by Eden Redd
Kaylik shifted on his throne, pushing away the vile stories of young ones being crushed to death and dragon lovers killed in their sleep. The trolls stole all they could and retreated to the southern tip of Lukken, opposite of the very kingdoms that had welcomed them at one time. Now the war raged on. The human middle kingdoms began falling to their blue hands, and several more had fallen recently. The lord pleaded with the counsel to help send troops but they denied him, speaking to the importance of remaining neutral.
“Sun Drinkers….” A noble whispered to another.
Kaylik’s slightly pointed ear perked up but showed no other response. Sun Drinkers were a secret faction of young dragons bent on getting involved in the war. The lord was notified of their deeds routinely, and secretly admired their tenacity. They believed in a truth where they must act in the best interest of all races. Their truth was pure like the blazing sun in the sky and they would often disregard the set ways in an attempt to bring peace back to Lukken. At first, they were small and hidden in whispers, but with the fall of the Middle Kingdoms, their numbers had grown. Kaylik wanted to be with them, fighting the good fight. Instead he was here on the border of the dragon cities; keeping the lantern on, so to speak.
The main doors at the opposite end of the throne room parted. Kaylik looked up from his daydreaming, a small smile creeping into his cheeks. A blue haired man in a blue robe stepped forward, his eyes to the lord on his seat. Kaylik nodded to him, always happy to see his younger brother and Royal Hand, Karrik. Behind the sibling, four knights walked with their heads held high and helmets under their arms. They carried themselves with the strength of heroes, and Kaylik felt better the closer they came. The four knights reached the bottom of the dais steps and each fell to one knee, their heads bowed.
“Welcome to Bright Storm Castle. Before you is Lord Kaylik Bright Storm, ruler of these lands,” Karrik bellowed.
Kaylik raised a hand, “Please rise good knights and tell me what brings you to my humble home?”
The knights rose up and gazed upon the lord with bright eyes and small smiles. A male knight stepped forward as his hand reached into a side pouch.
“Greetings, my lord. My name it Ravor. My companions are Quella, Luna and Daver. We have answered your quest and have located the Scroll of Gallis,” Ravor smiled as he pulled out an ancient scroll from his pouch and held it before him.
Kaylik looked down with a pleased gaze but his heart thudded in his chest. Karrik stepped over and took the scroll from the knight. Moving with reserved ease, the Hand took the dais steps to his lord and held out the scroll. Kaylik took it with a polite nod and placed it on his lap.
“You answered my call and have come back in victory. The scroll is an heirloom to my family line. To show my appreciation, we shall have a feast in your honor! My Hand will show you to your rooms to prepare for the festivities. Let all know that tonight we dine in honor of these heroic knights!”
The nobles clapped and shouted as the knights looked on with big smiles. Kaylik eyed the four knights as they basked in their hard-won victory. The quest he set out was a dangerous one, a number of miles south of Journey Road and in monster infested ruins. Those who took the quest would be handsomely rewarded. Kaylik held the scroll close, satisfaction filling him.
Karrik lifted a hand and touched Ravor on the shoulder. The knights looked to the Hand and followed as he led the way they came. The lord sat on his throne until the four knights stepped beyond the entranceway and the large doors closed behind. With a happy sigh, the lord was too his feet. Servants rushed to his side, ready to take down his requests for the feast and celebration to come.
“Be sure to have the finest meats, breads and fruits. Bring up many cases of Fire Belly wine and inform the towns of the celebration. I want dancing in the streets tonight,” Kaylik said with zest.
Most lords often had the Hand take care of the finer details but Kaylik enjoyed setting it into motion. Karrik wasn’t much for parties and a poor planner in that regard. Kaylik was happy knowing his celebrations brought so much joy. Wine and food would be carted out to the nearby towns and the townsfolk would rise to the occasion.
The lord walked along as his servants trailed to the left and right of him. A quick turn and through a door, he walked along a lavish balcony overlooking the main courtyard laid out before the main entrance to the throne room. Fountains flowed as birds chirped in the afternoon sun. The air was crisp with the scent of roses, lilies and jasmine.
