*A.N: Two new characters make their appearances. Also sorry for the lack of inactivity. I don't know if I should continue this story of not so after chapter five I may decide if I should continue or not. I have a lot of good ideas for it. I am just unsure if people even like this or if I should just stick with making war stories. So comments would be much appreciated!

Chapter 4

It was another crisp morning just like the previous one, however there weren't many birds that sung. Matthew was the first to get up and was surprised to see that Vlad was already out and restarting the fire as he left the tent.

"Good morning Matthew, hope your sleep was decent. It did get rather chilly last night. Probably some winds that blew down from the Northern Mountains." He said cheerfully rubbing his hands and holding them out near the flames that gradually grew bigger.

"Yeah, Mister Hero over there didn't bring any blankets so naturally I had to share the one I packed." He stretched joining the other near the flames.

"I wish I had some to sell you but we just sold out. There's been a lot of nasty winds coming from there. Could be an early sign of Fall approaching or perhaps the weather has something to do with the mist." It didn't take long before Demetri popped his head out of the caravan's window and said good morning to the two before he came out carrying bowls and a bag of porridge. Soon the three of them sat around the fire as the sun rose and the temperature began to rise slowly but surely. It wasn't until after the porridge was made did Alfred come out of the tent, stretching and sniffing the air.

"Something smells food. Man that ground is hard." Alfred complained taking a seat beside Matthew as Vlad handed him the spare bowl. "You read my mind! Man this smells good, thanks." He thanked them before beginning to wolf the food down.

"So did you guys figure out where you were heading? We're heading through the woods taking the South Eastern trails to get to the small farming community there." Demetri said after a long while of nothing but the crackling of the flames and the sound of Alfred eating.

"We're not quite sure yet actually," Matthew began until Alfred cut him off.

"Actually we were wondering if you knew where a dragon would be. Cause of that legend and all."

"Alfred really, do you honestly expect them to know where a dragon of all things are I mean seriously don't be-" Matthew began in a scolding tone of voice before Vlad laughed.

"Actually yeah we do. There's a small village on them Northern Mountains. You can't miss it if you follow the trail behind us and go opposite of us. It's an old village that is said to be guarded by a dragon who protects the whole mountain. I'm sure if you go there and explain what is going on the dragon himself will offer some of his blood to you. Although it that is where the cold wind is coming from... "

"And North and just a bit East from here there's a bay that connects to the sea. They say a lot of mermaids are there. Although it's a bit further than the mountains." Demetri added with a smile cutting off his older brother.

"As for the rest of the legend we really have no clue what some of it means. So you're on your own from there." Vlad apologized before packing up the bowls and pot and moving the rest of the stuff into the caravan. Matthew took that as a sign to start packing their camp up as Alfred sat there pondering. All it took was an hour after that before both parties were strapped up and ready to part.

"Well it was a pleasure meeting you two. And best of luck. " Vlad shook hands with both Matthew and Alfred as Demetri waved.

"You better not forget us when you get rid of the mist da?" He said yawning as Vlad took his place taking the reins of the two horses that were strapped up to the caravan. With a simple goodbye the two parties left, one heading South and the other heading North.

It took a day and a half for Alfred and Matthew to finally get to the base of the mountain trail. They were greeted by a cold breeze that whistled its way through the canyon like a bunch of ominous whisperings. Occasionally a rock would tumble as they made their way up the winding and twisting trail, the horses one after another from how narrow the trail was. Everyone's breath steamed as the temperature dropped and the sun disappeared from behind the intimidating mountain line above them. Matthew tried pulling the cloak in a way so that it covered his lower face as snow began to flurry about getting stronger and stronger until finally they could hardly see their hands in front of their faces.

"Maybe we should head back!" Matthew shouted at Alfred who was somewhere in front of him but the wind going the opposite way drowned out his screams and replaced them with relentless howling until suddenly a roar echoed above. The mountain itself seemed to shake at the roar and suddenly the snow and wind just stopped. The horses stopped abruptly whinnying nervously and pawing the frozen ground. The two stood in silence looking around in awe.

"Well I guess it's that guardian dragon welcoming us." Alfred gave a goofy grin to Matthew before tapping the sides of his horse causing it to break out into a full gallop. It didn't take long before they halted staring up at the two dragon statues that loomed overhead. The wings of the dragons were spread open touching each other to make the arch. The statues fierce gaze were almost so real, the scales seemed to shine from the thin layer of frost on the backsides, their necks poised as if they were about to breath jets of flames at them just for marvelling in their presence.

"Hey, you two." A man said suddenly as Alfred quickly drew his sword. "Calm down. I'm not going to hurt you guys. Did you guys really come up the mountain in that storm? Heard the dragon so I thought I would come and check the entrance." The chilled air whipped the end of the man's coat, rippling through the fur of the collar.

"Yeah, we did. Thought we were never going to make it..." Matthew said sheepishly as Alfred drew his sword.

"We were hoping to actually see your dragon if that would be ok with you." At Alfred's statement, the strangers smile faded.

