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

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “No, they have a point.” Daku voiced and held Cage’s narrowed gaze. “You are correct in that I cannot leave the cubs for a prolonged time, but you have to do this before war breaks out and our movements will be restricted. And not just you, the entire Utala tribe must do this. At least all the females who will be able to Jump under their own power. But for this to work it must appear to be a squadron doing patrol. If all new partnerships fly all over Vlara and Emroc especially, you may react to any general area without much pause.”

  “Cage,” Heads now turned to Moril. “These crystals you acquired would surely help if our tribe flew with over two hundred dragons. By the time we return to our village we will be stronger. I already tire after a few minutes of levitating a rock. Xamii says if I begin this passive way and tax my mana, my strength will double each week. If all my sisters do is look at the land all the time from above while doing as you did when Megdline came to your aid, we will be better able to learn magic and do more. During the day we watch and learn of the land and at night you or our partner’s teach us magic.”

  “And if you have need of me,” Daku laid a rough hand on Cage’s chest. “just pull on our bond and I will be right there. As I will forever be. And even with your power, if there is so much danger, just make Moril give all her new subjects the order to allow you to do a mass Jump. Jumping with me is like Jumping over three hundred fully mature dragons. For you, two hundred or so will not cause issue.”

  “Moril, are you sure?” Cage asked while crossing his arms.

  “We will be more effective and you especially will have a difficult enough time. If those Tiaxm are loosed, you need to get them dead. And if Rex Nattan has proof a warrior class one is alive, I bet they have more. If you say that terrifying kind walks and could be compared to half that of a mature dragon where three barely eighteen feet tall hurt Daku so badly, we need every advantage. No human can face even a scout so if it happens, we’ll need to find ways to help our partner take them down, or call you if we’re separated. If we can show you our location and you’ve been there because of what they request,” She gestured to the other Rexs’. “you can do as you need and not hate yourself for not doing while you could. Our men can watch over the children and if my word can command dragons now, I can trust them to watch over our home. Besides, Daku will be staying and he has proven to be honorable.”

  “Then it looks like I have preparations to make and ideas to think over.” Cage said more to himself. “All right, Fine. I’ll honor this request. I’ll plan to depart in three days. Start sending personnel willing to bond first before the extra. Have them swear to Moril as discussed before bonding. Ulon and Poli I’ll ask to be her guards. We’ll first fly Emroc’s lands so make sure the skies are clear and any foreign dragons who approach will be treated as hostile unless they hold position after clearly showing themselves. If you need me or Moril, you each know the specific password to call me. And same goes if you guys approach. I’ll kill you, or whoever appears like you if you do not stop and wait for an escort.” They grunted. “Again, in three days we’ll be traveling over Emroc. Surprises will be dealt harshly and swiftly. And Shrral, warn me when you find this space debris and work with me on my island’s expansion. I’m going to be stretching the reef much faster than anticipated and Heesan, that gift you gave will certainly help expedite this plan.”

  “Are there any further discussions?” Nattan asked and all four Rex’s’ shook their heads. “And any for you two-legs’?”

  “We will inform you later if any come.” Moril promised. “I will be on the beach in one hour to begin accepting new members to my tribe. Any infiltrators that get spotted will be captured, interrogated and killed.”

  “As is agreed.” Rex Nattan’s posture became formal again. “And I hereby officially bring an end to this discussion. Much needs to be completed in a short amount of time. We leave as we came, in peace.”

  Four of the dragons enveloped themselves in magic and teleported out. Rex Nattan did so as well, but not before talking to the white one who laid at the cave’s entrance. As the sight mirror was disappearing it showed the pale guard also teleporting out.

  All except Daku and Cage sat down in a deep sigh. Rena said “That was more exhausting than running all day.”

  The elders and Moril agreed.

