A Dragon’s Best
Not requested. But a long fic based around you being Ryuu’s little spy.
The village was bigger than you imagined. It was more like a small city than a logging town. It had walls of wood stripped of their bark and pierced deep into the ground, that were axed into a point at the top. Watch towers lined the wall, each with one or two guards that were armoured in leather and wielding axes and crossbows. The gate was the only metal structure you could see from your spot by a cliff that overlooked the town. It was thick and looked heavy. But from what you could see, it was still being worked on. Needing people to push and pull, allowing entrance to their workers and scouts. The town itself was surrounded by forests; one side was already full of labourers. Cut down and destroyed, leaving a massive scar of trampled grass and mud and stumps that were once ancient trees that towered over even the tallest trolls. You destroyed things. You watched towns burn and many armies clash together. But something about laying destruction to an elderly forest just seemed a step too far.
“T-This looks too dangerous…” The Goblin Captain sputtered through his jagged teeth and too large lips. “Those H-Humans look read-dy for a battle.”
You didn’t disagree with the stout creature. The village didn’t look like a normal logging town; if you had to guess? They were a scouting colony. Possibly the start of a new city or outpost. But that’s why you were here after all. To scout out what these people were doing here. And whether or not they knew about Ryuu’s domain only a stone throws away from their walls. If they plan to build a proper city, one that reached out past the hills and forest, Ryuu would take it as a territorial threat. And as much as you loved watching Ryuu burn and lay waste to settlements; you also liked no chances of Dragon Hunters being hired by any local authorities. But even so, having a settlement here was near idiotic. This forest was full of beasts that hunted by night and were as deadly as Driders. You’ve never seen them, but you’ve lost many companies of Goblins to these forests. Even Ryuu stayed away from this area of woodland. So eventually, this settlement might not even survive the first winter. But, you preferred to scout it out. Just in case.
“I doubt they’ll attack a lone hunter on sight.” You said, reassuring the Captain as his pointy green ears lay flat against his disformed skull. “I’ll go in alone.”
“W-What!?” The Captain hissed. Wiping his mouth as yellow drool flew from his mouth. “T-That’s stupid! No offense… but the Master ordered us to protect you. And we can’t-“
“If it makes you feel better, I was going to order you and your troops to take up an offensive position around the town. Find a place where you can shoot arrows over the walls, but keep yourself hidden from the guards.” You were patient with the Goblins. They were skittish creatures, brutal and merciless in battle. But when given an order from Ryuu, they did all they could to follow the command through. Almost to a fault and without question. And when it came to protecting you; Ryuu’s prized jewel, the Goblins got very nervous whenever you weren’t within shield protection range.
The Captain still looked like he wanted to argue. But he was promoted to his current title through the death of his predecessor. Who had argued with you over a simple debate, and overheard by Ryuu. The Goblins didn’t argue with you anymore. You were sure the fresh memory of their leader being crushed under a massive talon was enough of a reminder why.
The Captain sighed heavily, and slid back from the cliff’s edge. Standing up when he was clear of the watch-towers sight and hobbled down to the troop of ten Goblins. You followed. Standing by the Captain as he addressed the group. They all instantly became more agitated when they were told you were entering the town unguarded. But none raised their voices. Merely nodded and separated into groups of two, venturing up the small hill and disappearing into the brush to find their positions for an attack. If it came to that. By the Gods, you hoped that this didn’t come to an attack.
One Goblin stayed behind. A squire, as you’ve come to call them. The young Goblins in the tribe that worshipped Ryuu, had to pass a ritual to enable them to serve their Dragon Master. Ryuu had once explained that Goblins were not solitary tribes. Instead, preferred to find a single Master and worship them. Dragons were common Masters over Goblin tribes, since they are well known to attack settlements and hoard treasures. Goblins lived for two things; shinies and slaughter. And since Ryuu has protected and provided a home for this particular tribe of Goblins for almost a century; they’ve developed a “Guard” within their ranks. A special “elite” force that was dedicated to protecting their Master and you.
