Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “With pleasure.” Cage’s fingers touched their counterparts as if he held an invisible ball. His muscles tensed as imagination became reality. Power appeared at a single point and a slight whoosh passed their highly sensitive hearing as the point expanded into the available space between the fingers and palm.

  “Ah, the vacuum bomb. Quite a nasty motion.” Daku began stalking.

  “Yeah, and it will work on you because if the membrane touches you, the surrounding air will be sucked in and release almost at the same time. Just like it did at the hatchery when you grabbed that metal-gem. This trick uses physical nature, something not even your magical resistance is capable of avoiding.”

  “And the most desperate.” Daku crouched, his back end raised like a real cat. “It is slow and will last but several seconds before you need to stop and hold still to do it again.”

  “That is where you are wrong.” Cage grinned and conjured his flight board. Daku’s eyes widened as the stationary Cage shot forward before pushing his hands out, locking the heels of his palms together and pulling his finger’s back to launch it forward. The vacuum bomb shot and Cage watched almost in morbid fascination as Daku calculated just how to move and knew there was no completly avoiding it, but he dropped and pushed sideways. Unfortunately it connected with his long tail. There was a sudden sound of suction before blood and flesh blew apart and sprayed like mist. The puffy tip dropped to the ground while over a foot was blown beyond repair.

  Daku roared as he tried clawing at cage, but a simple thought with his powerful mind sent a message to the board and thrust upwards out of reach on a burst of air before guiding the board without so much as leaning. “My body is stationary, but now my new mind can allow me to move while doing this.” He laughed as he shot one bomb every two seconds, forcing Daku to stay on the defensive, unable to properly catch and avoid the incoming attacks without the remainder of the blown apart tail.

  As a last desperate attack, Daku released a reverberating shrill roar that shredded all active spells, but Cage was ready as his board vanished and jumped while creating a single marble behind his left heel and made it detonate during a flip, firing off his foot to kick the back of Daku’s head and send him a dozen feet to the ground. Cage rotated a shoulder just in time to land on his feet, bend the knees and roll safely thanks to advanced Parkour skills.

  Daku’s neck would be considered bent at an unnatural angle if his large eyes weren’t fixed. Like an owl, he could spin his head all the way around. He picked himself up and limped, the back right leg broken. Cage and his Familiar laughed, but only Daku required healing. The tail completely regenerated after a few moments. “Ingenious work!”

  The warlock bowed completely at the waist and exaggerated his arms. “Thank you. I try.” They laughed and then Daku leapt to playfully wrestle. “Not this time!” Cage said as he bucked his hips and rolled the much heavier opponent over.

  The two of them played around and fought for a few more hours, reconnecting as they enjoyed. Some came out to watch the spectacle and bloodbath they put on.

  “Hessan, I was just about to have someone ask why you’re late.” Cage said as the brown Rex touched down after teleporting in.”

  “Unforeseen duties arose, Cage Two-legs.” Rex Hessan almost growled. “My colony’s territory was just probed powerfully by Heedi Rova.”

  The situation wiped the smirk off Cage and changed to a grin. “A statement that serious must wait. Follow us.” Daku announced before his partner overstepped.

  “Indeed it does, White King Daku.”

  The three of them walked quickly to the skull pillars and Cage allowed the Rex entrance before hurrying to take flight. Rex Heesan didn’t ask why they flew, but didn’t need to. Cage said as he flew closer on his board. “Ulon and Poli hollowed more of my mountain out to create a meeting area for us. You guys are too big to sit out on the beach. Magic is prevented from eavesdropping and forms of sight, but last thing we need is an enemy disguised, with beyond natural sight able to read lips from miles away.”

  “Understandable. The power of your colony is indeed comparable to the Fire Mountains. None will be able to spy, but I request to offer mana to fortify our safety.”

  “My island’s wards are designed to take a minimal amount from all life, but also you can speak and the crystal network has been imprinted with my level of hearing. It will hear your vocal vibrations and understand the context if you clearly state how much power you are willing to volunteer. Draconian works especially well. Shrral already donated a six month supply of what his body can produce.”

