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

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  Poli moved over when she spotted Kanna Whitescales waving them over to where Tiffa sat while Dalv Stonescales stood off near Rex Nattan’s soldiers with Cillian on watch with others from the Vlaran elite guard. Meeka and Tohka greeted Tiffa with hugs and kisses and right after she got to one knee and felt the slight bump of her extended grandchild. While they talked, Tohka’s mother came over and started up a conversation, mostly about the baby since Tohka always glowed with pride every time she was asked about the first child she carried. Kanna and Poli also joined their partners’ reunion.

  Cage gave Brooke a kiss on her cheek as she stared at her women after Ulon settled on a nearby vacant stone resting area. She touched the cheek, still feeling the warmth and smiled. “What was that for?”

  “I know you were thinking and worried for Tohka.” He said while looking over as well. “We should have known how she would have reacted when we wanted her to stay. Meeka backing her too, even against us. I just never expected Tohka to kick me in the balls or her to slap you hard enough to throw you on the ground.”

  Now she held her cheeks for a new reason, remembering. “She has certainly changed since becoming pregnant… I have never seen her so angry enough to strike me with such ferocity, and I doubt it was the change of pregnancy, though it may have added to her passion. I just worry about her. She won’t die, but if she loses our child, the first she has ever carried, she will be truly saddened. One fall on her stomach and she will have a broken heart.”

  “And Meeka won’t leave her side. We should have truly known she would take Tohka’s side over ours. She loves us all, but Tohka’s condition makes Meeka possessive. This is all our daughter growing there. Meeka won’t chance being an instant late if our love is hurt or something happens to our daughter. If worst comes to the worst, Meeka has learned to take the baby into her own womb if Tohka has complications. We were there when she showed us she exchanged a fetus from one mare to another without issue. Besides, after all our heads cooled, we knew it was best to have her near. At least now we will be near at all times to be there.” Brooke nodded, gave him a kiss and flew off to join the female only area.

  “So I’m going to have another granddaughter then?” Cillian asked just as soon as Cage landed. The warlock noticed the pointed ears on the captain and smiled.

  “Sure are. It is definite now. There was a small chance for it being a boy, but it is going to be a girl. Tohka is so happy to know she is having a daughter first. Everything so far is happening smoothly. Both mother and child are strong and healthy.”

  Cillian’s expression broke into a smile though his rigid stance remained like the other guards. “Glad to hear it. What are in the bags? I must check them.”

  “No need, Captain Cillian. That is a top-secret matter. Need to know only.” King Skylar’s deep voice said as he walked down with the naturally quiet Reece perched on a shoulder. “Need a hand, Sir Cage?”

  “Why not.” Cage then threw the larger duffel bag off a shoulder and passed one to the mountain of muscle. The king of Emroc almost grunted as he hefted the larger of the two bags and they walked up the dais, following Moril up to where the other heads of the alliance waited.

  Just as soon as they made it up, Rex Nattan lowered his head and politely asked “Permit me to see this if you will. Your magic masks the contents from being sensed, Cage Two-legs.” Hot breath like a stifling summer washed over them. Thankfully a dragon’s breath isn’t foul, but a smoky smell, often akin to hickory.

  “Block sound and sight from all except the three of us. I know you know the plan.”

  Brilliant gold light covered them and any who looked directly were temporarily blinded. After a few moments the room dimmed, but although everyone was curious, none asked what it was about after seeing the huge gold male taking on a speculative look.

  “Hey, Grandpa!” Cage called out as he left the bags near Rex Nattan’s person and approached Theresa and Zikon. “Let me see it.” Knowing just what he meant, Zikon opened the front of his pure white robe to reveal a sculpted purple chest. “Not bad. Are you planning to do the rest of your body? What about the color? You going to change it like I did with my arms and feet?”