After the servants were informed, they rushed along for the evenings preparations. Kaylik stopped at the edge of the balcony and gazed upon the gardens below. With a smile, he drank in the beauty before turning and walking to a familiar door.
Climbing a spiral staircase, the lord reached a higher floor and stepped out. Walking down a corridor, he nodded to the guards and they nodded back. The dragon lord tried to keep things light, though he had the utmost faith in his guards to rise to any challenge. A sense of foreboding touched his heart but he quickly pushed it away.
Reaching his destination, he smiled before two heavy banded doors. A guard reached out on each side and opened them. Kaylik stepped beyond the threshold into a massive chamber. Harps played as giggling and laughter filled the air. The lord looked on to half and fully naked concubines chasing each other. Some lay in fine couches, beds and chairs, several with books in their hands. Water flowed from fountains into steamy pools. Plants grew in sections against white marble and crystal ceilings.
When the dragon lord stepped in and the big doors closed behind him, eyes turned and smiles brightened. Dozens of concubines were to their feet, making their way to him. Kaylik gave them a gentle smile as they crowded around, all happy to see each other.
“My lord, will you play with us today?” A fae asked with glee.
“Shall we read to you while you feast on grapes?” A female orc asked with a book in her hand.
“We miss you!” A pair of twin elves grinned.
“My beautiful concubines, I wish to spend my time with you but I have come to ask for your help.”
“Anything for you,” several concubines said at once.
“We live to love and serve,” a few others said with smiles.
“We have guests tonight. Four knights who have performed a great deed for the kingdom. I need all of you to show your appreciation. There are two male knights and two female knights. I know several of you can shape change so please ensure they are all satisfied. Will you do this for me?”
Heads nodded instantly.
“You make me so proud,” Kaylik smiled. “I must be off. Tonight, will be one to remember.”
The concubines rushed to each other, words spilling out in excited tones. Kaylik turned and walked to the entrance, his heart filling with its own excitement. Stepping through, he made his way down the corridor toward his chambers where he could pick out an outfit for the evening.
After two turns, the doors to his chambers greeted him at the end of the corridor. A figure dressed in a blue robe stood, face a blank mask. Kaylik kept his smile as he closed the distance.
“I trust our guests are comforted,” the lord smiled.
Karrik nodded, “The tailors are seeing to their garments for the evening but they have already expressed their wishes to stay in their armor.”
“Then let them wear their armor. I see nothing wrong with their choice.”
Karrik’s head dipped, “They also wish to keep their weapons. I have expressed that would-be folly but they are insistent.”
Kaylik eyed his brother with a grin, “Do you fear they may make an attempt on my life?”
Karrik’s face remained neutral, “No, my lord, but it is highly irregular to allow them to do so. What if they become drunk and wish to hurt another guest?”
Kaylik eyed the younger brother with compassion, “Then the guards will subdue them, and if the guards cannot, then the concubines have enough power and skill to stop them. Must you fret over my well-being?”
; Karrik let a small grin slip, “It is my duty as Hand to watch over the lord and keep his best interests at heart.”
“A duty you do very well, bother. Now if you want to keep my best interests at heart, you will dress for the evening and enjoy yourself. We have plenty of captains that will be clear minded to watch over us. I expect you to join in the festivities and enjoy yourself. Consider it a royal decree.”
Karrik bowed, “Your will shall be done.”
The Hand stood up, turned and walked down a corridor. Kaylik eyed his younger brother with sibling love before entering his chambers. Stepping to the walk-in closet, he moved with purpose toward his royal garments and planned accordingly.
***
Laughter filled the great Hall. Kaylik looked down in amusement as jesters tumbled. Guests cheered with cups filled, spilling ale and wine. With chalice in hand, the lord lifted it to his lips and drank deeply. The guests of honor raised their cups with the crowd as the jesters hopped onto shoulders of two random guests. With wooden lances in their hands, they began to play joust, bringing on more cheers as the two jesters tried to unseat one another.
