"Tzu, The Wyvern Of Malice. I thank you for visiting our humble home," a feminine voice said with a too wide smile. Next to her, upon the small stage at the center of the throne room was a man, skin the color of a white swallow. The wyvern eyed the gold sitting upon his head, along with the wrinkles around a familiar glare. One that gained the same recognition as the queen's hospitality, doubting people and their intentions was very natural for Tzu and any self aware individual when placed in such a environment. There are no humble landowners or farm women and men with a chest full of gold in attendance today. No, today only the smell of nobility tainted these walls, most enjoying a glass of wine worth a village total in taxes half full. As red traveled down their tongues they watched the man-thing with... noble smiles. The kind a thief makes after striking a deal. Regardless, Tzu was more interested in the invitation above all else, and waited to hear it's owner's words.

 "Would you like to have a seat? You are a guest of the kingdom." The wyvern turned away from the litter of men and women, all deigned in a mask that covered at the very least their eyes. "No, I only came to hear you out. That is all."

 "Who knew it would be so vulgar. The nerve, it's knees should be red on ground while giving thanks for being thought of." Most of the room, including the king and queen bended their view to the slurring words. They were made by a noble of course, one who seemed to already had too much drink in his belly. His lone burst of laughter confirmed it, along with his stained blue coat as some nearby tried to calm him. The wyvern did not give him a glance, only continued to wait for the words he had traveled so far to hear. "On behalf of the kingdom I apologize, master Tzu. Most present do not agree with such foul remarks." When the queen spoke the last few words, she blinked more frequent then usual. Was it her nerves? Did she truly fear him so much? Tzu glanced around, then to the king before locking eyes with her again. It was doubtful.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

 "I do not mind," he said softly. After a worn pause of word, the queen seemed to realize his wishes and lowered her gaze. "Tales of you have traveled far, from Morphon to Palen at least... are they true?"

 "Not all." Her eyes quickly lifted to him. "But you know of the one I speak of, yes? The death of a thousand elves, in their own homeland no less."

 Tzu began to understand why his presence was requested. Instead of revealing his rising interest he forced it to stifle for patience, allowing a stoic appearance to lay open."It is true."

 The room quickly filled with whispers around him, as if that was the answer they had been waiting to hear. "Why bring up such a old tale?" The queen glanced to her husband with a worried look, he only nodded. Then she turned to her guest with empty words. "I am sorry." The room's chin moved from the wyvern as the giant silver trimmed doors opened at the entrance of the throne room. The king stood, while Tzu turned his eye behind also.

 Elves flooded the wide doorway, where blinding gold armor and blood lust covered every one. There were too many to enter at once, and likely their number stretched outside the palace. Few stood out, but one in particular caught Tzu's eyes. Instead of gold the woman wore a crimson robe and hood with sky blue lines weaved through out the exquisite set. She wore a smirk as she stepped forth, the act alone pronouncing her commander and chief. When Tzu met her eyes, he also couldn't hold his lips from crawling into a smile.

 "I've finally found you, Tzu."