Darkness…

The creature in the center of the chamber stirred as its eyes were opened to the world for the first time. As its vision began to focus, the cold stone floor became uncomfortable enough to urge it to its feet. Steel scraped rock as it flexed its muscles, digging the metallic talons that tipped its feet. Slowly, its mind began to register the world around it, and with that came the torrent of noise. Memories and thoughts not belonging to it flooded its mind, which brought with it thought processes, history, identity, and self awareness.

I am he, he is myself. I am me. I am Xodius.

He let the world around him come into focus. The cavern was dark, save for the fading glow from a summoning circle that covered the circumference of the rocky floor. The runes were intricate, and the words that they made up were vaguely familiar to him. Xodius snorted, turning his blood red eyes to gaze upon himself.

Dimensions and units of measuring appeared in his mind, as did words that were strange, yet familiar at the same time. He stood at a modest three feet tall at the shoulders, yet from snout to tail was seven feet in length. Ebony scales covered his body, with a spiked crest fanning from the back of his skull. The spines that formed the crest, as well as the sharp ridge that ran the length of his back on down to the tip of his tail, glinted with a metallic sheen that matched that of his talons. A brief testing scratch against the chamber floor brought a loud shriek of steel against rock, the resulting sparks glinting in his eyes. Along his back were folded powerful wings which he stretched out to test. The motion seemed natural, yet as he looked over the membranes that spread before him, there was a slightly amused emotion that took hold as they were revealed to be tattered beyond logical use. Something in the back of his mind, however, told him that the state of his wings was not an issue for flight, for him, and he folded the appendages along his back comfortably.

Why am I here?

His mind became aware of another presence nearby, one which had been supplying him with a vast number of the memories and thoughts that now filled his consciousness. He allowed himself to reach out with his own thoughts, letting them meld with the other consciousness in the room, finding a name. He allowed his thoughts to be heard.

Warlock Lycius. Why have you summoned me here?

A soft white light grew in the room from crystals that were perched atop golden stands, chasing the darkness into the corners and revealing a rather intrigued human. Xodius shifted to take in the warlock before him. The man seemed frail, pitifully so, skin pulled tight over a skeleton with very little in the way of muscle to add definition to the form. The skin's tone was a sickly pale from lack of sunlight, and the way the human gripped the staff he leaned so heavily against, Xodius had a hard time believing he could stand at all. Raven-black hair, unkempt at best, reached down to his shoulders, a few stray strands cascading down to partially obscure the ice blue eyes set in his skull. The depth which those eyes could penetrate were enough to convince Xodius that the warlock, while perhaps physically weak, was very capable with his own craft to provide some sense of a threat.

The rest of the warlock was hidden beneath black robes that would have been simple in nature, were it not for the gold-threaded patterns that seemed to hold little, or no, significance whatsoever beyond their aesthetic value.

"Do you speak, pet?"

Xodius snorted softly. The voice that reached the eardrums tucked in the side of his skull was raspy and harsh, it was difficult not to simply laugh and turn away.

I speak as only I can, warlock, though your kind would fail to consider it speech.

"I see, I see. A whisper into the minds of others, then, is your method," the warlock rasped softly, more to himself than to the creature before him. "Tell me, then, can you pull thoughts just as easily as you can instill them?"

I can, yes. I know who you are, Lycius. I know who you serve, as well as what you serve. M'alketh is a truly formidable place to claim as your home and allegiance.

Lycius chuckled softly as he made a slow circle around the creature, taking in all of the wonderfully menacing details. "Oh yes. M'alketh and its new ruler will become the premier power in this world. You will be here, alongside myself, to witness the fall of those who oppose us."

Your ambitions differ from my own, warlock. Xodius paused, a faint whisper in the back of his mind telling him something was not quite right. My will is not entirely my own.

"Of course not," the warlock rasped, "and it shall remain that way for as long as I so wish. I am not a fool, pet, I know that familiars can, and have at times, turned on their masters."

I still can turn on you, though. Your shackles do nothing to prevent that.

"Yes, but if you do then you will return to the void that spawned you for the rest of eternity."

Xodius found little point in arguing against what was true, however he did issue a soft growl directed at the warlock. Lycius, who's smirk only grew, seemed to take a great deal of pleasure in his little victory.

"Come then, my pet, it is time for you to see what it is you are a part of."

There is little need, I have seen all there is to see within your mind, warlock. However, if you see it fit to bolster your own ego, feel free to flaunt the Drek'kan. After all, where you lead, I am bound to follow.

"Ah. Such a wonderful thing, servitude," Lycius remarked, moving smoothly across the stone floor towards the doorway that exited the chamber. "You learn your place rather well."

My place is not here. Your own life is guaranteed from harm by my own talons simply because where I hail from is far worse than what I have thus far seen of here. Do not expect me, however, to accept that you are my master.

