The Wild Adventures of a Chosen Slave (Madis X WeismanWriter)

[Madis]

The world of Elboris was just like any other, it had it's many nations some lasting longer the others some merging and splitting, it was just the nature of things that nothing last forever and as such while one could find the ruins of some of the first nation's they only really existed in the recorded histories of the world and even then some lost and forgotten to time. That was not to say that there were not some nations left that some considered to be ancient in terms of their longevity. There were a few and one such nation was the Ocrenyth Empire, though one would say it was not the largest nation it was one of the oldest still left over from the period after the fall of the first nations. It had shrunken and grown and seen many others come and fall. There was once a time it to almost fell but not for the power of the Dragon Queen of the time it would have. Since that point on the brink of it's own destruction the Ocrenyth and grown and flourished and while it had it's enemies many smaller nations relied on them for trade and to help keep bigger nations form taking them over. One such nation was the Kingdom of Khivaria, though it was a bit bigger then most smaller nations, it had been with Ocrenyth's help that Khivaria and two other nations had been able to break free from one of Ocrenyth's biggest rival empires despite it's crumbling state.

The four nations then formed a pact know as the Pact of the Golden Queen as the the Dragon queen at the time was a gold dragon and it had been through her leadership and suggestion that the pact be formed. It had been Fifty years since that pact and since then two other kingdoms and even one other empire had Joined the pact and though the Gold Queen had passed only a year before and many people were still morning her loss the new queen Redynth, Chillwind had continued the preparations for the fifty year jubilee of the pact turning it into a celebration of the fallen queen who had help to bring The Pact of the Golden Queen to fruition.

It was the night of the main feast, what many were calling the Night of remembrance, for Redynth it was the most important part of the jubilee because despite not being of the former queens blood the golden queen had taken in Redynth when she was but a babe treating her like a daughter and instilling in Redynth the same values that had helped her to keep Ocrenyth stable and functioning when other empires had started to crumble. Of course part of those values had been why the new queen, who many were calling the Snow queen as her dragon form was that of a White Dragon, and been less the happy at some of the guest who had been invited fro the kingdom of Khivaria. It was bad enough they where so self righteous that those who practiced dark magics were hunted down as if they were evil, had a distaste for and women like her that were born part monster, and worst of all one of the biggest drivers of the worlds slave trade. But the guests if not for the fact the kingdom was so advanced technology wise and disgracing the memory of the former queen, Redynth would have found a way to boot the pact and keeping such horrid people from her lands.

As it was she had no choice and so she had accepted the quest list, however she had decided she did not have to and would not mingle with the likes of the save traders and spent the evening of the main feast moving among her other guest. However as she was in a deep discussion with some of the guest's from the Kingdom of Bellfore Redynth's head advisor came up to the group and doing a small bow she spoke "I am sorry to interrupt you my queen but there is something you must see. " Excusing her self the tall white haired woman followed her advisor to a spot not far from where she had been with the group she had been talking to an looked at where her advisor pointed.

"Are you sure Pohella he looks kind of...." As she spoke Redynth realized who it was she was looking at and did not take long for her to guess why the young man looked so worn over. Her eyes narrowed and the air around her began to get colder. Making her way towards the Duke and the young man that was with him she called out to him Duke Lennox you will stop where you are " Though she was furious the pale skin queen kept her voice calm and steady. In fact she gave no sign of anger as she walked up and stopped just short of the man and his servant. While all considered Redynth to be one fairest queen the Empire had seen since it's founding, any one who had seen her angry knew she could be intimidating, Straightening up to her full height of seven feet the woman looked down at the man he eyes narrowed and looked him over. As she did the Duke and is servant would see that despite the fact she was quite slender and and showed the faintest of curves, the woman standing before them could easily handle the Khivaira guards who had come with the delegation. In fact as the y moved to stand between the queen and the Duke she looked at them and they stopped and backed off. Looking back at them not even noticing most of the room was now watching her and began to speak. "Duke Lennnox, can you pleas explain to me why this young man looks as if he has just been in a bar room brawl?"

 

[WeismanWriter]

How did Argus find himself in this situation? He'd been destined for greatness. Potential to cast pretty much any spell he could get his hands on, born under one of the greatest lineage's to ever exist, a grand intellect to boot and charisma. Yet here he was, a lowly beaten and bruised slave, dragged around as he continued to starve. His owned in question was a short but rich fat man who thrived in buying men he believed were unfairly gorgeous compared to his unnatural amount of ugly. That is, to say, he bought good-looking slaves to beat them down to get over stupid insecurities. Argus, who cost him more than any other slave, was his absolute favorite.

