Dragon Mine - Title Pending - Chapter One

This is a chapter from a story I thought of a long time ago and never continued, I've revised it and have decided to give it a shot. Still not sure about the title, but yeah enjoy this first chapter in new story.

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'Damn these monkey suits.' Tennon thought to himself as he desperately tried to fix the buttons on his jacket.

It didn't help that he was hurrying down the massive halls of the castle on his way to speak with Lord Rai. As he hurried through the halls; he passed by the many familiar faces of maids and soldiers he knew since childhood. Many paid him smiles as he passed by, not a single one finding his haggard state abnormal.

Finally getting the last button on his collar in place, he stood before the massive doors that led into Lord Rai's private study. Wishing he could have just worn his armor like usual, Tennon gives himself a once over to make sure his uniform was pristine and unruffled. His uniform consisted of a black jacket with buttons on the left side instead of in the center and two small gold metals adorn his left breast. Black pants and shoes finish the ensemble with a ceremonial sword on his hip. The blade was not his usual weapon and was more for decoration than actual combat. Taking a breath to steady himself, Tennon knocks on the door.

"Come in." Says a commanding voice from behind the door.

Opening the door, the room inside was enormous, decorated with all manner of ornate couches, carpets, and chairs. Bookshelves filled to the brim with books were lined up against the right side of the room with one spot empty for a door that led to another room. Windows covered the left side of the room as well as the wall facing Tennon, letting the bright rays of the day flood the room. Tennon saw three other people in the room with him, but these three could not be really considered people as they were in fact dragons.

In human form dragons are almost identical to humans or elves; the only sign that they were more than that, were the horns that protruded from their heads. At the far end of the room two of them sat in chairs facing a large ornate desk, Tennon recognized them immediately. The one sitting on the left was earth dragon Commander Brock. Brock was a good natured but aggressive dragon, at first glance you would think him large and portly, but it was in fact all muscle that made up his portly frame. His red hair and a large unkemptly beard gave him a very rugged appearance, his horns were two short stubs sticking out from the sides of his forehead. Their rough and jagged appearance made them look like two rocks jammed into his head.

The one on the right was Head Advisor Kreet a forest dragon who was equal parts historian and doctor, he was also one of Lord Rai's bests friend and right-hand man. He was also one of the oldest dragons still alive at a whopping 5000 years old. Because of this his human form was that of an old man with a bald head and a green tinged gray beard. His brown horns pop out from his head branching up and out in every direction as if they were miniature trees. He uses a small cane when moving around, but it's just for show. Dragons can stay in peak physical condition even into old age, he only uses the cane because he believes it makes him look more distinguished.

They were both wearing uniforms similar to Tennon's, except with gold hemming on the sleeves and collars, distinguishing them as high-ranking noble officers. Tennon had known them both all his life and called them friends, but his focus now was on the individual behind the large ornate desk, Lord Rai.

His back was to them as he stared out the window towards the courtyard, he wore a suit similar to the other two dragons except his was white and gold. From the reflection in the window Tennon could see Lord Rai's expressionless face. His right eye was permanently closed since he lost it during the great war. His blonde graying hair and beard were perfectly trimmed and groomed. Yellow horns jutted out from the sides of his head seemingly folding in on themselves before folding up and back again, giving them the appearance of lightning bolts. Which was fitting for a lighting dragon such as him.

No matter how many times Tennon met Lord Rai, he still found himself captivated by the raw strength his lord exudes. But this was no time to gawk, and he quickly shakes himself out of his stupor and approaches the desk. Finally acknowledging his presence, Brock and Kreet turn to Tennon and offer him courteous nods. Tennon bows in return, and sees Brock smiling down at him while rubbing a small scar on the right side of his face with his thumb. The scar was still fresh only a few days old judging by the redness of the wound. Tennon couldn't help but smirk back at Brock, curious as to why the dragon hadn't healed the wound he had given him. Kreet eyed them both curiously, he was about to ask them what they were smiling about when Lord Rai turned to face them; all three snapping their heads back in attention.

Lord Rai examined Tennon, he reminded him of the boy's father Herbert in so many ways. The boy's family has served him faithfully for the last 1000 years, dating all the way back to The Great Dragon War. But it was only recently with the boy's father, Herbert, that he could truly consider them friends. Tennon himself was like a son to him, having raised him side by side with his own daughter, Leilani. But Tennon was no longer a boy, at least by human standards, he was twenty-one he was a man, and it was time for him to take his place at his side like his father before him.

"Tennon, I've called you here because it is time for you to assume your father's role as my right eye."

