by Eden Redd
“The guards informed me the two slimes were acting odd, even for them. Each slime appeared on opposite ends of the city. No one was hurt but each slime gibbered and moaned as though a madness had taken hold. Xoli is investigating to see if a slime disease had taken root.”
Dorian’s gaze dropped, “Let us hope that is all it is. I assume you have a plan prepared?”
General Strum nodded, “I do. I have assembled several squads of guards with torches and casks of oils. They will enter the sewers and burn them out if need be. It will take some time but it will be a controlled extermination.”
Strum pulled out a rolled up scroll from his jacket vest, “Jyda informed me you wanted her to write a letter to her people. This is the letter in question. I have looked it over and it is straight forward, asking of any news from beyond the pass.”
Dorian took the scroll and unfurled it. Eyes moved from left to right before he reached the bottom and rolled it back up. Handing it back, Strum took the scroll and placed in his vest once again.
“The letter is fine. Be sure to have one of your trusted men deliver it to the statue. Is there any other word from the scouting mission?”
“The men returned and found nothing out of ordinary along the Demon’s Pass. The forest was quiet with no sign of any shadow elves or any mysterious monsters. If something is happening, it is well beyond the pass to the north. I have added several more patrols and instructed the men to light the brazier’s along the pass. With the celebration tonight, the firelight will ensure the men can see anything coming through so there will be no surprises.”
Dorian nodded as he pulled the fur blankets from him and swung his legs over the side. Lord Lockwood stood up naked with Splitter in hand. Walking to the edge of the bed, he placed Splitter on its hook before turning to the General.
“Is there anything else?”
General Strum’s lips curled into a small grin, “The royal guest quarters are prepared. Our scouts have already spotted the caravans for Lord Pitt to the east and Lady Astor to the west. They should arrive within the next hour.”
A cold chill seeped into Dorian’s neck before firming up his resolve, “Make sure they are attended too. Pick out the finest wine for Lady Astor and ensure Lord Pitt has comfortable seating.”
“It will be done,” General Strum kept his grin.
Dorian hesitated before giving the general a wide eyed look, “Titus…I never thank you enough for….”
Strum cut him off, “It is my duty to you and the kingdom to keep things in order for the kingdom’s own protection. Today marks your celebration and you should not spend your time handling the details. I will issue the orders to ensure all is well. This afternoon we can greet your guests and then move on to the celebration.”
A smirk stabbed at Strum’s right cheek as he continued, “I recommend my lord stay to the tower and catch up on some light reading. I will come for you when everything is in order.”
Dorian smiled, “As you recommend, General Strum.”
The lord and general gave each other a heartfelt gaze before the general turned and exited the royal bedchamber. Dorian looked down to the journal in his hand, wondering what secrets his father left for him.
***
Nypha’s eyes slowly opened and a tired hiss floated from her lips. The dragon stirred but could not bring herself to rise. Thoughts floated to last night and warmth caressed her cheeks. Turning on her side, her tail writhed among the fur blankets as she curled into a ball.
The abuse she put her body through last night whispered into her thoughts. Losing count on the number of orgasms she endured, a dull ache radiated from between her thighs. Even with her regeneration, the feeling of unending abuse seemed to speak volumes. The night turned into erotic flashes, listening to Dorian and torturing herself with swirling bliss, again and again.
Nypha could feel the morning light touch the castle even though her bedchamber had no windows. The dragon rolled onto her stomach, stuffing her face into the pillows and letting out a muffled sigh. She wanted nothing more than to stay in bed but she knew at some point Dorian would come for her. It was the day of his celebration but deep down, Nypha knew he would come and ask questions about what they talked about last night.
Letting out another muffled sigh, the dragon rose up. Scaled legs swung over the side and soon the dragon was standing on shaky legs. Turning to the large mirror against a wall, Nypha gave a disapproving nod as her hair was disheveled and eyes sagged. Concentrating, her hair shifted and flowed into place while her face took on a brighter sheen. The dragon turned her naked body to the side, tail whipping back and forth while she inspected her curves and gave an approving nod.