And those elites would take on younger Goblins, ones who have proven themselves in the Arena and in battle, to be a top fighter. Or at least, the most brutal. Once they were chosen, they started a rigorous training schedule with some of these elite warriors of their tribe. Following them around, learning the basic and the adept ways of battle, receiving harsh treatment and all-round not having a good time. Until they killed their teacher or surpassed them in rank. This squire was twice the size of any Goblin. Where most of her kin were possibly 5 feet in height, she was taller than any Human you’ve come to know. She was intimidating. She was nothing but muscle and matted hair and scars. You’ve witnessed her crush skulls of Mountain Bears and throw boulders at Wyverns that circled the castle spires. Ryuu had many times acknowledged this monster of a Goblin for her brutality. Much enjoying watching her fight in the Arena. This creature would be a God among her own tribe. But instead, she bowed her head respectfully and handed you the reins of your steed. Patting the brown horse as you mounted it, and tightening the ropes of the buck that lay over the backside of the horse.
“Do you have a job for me?” The squire asked, somewhat hopefully. Her voice was like sand-paper, but she spoke clearly for a creature that was born from a tribe that hated anything that wasn’t grunts or growls. Because of her size, the Captain refused to acknowledge her. You guessed he felt threatened by the squire, but you weren’t going to get involved in their pecking order. It was a mess of drama and was exhausting to keep up with
“Make sure the Captain doesn’t overstep his orders.” You said, softly enough that only the squire could hear. You could see the uncertainty in the squire’s expression. And you smiled at her comfortingly. Even from horseback, you had to look up to meet her gaze. “Don’t worry. You have my full support on any decisions or actions you take. You’re smart, and strong. The Captain only has a title. But respect him, until he tries to do something stupid.”
The squire still looked uneasy. But nodded and stepped back from the horse to allow you to ride down the hill to the road. You tried not to look up at the cliff as you neared the town’s gate. You could only hope that the Goblins were hidden well, or the guards up in the towers weren’t doing their jobs. But that hope quickly dwindled as you approached the cleared area in front of the town’s gate. All eyes turned to you, crossbows lifted from the guards’ sides and pointed towards you.
“Halt!” A guard on the tower by the wall called down to you. “State your business.”
“I’m looking to barter some supplies and to possibly trade.” You leaned to the side a little, allowing the guards a better view of the stag carcass on the back of your horse. The guards looked suspicious, but nodded and turned to face beyond the wall. Waving a hand, you heard people grunting as the metal gate was pushed open. You waited patiently, not at all envious of the men heaving and grunting until the gate was open enough for your horse to wander through. Two men, on either side of the huge door, nodded politely as you tapped your heels against the side of the horse, urging it forward and inside the town walls. Once you were a few steps away from the wall, the two men heaved the metal gate shut. Bolting it close with a huge wooden latch.
The town within the walls wasn’t much to look at. Like any village, the houses were cramped together and made from brick and stone and wood. The paths were cobblestone, but caked in mud and filth. It reeked of livestock and cured meats. You didn’t at all miss the stench of human settlements. At least Goblins followed rules and cleaned up after themselves. It helps when you have a mountain sized dragon looming over them, who liked things to be clean and not smell of rotten flesh and excrement.
As you rode through the narrow pathways, trying your best to steer your horse through the somewhat crowded roads; you noticed that there were a lot of armed persons among the crowd of civilians. Unlike the settlement guards, they were clad in chainmail and proper pieces of armour. Their weapons were large and well kept. Others had staffs, humming with magic or eyes that glimmered with the tell-tale signs of power. What worried you most was how they addressed each other. With familiarity and friendliness.
A company of mercenaries. You thought to yourself. Now knowing this, you kept your eyes off of them. You didn’t want to draw attention to yourself. You were hear to ask a few questions, get to know the layout of the town and get out. Maybe earn some coin from the meat you had.
“Excuse me!” A bellow of a voice called out through the crowd. You continued to move along the road, halting your horse to let a small wagon of vegetables pass by. “Hey! You on the horse!”
You internally groaned, silently cursing as you turned your head to look for the caller. You didn’t like what you saw. All eyes were on you. The civilians glanced and hurried on their way, but the mercenaries in the area all had their gaze on you. Some joined a rather large man as he muscled his way through the crowd to come up beside you. He had a massive scar running across his face. The skin around his left eye was contorted and horribly torn from an old injury. His top lip was pulled up from the healed wound, making him look like he was constantly sneering.
