The dragon hit the ground with the force of an earthquake, and I was thrown off my feet. I rolled so my back hit the ground instead of falling on top of Guinevere. We disentangled and rolled to our feet ready to face the dragon. I approached it slowly watching as it rolled its head to face me. A single crimson eye met mine as we both analyzed the other.
Exar’kun the Star Fallen, Gifted- dragon/hell-dragon, Hero, Rank: 559
“Has your goddess sent you kill me too, Warlord?” Exar’kun asked.
“Perhaps,” I said holding out my hand. “Dominion.”
Target has an ability giving them immunity to mind control, domination and enslavement abilities.
The dragon laughed, the stones rattling. The laughter turned to a wet cough, but it didn’t stop the dragon’s form from shaking.
“You cannot dominate a dragon, Warlord,” Exar’kun wheezed. “My spirit can be destroyed, but never broken.”
“Worth a shot,” I said with a shrug.
“Finish it,” Exar’kun growled. “You’ll soon have to contend with my killers, they will not allow you to leave this place once they see you.”
“More champions?” I asked.
“Yes,” Exar’kun snarled. “The gods of order it seems cannot let those they don’t control to grow stronger.”
“You’re a Hell Dragon,” Guinevere said. “It is in your nature to destroy.”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
“I have never left this forest in all my life,” Exar’kun said his words resonating with me. “It was you who trespassed on my domain.”
“What if I let you live?” I asked. “Would you fight by my side?”
“You would trust me?” Exar’kun asked. “That would be most foolish, I am much more powerful than you. Without binding me to your will how could you be sure I would not destroy you?”
Turning I looked at Guinevere. “I have learned recently that sometimes you have to give people your trust to earn theirs.”
Exar’kun did not give me an answer right away. Our supernatural hearing began to hear the sound of hoofbeats and footfalls pounding the ground. Whatever his decision, he would have to make it quickly.
Exar’kun slowly and with great effort rose up his head moving directly in front of me. I didn’t move or flinch as he moved within easy striking distance, his two burning crimson eyes met mine and we stared each other down.
“Very well,” Exar’kun said his voice like the rumble of a storm. “If we survive, I shall fight alongside you.”
Nodding I took my helm that was hanging from my belt and slid it on over my head. AS I opened my eyes and looked through the visor.
“Then I look forward to fighting alongside you,” I said my voice distorted to a more savage tone by the helm.
Quest Completed, Conquer (Repeatable): You have been tasked with conquering your first region. Take control of the Forest of the Ancients by defeating the eight powers of the region and preventing any other faction from forming a presence in the region. Current progress 8-8.
Reward: One rank IV Artifact of your choice or creation.
A hand landed on my shoulder and the world froze.
---
Mira crested the hill and looked down on a massive crater. The dragon lay at the center of the crater and two humanoids were standing next to it. She grit her teeth at the sight of two people trying to steal their rank points and potentially ruin their quest. She drew her bow and sighted along the shaft her vision being magnified by one of her passive abilities. What she saw made her blink in shock. Guinevere stood unharmed in bright silver armor, her hair plaited, and her arms crossed as she looked around her.
Seeing her friend alive made her freeze in confusion for a moment. A smile curled her face then she turned her arrow to the side and focused on the other humanoid. What she saw chilled her, she had never seen his face, but she knew instantly who it was.
The Warlord lived.