Nypha moved to the closet and pulled out the emerald green robe. Slipping into it, she gave herself the once over again before moving to the bed chamber doors. Sensitive ears drank in Dorian’s strong heartbeat. Leaving the bed chamber, she turned to the private library, listening to Dorian with each step. Hand on the door handle, the dragon gave it a pull and stepped inside.
Dorian sat at the main table, boots on the surface while leaning back in a chair, and a leather journal in his hands. The lord didn’t look up as his eyes continued focusing on the book. Turning a page, he remained silent as Nypha stepped to his side and looked down.
“A fascinating read?” Nypha asked with a warm inquisitive tone.
Dorian nodded, “My father left me a journal for my 19th year celebration. I can still hear his voice in the written words.”
Nypha gave a gentle smile as she placed a clawed hand on his shoulder. Dorian reached up and placed his hand over hers, never taking his eyes off the journal. The gentle touch sent a spike of heat up Nypha’s neck but she kept it contained, enjoying the moment.
Dread crept into the dragon’s eyes as she parted her lips, “About last night….”
Dorian stopped reading and looked up, leaning his head on the back of the chair, “There is nothing to discuss other than me asking for your forgiveness. I fear the wine loosened my tongue. What you said to me last night needed to be said. I cannot hold it against you for speaking the truth.”
Nypha’s heart clenched in her chest, “I took no pleasure in it. I meant what I said, you are special to me.”
Dorian looked away, eyes falling to the open journal in his lap, “As you are to me. I can only hope you continue to visit so we may enjoy a game of Towers from time to time.”
Nypha stared down as the lord went back to his reading. Touching his shoulder only bridged the connection and she did not want to break it. Dorian’s scent rose up and set the dragon’s heart aflame. How she wished to bask in it until foul duty touched her mind. Lifting up her hand, she curled her fingers in as she walked to an empty chair and sat down.
Dorian looked up from the book to the dragon. Nypha sat, a blank mask covering her internal storm. The lord and dragon sat silently for a long moment before Dorian pulled back his boots, the legs of the chair slamming down. Placing the book on the table, he slid it closer so they both could look at it.
“My father left me a book filled with advice and knowledge but this chapter is about Splitter.”
Nypha woke from her internal storm and focused her eyes on the open book.
Dorian continued, “It says here that he prepared for the time when I could learn how to truly wield Splitter. He says that there is a place about a day’s journey from here, hidden among the mountains, where I can learn Splitter’s secrets.”
Nypha looked down and saw the map, “When do you plan on setting out to find this location?”
“Tomorrow, after the celebration,” Lord Lockwood smiled.
“Will you be bringing an escort?”
Dorian shook his head, “No. Father writes here I must go alone so not to chance anyone else learning Splitter’s secrets.”
Nypha eyed the book before looking up to Dorian, “I cannot with good conscience let you ride out alone, not when there is tension with the shadow elves. I must accompany you
for your protection.”
Dorian kept his gaze on the beautiful dragon woman, “After today, you no longer have to honor the oath. You’ll be free of your duty. You don’t have to protect me.”
Nypha’s lips smoothed into a knowing smirk, “My oath was to protect you for your father. After tonight, it is my decision if I wish to protect you. I see nothing preventing me from watching over you with this small quest…..if you wish for my company.”
The lord smiled, “I would be honored if you accompanied me.”
Nypha returned the smile, “Good. Now before we lose the morning, we should prepare what you are going to wear for your celebration.”
The lord and dragon eyed each other for a long moment before they focused on details for the evening. Dorian treasured the moment, unsure how many more times he would see the beautiful dragon. Nypha carried on, trying not to stare at the handsome lord as she questioned her own motives before the celebration.
***
Dorian sat on his throne, a fickle dread painting his brow and butterflies in his stomach. The lord waited, slouching a little as Strum stood to his right and Nypha stood to his left. Next to Strum stood Xoli, hood covering her head and eyes looking outward to the vast throne room.
