Dracon and the Edge of the World

by Michael T Payne

  He, however, was not amused and pointed across the ring at Dracon, angrily.

  “And is this yours? This weak human, is he your champion?” He yelled in return.

  Dracon stood his ground and folded his arms over his chest staring down Razor-tooth.

  “My champion is ready to face this thing, if it is ready?” She asked Lars passing him on the way back to her side of the ring.

  “I am ready to face you!” Razor-tooth pounded his chest and walked across the ring to Talila, he was massively wide and muscled, Talila stood her ground fearlessly, “But I doubt he’s ready for the likes of me!” he growled as he moved even closer to her, “When you see what I do to your pet, you may wish something stronger for your bed.” He whispered, drooling all the while.

  Talila raised her hand and put a finger to Razor-tooth’s jaw, then traced his jaw line with a gentle caress.

  “Maybe?” She whispered then looked at Dracon, “But he’s not my champion. That, is my champion.” She stopped her teasing caress of his face and pointed at the front door of the tavern.

  Um’Vec smashed the door to pieces entering the bar, then roared. The crowd silenced, people near to the entrance fled behind tables and chairs for protection. He shook the ground as he made his way over to where Talila waited. Razor-tooth backed away from Talila returning to his side of the ring watching Um’Vec make his way to Talila. Everyone was stunned at the sight of the seven-foot bugbear entering the bar. Talila looked at Lars.

  “What are the odds?” She asked as Um’Vec took his place at the edge of the ring, facing the surprised half-orc, Razor-tooth.

  “Twenty,” Lars said looking up at Um’Vec astonished, “Twenty to one, my lady.”

  Talila laughed and walked over to Um’Vec.

  “Destroy that thing.”

  Um’Vec roared and smashed his fists against the ground, like an ape getting ready to charge. People gasped in fear, recoiling from the edges of the fighting area. The referee stepped tentatively to the center of the ring watching Um’Vec with great caution, ready to run out of the way, should it be necessary.

  “Razor-tooth!” The referee announced to a slow clap at first, making Razor-tooth angry. He looked around at the crowd, raising his arms, urging them to cheer for him with more vigor, which they did, but it was a slow build, most were stunned by the size of the bugbear. “Versus, uh… the ladies, uh, … champion?”

  “Woo!” Satana yelled in the silence after his introduction and clapped twice, slowly stopping, noticing she was alone in her support of Um’Vec. Dracon looked at her with a smirk. She was drunk, “What?” she asked, “I’m having fun, so what? I get to watch a fight, maybe get in one?” she shrugged.

  “Some people’s, ‘warmed up’, is another lass’s, ‘slobbery’.” Grik whispered.

  Satana punched Grik’s shoulder.

  Razor-tooth and Um’Vec walked to the middle of the ring. Razor-tooth looked up at the towering Um’Vec, defiantly. He held his hand out to Um’Vec. Both beasts grabbed the other by their forearms. The referee wrapped their massive arms together from one elbow to the other.

  “Razor-tooth! Razor-tooth!” the chant started slowly, boiling to a roar.

  Lars walked to the center of the ring next to the referee and raised his hands, quieting the crowd to a low murmur.

  “This match will continue until one of you is on the floor!” Lars announced to the two beasts and the crowd around them, “I can’t imagine either one of you taking a knee to the other.” The comment made Razor-tooth snort in disgust at the thought, then spit on the floor. “So, place your bets and let’s fight!”

  A cheer erupted, shaking the building, some stomped their feet, while others renewed the chants for their champion. Razor-tooth nodded, not taking his eyes off of Um’Vec. The bugbear however, looked over his shoulder at Talila who gave him a single nod. Um’Vec turned back to Razor-tooth with a guttural growl baring his teeth at him. The sight of it made Lars recoil in fear. He turned to the referee then nodded and left the ring quickly.

  “My lady,” Lars returned to Talila’s side, “I hope you understand, there will be a small charge for the door?” Talila turned her head slowly meeting his gaze, her eyes flashed red in a blink, “I suppose, it can be absorbed on my end.” He added then made some space between them.

  “One!” The crowd yelled and Razor-tooth wasted no time, rearing back with his free hand and slugging Um’Vec as hard as he could in the face.

