Leonard nearly had a heart attack when an unexpected shadow, then gust of wind had him staggering to keep from falling on his face. As he glanced up, a giant beast landed. Half the servants ran screaming, the rest had been sent sprawling and yet to recover. Then as if nothing was amiss twenty Inago warriors jogged past... beast gods above when had the palace suffered such pandemonium?
Jaxon's heart was also racing a mile a minute as Neolani, Alexei, Ashton, and the two children vaulted themselves into the nest that was almost as tall as he was. This was a restricted garden... only the imperial family or escorted guests were allowed.
Leonard gripped Jaxon's arm before he could speak. The large gryphon was eyeing them unhappily as it set out... a blanket. When the beast settled, tail to beak around the nest, the remaining Inago all sat equally distanced in a perfect circle around the nest.
Jaxon was almost tempted to demand they leave... but the giant eye larger than his chest was a powerful deterrent. "Let us relocate Marquis Silas." Jaxon gritted out as he dismissed the servants.
As they walked out, they saw a dozen guards sprawled out, most unconscious but without any visible injuries. Leonard sucked in a breath, there were unconscious bodies under a few trees and in a bush... even the hidden guards had been taken care of.
Jaxon made his way to Lucian trying to control his anger at the naked disregard. When he explained what he'd seen to Lucian, there was palpable tension.
"They didn't say anything?" Lucian demanded drumming his fingers on the table where he'd been eating with three of his children, empress, father-in-law, and concubine.
"No your Majesty," Jaxon was suddenly regretting flying over in a rage, Lucian looked ready to throw down his utensils for a sword.
"We should calm down and wait, there may be significance to Lord Reece... napping in that specific garden. We need to ensure the pride doesn't whisk him away. Letting him nap in a garden isn't such a sacrifice." Leonard explained as the silver knife was warped in Lucian's grip.
"So we say nothing has he tramples into restricted areas?" Lucian demanded harshly.
Leonard took a deep breath, "We have not respected Lord Reece's boundaries, perhaps the pride is merely returning the favor."
"Lead the way." Lucian ordered as he stood. The once silver knife nearly unrecognizable as it clattered off the table.
Jaxon took a deep breath, then after a bow he led the way back. Before they could see the nest four Inago pointed their spears threateningly. Apparently more than twenty warriors were standing guard.
"Ash is sleeping, you may not enter." The largest of the warriors informed.
Lucian glared, "This is Our garden."
The warrior smirked, "So long as Ash resides here, the Inago claim it for the Pride. If you dare a death match, you can attempt to reclaim it." There was a taunt in the warriors voice as he forced the three men to look up at him, or step back.
Jaxon paled, since the Inago were a nomadic tribe, they often claimed land temporarily. Usually, such instances resulted in benefits through barter. "We did not come to terms yet." Jaxon announced.
The warrior grinned, "The terms were set when Lucian ordered Ash to the capital, now draw your blade or begone."
The warriors grinned looking down at the group. All were eager to present even a single head to cheer up their little songbird. "They aren't leaving, I want their emperors head." The second largest warrior announced stepping forward.
Jaxon stood in front of Lucian drawing his sword, before he could berate the barbarian for using the emperors name, he was sent flying.
Leonard leapt forward, "We're leaving, we're leaving!" he promised seeing the shattered sword, there were also sparks around the spear that had just casually swept Jaxon aside.
The largest warrior's eyes narrowed, "Drag that coward with you. Any other unwelcome guests will have their heads presented to Ash."
Leonard forced Lucian back as two servants went to carry Jaxon away. Unfortunately, they were stopped.
"I told him," The largest warrior pointed to Leonard and Lucian, "to drag the coward away."
The other three watched like lions stalking prey. "In one minute, we take the heads of anyone still in Ash's territory." The second largest informed grinning.
Leonard struggled but was able to pull, well rather drag Jaxon out of the garden. Leonard was breathing hard as the four servants were finally allowed to carry Jaxon away.
Lucian stood just outside the garden, glaring inside... but he didn't dare step past the arch. He hadn't even seen the man's movement when Jaxon was sent thirty feet. Restricted... in his own palace.
One of the warriors procured a garden chair and was sitting directly in front of Lucian as he hummed to a tune only he knew.
"Majesty, should we call a priest for Duke Darnings?" Leonard prompted as he regained his breath. Leonard wasn't exactly a spry young boy anymore, nor was he physically inclined from years on the battlefield like the Dukes. His contributions had been more... strategic.