  “Ready to go back Daku?” Cage asked and when the white king nodded, his Summoner waved a hand over him and enveloped him in pure darkness, teleporting him back over the aviary. He smiled as her saw the cubs playing gently with Cage’s women and a quick thought to his partner told they were well. Cage smiled for a moment before saying to the others “I’m going to be working at the control crystal. Have Xamii alert me when the first dragon arrives. Rena, you’ll need to ask Ulon and Poli to stand with Xamii to protect everyone. You did great today as priestess. Your mothers will be very proud when Daku tells them. But I’ve suddenly got a lot to do and just three days to get it done.”

  “See you soon, Dad.” Rena gave him a quick hug before stepping back and watching him disappear with barely a sound.

  The scenery changed from a warm underground and well lit area to a completely dark one with faint moisture. Cage flicked his wrist and walked through the dome towards the central hub of all his island’s defenses. A large sphere made entirely of the purest diamond he won from successfully defeating a crablike golem construct down in The Deep. His focus and many different thoughts collected into a mighty cohesive force as he placed a hand on top of the diamond. His mind instantly connected to the island’s defensive network. He could feel how all the energy was collected from every plant and animal to send it to this diamond which made sure all was well and safe. Through the connection he felt all the thousands of wards imbedded and quickly made sure none were tampered with. During the search he noticed the massive boost Rex Hessan had bestowed and began by putting a fraction of it to good use. His thoughts linked to the reef’s deeply entrenched crystals and his mind had them send cutting and movement spells which sliced vertically through the reef and begin spreading out the north and western sections at fifteen miles per hour. It moments Cage felt the ground beneath his feet tremble slightly as the movement caused a miniature earthquake. The sections of reef began spreading further and further out, bringing with it plenty of sea floor to keep it level. Mile wide gaps would later need to be filled in, but right now the perimeter of his home expanded at a much more rapid rate. He figured he’d need a good extra fifty to sixty miles of new landmass to accommodate a minimum of a thousand new gigantic residents. He set up the parameters and let go of direct control, but monitored each of the wide, seven hundred sections of reef.

  As it worked a tendril noticed some running and shouting on the beach as well as Hammit up high above readying to begin sending code, but Cage reacted by sending two black orbs over each area to flash light inside them in Morse Code saying nothing was wrong. Xamii, Ulon and Poli were all relaxed and whatever they were saying was easing the minds of the tribe.

  Over in the aviary Brooke stroked the soft, featherless wing of Metalu as she slept in her lap. Her tomahawks were always at the ready and had to cut two griffins who got a little overanxious for their turn at meeting and getting a pat. Mox healed them, but they weren’t upset. She smiled as it earned their respect as a fellow huntress. Meeka and Tohka had to use their daggers too, but eventually the cubs learned their lesson, especially to not sneak up on them from behind like a stalking cat. Metalu especially took a shine to Brooke and enjoyed all the attention. Brooke though marveled at how heavy the cubs all were. Even as newborns they were solid, with razor sharp beaks and thick claws. Brooke felt and listened to her new friend purr in her sleep after her noon feeding while watching Meeka tossing one male cub as high as she could and saw how the cub flapped his bald wings before falling into her embrace.

  She worried one of them would get hurt. Him for maybe over correcting and breaking his neck or Meeka to get cut by those sharp talons. But Daku lay completely at ea
se in front of his current resting area with a constant and content smile. He observed everything and found whatever Meeka was doing as harmless.

  His return had an instant effect on all the cubs. When he landed all the action and rough playing eased up and no further play hunting on the humans came about. His very presence had a calming effect on the newborn flock, only more pronounced than he usually did with Rena, Sean and Ananna. Sometimes he would chirp with a roar in his native language and the cubs would respond and correct their behavior. He also explained what had happened at the meeting.

  Tohka carried a slumbering Metali over in the palm of her left hand and sat down beside Brooke to say “These children are so adorable and feisty.”

  “Makes our own seem tame does it not?”

  The two women smiled happily while being content to stroke the mates of the white king beneath the cool overhang which gave ample shade while watching their other woman laughing as another cub jumped on her shoulder before getting tossed into the air. “I just love her laugh. She truly loves her life now.” Tohka said as Brooke laid her head on her shoulder to sigh.