“Good afternoon, sir.” You greeted the man as he approached. “What can I do for you?”
By stature and how the few men around him shadowed his movements, you guessed this giant man was the leader of these mercenaries. Or at least a second in command. His armour was heavy and thick, and strapped to his back was a giant battle-axe that was chipped, but gleamed in the sunlight. No doubt that weapon has seen some battle.
“Just wanted to know where you got that dagger.” The man said. His squinting eyes peered over to your waist, where your coat wasn’t covering the small blade you kept strapped there. “Looks awful pretty for a hunter to have.”
There was something about the way this man stared at it. The way his pointed words tuned into something familiar about your weapon. “A little trinket.” You replied. Moving your coat so it hid the copper blade behind the brown leather. “It brings me good luck out in the wild.”
The man crossed his arms over the broad metal plate of his chest. He watched you closely. Like he was waiting for you to flinch away from him. You didn’t. You simply waited for his reply. There was no denying that he knew about this dagger. But you were curious to see what he’d do about it. He merely turned his attention to the large animal tied to your horse. The antlers had been removed but were strapped on the side of your saddle. You were hoping to get some coin for the kill. A little battering while in town wouldn’t hurt.
“My commander would be interested in that deer you brought in. My men and I are sick of this town’s excuse for a stew. Some fresh meat would be welcomed.” The man said, his tone suddenly friendly. In a gruff, stern type of way. “I’m sure he’d be happy to bargain for the meat. Come with us.”
It was an underlined order. But even if you wanted to disagree, the heavily set man turned his back to you and started on his way. The men he left behind all but circled you. Ruining any route to retreat or go a different way. You sighed and tapped the horse’s side to follow. You were herded through the streets until the pathways were almost clear of people. No doubt these were counted as “the slums” of the town. But the building you were brought too was well kept and probably the only nice establishment you’ve seen so far. More mercenaries were settled outside by a make-shift fireplace on the cobble road. A small stall of trinkets and blades was set beside the door of the building. But the merchant didn’t attempt to sell you or the men any goods. And by the look of the armour and arms he had set out, he was part of the group that made their home here. Garden beds were finely pruned and flowering little blooms that wafted a sweet gentle scent. It didn’t mask the odour of the town, but it definitely helped. The windows of the building were clean and glowing gently with candlelight from within. Curtains moved with the breeze that drifted through the few windows that were open.
A small girl separated herself from the people around the firepit. She eagerly took the reins of your horse, smiling widely up at you as you dismounted. “Hello!” She greeted you. “Can I brush your horse down for you?” She was dirty and the dress she wore had patches of material dotted about it. But her smile was contagious. And in return, you fiddled around in your coin pouch till you found a gold piece. You didn’t miss the sudden tension of everyone nearby when your hand disappeared into your coat. And it amused you when everyone’s shoulders relaxed upon you handing the little girl the coin.
“Sure! He really likes green apples too, if you wanted to give him a treat.” You informed the girl. Who beamed ever more broadly as she tucked the coin into the front of her dress and tugged on the reins. Leading your horse around the side of the building and out of sight.
“We’ll get the deer once you’re paid.” The big man said, gesturing for you to enter the building first. “Don’t try anything stupid. We out number you.”
“It would be stupid of me to try anything in a mercenary den.” You mumbled to yourself. Only half expecting him to reply. But the man merely followed you through the door and then allowed another mercenary to welcome you. They said nothing, only gave you a brief glance over and then looked at the man behind you. Who explained the circumstance about the exchange with the stag. The mercenary nodded and gestured with his hand for you to follow.
The deeper into the building you went, the worse your caution bubbled. It was a tight, narrow halled Inn that seemed to be nothing but rooms and corridors. Every door was open, allowing you to glimpse inside. And each room had at least two or three people within. Playing cards, reading, sharpening weapons or simply sleeping. There were far more mercenaries here than you thought possible. And it tickled your worry when your memory struck a very old cord. One far back, when you first accepted your life as Ryuu’s prized jewel. When you marched into your first battle alongside the Goblins to protect the castle you now call home.
