Just as they were concluding, a knock sounded on the office.
Liam jumped up, furious someone would interrupt.
But when he answered the door, he froze. Arya Croft, Vice-Chair of the whole Fire Dragon Corp stood at the door.
While Liam had met her on previous occasions, it was rare to see her now except in passing, being that her office was on the top floor of the same building.
“President Liam, Is this Mr. Andrew I have been told about?”
“Yes, Ma’am.’
“When you are done with him, please send him my way.”
“Well actually, we are finishing now,” said Andrew as he stood from the desk. “Shall we?”
And with that, he left the room to follow Arya upstairs.
Liam was ready to melt and felt a huge pressure leave with Andrew.
Upstairs was an impressive area. The whole floor had a clearly fung shui focus and Raya instantly could sense that it was well done. There was even a large waterfall feature in the center of the floor that fell into a koi pond. On one side there was a long glass wall for a large conference room, and on the far end there were two offices, one looked dark and unused, the other was clearly what Miss croft was using. A whole row of smaller offices lay unused along the other wall.
‘Seems a bit lonely up here, but she sure adds a bit of flavor’ said Raya.
‘Indeed, it is a bit lacking for life. Cough cough, and yes, mhmm this miss croft does liven it up, some.’
Raya only chuckled at that.
As they strode for Miss Croft's office Andrew struck up a conversation with Miss croft.
“so you work up here alone?”
“For now Mr. Andrew. However, Mr. Jackson made sure we established in such a way to allow expansion as you see fit. You should be able to effectively run the upper management of whatever businesses you chose to engage in from here.”
Miss Croft led Andrew to the conference room where he plopped into a chair near the center. That is when he noticed she had the whole table covered with various diagrams and files.
“This, this is the layout of your Fire Dragon group as it currently stands. Our largest holding is the Dreadnought Investment group, but we also have a sizable stake in a small cosmetic manufacturing group, a majority voting share of a pharmaceutical company, and have a sizeable working capital thanks to Mr. Andrew's contributions over the years. Most of this is invested in various markets with significant returns. We are prepared at any time to jump on whatever endeavors Mr. Andrew’s directs.
‘Wow, brains and beauty. I might be in love.’ Thought Raya.
“quiet, you.”
‘what? I can admire a fellow female’s form just as much as you! Just because I am stuck in my heartstone doesn’t mean I don’t still admire the outside world. Your mind can be rather boring sometimes. Don’t get me wrong I am always intrigued by your plotting and scheming, but seriously, we need a little action around here from time to time.’ Thought Raya.
Andrew just blushed from head to toe. How was he ever to have a normal relationship with people, with Raya commentating in his head 24/7?
“Is everything alright Mr. Andrew? Is everything to your specifications and needs?” asked Miss croft quietly. She had heard Andrew’s outburst to ‘be quite’, but it had not seemed to be directed at her. How odd.
“he hem yes, sorry I was distracted. Yes, this looks like a solid base to start from. You have done well. I will soon begin our expansion, so this is excellent. Jackson chose well with you. For the most part, you will not see me much in the office, but perhaps we can begin getting you a few more staff. It would be good to have this place more used.” Replied Andrew.
Not going to be in much… Arya was a bit confused by this statement, as she had thought Andrew was planning to take over directly. Was he planning to be a hands-off boss and leave her to run things?
“As long as you are amenable, I will leave you in charge as the face of Fire Dragon in Durres. I intend to be out and about doing things but should you need my direction, or if there is ever an issue you feel you cannot handle, please be sure to contact me directly. Otherwise, I believe things are going to be just fine in your hands. My red general is the true head of Fire Dragon, and when she arrives, you can discuss more with her,” said Andrew.
For the next hour, they discussed investments and the structure of the firm.
When Arya was done going over the business and felt she had a decent idea of Andrew's immediate goals, she prepared to say goodbye.
“Master Andrew, do you have any personal needs?”
Raya in his head jumped on the opening ‘Hint hint! Personal needs! You going to take advantage of that?’
Andrew just replied “ I am still only recently back in town. Much has changed. The payment method for one. It seems increasingly rare for people to pay with the king’s gold. I believe I will be needing a payment card.”
Arya was quick to pull out a file folder she had made for Andrew’s personal needs, and quickly handed him a black and gold card. It had an ornate gold dragon emblem on it and the Fire Dragon name in bold.
Chairman Andrew was the name given.
“Sir, I had this made shortly after we were established. It was issued by the top national bank and can be used anywhere. It is a limited custom edition, so anyone of note should all recognize this card and the firm behind it,” said Arya Croft.