  “As do I. Her voice is amazing, but her happiness is all because of having a full family who love her.” Brooke sighed almost dreamily. Then she smiled. “And now I truly feel bad for Daku. Did you see these two tease him? They kept bending over and twisting their tails to show off their flower. And I thought what I do to Cage was mean. These two are already master torturers.”

  Tohka giggled. “Now I do not feel so bad for wanting to bend over in front of Cage all the time. I kept thinking something is wrong with me. Seeing how they tease him makes me feel less wrong. Apparently teasing your man and wanting to get his seed makes us act like insatiable fools.”

  “I don’t mind it in the least.” Brooke hummed. “But I know for certain that when Daku releases himself into them, they too will find it impossible to walk right after. If what Cage does to us is any indication, these too will be more than a bit wobbly when Daku gets through.” Tohka laughed.

  A large head snaked down into the aviary and Mox’s deep voice said “Forgive my interruption, but it is time.”

  “Already been an hour?” Meeka asked as she caught the flailing cub and clutched him to her breast.

  “Cage Two-legs just contacted me.” Mox stated. “Soldiers from Fire Mountain are arriving in ten minutes.”

  “Daku, thank you for letting us come and do this.” Brooke said quietly as she was able to get up and carry Metalu over to curl up the female in between her mate’s arms.

  “For a first encounter they did surprisingly well. If you are not too busy tomorrow you may return and keep them company.” Daku allowed as his other mate was also placed in his care. He rumbled a purr deep in his chest and the three women watched as the young pair curled up even more contently in their slumber, knowing he was watching over them.

  Meeka sheathed her left blade, her late brother Nolan’s, and intimately threaded her fingers in both Brooke’s and Tohka’s. Her brilliant smile beamed so brightly her other two women responded. She them gave both a quick kiss and said “Today’s outing was amazing, Loves. They are all just so cute!” Brooke and Tohka simply laughed.

  “Are you ready?” Mox asked.

  “We are.” Brooke said and the three of them were slowly lifted out of the aviary without being touched and heard him say “Close your eyes.” They did so and felt a sudden rush of momentum thrust them forward. There was a boom in the air. Each opened their eyes in fright but all they saw was darkness. They still felt Meeka holding their hands and to see, all they could was Tohka’s topaz necklace twinkling with power between her breasts, Meeka’s crystal triangle in her leather bracelet and a faint emerald shimmer came from Brooke’s tomahawks, peeking through the leather bindings.

  They didn’t feel the need to scream as they trusted their mate’s protection, but after a minute of nothingness they felt an opposite force decelerating them. The darkness melted away and in its place was a smiling silver face. “Poli!” Meeka called out as they saw their sleek friend before seeing they were about a half a mile above the ground. Below lay the beach where stood the entire tribe, down to the last individual. Three large trees housed much of their people while a little inland burned smoke from the forge were Eoin, Cody and their families lived and worked. Poli beat her amazing wings that sparkled like pure and highly polished silver. She guided them over and placed them upon her head so they could easily hold her spike. Out over the water stood two large soldiers already, but those had been guarding for quite some time and were simply waiting and standing on the water just outside the entrance. She then angled her way down and came to a soft landing before laying her head down and letting them drop onto the white sand. “Thank you!” Meeka said.

  “You are all most welcome. Sorry, but I cannot linger. Your mate needs to see you quickly, before others arrive.” Poli rumbled as she lifted her long neck back into a comfortable position.

  “Don’t let us stop you.” Tohka teased.

  Poli smiled before walking over the water to where her mate took position.

  Brooke led her sister-mates in a fast paced jog to where the tribe gathered since they had been set down a good distance away. Most were surrounding their love, but were moving in a coordinated fashion. Only children and the heavily pregnant stayed back near the central adult tree for protection if anything goes wrong and they need to get inside quickly.

  Their approach didn’t go unnoticed and their tribe parted, but their loud talking remained. Brooke’s heart slammed in her chest at the sight of her man and his voice, as it always does whenever she finds him. From the look in her sisters’ eyes and a bit if magic revealed their hearts pounded just as strongly. She heard him say “Here Bryan, these will suit you.”