He hadn't always been like this. Even after being exiled, Argus had started a life as an Adventure. If it weren't for his magic, he would have risen within the ranks of the Adventurer's Guild. Due to debt that continued building up, he had no choice but to sell himself off as a slave. The deal was that if he managed to survive a few years, he'd be freed. Argus had no choice but to accept it, full-well knowing they had no intentions of letting him go. That was fine. He was strong, even with the deterioration of his body. It had been roughly two years after he'd become a slave, but even so...he was patient. The moment his owner dropped his guard...Argus would go in for the kill.

With a giant metalic collar wrapped around his neck and a set of raggedy clothes that mostly showed off his heavily abused body, the owner dragged Argus around like a toy. "Ahh, Kaladorei. The town of fame and fortune! It's a lot like me, isn't it, slave? Full of riches and beauty!" The owner's ego was damn impressive. Argus would admit that without question. Ego he so desperately wanted to trample on. "Well? Say something Slave. Oh, are you speechless? That seeing this much fortune around you has you enthralled? That's fine...all slaves are like that." He said, punching at a bruised spot on Argus's stomach.

The 'slave' doubled over and coughed up blood, earning an amused laugh from both the owner and those around him. "Hmph. Even after two full years you're as defiant as ever. Ah well, today is a day of festivities! You know of Redynth Chillwind, correct? Surely you must. You seem like the type of man that would be into Monster Women like that, you damned freak. She has decided to grace us with her lovely presence. Just as I have, all of the most reknown slave owners have gathered during today's festival in hopes of selling off our slaves to the Queen. I brought you here not to sell you though. See...I wanted to see the look of utter despair crawl across your beaten face as the last lifeline of freedom leaves you. You're mine now, Argus Gavanth Zelruss. Now and Forever, until the day you die."

Argus knew it. This bastard fully intended on never letting him free. This had been a trap set up by him to earn a perfect slave who managed to build up too much debt. He avoided the owner's words as they walked along, Argus's body shaking from malnutrition. He wouldn't survive much longer under his enslavement. If that moment of vulnerability didn't come soon, he'd die. It didn't feel like he'd get the chance either. This was all a bunch of bullcrap. Argus was done. He just wanted some peace and quiet. Life or Death, at this point...it didn't matter. He just wanted freedom. Duke Lennox looked over Argus just in time to see his eyes fill with hatred for the decrepit fat, old, short slave owner. It was the same look the ladies had always given him when denying his request for a night out. It was the same expression his other slaves had given him. What he expected was love and adoration, yet he only ever earned disposition and hatred.

Trapped from his own rage and frustration, Duke Lennox began to physically assault his slave while others watched in amusement. To them, it was hilarious to see such a small and ugly slave owner beat on someone so much larger and better looking than him. Even when Argus was hunched over and blood spilling from his lips, he remained as quite the attractive man. Lennox shouted curses and swears at Argus as his assault continued, eventually coming to a slow when he realized Argus wasn't taking as much damage as he had hoped. While it was true that the ex-adventurer would rather face death than live a life with Lennox, he wasn't one to seek death. He'd use a spell to bolster his defenses to the point where even a sword wouldn't scathe him.

The Duke rubbed at his pained hands feverishly, ready to lash out at his slave with another round of slurred insults but was stopped by a very familiar voice. Turning and looking up, almost as much as his tiny fat neck would allow him, he met eyes with the woman he had spoken of. Queen Redynth Chillwind. For a solid minute the Duke couldn't help but stand frozen in fear. Her presences was more than just terrifying...it felt as though he would crumble. Once she spoke up again, Lennox took a bow to her and began to stumble over his words. "A-A-Ah, your highness! I am honored you g-grace me with your presence! You see, this is my lowly slave Argus Gavanth Zelruss. He acted out of hand and I simply corrected him for his mistakes. I apologize if he has offended you! Go on, Argus, apologize now!"

Argus, truly beaten and bruised as he's been, finally looked up at the Queen. He was much taller than the slave owner that had beaten him nearly to death, though his height still paled in comparison to the Queen herself. As he slowly straightened himself to look up at her, she would see just how horribly abused his entire body was, as well as the blood dripping from both his nose and his own lips. Even so, he obeyed his owner. "I...I'm sorry, your...highness" His words were slow, weak, almost completely gone. It was shocking he could even retain his consciousness in the state he was in.

