design that reminded me of an art nouveau period. The flowing lines on the chest plate created a V shape and housed a symbol like a shield of nobility that I guessed represented a certain Royal house in these parts. The design was two twisted trees that framed the edges of the symbol in the middle, one that looked as if it could be some sort of ancient Elvish language.
It curled inwards and then out again with the branches reaching up to form deadly points. This centrepiece was also surrounded by the unmistakable form of a Dragon’s head, one created in simple thick lines and not lending itself to too much detail. It was just enough to give you the appearance of exactly what it was… guardian of the symbol of the King in the centre.
A belt of gold broke up all the black and tapered down into a V shape before the rest of the armour split off into two sections, which covered the tops of the soldiers’ legs. Two shoulder pieces framed the top of the overall design, adding strength and movability to the arms, along with protection from any oncoming blows from above. These were black plates that interlocked in teardrop shapes that ran down the biceps, whereas directly over the shoulder was a large gold leaf. Attached to these shoulder pieces were long, flowing black cloaks that barely even moved, becoming a testament to how still each warrior was at holding his nerve.
To complete the soldiers’ look, narrow pointed boots rose up past the knee, with the same gold edging that matched the helmets they wore. Helmets that covered most of their faces and were topped with an arched horn like a blade down the centre of their head, one that would point towards the enemy. One that glinted in the sun with its razor edge that too was plated in gold, becoming a beautiful weapon in its own right, as I wouldn’t have fancied getting headbutted with one of those things!
Now, as for the leader, he was the only one who was dressed slightly different, for his armour was the opposite image. It was all gold, with black accents showing behind the chest plate in the chain mail tunic he wore underneath. He also wore gloves and the crest on his chest was bigger than the others. His helmet matched his amour in colour, as it was all gold with raised swells twisting around the sides. These curled back on themselves and down the centre of the nosepiece. Each helmet was the same in style, only showing a slither of skin in a Y shape, this was because each helmet only let you see the eyes, the tip of a nose and a thin section of the mouth, so the army was protected from head to toe.
“Who are you… are you a King?” I asked, thinking that it was better to get introductions on the way. I couldn’t see much of his expression, but I was almost certain that I saw a slight twitch of his lips. Something that at least told me he was most likely smirking at my question.
“I am captain of the Dragons Guard and have been sent to protect the creature at your back and deliver him to my King,” he said, and at least I had my answer as clearly the idea of being a king, amused him.
“Where are we?” I asked, making him cock his head slightly to one side as if he was trying to determine whether or not I'd lost my mind.
“You have entered the dragon lands, but then this should have been obvious considering you have one at your back,” he commented dryly, and I refrained from the urge to roll my eyes.
“Oh, you mean these guys. Well, see that's the funny thing as they're not from around here either,” I told him, making him narrow the part of his eyes I could see.
“Excuse me?”
“I brought them with me,” I informed him before taking the time to think if this had been a good thing to say or not.
“And where exactly is it you think you are from?” he asked in a disbelieving tone, and I suppose I couldn't really blame him. Not considering most likely we looked like we just dropped out of the sky, which wasn’t exactly that far from the truth.
“Well, that's where things get tricky. Where do I start?” I said making him suggest,
“The beginning is usually a good place,” he replied,