I stared at the small boat the man wanted me to climb into. I stared at him doubtingly as he scratched his neck and said. “Huh, gimme a sec.” He began rummaging through his bag as I took a good look at him.

He looked to be a bit shorter than six feet tall. He had slicked back black hair and brown eyes. He wore a chainmail suit but had furs and cloaks covering most of it. For weapons he had two giant handaxes.

As I was observing him he took out a small collar and said. “Lower your head.” I did so while snickering. How was that thing gonna fit on me? Or even solve the current problem? What an idiot!

Suddenly the collar grew and he placed it on my neck. He tapped the stone on the front of it and suddenly the world around me began to grow. I was shocked how he had made everything larger before realizing I was smaller. I stared up at the now extremely large man. I was the size of a small cat now!

I screamed at him. “Fuck you mate! Why are you doing this? Just get your kid a dog like a normal parent!” He smiled and said. “I’m sure Hanno will love you. Now come on.” He picked me up and placed me in the boat as it just started moving!

My kidnapper looked at me for a few seconds before saying. “Alright Lady, time to explain your new role.” I spat at him as he smiled and said. “You will be my son’s pet. You will act like a pet when with him and others. You will stay in this small form while being a pet. Your other job will be as his bodyguard. Recently, one, or more of my peers have been sending assassins. It’s your job to stop them.”

I nodded along, slightly intrigued by this new society. Maybe I can use this to do a bit of scouting. Although trade seems off the table for the foreseeable future. But magic items? I need more! The man continued. “Press the gem on your collar and imagine yourself growing to your true size. Only me and you can do this.”

I nodded and wondered if he could catch me if I swam away? Oh but he would just kill my kids. Fuck this guy. I said that to him. “Fuck you!” He frowned and said. “I’m unable to understand you and a device to do so would be expensive. Anyway I am going to continue explaining. Listen carefully.”

I sighed and settled in for a lecture as the creep began to speak. “I am the Lord of the Raven Clan. We are in control of one city, eight towns and dozens of villages. Thousands of people have sworn loyalty to me. When you are in my land you will be safe. But my son is going to the academy in a week. You need to protect him at all costs. Oh by the way, you won’t lay any eggs while wearing the collar. A monster military force would be interesting but I won’t let you build up power.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

How the fuck does he just stop the eggs? What is this collar? Why does he carry this with him everywhere he goes? Who just has this on their person at all times? He smiled as if he could hear me and said. “I know you don’t like me, beast. I know you were a ruler of your area. But you need to understand. You’re no longer in charge. In this kingdom you would barely be considered a village chieftain.”

I shrugged and waved my tail around. I didn’t have my tail spike anymore, my tail was smaller in proportion. Overall this sucks. I watched the shore where me and my kids left until it disappeared as we entered a river.

Over the next few days we sat in silence. Barley acno wedgie each other. Until finally I saw smoke. The river carried us into a small harbor. I hopped off the boat and felt my stomach grumble with hunger. The Chief had fed me some scraps of jerky and thankfully I only needed enough food to feed my small body.

I couldn’t help staring at the various stalls and people along the way to wherever the Chief wanted to go. I need to give this guy a name. I think Creep will do. Kidnapping intelligent creatures and turning them into pets. I looked up at him and screamed. “Fuck you!” He nodded and said. “It is a nice town. I agree, when I was a boy my father would take me here. We would go on hunting trips together.”

I stared at the very confused creep before sighing and following him. We made it to a small house on a hill where a creep smiled and opened the door. He was met by a small boy who tackled him into a hug while screaming “Father! You’re home!” This is their home? A rundown shack? I thought he was the ruler? He’s just poor!

I looked at the boy who I assume is Hanno and was shocked by his appearance. The boy looked like he was around fifteen or sixteen years old. The surprising part was he looked nothing like his father. Hanno had blonde hair that looked almost white. His eyes were fucking yellow! What the hell? Other than that he wore a simple tunic and pants.

As I was about to walk off to find some food, a creep picked me up and said. “Look what I got you! I named her Lady.” Hanno looked like an angel had descended from the heavens. He recently picked me up as I stared at him.

He frowned and turned towards the creep. “Father, the name lady doesn’t suit her at all!” I grinned and nodded. Finally someone with sense. Hanno continued. “Look at her! Surely she deserves a more noble name?” Well I’m actually a dude but thanks for trying. He looked at me for a few more seconds before saying. “She will be named Aya from now on.” I stared at the boy’s golden eyes and saw a strange conviction within them. What the hell did I just get wrapped up in?