Lucian glared as the barbarian winked at them. Without a word, Lucian started walking back, "Call the priests, and the mage healers." It took two mage healers and three priests to fix all the broken bones. Miraculously none had pierced through the skin, nor had the ribs punctured any organs. Unfortunately, the repeated healing was less effective as the mages and priests mana disrupted each other rather than worked cohesively.
It had taken three hours of solid work before the mages agreed to let Jaxon out of his induced coma. He woke up with a gasp, then started coughing.
Jaxon wheezed, everything was tender. "I am not liking this trend your Majesty." Jaxon admitted pushing himself up to a sitting position.
Lucian cracked a smile, "Neither are We." Lucian agreed helping Jaxon up off the table, and into a chair.
Jaxon groaned, then his breath caught. "Ugh, what happened?" Jaxon asked when he could breathe again.
"The spear broke your sword, and sent you flying. Four broken ribs, shattered collar, three broken vertebra, left ankle and foot broken." Lucian informed clinically.
Jaxon nodded, "Well, he certainly packs a punch."
Leonard sighed, "We've also, once again not done ourselves any favors by upsetting them. Though we should see if Lord Reece ordered everyone out, or the Inago took it upon themselves."
"Does it make a difference?" Lucian sneered.
Leonard shared a look with Jaxon, "Yes."
"If Lord Reece ordered them to keep us out, then that means he's actively opposing us. If the Inago are doing so, we can still negotiate with Lord Reece and maybe have them relocate. It appeared that Lord Reece did not pick the location." Jaxon explained trying to keep explanations simple. That and his memories, even his brain had been rattled, evidence by the room shifting ever so slightly, yet everyone remained upright.
"When Lord Reece awakes, We ordered someone to report." Lucian acquiesced.
"Perhaps... we should prepare a gift as well." Leonard hedged glancing between both men.
Lucian stiffened, then turned his full stare at Leonard. "Explain." He growled as he tried to relax his visible tension.
Leonard gulped audibly, but didn't back down. "Everyone has offered him a gift, even if they were simple, he offered something in return. If we wanted to be treated like the others... we have to make concessions and act like them."
Jaxon hesitated, "I agree. I'm not exactly sure what Lord Reece likes... so perhaps we do like the majority and find food?"
"There's clearly some unspoken rules about the gifts, we should each pick something and see what he's most receptive to." Leonard refuted.
Lucian glared, "Find something from the treasury." He growled as every fiber of his being bristled. The thought that he, emperor of the greatest empire in 700 years, had to gift something to another. As if he were begging for their benevolence, their approval. Lucian closed his eyes. Submitting to circumstances... he had never.
Ashton yawned as he stretched waking up. He lay in the nest for a few minutes, still looked like early afternoon... maybe a three- or four-hour nap.
Neolani sat up stretching, "Let's see what the pride brought back." She murmured standing up.
Alexei jolted awake, "I'm awake, what happened?" he demanded jumping up. Neolani rolled her eyes as she shook her head at him.
Neolani when would this man spot waking up in a panic... "Let's eat love, this was a nice spot." She added glancing around the well-cared for garden.
Ashton stood up glancing around, "We could extend our territory and purify the blessing."
Alexei stretched eyeing the garden, "It's a good area, lots of room and sun. Personally, I think it would also be a good area for the pride lions and other gryphons to stretch out."
Ashton nodded, "Have the warriors mark the area, no need to unnecessarily benefit others."
Neolani smirked, "Hopefully, no lost little lambs wander in." She added with a glance to the main palace, then to the city gate. Perhaps... this would also be a good area if the others were taken in.
Ashton also glanced toward the main gate, Neolani was perceptive indeed. "Let us return to the welcoming garden, tomorrow I will officially claim the area."
In the main garden all the lions were laying around several large carcasses. The only gryphon present was Agapi who was leisurely laying out and enjoying the sun while Zane, Rommel, Jantje, and Lucera were sitting at the closest table to her.
Darvic set the nest in front of Agapi with a bow, then flew off.
Agapi chortled as Ash leapt into the nest, Neolani was clearly hoping familiarity would breed fondness. "You look well rested little one."
Ash flopped down as the princeling group glanced over mirthfully, "A pleasant mood does wonders Lady Agapi," Ashton agreed then nodded to the lions, "Next time no need to wait." Alexei had picked out the "smallest" boar, which was still over 800 pounds.
