Moments before:
At the new construction site, Roisin leaned over a large planning table with engineering designs as the Foreman tried to explain why the new supplies would not be enough to do what she had ordered. The Architect, Darren Brown, who stood to her left was a lean man in his mid-fifties, and while he may not look like someone who would survive a simple gust of wind, his designs had been flawless so far and he came highly recommended.
Darren Brown looked at the foreman and deadpanned, “If you step skimming funds and buy the material I order instead of the cheap crap, we would not have this problem. I measure the right amount in my plans.”
“Foreman McAllie, please explain why your crews are so far behind!” Roisin asked, her frustration evident.
“Ma’am, you may not understand this, but the guild controls the supplies. If you do not pay, it is not me that is the problem. The guild is demanding a cut in order to o
Late that evening, Andrew arrived back at the hotel and took a shower. It was a long day of practice with the men, but they were advancing quickly. Starting tomorrow, there would be a good rotation with someone to guard both Roisin and Alexa each day. Andrew realized he really needed more men. His personnel were growing, and Durres was still a dangerous place. This was something he intended to change but simply killing every gang member would just insight others to come in. Liam had already told him that since he had sold his gray businesses for cheap, the crows were circling, preparing for a battle over the scraps of Durres from large gangs across the area. Without a force of his own to monitor and maintain order, it would be pointless to wipe out the existing structures.After he dressed, Andrew found Roisin and Alexa and asked them if they would like to go for a nice meal. Both girls glanced at each other and nodded, smiling brawdly, but insisted that tomorrow night would
When Andrew was ready, he knocked on Roisin’s door, and hear giggling from inside. It turned out Roisin and Alexa had made fast friends and both were inside together. They came to the door dressed in long gowns with their hair in twin braids that met in a single braided tail at the back. Andrew and to choke on his words for a minute. “you two look lovely tonight” “Why, thank you” they both giggle, totally loving his discomfort. ‘Keep it in your paints mister.’ Commented Raya. ‘and here I thought you were wanting to live vicariously though me.’ Snarked Andrew. ‘hmm’ grumped Raya. ‘what’s up with her’ thought Andrew, pushing it from his mind, and asked the ladies “Well ladies, the night is yours, where would you like to eat? My treat.” Roisin had been thinking about this so quickly said “The Gold Dragon Palace! It’s an exquisite place that I have always wanted to eat at but never been able to!” “O, is it sup
At that time, in the other room, which was part of the Emporer’s Club, Jaxon was seated at the bar with his arm around a young beauty doing his best to impress.“My dear, I have just been promoted! Working for the bank of Dragrad, I can get you anything you want! My new salary is much more than before! And don’t you know, with such a promotion I now drive a model X! it is worth over $500,000!”“A luxury car hu? I have a friend who can take me for rides in his Wyvern car any time I want.” The beauty said, trying to pull away.Jaxon Sneered, disdainfully, “This car you speak of, is nothing compared to my x model! Look at mine, it's right out front!” and with that, he pulled out his key ring and tried to click the lock. However, the sound was not where he expected. He swerved his head and looked out the glass front windows and didn’t see his car in the front-drive!He clicked his keys again and saw a fain
“Did you hear what I said?” the waiter's cold voice said, as he reached for the intercom and called for security.Hearing security called Alexa tensed but Andrew and Roisin drew close to her and she took comfort in both of their presences.As several burly security forces came tromping over, one shouted “Who dares make trouble in the gold Dragon Palace?”“Clinton, it's those people, they are the ones causing trouble. I told them there is no seat here for them, but they refuse to leave. They seem to want to use force to break in! He even tried to call the boss by name and act like he called the President’s personal number, trying to intimidate me!”The security guard the waiter had called Clinton instantly became cold.Liam? No one had the balls to invoke the name Liam here in his own site, yet this kid dares to pretend to call him personally after hours? This kid had steel cojones!Clinton rolled up
As the ladies looking around, the grandeur of this box exceeded all expectations. It was ornately decorated with handcrafted woodworking of a dragon moving through forest scenes, and gold inlay. This table alone was likely as expensive as some homes in Durres.After Liam had drinks and some appetizers arranged, Andrew looked across the table at both ladies.“I must say you both look lovely tonight. I apologize for the struggles we encountered getting here.”The girls both blushed. “Thank you”“And Alexa, I understand you visited the training ground recently?” Andrew said curiously.Alexa shrank, thinking she was in trouble. “I, I am sorry, I just needed to get out.”“What? No! Don’t be sorry! If you need to get out, please, talk to us. I admit Miss Roisin and myself are often busy running from one place to another, but if you have needs, we will all work to accommodate. In fact, the
The next morning Andrew woke up early and took Alexa to the training site before anyone else arrived.Raya said ‘Andrew, I tell you this one has more strength than either you or she knows. Be careful, train her well’‘What are you not telling me?’‘you will learn in due time on your own. Even she does no know the extent of her strength, so it is for you two to learn together.’‘really? Leaving me in the dark like this?’‘just know she is strong.’ Concluded Raya.“ok Alexa. Tell me of your training. You said a monk worked with you. If you passed the first level, I have to assume your natural physical agility is high.” Said Andrew, evaluating her posture.“Well, yes. When I was young, I often broke things. The monks told me it was because I was dragon blessed. And that is why I became the dragon priestess. I was bas
Andrew deftly caught the blade, beaming from ear to ear. “It took Jackson over three months to get that one! Anika managed it about a month later. None of them got it on their first try.”Alexa was stunned at what she had just done. The motion had come so naturally and just felt… right.“But seriously, how often do you use knives? Don’t you all have guns?” she asked skeptically.“Guns still have their place, but ammo supplies are running lower every day. Plus a knife is silent, and never runs out of ammo. I would rather have my knife over your gun.” Andrew explained.“Really?”To demonstrate, Andrew grabbed a practice gun with paint bullets, and a flexible training blade from his bag. He tossed the gun to Alexa.“It works just like a real one, but its just paint. When the bell gongs, we go.” Andrew backed up almost 20 feet, and set a gong timer for 10 seconds.&l
Late the next morning, Arya Croft called Andrew. “Hello Arya, what can I do for you today?”“Hello Mr. Andrew. Two thinks if you are not too busy. Roisin asks that you visit the new construction site and help her verify something with one of the engineers. They may have a discrepancy.”“Ok, not a problem. Alexa and I are nearby at the training ground so we can swing by shortly after lunch. What else?”“A Miss Natalia Wyvrena who is the Regional director of the Bank of Dragard would like to meet with you personally. We spoke of them cooperating on a few projects and she would like to offer to be your personal contact for any needs.”“hmm, have we been able to use them for anything yet?”“As a matter of fact, they have been quite helpful on several projects we have going. While we have the cash on hand for each project, the bank has given us very good terms for running capital which ha
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