  Rex Hessan stretched out one huge hand and a crystal stone that looked to weight no less than three tons appeared. He then ordered two hundred years worth to be deposited and laughed at Cage’s expression. The air shook in the dragon’s deep tone. “Surprised you I did.” He said smugly. “Much as you have done to me. It is my gift as well as strength to make your wards hold no matter the attack. Your strength and this supply will hold off any visual attack for centuries and physical for many decades if under siege. Between we,” Hessan looked between the warlock and griffin. “The probe to my colony was too aggressive, especially since we reside on the second largest landmass on the other side of Raliea. Mine is the smallest colony, but we, as you two-legs’ say, are mostly farmers of wyverns and wyrms. Unlike Rex Nattan’s Fire Mountain colony, we have few soldiers. Your wards need protection if the Rare Ones have seen. Rex Gralla displayed the moment and not even I have seen all Rare Ones. Never have they gathered from around universe before. Griffins walk and fly again. My excess mana will aid. My belief in the Rare Ones is absolute. I help save Raliea and all worlds any possible way I am able.”

  “Well I’m thankful. It really helps because I’m constantly dumping most of mine to keep the network strong because an attack will come, it’s only a matter of time. Thanks to you I can instead divert what I was doing to my personal gems.” With a thought the siphoning rate in his black diamonds began to gorge on his surplus production.

  It didn’t take long to find the cave entrance and landing area. A white soldier dragon stepped aside as the three came in for a landing. The dense stone didn’t even crack under Rex Hessan’s weight. The white male lowered his neck in acknowledgement of the Rex’s status before curling up and blocking the entrance to the cave. Cage whispered in Daku’s ear and got a nod before the happy king flew on ahead. Cage couldn’t keep pace with the elder dragon by running flat out, but flying on his board managed perfectly. An automatic lighting system lit the way to a fork in the spacious tunnel and went left.

  Five minutes later the tunnel opened up into a large dome able to comfortably house twelve elder dragons and the entire Utala tribe, but at the moment only the seven tribal elders, Priestess Rena, Chieftain Moril and the four other Rex’s’ resided. Daku lay curled protectively around Rena as they all sat comfortably on an upraised platform so they were eyelevel with giants as they laid down, but could comfortably keep their necks raised. Four stone pillars acted as supports for the roof while dozens of orbs glowed pleasantly with soothing colors. On the ground sat five smaller, but wider platforms furnished with soft yet durable wood capable of resisting strong fires. It was a dragon’s seat. Only one remained open. The greatest golden dragon, Rex Nattan, took his place in the central platform as is his place as eldest on Raliea and as the leader of the second largest colony. To either side lay Rex Gralla and Semek of the Vlaran Mountains and the furthest from Heesan lay Shrall of the frozen south. Rex Hessan went directly beside Rex Gralla, closest to the cavern entrance.

  Cage broke off and sat directly beside his eagerly excited daughter with his back up against Daku’s large chest.

  “We now convene.” Rex Nattan’s voice slightly echoed it was so powerful. He spoke traditionally. “All truth will prevail at this time and any deception or lies will be met with death. I honor this once chance to leave.”

  “What does he mean, Dad?” Rena whispered, but five set’s of giant eyes t
urned on her.

  “This is how the Rexs’ do business. Just like we would kill stupid people and liars, so do they. If Nattan here spoke even a harmless lie,” some eyes turned on the calm and ancient gold Rex. “Gralla and Semek would rip out his throat and not think twice. As the eldest of all of us, he sits in the most dangerous place. Even he cannot get up quickly enough to stop one of them from sinking their teeth and holding him down. It is his responsibility to act as the most honest person here. As a Rex, his command cannot enforce the others at his same status. Those under his command are magically bound to obey his command. He can’t stop them with merely words. If he is killed, Semek will take his place as eldest Rex, then Gralla, Shrral and then Hessan. He is staking his honor and very life that no deceit will come while we are gathered. And they come no more honorable than him.”

  “Well said.” Rex Nattan rumbled.

  “Oh, well how about we get started?” Rena proposed.

  “They must traditionally wait two whole minutes, Kiddo.” The five all gave a grunt.