"Come clean this," Alexei ordered to three of the warriors, it took all three to lift the boar back to the eastern palace. Not because of the weight, just because it was awkward to carry. "Once it's ready to roast, bring it back here. We have much to celebrate."
Zane's ears perked, with a quick glance and a nod from the others he stood up to face the nest. After Neolani gave the barest hint of a nod, Zane approached, "So much has happened, I'm surprised it hasn't even been half a day yet Young Song."
Ashton raised a brow as he settled his arms on the edge of the nest to overlook the crowd, "Oh? I did notice a few other delegations had already arrived. Your mages must have great endurance."
Zane grinned at the praise, "Your blessings have made the impossible reality. By this time tomorrow the last three major delegations should arrive."
Ashton let his eyes narrow as he glanced around the garden, "Yes, many are arriving."
Zane didn't sense any malice or displeasure, so he bowed, "Hopefully all will be pleasing to the eye."
Ashton refocused on Zane, "I believe I will find them pleasing, now prince, what is it you are hoping for?"
Zane gave a sheepish grin, "I hoped to inform you Smyrna inquired about beasts in general, and that you might look kindly on us for not divulging any information."
Ashton glanced over the angry empress, the others imperials merely tensed or paled. "I appreciate your tact, though will not mind if they are able to barter for information."
Zane gave a sweeping bow, "You are magnanimous in more ways than I imagined."
Ashton tilted his head, "Perhaps I take pleasure as their pride is pricked."
Zane stilled, Young Song was so... human, Zane had to remember their idea of betrayal and common sense were different. "So long as you are pleased Young Song, if there is anything Adar can do to please you, we appreciate any guidance."
Ashton chuckled, "I am one for simple pleasures, take pride in what you find."
"Then perhaps our gossip might entertain you Young Song." Zane waved for a few servants to move the table closer so Young Song might hear their comments.
Alexei shook his head; the princeling was bold. Then again, being under Ash's eye would remind Smyrna exactly who gave the princeling group such confidence.
Lucian had used these last few hours to calm himself as the delegations waited just outside the garden gates. They had refused to even acknowledge any of his servants or guards. When two of the lions had leapt the gate to lay on either side of the gates, Jaxon had ordered all personnel to back off.
Jaxon glanced at the now closed gate, Lucian had ordered them not to respond and see how they would react. While Jaxon thought Lucian's reaction was appropriate, he didn't want to get slapped again.
Ashton only shrugged, Alexei then sauntered up the gates and the guards, "Move." His playful demeanor was gone like an image in water after a ripple. When the guards didn't move, Alexei cracked his neck from side to side, then pivoted into a sweeping kick. As he made contact with the first guard, his flame glowed with Ashton's beast mana. Alexei felt more than just armor give from the force.
Leonard paled as with merely a kick, the first guard was hit hard enough that both went flying. Leonard's gut clenched when he realized... such a simple movement had not only sent both armed guards flying, but the first one's arm had been mangled... almost if not severed. Judging from the twitching... both men were dead.
All the nobles, and even the visiting delegations had only blinked yet now two fully armed guards were now only mangled corpses imbedded into the stone wall more than a dozen yards away.
Jaxon paled both guards had been killed with that single kick. He watched as Alexei pulled the several hundred-pound gate doors open without assistance. Jaxon shuddered... they had been going easy on him...
"Looks like Smyrna is still as ignorant as ever, yes?" Alexei asked stepping back from the red carpet. Luckily none of the blood or other bodily fluids had stained the walkway.
The four delegations pretended to see nothing as they bowed respectfully, "We pray the Young Song flies freely."
Ashton nodded to the delegations from Lolland, Nuuk, Puyallup, and Kake. All were comparable to Melum or Maricar in size and were equally allied. Their tigress beast of Temperance had four sons with her human mate, passing away after roughly a hundred and fifty years. Without fail all four fought or retreated together. Three princesses and one prince headed the delegations.
"I welcome the Tigers from their mountains, they bring pride to all the lands they traverse." Ashton welcomed with a nod. Female tigers were far more cunning than their male counterparts.
All four approached at the same time, with a practiced bow they accepted the praise. "We each offer a baby tooth for the Young Song, may we come in peace, and leave in peace." The eldest of the three princesses announced presenting a tiny wooden box with her last baby tooth.
