The shuttle hurtled towards the surface of L'mdana in a controlled spin, and Jason watched the viewscreen before Genhyl anxiously. At first, the planet's surface appeared a kaleidoscope of shades of purple and black. As they drew closer, however, Jason could make out the purple plots of vegetation and the deep black ranges of mountains and deserts. He gaped at the expanse of black sand in the deserts. Even the water of the ocean seemed a dark, deep violet. The shuttle dropped towards an area of deep purple... a jungle, Jason realized. Finally, their decent slowed and the shuttle took the last few hundred meters at a slow feather fall. There, in the jungle, there were buildings, all made from the dark earth of L'mdana.
Tir'la, Charaustra thought, and Jason nodded. The city was small, by any standards, but as they grew close, he spotted moving forms of many inhabitants before the shuttle dropped into the trees, and his view was blocked. Genhyl settled the shuttle and then turned his golden eyes to Jason and Alexei.
"Alexei, you are familiar with the city and the denizens of the temple," he said, working to shut down the ship. "We will first secure the ship and cross into the city, to the market. Then, when we are certain we are not being observed, we will casually go to the Temple of Dalan. Jason, Charaustra, we don't get many outsiders this deep in the jungle, so stick close and stay quiet."
The group gathered some supplies and a few light weapons before leaving the ship. Genhyl set the defense system so the ship could protect itself while they were away. Then, Alexei led the way into Tir'la.
The gates to the city were ornately carved. Jason tried to take in as much of the art as he could, but Alexei's pace was quick. He could see carvings of L'mdanans fighting strange animals that looked like rhinoceroses with many, spider-like legs. Also, he spotted carvings of serpent creatures with feathered wings. Charaustra saw them too and exchanged a look with Jason.
Clarus dragons? She inquired of him.
I don't know, he answered. Genhyl had seemed to think that the natives wouldn't be familiar with Char.
As they passed under the gates, they entered onto a large, central walkway, paved with dark gravel. Sure enough, some of the L'mdanan natives paused to stare at the group. Jason examined them with covert interest. In his reading, he had learned that not all L'mdanans had green skin, like Genhyl. They came in a variety of colors and shades. These shades weren't like human races, however, they were quite random. Some of the natives he saw had bluish skin, others had deep purples or reds. Alexei, much to his disappointment, had never lowered her hood during the journey. When he had asked Genhyl about it, Genhyl had said that she was a M'l'kai. Jason had tried to research the term, but had come up with nothing. Genhyl wouldn't explain further, and would only say that a M'l'kai was forbidden to show her face beyond the boundaries of the sacred temples.
Finally, Alexei led them towards a more active area of the city. Here, there were many market stalls, much like the market on the Auto-Beta Station. The natives parted to let them through, staring a bit at Jason, but mainly at the large, iridescent dragon beside him. Char was getting larger each day, and she was quite a sight. She nearly reached above Jason's waist now. Alexei led the group back towards a larger market stall with a collection of rocks and crystals laid out on the main display. She paused to speak to the stall owner.
"Good day, Fylin," she said to the native behind the counter. He was shorter than Alexei and Genhyl, with grey-teal skin and pale blue cat eyes. He bowed to Alexei.
"Good day, Daughter of Night," he returned, using a title Jason had never heard before. "Many evenings have we waited for your return. The Temple has remained quiet since the first attack; the remaining guardians are rebuilding. In the southern jungle, however, things are not fairing as well. Two temples have fallen, Lok'tar and Kry'niu."
Jason heard Genhyl inhale sharply, and Char growled in response. Alexei too seemed angry and saddened. Finally, she answered.
"We will move to the temple at sundown," she said.
"Until then, you shall have my hospitality," Fylin answered. "Flynor!" He called. A few seconds later, a lean youngster ran across the market to the stall. He had skin like ash, but his eyes were the same pale blue as Fylin's.
His son, Char told him. Jason trusted her on this, as Char had better perceptions than he did. Fylin left the boy with instructions to watch the stall, and then led the group away. Flynor stared after them, craning his neck to watch the strangers leave.
After weaving through the market, they came to a small house made of blocks of deep grey stone. Fylin led them inside, and motioned for them to be seated at the large round table.
"You are welcome here," he said, joining them with a pitcher of what appeared to be water and some simple, clay cups. He served them all, including Charaustra. "In the name of Dalan and all the gods, may we stop this plague upon our land." He bowed his head and touched his hand to his forehead, then to the edge of his cup. Genhyl and Alexei completed the gesture as well, and Jason followed suit. Charaustra, lacking hands, simply bowed her forehead to the edge of her cup before drinking.
"Now tell me of the failings in the south," Genhyl said when they had all finished. The group settled in to listen. Jason tried to pay attention, but after the first few words, his mind began wandering. Char glanced at him and brushed his back with one of her wings.
Soon we will arrive at the temples, she said, eager to be on their way. There, we will find answers.
I certainly hope so, Char, Jason answered.
Background from Absolute Background Textures Archive. Storyline and characters created by and copyright © Rachel "Indyana" Gratis, 2001-2004. Dragon from Veniam Mactare.