I bow respectfully to the mage. "Our thanks Lady Lywenta, we were quite surprised to find such a threat in the area. Were there any hints on the whereabouts of its lair? It would likely be worth finding."
I gladly hand the stone over, "I took a look, there is magic, but it seems to be based on a system I am not familiar with. I can confirm it is used for communication, but not much more than that."
"Based on the number of patrols we saw, there must be quite a number of these stones in use. It occurs to me that if we take more of the same, we may be able to repurpose them for the stronghold's benefit."
Lywenta takes the stone and examines it for a bit. "Yes you are correct. It is even a baffle to me without further study of it. The magic on it is very odd indeed." She places the rock in a small bag at her waist. "I will get back to on this." She looks about and asks you all. "Now is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Little time remains on the spells we put into place to aid our Hobgoblin hunt, and we wandered far chasing after Rachel and her pursuer. Depending upon how much trouble it would be, a hand getting back to where the hobs are would be appreciated."
"I think I can do that. Rachel climb aboard and I will take you back to where you left your friends at and back gate to here." She walks off a bit and changes back to a red dragon. She lowers her head and neck and waits for Rachel to get on.
I look up at the great Drake in awe." This is something I've dreamed of doing for so long." I glance at Ghost." It's ok Ghost. You will be right with me." I clamber up on Lywenta/Red Dragon slowly. My heart is racing in my excitement. Fear and wonder fights for control of my emotions. I grin down at the others." I am the Mother of Dragons, breaker of chains."
Once Rachel is seated Lywenta the dragon leaps into the air and uses her wings to take them upwards. "Hang on" Lywenta tells her as they head away. She will soar into the sky and do a few dips and dives to give Rachel a nice ride before heading north. "Now look around to show me the spot you left them where they fought the Hobgoblins." Once Rachel identifies the spot Lywenta will head down to the area moving a few trees out of the way by a nice breath of fire. The unlucky hobgoblins that were in the area checking out what happened the their friends were also fried so that Lywenta could land safely. She allows Rachel to climb off before shifting again. Looking about Lywenta soon opens up a gate allowing the rest of the party to cross over and be right were they fought the hobgoblins.
The total amount of time passed since Lywenta left with Rachel was about 15 minutes.
I am a bit jealous of Rachel riding L/red dragon but also in awe of the whole thing. Upon seeing the portal once again, I slowly work my way through still in awe of it all. I nod to L as I come through, in way of saying thanks.