Rex Semek looked to the other Rex’s, who all grunted agreement. “King Tate Two-legs, our kind must be loyal to a Rex. It is our way for reason of need, not want. My colony are loyal to me above all others, just as all here belong with Rex Nattan or Hessan. Our coloring imprints to our subjects, much like the blue crow is your standard and those who wear it are subject to your rule. Only, my color will not leave as it is magically bound.”
“Again, why is it this way?” The king of Vlara needed to know.
“Because they are big ass predators!” Cage interjected and some of the dragons gave a chuckle. “They aren’t timid herbivores and never will be. Imagine your bleeding in a confined tank full of starving sharks. Most dragons need a way to temper their desire to dominate or to stop them from enjoying the rush to kill or hunt. Yes they do care deeply about preserving life, but never forget they are still meat eaters, not omnivores or herbivores… Just like it would be suicide to run from a pack of hungry wolves with raw steak draped around your neck, dragons enjoy the thrills of being predators. They hunt, track and kill. Their evolution shows by how they are made. Their teeth are serrated to ripping meat, claws to pierce flesh and scales hard as steel to protect them for other predators. Each one are born for the most basic and pure purpose. To kill.
“That is their most fundamental instincts. Just because they seem docile and vowed to not eat humans unless provoked, if not for the magic in those four rings around their horns, all the dragons you all passed would have no problem toying with you like Frill does to mice before eating them.” The Maine Coon yowled as more laughs came from the room of reptiles. “But for some reason, dragons that have a lone unbreakable spirit mate have much more control over themselves, but overall in their entire population, they are less than the one percent minority. Take Nattan, we can all agree he is the biggest of all dragons in terms of size and power correct?”
Heads could only nod.
“His beautiful mate” he directed attention to Rex Nattan’s pretty pink love. She in turn would have blushed from the compliment, but slapped her wings against her side a few times and smiled. “is all he has had for many millions of years. He has no other love than her and she him. Most dragon males have four or more. For some reason, they retain all their strength, but can control their urges to kill and dominate. Pair mates are unique and are rare in their kind. Less than eighty pairs live on Raliea. They usually are the ones to become Rex’s because of this control. Look to my right at Ulon.” Attention momentarily turned to the rose colored one to make a point. “He’s huge, even among males. If he hadn’t promised the Rare Ones to never become a Rex he could easily outmuscle Hessan or Shrral for their rings when next they hold the century challenge for leadership. He and Poli are the only living dragons aside from the Rare Ones to not have loyalty to any Rex. If he had another mate besides Poli like most males, he would be highly aggressive rather than calm and composed and need to seek out leadership or become a ruthless murderer, just as Poli would also be just as aggressive.
“Without a Rex’s rings to guide instincts, those you think you know will not be who you believe them to be. Humans would be beneath them, even natural mages. They are the oldest race and cocky bastards to boot.” This time growls were of warning. “Hey, I’m not saying I’m not just as stubborn, but just because you haven’t found a way to disguise the color of a Rex doesn’t mean I haven’t.”
This statement above all others had the colony leaders staring completely dumbfounded. “Is this true? You can circumvent our instincts?” Rex Gralla asked.
“I can mimic the exact pale color of this new Rex in Heedi Rova, but still maintain your calming influence and loyalty. After Daku and I fought the attack in Vlara, I was worried about my son and new daughter-in-law by how the enemy would react when they found out she is a Frelim and he’ll father the Jotunn. I was afraid they’d kill him and her on sight just by seeing their loyalty to Moril so I began learning how the rings worked and the processes that occur in the mind by suppressing urges to be so overly aggressive. I wanted to keep the bonds they had to Moril because it really has helped them recover from the shock of their union, but I needed to see that should anything unforeseen happen, they would be seen as a secret we stole from our enemy. If the enemy saw their color was identical to their Rex, there would be enough hesitation to flee or act the part of captive.”
“But never has such been possible.” Mox said from his mate’s side.