“Boss, we found something… interesting for you to see.” The heavy man called as you neared the only closed door in the establishment. The person who was leading you knocked politely, waited a moment and then entered. Almost instantly you were welcomed by a frustrated tone replying to the heavy man behind you.
“For the last time, Zelk, I am not looking for anything “interesting”. I’m looking for a way into that bloody… who is this?” The man before you was exactly who you dreaded to see. You’ve fought him many times, and fortunately within those times you were clad in scaled armour forged from Ryuu’s bronze scales. You were thankful that you’ve only ever met this mercenary leader while helmed. Because you did not think you’d be welcomed like this. You would expect a sword straight through your skull. It sounded more fitting. Dragon Hunter’s weren’t welcoming to those that sided with their prey. And the grey bearded man before you, with the silver sword strapped to his side has been hunting Ryuu for years. You, being the very prize Ryuu feared losing the most, would be a ripe picking to be used as bait.
“William, this is a hunter who just entered the town today.” Zelk laid a very heavy hand on your shoulder, and before you could stop him, he tore back your coat to reveal the dagger at your side. “And they have your friend’s dagger.”
Hunter William’s expression went from curious, to outright furious. His hand went to his sword hilt, gripping it with enough force to turn his knuckles white. “Explain yourself! How did you get that blade? Where did you get it?” He all but snarled the words through a clenched jaw. Eyes like smouldering fire, you couldn’t look away. You were transfixed like a bird in a blast of canon-fire.
“I-I found it on a battlefield.” You spluttered out. Not having to sound frightened by the sudden change of situation. “I was following a herd of deer when I came across a burnt part of the forest. It looked like a massive fight happened. So… I took my chances and scavenged what was left. To be honest, everything was pretty much ash. Except this dagger.”
You carefully removed the blade from its sheath. Reaching it out to the Hunter, who didn’t take it, but glared at it with enough hatred to even make you uneasy. “Was it on a body?” William asked. His tone a little quieter now.
“Um… more like in a body.” You were good at lying. It was something the Goblins worshiped you for. A silver tongue that twisted words and transfixed people against one another. Ryuu hated it because he still couldn’t tell when you were making him look gullible or being truthful. “I guessed it was left stabbed in a body and then when they lit up the forest it burnt into the corpse. It was really weird. But I didn’t question it. I mean, a blade like this has already saved my hide numerous times.”
Zelk didn’t lift his hand from your shoulder. But William seemed deep in thought. You guessed, or hoped, that he had accepted your lie. You were reassuring yourself that he didn’t recognise you. But this dagger was the very blade that had made William retreat from battle many times. A piercing blow between his plate of armour had sent him writhing in pain on their first encounter. Forcing his men to fight you and the Goblins back to let the Commander be dragged off the battlefield and call a retreat. And the third battle, you had thrown the dagger and killed William’s best friend before the fight had even started. You out-smarted and sabotaged William in every encounter. And that blade, and the armour you wore, were the only identifiers he had of the “Dragon’s Champion”. You on the other hand, had his face, his men and his occupation to go by. And you prayed to the Scaled Gods that he didn’t kill you for just having the blade.
“Show me where you found the dagger.” William said, looking up at Zelk. “Ready some men to come with us. It could be a trap.”
You give me too much credit. You thought with a little stab of pride.
*******************
Ten men were riding out with you and the Dragon Hunter. You rode a little in front of them, with Zelk on your left and William on your right. Zelk had his axe out and laying over the horn of his saddle. You could feel the distrust and suspicion coming off him in waves. You could probably flinch the wrong way and he’d behead you without a second thought. William was no different, but at least he had his sword sheathed. Merely questioning you thoroughly over the dagger and the place you found it. It was a lot of details to make up on the spot and remember all the same time. You were good at lying, but spinning an entire story as well as constantly having to repeat certain things was getting exhausting.
“What did the battlefield smell like?” He asked.
“Sulphur, burnt meat, melted skin and hair, ash. I still think they had some sort of beast with them. There were these huge tracks everywhere on the field.” You replied.
“I thought you said there were bodies everywhere. How do you know the tracks weren’t from scavenging animals?”
“Because these tracks were too large to merely be scavengers. If it had been a beast coming by to eat the dead, then there wouldn’t be any bodies.”
