Read Online Dragon Alliance: Rise Against Shadow by J. Michael Fluck - Free Book Online

riding equipment. Their forest community was mostly based in the large trees in the middle of the Draden Forest, making it a difficult position to take. It was regularly patrolled by the elven archers and guarded by hidden but strategically placed outposts.
    Elves had superior vision, four times more acute than men. They could also see fairly well at night, making it very difficult to surprise an elf, although dwarves could still see better in pitch darkness because of their underground habitat ancestry.
    “Are the preparations ready for tomorrow, Senior Sergeant Toderan?” Mkel asked his large friend.
    “Of course, Captain,” he replied. Toderan was one of Mkel’s closest comrades and shared second command authority of the Weir with Jodem; he was also second in command of the Weir’s garrison when they did not have an executive officer. He also coordinated on many matters with the Draden regimental senior sergeant or highest ranking noncommissioned soldier, and with Colonel Wierangan. Toderan was a master paladin of great power and skill, being awarded the highest degree of that order.
    Toderan’s holy avenger long sword hung from its scabbard on his waist belt. The powerful weapon was forged by the dwarves and elves out of a heavy mithril/steel alloy; it also had one of Gallanth’s dragonstones imbedded in the hilt. The sword could smite evil upon every stroke, dealing enough damage to fell an ogre with a single blow. Once per day, it could muster the power to kill a giant or similar creature. The sword also emanated an anti-black magic shield and could ward off evil spells in a one-hundred-foot radius. Its shield could withstand a great deal of spell damage, at least equal to Mkel’s sword Kershan, and also gave him immunity to death magic.
    When Toderan wielded his magic sword in battle, he instilled courage and strength to individuals around him. The sword allowed him to heal people’s wounds; it also enabled him to heal his winged horse. Because of the importance of this meeting, he had left his mithril alloy plate armor in his quarters, but he wore his best uniform. The strong armor he wore was mithril lined, as was his large shield, keeping almost anything from penetrating it. The mithril in the armor also gave him a certain amount of spell resistance.
    Toderan’s winged horse was named Alvanch. It was intelligent and could fight independently of Toderan if the need arose, as well as being telepathically linked to the senior paladin. This link was not nearly as strong as the link between a dragonrider and his dragon, though. A strong but graceful winged mount, the off-white Alvanch was extremely fast over short distances and highly maneuverable in aerial combat with incredible evasion ability. Its hide was also very tough. Alvanch’s attacks were also enhanced; its hoof strikes could kill a grummish in a single blow. Its own inherent constitution gave it the ability to take twice the damage a normal heavy warhorse could take. Winged horses were also immune to certain types of spells.
    Toderan often hunted with Mkel, using a repeating crossbow given to him by Dekeen. He was Mkel’s confidant on many matters, for the gold dragonrider admired his strength and commonsense wisdom, with a nonyielding determination to fight the good fight. He was a true leader of men. Toderan constantly displayed a cool head, even under the direst of combat situations. His sense of fairness was uncompromising, and he dealt with personnel matters with an even hand. Only Gallanth was closer to Mkel.
    Toderan stood tall at six foot three inches and weighed over two hundred thirty pounds. He had a balding head and a well-kept mustache that exuded his forcefulness of leadership. His great physical strength and constitution were equal to that of Ordin. Toderan also served in the Alliance Navy for a short time as a troop transport advisor, bringing his paladin experiences to bear. He has a wife in the support corps company and a young