“But you forget, I’m a warlock, not a dragon.” He threw out there. “Our minds aren’t the same, nor are our powers. I think differently than a dragon and therefore my spell variation in conjunction with my power can modify what you cannot.”
“I wish to see proof.” Rex Nattan recovered.
“Barbav, hold still. Nattan’s power as a Rex is much stronger than Moril’s and if I can alter you color I can do it on anyone. Do I have your permission?”
Her powder blue eyes went to her leader who grunted. “You have it.”
Cage drew himself up and ran through the air, using his new skills and landed on her nose before kneeling before the golden nimbus which faintly glowed. He then rested his hands on her head and sent his mind for the mild suppression on hers and instantly everyone other than Rex Nattan shied away from the blast of power that filled the room. Many never having felt the full power of one in his league. “Yaaa…HAAA!” he yelled as the haze turned slowly from gold to pale white. Only great will kept Barbav still and not throw him away as her scales itched something terrible. Then before everyone he stood up, sucking heavily on his diamonds so as to not pass out. He then flew back on Daku’s forehead as the Rex’s all sent their power to see just what he had done. Rex Gralla, as the most adept caster on Raliea said first “Her bond remains loyal to you, Rex Nattan. Only an extremely close examination by an ancient one could tell she isn’t part of the Division Mountain colony. It is an exact shade to one of the prisoners caught and brought to me. I cannot duplicate the method he used. It is his unique warlock mana that is responsible.”
“I concur.” The golden one said and grunted. “A problem this will represent. Cage Two-legs, I need my general to be returned…”
“Give me an hour, Nattan…” Cage wiped a few beads of sweat from his brow on the back of his sleeve. “Seriously, Man, in all practicality should this plan be considered it’ll be more efficient to change the color of the others and not under you. I might be able to do one or two of your soldiers a day because your power is reflected in the magic color. Personally, I would not do any more under your command unless you are absolutely sure your spy dragon is better than any under Gralla’s or Hessan’s command. As you all felt, it takes a crap-load of mana to do that. But what problem do you see?”
“Security. Like you, I protect my colony with every cell in my body. This issue arises in my mind… My soldiers are ordered to kill if cannot be surprised and secure to any single or group both within and out of my territory. My soldiers defend many and as soon as the view of their leader is discovered to not be among the alliance we have forged, they are ordered to attack without question. If any you modify…”
“Got it.” The warlock held up his hand. “Take a cue from what we humans do since I’m the only one who can see mana as color. Don’t rely on your eyes alone to verify friend from foe. Do something you never considered like make a certain tooth glow bright and if your spy is caught they can tell the truth, but spell them to say the tooth needed to glow needs to be on the other side. Tattoo the inside of your mouth. Give a simple gesture that looks natural, but has meaning only to any guards you send out on patrol. Try anything once. Don’t attack right away if a single one appears. In a group, go ahead. Deceive, Big Guy. Keep them guessing. Lure them into traps. Tie up one of the spies I’ll fix and put them under light guard, but as soon as they are attacked, Jump in with a greater force, overwhelm and squeeze the idiots for information. Since we are facing a greater force, Moril’s idea is our best plan. Screw up their plans
from within. Since your kind is so damn huge, carelessly sweeping your tail can kill a hundred men. Have a male sleep next to oil and his fire during slumber will do damage. And make sure you choose dragons who still feel superior to humans. If the Division Mountain colony doesn’t have the alliance as strongly as we’ve made, exploit it and screw them at the same time… But slaves, we’ll need to be aware of.”
The last part sobered the mood. “Jackass is right.” Megdline spoke up. “The empire deserves a taste of its own medicine. We need to start tactics they aren’t use to from us.”
“The idea is sound, My King.” General Corbin told King Skylar.
“Let us vote now.” Zikon prompted. “All in Favor of Rex Moril’s plan, raise your right hand.” Hands lifted. “None disagree. Full agreement in all parties.”