"In time, you will. Life here, for you, will be miserable otherwise."

Xodius snorted as he fell in step behind Lycius, letting his mind probe deeper into the warlock's memories. So many of them were fractured; all of them chaotic with very little order to be seen. A brief glimpse into another warlock's mind as it passed nearby seemed to only confirm that the human mind was simply a maze. None of the ones he allowed his own mind to delve into were organized, developed, or capable of comprehending the true power locked away within their psyche. Pity….

"I beg your pardon?"

A glimpse into the mind of humans almost makes me feel pity for your kind, warlock. Almost. So much is lost within it, and the humans unaware of their own selves. Memories displaced old knowledge forgotten in favor of the new. Compared to my kind, it is much like comparing the physical ability of your infants to the adult in his prime.

Lycius frowned noticeably, yet did not turn around to look at the creature following behind him. "Just what are you capable of?"

Would I bother to tell you the full extent of my abilities if I knew that you could never comprehend them? I think not. However, I assure you, if conflict arose between myself and any of the other creatures your fellow warlocks have summoned into this realm, none of them would remain standing before me.

"You are rather boastful for someone who has yet to prove any of his claims."

I do not need to prove anything to you, Lycius. Look at yourself and you will see just what it is I mean. Do you have to do anything to convince yourself that you are above the other warlocks in your company? How many of them can say they have been able to manipulate the shadows and hellfire with the skill you perfected so many years ago? Do you, in these times, feel the need to flaunt your power before them so that they can see for themselves they are indeed below you? No, my dear warlock, you are like myself in that you do not need to prove yourself to anyone.

Lycius fell silent as he opened a doorway that led into another vast chamber. Rather than being used for summoning, this one had been converted into a barracks area for the growing Drek'kan forces and the handful of warlocks involved in creating them.

"For your sake," Lycius half-whispered as he closed the door behind Xodius, "you'd better be all that you claim."

The two made their way down the rows of sleeping mats, piles of straw with crudely sewn blankets thrown atop them to afford some comfort. Xodius took the time to study the creatures that occupied them. They were, in spite of all he had seen within Lycius' mind, admittedly impressive in the flesh. Their bodies were built like that of a human, standing an average six feet in height, yet looking at them closely one could see that their size belied their true strength. Rather than skin, ebony scales plated their bodies. With every movement, a soft clicking of the scales setting into place could be heard by the more sensitive ear. Unlike the dragons they had been modeled after, they did not posses wings, though Xodius was certain they were very capable of swift movement on the ground regardless of the terrain.

All of them walked upright on plantigrade limbs, with both hands and feet ending in sharp claws. One of the creatures turned to regard the warlock and pet as they passed, eyes glowing a soft amber which made the thin sliver of a pupil all that more apparent, and as Xodius turned to regard it in like, the creature smirked and showed the sharp set of teeth contained within its draconic maw. A few probes into their minds showed that, while similar in appearance, not all of them were the same. Some had been imbued with stealth and a knowledge of the body and poisons for swift, efficient assassinations. Others possessed massive strength and battlefield tactics for melee skirmishes. The ones that caught his attention the most, though, were the ones which had been imbued with various skills in magic. Pyromancers and arcanists, necromancers, warlocks, and even priests were filtered into the ranks, albeit sparingly due to the sheer power they possessed. As he prowled into their minds, he was shocked that, in spite of the terribly unstructured psyche of the humans, they had managed to create something with an intellect that was wonderfully advanced and capable of wielding its power with devastating efficiency.

Still, not all was right. Within each of the minds he probed, there was a faint essence, almost like a shackle, that kept their wills bound to a force of incredible power. Dra'keth. He owned them like a warlock would a familiar. Not all of them were pleased, yet none were capable of moving against the bond, or their forced master. The power they wielded was formidable, but yet was enough for the great Dragonlord to fear, and his fear was expressed fully with the measures taken to prevent an uprising of his forces.

As they moved deeper into the barracks area, they came to a spot where one Drek'kan was seated alone, a leather-bound tome held open in the palm of one hand as he read. Unlike the others, this one was covered in charcoal scales which seemed almost grey against the light leather armor he wore. Next to him leaned a staff carved meticulously from oak with various patterns that, as Xodius looked longer, took on the appearance of vines and leaves. The detail was superb, very little spared. The mental state that this particular one carried was far more advanced than the rest, who seemed more like mere drones in comparison, yet still there was a large portion that was controlled by an outside force, keeping the beast in check.

As they approached, the Drek'kan looked up from his reading, amber eyes glinting faintly in the flickering light of the wall mounted torches. There was a certain look of apprehension that crossed over the scaled face before the eyes settled on Lycius, and the Drek'kan rose to offer a polite bow.