Kaylik let out a laugh as one jester lowered his lance and hit the other jester in the leg, causing the jester and guest to spin around before falling to the floor. The crowd jumped on tables and thrust joyful fists in the air. The lord looked down at his honored guests and they seemed to be enjoying their time. He tried to ignore their sudden glances in his direction that seemed to grow more frequent with each passing moment.
Karrik stood by his lord’s side, face a blank mask even during the jousting. The lord eyed his brother and darkness touched his heart. Blaming the wine, the lord stood up and a hush fell over the guests.
“Truly this is a time to celebrate. The sacred scroll has returned to its home and I have these brave knights to thank. I want everyone here to drink, fornicate and laugh until every kingdom of Lukken knows of these heroic deeds!” Kaylik raised his chalice, “To the Sun, Heaven and the Holy Realms!”
“To the Sun, Heaven and the Holy Realms!” the crowd cheered with unbridled power.
Everyone, including the lord, took a deep guzzle of their drink and when cups fell to chests, the infectious cheering and laughing rose up like a summer storm. Many creatures from all races took to each other in a drunken revelry. Clothes pulled away and some disappeared. Kaylik stepped from his seat and down a few steps to his four guests of honor. The four knights were to their feet, grim shadows under their eyes.
“Come with me, I have many rewards for you,” Kaylik smiled.
The dragon lord turned and moved to an open archway. The four knights followed with Karrik taking up the rear. The crowd fell into sensual caresses, deep yearnings and decadent desires.
The sound of boots echoed off the stone floor and against dark crystal walls. Kaylik led the way, a smile on his lips and a song in his heart. The four knights moved in a 2 by 2 formation behind the lord. Karrik’s eyes looked down as he walked behind them silently.
“Have you heard of the Bright Storm Amulet?” Kaylik asked.
All four heads nodded in unison.
“We have my lord,” Revor said with a deep voice.
“My bloodline carried many skills. Enchanting items was a skill we excelled at. The scroll you have brought back can help my family relearn some of those skills. Because of that, you must be rewarded with the greatest gift I can bestow.”
The knights marched in a steady rhythm. Eyes moved from side to side, taking in every inch as they walked along a long corridor. Kaylik glance back to their hard expressions, questions blooming in his mind.
“Are you not relaxed?” Kaylik asked.
“No, my lord,” Revor said simply.
Kaylik raised an eyebrow as they walked out of the corridor onto the crystal and stone balcony. “You may feel better after what I have to show you.”
“Where are we going?” Quella asked as her hand moved to the pommel of her sword.
Kaylik smiled, “I’m sure after your harrowing journey, you all wish to unwind. My private harem will see to your heart’s desires, a small token of my gratitude before I bestow on you a special gift.”
The group moved to the other side of the balcony and into another corridor. They turned to a spiral staircase and proceeded to climb. The knights continued to scan everything as they moved. When they reached the next level, everyone stepped out into a great hallway. Kaylik stopped and faced the four knights and Karrik.
“The Bright Storm amulet is a family heirloom. It has great power to enhance one’s skills. I would be honored if one of you would wear it, fighting evil in my family’s name.”
“We would be honored, “Revor said with a slight bow.
Kaylik’s smile broadened, “Excellent but onto the task at hand.”
The group moved down the oversized corridor, at the end stood large double doors. Kaylik’s brow furled as he saw the guard stations were empty. The lord stopped in his tracks as did the group. The knights turned around but Karrik stepped through them to his lord’s side.
“Karrik, where are the guards?” Kaylik said with a soft voice.
The Hand continued to walk, past his lord’s side and toward the closed doors. Kaylik eyed the back of his brother as the Hand continued on until he stood before the entryway. Raising a hand, he snapped his fingers. A glowing bolt appeared in front of the door, securing it with a magical “clank”.
Instantly, the four knights spread out and surrounded the dragon lord, drawing their blades. They put their backs to Kaylik in a protective stance as they looked up and down the large hall. Kaylik stared past two of them to his brother’s back, the darkness snuffing out his inner light.