 

[Madis]

Out of all the guest form the Kingdom of Khivaria Duke Lennox was Redynth's least favorite. It had been him that caused the boom in the slave trade, and she had heard the rumors of how he treated his own slaves. Of course there were rumors of how he got his slaves but she never could get any proof. Even if he had the proof she needed he was a member of the royal family and therefore could not be barred from the celebration. As much as she would have loved to she knew it would cause her problems with the King and she was not quite ready to burn the bridge yet.

Standing there she looked down at the bumbling fool of a man as he tried to suck up to her. Of course she was not falling for his excuse. The man was a pig and for the briefest of moments she consider turning in to her full dragon form and chomping down on him right there on the spot. However there was not the room for her to do so with out hurting others around her. And then again the man looked as though he would giver her indigestion. Instead she shifted her eyes to the young man who was his slave as the Duke ordered him to apologize.

As she did she sensed it. It was what Pohella had sensed and why she had pointed out the young man. There was both a trained and disciplined power and a raw unshaped one. But even more they were conflicting, pushing deeper with her limited psychic powers she found it he had trained as a no was from a family of Paladins wich one she could not tell but it was just there but it had been corrupted bye a dark power it was.... the Snow queen shivered sensing what it was an knew that the young man who was standing before her, apologizing at the order of the duke, was more powerful then any mortal she had come across and he knew he was indeed the one she had been searching for.

After the apology a plan planned to form in the dragon queens mind and she looked back at the duke. "You trained your slave well now please walk with me I would like to speak with you in private about some business. She then turned and would wait for the Duke to stand beside her before she started to walk. "So Duke Lennox it has been sometime since we last talked and I must say next time we should not wait so long. After all while I may not approve of your trade I do recognize that it does serve some small importance." As she spoke they approached a side room that was open for people to meet for private discussions. Redynth would step aside and let the Duke and Argus to go in first and then she followed behinde them along with Pohella and one of her personal guards.

Though the room was no bigger then a medium size office it was still lavishly furnished, from the high back chairs with silk cusions, the ornately carved wooden table at the center that was placed in front of a stark white marble fire place, it seemed that the dragon's of Orcenyth had never spent money lightly when it came to building and adding on to their castles. However as the door to the room was closed Redynth waved her hand out as she spoke. "Please have a seat if you wish" She herself went to the fire place and stood in front of it her back turned to the rest of them. She then turned to face them and faced to where the Duke was . "Now Duke I asked to speak to you in private as what I must speak to you is a bit of a delicate matter. You see this past winter several of are serfs died due to illness and we have need of more field workers. Now you know I would usually not bye slaves but I may willing to do so but first let us have a toast to the friendship between are nations"

Once they took there drinks the dragon woman would listen to the Duke as he spoke about the saves that he had. As he did Phoella was forming a mental connection to Argus. Once it was there he would here a almost lyrical like voice telling him to stay calm and that she only wanted to find out more about him like where he had come from, who was his family basic question's about his past, she also asked about the necromatic power and would be able to hear in her voice not judgment but a curiosity as if she really wanted to understand it.

 

[WeismanWriter]

Duke Lennox looked at Argus as he finally offered his apology to the Queen. Oh how proud he was of his favorite slave! Argus had been so resilient for the longest time. Always talking back, threatening to break his chains and kill the Duke, and now look at him. He had been bred into the best slave he's ever had. Not only could Argus perform nearly any duty he wanted to without failure, but he barely ever bit back anymore. The few times were bothersome, sure, but he was nearly perfected. Lennox's already vile grin grew wider in pride and joy. To show the mighty Dragon Queen the results of his exhaustive efforts was more than just rewarding. At first, he couldn't read the message her expression was trying to convey, but as she finally did speak, he rose with even more excitement. "O-Of course my Queen! I would be delighted to speak to you in private!"

As the Duke joined her side, he looked at the both of them in utter disgust. Not only did this all powerful Queen somehow offer a compliment to the Duke, but she even spoke of his trade as if it weren't mortifying. Duke Lennox was responsible for the brutal torture and eventual murder of more than a few dozen innocent lives. He uses his intellectual allies to gather as much information on his targets as possible and uses it to rip their freedom from them. Most slave owners in Khivaria wouldn't stoop nearly as low as him. If Lennox finds someone he deems worthy of his horrifying and sick fantasies, he always manages to get his filthy hands on him. That was the very man this Queen was inviting to speak with her in private. It was at least fair for Argus, as the Duke's current victim, to share plenty of resentment towards her.