Light spilled in from high arched windows, filling the throne room with warm brilliance. Guards lined the walls while local nobles filled the sides and middle of the room. Before the throne room dais, two families gathered, eyes upwards to Lord Lockwood and smiles on their lips.
A sick annoyance clouded Dorian’s thoughts. He despised the royal traditions of meeting and welcoming his guests. If he truly had his way, they all would have been shoved into their quarters until the celebration started so he could escape them at will. The lord remembered Strum trying to hold back a chuckle as he reminded Dorian of his royal duty once again. Dorian lamented on the point of being a lord when he couldn’t escape his duties from time to time.
The crowd began to settle down. Dorian’s gaze moved to Lord Pitt as he sat with his family standing around him. Lord Pitt was a noble lord of the eastern tower kingdom of Versara. They watched the haunted Widow’s Pass. Where Uboria dealt with shadow elves and monsters from the Demon’s Pass, Lord Pitt’s kingdom fought off the undead that trickled in. His clerics were well versed in holy magic and their army could repel any undead army that marched south. Lord Pitt himself led many sorties against the dead until gout took root in his leg. The lord enjoyed a good fight but he enjoyed his wine and food even more. Leg misshapen, he often found it difficult to stand for periods at a time and spent most of his time sitting while continuing to enjoy his meat and drink.
To Lord Pitt’s right was his beautiful wife, Lady Emily, and to his left stood Princess Chandra Pitt. The princess stood with her head bowed and hands at her sides. Dorian heard the rumors that the princess often came off shy but secretly liked to indulge in orgies. She knew no limit and often exhausted men and women. The princess was beautiful with long brown hair and kind eyes but if the rumors were true, she was a hungry beast behind closed doors. Many have spoken that her shy demeanor was a façade and if she set her sights on someone, little could stop her.
Princess Pitt looked up and Dorian quickly looked away. The mere glance of the princess set him on edge as her hunger glowed despite her quiet appearance. Looking to Lady Astor was not much better. The lady gazed upon Dorian with a knowing smile. Standing at six feet, the lady was a giant among many people. Rumors filled the kingdoms to the western edge. Lady Astor was a strong, intelligent and shrewd woman but it was also known that her husband met an untimely fate shortly after their wedding. Since then she had birthed many daughters but no one knew who the fathers were. It was believed the Lady, once pregnant, would kill the man who filled her belly with their seed. Darker rumors also flowed that the Lady only wanted daughters and if any males were born, they were quickly put to death.
Dorian repressed a shudder as he looked to Lady Astor’s long black hair tied back into a royal braid and standing with her daughters. Lady Astor ruled over the kingdom of Borda, directly south of the Goblin Tears Pass to the west. Her people are skilled on hunting and slaying goblins, so skilled in fact that there hasn’t been a single goblin raid in close to ten years. It has been long known that the Lady wishes to expand her kingdom and brought her entire brood with her.
Dorian wasn’t concerned about most of her daughters, save the eldest. Princess Victoria Astor was Lady Astor’s first born and believed to be Lord Astor’s legitimate daughter before his mysterious death. She did carry his tall stature of six feet two inches. The princess was a warrior and despite her royal garb, Dorian could see the strength in her lean neck and intense icy blue eyes. She stared at Lord Lockwood like she was going to eat him and Dorian was concerned that he might actually be on her menu.
The lord couldn’t take the creepy stillness in the throne room any longer. Sitting up and leaning forward, a smile bloomed despite the darkness in his eyes.
“Welcome Lord Pitt and Lady Astor to Uboria. I trust you had a pleasant journey,” Dorian said with a fake welcoming glow.
Lady Astor stepped forward, “Thank you for allowing us to come to your kingdom for your birth celebration. I assume your response letter was lost along the way but I knew you would welcome us with open arms.”
Lord Pitt let out a chuckle, “And so it begins. Lady Astor, will you ever put away your sharp tongue? It is Lord Lockwood’s birth celebration.”
