The Dragon's Oath: A Dark Fantasy Romance Adventure Read online

  Jared let out a scream before he was turned onto his back. Blinking red eyes looked down as fingers and teeth dug into his prone flesh. Jared let out another scream but his voice was drowned out by the celebration in the streets. Blood spurted as screams turned to whimpers. Teeth bore into flesh and cracked bone. A wet crunching sound filled the cellar. Not long after, the whimpers faded and the last of Jared’s life spilled on the cellar floor.

  Silently, the things pulled his body to the crack in the cellar and beyond. Some feasted on the body as it slowly cooled, while others waited at the cracked hole for the boy’s parents to come looking for him, pieces of flesh and blood coating their chins.

  Eight

  The night spun on as did the celebration. With dinner finished, tables were moved to the edges of the banquet hall, cleaned and restocked with desserts, wine and spirits. The middle of the hall was empty save for the guests. Minstrels began playing and bodies begun to move to a joyous dance. Wine and spirits continued to flow and Lord Lockwood eyed the playful mood as it took hold of each of his guests.

  Strum was standing, tapping his foot to the rhythm. Xoli clapped her hands amid many other guests at the edge of the dancing crowd. Dorian sat with bright eyes and warmth in his cheeks. Nypha smiled at bodies twirling and bowing. Her eyes darted to Dorian to see his head nodding to the melodic pieces. Pink touched the dragon woman’s cheeks as the wine swirled in her belly. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and take Dorian’s hand, leading him to the main floor so they may dance. The dragon knew she was not coordinated enough to compete with those already dancing but she felt deep down that Dorian would guide her, step by step.

  Fireplaces burned along the corners of the hall and the heat caressed uncertain nerves. The dragons sat to the right of Nypha, eyes and faces blank. The fear the crowd felt before seemed to melt away and now everyone focused on the happy mood. Lady Astor was at the edge of the crowd with her brood, glancing to Lord Lockwood.

  Dorian watched and smiled as the guests enjoyed the celebration. Memories of his father dancing with the guests filled his hazy mind. His father was a lord all aspired to know. The young lord hoped he could someday live up to that expectation. Try as he might to follow his father’s wisdom, young lord Lockwood felt enveloped in a shadow. No matter what he did, he often felt he would only be the son of a great man.

  Glancing down, Dorian’s heart clenched in his chest, not letting the sad memories linger. The spirit of the moment took hold and he looked over at the beautiful dragon to his right. Nypha’s eyes were on the crowd, eyes drinking in twisting bodies. The dragon turned her attention to the lord and a shy smile bloomed. Dorian was about to take her hand and walk her down to the dancing crowd when a shadow loomed over him.

  “Lord Lockwood, may I have this dance,” Lady Astor smirked.

  Dorian looked up at the Lady and bowed his head. Standing up, he shot Nypha a wicked smile before Lady Astor curled her arm into his. Nypha watched with a fading smile as Dorian and Lady Astor stepped down the dais steps and entered the crowd. Guests parted for the lord and lady before encircling them.

  Music floated along warm air as couples pranced and moved. Dorian’s hand took hold of Lady Astor’s waist while the other took her hand. Moving to the music and space between them, Dorian smiled as they moved with all the other couples in unison.

  “My my, Lord Lockwood, you dance much like your father,” Lady Astor smiled.

  “And you dance like an angel, Lady Astor,” Dorian grinned before twirling her.

  The lady smiled before her hand took a firm grip of the lord’s waist and drew him in closer, belly’s touching.

  “Let’s not play any more games, Lord Lockwood,” Lady Astor said in a low tone. “We both know you need a lady to rule at your side.”

  Dorian looked the lady in the eye, keeping his jovial smile, “Are you proposing to me, Lady Astor?”

  Lady Astor’s smile grew but her eyes remained focused, “I see you carry your father’s charm as well. As tempting as that may be, my daughter carries the strength to help handle my lord’s sword.”

  Dorian mentally sighed wanting to have some fun instead of dealing with politics. “You’re daughter is beautiful, but her mother is a work of art created by a master’s stroke.”