"Ah yes! It has been quite some years since we last spoke my Queen! Last we spoke, I hadn't even begun to set my eyes on Argus here. I'm glad to hear you recognize the importance of my trade! Brilliant, simply brilliant!" The longer Duke Lennox spoke, the louder he became in his blissful ignorance. In this moment, he truly believed the words offered to him by the Queen was genuine praise. As did Argus. The slave stared daggers at the both of them but allowed his expression to remain the same hopeless, broken look he had grown accustomed to wearing. All of the energy he could spare these days were spent on hoping for an end to this eternal hell.

Duke Lennox excitedly pulled Argus into the medium sized office by yanking on a large chain that connected to both the large metal collar around his neck, as well as the shackles that kept his arms locked together. The Duke pushed Argus onto the chair to the left while he sat on the right, laughing a bit to himself in joy. "How generous of you my Queen, your hospitality truly knows no bounds! And if I may say so, your intellectual design of this lavish room are quite a beauty to behold. As are you!"

Upon hearing the Duke speak, Argus snickered. This resulted in the Duke slamming Argus's head right into the table in front of them. A sickening crunching sound could be heard with the breaking of Argus's nose, as well as blood flowing from the new wound. "I apologize for his rudeness. Argus, you piece of shit, I never gave you permission to act out of line. Don't disrespect me or the Queen ever again. Consider this a warning."

Argus, whose nose radiated with pain, didn't so much as offer a single reaction. Instead, he left his head laying against the table, refusing to look at anyone in the room. Not because he was disgusted with everyone therein, but because he knew what would happen if they saw him as is. His eyes had shifted from that natural ocean blue hue to a dark, crimson color. Proof of the information that kept him permanently tied to Duke Lennox. Argus's eyes changed to this color when his darker desires began to surface. Right now, he was a murderer in the making, and Lennox was his prime target.

Another reason for his stillness was the magical connection being formed in his mind. Others wouldn't be able to feel it immediately, but he was a different case. The connection brought him much more worry than getting his nose broken by the Duke. If someone was trying to invade his mind, it would be a breach of privacy that would only worsen his condition. What he heard instead was a soft voice that warmed him a little. A voice he's never heard, but one that at least eased his current anger. Argus remained silent for a solid minute before eventually relenting. And by relenting, he told her everything she wanted to know. How he was the son of the current Chieftain of Zelruss, a Paladin clan that was responsible for a mass majority of Khivaria's militaristic might, the strongest clain in the entire kingdom. The circumstances of his birth which involved his incredible affinity for magic, even how he had once worked as an Adventurer. How he had been cursed with a Necromancy tome, and how that eventually led to his exile from the clan. And at last, Argus told Phoella that Duke Lennox used knowledge of his Necromancy to enslave him.

"Hmm...that is a peculiar situation indeed my Queen," Lennox spoke as if deep in thought, "Ah yes, let us toast!" Grabbing a drink now handed to him by the single guard, Lennox walked up to the Queen and clanged his glass against her own before downing his entire cup. Such a delicious beverage! "If you are looking to buy my slaves...I am willing to give you a gracious discount. I currently have over two-thousand in storage within this town alone. How many would you like?"

Argus lifted his head up quickly and looked at the Duke in horror, those eyes of his still red with an unrelenting rage. He knew the number of slaves this waste of human life had, but the number he had thrown out without a care in a world was beyond insane! How much human life could he possibly hold control over?! Argus shook wildly in frustration, horror, and a murderous intent for the Duke.

 

[Madis]

Having trained and worked as the personal assassin of her mother the former queen, Redynth had become very good at not only controlling her emotions but also at hiding how she really felt and even acting a certain part. As it was she knew the way that she was acting would be eating at Argus and would possibly make it harder for him to trust her. Already she could feel his glares boring into her, however in the grand scheme of things why she feared what he could become if not trained he was hardly at a level that she could not handle. As for the Dike she thought it how amusing he would suck up to those with power grater then his even when that someone he would normally look down on.

However as much as she still wanted to strike him down she wanted him to hang himself more so even as the lowly dirt bag smashed the young mans face into the table the Snow Queen did not even flinch and ignored the crunching sound as the young man's nose smashed against the table. Instead she continued to play the aloof queen who was willing to sell out just because she needed the labor for her own land's quick. However once more even with her limited ability to read minds a moods the close proximity to Argus told her the loathing the young man had for the slave master and she started to entertain the idea of letting him finish the slaver. But she soon dismissed the notion as she knew what happened if such raw power was allowed to kill with such vengeance before being molded.