Tennon quickly fell to one knee, bowing his head, and responded, "If you think me worthy, I am ready and willing to serve."

This announcement surprised Kreet, the position of Right-Eye had been held by the boy's family for generations, but never had it been given to one so young. He couldn't help but be concerned for the boy.

"Rai, do you truly think the boy is ready?" Kreet asked.

Brock turns to Kreet and answers instead.

"Aye, the boy is ready, tested him myself."

"Tested? How?" Kreet asked curiously.

Brock's mouth spreads into a wide grin, rubbing the scar on his face.

"Well I fought him of course, one on one. Out of five matches he won two." Brock smiled, not able to hide his jolliness just remembering the fights.

"I don't see how two out of five constitutes success." Kreet replied skeptically.

"It does when it was a real fight, no holding back on my part, had to transform all five fights and he still managed to beat me twice."

Kreet was shocked by this sudden news.

"Surly you jest, you must have held back, no need to spare the boy his feelings." Kreet states as he glances over at Tennon.

Tennon though angered by the comment says nothing and continues to stand straight and at attention. But Brock could not abide by such a remark, insulted that Kreet would think him so soft as to hold back in a fight.

"You calling me a liar?" Brock said with a low growl, the rumbling in his chest filling the room.

Kreet's eyes narrowed as he looked at Brock and very slowly started to move his arms into a defensive position. A low growl now building in his chest as well.

"Enough." Lord Rai commanded in a bored tone.

Brock and Kreet instantly stop, stand, and bow in apology, speaking in unison.

"Forgive us your highness."

"Forgive us your highness."

Lord Rai sits in his chair as he continues to speak.

"Kreet it is as Brock says. Tennon managed to beat him twice even in his true dragon form and you and I both know that is no small feat even for us."

"By the gods, for a human even a dragonic human to beat a fully transformed dragon in a fight alone is unbelievable." Kreet was unable to hide the shock on his face as he looked at Tennon.

Dragonic humans like Tennon were stronger, faster, and studier then normal humans. This was because their bodies have adapted from living with and serving dragons for generations. But even among them Tennon was something of an abnormality. His speed, strength, and durability far outpaced those of normal dragonic humans.

"Tennon you must come by the clinic and let me take a look at you." Kreet said while eyeing Tennon as if he were a test subject.

"Kreet, now is not the time for that." Lord Rai chided.

"But Rai this could be a clue as to what's happening with Leilani."

Hearing his daughters name angered Lord Rai, he slammed his fist down on his desk causing the whole thing to shudder and crack. Realizing his mistake Kreet quickly fell to his knees prostrating himself and began begging forgiveness.

"Forgive me Lord Rai, I let my curious mind get the better of me."

Tennon and Brock said nothing and continued stare straight ahead, sweat forming on both their foreheads. They knew that if anyone else had spoken to Lord Rai in that way they would've have been dead, killed right where they stand. Very few people knew that something was happening with Lord Rai's daughter Leilani, thankfully both Tennon and Brock were part of those few.

Lord Rai lets out a sigh, "Enough, stand Kreet, but do not speak again." His tone was hard as he spoke to Kreet. "Now, back to the matter at hand, Tennon from henceforth you are to be my right eye. Serve me well like your father before you.”

Tennon once again kneels and replies, “Yes, my lord.”

“Good, now stop with that kneeling nonsense.” Rai says with a smile.

As Tennon stood, he couldn’t help but smile with pride, though he knew this was coming, like Kreet he never imagined it would come so soon. It had only been a little over a year since his father had to retire from the position after incurring a serious injury and not receiving aid quick enough to heal it. And since dragons don’t think of time the same way humans do, Tennon had figured it would have been a few years before Lord Rai even thought of making the decision.

“I can tell what you thinking.” Rai states, cutting into Tennon’s thoughts. “Know that it was your father that pushed for this, he’s proud of how far you’ve come, as am I.”

“As are we all.” Kreet states with a genuine smile.

Tennon struggles to maintain his composure, as their words filled him with joy.

“Now, enough of this, to business.” Rai states, his face now returning to its normal stoic expression. “Tennon, report."

Following suite Tennon gives his head a tiny shake, and puts on a serious expression, “Yes, my lord. We have been receiving increased reports about slavers attacking and kidnapping our people.”

“Damn slavers.” Brock grunts.

Because of their superior capabilities, draconian humans fetch a high price in the slaver markets. Once caught, they’re fitted with slave collars that prohibit them from disobeying or hurting their designated master.

“Hmmm, any idea how the slavers are getting in?” Rai asks.

