Page 61 of That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human
“Hmm. I don’t believe you.” He screamed in pain as the bone splintered. Black on black clothing hid a fair amount of the blood seeping through his wound. Though it painted the floor a pretty shade of red. Similar to my wife’s boots.
Movement caught my eye, and I sent a bolt of lightning at the man drawing his wand. He fell to the floor dead. I sighed, stood up straight and addressed the mages lined up against the wall. “You fools must be hard of hearing. No one is leaving this room until my wife is brought to my side safe and sound. If I find one mark on her body, pray to any god you like. They will not save you.”
We’d been at this nonsense since I awoke strapped to their pathetic offering table. If there was anything more unpleasant to awaken to than the mumbled ramblings of half-witted mages, I didn’t know of it. Still, if it weren’t for the fact that I had just eaten Cherry’s cinnamon rolls, their holding magic might just have been enough to bind me.
For that, they couldn’t be allowed to live.
“Please,” one mage begged. “We know nothing about another dragon. You are the only one they brought in.”
“A human!” I roared. Lightning crackled up my legs until it danced at my fists. The itch to shift tore at my human form until scales grew along my forearms and back. “My wife is a human. With big brown eyes, adorable dimples and a laugh that makes everything right with the world. And if anything happens to her, I will make you live through horrors so vile your grandchildren will weep!” Frustration caused my hands to clench, crushing the mage’s ankle. He let loose a pained wail and fainted.
Through the chaos, a calm authoritative voice spoke up. “Now, now. Can’t we discuss this like reasonable men?”
I turned to see a man dressed in royal attire step out from the balcony ringing the second floor. His golden crown sat proud and polished atop his head. A white cloak held together by golden talismans trailed behind him as he moved. The king held his head high, doing his best to maintain an air of indifference. I imagine the confidence was strengthened by the soldiers that flanked his sides. Foolish. They’d be dead before they so much as touched their swords.
“King Andor!” The mages along the wall fell to their knees.
Lightning struck the wall just above their heads. “I didn’t tell you to move,” I said.
They stood.
To his credit, the king didn’t flinch. Yet the stench of fear rolled off him in waves.
Good. He should be afraid.
The king cleared his throat and stood a little straighter. “I am King Andor. Ruler of all of Kibar and its surrounding seas.”
“And I am in no mood for your long-winded exposition. Let me cut to the chase. You’re going to find out what these idiots have done to my wife and bring her to my side. Then, you’re going to kill every mage involved in this mind control curse. Starting with whoever is in charge of its power source. Do so quickly, and I’ll consider leaving this city intact.”
A look of disbelief crossed his face until it settled into fury. He closed his eyes and schooled his features before speaking again. “Clearly we’ve angered you with our gladiator games.” He waved his hands in a dismissing gesture. “I’ll admit, we should’ve put an end to the games as soon as the goddess was destroyed. Yet, it’s rather hard to convince businessmen to give up their income. As a dragon, I’m sure you understand the allure of good coin.”
“As a dragon, I understand you’re wasting my time. Bring me my wife, now.”
His lips twitched as he chuckled. “I’m sure there will be time for that. First, I’d like to discuss a proposition with you.”
“Here it comes,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Swear your loyalty to me and become the Dragon of Kibar. With your might added to our royal army, none of our enemies would stand a chance.” He smiled wickedly and spread his arms wide. “Mokyr, Foli, even the mighty Kinnamo will fall with you at our side.”
“Not interested.”
“Don’t be so hasty. We can give you anything. Gold, jewels, as much land as you could dream of! Swear your loyalty to me and I’ll even give you one of my daughters to marry. That will solidify our alliance.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose to avoid setting him on fire. “Did you completely ignore the fact that I already have a wife? It’s like you’re trying to die.”
Gods, I hate solicitors.
“Surely a princess is more valuable?”
“IN HERE, QUICK!” A door on the east side of the balcony flung open. Cherry burst through, waving in Alexis and two men before slamming the door shut. A chorus of banging and groans sounded off from the other side. The four of them all pushed against the door, panting heavily.
“What is the meaning of this?” the king snarled.
Cherry turned toward him, bewildered before her eyes caught sight of me. She smiled wide and flung herself against the railing. “Dante!”
For a moment I could do nothing but stare at her in disbelief. King Mokas the Blight’s trident was clutched firmly in her hand. Telltale signs of magic drain dulled her normally bright features. The ends of her sleeves were singed, while blue sparks flickered at the ends of the trident’s prongs.
The door pushed open enough for a bloody hand to come through, slashing at the orc. “Cherry, a little help?” he cried.