  Bryan, the tallest man in the tribe at seven feet, lifted an enormous single edged axe with a single crescent length of three feet from tip to tip. The shaft was four feet long and there wasn’t a single seam. In the center of the war axe was a clear crystal shaped like a crescent moon. On the other side was a flat, round place over thirteen inches in diameter. But that wasn’t all as the mountain of man also lifted a wicked war hammer. One side had the same, flat round end, but the other had a spiked ball much like a large mace, but at the tip jutted a single spike with edges capable of stabbing and when pulled out will do more damage than ripping an imbedded arrowhead before breaking the head off. Both objects were made of some kind of metal that didn’t shine for good reason. A shiny weapon catches light and will alert an enemy if discovered. The giant man of muscle’s very deep voice said in wonder “But they are so light.”

  Cage explained “Only because I’ve linked the crystals to recognize you as their owner. They are a matching set. There is magic in them both and only someone of your stature can swing them effectively. They are a matching set for good reason. In a moment you’ll feel why. But first, know that to anyone else hit by these things will feel their full weight, each being sixty five pounds each. It is lighter to you because when you start swinging these bastards, last thing you need to fear is too much momentum and getting hit. Like I told everyone before, all these weapons are now magic-breakers. But yours have the most devastating features. These are specifically to cut through dragon scales.”

  This silenced the tribe, allowing Brooke, Tohka and Meeka to get even closer. “These are dragon slaying weapons?” the former Emrocan knight sounded frightened, which was hard to do when staring at his bulky physique and all the scars.

  “Yes, but it is a two step process. The axe serves as a base to cut through scale as well as magic, but to drive it in you need to hammer the plate and double the momentum. The more speed and strength you put into the blow the more magic is transferred from the war hammer to the axe. When it dives into whatever opponent you target, it will send a massive tremor through their body, liquefying organs and their brain. One hit anywhere along their spine and the power these deliver will slay your opponent. It will cut thro
ugh their tails or neck if you get lucky. Try it on that rock I brought with me.”

  Brian nodded and moved over to a boulder that reached his chest. He tested the weapons for a moment before raising his left hand, the one carrying the long bladed axe and yelled as he brought it down. He was surprised it didn’t bounce off, verifying the weight wasn’t how he felt it or it would either have been deflected or bounced back at him. The axe lodged three inches before he raised the wicked hammer and slammed the two round ends together. He let out a cry as the boulder exploded into tiny fragments and dust as it sliced through the stone. He choked on dust as he stepped out. It didn’t diminish his grin. “I like it!”

  “Yeah, but don’t expect a living being to blow up like that. Maybe a spurt of blood at most. The shockwave generated will flow through whatever is cut and nothing else.”

  Brooke smiled as she looked at the tribe to see all of them carried new weapons. All the warriors carried a lance of same design, but different heights that suited the individual. All were made of the same non-reflective metal, with dense wood for a shaft. A simple round ball on the end acted as a counterweight or bludgeon depending on its use. Each tip looked like a simple leaf, but was a bit longer and sharper than normal. In the heart of each lance’s blade was an oval crystal that could be seen through. Many of the more seasoned and dedicated warriors also carried swords strapped to their back. Men had wider and heavier double edged swords while women carried more elegant and thinner blades. A few even held a shield strapped to a forearm. The baldrics strapped right between their breasts. Some played with new knives while the hunters marveled at new bows that required no arrows to fire, unless one was notched. She watched as one huntress drew a string and a black shaft gathered between her fingers. Judging by the tight muscles in the huntress’s arms and back, drawing the line required great strength. She added another finger and a second shaft appeared. When she loosed, two black arrows of magic sped perfectly straight and blew through the sky for over a thousand feet before dissipating. She pulled again and shot just one completely through a tree. The huntress squealed and loved her new weapon. But over gathered by the other warriors stood Fredrick carrying two wide swords over his back in an X shape, two hilts peeking over wide shoulders. Cody and Luke carried long swords, but they rested an arm level with their shoulder on top of huge kite shields. Bern and Gregory carried two longbows as well as daggers that could also be seen as short swords, belted on their lower back.