  Silence and not one uncomfortable shift resulted in this time.

  Right after, Rex Nattan turned his head. “Rex Hessan, White King Daku brought word of your colony being probed. Matter such as this takes precedence. Speak of events.”

  “Ninety three minutes to now, our wards were tested by seventeen thousand individuals of our peoples power and concentrated directly over my den. It was the first aggressive move launched from the Division Mountains. Further narrowing by my best spell weavers located it to a ten mile section in the heart of Heedi Rova. They almost penetrated as they did this almost as fast as our wards could rise. It was a probe only to see my territory, not using any offensive means. We could not pass their wards right back because of our limited numbers. Hard it was to locate the origin. Likely they were testing how fast my colony’s spells react.”

  “Then they are first to declare war and further incriminate themselves.” Rex Nattan rumbled. “Such a move would have isolated us in the coming conflict if not for complete rethinking. They know something is happening in the southern hemisphere and wish to strike first. Our new union from the Rare Ones’ vision appears to have begun its initial cloud dive. Your colony is too isolated, Rex Hessan. The arrangements we discussed are almost complete. You may begin merging our colonies till all is settled. The new mountains I commissioned to the east of mine can begin protecting the young. I will send two hundred and fifteen soldiers to protect those supplies and residents that cannot Jump.”

  “Agreed, but I will leave twenty of mine so it keeps appearance we remain. So long as my colony can deceive and distract, the longer we utilize and train.”

  The other four grunted, ending discussion on that particular topic.

  Rex Nattan turned his head back to their hosts. “General Barbrav Aquascales and Megdline Two-legs have been instrumental in coaxing the reluctant to bind and Rex Gralla’s progeny, resigned general Xamii Sunscales, have shown greater promise than expected. Promises from Twilight are also developing smoothly, especially how beneficial the mind-link has proven. Your young species is superb at gaining information and delivering many critical situations. Already even I have bound myself to King Skylar Two-legs, in secret.”

  “Smart move.” Cage said. “He can pass along messages that cannot be intercepted. And as king of Emroc, he knows about war against other humans as his family are all that have stood between Vika and Shakka and Twilight for four thousand years. His solid spy network alone will give you greater insight into the human psyche and war. Sharing information is vital.”

  “He agrees.” Rex Nattan said as he was currently linking mind to mind. “And also to report that as of just before I departed for here that both your and Rex Gralla’s assumption has proven valid with solid evidence. The probe was likely retaliation do to what I’m about to reveal.” This had all heads jerk to him in surprise. Before any shouting could come from the humans he continued. “Tiaxm still walk on Raliea’s surface. One of King Skylar Two-leg’s servants sent a message along with tissue proof they walk in the Laqura Empire. The report stated the magic using two-legs nearly died gathering carcass samples as well as a mold of a back limb footprint. In it saying that teeth marks on the corpse tell of two Tiaxm who fought after their game was completely consumed or fled the area. The two-legs ran out just before being captured and consumed when the victor returned. The spy’s escape would be around the time Rex Hessan was attacked. They know a two-legs has discovered their secret and likely decided to view if his colony reacted in any way suspicious. What was killed was scout and what ate it” he paused for a breath and to prepare others. “was of warrior classification by examining the size of the mold returned.” Eyes widened at this. But still he spoke. “King Skylar Two-legs Jumped a sample of what he received along with the message and a copy of the print. Twilight as well were sent samples. My best magic users all individually verified the kill of the scout class Tiaxm was less than two hours old from tissue death and that nutrients in its blood come from lesser species native to only the Division Mountains. We have complete proof the laws are broken.”

  “Then you go to war?” Elder Metak asked those before him.

  “We will.” Rex Nattan closed his eyes to take a steadying breath. “But not just yet. As Rex Hessan must, so do we need to not reveal our unprecedented alliance.” Apparently Nattan must be used to speaking to humans. Guess it must be a requirement for a Rex to be understood and be fluent in many languages. Cage thought absently as he listened to how articulate he spoke. Daku nodded, but only Cage caught the move. “All must appear normal and we pretend to remain ignorant to give us time for your kind to be as strong as possible so we can use you effectively. The sooner loyal humans bond with us, the more dangerous you can be as our partners. This was clearly the primary reason for our gathering we agreed upon after the griffin eggs hatched successfully.”

