The black hoverbike slipped around a corner and flew through intersections. Most people just thought a motorcycle was weaving through traffic. Few realized a high-end, powerful hoverbike was next to them. As the rider neared the port city of Durres, feelings of rightness began to settle on him. It had been 15 years since he first left Durres. Back then he was only a young starving boy of 12 who had just lost his parents. However, despite the pain of memory in this city, coming back now, this place just felt right to him.
‘thinking of making this home?’ said a telepathic voice in his head.
‘yes, Raya, I believe we will call this place home once more. It will take some work, but I think we are up for the challenge.’ Replied Andrew.
‘Andrew, this place… you may be feeling good about it, but it gives me the creeps. There is so much…. Wrong about this place.’ said Raya.
‘There are likely some bad people around. We will just have to clean up the town. It will be a good exercise for us anyway.’ Replied Andrew.
Raya suddenly remarked coldly, ‘your arrival has been noticed by the Devos family. They will likely send someone to contact you. I can sense their pawns in the area.’
‘Dam, they must have been watching the airport. Well, they can all go to hell. They were peons 8 years ago and are worthless now! That son of theirs, Conner, skirted battle thanks to me. For now, we ignore them. However, if they interfere with my plans, they will suffer. They likely just want to make sure I disappear.’ said Andrew.
As Andrew pulled into a large walking park, he began scouting the area. Many would consider him paranoid. Andrew considered his caution a skill more people should hone. After all, his heightened senses and awareness had saved him and his team countless times on the battlefield.
His black bike with its pure gold accents was eye-catching for sure. Thankfully, most people didn’t notice things that were outside what they expected to see such as the fact it was a hoverbike, instead of a normal motorcycle. His bike was the custom prototype product of several companies that were on the cutting edge of modern warfare technology. Speed could make the difference in battle, and business.
Knowing that he would soon be approached by pawns of the Devos, Andrew set off for the middle of the park and found a secluded bench to sit at. From here he could see anyone that approached a long way off. He took out his phone and began scrolling there the latest intelligence packet while a call connected.
“Jackson, I am back. Situation update,” said Andrew.
“Commander, it’s good to hear you are back in one piece. I have things coming along here. Overall, the situation is not yet in hand but with you here, it should fall into place quickly. I have people in place to assist you with anything you need. But sir, per your request they have not made your arrival known, so many hostile forces are still in power in the black and gray realms.”
Andrew frowned. Jackson was a superior fighter who had been under his command on the battlefield for years. Jackson was even the first of the team to be formally named a god of war. Eventually, after his term of conscription was finished, Jackson had become known as the Cobalt god of war, assigned to the western province of Rhodes, one of the eight gods of war who served under the supreme god of war. Andrew knew Jackson’s strengths lent themselves to the subtle behind-the-scenes moves more than being flamboyant in business. After all, he was the team's sniper and was used to blending into the backdrop. However, Andrew had hoped for a bit more of his plans to have been established by the time he decided to “retire” to Durres. Oh well, Andrew thought to himself, he would need something to do to keep his mind active. He was only in his mid-twenties after all. Some gray world gangsters would not be trouble. The black realm may be darker, crueler, and overall a stronger breed of criminal, but at the end of the day, they should not pose any threat to his long-term plans either.
“Have you found me a suitable site?” asked Andrew. While he was planning on relaxing from war for a few years here in Durres, naturally this did not mean he intended to be slack in his physical training.
“Yes commander, there is a suitable construction site owned by the Eisen family. They are in the midst of building a 5-story structure, but the plans show it is just a prebuild, with no current owner. It is still in the initial build phase. I have already contacted the company manager and she is prepared to sign over the title. Because you requested it be incomplete, we are getting it for a good price. I can have the paperwork complete by end of the day.” Was Jackson's response.
“Good. Send me the address as soon as the paperwork is complete. You know my specs, have a crew ready to renovate by tomorrow” said Andrew with a soft air of command that brooked no argument.
Andrew clicked off the call and looked up from his phone to see a group of men rushing toward him in controlled haste.