"This fellow here is Dhark, currently the only shaman within the Drek'kan ranks. Lord Dra'keth felt that such a skill was not entirely needed within his army, and as such…well, Dhark is a fair bit of an anomaly. Still, I feel he will in time prove far more useful than the Dragonlord gives him credit for. Dhark, this is my new familiar and summon."

Dhark nodded faintly, but remained silent as he looked back towards Xodius. Taking a knee, he brought himself down until they were almost snout-to-snout with one another, eyes locked. Xodius refused to move on principle, more out of a sense of pride, Dhark remained still as he studied, however, and when he had concluded, he stood.

"Does it have a name?"

Lycius smirked faintly before he simply shrugged. "He is my pet, I do not plan on referring to him by any other title in the foreseeable future."

Xodius.

Dhark flickered his glance down to the creature standing in front of him, then back to Lycius. The warlock, however, seemed oblivious. "I see. Well, perhaps when he has earned a title more akin to a name, you will see fit to introduce us both properly."

"Do not think, Dhark, that simply due to your being the only beast of your trade here that you can speak so far out of turn," Lycius snorted. "I can simply have you destroyed."

"You could, yes, Master Warlock, however then you would lose an elementalist skilled in his trade, and Dra'keth would never allow you to prove that such a skill is vital for success."

The warlock's eyes narrowed as he pointed a bony finger at Dhark. "Do not lecture me nor tell me what I already know." He flickered a glance down to Xodius. "Come, there are others to meet, others which will play a far greater role in the building of this army."

Of course, Warlock. Xodius turned to glance back at Dhark. No, he cannot hear me if I do not wish him to, Dhark, and yes I can hear what you are thinking. Perhaps later we can discuss such things away from this human's prying eyes.

Dhark furrowed his brow slightly, as though in thought, but simply nodded before retaking his seat and turning back to his book. Lycius gave the Shaman a rather disgusted look, but motioned for Xodius to follow. They crossed back through the barracks, turning down a small corridor. The passageway opened up further down, with doorways leading off into various rooms. The plaques set in the stone labeled their exact purpose, some for combat training, a few libraries for the magical tomes and scrolls, and there was even a crypt where the necromancers spent their time.

Lycius moved along the doors until arriving at one, the plaque simply depicting the common symbol for fire. He knocked on the door before simply stepping inside and holding the door. "Come on in, I want you to meet two of my more promising students."

Xodius stepped into the room, and immediately became assaulted by a wave of heat. On the far end of the room was a drek'kan with emerald green scales and dark crimson robes. The hood was thrown back to reveal a softer face than the others, and the ice-blue eyes clearly feminine. A blastwave of pure fire was radiating out from where she stood, the inferno rolling and tumbling towards another drek'kan.

The second was a terribly cruel looking beast, his scales blacker than midnight on a new moon. His eyes were glowing a bright gold, the robes that covered him were a dark blue, void of any patterns save for black stitch along the hemline. As the fire rolled towards him, he muttered a soft encantation and countered, a blast of pure shadow exploding to rip the wall of fire apart, leaving both of the spellcasters unscathed.

"Hold, you two. I have someone who I would like to introduce you to."

The two looked up from the battle and regarded Lycius and Xodius for a moment before moving over. As they drew near, Xodius crept his way into their minds. Much like Dhark, they were far advanced over the drones that seemed to be so predominant in the ranks. They also had the same limitations that seemed to infringe on their will, as well, mental blocks that hindered their thought processes and their full potential in their trades. The female was an arcanist, and the intellectual knowledge that was rooted in her mind was incredibly profound. The male was a warlock, though unlike most in his trade had his skills in summoning hampered greatly by the mental intrusion. What he did posses, however, was a wonderfully indepth knowledge in the destructive arts, manipulating shadows and hellfire.

"These two were the first two I brought from the void. Incredibly talented, and amongst the strongest of the first batch of seven, I am proud to introduce you to Arcanist Flyre and, my personal apprentice, Warlock Wrayne."

Flyre smiled as she glanced down at Xodius. "I will have to get to know him later. Wrayne and I were just finishing here, I am off to the library to get some reading done, and a few spells I need to learn and practice."

Lycius nodded slightly and stepped aside so she could pass, turning his focus on Wrayne. "Wrayne, I trust you have been working diligently to perfect your spellcasting?"

Wrayne nodded as he continued to watch Xodius. "I have been, yes, though I have yet to focus on the curses and other such forms of subtle corruption you seem to favor. This is your new familiar?"

"Yes," Lycius said, reaching down to tap a finger lightly on Xodius' head. "This is one which I hope to keep for a long while yet. He shows promise, yet lacks true discipline, I will have plenty of work to do in the months to come to remedy that issue."

"Ah, I see. What does your master in the summit think of him?"

"Mind your tongue, Wrayne. Lord Dra'keth knows what you speak, it would not be wise to cross him. I've spent far too much time working to turn you into a true warlock for you to ruin it."