“Why only take the dagger? Surely there were other items on the bodies.” William had kept the dagger while you rode. Looking at it in disgust as it bounced in the small sheath of his boot. You really didn’t like how it had gotten mud on the jewelled hilt.
“The armour the bodies had were melted into the bones and flesh. They were ruined. The same with the weapons. Most were just puddles of iron and silver.”
The questions went on for the entire ride. You had one place in mind to take the mercenaries, and still go along with the lie. But it would be tricky to avoid Ryuu’s detection since it was in his territory. But you led them past the forests and the mountain, and into the rolling hills of yellow and clusters of small trees scattered throughout the ocean of grass. You clicked you tongue and trotted into the long grass, out of the shade of the trees of the mountain’s base. However, upon not hearing anyone following, you turned you head to look back at the company of mercenaries. William had them all stop by the tree-line. They all looked wary. Watching the sky and peering into the distance. You were thankful from this far away, you couldn’t see Ryuu’s castle. But you were glad they at least had the knowledge that this was his territory. And they were scared.
You pulled your horse to a stop and made a face of impatience and confusion. “You coming? The burnt field is just a little ways over there.” You pointed towards the horizon, in a direction that would take the company away from the castle. Zelk looked over at William, whispering something to him. And the Dragon Hunter merely nodded, his firm gaze set on you as he nudged his steed forward. “Do you know what this land is called?” William asked as he approached you.
You nodded. It was common knowledge that this land was owned by Ryuu, but not how vast his territory was. People travelled through his land without trouble. Sometimes armies would pass by the castle, but as long as they kept their weapons sheathed and didn’t act threateningly; Ryuu usually let them pass…unless he was bored.
“Dragon’s Den. Or Dragon’ Field… something with a Dragon in it. I know about the legend, but I’ve hunted here for a while and never seen a Drake.” You purposefully used the word Drake, misidentifying the creature so the Hunter would further believe your innocence in all of this. And your bluff worked. The Dragon Hunter chuckled humourlessly, matching your horse’s gait as you started it forward. Leading the company towards your destination.
“A Drake is not a Dragon. No where near it. A Drake is a reptile that uses poison or acid instead of fire. They cannot fly or speak, nor grow to the impossible sizes a Dragon can. Dragons also speak many languages and breathe flames. They’re…smarter… like us, I suppose. But they’re evil. They spread chaos and ruin, and can only be killed in a specific set of ways. Which also differs to the Dragon you want to kill.” William seemed a little more at ease as he spoke. Did he believe you? Or was he playing pretend until you slipped up? Never the matter, you had his attention off the dagger. And the company were now within Ryuu’s territory. Sooner or later, someone was going to see them, and sooner or later, fire was going to rain down on them. As long as you got your dagger back, you didn’t care how these men died.
“Huh, and here I thought Drakes were Dragons. Like baby Dragons or something.” You idly replied. Pretending to think over it. “Kinda makes sense then how these people died. If there’s a Dragon in the area, the sulphur smell would make sense. And how the armour melted. Never seen explosions do that to people before.”
You rode in silence over the last hill, and when you came into view of the corpses; you felt the dread rain heavy over the company of mercenaries. Even though you had been here when this battle happened, it still sickened you to see the blackened skeletons and iron infused faces screaming in pain scattered about the ashened ground. William sighed heavily. An almost sad look in his eyes as he took in the scene. “That’s… not pretty.” Zelk muttered to himself.
“I found the dagger in the middle.” You told William, pointing to a particularly large mound of skeletons and melted iron. “So.. uh, no offense or nothing, but I’d really like to get out of here. It gives me the creeps being so close to a graveyard like this. Especially now you’ve told me about the Dragon. C-Can I have the dagger back, please?”
Give me the dagger. Give me the dagger. Give me the dagger. Give me the dagger. You thought over and over to yourself. Hoping this would be the end of this little adventure and you can gallop home. Possibly come back in your armour and slap a few mercenaries around. William didn’t reply. And worse, didn’t give back the dagger. Instead, he dismounted and walked into the ashen field. You heard bones crack under his boots and ash lifted into the air around his feet with every step. You watched him approach the centre of the bone-yard and kneel down beside the large set of skeletons. He moved a few pieces, lifted melted iron and dug a little into the earth. Whatever he was looking for, he didn’t find it. And stood up, returning to the horses with a frustrated look in his eyes.
