The Wounded Wyrm

Campaign: The Flamewyrm's Abode

Chapter 3 / 3-2

The Wounded Wyrm

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No Failing Now

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Grave of the Giant Wyrm

Summary

In order to fulfill her calling, Zethia agrees to accompany the emperor. But there is no time to grieve—the volcano could erupt at any moment. Meanwhile, the prince and friends chase the Flamewyrm in order to quell her rage.

Dialogue

Zethia! I'm here! Brother! Was nearly dying the last time not enough for you, my son? You're not my father. The true king would never tear apart his own land and try to kill the dragons. So who ARE you? Fool child! When will you realize that dragons are the ones distorting our world and keeping it from perfection? ...Perhaps you never will. All the more reason for you to die. Grrraaawrrr! Out of my way, you pathetic sack of scales! Flamewyrm, did you just...save me? Or were you randomly lashing out? Well, whatever the reason...thank you. Now's your chance, Zethia! This way! Notte! Really, now. Do you think I will permit you to simply march out of here? Grrr... Wait! What's wrong? I'm thankful that you all came for me... But I choose to go with this man. WHAAAAT?! I have a duty to fulfill—one only I can do. And there are other things only you can do, which is why our ways must part. What things? I don't understand. We will need more help to free our father from the clutches of this impostor. You alone have the ability to form bonds with multiple dragons. It is essential that you save all of the world's dragons—not just the Flamewyrm. Forge as many pacts as you can! Your mouth runs far too freely, girl. Emperor! You can relent now! The dragon is already mortally wounded. Indeed! I can see her life's candle flicker and die even now. And in her final death throes, she will obliterate all these rats who made the mistake of coming here! Do you hear that? All of you traitors can perish together! Too bad, so sad... but I LOVE it! Aaaaah ha ha ha! You have what you came for, Emperor: the dragon is dying, and I am yours. Let my brother and the others go. Oh, have you deduced my intentions? In that case, I presume you also know why I wanted you. I am the chosen Auspex. I carry on the will of the first Auspex, Ilia, who bound the demon fast. In return, she blesses me with her divine mana. What's more, I am an Alberian princess who possesses the proud blood of dragons. I am ready for any fate. Very well. The dragon will soon be dead. I need not waste any more time on trifles. Farewell, worms. No! Zethia, don't go! GRRRAAAAARRRRR! Your Highness, look out! Urgh! Elly, are you all right? It takes more than that to stop me... Nngh... But the dragon sees us as the enemy now. We have to calm her. We are not your enemies, dragon! GRRAAAAAAWRRR! Harle was right. The pain clouds her mind. GRRRRRAAAAAAAAAWR! Listen to me, Flamewyrm! We will not fight you, because you are not our enemy. We came here to help you! Grr...rrrrrr...? She's stopped. Help me? Why should I believe that? What? Her eyes awash in sadness, the Flamewyrm gazes at Euden one last time.

Then, her wounded body shaking, she flies off deeper into the cavern. She's formidable, that's for certain. And defiant to the end. Yet so is Aurelius. He challenged a dragon on his own and emerged victorious! What's the plan, Euden? Do we go after Zethia? I'm worried about her... But we can't leave until we know the Flamewyrm is safe. She rules over this volcano, which means it's tuned in to her feelings. If she were to die or go berserk now? After having been wounded by a man? The volcano would explode and wipe out half the damn continent! ...Or us, at the very least, since we're sittin' inside it. Remind me who talked me into this again? We have to go. Now. We might already be too late, but we have to try and get through to her!