“Discuss we will on the number of spies to send, their qualifications and security tomorrow.” Rex Nattan said. “At such time we will make a selection. We will all agree our colonies remain on high alert until we retaliate. I leave the discussion open.”
Barbav inserted herself in as she had waited for such a moment to arise. “As Rex Moril Two-legs and her squadron arrived, one of my commanders attempted to kill her. I was thankfully nearby and stopped Cage Two-legs from making new spirits.”
“What?” Rex Nattan snapped his head around. “Who dared to attempt this?”
“Namran of the crimson blades.” She replied.
“I will punish him personally for such a transgression.” The gold one growled. “I will make sure it not happens again.” He said to Moril.
“Then do as you see fit, but make him see you are a fair leader.” Moril advised. “His prejudice to either me being human or a Rex must not grow or he will be a liability. Make him bind to a human soon and be observed. We need as many warriors as possible. For all we know, he could be the one who finds a way for us to win this coming Fall. Since this is your land, I leave punishment in your hands.”
“Quite mature for a hatchling.” He quipped before rumbling. “Who next?”
“Might as well get it over with, Old Friend.” King Skylar took to his side.
“Quite true.” King Tate nodded. “Chief Moril, because of circumstances, you know already my daughter and Prince Sek have asked to accelerate their wedding date. You have not responded. The sooner our kingdoms are united the better our objectives will succeed when our peoples see we are one.”
Moril looked around the room and became uncomfortable. She sought aid from Cage, but as he started cleaning out his fingernails the idea was ended. No aid would come from him at this. “Matters at home are not good. Tonight we will honor a child’s life who was lost and need at least another day to make sure the islands are safe. King Tate, I know this is important, but until my tribe feels it is right to unite Princess Amy with her mate, I cannot allow the date to be increased. You still have two more weeks. We need to prepare for another attack and if the ceremony is pressed, nothing good will come of haste. I’m sorry, but no. If you wish to bond your children you may of course do so elsewhere. We will not be offended and wish not to offend you either.”
“No, my daughter has her has her mind set on the water ceremony.” King Tate sighed while his mind sought for an alternative.
“It was worth asking.” King Skylar lightly punched his friend’s arm. “But perhaps we can do something to stick a thorn in Vika’s side again.”
“Oh? Do tell.” The king of Vlara’s interest spiked.
“Last week a duchess’s daughter from the Laqura Empire sought Sek’s hand. He turned her down of course, but what if we prematurely announce tonight of their intention to marry. If assassins show their hand during this time we can spin the news to incite further anger for the empire’s ways. Our people love us as we treat them fair and keep them safe. They especially love our children as all they do is heal the sick and take care of their royal responsibilities as well. Any attacks will rekindle fires in our people. Especially in mine because many have lost family either in battle or as slaves from last year’s deep push. The Tribal Plains people are especially heated after being forced from their land. What do you think?”
King Tate leaned back in his seat and looked to General Kurk who said “This madness might force more plots against the crown. The attempt on your life two days ago has spread throughout Vin’re and neighboring towns. Our people are glad Lord Cage got those responsible, but you know many men have recently enlisted despite the mandatory draft. The old soldiers especially want to put Vika to the noose after what they know what happened to your father. Just because we didn’t have proof, we all know she’s tried time and time again to bring our land under her rule too… just not as directly as Emroc over the centuries.” The general laid a hand on the long sword across his lap. “And the joy our people will get when they hear of the princess’s betrothal to Prince Sek will increase their loyalty and any attacks to their person will have even citizens raise arms in defense. The old hag will find it much harder to do her foul deeds with an alert city watching the castle at all times. Awareness will gain favor.”
“He speaks the truth, My King.” Jormon, behind his seat prompted. “When your father announced the betrothal between you and Lady Eleia…”
“Tate, your father and mother along with Eleia are telling me to tell you to just do it.”
“What?!” the King spun around to find Cage’s eyes not on him, nor did the dragon’s look as well.