So it was the queen sat there and listened to what Duke Lennox had to say, as she did her advisor started to relay what the young man had said and she smiled a bit making look like she was pleased with what the slaver had said. IN that moment she knew that Argus would be the one to complete her, between his curse and family blood he would be more then capable to handle her and become one with her like a rider and dragon should be . Taking a sip from her drink she placed it on the mantle of the fire place and began to speak. "First off I believe I had let it be known that if your kind was to keep slaves in my City that you were to report it to the local trades guild. Since they have not reported that many to me from your warehouses then that tells me you have been fudging your numbers again" She then paused and started to pick at the claws that had appeared on her right hand.

"However I am willing to over look this transgression at least this time if you do give me a discounted price. However i would also like to buy that one off you as well" She then pointed to Argus and slight grin on her face. "I am sure that he has served you well and is a good slave. However I have need of a young man like him as he looks like he could satisfy some on my more.... twisted needs and desires" She then looked at the young man directly with a look not filled with malice or evil like he might think would bey there from her words. But with compassion and wisdom, and the look was then followed bye the slightest of winks before she turned back the slave master. "I may even be willing to sweeten the deal Lennox say the Orcenyth Empire will bye exclusively from you and you alone whenever there is is need for slave labor. I will even look into letting you hold a slave market here in the capitol wich I know is something you have been pushing to be allowed to do"

The female dragon then turned to where only Leenox could see her front and allowed the top of her dress to fall just enough to give the creep of a man a nice view of her chest as she bent down slightly and whispered on his ear a hand running up his right leg as she did. "Perhaps we could even seal the deal with a bit of fun later tonight. I mean I know I am monster girl but I am sure you could show me just how much of man you are what do you say Lennox" She then kissed his cheek before standing straight once more. Turning and grabbing her drink she took another sip. "This will be a one time offer Lennox so think before giving your answer."

 

[WeismanWriter]

Duke Lennox's fat grin seemed to almost vanish completely once the Queen made mention of his transgression. How could he have been so stupid as to reveal the massive amount of slaves he had in stock?! Not only did he report a tiny fraction of the numbers he held, but he had done so purposefully. Lennox wasn't the only slaver to keep a larger number of slaves and break her rules, but he was the first one to openly admit that he'd gone against her back. The Duke remained silent, slightly shaking in his slightly oversized but fancy boots, scared of how the Queen would potentially lash out at him. Breaking her rules could easily be considered treason, and in his case, his level of treason would certainly warrant immediate execution. If the Queen decided to kill him on the spot, Lennox wouldn't be able to move a muscle before her. He was but an ordinary man whose manipulative mind knew no bounds.

Following her finger, Lennox's eyes landed directly on the bloodied face of Argus. The Queen was requesting that the Duke sell Argus to her? Argus on the other hand looked at the Queen with wide eyes. She wanted to buy him? Why? What did she mean by he could help her fulfill her...twisted needs and desires? He kept his eyes locked on her, hoping to find some sort of answer. Her expression didn't offer one and neither did the voice that had previously spoke to him. Though, now that he was looking at her, he noticed her peculiar look of compassion. Just what were her intentions with him, exactly? Argus was constantly beaten within an inch of his own life. What could the Queen possibly expect from him? Despite the blood that covered his face, a faint blush flushed against his cheeks after she winked at him and he looked away. How long had it been since a woman managed to make him squirm like this?

Lennox was left furious with how Argus and the Queen almost seemingly flirted with one another but surprisingly kept his mouth shut. There wasn't much of a deal here for him and he damn well knew it. The Queen was mostly playing him like a fiddle. Not only was she requesting for Argus, his best slave, but she wanted a discount on all of his slaves? Not only that, but she was offering him a slave trade business in her capital if he relented and gave her what she wanted. Lennox open his mouth to speak but his eyes caught a glimpse of her breasts as she leaned in towards him, a shiver running up his spine. To make this discussion even more impossible, the Queen was offering herself to him in bed? Much to the utter disgust of Argus who knew she'd be lucky to get two inches out of the Duke.

The Duke stood there in silence after the fact, carefully considering all of his options, before he realized something. He is Duke Lennox, the greatest slave owner in history! Why should he have to simply relent to her like this? A manipulator until the very end, he rubbed his hands together and looked up at the Queen. "I-I apologize, my Queen. Unfortunately, I haven't put Argus up for sale just yet. But, there are plenty of other slaves you could buy from me."

