Page 94 of Theoden
“Follow me,” the leader ordered. He was as tall as Titus and just as big, but I wasn’t intimidated, and neither was my brother. We were cautious, and I hoped that this was not a trap. To attempt to kill us after we had made an agreement for safe passage would only incite a war between Nexus and Ara. That was something I didn’t think Nexus wanted. He feared Ara or else he would have declared a war when I killed two of his vampires so many moons ago.
We were led to a grand hall where the King was sitting upon his throne. He was an imposing figure; had to be over six feet tall, with a long red beard and hair that curled at his shoulders. His green eyes peered at me with a mixture of intrigue and rage, but he kept his face stern. He dressed like the wealthy did; fancy toga, belt, and the finest sandals. His vampire soldiers lined the walls leading up to his throne, and they all kept their gazes fixed upon us. Both Titus and I knelt, showing proper respect to his royal highness, as we should.
“Greetings, King Nexus,” we said.
“I believe you have something for me, Théoden, son of King Ara,” Nexus said in a deep, bellowing voice.
I nodded. “What I had promised for your generosity.”
“Let me see it. The sooner I can get you out of my lands, the better.”
Directly to the point. That was fine with me. I was weary from my travels and still had much more to do. I pulled the vial from my satchel and showed it to him. The blood was almost glistening and iridescent in the vial and Tylendel’s venom was mixed with it. For vampires, if they were bitten by a dragon, they would need that combination in order to counteract the poison of a dragon’s venom. They would need to drink it quickly, as death is nearly instant.
Nexus’ eye widened as he looked at the vial and the promise it held. It was priceless in its worth, and that was why I was able to bargain with it.
“Come closer,” he beckoned, and I did.
Stepping up to his throne, I could see his guards grip their weapons a bit tighter as they prepared themselves for whatever might happen. I had no intentions of betraying the King. They needed not worry.
“Is this real dragon blood and venom?” he asked.
I nodded. “From the eldest dragon Knight of King Evander’s army, Tylendel,” I stated, and watched as his gaze became even more enamored.
“Tylendel?!”
Again, I nodded. “It is quite potent, sire, you’d only need a swallow or two if ever infected by any other dragon. Please accept this gift as my recompense.” With a bow, I handed it over to him and he took it.
“For killing two of my vampires?” he asked as he looked at me.
I nodded. “A foolish mistake from a vampire too arrogant and young to realize it at the time, sire.”
“Can you really control fire?” he asked.
“Yes, sire.”
“I would see this with my own eyes,” he demanded.
“Do I have permission to search Capua for my future son, sire?”
“Show me your fire and I will extend you an extra night.”
Well, that was an offer I couldn’t refuse. I bowed and held my hand up. Conjuring my fire, I created a ball of it in my palm to the shock of all in the room with the exception of my brother. I watched as mouths dropped open and eyes widened in fear and astonishment. I could feel the heat emanating from my fire, more intense than any normal fire. I knew the King could probably feel it as well.
“There are no words,” Nexus said in an awe-filled voice that was almost a whisper. “Ara has indeed found a rarity in you, Théoden. Join my kingdom, I will give you all that you desire if you serve me.”
I was taken aback as I hadn’t been expecting that. I even heard Titus gasp in surprise. “My apologies, King Nexus, but my loyalty lies with my King and Sire.”
“And what if I decide to not honor our agreement?” His voice had taken on a warning tone and this, I was prepared for.
“Then I will kill you where you sit, and all of your guards who stand present. It is a reason why Ara only sent my brother and I here and not a small battalion. It is because I am a battalion all on my own. I beg you, do not make me show you my true power,” I said, giving him a warning of my own.
“You dare threaten the King?” one of his soldiers growled as he unsheathed his sword.
“Your King threated to renege on a deal,” Titus snapped as he rose to his feet, hand on the hilt of his sword.
The King held his hand up. “Silence.” He kept his gaze on me and I knew he didn’t want to cross me. He may doubt my boast, or he may not, but he didn’t want to take the chance. “I will honor our deal. You have four nights to search my lands. If by the sunrise on the fourth night you are not on a boat heading back home, Iwillforce you to show me your powers. Now, go.”
I bowed. “Gratitude, Your Highness,” I said, then Titus and I left. When we stepped outside, there was a vampire standing there with two horses.