Ashton accepted the boxes, giving a red down feather to each, "A down feather, may it help you in your darkest of times." The four all bowed then stepped aside. Despite what seemed like an inconsequential offering, tiger teeth held more mana than any other part of their body. The last tooth, was often referred to as the most stubborn. Depending on the last tooth much was, akin to how some nations used palm reading, or birth times to predict a child's future. To offer the last baby tooth, was offering their trust... their faith. Ashton tucked the teeth away, waiting to see how he would truly reciprocate such an offering.
The rest of the offerings were fruit or nuts. Ashton gave them all the temporary blessing of protection which would last until they returned to their own borders. Their gifts to Lucian were a dozen fourth tier mana stones. They didn't even wait to be dismissed before their guards started moving another table closer to the nest so the princesses and prince could be within chatting distance of Ashton.
Sebastian watched stifling a sigh, Maquis Silas had informed him that they were all preparing gifts. Sebastian wasn't sure if he should laugh... or curse how desperate the idea was. He'd seen the other's gifts but was hardly optimistic.
Ashton glanced over the new group, they started to chat about the happenings in their respective countries. Two warriors came with baskets of food as they set them out. The lordlings all made eye contact with a nod.
Alexei placed himself on the direct path seeing Lucian, Silas, Darnings, Hammer, and the Luthiger's all approaching solemnly. When they hesitated, Alexei gave a derisive snort.
Leonard stepped forward as the lowest ranked nobility, "We came bearing gifts." He announced glancing past Alexei to Ashton.
Ashton tilted his head. Then he sat up but his expression seemed to fall away. A gift was different from an offering.
Alexei's expression turned neutral, but his eyes were taunting. "Let the pride see what gifts the keepers of a dragon heart would offer." When Leonard started to step forward Alexei turned to Lucian, "You first."
Lucian glared but stepped forward. Lucian took a deep breath as he dawned a calmer expression before holding out a box.
Ashton only stared down at Lucian.
Lucian took a deep breath pushing the box closer, then opening it. "One of the last three dragon teeth." Lucian informed, spacial enchantments were on the box to make the items placed inside smaller and lighter.
Ashton just continued to stare, then let his full disgust show. The box burst into silver flames releasing the enchantments and burning the tooth to ashes. "If you ever insult me like that again, oath be damned, the empire will burn. Get out of my sight." Dragon teeth were exclusively turned into weapons for a reason. To give a dragon tooth meant one of two things. First, to grow stronger before we duel, often to the death. Second, forge a weapon for a path all your own. Neither of which were appealing to Ashton.
Not to mention... the greed dragon's soul was still bound by all the still existing parts... so long as the tooth, or any part, remained they were beacons. Beacons for the bound, the damned, and the ignorant. None of which he welcomed.
As the ashes floated in the breeze, the seal binding the dragon chipped. Not much, but now there was a light almost reaching into the darkness. Eventually, someone would notice.
Every Inago warrior had drawn their weapons hostilely watching the entire group of Smyrnaeans.
Alexei glared at the empress, "You next." Without a word three of his best were advancing on Lucian with murder in mind.
"Majesty, now isn't the time, please go back." Jaxon hastily whispered pulling on Lucian's arm almost frantically. Beast Gods above, the two dead men had not even cooled yet!
Lucian glared but left without another word. For just a moment... he felt as if more than just the tooth had been lost... it had been safeguarded all this time... used only in the most dire of circumstance.
The three warriors took up positions silently in front of the nest, when the empress's father tried approach at the same time two spears were pointed at his throat. "Just her." The two stated nodding to the empress.
Charmaine didn't lose her smile as she stepped forward, "We are still friends are we not Lord Reece?"
Ashton did not return the smile, but with a snap of his fingers his nest was now overlooking the group instead of being at eye level.
"Present your offering or leave." Neolani ordered with a sneer eyeing the small box.
Charmaine didn't even look at the barbarian, "Lord Reece, I present a fifth-tier mana crystal. May you find it pleasing." Charmaine opened the box but didn't step close enough to offer it with her own hands.
"If you didn't want to give it, no need to make a spectacle of yourself." Alexei snorted when she didn't move after opening the box.
Charmaine didn't let her annoyance show as she started to hand the box to Alexei.
Alexei pretended to reach for the box, but let it drop before he made contact. "What a waste. Can't even hold a box properly." Alexei sneered under his breath.
Charmaine finally lost her smile and put on a regal air, "Lord Reece, your attendant dropped my offering."
"Charmaine Brianna Luthiger of Smyrna, do you take me for a fool?" Ashton asked tilting his head.