 

[Madis]

As the Queen played her game of wits she took careful notice of all the reactions from both the fat slime ball that we Lennox and his slave Argus. She knew that she had put him on the back foot when she had gotten him to confess the fudging of his slave numbers in her city. In all honesty she had not been to surprised when he had reveled that. She had her suspicions that he had been reporting wrong numbers but she had not tried to find out the truth as she knew she could get the fool of a man to admit to what he had been doing. Of course she could of killed him then and there but she held back still waiting for the right moment.

Of course the best reactions came when she had pointed out that she also wanted to have Argus as her own. As she did her eyes shifted to the young man and she watched his eyes go wide at first. And then faint blush and him looking away as she winked at him. Of course that was the only sign she had given the young man that being with her would not really be a bad thing. The best thing though was the furiousness she could feel coming from the Duke. Redynth had put the man in the corner with her deal. To some it would seem like he would be getting a sweet deal but she knew that the initial discount would hit the Duke financially for a good bit and would allow others the chance to hone in on his turf.

Of course the final offer to let the Duke bed her had been more to read Argus's reaction. Now that she had been close enough to pick out his mental signature she could read it better in the confines of the room they were in. She could read his disgust and once more she turned her eyes to him and smiled at him softly letting him know that there was no way she would be sleeping with the Duke. She did turn back to the Duke has he spoke and as he answered she gave a small frown. "I am very disappointed Duke see there are very few like Argus in this world. I am sure that someone as smart as you know that a Dragon is incomplete with out a rider. And mortals who have the capabilities are very hard to find." Redynth then turned from the Duke and took a sip from her drink before placing it on the fire mantle. "OF course I am sure I could find another"

Letting out a small sigh she then turned back to the Duke and gave him a sweet smile as she started to shift. In the next instant she had gotten at at least two feet taller and her cape had seemingly turned into a pair of folded wings. Her had had now become claw like and covered with white scales but most impressive was the long whip like white tail that had appeared. "You know Lennox I have played nice ever since I took my mother's place but there will be some change coming soon My mom let you kind stay and keep your so called goods in out capital like a festering wound and I would much rather just boot all of you good for nothing pieces of rank trash out of my country. But in the spirit of are long time alliance I am willing to make things more open now are you sure you will not take the deal?"

As she spoke they could here a commotion out side the door. The king of Khivaria was demanding to be let in but the guards out side refused and told him to wait. Redynth looked at Lennox and grinned. "It seems being a fussy child runs in your family Lennox." She then moved up to to the duke stopping a bit less then a foot away from the short man and looked down at him her eyes none to friendly as she looked down. "Now are you sure that Arguas is not for sell? I Will understand if you say no again I wont be happy but I want to know for sure that is the case. If not then we can close are deal and seal it with a kiss later tonight"

 

[WeismanWriter]

"A...Rider?" Lennox asked, clearly baffled. Argus's potential was limitless, a fact that had driven him to target the young man, but...a Dragon Rider? Not only that, but she wanted Argus to be her Rider? The implications she spoke of weren't just shocking. Not a single soul thought it would even be possible for someone as powerful as the Queen to have a rider, much less anyone expected her to seek one. It was the first time he recalled ever hearing of her searching for one. Argus had that much potential? Looking over at the blushing slave, Lennox thought deeply about the situation. Wouldn't it be a total waste for him to simply just sell Argus to the Queen like this? Argus truly was one-of-a-kind. A man that Lennox would never manage to get his hands again. No...he couldn't just sell him off like this!

Argus himself reciprocated that look of total shock. Him? A Rider? And for the Queen? How had she come to that conclusion? Actually, he was shocked she was even able to tell how much potential he had. Most people couldn't get a good read on his power since he'd always done a good job at hiding it. Lennox had only discovered his potential after connecting the dots with Argus and his family lineage. But the Queen? Just being close to him seemed more than enough for her to figure out just how good of a find he'd been for her. Throughout the entire world, there are only a dozen or so Humans born with the same potential as him. Yet, his potential as her Rider probably exceeded all the rest.

Lennox opened his mouth to speak but froze at the sight of her shifting. She's grown so tall that it was becoming hard for him to look directly into her eyes. It didn't help that he was only slightly taller than the average Goblin. Her hands had formed into her claws, a large white-scaled tail had formed at her underside, and a large pair of wings sprouted forth. Not many were able to witness what seemed like a half-transformation for the Queen, but now that Lennox was, he understood completely why many feared her. The aura, her presence...it was more than enough to make him fear for his life. Truly, he did. But...his attachment to Argus was understandably strong. Slave owners could only dream of getting their grimy paws on a man as valuable as Argus. Hell, most female owners probably would have just turned him into a Husband rather than a slave. Lennox would have done the same had he swung that way.