  Zikon noticed the tanned hands right away and shook his head. “No on both counts. I’m keeping myself vulnerable, not wanting to cover every part of my body… not after the near death experience with my brother. It reminded me I’m not invulnerable. As for the coloring, I’m keeping it for now. Unless I’m forced to use alchemy to alter the pigment, I’ll not. Theresa gave me her scale freely and I’ll not hide the gift.” She purred beneath him as he sat between her eyes, like most times when they were together.

  “Speaking of your crazy ass brother, did you discover anything else after I and Gralla’s assistant learned how he snuck in without detection?”

  At this, even the fiery Rex turned to listen, as she had created a counter-spell from what they learned and applied it to every colony, town and city to thwart another similar penetration to their defenses. Zikon though nodded and explained “Yes, Braxas’ mind was warped much worse than what my mother tried to instill in me. Psychological damage was too ingrained to hold any normal ability to reason as a healthy individual. It seems he was born specifically to kill me. Knowing my mother, she didn’t have an ounce of remorse or affection for the sad bastard. All Braxas’ life he was trained on one goal, to surprise and kill me. That is all he has ever known. My mother may have birthed him, but never once thought him a son. Just another tool or asset. Apparently he isn’t alone. Vikka has somehow accelerated the cellular division of another baby through General Adair’s coupling and gave birth not a day before he was ordered to assassinate me. To Braxas’ knowledge the baby boy is the only other living sibling I have and is being cared for at Xeer. And who knows what she has planned for him in the future.”

  “But Granny told me such would kill an animal, which we all are. Blood rushing would scramble the brain like an omelet.”

  “Not to one with minimal neurological connections. Hatchlings have more pliability in your race up to eight months after conception. With precision on cellular rapid division, human pregnancy can be shortened from close to ten months, down to three. Danger is great, but can be done.” Rex Gralla spoke. “But from the four thousand cycles Empress Vika Two-legs has lived, this isn’t the first rapid birthing she has done. Only Zikon Two-legs has survive his first century. But that was by escaping her clutches. Every offspring she has had, she challenges at the first century to find if they are stronger than she. Not one has survived. To my knowledge, she has slain three hundred and ninety six offspring when they didn’t meet her expectations.”

  “Were they stupid for some reason?” Moril asked as her stomach churned at the thought of killing so many children.

  “No.” Rex Gralla responded. “I know not the specific details, but I do not believe they had synaptic problems of the brain other than what she did during their upbringing. I personally believe she doesn’t want to risk losing her power and her knowledge is immense compared to any offspring who is challenged. She sickens me to kill her own hatchlings who have done no wrong other than be birthed by her body. I had to kill only one child of my own, but he was damaged mentally and attacked all who neared. His mind was lost and couldn’t be repaired properly. But to kill your own young hurts more than any bodily wound and never goes away, but she does it over and over. If Vika Two-legs were in my colony I would gladly tear her throat out and destroy her spirit forever.” Rex Gralla snorted a stream of fire twenty feet long as her eyes were filled with hate. She wasn’t alone as those listening nodded without saying a single word. A dragon’s voice carried far and wide, even when trying not to speak above what they consider a whisper.

  “Well better get started, Nattan.” Cage said to change the flow of the room.

  “Indeed. You were the last to arrive.” With a roar the room silenced and turned upon the gold one. Sounds from the roar echoed for many seconds till dying down with all e
yes turning in their direction. “Settle yourselves. Humans, you may eat. Excess food will go to your garrisons after we depart. This meeting will be short, but I’m afraid we are again besieged. The enemy knows we have gathered in my colony, but they cannot enter. If you are not aware, a portion of your mana is being used to keep them out. This is the price, as all are aware. For safety you must give part of yourself. With so many attacking, defenses are pulling mana from all living as to reinforce supply.” Rex Nattan looked around. “All in here are the only ones privy to what will be classified as above top secret information. As soon as the attacks ease, you will be released, but for now listen close.