"Well, I hate to disappoint you but that won't be possible. I'm sorry to say but you will have to turn back..." The stranger stated sadly looking down at his feet.

"You don't understand. We need to speak to the dragon about the mist. We think we have a way to stop it." Alfred added, his voice determined causing the stranger to look up suddenly interested.

"The mist? You know how to stop it?" The man sounded hopeful as he stared at them.

"Of course we do,"

"Well, it's a theory really." Matthew finished.

"Still if you can maybe get rid of the mist...well we will take you to the chief and you can explain your idea how about. Oh I pray to the Goddesses and the Lords of the Mountain that you can cure the effects of the mist. Here follow me." He said before turning and walking briskly.

Matthew shivered a bit, "may I ask what's going on? And how you knew we were here... I mean you did mention the dragon's roar alerting you but..." The stranger chuckled before replying.

"Well I think I should let the chief explain everything not quite my place to say. As for the second question I'm what our village calls The Sword of the Mountain. I act as the sword of the Guardian, or the dragon as you call him. It's a complicated ritual that causes me to be linked with the dragon the moment he becomes guardian. So I saw you guys ascending the mountain through his eyes. Although, the link is beginning to wear thinner...it is probably due to that dreaded mist." His sudden burst of anger surprised Matthew and just as quickly he calmed down. "I apologise for my sudden outburst."

The party travelled the rest of the way in silence, Alfred eager and confident while Matthew remained a bit more unsure of the whole situation. Soon small clouds of light grey smoke was visible, and then the cobblestone chimneys and before long the small cozy cabins, fresh snow sitting on their roofs. The barks of dogs welcomed them as people carrying about their everyday lives stopped to stare at the newcomers before nervously chatting amongst each other. They stopped in front of a long wooden building which appeared to be the only one level as a man came up and talked to the stranger.

"The Chief is just in there. You guys can leave your horse with him. He'll make sure they get a stable and some fresh water and food until a decision is come to pass." The stranger nodded before going to door waiting as Alfred and Matthew dismounted and followed suit. The moment the heavy wooden door opened, they were greeted by a burst of warm air as a large fire that warmed the building blazed in the large fireplace. Animal heads lined the walls specifically that of wolves who's piercing gaze and snarling muzzles seemed to tell a tale of a great hunt. There were weapons, and large teeth, those that were presumably the dragons as well as scales which decorated the walls and large long tables for feasts which furnished the center of the building. And at the opposite side of the doors sat a grand chair and drapes of fur. A young man sat there, white hair and purple eyes sad, with his arm propping his head up on the armrest of the chair.

"I'm not in the mood for company Matthias." The boy who must be the chief said hardly looking their way.

"I thought you might want to hear what they had to say Emil. They might be able to help us out." The stranger named Matthias said, his sapphire eyes gleaming with determination. "They think they know a way to rid the mist." Emil suddenly perked up.

"And why should we believe these two...wanderers." Alfred took a few steps forward bowing slightly before addressing him.

"I know you have no reason to believe us, but my friend and I have travelled a good ways. The name's Alfred Jones and this is my friend Matthew. I wish to break the curse that hangs over this world. You see, there's a legend of a great hero who will break the curse and cleanse the land. And in this legend there is mention of a great dagger that will slay the dark sorcerer who is the cause of this plague. And I so happen to have this weapon." Alfred said, pulling out and unwrapping the dagger from his pocket walking up and presenting it to the chief. Matthias' gaze seemed to follow the blade in awe and shock.

"This thing? Well...its broken. How is this broken thing suppose to break anything besides itself even more? I'm sorry, but I really do doubt this whole legend thing. It simply isn't true."

"Well, yes it is sort of broken I guess," Alfred rubbed the back of his neck before taking back the dagger and rewrapping it. "But that's why we're here. In the legend it states what we need to gather in order to fix the blade. Something to do with Mermaid tears and Dragon Blood and all sorts of cool stuff. So we thought maybe we could borrow some of your dragon's blood. I mean we don't need a lot,"

"No. That is not possible." Emil barked and Matthew flinched.

"I mean, we only really need like a dragon sized paper cut. Just a little bit of blood in a vial."

"I said NO. Matthias, why did you bring them." Emil snapped at Matthias who stood up taking a few steps forward.

"Because they are the best chance that we have of cleansing our mountain before the mist takes us all. It's our last chance at saving your brother Emil. Your father knew the truth of the origins of the mist and only shared it with your brother. And if you won't give them permission to go to the Guardian's cave then I will personally escort them there myself." He defiantly stared at Emil looking on the brink of tears before Emil spoke.

"You know there has been mist spotted along the winding trail. And near the cave. We don't know how badly the effects of it has been. You of all people should know Matthias. Your link with him has weakened,"

"And I am not going to leave your brother there knowing this danger."

"If you bring them to the cave Matthias, you are going to set into motion a series of events I hope you know that."

"Events have already been set into motion. I'm just going to steer them in the direction I want them to go in." Matthias gritted his teeth turning his back. "Come on Alfred, Matthew. I'll bring you to an inn where you guys can stay the night and at first light, I'll take you guys to see the dragon."