“Oh really?” the warlock grinned and chuckled. “Sounds good… fine you can just tell the oldest spirits they can kiss my ass or interfere. Either way they’ll still see things my way. Alright Bate… and Eleia, good to see you again…” then the warlock’s smile waned. “Sure, I’ll do it.” He blinked.
“What is going on! How do you know my father’s true name?” King Tate said as he stood up and looked between the giant face of Daku and the one who lounged on his head.
“Tate, I’m Lord Death for the spirits. Apparently all the griffin spirits along with humans all from Raliea have been at war with the ancient dragon spirits and they are getting involved. No longer are there rules unless I govern them. The worlds hang by a thread and they are going to support us in our conflict… well not the dragon spirits. They are too stubborn, but now we got the spirits who will act as spies along with those living. I have just been granted twenty thousand griffin spirits and forty million human spirits who still have ties and family. They are my spies, but your old man and mother said to announce Amy’s soon to be husband and to remind you a king does for the people before family unless family can save the people.”
The king of Vlara paled. “Those were my mother’s last words before she passed away.”
“And your father said not to worry about assassins, over a million spirits will be flying around every city and watch over their living families as well as uncover every plot that will risk Raliea’s future. Jormon has been appointed as liaison for any spirit than can take shape, but will require mana through beneficial necromancy to act and deliver reports.” Cage’s black eyes turned to the other king. “Skylar, your sorcerer will be just like Jormon. Grandpa, you’ve been also designated liaison. Nattan, I assume you heard the rest?”
“Indeed, but protest I cannot. My people’s spirits are set in their ways and will not intervene in what is to come. What has been allowed is generous enough beyond even expectations any alive ever expects. Your kind will be better equipped to gain knowledge no mortal can access, especially the griffins. Magic will not resist them from passing.”
“Oh and Tate, Eleia says it’s time you get over her and marry someone named Katelyn. She likes her and wants you to be happy. Apparently the woman loves you and you are always kind to her. Eleia says she wants you to also do the water ceremony with her. She gives her blessing.”
The large and muscular king went red in embarrassment.
General Kurk took on a contemplative expression. “Katelyn… Katelyn… My King, isn’t that the young servant wh
o always gives you a rose with your dinner every day? The fair redhead with a petite figure.”
King Skylar laughed as his friend went redder “You Old Dog! You never told me you finally fancy another. How about a triple wedding. If you and the princess get married I’ll join in an renew my vows with my beloved queen. How does that sound?”
“She is a commoner.” King Tate mumbled out of sheer embarrassment.
He suddenly found himself lifted by the hair on his head as Cage landed and glared. The king was so surprised by the strength and that his feet no longer touched the ground. “Do you need another lesson, Tate?” General Corbin and Kurk drew swords, but a force they couldn’t contend with dropped them to their knees. No one else moved. “There is no such thing as royalty. Just because you lead a group doesn’t make you better. I do not know Katelyn, but she doesn’t deserve to be looked down upon. If you need a title equivalent to a lady, give her one. In fact make every woman a lady. If your monarchy prevents what your dead wife can see in Katelyn, I’ll just destroy Vlara’s kingdom and make you see you are no better than anyone else. I won’t kill you, but Vin’re will crumble to dust. The dragon’s won’t stop me because I won’t harm a single person, but everything you covet will be lost. You are not their better simply because you were born. Now do I need to remind you again or shall Skylar remind you what I did to his own granddaughter who got my mate’s brother killed because she believed she was born of superior stock?”
The tense atmosphere could be cut with a knife, but the king’s blue eyes couldn’t contend with the warlock’s unwavering gaze that meant every word. Cage released his grip on the king’s head and he crumbled, but got right back up and drew his sword. “You go too far, Cage!”
The warlock grinned and drew Ghosts Bane. “You have no idea just how far I can go, Tate. Perhaps we can finish the tournament the Tiaxm intervened on?”
“Nooo.” General Kurk struggled, but even with his newfound strength, he could not break free from Cage’s power holding him to the floor.
Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga) Page 25