“Karrik?” the dragon lord whispered.
Down the hall, dark figures emerged from the spiral stairwell. Blades out, large bodies moved with caged power. Several more appeared in their ranks, crossbows in thick blue hands. They all wore dark blue hoods and black skin-tight clothing. The very air grew heavy as dark eyes stared down the corridor at the four knights.
“Don’t let these bastards get any closer! Protect Lord Kaylik as all costs!” Revor commanded.
Karrik whispered a few words and a glowing aura appeared around his body.
“Tonight, your rule comes to an end,” the Hand said with a manic edge.
The front line of bodies was shoulder to shoulder, blades at the ready. Over the front lines thick shoulders, crossbows aimed. Kaylik eyed his brother with an edge of desperation and disbelief. There was no shout of attack or talk of how it would all end. Fingers simply pulled triggers and crossbow bolts fired with a sickening “Twang” of strings. Two knights braced themselves as a dozen bolts closed the distance in a blink of an eye.
Swords flashed, slicing through most of the bolts. Kaylik barely flinched as two stabbed into his back. The lord continued to stare at his brother as bodies charged. Two knights rushed the Hand while two knights rushed the incoming assassins. Karrik raised his hands and pointed his fingers. Lightning bolts exploded and streamed down the hall. One knight dodged an incoming bolt while another took one to the shoulder. The knights didn’t falter as they charged the dragon in human skin.
Assassins moved with only the sound of their padded feet muffled against the smooth stone floor. Revor and his fellow knight met them midway and blades clashed. Sparks flew into the air as the knights hacked and slashed with skillful nuance. The sounds of battle flooded the entire hallway.
Kaylik could feel the poison seep into his bloodstream as he stood stunned. The knights charging Karrik reached him just as the Hand’s body began to shift and grow larger. Scales exploded from pale skin, ripping through his blue robe. A hard snout pushed outward, skin ripping away to reveal shiny blue scales. Snout open, Karrik didn’t wait to finish his transformation before taking a breath and exhaling lightning. The two knights clashed their swords against his protective shield as one took lightning breath to the chest. The knight shattered into shards of greenish g
lass, hitting the wall and floor before vanishing.
“Dammit! Keep fighting!” Revor shouted as his blade came hard across an exposed neck.
The assassin gurgled a cry as his body shattered. The two knights kept at it but blades rained down, pushing them back inch by inch. Kalik watched as the lone knight slashed again and again at Karrik’s aura. It flashed with pulsating power. The blue dragon took up the end of the hallway, neck craning down and maw opening. The lord fell to his knees, the poison sapping his strength with each passing moment. Karrik gave a serpent grin as he unleashed his attack. The knight spun away but the lightning blazed on. Stone floor blackened as the knight hit the wall and lightning cut up the front of her body. She let out a disappointed grunt as her body split and fell away in cracked shards of light.
The blue dragon shifted his attention on Kaylik who was on his knees. Serpent eyes widened as his maw opened again and blue light glowed. Kaylik’s strength bled away as lightning arced and flashed across the medium distance. The dragon lord lifted up a hand and smacked the bolt right out of the air. The power of the blow was enough to redirect the lightning into the wall but it was also strong enough to send the lord in the opposite direction. Kaylik’s back hit a wall while stone shards filled the air across from him. The chaos stormed on until another knight fell. Kaylik watched as he shattered to greenish shards and faded away.
Revor backed up, armor with dents and a gash across his forehead. Some assassins moved closer with blades while others aimed with reloaded crossbows. Kaylik slid to the cold stone floor as the poison stripped him away piece by piece.
“Forgive me for not being strong enough,” Revor said with a thick growl.
“You did your best,” Kaylik said with a weak whisper.
The dragon form of Karrik grinned as he stepped closer, tail swishing back and forth. Kaylik eyed his brother, regret and strange waves of sadness pulsating under his skin. Images of his brother over him, played on again and again. The cosmic swirl of death touched his being but this time, another swirl of light joined it.