The next time I opened my eyes I was in my small form. When had I transformed? My mind felt muddled, as it took a few seconds to remember what had happened before I had fallen unconscious.

I looked around and saw that I was on a boat. I tried to stand up but my legs refused to listen. The three heirs surrounded me, their faces grim as they talked. Hanno was leading the conversation.

He looked tired and sighed before saying. “We cannot return to the academy. It’s not safe if we were drugged and then pursued by soldiers. We should return to my lands. We can gather soldiers and meet with our fathers.”

Oh, he is not going to be happy when he finds out. I was about to call attention to myself when Loken said. “Hanno, what are you talking about? We are being attacked, the academy is the safest place. And our parents are there, they probably assume we’re dead.”

Oh damn, that is not a good idea. Gotta convince them to stay. How can I do that? Ried talked next, a haunted look on his face. “Why are you both ignoring the most obvious concern? Hanno, your pet kidnapped us and then killed almost thirty soldiers that may have been trying to save us.”

Okay actually he raises a very real concern that Hanno should be having. Hanno just shrugged and said. “I trust Aya, I’m sure she would never do such a thing.” Thanks for the vote of confidence, but again I’m the king. Not the queen. Also how many people did I kill? I quickly checked my notifications and smiled.

You have killed a level 10 Human soldier x 28

You have leveled up. You are now a level 27 Mud Skink War Queen

You have leveled up. You are now a level 28 Mud Skink War Queen

Finally ! It’s been too long since I’ve leveled up. I wonder when I’ll evolve next. Probably level fifty. Or maybe a hundred. It’s kinda hard to tell when it is. Horribly inconsistent. Not that I’ll let it bother me. I am a dragon! Nothing bothers me!

Except for this damn pain, how many holes did those soldiers give me? Eh, we have a boat now so I’m sure I’ll get to rest. ALthough how is this boat moving? I got to my feet and limped to the side to look over.

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I saw almost a dozen oars moving in sync. I looked around and noticed the blood on the deck and on Hanno’s sword. Was the first to have killed someone? Should I be concerned? He seems fine. At least it appears that the crew below us is under control.

I laid back down and resumed listening to the young nobles' conversations. Hanno was talking. “Reid, why can you not understand what we are telling you? If the city was attacked then we are not safe. We will return to my lands so we may rendezvous with our fathers. Then we will strike back.”

Reid looked like he was going to be ill as he asked. “Do you think it was the Bear Clan? Surely they wouldn’t start a war. Even they aren't that stupid.” Hanno and Loken both frowned as Loken answered. “The Bear Clan has its own alliances. They outnumber us almost ten to one. The only advantage we have is the Raven Guard and the Blessed ones.”

Ooh fancy names. I should make up some fancy names for groups of my kids. The destroyers of all! The top one percent! Tax evasion list! Reid smiled and said. “You’re right, both of those groups have some of the most high level soldiers in the entire region.”

So the Raven Clan had quality over quantity? It sounds good but a large quantity of quality is always good. Like my kids! Although going to war with your own children as your military seems dumb.

The rest of the day passed with the young heirs stating their ideas for what happened. None of them got close to what I think happened. From what I was told Helga murdered every single clan leader. The board is wiped clean. All so Hanno can unite the region.

The only one who came close to getting it right was Reid. He shakily took a breath and asked. “What if our fathers are dead? What if we have to take control of our clans? Are you two prepared to do so?”

Hanno nodded and matter of factly stated. “I have been trained since birth to take over this role. And if my father is dead, my first act will be to destroy his killers. My next act will be to demand fealty of all the clans. I shall pursue them one by one. Until finally our fractured people become one.”

Loken nodded and said. “You have my loyalty, you know this.” They both turned to Reid and he glanced between them before saying. “Of course I’ll swear loyalty! Better to have a leader like Hanno than someone like Bruce.”

Damn they really were the bullies in this situation. I almost feel bad for Bruce. Maybe it was because I ate a good number of his friends. They didn’t even taste good. Too stringy. I could taste the poverty. Also I’m never eating clothes again, it did not go down fell.

As I was reminiscing I heard a shout from below deck. Hanno and his comrades jumped to their feet and drew their weapons. I grew to the size of a horse and tried to look threatening. The boat lurched to the side because of my weight.

Hanno glanced at me but didn’t say anything. As we all waited anxiously a man burst out from under a trapdoor and said. “You think you can intimidate…” His threat was cut off by my tail spike entering his face through his mouth and going up into his brain.

I slid my tail out and nudged the body so it fell down the stairs. I heard grunting, presumably from the men who had joined the corpse in his uprising. Hanno and the lads looked at me but none of them said a word. I just smiled and went back into my small form. Today was a good day.

You have killed a level 16 Human Rower