Even though he was staring up into the eyes of the most dangerous woman on the planet, Lennox held his ground firmly. "As much as I would truly enjoy such an outcome, I cannot let Argus go for such a low price. Not after you spoke of him being a potential Rider." Lennox spoke as he trembled in fear of her. She cold kill him in an instant if he so much as upset her, but he was stupid enough to deny her request anyways. "I do believe my effort in obtaining him, and the value he seems to hold in your eyes, is much higher than what you're offering me. Double your standing price and he's as good as yours. Otherwise...I cannot part ways from him."

Argus rolled his eyes at the Duke as they spoke of his worth. What a deplorable Pig. Putting a price on his life...gods. If only he could kill the Duke.

 

[Madis]

Watching the look on the slime ball slave merchants face as she grew to her next form brought a smile on Redynth's face. She could tell that the man was intimidated but his answer brought a frown to her face. Some how the sleaze bag had found the courage to charge her even more then what she had offered. For that she would make sure his death would come swiftly. Turning form the man she made a show of making it look like she was actually considering the offer. "You really do know how to make a girl work for what she want's don't you Lennox" She then walked to and looked out the window to the room. The way things were turning it would look like she would have to do something a bit more drastic. Of course she knew if she took that route it would mean war between her empire and the kingdom of Khivaria. Though it was likely the rest of the pact members would l join her.

Letting out a sigh she began to speak once more this time to everyone in the room "Did any of you know that the Ocrenyth Empire dates back to the time during the fall of the first nations. It's very first queen helped to defeat the leader of one those nations. It was nation of beings that were both evil and powerful more powerful then the dragons." She then turned to face everyone in the room. Of course over time most of that race was wiped out or died out. but killing a race completely is very hard even more so when that race can change shape and be anything. They where called doppelgangers and though most of them were killed some survived. Of course they were hunted but they did reproduce. As far as I know now there are not many true doppelgangers left as to have a true one a doppelganger must be in it's true form when it is impregnated."

Pausing once more she looked down and took a deep breath. "I am sure you are wondering how I know so much about all this and I can tell you that it is not just from reading the history books." She then turned to Argus. "I must apologies to you for what I am about to do I am sure you would with to do it yourself but that I can not allow besides you will have your chance at revenge" She then faced toward Lennox before turning her head to Argus once more "Oh and you will not breathe a word of what you see here to any one my new pet as you will see something only two other beings have seen. My mother and Pohella" She then turned to the guard that came in with them. "Torva that goes for you as well" The guard gave a nod and Redynth turned back to Lennox.

"I am sorry to say that I must inform you that I will have to decline your deal. I am also sorry to inform you that you have breathed your last. Prepare your soul Lennox for you will be dining in the pits of the abyss tonight." Then out of nowhere there was a grey being standing where Redynth had been the creature had no face besides two red eyes and where it should have had some form of genitals there was nothing though it did still have the same size breast though it's nipples where coal black and it's hands it held a pair of daggers. It pointed the blue one at Lennox and faster then anyone could blink it was right in front of Lennox the red dagger to his throat and the point of the blue one at his heart. Then the slaver would hear a voice in his head and it sounded like Redynth only evil. "It will start with your death slaver. But I do not care your country is more evil then my kind at least we did not enslave beings for who they were."

Redynth then stabbed the blue dagger through the salvers heart and as she did those in the room would watch as his skin turned and ashen grey. She then pulled it out and the dagger disappeared. Then before the body could collapse she grabbed the hair of the now dead man and with the red dagger cleaved right though the neck removing his head. With the head in her right hand the red dagger disappeared as Redynth was now standing there in her human form in the same outfit she had on before she changed. Then with out a word she went to the door and opened it up and stepped out into the banquet room and held up Lennox's head "For far to long the kingdom of Khivaria has been a land where evil has festered. From this day forth the Ocrenyth Empire will no longer deal with a country that allows those who are not criminals to be forced into slavery and we will not do business with one that looks down on those with a monster heritage" She then through the head if Lennox at his cousins feet "You have one year to make the changes or you will be banished from the pact." She then leveled challenging look at the King of Khivaria giving him a chance to speak. Meanwhile one could hear a pin drop in the room as the Dragon Queen stared down the king.