With that, Andrew thanked Arya and headed down to find something to eat.
Roisin Eisen was one of Durres’s cities great beauties. To her, being told this was next to telling her that a bear craps in the woods. It was a useless bit of information and in no way felt like a compliment these days. Her beauty had never brought her a suitable man nor had it been a huge asset in business. Instead, she was envied by women who felt inferior and thus targeted by all manner of mean schemes. She was practically stalked by men of low IQ and even lower hygiene habits. Her own mother insisted on setting her up on an untold number of blind dates. It was true that she was of a good age to marry, and she would not mind finding someone she could enjoy being with. However, right now, she was successfully climbing the ladders in the family business, and working hard to get her family of two out of the squaller house they lived in. well, perhaps family of three if you considered Emily who practically lived with them now. Both Roisin and Emily were making great strides in
Roisin looked at him curiously but noticed as Andrew subconsciously touched an earbud and realized he must have been on a phone call when she walked up. She wondered absently who Raya might be. A coworker at Dreadnought Investment? A girlfriend?“I don’t believe we have met before. But my mother told me to meet you here. Is now still a good time for us to catch a meal together?” this blind date was off to a grand start Roisin thought.Andrew was utterly lost, but here was a beautiful woman who knew his name and wanted to have dinner.‘if you don’t say yes I will do it for you.’ Snarked Raya.“yes, yes of course have a seat,” said Andrew in an instant as Raya snapped his confusion.“I know these blind dates are a bit awkward, so sorry for that. My mother has set me up on enough.” Started Roisin.“Blind date? Ah yes, they can be quite awkward but with a beautiful woman
“Well Miss Eisen, I do think there are opportunities for you to look at in the future. I have a proposition for you to consider,” said Andrew.“Yes, have already given me much to consider. Wait, a proposition you say? What do you have to offer?” asked Roisin noticing Andrew’s attention had shifted back fully to her from his moment of absence.“I believe the Fire Dragon group would be interested in working with your company. They have resources few can fathom. They even wholly own Dreadnought Investment as you may be aware. I can connect you with Miss Croft, who would be the one to discuss possible future cooperation, but I can give you a taste of what such cooperation might benefit your company. How much would a brand new formula be worth?”“A new formula? Something the push my company forward?”“Well, the formula is actually very old but would be something the modern world has not seen. I can pr
After that, they chatted for a while and Roisin mostly talked about her family and time with her cousin. Andrew only briefly mentioned his time in the military and mostly focused on his medical experiences because that was Roisin’s specialty and she might recognize aspects of his experiences.Suddenly Andrew noticed a chill in the air. This was odd being that it was rather warm outside this time of year. ‘Raya?’‘COLD’ was Raya’s slow reply.‘Cold? What are you sensing Raya?’‘COLD blood physique. This girl is lucky to be alive this long with that. It's super rare. There are some odd treatments but they take time. Like 10 years. Some manage to live longer if they inadvertently find a fire-blood, who has the opposite problem. While she freezes, fire bloods may boil to death.’‘what is happening now?’ asked Andrew bewildered.&l
Slowly, Roisin began to wake. She quickly realized her dress was torn and she felt cold all over. “Miss Eisen, please drink this. The good doctor has just left and ordered this when you wake up..” “my, my clothes. What happened to me?” whispered Roisin, terrified of the possible answers. “not to worry much, my dear, the doctor did have to make some quick actions to save you, but I was present the whole time. Nothing untoward happened. Here, drink, you will feel better,” said Arya. She was stunned at how much better the girl looked after just the needlework Andrew had done. With what she saw and the prescription, she had no qualms about calling him “doctor”. As Roisin drank the tea, she instantly felt the chill flee from her body. She had experienced these chills for years, but never to this extreme but now, this tea, this wonderful tea was removing all trace. Normally she would be sick and suffer for at least two days. But now, right from the onset, w
Andrew made his way back to the construction site. Tomorrow would begin building a new team. Things were about to change in Durres, and he needed manpower to do it. While he could bulldoze his way through almost anything, he had learned several years ago how invaluable capable team members were. When you could not be everywhere, your team was your eyes and your muscle. With a force of his own here, things would become much easier. Plus, change always created enemies. So, he wanted to be sure Dreadnought Investment and especially Miss Croft had real protection, not just this subpar bunch of thugs. Tonight though, he went up to the top floor of the construction site turned training ground, and lay in a hammock set between two I beams. Here he could lay back and watch the stars overhead. As he drifted off, he felt Raya merge with his thoughts. Together, they soared on the winds of memory. 7 years ago, deep in the Haderac desert, he was a young squad leader newly