“Unfortunately my lord, it seems that they may be receiving help from...outside sources.” Tennon answers hesitantly.

“Speak plainly.” Rai orders.

Tennon sighs, “I’m positive that Lords Tirif and Nitant or helping them.” He confidently states.

Just like Lord Rai, Tirif and Nitant were dragons who ruled neighboring lands, together with three other dragons lords they ruled over the Country of Dohvic, an enormous territory surrounded by massive mountains. So, to accuse not one but two lords of aiding in the enslavement of their human citizens was a serious allegation.

“I should have guessed those fucking lizards were behind this!” Brock curses.

“Indeed, they have never bothered to hide their contempt for humans.” Kreet agrees.

Tennon was relieved to hear both Brock and Kreet accept his claim, but the most important person, Lord Rai, had yet to say a word. Tennon began to worry as moments passed and Lord Rai still said nothing, and his eye remained closed. As the moments dragged, Tennon began to doubt himself and wondered if he should prostrate himself and beg forgiveness for his insolence towards the other lords.

Lord Rai finally opened his eye and spoke, “What of the other lords?”

“We’ve found nothing to indicate the other lords are involved.” Tennon answers.

“What makes you suspect the others my lord?” Brock asks.

Lord Rai once again looks over at Tennon and nods his head.

Tennon turns to face Brock and Kreet, “Over the past few months, the other lords have all been visited by Lady Aoife.” Tennon explains.

Both Brock and Kreet are stunned by this news.

Kreet is the first to recover, “Are you sure about this?” he asks in disbelief.

Tennon wasn’t surprised by Kreet’s doubt, Lady Aoife was another one of the dragon lords but unlike all the others, apart from being the youngest, she was also a recluse. Over the many years some have even come to doubt she exists, having always sent vassals or proxies to even important meetings between lords. Almost nothing is known about her and her kingdom, they are weary of outsiders, usually barring entry to even the surrounding lands. Those who are allowed are taken to the capitol city of Noct where they are watched until their business is complete and then are taken right back out the same way they came.

“Yes, my people in Hallic were able to ascertain from their contacts in Tirif’s court that Lady Aoife herself had visited him and that she had visited the other lords as well.” Tennon explained.

Hallic was Tirif’s city, it was a cruel and impoverished place that Tirif and his people treated like a prison, forcing his people to stay and work so he could take all the profit. Tirif only cared about himself and his wealth, his citizens could rot for all he cared. Needless to say, Tennon hated him, but it was strictly forbidden for other lords or their people to interfere in another lord’s lands, at least publicly.

“I can see now your suspicions.” Kreet tells Lord Rai.

“I don’t.” Brock grunts. “Slavers have been plaguing the other lords’ territories as well, why would they complain if their profiting from it? And are you saying Lady Aoife sudden reappearance is connected to the slavers?”

Kreet rolls his eyes, “No you fool, think, this isn’t about slavers.” Kreet corrects.

“It’s not?” Brock asks in confusion.

“Tennon just said that Lady Aoife has visited all the other lords except Lord Rai, meaning there is a hidden agenda there. Lord Rai had been hoping it WAS just about slavers, now knowing it is not, makes things much more serious.” Kreet explains.

“I see now.” Brock mumbles clearly still confused.

Brock then looks over at Tennon with a look of realization, “But how does Tennon know all this already, he only just now took over his father’s position as Lord Rai’s Right Eye?”

Kreet looks over at Tennon; now realizing the same thing.

Tennon can’t help but smirk at their expression before turning to back to Lord Rai with a straight face waiting to be addressed.

“Tennon has been an unofficial member of his father’s unit since before he was injured and has been running it, unofficially, since his father’s retirement.” Lord Rai answers disappointedly that both Kreet and Brock didn’t realize the obvious.

Just as Lord Rai finishes speaking, there is a knock on the door, which was unusual because everyone knows not to disturb them during a meeting.

“Come in.” Lord Rai orders.

A human maid holding a silver tray with an envelope; enters the room, walks over, and presents it to Lord Rai. Lord Rai takes the letter, thanks the maid, and dismisses her, making sure she was out of the room before opening it.

“Hmmmm, this is interesting.” Lord Rai comments to himself. “This letter is from Lady Aoife; she is requesting assistance in dealing with the slavers in her land. She asks that we send one of our best platoons to help.”

“I’ll ready them straight away!” Brock states standing up.

Lord Rai gestures with his hand for Brock to stop, “No. Like Kreet said there is more to this than meets the eye.” Lord Rai looks over to Tennon, “Are you ready for your first official assignment?”

With clear determination and confidence, Tennon answers, “I am ready my lord.”