Word had reached back to the camp that Hagthoria was located and with some free ale, she agreed to Nikolas’s request. This was good news, as he wasn’t sure how much time they would have before the King would send for reinforcements from the borders.  

 The men that abandoned the King would out match the Kings total combined forces that were left, as long as they returned to camp when called. Nikolas felt at ease with this, certain they would back for the battle when called. Even with the thought of him dying on the battlefield, the young dragon could soon be safe as well.  

Darkness had come again and the camps were in full swing with discussing plans for the upcoming battle. They knew the lay out of the land would either work for them or against them. The giant field between the castle and the forest was the perfect spot. With a hilly range on both sides of it and the forest at their back, they could keep the entire thing contained in that rocky field. 

Nikolas was sullen though. He did not have fear that his men couldn't handle the impending battle, he was still worried a bit about Caspian.  

“Aye Cap’n, why the long face, eh? Here we are, free of the confines of that stone prison, breathing the fresh air, and ye look like someone pissed in ye drink.” Barreth said, sitting next to Nikolas on the ground by the fire. 

“Nah, just thoughts of the lad, and what's to come. Pray I did the right thing.” He said as he stared at the fire. 

Men laughed around the camp, make jokes, and telling large tales of monsters and beasts that roamed the forest at night. They had been drinking for a while on ale that they procured and hide from the castle when they planned the departure. 

“Don’t be worrying too much, the men be joyful, they relish a good fight. Wasn’t for ye, we’d be diggin holes for the next poor sops that the King killed at random. The lad is almost free, once the battle is done, he can live out his life however he wants.” Barreth cheered the men around the fire and they raised their fists in the air returning the sentiment. 

The dragon was only 15 and had yet to experience the joys of life. He’d spent most of his growing up time on a farm that was taken care of by t Nikolas’s aged aunt. The dragon grew up well despite not having a mother and father. He never learned to fly because of his father and mothers' death.

A dragon's parents are the ones to generally teach them when they are hatchlings.  This was another issue that sat on Nikolas’s mind as he stared into the fire. He had heard Barreth’s words, but once the battle was done, he had no plans where it concerned the boy yet. 

“Aye, tis a weight from me shoulders, surely, but I have yet to decide what to do when this is over.” Nikolas spoke low as he looked to where the dragon lay asleep. 

It was as if Caspian could feel Nikolas watching him, and he opened one big green eye. It wasn’t unnerving to Nikolas, he was well used to it. With a bit of a stretch along the ground, and a sudden swirl of white smoke enveloping his large horse sized frame, Caspian was back to being human.    

"Aye Cap’n, I cannot begin to thank ye for saving me. I should have known better." Caspian was trying to be cheery but apologetic at the same time. Nikolas had warned him to be careful who he trusted.  

"I know lad. For now, ye need to concern yerself more with stayin alive." Nikolas gave him a stern stare with those words and Caspian just nodded.  

At that moment a thunderous pounding on the damp ground could be heard echoing through the trees. Several men stood, hand on their hilts. The rhythm of slapping leaves and snapping branches added to the uneasiness. Nikolas strongly whispered “Hush now,” to his men, causing several of them to get spooked and jump.  

"Prepare yerselves! It's coming closer!" Now yelling this, he bent to throw a bucket of ale on the fire next to him. It caused a pattern of fires going out from some of his men doing the same.  

Nikolas motioned to Barreth and they headed to the other side of camp. 

Caspian walked quickly back to where he was sleeping a moment ago to change back. The moment he started to change, a glow of magic fire licking along him could be seen, trailing along his body up to the claw tipped wings. Blue fire danced lightly in his mouth as smoke emanated from his nostrils. The orange glow of his scales ended with the darkness from his wings.

All that could be seen now was the orange shimmery glow of his body and the eerie green glow of his eyes. The men were used to this so their tension lowered slightly. They felt safer with Caspian at their side. Though young, he was a dragon first and foremost.  

Whatever was coming was just a breath away and it also had a glow. A red almost orb like light could be seen through the trees now and appeared to be floating, getting closer.  

Suddenly, the last low hanging thick pine branches gave way to a deteriorating skeleton of a horse carrying a raggedy hag. A round crystal ball of swirling bright red smoke in one hand and the other yanking on the reins of the boney horse, she began to cackle at the sight of all the men.  

"Har har har, look at ye, nothing but a band of babes scared of an old wretch like me self. Come, help me off this thing, useless beast. Had to stop twice to eat and drink. He be nothin but a fat heifer, best if ye were sent to slaughter." She spat at him and the derelict animal cocked his head and spat back while soldiers rushed to help her off. The old witch wobbled and reeked of ale.  

"It was yer suggestion to stop for a pint of ale, twice my dear." With that response, the horse suddenly went from a starved frame and covered in swirls of blue mist to an older tall man with a beard and pointy hat. Wearing a robe of dark velvet, reflecting the few stars making it through the thick tree tops. Turning and bowing to Nikolas and his soldiers, the old man caused whispers among them.  

"Greeting men, let me introduce myself. I am Vermanius the 3rd. Sorry at my sudden appearance, I was asked to come, as a friend."  The wizard explained meanwhile most the men had looked to Nikolas for confirmation this newcomer was welcomed.  

"If ye are here with Hagthoria then ye are most welcomed." Turning now to the witch, Niikolas smiled affectionately, she was old and feisty, he always found that amusing about her.  

"We did not expect ye so soon, I will admit ye put us on a swords edge, but I am grateful ye have arrived early and intact." He bowed to her for respect which made her almost squeal in response.  

"Oh my, ye be handsome as ye be Nikolas. It's been far too long. Once word travelin on wind reached me ears, I was on me way. Now, where he be. Tis been too long, tis has." With all her weight on a very large wooden can she had strapped to the saddle, she placed the red smoky orb on top and tilted it for light. At that moment fires were being relit, and Nikolas led her and her companion to where Caspian was resting. He was still in dragon form watching them with emerald green eyes.  

"Oh! A beauty ye are, just like yer father. Aren't he, Vermanius?" She turned asking her companion, but he was not at her side. He had stopped to pick up a skewer of almost burnt rabbit meat and eat it. Huffing, the witch hobbled over and smacked the back of his head with her cane, causing him to choke on the last bite.