 

[WeismanWriter]

“I apologize, but I cannot part ways with Argus without being given what he’s worth. Especially if he’s a potential Rider for you” Lennox said with a polite bow, grinning in secret. Now that he truly believed he had the Queen wrapped around his finger, he believed he could even go as far as charging her double what Argus was worth. Selling Argus at such an absurd price would allow him to truly live in luxury for the rest of his life. Good going Argus! The pride he felt for his most prized possession certainly outweighed the fear that still bubbled at the surface. Surely he must have understood the implications of what he’d just done. Lennox stole a glance at Argus who looked mostly disinterested in the entire situation.

Until the Queen had let out a sigh and spoke of history. Duke Lennox looked at her in complete confusion while Argus started to recall small bits of information he knew. The clan he’d been born into dated nearly as far back as her bloodline did. He once recalled his father speaking about creatures even more powerful than the Dragons as she said, the Dopplegangers. More notably, they were also labeled as ‘False Gods’ and ‘Imitation Demons’. Absurdly powerful and devilish creatures capable of perfect shapeshifting. Their rule threatened the very balance of the world itself. Argus recalled learning about them…but why was she talking about such distant history now?

For the first time since he’d been forced to sit down, Argus jumped out of his seat. She knew far more about the Doppelgangers that even the elders of his clan had. She even knew how they could reproduce and that a few still lived. His confusion still ran rampant but he was smart enough to begin piecing the puzzle together. Even for a Dragon, Queen Redynths power ran deep. Was it possible that she wasn’t actually a Dragon? Did she know so much about the Doppelgangers because she…was one herself? It would certainly explain why she was so damn powerful. Argus opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by her words, his face turning dark red. Had she just called him her new pet? The new nickname…it wasn’t so bad.

“...What?” Lennox asked, the fear that had been a small bubble turning into a terrified ocean. He had gone too far with his attempt in gaining a massive amount of money from her. Both he and Argus stared at her in shock and awe, with Argus feeling himself attracted to her true form. Queen Redynth was a Doppelganger. Lennox screamed in his overwhelming fear and panic. He tried to turn and run from her as she spoke, but before he could even move an inch, a red dagger had pierced his soft throat. Blood gushed from his new wound as pain filled his entire being. Lennox gasped for air as he clutched her hand, tears streaming down his face. He was going to die. The Queen was killing him!

Struggle as he tried in his final moments, the Duke felt another sharp pain in his chest as the Queen stabbed at his heart, removing it from his body with ease. The color of his body quickly faded as the last of his life had left his body. Duke Lennox was dead. Argus couldn’t believe his eyes. He stared in utter shock as the man who had put a shackle on his freedom was brutally murdered in front of him. She had taken the revenge that he wanted to take for himself away from him. Yet, a part of him felt relieved that he wouldn’t have to spill Lennox’s blood anymore. She had said he would still be able to get his revenge, but how? The only one he despised was the man she had just killed.

The King of Khivaria waited impatiently for the presence of the Queen, wondering what was taking her so long. Suffice to say, many jaws dropped at the sight of her carrying and throwing the severed head of Duke Lennox. The cousin screamed in fear and ran from the scene while the King listened carefully, almost unsurprised by her actions. He’d been well aware of her distaste towards Khivaria’s prominent slave trade, and Lennox had been one of the top slave producers. Most of Khivaria’s economy ran on the slave trade, and now…she wanted him to completely abolish it?!

As the two stared at each other, a massive explosion of magic burst from the roof of the building the Queen had just been in. With Duke Lennox dead, the seal he had placed onto Argus, which was connected to his lifeforce, had faded away. When a Magic Caster has their powers sealed, the Magic gathers within them. After a long period of time, the Magic itself swells up and turns the caster into a ticking time bomb. As a pillar of magic exploded through the roof above his head, Argus almost moaned in relief. Magic flowed through the veins of his body as he allowed all the surplus to explode from his body. Thankfully, this explosion didn’t cause harm to its user as he had shot it all towards the heavens above.

After the surplus of Magic had finally been released, Argus slowly stepped through the door after repairing the building with his magic and joined the Queens side. The King looked at him in shock at his display of power, offering a soft nod. “Very well, Queen Redynth. The Royal family doesn’t wish to be removed from the pact and turned into your enemy. Although the happenings of tonight aren’t all too pleasing, I shall find a way to accommodate your request. Have a goodnight.” And with that, the King and the rest of the Khivarian royals left the room in haste. Somehow, some way, he needed to discover a way to replace the slave trade without hurting the Khivarian economy.

Argus looked up at the Queen and smiled softly. “Thank you, your highness. For freeing me from the Duke…and the Kingdom of Khivaria. How can I ever repay you?”