“Not them?” Elk asked. Seeming to know what the Dragon Hunter had been looking for.
“No. No Dragon armour. They must have dropped the dagger during the battle.” William unsheathed the dagger from his boot and looked it over. Wiping the jewelled handle clean of mud.
“Seems unlikely. The way you’ve described it, that damned warrior loves that dagger.” Zelk continued. Growing your impatience ever more as you watched William think something over.
“Indeed…” William turns to you. Dagger held tight in his hand, and for a moment, you expected the worst. The blade to sink into your chest and twist savagely. Or pierce through your eye or slice open your throat. But no. Instead, William handed you the dagger. Hilt first, with an apologetic smile playing across his lips.
“Keep it close, little hunter. That’s a fine prize.” You hesitantly took it from him. Expecting him to jerk it back. “I wouldn’t want such a cursed thing at my side.”
Your expression dropped in confusion. “Cursed?”
“Oh yes, that dagger there is the blade forged by Dragon-fire and hammered by Lucifer’s best blacksmith.” William smiled, almost sadly at you as you stared down at the dagger. Your dagger… forged by Lucifer’s… best blacksmith? The Devil had a blacksmith? And you’re blade… was forged by Dragon-fire within Hell? That was confusing. This dagger was just a pretty trinket you chose from Ryuu’s hoard. You had no idea what type of metal it was or where it came from beforehand. You used it because it was sharp and the hilt was comfortable to grip.
“Sounds like you’ve run into it before…” You said. Having thinking of nothing else to say while you tried to not laugh about your blade’s little legend.
“I have. And the Cursed Champion that wields it.” William unstrapped his armour and removed the chest-plate. Allowing him to lift up the under-shirt and reveal a scar along his upper side. You remember stabbing him there. A lucky shot that your blade managed to slide through his armour like paper and pierce between his ribs. But what shocked you, was the colour of the scar. It was black. Like coal had been slathered over the wound and left to heal. White veins spider-webbed out from the centre of the healed injury. Making the skin look like Death itself had touched him.
“By the Gods…” You hissed. Unable to comprehend how YOU had been the cause of that. William nodded, in agreement with your horror and shock. Tucking his shirt back into place and clasping his armour back against his chest.
“Be careful with that dagger. My advice? Ride to the nearest sea and throw it into the water. Let the depths have it. Because no ally of the Dragons should have a weapon so cursed.” And with those words hanging in the air, William gestured to his company and together they left you atop the hill. Staring down at the dagger in your hands in disbelief. You didn’t get to think it over for very long, because your attention was suddenly thrown to holding onto the saddle as your horse reared in fright. A fireball as large as the hill your horse was standing on hit the ground with an explosion with enough force to shake the ground.
Ryuu’s roar was thunderous, making the air tremble as he swooped over the scattering mercenaries. The wind alone from his passing knocked half the men off their horses, and the rest scrambling to stay mounted. “Everybody, retreat!” You heard William bellow from the long grass. He had been one of the many who had been dismounted. His sword flew into his hand, his eyes trained on Ryuu as he circled around. His tail lashing out, tearing the ground apart as the spear like scales sliced through multiple men. Those that were still mounted kicked their horses into a gallop. Racing for the treeline. You glimpsed Zelk rush past William on horseback, leaning down to clasp hands with his commander and swing him onto the back of his horse. Zelk rode hard to get to the tree-line. With William swinging his sword into the air as Ryuu roared overhead.
But then, there was screams coming from the first men who disappeared into the forest. A horse was thrown from the canopy, directly at the incoming riders. The men were thrown off their mounts as the animal slammed into the galloping steeds. Zelk’s horse barely managed to steer around the mound of men and horses. But was then met with a monster of a squire leaping out of the trees with a bellowing scream. Her spiked club came down on Zelk’s skull with crushing force. Splattering William with gore as the horse was slammed into the ground by the swing. William rolled and leapt to his feet, his sword flashing up to shield him from a blade wielded by the Goblin Captain.
