Page 82 of Consort's Dragon
“Where is Avera?”barked a thick man.
“Gone.Hopefully eaten by the monsters in the chasm,” Titus snarled.“And good riddance.She’s been nothing but trouble.”
“Sounds like Avera,” muttered the female.
“You better hope she’s not come to harm,” the big man growled.
“Or else what?I’m not afraid of you.My army?—”
“Can’t help you.No one can.But I’m not one to fight unfairly, so get out your sword and we’ll duel it out.”The fellow pulled his blade and Titus tried to not show fear.Actual combat wasn’t something he’d ever excelled at.
“I don’t duel.Especially not with commoners,” Titus stated with a sneer.
At that, the man grinned.“Who says I’m common?Name is Griffon Leif.Had Verlora not been demolished, I would have been its chancellor after my father.”
“Bah, you’re more than a chancellor,” added the young man.“Surely His Eminence has heard of the Pirate King?”
“You’re the pirate leader?”Titus exclaimed in surprise.
“Yes, and I’ve got a bone to pick with the man who looted my country and kidnapped Daerva’s queen while she was in my custody.”
“I was saving her,” Titus lied.
“No, you were using her,” the pirate growled.“And I’m here to put an end to it.So draw your blade and let us finish this quarrel as men.”
Since you have this situation in hand, I shall go assist Daerva in finding the Voxspira female.
The big dragon left, and Titus couldn’t help but yell, “Come back here you, fucking lizard.Protect me.”
No.
“Surely you won’t allow this pirate to kill one of the blooded?”Titus argued in desperation.
Actually, that was the plan all along.Since I can’t do it myself, Griffon kindly volunteered.
The large dragon departed with a flap of wings that caused the air to whip, and Titus took that time to flee for the stairs.He clomped down them rapidly, but as he made it to the main level of the shrine, the pirate king leapt from the staircase and landed in front of him.
“Good choice taking this inside.The air up there is a bit smoky for my taste.”
“I won’t fight you,” Titus huffed.
“I see I can add coward to your list of attributes.”Griffon advanced on him, sword at the ready.
“You can’t kill me.I’m the Emperor!”
“Who bleeds like any other man.”
Titus fumbled for his sword as the pirate gave a loose jab.He barely managed to clang his blade against it.
“There we go.Try and make this somewhat sporting.I’ve been looking forward to this moment.”
“I have no quarrel with you,” Titus tried to argue.
“And yet I have many with you.”Griffon slashed and drew a red stripe across Titus’ forearm.“That was for looting Verlora.”The next swing Titus couldn’t evade slit open his thigh.“That’s for everyone you’ve ever fucked over.”
Titus whimpered from the pain of his cuts.“This isn’t fair.”
“What isn’t fair,” Griffon stated, rapidly whipping his blade, each one opening up a new wound, “is you thinking you can act with impunity.Kidnapping a queen.Coercing her into fetching the eggs.”
