A week passed in a blur of quests, battles, and camaraderie. The fledgling party, now officially dubbed the Steel Tongues, had carved a name for themselves among the adventurers of the guild. Their exploits ranged from clearing out goblin nests to escorting merchants through dangerous roads. For Sebas, it was a whirlwind of new experiences—and newfound power.
The Dragon Queen’s presence loomed large in Sebas’s thoughts, her words echoing in his dreams as his abilities began to manifest. After their most recent quest, he had leveled up to two. The magicules absorbed from slain monsters thrummed within him, fueling his ascent. With the level-up came new gifts: the ability to unleash a dragon’s shout and the companionship of a pseudodragon familiar.
The familiar—a sleek, golden-scaled creature with eyes like molten amber—had materialized one evening, coiling around Sebas’s shoulders as if it had always been there. It introduced itself with a voice that only Sebas could hear, claiming no name but happily answering to “whatever you wish to call me.” For now, Sebas had settled on Ember.
Ember’s abilities were a marvel. In its natural form, it was a creature of agility and cunning, but it could polymorph into any animal smaller than itself. From a hawk for reconnaissance to a mouse for stealth, Ember’s versatility proved invaluable. Together, they began to draw attention—both admiration and suspicion.
---
The Steel Tongues were seated at a corner table in the guild hall, their latest rewards spread before them. A modest pile of coins gleamed in the lamplight, and Keira was meticulously dividing the spoils.
“Thirty silver for each of us,” she said, sliding the coins across the table. “Not bad for a week’s work.”
Lorn grunted in approval, scooping up his share. “Good enough for ale and repairs. What about you, Sebas? How’s it feel to hit level two?”
Sebas hesitated, his hand brushing over Ember, who lay curled on the table like a contented cat. “It feels… different. Like a door has opened, and there’s more waiting on the other side. But I’m still figuring out how to use what I’ve been given.”
Keira leaned back in her chair, studying him. “You’ve got potential, that’s for sure. That dragon shout of yours was impressive. Saved us a lot of trouble back in that kobold cave.”
Finn nodded enthusiastically. “I’ve never seen anything like it! The way it shook the ground, scattering them like leaves… It’s like you’re channeling something ancient.”
“It’s not entirely mine,” Sebas admitted. “The Dragon Queen… She’s given me these gifts, but I’m still learning what they mean. And why she chose me.”
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Lorn raised an eyebrow. “Why wouldn’t she? You’ve got fire in your veins, lad. Literally, from what I’ve seen.”
Sebas couldn’t help but smile at the dwarf’s blunt encouragement. Yet the warmth of the moment was tempered by the cold stares from other corners of the hall. Not everyone was thrilled about the rise of the Steel Tongues, and Sebas could feel the weight of their gazes.
---
The prejudice was subtle but persistent. Whispers followed Sebas wherever he went, hushed voices murmuring about the “warlock” and his “demonic patron.” Despite the guild’s general tolerance for adventurers of all types, old biases died hard. Warlocks were often viewed with suspicion, their power seen as tainted or unnatural.
Keira noticed the tension and leaned closer to Sebas. “Ignore them,” she said in a low voice. “They’ll come around once we prove ourselves.”
“Will they?” Sebas asked, his voice tinged with doubt.
Keira’s green eyes hardened. “If they don’t, that’s their problem. We know what you’re capable of. That’s what matters.”
Ember lifted its head, its voice slithering into Sebas’s mind. *She’s right, you know. Let them mutter. Their opinions are as fleeting as smoke.*
Sebas reached up to scratch behind Ember’s horns, drawing a pleased rumble from the pseudodragon. “Thanks,” he said, both to Keira and Ember.
---
The week’s work had also earned the Steel Tongues their first official recognition. A notice had gone up on the guild’s board, announcing their new party name. Keira had suggested it, inspired by Sebas’s dragon shout and their growing reputation for sharp tongues and sharper blades.
“Steel Tongues,” Lorn mused, swirling his tankard of ale. “Has a nice ring to it.”
“It’s better than Finn’s suggestion,” Keira said with a smirk.
Finn blushed. “Hey! ‘Silver Arrows’ wasn’t that bad.”
Lorn barked a laugh. “It was terrible. Too generic. Steel Tongues fits us better. Tough, sharp, and a little unconventional.”
Sebas chuckled, the camaraderie easing the weight of the stares and whispers. For the first time in years, he felt like he belonged somewhere.
---
That night, as the others drifted off to their rooms, Sebas lingered in the guild hall, his thoughts heavy. Ember sat perched on the back of his chair, its tail flicking lazily.
*You’ve been quiet,* Ember said. *What troubles you?*
Sebas sighed. “I’m not used to this. Being part of a group, having people rely on me. And the Dragon Queen… She’s given me so much, but it feels like there’s a price I haven’t paid yet.”
Ember’s eyes glowed softly in the dim light. *Power always comes with a price. But she chose you for a reason. Trust in that—and in yourself.*
Before Sebas could respond, a familiar figure appeared in the doorway. Marek, the shadow who had been both protector and enigma, leaned casually against the frame.
“You’re drawing attention,” Marek said without preamble. “The kind that could get you into trouble.”
Sebas frowned. “I’m just doing my part. The Steel Tongues are making a name for themselves.”
“Exactly,” Marek said, his tone flat. “And not everyone appreciates newcomers shaking up the status quo. Watch your back, warlock. Not all threats come from monsters.”
With that, Marek disappeared into the shadows as swiftly as he had come. Sebas stared after him, unease prickling at his skin.
---
The following morning, the Steel Tongues gathered for their next mission. As they prepared to leave the guild hall, Sebas noticed the lingering stares again. But this time, he stood a little straighter, his resolve firm.
They were the Steel Tongues. And they were just getting started.
**End of Chapter 10**