  Um’Vec’s head snapped straight back and after two spasmed snort’s, Um’Vec sneezed right in Razor-tooth’s face, covering him in mucus. A groan of disgust spread through the crowd. Razor-tooth wiped his face disgusted. Um’Vec wiggled his nose and snorted, then shook his head. He growled and slowly raised his free hand, with a mighty thump, he hit Razor-tooth on the top of the head with his fist, his head sunk into his neck, then popped back up into place. Razor-tooth went limp. Um’Vec held his arm up that was tied to Razor-tooth, keeping the half-orc from falling to the ground.

  “Two!” Talila yelled in the quiet of the stunned tavern.

  Um’Vec struck the unconscious Razor-tooth a second time, smashing his fist into the side of Razor-tooth’s dangling head, all but ripping his ear off. The crowd shivered at the sight of it. Blood sprayed everywhere.

  “Three!” Talila yelled again to the dissatisfaction of the other half-orcs watching on, who called for a stop to the fight.

  Um’Vec struck a third time, sending the infamous single capped tusk of Razor-tooth from his jaw, into the crowd. That was all the half-orcs could stomach, they rushed to the ring to aid their fellow orc. Satana grabbed the hilt of her sword and started to move toward the ring, Grik was ready to follow.

  “Stay where you are!” Dracon barked, stopping them before they could take a full step, “It’s time he got some proper exercise.”

  Talila glared at Dracon, concerned for her pet. Um’Vec roared in victory, holding up the unconscious, and unrecognizable, Razor-tooth, dangling from his arm. A half-orc rushed at Um’Vec from across the ring. Um’Vec swung Razor-tooth into the half-orc with such force, the snapping of Razor-tooth’s arm could be heard through-out the bar. Other half-orcs stopped their approach after hearing the sound and watching their comrade flattened by Razor-tooth’s broken body.

  Lars motioned to a couple of his bouncers to get in the ring and stop the fighting. His men shook their heads no. They refused to go anywhere near Um’Vec. Talila marched into the center of the ring, just in front of Um’Vec.

  “This is my champion!” Talila announced circling the edges of the ring, she wanted to end the fighting before others rushed in to help the orc, since Dracon would not allow anyone to help Um’Vec, she decided she would step in, “This is the mighty, Um’Vec!” Talila pointed her open hand at him, “Who will stand against my champion? In this ring?” she asked looking at the crowd, she turned to Dracon, Grik, and Satana, “Who thinks they can take my champion?” She yelled with a snarl on her face looking right at Satana, “Is there anyone else?”

  The bar was quiet. Talila waited a moment, then turned away from Satana slowly, glaring at her the entire time, then she walked over to the referee.

  “Give me your knife.”

  The referee quickly complied. Razor-tooth moaned, Um’Vec lifted him and his arm quickly, then slammed him back down against the floor, unconscious again. Talila took the knife to Um’Vec, who took a knee before her.

  “That little bitch!” Satana growled, “I’ll show her a champion!” she took a step and started undoing her sword belt.

  “Leave it alone.” Dracon ordered before she could take a second step, she wanted desperately to oblige Talila’s request for another challenger.

  “Give me your arm.” Talila commanded Um’Vec in his own tongue.

  Um’Vec raised his arm to her. She cut Razor-tooth free of her champion. Talila looked at Lars.

  “A round for the house, then bring me my money!”

  The crowd erupted in cheers
, then started chanting.

  “Um’Vec! Um’Vec! Um’Vec!”

  The referee entered the ring after Um’Vec and Talila left, then helped clear the half-orcs. When the beaten half-orcs were removed, the fights were slow to begin anew. Dracon and Talila returned to a table, while Satana, Grik and Um’Vec left the bar completely. As the fights resumed, and the tavern returned to normal, Katlin joined them at the table. Before he could speak, Rayna sat abruptly, putting her hand on the table with an envelope in her fingers. She slid it across the table to Talila.

  “For you, my lady.” She said and bowed her head, “Your champion is impressive.”

  Talila took the envelope and opened it.