  “To cripple this war, deceit must be used. In the territory north of our lands I’ve learned the towns of Lamra, Tryway and Maywa have been evacuated, burning their buildings behind them and moving quickly to more fortified cities. At first light we are draw attention to Menol Marsh. Few sentient lives will be caught unaware. I will lead the squadrons. Must we do this for Utala to come in from west and hunt. We will not know where they go or what they do. Communication will end. Twilight and Rex Gralla’s colony will hide them where none can use any long distance detection. We know the exploits and must rely on them if we are to drive back and win the war by the time leaves change color. For a dragon war, such a timetable is unheard of when centuries pass in normal wars of ours. But we face a true crisis. Our enemy is trying to tame the untamable. If we do not stop them soon, our world will fall. Rare Ones have spoken of this.

  “In eighty three rotations, Fall begins. If victory is not achieved by first snowfall, we must ready to vacate Raliea and destroy it.” Realization slapped nearly every human in the room. “Tiaxm will multiply faster than can be killed. One scout class pregnant female can store sperm for years and birth every other rotation. Their young are sexually mature within seven to ten rotations if enough nourishment is around. A pregnant warrior class can birth dozens in the same rate. By Spring we’ll be overrun, outnumbered and weakened from warring. Neither human or draconian can reproduce at such rates to defend. Only the mentally unstable would try taming. Nevertheless, we must push with all we have in order to uncover what will happen and put a stop before all is lost.”

  True and complete silence fell in the room aside from the deep breaths the larger kind must take. All could hear the regret Rex Nattan used as he spoke of impossible odds.

  Cage stepped in front of the gold giant. “Don’t look so glum! Seriously, don’t. Vika is going to die. We will kick some ass and end the tyranny of the dumbasses to the north once and for all. Tate and Skylar already agreed they won’t extend their lands or fight over the spoils. Grandpa will become Emperor as he is Vika’s kid, but will make huge changes to their society. We’ll remove all opposition and blow the idea of slavery to hell. And just to put you all at ease, if Grandpa someday goes bat-crap crazy like Vika, I’ll give him a swift kick to the ass. Just keep them off mine while I remove her. If I can kill her, Shakka dies and will leave a vacant Rex in the Division Mountains. Two power vacuums up there will screw up chain of command and destabilize them to give all of you the chance to get in and stir up trouble. Only then will we hunt down every last Tiaxm and make sure we save the world we cherish and those we love.”

  Many relaxed.

  “With that said.” Rex Nattan tapped one giant gold claw on the floor several yards from Cage’s back. “Eat and relax for the next rotation will need strength and fresh minds.”

  A cheer went up as all those at the table started eating the heaps of food.

  “Ready these I will.” Rex Nattan said as he magically levitated the two duffel bags and stood to leave.

  “Then it is time we have one final meal before we implement the battle plan.” King Skylar slapped Cage on the shoulder and grinned. “You going to eat?”

  “Sorry. I ate last week. But I can still share a good drink.”

  “Good man!” he chuckled. “I’m glad Jeanne isn’t here or I might drink in excess and have a hangover during the fight tomorrow.”

  King Take and Zikon approached them as they went down the ramp. Moril and Xamii stayed up with Gralla and her partner. As the four men walked down and came near the soldiers, they surrounded and marched them to the feast where serving girls waited with large pitchers of ale or glass bottles of wine. They sat down and heard “Out of my way.” The four men turned and smirked as Meeka came over and sat down beside Cage and said “Hello gentlemen.” The soldiers were baffled, but Cillian put a hand on one knight and shook his head from trying to remove his daughter.

  “Lady Meeka.” King Tate replied. “You seem irked.”

  “I am.” She grabbed a few slices of ham and biscuits. “I can’t believe you all can consider destroying Raliea. And you!” she turned on her man and glared. “You seem like you knew this too.”

  “My Lady, it wasn’t an easy decision.” King Skylar chipped in as he pointed to a pitcher of ale and watched it get filled. “Especially for Rex Nattan. He was the first to rule Raliea after it could sustain life. He has watched over it longer than any living being. This is his home, his legacy. You have no idea how strongly he fears losing this world. But he knows what will happen if we do not win. What you do not realize is just how hard. If it comes down to it, my partner will destroy this planet by sacrificing himself. He will ensure that there is no way they can spread. I’ve never met a more selfless being. So do not think he wants to leave the world he has watched over for millions of years in the hands of devourers who will strip all life and leave it barren.”

