Rasalgethi

It is a rare thing for the dragons of Clan Windsong to delve into the Plaguebringer's domain. The inhospitable, disease-ridden landscape, populated by highly unpredictable clans, marred by dangerously mercurial weather - not an ideal place to linger for fireside chatting. But occasionally, there is a delivery to make or an old friend to catch up with, and the journey to the plaguelands is made.

They find him by accident.

He is so terribly small, and the shifting sands so endless, the mere fact that he was found at all is something akin to a miracle. He is laid out like a king of old under the baking sun, draped in gold and the tattered remains of silks, surrounded by what riches remain untouched by the virulent landscape. They think him a statue, at first; a forgotten thing of ages past. But the moment he is disturbed, the stone begins to flake away -

They think him a statue, and then they think him dead. Who would bury a living creature?

Within the remains of its stone shell, the body begins to move.


The creature that emerges is one of contradictions.

Petrified, the old wildclaw declares, after examining the patches of stone clinging to his hide. But clumsily. The magic did not come easily, nor will it leave easily.

Alert and hungry, the herbalist reports. But while his body is recovering, his mind is scattered. I wonder if he understands a single thing I've told him.

His eyes are old, the Pilgrim remarks. Old and fearful. But he babbles like a hatchling.

Though the what and the why are easily determined, the who and the how are less forthcoming. For what purpose was the dragon petrified, and by whom? Why was he buried, with such finery but in such a remote place? Who was he, before?

Though inquiries are made to the clans occupying the land upon which the veilspun was found, no answers come. To the disgruntlement of some, the dragons of Clan Windsong must content themselves with the knowledge that some mysteries are not meant to be unraveled.


He is given a name, and eventually, he answers to it.