  “Flatter all you like, it is only a matter of time before you must choose a lady to rule at your side. I see no other family strong enough to keep the Tower’s Edge stable.”

  Dorian’s smile wilted, “We can discuss the future after my celebration.”

  Lady Astor’s smile took on a sardonic edge, “Come now my lord, we both know that luck favors the bold. Lord Pitt’s daughter has a lustful insanity that will murder your spirit. My daughter is strong and has a keen mind. She is the proper choice to rule at your side.”

  Dorian’s brow wrinkled for a moment before smoothing away, “I admire your tenacity, Lady Astor, but such unions take time to ensure it will benefit the kingdoms. I must consider all options before I can make a decision.”

  The lady’s focus glanced past Dorian’s deep green eyes. Nypha sat; eyes on the lord and lady as they danced, face blank but fingers curled and at her sides. The lady kept her evil smile as she glared at the dragon woman for a long moment before turning her attention to Dorian and leaning her mouth close to his ear.

  “You have nothing to fear when it comes to your dragon lover. Victoria can simply be the face of the kingdom while you follow Vala’s path. I only ask that you produce an heir with my daughter,” Lady Astor whispered.

  A sliver of heat touched Dorian’s eyes. The lady was using everything in her arsenal and he was quickly growing tired of her demands.

  “Lady Astor, Nypha is my guardian and nothing more. I will forgive you for the slip of the tongue but you are in my home, please show the proper respect,” Dorian said with a hard edge.

  Lady Astor kept her smile as she bowed her head slightly, “My apologies my lord, I was merely enjoying our dance. The wine has loosened my tongue. I’m sure after tonight; we can discuss what is right for all our kingdoms.”

  Dorian could barely contain his growing rage. Lady Astor broke their dancing embrace and slipped away to her brood standing at the side. The lord was about to turn and walk back to his seat when a body moved out from the crowd and stood before him with bright eyes.

  “Princess Chandra Pitt,” Dorian said with a slight bow.

  The princess curtsied, dipping her chest forward intentionally showing her deep cleavage, “My Lord Lockwood, may I have this dance?”

  Nypha watched as Lady Astor returned to her children and Princess Pitt cut through the crowd toward Dorian. Despite the noise level and music, the dragon heard every word. Fingers tight and at her sides, she tried to not let it bother her but the flames of jealousy licked at her heart.

  Cindrar looked over to her daughter, eyes holding a glint of annoyance, “How can such a small life affect you so?”

  Nypha let out a small exhale as she uncurled her fingers, “Mother, this is not the time to show your disapproval.”

  Cindrar’s lips curved into a small smile, “It is never the time. Does he know?”

  Nypha kept facing forward and talking low enough for her mother to hear, “He knows I care for him. He doesn’t know how deeply.”

  Cindrar looked to the lord and princess dancing, “You should leave with us tonight. Your oath comes to an end in a few hours and he will be better off for it. He can marry his own kind and live out his short days in peace.”

  Nypha turned her eyes to her mother, “Peace?”

  The older dragon nodded, “What else can you expect? If he falls for you, you both will never have a peaceful life. Vala’s ways are outlawed in most of their kingdoms. If you have children, they will be considered abominations by his and many of our kind. Never mind the strain you both will endure as the kingdoms grow jealous of your power. A dragon lady in a human kingdom? The humans will take it as a reason to test you both.”

  Cindrar
closed her eyes for a moment, as if deep in thought before opening them again, “I can understand your needs and desires. Your great great grandfather fell in love with a succubus from the Burning Lands. Thankfully their children were more dragon-like, the silver stripe along our necks the only indication of his past love. Thanks to their union, you and your sister have hungers that cannot be satisfied.”

  Nypha eyed her mother, “And what of you? What of your hungers, mother.”

  Cindrar’s face was serene as she spoke, “I embraced the god Drogoss to stave off my unnatural hungers as you and your sister should. Yypith is a fine and strong dragon. He doesn’t need to stay with you, only spill his seed in your belly so you can provide proper grandchildren.”

  Nypha’s eyes narrowed, “What is this obsession with my womb?”