“Retreat!” William shouted again. Managing to throw the Captain off balance and slice open the belly of another attacking Goblin. His men were scattered, fighting for their lives as your company of Goblins swarmed out of the trees. You stayed back. You weren’t in armour and only had your dagger. You could fight, but it was a risk you didn’t feel needed to be taken. The Goblins rained arrows from the trees. Piercing the last few riders who had managed to escape the carnage and turn around to help their friends. One after another, the mercenaries fell. Leaving only the Dragon Hunter, who was circled by the Goblins. They cackled and laughed. Playfully swinging their swords at him as he parried and blocked their half-hearted attempts. Finally, the squire slapped the Hunter over the back of the head with the harmless, none spiked, hilt of her club. Knocking him unconscious almost instantly.
“What should we do with him, Master?” The Captain shouted up at Ryuu as he lazily glided down to the ground. Landing with a great dust of wind that blew up a dust storm around the captured Hunter. The great Dragon towered over the circle of Goblins. Tilting his head this way and that, peering down at the Hunter with a look of immense amusement.
“Leave him alive.” Ryuu chuckled. “He’s amusing to have around. Maybe next time he’ll bring an army for you all to slay.” At his words, the Goblins laughed and beat their weapons against the ground. They hurried over to the bodies, searching their pockets for loot and taking whatever would fit them for armour or smelting.
Ryuu turned his great head towards you. Leaning down to gently press the tip of his snout against your head. The amount of heat coming off him was like a volcano. And your horse definitely didn’t like being so close to something so big. “Are you alright, little one?” Ryuu purred as he pulled away. “They didn’t hurt you did they?”
“No. But I learned something interesting.” You said, lifting the blade for Ryuu to see. “Apparently this is cursed. William showed me a scar I left him after our first battle. It’s black and covered in white veins. You wouldn’t know about that would you?”
Ryuu glanced over at the Hunter. Without taking a step, he stretched his neck down to sniff along the Hunter’s side. His nostril’s flared and he jerked back with a growl of distaste. “I know that smell.” Ryuu hissed, lashing the air with his tail. “It’s Necromancy, that blade has marked the Hunter as a Husk.”
“A Husk?” That didn’t sound nice at all. And anything to do with Necromancy was always unpleasant.
“Husks are servants to Necromancers. Powerful and dangerous, but they are nothing more than a superior zombie. But very few can come back as Husks. Most will return as simple mindless corpses. No allegiance until claimed by someone’s power. But when this Hunter dies… he will return and look for his Master. It seems, my little jewel, that you have yourself a very dangerous weapon. And, in later life, a very powerful servant at your disposal.” Ryuu seemed very pleased with this news. And you didn’t know what to say. You weren’t getting rid of something so valuable. And you still very much liked the dagger. You’ve grown use to it, and you know how to use it. So why get rid of it? If it made you some servants… then what’s the harm in that? It already had a reputation. Why not add a little more to its story.
“Do you want me to kill him, small one?” Ryuu asked. Lifting his giant paw over the Hunter, flexing his talons in anticipation. “Having a Husk of your own would be very useful.”
You thought about it. The Goblins followed your orders but they were Ryuu’s worshippers. They only listened to you because Ryuu ordered it. But having your very own zombie? That’d be interesting. “Not yet.” You decided. “Like you said, he’s fun to have around. Plus, I think it’d be very morbid if he were to find out what his fate holds. Is there any way to cure yourself of being a Husk?” You asked Ryuu. And the beast shook his head. Lowering his paw to settle beside the unconscious Hunter.
“Even a Necromancer cannot remove a Mark from a potential Husk. It is a fate that even the Gods cannot untwine. Because it was the Devil that created the Mark.” Ryuu shivered at the word. You’ve noticed that. Whenever “Devil” or “Demons” were uttered, Ryuu seemed to become uneasy.
“Ready to go, when you are!” The Captain said as he approached you. Smiling gleefully under a new helm he had just plucked from one of the corpses. Ryuu huffed a growl and the Captain startled. Quickly dropping to one knee and uttering an apology to you for approaching you so rudely. You rolled you eyes and waved your hand to the company of Goblins. All happy and laughing, showing off their loot to each other as they followed after you. Ryuu took to the skies, flying in lazy circles above you until you entered the castle courtyard safely.
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