Anika rushed outside to find Andrew and the team in a pitched battle. Another 20 soldiers had appeared being led by a huge hulking commander.
“ok team, we need to get back to Jackson and the others. Hopefully, Gad and Zev were able to clear a path for us because we will be doing this on foot.”
Malachi, carter, and Asrana each eyed one another and then the enemy in front of them.
Anika was pissed and said, “you don’t expect to leave that woman in there do you?”
“Were you able to break the chains?” asked Andrew.
“Well no. but we cant just leave her.” Pleaded Anika.
Andrew gestured to the advancing army unit “I don’t want to but unless we can defeat all of these we are going to be hard-pressed to make it out alive ourselves.”
Anika glanced around and tossed the book to Asrana. “Read fast, see if you can find a way to break those chains, the rest of us will buy
When the three transports pulled up to the gate in the wall, it did not immediately open. Jackson jumped on the comms “What the hell guys, let us in!” The reply came “you will have to code in, Colonel Manaski said no one in or out without authorization.” “Manaski? I thought we left with lieutenant colonel Gerald in charge,” muttered Zev. Asrana winced. “When I left it was General Henric…. He was my 1-star general and a great commander.” Jackson turned back to the comm, “fine what code in do you want? We have wounded and hostiles on our tail.” The watch sergeant replied by yelling down, “This is Watch Sergeant Shults, please code in with rank and designation. Andrew grabbed the comm, “Gold Dragon, Mike, Alpha 01, open the god’s dammed gate before I…” ‘Andrew!!’ Raya chided quickly, cutting him off mid-sentence. ‘decorum, please!’ her tone was half playful, half-serious. He was here officially after all.
“Asrana, Nash, go see the healer. The rest of you can go as well if you have injuries. Jackson, gad, Zev if you are good, remain here ”“What! You can't just send people around my….” The colonel trailed off as he listed to the names being called out. He knew those names…. Every officer, and likely every serving man in the whole kingdom would know those names… “base…. Asrana? THEE Asrana?” the colonel choked out, turning pale in realization of who stood before him.‘Of course, that thick skull of his would recognize Asrana but none of the rest of you. This reaction should be priceless,’ said Raya.Asrana, who was about to walk out, glared at Colonel Manaski. “Yes, THEE Asrana. As in your superior officer! Look around you, numbskull! Take a good hard look at the faces around you!” and with that, she walked out to find a healer. None of the guardsmen were dumb enough to
Back in Durres, upon landing, Andrew said goodbye to Anika and called Miss Croft to arrange a car.“I can have Roisin come get you. She managed to get a car while you were away.” Miss Croft said.A few minutes later Roisin and the driver Donnel pulled up in a brand new car.When Roisin got out to greet Andrew, she noticed Alexa behind him, hiding in the shadows. Andrew greeted her kindly and quickly got into the car. Roisin turned to Alexa and asked “You are with Andrew? Are you coming along?”Alexa looked around nervously. She had never been away from the temple in Dragarth, at least until she was kidnapped, and those days would haunt her for a long time to come. Now she was in an entirely unknown place with unknown people.“Umm yes, with Andrew..” she said awkwardly, her Dragard language skills clearly not native.“Well come on, we will take care of you.” Said Roisin gesturing to the car. Wha
The next morning, Andrew met Roisin who was escorting Alexa down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. Alexa was constantly looking around her at every little thing. To her, this was like a whole new world. “Ladies, today Roisin informs me is the grand opening of a new community. If you both are interested, we can all go and take a look. If it suits our needs, perhaps we can find some private arrangements for you both. Roisin was stunned that Andrew was considering getting a home for her in this place. Alexa was not sure what to think as she was not even sure what her life was to look like now. A mental voice drifted softly to Andrew ‘if that is where you plan to keep me, I guess that is fine.’ ‘Raya? That didn’t sound like you.’ He asked ‘it was not me!’ said Raya. Andrew looked hard at Alexa who had her head down but said nothing. “we will see what happens. Also, this afternoon, Roisin, I hope you are prepared for the compan
Roisin was stunned. Was Andrew seriously taking them to the pinnacle?Sure enough, the manager drove right to the top and entered the main mansion property.“In the future, you are both welcome to take a room here or in the guest house. Wherever you feel most comfortable we can arrange. Alexa, I suggest we move you up here, as it is the most secure location. But I will leave it to you to choose where you want to stay,” said Andrew.“guest house?” asked Roisin, suddenly remembering that Andrew had just bought a house in one of the lower levels! How rich was he?‘Stay in the pinnacle!’ suggested Raya, but Andrew assumed it was just a mental shout to himself. He missed Alexa looking up as if she had heard a voice and didn’t know where from.The manager agreed to make access keys to the master mansion and guesting house available to Roisin and Alexa by end of the day.“Ok ladies, let
“Sir I am so sorry, I have failed.” Liam lamented, in total panic “What is the matter?” “It is miss Alexa. I sent someone over to guard her, but the hotel just reported, the guard was knocked out. Sir Miss Alexa…. She is gone.” “Liam, you have a very short window. FIND HER.” Said Andrew, blood boiling. Liam on the other end broke out in cold sweat at the killing intent that came through the phone. As soon as Andrew hung up he called every contact he had. In the past few years Liam had been cultivating contacts both in the underground circles and within the cities police forces. Soon the whole city was on the lookout for Alexa. Meanwhile, Andrew called Anika. “Anika, Someone has come for Alexa. I need you to set monitors on all entry and exit points for the province.” “Yes commander, right away. And Andrew, Find her. Keep me posted.” In Durres, Liam was able to gain access to the feed from th
Over the next week, Roisin worked with Arya Croft and Mr. Liam to find, purchase and make plans for a new joint factory for the future Dragon Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals. While the two companies would have separate management departments, Acquisitions would be a joint department, and they would share a roof. Each had its own set of equipment, and the Pharmaceutical company even had a complete research laboratory. Andrew explained that as much as possible the two should work together to enhance products and save on costs through bulk purchase of ingredients. Roisin was thrilled for the project and threw everything she had at it, working hard to forget the stress and drama her family had been putting her through. When it came time to start breaking ground on the new site, Roisin went to meet with Andrew. “Mr. Andrew.” She began. “Please, it's just Andrew. What do you need?” “I was wondering if you had thoughts on who you wanted to use for the
Later that week, Andrew received a call from Liam to inform him that 30 recruits had successfully completed the course and were ready for him to take their training to the next level. “Very good Liam. Make sure it remains open that those wanting to try out may use the first level. As we grow, we will need more but at least now we have a core. I will be over to train them shortly. When Andrew arrived, 30 recruits were lined up smiling, while another 70 kept working on the first stage. “You all think you have won something? Well, good luck with that. Now, hell begins.” Everyone turned serious. “Follow me” with that, Andrew dashed through the first level maze and up to the second level. The recruits now realized that they would be expected to do the first level every day just to get to level two. “You now get to learn to work as a team. You will be guards, and personally protect those around me and my companies. As individually you will b
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