored our faith in you.” He bowed with respect. “We are your humble servants, and will follow your lead.”
    All the other dragons bowed to Grognor as well.
    Grognor acknowledged the bow, and wiped away more blood from his split lip. “Finally, somebody who makes sense. Then, let’s get on with the Spring Games, and prepare for war!”
    Everyone cheered.
    Grognor continued, “All of us! A unified Empire!” He looked right at Bōddy as he said this.
    Bōddy nodded and smiled with great respect.
    Bahamlo looked back at Grognor. “Sire, Chieftain, Emperor. We are at your disposal.”
    Grognor looked at him with suspicion. “So you, their King…you’ll stick around and fight with us?”
    “Yes, of course. The chromatics are numerous, and they probably have their Queen Lotanna with them,” he hung his head down in sadness, “she and I must battle before she has any inclination to try and claim this world. Your fight will be mostly with the other humanoids. For you see, you have it wrong. The chromatics were summoned by the humanoids. Not the other way around.”
    Grognor was a bit confused by this. “Summoned, so they didn’t have metallic dragon companions like we do here?”
    “They did, a long time ago. Most of them were either driven off or killed. The humanoids then wallowed in their own evil filth for many generations, until now they look nothing like you would expect. Their evil nature has changed them. Their entire continent is now over run with them. Once they discovered the southern land bridge, they moved in, crossing over to this continent. In fact, they’ve already established a presence down there, in the great mountains. We let them be, as they were no threat to us or you. But then an expedition was launched to explore, thus the fate of the legendary Markog Drgoodondt. As you know, all that was found of him was his notes and map. The creatures down south knew something lay up here, but had no reason to explore. They remained happy in the south, with no desires to cross the vast distances. Then, something changed, we’re not sure what. After so many years of them not caring, suddenly they decided to launch a campaign against us. There’s something up here they want, and I don’t think it’ just real estate. That’s when they summoned the chromatics. It was well known that we, the metallics, were here. Their only hope for success was to enlist the evil dragons’ help. So, now they prepare. So must we. We must find the strongest, fiercest warriors to fight. We the metallics will war with them in the air as you war with them on land. It looks grim, Grognor, I’ll not lie. But, we have to try.”
    “So, the Spring Games are not just games, after all.”
    “That’s correct. They must continue, for you. You and your people must unite with all the other races and find the strongest. It’s the only way you’ll win this fight.”
    “What about the dragons?”
    “Like I said, we have a fight of our own. We will help you as much as we can, but our primary concern is to occupy the chromatics as you war against the humanoids.”
    “Finally, I get the truth. Thank you, Bahamlo. Then, your orders are to rally your dragons and join us in battle. But first, take my representatives on your dragon shaped backs to all the villages and prepare them. I will give you my official seal so they know it’s genuine, although I can’t imagine anyone refusing you. In the meantime, we will commence with games.”
    Bahamlo nodded and then turned to the dragons. “We shall meet on the shores of the lake and assume our natural forms at once. Grognor, we await your