  Cindrar turned to her daughter with understanding eyes, “I see the hungers you are feeling. If you will not embrace Drogoss, the only other way to lessen your great great grandmother’s blood is to breed it out. The more our family breeds with our true kind, the more normal each generation will become.”

  Nypha tried to control her bubbling rage. Fingers bore into the hard wood armrest.

  “Why not have Lirla sleep with him and produce the pure grandchildren you so desire?”

  The older dragon gave a small smile, “I actually want you both to lay with him so I can ensure our legacy takes root.”

  Nypha’s rage bubbled and a sliver of insanity touched her mind, “You are mad if you think I’m going to go willingly.”

  “My daughter, we don’t have to go far. Your mountain is close and will do just fine.”

  Lirla leaned over a little, speaking low enough no human could hear but high enough for a dragon to understand, “Mother promised me a quarter of her treasure horde to sleep with Yypith.”

  Nypha turned her gaze to her younger sister, “You are letting mother whore you out for treasure!”

  Lirla let out a whimsical sigh, “Not all of us have a human with gem mines. Besides, my cycle isn’t for a few more years but mother thinks Yypith’s seed is strong enough to take hold.”

  “I cannot believe I’m hearing this,” Nypha said as she turned her attention back to the dancing crowd and Dorian.

  Cindrar leaned her head in a little to her daughter, “One day you will understand how important it is for our family to stay strong. With Vala returning to this world, there is a chance another Rage War may take place.”

  Cindrar’s gaze fell on Dorian as he danced with the princess, “Any who follow her ways, will be hunted down and killed. As much as you disapprove of what I say, I only wish for you to live a long and happy life. If you allow yourself to stay with this man and bear children, they will never know peace.”

  The older dragon reached over and patted her daughter’s hand, “You can let him be a playful distraction but don’t let his seed take root. He will never live long enough for you both to endure what will come.”

  Nypha sat, a storm of pain and logic warring along her spirit. Seeing Dorian smiling kindly as he spun with the human princess filled her with uncertainty. Her mother’s words cut deep and now a bleeding heart challenged her affections for the human lord. It had all become too much and thoughts floated to her cavern high on the mountain. The urge to take off and be by herself swelled but the dragon knew if she left, Dorian would be prey to Lady Astor and to a lesser extent, Lord Pitt. She couldn’t leave his side and knew she must protect him from all those who wish to dim his bright soul.

  Yypith sat in his chair, listening to every word. Eyes focused on Dorian as the half dragon’s jaw clenched in a seething rage. Silently he watched the little human lord with disdain, controlling a maddening urge to wipe Dorian’s existence from the living world. It stabbed at his mind, and the blue haired dragon man calculated how he could turn the situation back to his favor.

  The scent of Nypha floated up, mixing with her mother and sister’s scent. Yypith knew if he didn’t mate soon, his rage would take hold. The natural urges whispered foul deeds and the dragon listened with cruel intent. As much as he wanted to soar in the sky or lay on a sandy beach, the dragon could barely control his desires. Mind calling back to his meeting with Cindrar, she promised herself to him for a time, only if he speared her daughters and created offspring. The dragon’s desire for the older, experienced dragon caused him to agree immediately but he never thought he would encounter a situation like the one before him. A simple human was slowing down the agreement and Yypith could find no reason to justify enduring this insipid celebration.

  Dorian and Princess Chandra moved to a gentle rhythm, feet keeping pace. The princess eyed the lord with eyes that had seen too much. Lord Lockwood tried to keep it light but found it unnerving how the princess gazed at him. The lord felt like he stood before a tidal wave cresting, ready to smash him to the muddy ocean floor. Shaking off the chilling thought, he whispered in his mind that he would only endure this a little longer before making his way back to Nypha.

  Glancing to the green haired dragon woman, he wished it was her in his arms as they danced. Princess Chandra spoke very little and spent most of the time pushing her ample chest against his and licking him with her strange eyes. Dorian was sure if there was no one around, she would have pounced on him like a hungry beast. Brown hair flowed down shoulders as she kept pace, moving as though a demon was pulling her graceful strings.

  The musical piece finished and Dorian let out an internal sigh of relief, “Princess Chandra, thank you for the dance.”