  “An invitation, my lady,” A man appeared suddenly at the tables side. The way he was dressed, there was no doubt he was a man of means and influence. He wore colorful clothes with a rich dark red cloak. A fanciful feathered cap adorned his perfectly combed head. He carried himself like royalty. He bowed respectfully to Talila. “That was a very impressive display. Your beast is extremely well mannered for such a creature. Your level of control is unheard of. I beg your pardon, I forget myself. It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Lord Cosik Vette.” Talila stood up and curtsied, he immediately took her hand, bowing his head.

  He spotted her ruby necklace and awed at its magnificence. Talila knew how to respond as a lady should, looking to Katlin for an introduction, a lady does not introduce herself. Katlin rose hastily.

  “Oh, of course, uh… um… may I have the pleasure of introducing, Lady Talila Preswynn and her consort…” Talila shot him a glare, “My apologies, her uh, husband? Lord Dracon?”

  Dracon started to stand.

  “Please, don’t get up. May I join you?”

  Talila motioned to Katlin’s chair. Lord Vette glanced at the she-elf, giving her a slight nod, then she disappeared into the crowded bar. Talila slid the invitation over to Dracon.

  “What is this?” He asked putting his hand on the envelope.

  “It’s an invitation,” Lord Vette smiled, “The higher class of the land, the lords and ladies who serve the emperors court, that is, meet regularly for a truly magnificent evening of games, much more sophisticated than these barbarisms here, ones of a more enjoyable nature. Should you wish to try your champion against real competition, more than just these drunkards. There are greater rewards to be acquired, of course, the fights are to the death. But one could get herself an invitation to the emperor himself, should she wager and win against the right individual. I imagine with your beauty; the emperor may wish to meet you without such a properly placed wager.” Talila was flattered and smiled, then looked at Dracon.

  “Have you ever heard of a place called Qinkas?” Dracon couldn’t help himself from asking, he completely forgot why they were there.

  It was all he really wanted to know, a direction, a way back, a starting point that could lead him to Ganlin, and his vengeance. Talila squeezed his forearm, his question caught her off-guard. They were only there for Katlin’s quest; Dracon could derail it if he forgot himself and talked too much about his own desires.

  “No,” Lord Vette answered, “Is it across the sea?”

  Dracon nodded considering how to answer.

  “These games?” Talila asked before any more talk of Qinkas could begin, the last thing she wanted to hear was someone say ‘yes’ to Dracon’s questions, “Are they musty, or can a lady present herself properly, without worrying about filth in the air, clinging to her young supple body?” she looked around the bar putting a hand to her bare upper breast, just under her ruby necklace, and gently bit her lip.

  “I assure you, my lady, the atmosphere is much more… sterile, compared to this place. There are many games, in a garden on my manor. Lords and ladies from all over the empire will be in attendance. You will be surrounded by people more akin to your status. Of course, should your lord allow your attendance.”

  “Her mind is her own, I assure you of that, Lord…”

  “Vette, Lord Cosik Vette.” He smiled and tilted his head to Dracon, eyeing the scar across his forehead just shy of being rude, before returning his attention to Talila.

  “I would love to attend,” Talila lit up and smiled, “I will be accompanied of course.” she glanced briefly at Dracon.

  “Of course.” Lord Vette replied, “You are a very bold young lady, I must say, the way you handle yourself…” He paused looking at Talila with a smile, she batted her eyes at his compliment, “You’ll have to allow me to show my hospitality and stay at the inn on the other side of town, I have rooms there on retainer. It is the best in these parts.” He kept glancing down at her necklace, admiring the large ruby.

  Talila caught him looking and thought it was more than her necklace he was enamored with. Lord Vette knew right away what she must have thought.

  “The stone is most exquisite, my lady, forgive me for staring. It is large.” He bowed.

  “Of course, Lord Vette.” Talila smiled, “I don’t mind being admired… my necklace that is.” She giggled playfully.

  She stole Lord Vette’s breath with her flirtation, making him smile very wide.

  “Of course.” Dracon said, his face was devoid of any emotion, paying little attention to Lord Vette, or what he was looking at.

  Instead, he looked around the bar wondering where the she-elf ran off to. That question was quickly answered when she returned to the table standing next to Lord Vette.