  Meeka listened and slowly deflated, her anger being washed as she seemed embarrassed. “Forgive my outburst. I did not know.”

  “It is quite alright. It took me time to realize if your plans fail while our forces engage the enemy, it is our only viable option. So many will die horrible deaths and if by Spring we are overrun, he will ensure the world is killed as painlessly as possible. I truly hope your plans succeed.”

  “So do I.” Meeka said as she started eating.

  “Hey Tate, I heard through the grapevine your lovely little thing has a bun in the oven.”

  “Bun in the oven?” King Tate took a moment to work out that saying and his eyes widened. “Oh, yes, Katelyn has made me so happy. My queen is carrying my child. I thought we were too old, but it seems our new lives have made it possible, especially her becoming so young again. From what we can tell, I’m going to have a son. Right now Katelyn, Amy and Sek are keeping my kingdom secure.”

  “Ha! I knew you still had it in you!” Zikon laughed. “A boy huh? So till Little Amy has a child, your son will be third in line for the throne?”

  “Correct. What about you? Are you ready to join us as a royal?”

  “Not even close!” Zikon laughed. “I couldn’t care less about the empire, but it is true I’m the eldest heir. There is no denying the blood running through my veins. Megdline…”

  “What about me?” She said as she sat directly in his large lap, not caring how others looked at her. She seemed just as angry as Meeka had been and sitting on him was comforting while Frill leapt up on the counter and used his sharp teeth to pick up a steak and bring it over to his plate and eat.

  “I was telling them what you think of what will happen when the old crone is finally dead.”

  “Well when she is gone I’ll only let you rule till the lands calm and we get our asses back to Twilight and let our daughter rule. She is by far a better leader over those troublesome idiots. She will spank full grow men in front of their friends. She is firm and won’t take anything for granted.”

  “Wait a moment!” King Skylar turned to the couple. “You’re going to let her rule?” the king watched Megdline nod and beat his fist against the table as a deep laugh blasted from his large frame. “Poor damn fools don’t know what they are in for if she becomes empress. I’m already starting to feel sorry for the fools living there.”

  “Granny, which of your brood is he talking about?” Cage asked.

 
; “Geminette.”

  “Seriously?!” He said in surprise, meeting the glowing sorceress only once and could remember her. “Well damn! Why not send Gralla instead while she’s in a pissed off mood. I met her once and she seemed ready to kick my ass if I so much as looked at you the wrong way. Well if the idiots need a swift ass kick, I won’t need to worry about her handling business.” He laughed along with the Emrocan king. “Poor bastards don’t know what’s coming. They should run for their lives.”

  “My baby girl sure can handle herself and anyone in her way.” Megdline agreed with a calm, maternal smile. “She brought my grandchildren up with respect and if anyone can control them, she deserves medals and honor from all the lands.” She took a bite as Zikon reached around and sipped on a weak, sweet wine.

  Brooke and Tohka sat a ways down with Tiffa, among most of the tribe, enjoying the meal and company. Everyone ate and got full. Towards the end of the meal Rex Nattan returned through the golden shower over the entrance.

  Fredrick assumed it was just after dark as he and his partner noticed Zanza, Lanna and two other new mothers returning after visiting their babies for another feeding. The hall had gotten quiet and all around, many male sleeping dragons were on fire. After the meal, lethargy from overeating made many choose to use the rooms off to the side and sleep off the meal and drink. Bryan was the only other of his team to stay awake for the giant of a man could eat all day long and not tire and would need some of Fredrick’s special ale to get drunk. What they served today was designed for comfort, not to forget their own names. The rest were asleep. Fredrick was refreshed as he had just come from a short nap with his four warrior mates and he didn’t bring up any more concerns of the three who carried his child. They appreciated it, but were all fast asleep like most everyone else because come midnight, final preparations would be made for the first light diversion.