  The princess stared with a dark edge, “We can continue. The music only inflamed my need to keep dancing.”

  Before Dorian could answer, a tall shadow loomed over him. The lord turned and tilted his head up to see Princess Victoria Astor standing with a stern expression in her beautiful face.

  “May I have this dance, my lord.” Victoria said, clearly not taking no for an answer.

  Dorian opened his mouth to speak but was quickly cut off by Princess Chandra.

  “I am still dancing with Lord Lockwood. Isn’t there a giant forest you should be haunting?”

  Victoria’s eyes burned with malice as she looked down on the small princess, “I’m surprised you even speak, with the amount of cocks you’ve stuffed down your throat at a time. One would have thought you would have drowned in men’s seed. Do tell me, is your shit white?”

  Dorian’s brows went up as he slowly backed away. The two princesses’s stared each other down while the crowd tried to contain their chuckles and giggles. Lord Pitt shook his head from his chair while Lady Astor cut through the crowd to reach her daughter.

  Dorian turned away, eyes looking to Nypha as she sat. The green haired dragon gave an amused smile as her eyes beckoned to him. Lord Lockwood broke away from the crowd and nearly reached the dais steps when Yypith stood up.

  Eyes turned to the blue haired dragon man as he took hold of his heavy oak chair with one hand. Fingers digging into hard wood, the dragon lifted the chair up over his head and brought it down before him with a “SMASH”! Everyone turned their attention as wood splintered into kindling and sprayed across the floor. Strum was too his feet, hand on his sword pommel. The guards in the hall drew their swords. Dorian looked to the heaving dragon as he gazed back, eyes burning with hellfire.

  “Dorian Lockwood, I challenge you for Nypha’s hand and body!” Yypith bellowed and took a step forward, onto the dais steps.

  Nine

  Dorian stood his ground as the blue-haired dragon stepped down to the main floor. General Strum and a dozen guards surrounded the dragon as most of the crowd took a step back. Cindrar watched with interested eyes, and Nypha was to her feet, black claws extending from finger tips. The music stopped as Lady Astor grabbed Victoria by the arm and pulled her back. The guards stared holes into the dragon and Strum stood in the space between Dorian and the wyrm.

  “You would dare challenge your host when he welcomed you into his home,” Strum said with a deadly edge.

&n
bsp; Yypith smirked, “I wish to only duel for Nypha’s affection. I mean no harm to your little lord but I cannot stand by any longer while she pines for him.”

  The blue dragon turned his humanoid face to Nypha, “You waste your affections on a man who will disappear in such a short time span. Lay with me and I will give you what he cannot, true love among your rightful kind.”

  Nypha took a step down the dais, cold rage in her eyes, “There is no love between us Yypith. I know of your deal with my mother and the answer is no.”

  Yypith kept his smirk, “Be that as it may, I have challenged your lover and he must accept. If you know what is good for him and his little kingdom, you would better leave with me so we may finish your mother’s agreement.”

  Xoli moved behind Dorian’s chair and picked up Splitter. The high elf moved silently as she covered the sword with her robe and made her way down. Eyes on Dorian, she made sure to cut through the crowd so her lord would be prepared.

  Dorian eyed the blue-haired dragon with a dash of astonishment and a large helping of contained rage. The way Yypith spoke of Nypha, like she was an inanimate prize to be won flashed against his heart and nerves. Fingers curling into tight fists, he wanted nothing more than to accept the dragon’s duel. Faint whispers from his father stayed his hand. Anger would only lead to mistakes. The lord realized the seriousness of an actual dragon challenging him. Dorian had never fought one before but knew well enough of their strength, agility and deadly force. Even with Splitter, the lord would be hard pressed to win a duel against such a creature. Strategies bloomed, for the lord knew if he didn’t do something, Yypith would try to take Nypha away. He trusted her strength but if some agreement was had, the lord did not want to make her family relations any tenser than they already were.

  General Strum drew his sword, “You have already strained your welcome, Wyrm! Leave and no harm will come to you.”

  Yypith let out a haughty laugh, “Harm to me? I will burn half this kingdom down before you spill a single drop of my blood. If your lord will not accept my challenge, then I win by default.”