Charmaine jerked, not even Lucian dared call her name like that, still she didn't lose her composure. Making amends she reminded herself. "Lord Reece, did I say anything wrong?"
Ashton narrowed his eyes, "It appears I thought too highly of you Charmaine. A shame. You are dismissed." Ashton didn't wait as he looked past her to Charles as the warriors gripped her arms and lifted her away.
"UNHAND ME!" Charmaine ordered refusing to struggle even with the bruising grips.
The two warriors ignored her as they carried her a few feet, then unceremoniously dropped her. The empress collapsed with her hair falling from her elaborate bun. They then returned to stare down the father.
Alexei ignored the outraged Marquis as he smirked at Jaxon, "You next duke."
Jaxon tensed, but stepped forward lifting a sword and its sheath. "Lord Reece, I offer you a sword and sheath crafted by our best blacksmith, it's imbued to never rust and can even cut through third tier barriers." Jaxon explained lifting the sword above his head as he bowed.
Ashton barely glanced over the sword, it was subpar at best, a generic item sold by the Darnings household. Ashton couldn't feel a single ounce of pride when Jaxon explained. "Ember."
Neolani nodded, then without warning used a prepared fourth tier spell to relieve Darnings of his aches from the last several beatings. She also added that he would feel mildly rejuvenated. "Dismissed."
Jaxon bowed as Alexei took the sword without interest. Not a failure... but if Ashton wasn't being biased the offering wasn't successful either.
Alexei carelessly left the sword on the ground, "You next duke." Alexei signaled to Duke Hammer.
Randal took a deep breath as he stepped forward with a basket of fruit, "Lord Reece, exotic fruits I hope you can enjoy at your leisure."
Ashton wasn't sure why any of them bothered, Randal couldn't even hide his resentment... and the fruit had been carelessly picked, most were already overripe, a few had obvious bruises. Ashton waved for one of the warriors to take the basket.
Zane couldn't help himself, he peeked at the basket and frowned. While the offerings didn't have to be special or expensive... deformed and damaged fruit as an offering was such an obvious snub... what was the empire hoping to accomplish?
Alexei didn't bother to hide the chill in his voice, "Next you, duke." Alexei nodded to Sebastian.
Sebastian hesitated, "I would prefer to give my offering last, if that is acceptable. It is not a material item and will take a few minutes." Sebastian added with a bow.
Alexei eyed the man, then turned to the father. "You then Marquis. Hopefully you have a better grip than your daughter."
Charles stepped forward but was trembling from the effort to not lash out. Charmaine had been escorted by two maids so he wasn't sure how badly she'd been hurt. "Lord Reece, I offer the largest uncut emerald the Luthiger house currently has."
Ashton just waved again, even if Charles had some pride regarding the crystal, his resentment was louder, clearer, "Ember."
Neolani took the emerald then put a fourth-tier mana stone in Charles hands, "Dismissed."
Charles didn't hesitate to turn and go find his daughter. Ashton and the rest were clearly biased anyway.
Alexei sneered as the older man ran off in a huff, "You next Marquis."
Leonard smiled as he stepped forward confidently, "Lord Reece, these tea leaves that are supposed to help with sleep, there are a few flavors. I hope at least one will be to your liking."
Ashton tilted his head, the gift was fitting, thoughtful even... but Leonard felt no pride. "The gift itself is adequate, though your reluctance is displeasing. Ember." Ashton informed waving the gift away. All gifts, no offerings.
Leonard paused, he didn't believe he'd shown any reluctance... but from the way the other delegations were eyeing him and the rest... like he'd suspected the item itself wasn't the offering.
Alexei turned back to Sebastian and gave a cordial nod. "Duke Carlos, you have our undivided attention."
Sebastian took a deep breath, then tapped his cane twice on the pavement. A dozen men shuffled forward with instruments and started preparing a few feet to his left and only half a dozen feet the nest.
"I unfortunately do not have the gift of song, but these men have been personally trained by the duchy. My offering to the young Song bird of Pride, is this." Sebastian informed with a regal bow as the first notes started to play.
(I need somebody to pull me out
Of this grave I filled with hate and doubt
I need save right now, can you hear me calling out?
Can you hear me?)
Ashton sat up and leaned over the nest, a brow raised.
Sebastian kept his eyes on Ashton, his heart beating widely at the gamble. At the positive response, relief and pride swelled in his chest.
Ashton went from interested to mildly displeased as he glanced over the crowd.
Song writer Zachary Munn: Can you hear me?