Five men in black formal suits were hurrying over to him as if they expected him to turn to smoke and vanish if they were a second later. This would be people from the Devos family then, thought Andrew. People walking in the park gave way, and many ducked out of the area fearing some sort of police action was underway. Several even tried to hide, not wanting to attract the attention of these imposing men. The men scanned the park and began to fan out as if they had lost track of their prey. Little did they know that Andrew was a master of avoiding detection. The lead suit turned onto the walkway with Andrew's bench only feet away and froze, startled. Andrew was just sitting nonchalantly playing with his phone, but a simple glaring glance from Andrew made it clear he had been aware of the group’s approach the whole time. The leader spoke without introduction “the Devos family master wants you to come back to Vroengard, he has business to
At this time in the heart of Durres, a well-known local family was having a company meeting. The family business group specialized in commercial construction and had part ownership with a well-recognized cosmetic sales subsidiary, among their other various family businesses. The Eisen family was discussing future plans and the patriarch was looking over proposals from his sons for future expansion. At this point in the development of the company, relationships with the right people and companies were essential to secure new contracts. Without strong ties to larger families and their business groups, the Eisen family was unlikely to be able to grow any farther and may even stagnate. Mathew Eisen had been able to build the family to its current Hight on his own. his sons, on the other hand, were less than desirable when it came to business prowess. They were more interested in living off the company’s profits and enjoying life. Each vied for power trying to get more funds, witho
As jay made his way over to the construction site on the outskirts of town, he thought through how to make the workers remember him. He could be cruel, that was easy enough. Those day laborers might respect a firm hand. He may be young, but he was still a rich second-generation heir of his family. He figured he could win favor by belittling the foremen in front of his men if he was not being strict on-site safety…Jay paused in his line of thinking and decided “eh, let's just check and see how things are going and go from there”. He had never been one for grand plans. Jay rounded the corner in his model S5 sports car. While this was not a super luxury car it still cost over $70,000 of the kingdom gold. Most people in this district were lucky to afford a bicycle, let alone a car. As he approached the gate to the site, he noticed there were not the usual EISEN GROUP logos on the fence that was customary for a family construction site. The company never missed an opportunity to
“Kid, you better check your facts before you go getting hot and bothered. Now I am going back to training. Hope you figure your shit out.” And with that Andrew turned to go back to his training. Jay tried to stop Andrew from turning his back on him “I said I want to see your foremen not talk with you, you ungrateful pissant! If you ever want work again you will do what I say!” “Kid, I don’t work here, I live here, I train here. Now piss off,” said Andrew over his shoulder. Jay Eisen spluttered “You don’t even work here?! What are you some vagrant squatter? You will leave now!” with that threat, Jay tried to pull out a handgun. Unfortunately, Jay was not one skilled in the use of such a tool, and the magazine dropped to the ground. Well, he still had one round, right? Jay pulled the trigger. CLICK. When you try to use a gun, the loudest noise in the world is a CLICK with no bang. Jay’s eyes got big and he scrambled for the magazine, sco
Everyone was open-mouthed. As the officers walked up to the door, one noticed a hole near the top of the door. “What is this?!” the officer said. Andrew looked at the whole and exclaimed, “Hu, I guess it he did manage to hit the building. I will have the charge him with the repair bill.” “What are you talking about, sir?” said the first officer. “What? You didn’t see the gun in his hands? He shot it and clearly missed me, but I originally thought he missed the whole building too. Guess he managed to hit there” said Andrew. “Gun?! He has a gun and shot at you?” “I believe I already said he had a gun and the bullet whole clearly shows what he hit. Hard to classify that as shot 'at' me when he can’t aim to save his own life.” Andrew strolled into the office space and over to the desk where he had the plans for his training site and shuffled through for the contract. After located the needed documents, he handed them to the
Shane Eisen was sitting in his office reviewing a new proposal that had come in to make a bid with the DREADNOUGHT INVESTMENT group for a new building in Durres. If they could secure this contract, it would be a huge boost to the company. Thus far it looked like things might actually work out, and in this, his niece Roisin possibly had some benefits. Her female figure was quite the eye candy for local businessmen and Shane was sure that is why the Dreadnought Investment CEO, Liam, had been willing to sit through several rounds of negotiation with Roisin so far. While a final agreement had not been reached, if Liam was willing to sit through this many pitches, it was a good sign. Many businessmen could not even get a meeting with such a person!Just then, his phone rang with a number he did not recognize.(If you are not reading this on the GoodNovel app or site, you are on a stolen site, and not supporting the real author)“Hello, the is Shane with Eisen G
At the same time – construction site.Andrew finished up his practice and realized there were still a few hours of daylight left.He flipped open his cell and called Jackson.“Sir.”“Jackson, this site will work fine. I have a few hours of free time. Is there anything that needs my attention?”“Well sir if you are free, it would be good for you to meet Mr. Liam. Right now, I have him running the Dreadnought Investment group. There is an office prepared for you there on the top floor, that will run the whole Fire Dragon Corp. I have assigned a vice President for you, who will also act as your secretary and liaison for any business needs. She is extremely capable. Her name is Arya Croft,” said Jackson.“Very good, I will pass there within the hour.” Andrew said as he hung up.Jackson quickly called ahead to Mr. Liam.Liam was packing up his office for the day when he saw his p
Andrew made his way over to the Dreadnought Investment group. He knew from Jackson that this company had been established in its current form just a few years ago. Jackson briefed him from time to time, and he gave input and resources as needed. Thankfully Jackson was a capable person and had been ever since he had been assigned to Andrew’s team in the field all those years ago. When he got out and came back home, he quickly became Andrew’s top force and right hand in many ways. When he stepped up to the receptionist, he asked politely to informed Mr. Liam that Andrew was here to see him. “Mr. Andrew is it? I am afraid I do not have you, or any for that matter, on the schedule… Mr. Liam does not normally take visitors that are not scheduled ahead of time.” “Miss, please inform him, and let him decide. I am confident he will be down shortly.” The secretary frowned but picked up the phone. “Mr. Liam, there is and Mr. Andrew here to see you. He does not
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