The dream began to shift and Andrew fidgeted in his sleep. A storm was brewing and his hammock had begun to rock. As the first flashes of lightning crossed the distant sky, his memories flashed though firefights.Anika and Asrana helping each other gear up, Zev, Antonio and Gad checking gear, Malachi working on the radio, Jackson cleaning his sniper rifle carter reading off the orders from HQ. this team had been through so much together. Jackson was on his last rotation before he would be heading home.O how Andrew missed his team.Lightning flashed in the waking world, and Andrew saw in his mind the battles. Carter taking a hit to the gut, asrana trying to stop the blood. That was when Raya first directed him in the use of his needles. Flying through motions as she walked him through the pressure points to seal the wound and stop the bleeding. Anika’s eyes were wide with wonder as their captain did things none of them had every learned in medical training
Andrew left and headed for the bank. He needed to verify the new card that Arya Croft and provided him and get used to how things were back in the civilized world. On the battlefield, you carried food for your mission and more was available from command as needed. There was no need for cash there, so Andrew and his strike team had saved and invested every gold dragoon the kingdom felt like paying them. By the time they had each earned the ranks of God’s of war, their accounts and investments were substantial.The Central bank of Dragard in recent years had become the primary bank for guarding all sorts of wealth from across the kingdom and was now known as a rich man's bank. Minimum account balances held millions in the kingdom's gold, so to even have an account with them was a level of prestige in of itself. Jackson had indicated that once Andrew had set his sights on Durres, Jackson had instructed certain people within the bank administration of the value of establish
Andrew led the way as they headed back toward the great hall. “Come, it is time to return to Durres.” As they passed into the grand hall, Alexa let out a shocked squeak as two men grabbed her arms from either side. Anika and Andrew spun back to her and Anika drew a dagger. Conner’s two younger brothers held Alexa. “Lookie what we found. A murderous little bitch.” Lord Devos stepped out of the shadows then with a man that Alexa felt bore a striking resemblance to lieutenant Tannis. “Ah, goddess Anika, you saved me a lot of trouble bringing this traitor to me. I thank you. the Praetorian guard has already been summoned. After all, the death of the son of Senator Palmos cannot hardly be overlooked.” “Lord Governor Devos, you will release Alexa now. If you don’t, you will find I am far more than you can afford to offend.” Andrew said coldly. “Son, don’t play here.” Governor Devos said, snapping his fingers. Twenty home guard stepped out of the shadows and surrounded them. General Ezra
Alexa marveled at the militaristic atmosphere as they entered the palace of Devos Mansion. There were guards stationed at the entrance who bowed respectfully as their badges automatically lifted the gate without the guard needing to activate it.When they arrived at the front doors of the castle, six guards came to the side of the car and stood at attention. They exited the car and Anika led the way into the grand hall.“Seems they might have expected us.” Anika said softly as Alexa took in the numerous guards who lines the alcoves of the grand hall. Many were hidden in shadow and if her keen hearing had not detected their breathing, or the subtle expansion of their chests against taught leather and breast plates, she likely would have assumed they were statues. At the far end, a throne sat empty. A steward stood off to the side and raised his voice.“The Red Dragon, Anika Archeron and company.”Nothing happened, and the room fell eerily silent.“Are the devos not in?” Anika asked A
The ride to Kaibain started out quiet. Alexa stared out the window, lost in thought. The realization that she had killed one of their own soldiers over a stupid argument galled her. Raya joined her thoughts, ‘He pulled a weapon on of god of war. That is tantamount to treason.’ ‘He didn’t know I was a god of war. You only just made that appointment. I don’t wear any insignia, nor am I even in this army.’ ‘Alexa, you are my warrior. You were there under Andrew’s command, with Anika, Nash, and the rest. Everyone of them is a known god of war and every member of the dragon squad outranked that pissant. That is over 1000 soldiers from across the land that are KNOWN to outrank him. no one travels in the company of the gods of war without outranking that traitor. He still chose not only to disrespect you but to pull a weapon on you. He disobeyed a direct order from the supreme commander, and chose to use deadly force on a higher ranking office
