TSSArtifactBook27B

The Shackle Spires and Vergalid Vol. II --Escape to the Mines--

Vergalid made his way down the mountain until he came across a bustling mine where giants lugged boulders and stone to and fro, a constant stream of carts and wagons that were rolled up into the west of the Serpent Spine Mountains.

It was here Vergalid launched an attack. An unexpected wave of madness exploded from the dragon and his strength grew a hundredfold. He tore through giants, flaying their flesh and limbs as though they were made of dry leaves. He could barely feel the arrows and spears that were flung at his scales.

Down into the mine Vergalid went until he reached its bottom. It was well wide enough for his size and the air was cool and inviting. When he reached the bottom of the mine, Vergalid's strength abated and his mind screamed with pain. Once again he slumped over and sleep washed over him.

When he awoke the second time, he first saw that light danced all around him. As his memory flooded back, he realized he lay where his rage ended in the mines, but something had changed. There was a magic around him that held him in place. He felt the essence of his life weakened too. Trapped, once again, he thought morosely.

Once again, it dawned on Vergalid that he would not have existed alone. He would have died without water at least. It was then that the first unseen aide showed itself. It was a strange human-like creature with scales -- scales of a dragon. Vergalid could sense a kinship with the dragon, could feel the unmistakable bond of Veeshan. He asked the creature to identify itself.

We are drakkin, my lord, and we only just found you here,"

the fire-orange-haired creature spoke softly, as she looked back over her shoulder to reveal a number of drakkin of various colors. "It is our duty to serve and protect all of Veeshan's kind. We are here to keep you safe, though a great giant has trapped you here with magic. We do not know how to free you."

And with that, Vergalid found some comfort, though he felt a rage simmering beneath the surface that would not be released. I'm a dragon without a shred of luck, Vergalid thought to himself as he let the drakkin tend to him. He has spent all his time since trying to escape the magical shackles that hold him.