“I’m merely pointing out that for a kingdom to run successfully, the lord should have a lady at his side to help with such duties,” Lady Astor said out the side of her mouth but kept her eyes on Dorian.
Lord Pitt let out a sarcastic laugh, “Ha! Where is your lord my lady? Are there details being missed since you rule alone?”
Lady Astor shot Lord Pitt a dirty look, “My heart belongs to Lord Berric Astor, may his soul rest in peace. He was such a sturdy man and had two functioning legs, as I remember.”
Lord Pitt let out another hearty laugh, “My leg may not work, but as you can see my sword still performs. Perhaps I could show it to Princess Victoria and unite both of our families?”
A small chuckle filled the room.
Lady Astor spun around and glared at the laughing lord, “You sheath that dirty sword or I’ll have it cut off and hang it on my…..” Lady Astor was cut off.
“Please!” Dorian said with raised hands. “I’m happy you and your families braved the forests and roads to come to my celebration. I wish no ill will and will allow each of you to come forward and speak of uniting our kingdoms, but not today. For today, I wish for you to relax and enjoy the celebration. Do you agree?”
Lord Pitt, his wife and daughter nodded in agreement. Lady Astor seethed for a moment before turning to Lord Lockwood, smoothing out her royal dress and bowing her head.
Dorian let out an internal sigh of relief, “We will ensure you are all comfortable and ready for the celebration in a few hours. First I would….” The lord was cut off as several guards ran in.
All eyes turned to four guards as they made their way through, eyes wide. Dorian beckoned them closer as they moved to the dais and knelt down.
“My lord,” one guard panted, “Dragons circle the sky above the castle!”
Seven
Lord Lockwood stood up, General Strum handing Dorian his father’s sword. The lord immediately put the strap over his shoulder, Splitter hanging against his back. Without a word, the lord, general, dragon and sorceress proceeded down the dais steps to the throne room floor. Bodies parted except for Lord Pitt and Lady Astor. Lord Pitt stayed in his chair while his daughter stepped behind Dorian and his entourage. Lady Astor and her eldest daughter followed behind as well, keeping pace as the guards converged to either side of the lord.
The entire party moved to the throne room entrance and steps. Eyes up, the sun shined brightly in the clear sky as three dark winged shadows spiraled against the azure background. Dorian’s eyes adjusted to the glare as N
ypha stayed at his side, heart sinking. The stairs leading to the throne room were filled with guards and royalty as the dragons continued their circling, serpent eyes cast downward.
Dorian noted the guards along the battlements turn giant scorpion crossbows as archers readied their bows. Uboria had never endured a dragon attack but that didn’t mean it wasn’t prepared. Metal arrow points gleamed in the brilliant light as they aimed at the circling wyrms.
“We should move you inside in case this turn deadly,” General Strum said with his hand rested on his blade pommel.
Dorian stared at the dragons, “I don’t think they are here to attack. I believe they are simply visiting.”
The three dragons folded their wings back and dived for the large courtyard. Bodies tensed but Dorian lifted a hand to stay their hand. Two green and black dragons landed with a graceful flapping of webbed wings while another with deep blue scales thudded against the hard stone surface. Serpent necks twisted and gazed out at the army surrounding them from the battlements. The two green and black dragons sported a familiar silver streak along their necks as they continued to watch the humans. The blue one growled its contempt and opened its maw, flashing dagger sized teeth.
The crowd around Dorian stepped back, fear touching their senses, but Dorian kept his stoic stance, his people around him. Nypha’s brow grew soft as she stood by his side, knowing full well this was not going to go well.
Dorian kept his calm demeanor as he stepped forward, arms out. He had been around Nypha long enough that dragon fear had no effect on him. He did keep in mind the possibility of attack but from what Nypha told him and the markings, it would be rude to attack family.
“Welcome to Uboria,” Dorian shouted with a kind edge.
The dragons turned their attention to the lone lord, eyes narrowing. The larger green and black one stepped closer, eyes on the lord and then shifting to Nypha who stayed at the top of the steps.
“You thought you could hide with them?” The dragon growled.