  “For patient creatures,” Elder Shania spoke up, her voice remaining strong. “you must act like we who have short lives and do much in what time we have. My mates and I do not care if you have those willing not to choose me or my mates…”

  “Bullshit!” Cage interrupted and glared at the seven to his right. “You guy will be first to bond with the first batch of dragons under mine and Daku’s command. Shania, stories of your mating challenge to Metak were just as known as Brooke’s was to me and we’ll need Metak’s skills with a spear. Next to me, Brooke tells the kids stories at night of how he is one of the most dangerous chieftains to have lived, taking down five buffalo with just a knife as they stampeded right at him or against ten men of a different tribe when he took all six of you to give birth each time one of you were pregnant. He protected you all once while you all hid and one of you were in the middle of birth. All seven of you were and still are warriors, best of your time as Metak chose each of you for your strength as the top six warriors among the females. No man other than he could defeat you. I know you all do not obsess about regaining youth as Moril had, but I’m not the only one who will kick your elderly asses to pass up what they are offering.” He thumbed the five reptiles.

  Rena, as the new priestess, said “Dad is right. None want you to pass on to the spirits without a blade buried in an enemy’s heart. I will cut you if you say that again. You will do as Chieftain Moril and Xamii.”

  “I further will banish you from the tribe if you say this again.” Moril herself vowed in a serious tone that promised she’s follow through.

  The seven all sighed and nodded one at a time, getting outvoted by the protector, chieftain and priestess.

  “Correct they are.” Rex Gralla purred her growl. “None of you seven two-legs can be called Elder in our people. None have seen a tenth of such an amount to be seen so. Much you have to see and learn. So little time you’ve lived. Your life is less than a blink to myself. The Rare Ones say reapers will go to war and Utala is a varied and obscured dialect of Draconian. It would be best to have all warriors fight. Youth and vitali
ty will return to when you were at prime of your life. Metak Two-legs, you will not be able to cast spells as your females will, but as a male, when you bind, will be stronger and faster than natural. You will tire less and be able to be beyond all you’ve ever accomplished. As we must trust what the Rare One’s have seen in your younger species, so must you trust us. If you are to lead our victory, you must be stronger through us. Only with us can it be accomplished.”

  “Alright!” Elder Metak shouted. “We will do it. We must continue.”

  “Very well.” Rex Nattan looked to all those before him on the high platform. “As Ulon Rosescales and Poli Silverscles have done, so must others. We five Rex’s have all agreed, after our top general’s have seen what you two-legs can benefit, that not one colony will send our people. We will all be sending appropriate volunteers from all five colonies to bond to this territory. My colony is beyond compare in my soldiers combat effectiveness. Rex Gralla’s magic users are second to none on Ralia. Rex Shrall and his colony have our finest healers and supporters. Rex Hessan’s colony are entertainers and farmers who will see none go without high morale. Rex Semek’s colony are our best craftsmen and weapon’s makers. Dragons require a Rex leader so dissent doesn’t cause bloodshed in our aggressive nature. One reaper two-legs must be chosen to be first Rex not of our kind. It will be the first such in our histories have resulted.”

  “That will be me.” Moril stated. “I am chieftain of the Utala and will become Rex to any dragon who joins my tribe.”

  The five Rexs’ looked to one another, but as eldest in all of Raliea, Rex Nattan said “We expected Cage Two-legs to become Rex. His power alone is my rival.”

  Moril’s brown eyes held his gaze as one predator to another. “I won my position in my tribe through battle and bloodshed. My magic might be weak, but like Rex Gralla, you don’t need to be the biggest or strongest or have the most powerful magic to lead. My will to lead my people cannot be questioned. Cage already has enough responsibility and won’t be available all the time. Just as I’m told of your tribe’s way to select chieftain, you battle not with magic, but with the body every hundred years. I too fought without trick. And I won my desire. If a Rex is needed to control and lead dragons who leave the spells to defer to you, I will be your best choice.”