Jakon could only make out the closest of the vines grinding heavy against stone wall, but the thick sound and smell, this place would be overrun soon.

And no sign of the dwarves that should normally be here either. Today it should of been busy. The battle against Frostine couldn’t of taken him that long. Long enough for everyone to clear, and fight the invading orcs, but the presence of the vines confirmed the orcs had reached this deep.

That rosy fragrance too.

So the dwarves would of retreated deeper into the mountain. Barricaded those less able to fight in the deepest parts. Guarded by the women who were most able to fight. The last defense.

They didn’t have much time. Time to take the fight to the enemy. Somehow. Which meant …

“Frostine,” Jakon said, “That dragon, if we take him down—”

“Big if,” Frostine said, “but I do not know if that vill be enough. Zee blood elves were not part of zee forces I know anyzeeng about.”

Sky cleared her throat. While she kept back against his.

“From what I r-read …” Sky said, “but I don’t know if it’s t-true, that the blood elves want blood, our blood to stay young and powerful. Th-they’ll need the dragon’s blood to feed their castle. To keep it in one solid place for a while.”

“Ah, zhat does sound familiar,” Frostine said, “Rumor here and there did reach me. Beast elves that failed my previous Masters tended to be fed not just to dragons, but to blood elves, especially to blood elves. Very unpleasant death.”

Azura perked up?

“I know,” Azura said, “Let’s telejump to that secluded spot Ivy loved to hide in.”

Jakon nodded, sheathing his sword for now.

“Good idea,” Jakon said, “That’s close to the peak that dragon was curled around, but hidden from sight.”

Ivy huffed, glaring at Jakon.

“You told these furballs about that?” Ivy said, “Really?”

Azura hopped over to Ivy and giggled so wicked silly Jakon didn’t have the heart to break the news to Ivy himself and ruin Azura’s fun.

“I heard it all,” Azura said, “Back as a card. He brought me with him today. He-he. And—ah! Frostine?”

Frostine had grabbed Azura from behind?

“Enough chit chat, little sis,” Frostine said, “Vee need to go. Now. Those vines vill crush us all if vee do not hurry.”

“Ooo, yeah,” Azura said, “Sorry. Let’s all telejump together. Group hug one more time!”

Sigh.

But Frostine was right, again, so …