Alexa unstrapped her blade and handed it to Andrew. Her wolf, Cole had been his name before he took on the designation of #2, handed over several blades as well. Nash checked the other soldiers to make sure they were not hiding any weapons.Satisfied, Andrew glared at Tannis, but opted to let Alexa fix this herself. “Winner gets the title and honor. Loser is demoted. No weapons. Submission wins. BEGIN!”The word begin had barely left Andrew’s lips when Alexa and Cole exploded. Alexa’s black hair billowed in the wind and she rushed forward, and then Cole powered before Her, arm out stretched. She caught hold of his arm and he swung her, tripling her speed and he added every bit of momentum he could to her flight. Alexa rocketed at the soldiers and flipped into a feet first attack at the last second, crashing into two soldier’s mid sections. They were rendered unconscious as they flew back, smashing into the side of a transport truck, the wi
“Alexa, Raya has bestowed this upon you. You are now officially one of us. As far as the king is concerned.. Meh, he does not need to know. However, I have the ability to now grant you full authority as a god of war. You will not be subject to any authority except mine and Raya’s, and with this rank, you also now have authority second only to mine and the other gods of war.”Alexa blanched, realizing just what was being bestowed upon her. “Are you sure?”“It is not up to me. This is Raya.” He said calmly. “Now, It is time we get back to our own tasks in Durres. There is still plenty left undone there, and sadly we have new business to attend.”Alexa remembered her dead wolves and nodded.“Go ahead and load up. I will be out with Anika shortly.”Alexa headed out, flanked as soon as she left the meeting hall by several wolves who had been waiting outside the doors.When th
Alexa’s eye’s opened to light streaming into her eyes. Pain radiated around her neck. The light moved away and was replaced by Anika’s face.“Lay still, Alexa. Your windpipe is damaged, but you will be fine. Likely just some bruising. Here, I am going to help you swallow this pill.” Anika gently helped her open her mouth, which sent spasms of pain along her jaw. The pill dissolved instantly when it hit her tongue. She closed her eyes as the pill did its work.When she opened her eyes again, it was to the gentle rays of dawn peaking over the lake. They had moved her to the shore and had packed sleeping bags around her. Her neck felt stiff and when she reached up, she felt the rigid frame of a brace around her neck. Anika’s face loomed over head then.“Hey, sleepy head. Don’t try to talk, try squeeze my fingers to answer me.” Anika held out two fingers. Alexa obeyed. “Now, Are you hurting?”A
Howls erupted around her as Alexa’s wolves went battle mad. The sound aroused a spark of consciousness. Raya was screaming in her mind as silverly wings enveloped her mind. Alexa’s eyes flashed with defiance as she reached up and gripped the flat top of bloodbane. Any mortal that tried this would be sliced or simply have the blade moved down out of their grip. Alexa’s grip however, viced onto the blade so tight, its motion toward her neck halted completely.The commander looked at her, shocked. Clearly he had intended on placing the blade flat against his fist and pushing it away from him, across the top of his hand, taking alexa’s head off in the process. He had maneuvered the blade a bit slowly. Perhaps out of caution, knowing its deadly power, or perhaps due to bloodloss. Either way, the blade was now frozen, inches from Alexa’s neck. She still dangled in the air, legs suspended by his massive grip but her defiant eyes were not dying like they
Alexa walked along the cliff face, glancing over her shoulder at the rock debris that covered the cave entrance. Her stomach roiled as she thought about the wolf that she had lost. She vowed to visit his family and ensure Andrew and Anika would take care of the family from now on. Lost in thought she didn’t see the crack in the rock as she passed. The shlick of a crossbow bolt being released had her spinning around and dropping low as she looked for the attacker. Behind her # 26 slumped to the, a bolt protruding from his chest, as red blood leaked from the corner of his mouth. “NO!” she cried, her black blade flashing in her hand. “Down!” she waved at the men behind her and the took cover, but not before several more bolts flew, taking down several more of her men. Carter grunted as a bolt caught him in the gut. “Alert! We are under fire” Alexa barked into her mic. The whole squad rushed in her direction, cautious of the incoming bolts. To her horror,
“For fuck sake that could have gone better.” Anika spat as they set down two injured wolves. Anika sported a slice across her bicep but it didn’t look bad.“The numbers were agaist us. But they needed to be taken out. A unit that size moving around our back door?” Said Nash, appearing out of the dark.Gad materialized next to him, “Question is what now? They know we are here. We are not going to get that kind of surprise again.”Alexa tagged her communicator, “Jackson, can you those with Thermals get a count for us?”“Give us a minute.” Came the reply.“How are our numbers here?” Nash asked, looking around.Alexa grimaced, and started looking for her wolves. “Wolf pack, sound off!”All but one answered. 28 was MIA. Likely dead. “Minor wounds mostly. A few took bolts in that last volley.” She said to Nash.“They have a cav