  “It’s called the Pampered Palace. Show them your invitation and accommodations will be made for you… and yours.” Lord Vette explained nodding at Dracon, “If you’ll excuse me, I must regretfully bid you good night, my lady, you’ll be contacted in a few days. Enjoy your stay and your fairly won gold. I look forward to seeing you again.” The she-elf lifted a bag of coins to the table, its weight was obvious, “I had the unfortunate pleasure of betting against your champion. Two hundred and twenty gold, and I’ve covered the expense of the door.” He glanced at the open entryway, “I look forward to an opportunity to win my money back.”

  He smiled and stood. Talila stood as he stood, offering her hand, which he took without delay. Dracon was ignorant to their conversation, distracted by the peripheral activity in the bar. Lord Vette kissed her hand letting his lips linger a moment, a moment enough for Talila to know she had him.

  “Good evening, Lord Vette.” Talila said with a sexy smile, then swatted Dracon’s shoulder, getting his attention and making him stand.

  Dracon gave a nod to Lord Vette, who could hardly look away from Talila. He managed a brief smile at Dracon before looking back at her, taking one last long look at her before leaving the bar. Talila knew he desired her, she teased him to the point that Lord Vette blatantly eyed her, even in front of Dracon, who was introduced as her husband. She wondered if he believed it, maybe he thought Dracon was just a consort? In either case, he had no fear of reprisal from Dracon, who did little to give him cause to fear any. Dracon’s own thoughts were distracting, making him oblivious to the conversation before him. Talila was annoyed that Dracon, so distracted, did not notice the way Lord Vette eyed her, he wasn’t jealous at all!

  “It seems we’ll have a few days in a real bed, at least.”

  “Hmm.” Dracon grunted dismissively.

  “Shall we then?”

  “What?” He asked giving Talila his full attention.

  “Shall we go?” she asked.

  “Where?”

  Talila scrunched her face, then took a deep breath and looked at the table top a moment. It was shattered, worn, and splintered, all along its edges. It made her reluctant to touch it with her bare hands.

  “Dracon, we have been invited to stay at an inn, by the lord who gave us the invitation, the plan is proceeding, are you not paying attention?”

  “Yes, I know, I just didn’t know you meant right now.” Dracon could see her face getting red, annoyed with him. He took her hand, gently, “Are you ready to go now?”

  “Yes, unless you
wish to make a sport of drinking until you can’t see straight!” She jerked her hand back and stood up, not looking at him.

  Dracon watched her a moment, wondering why she would say such a thing? He never drank to excess, certainly not in front of her. He stood up.

  “I’ll wait outside while you find your little thief!” She said and walked away from him immediately.

  “I’m sure he’ll be fine on his own, let’s go.” He held his hand out for her to lead the way.

  Once outside, the bar erupted in cheers as the games were once again in full swing. More people were arriving as Talila and Dracon joined the rest of their group by the horses. The town was alive, more so at night, than it had been when they arrived earlier in the afternoon. Merchants lined the streets and a market had sprung up in the hours they were in the bar. Torches lit either side of the dusty road outside the bar.

  “Which way to the Pampered Palace?” Dracon asked aloud, Talila looked at him with a sneer, hardly believing he could remember the name of the place, as little attention as he paid.

  Grik spotted a halfling and walked over to him then asked him for directions. The halfling was more than willing to point them in the right direction for a copper piece. Grik led the way through the crowded streets, lit by torches and a very bright summer moon.

  The Pampered Palace was a white and gold building, brightly illuminated in the night. The white of the paint made the wood appeared to be smooth stone to the eye. It wasn’t until one was walking up the front steps could the grains in the wood be spotted. The gold was the same, simple gold paint, giving the allure of golden capped banisters and handrails. Attendants waited at the front of the building to greet newcomers and open the doors of horse drawn carriages. The area was much different than the rest of the town, far less foot traffic, or wanderers in the night.

  Talila moved ahead of the group, to be the first to arrive. She wanted to continue leading the group herself, an important lady, royalty, which she truly considered herself in any case. Even without Dracon as a king, she was a Vordalyn Princess, she should be the first to enter. Um’Vec led all the horses, while Grik and Satana, both inebriated, spent their time bragging to one another about how they fared in their choice of games at the bar. Dracon let Talila get ahead of him. He was not oblivious to the fact he was annoying her and opted to let her have some space. When she reached the steps, an attendant tried to speak to her, but she walked by him, continuing up the steps and in the ornate double doors. Dracon stopped at the attendant, then pointed at Um’Vec.