"A true warlock would be allowed to summon his own familiar, Lycius. You know as well as I that he is limiting me in what I can do. When will you speak on my behalf to let me reach my full potential?"

"You have reached your full potential, you merely have not perfected the basics which will allow you to master your craft, Wrayne. Lord Dra'keth has seen fit to close your mind to an aspect of our trade that is not detrimental to your success, do not become distracted by such trivial issues."

Wrayne snorted softly as he glanced down at Xodius, though nothing more was said as he brushed past the two and into the hallway. The door slammed shut behind, the sound echoing loudly against the rock walls. Xodius could hardly keep from smirking.

Is your apprentice normally subject to outbursts of that nature?

"He was the first, and as such there were certain things that pertained to his summoning that were not repeated in the others. When I summoned him, the limitations were placed several days later after Lord Dra'keth had time to observe the true potential of his future army; I honestly believe he still remembers the sensation of not being bound to the will of another. I also think he is trying to express that much to the others, though they, much like Dhark, seem content to simply believe that perhaps there is the possibility of free will, though it is hard to miss something that they never had. The rest of the masses, the ones that have followed since the first seven, could never know it, they are simply pawns. They move forward, they fight, they obey without question."

Wrayne is correct in his accusations, though. There are restrictions and limitations that are keeping them from performing at their full capacity.

"I know he is correct, but those limitations were mandated from Lord Dra'keth himself, and I am not going against his wishes, I very clearly see the need for such things."

Indeed. Am I correct in assuming that we will be meeting the others now?

"Yes. I should think someone such as yourself would not need to assume, though, what with your skill at looking into the minds of others."

It can be tiring, Warlock. Just as you do not cast fire on a whim lest you drain your energy, I do not invade the thoughts of others for no reason.

Lycius offered a skeptical look. "Somehow, I do not believe you."

As before, I do not see the need to prove myself to you.

"In due time, you will be required to flaunt your power. There is a battle pit, I want you to compete in the competition today. Several other warlocks are going to bring their pets and familiars. It is, of course, to the death…so to speak, though you and I both know death merely means a return to the void for creatures like you, and all we have to do is perform the summoning again."

What makes you think I will unleash my full strength in such a battle?

"If you fail to win, I will leave you in the void and seek another pet," Lycius said, smirking. "It would be in your best interests to win."

Xodius smirked faintly as Lycius started towards the door leading back into the main caverns. Part of me likes how you think, Warlock.

"Oh?" Lycius paused and glanced back over his shoulder. "What does the other part of you think?"

I think it might be more fun to let you ponder the possibilities.

Lycius did not outwardly respond, though it was easy for Xodius to tell the answer given was far from the answer sought. They made their way through the twisting tunnels until they arrived at a lavishly painted doorway. The painting itself depicted a shielded crest with the symbol of a black dragon in flight, wings spread wide as fire poured from its gaping maw. Set behind the shield was a crossed pair of broadswords, the hilts glinting with polished gold that had been set into the wood. As Xodius looked closer, he could see other metals had been used, along with gemstones, to draw out the various colors that made up the steel shield and black dragon, though they were in mild need of a cleaning and polish.

"This room belongs to the Order of the Blade. The kingdom to the south of us prides itself on the order of paladins that have policed their territories for so long; this is our answer. One of their paladins rather unwillingly gave up the secrets of his trade, and we began training our own to harness the power. Granted, Lord Dra'keth implemented a rather dark twist to the art, but what we have achieved with the Order will easily overthrow the might of the Paladin."

They stepped through the door and into a chamber that was well lit. Tomes filled a large bookcase that was carved into the rock on one side of the room, while the middle had been given over to a massive round table with seats situated around its perimeter. Names were engraved into the seats with fancy runes, the most elaborate reading 'Darknight Seiver'. The wall opposite the bookcase was filled with a wooden board that had bulletins, notes, and other important documents posted over its surface. Further back, separated by a purple curtain that was currently pulled back, was the sleeping quarters.

"We've isolated them, for the most part, from the rest of the forces so that they may study their craft without being hindered by the rest. Seiver was our first and founding member of the Order of the Blade."

He is also one of your seven, is he not?

"Yes, this is why I want you to meet him."

As they were speaking, a silver-scaled Drek'kan made his way in from the caverns. He was clad in armor that had been forged from a black metal, the plate itself polished to offer a shine in spite of the dark color. The chestpiece bore the same crest as the door's, while the shield strapped to his back bore a solitary dragon's eye surrounded by black. Trapped by the shield was a crimson cape that reached his ankles, constantly in motion from the disturbance caused by his tail. About his waist he wore a simple leather sword-belt, alongside the heavier plate girdle that protected him from injury in battle, which carried a sheathed broadsword. The sword's hilt was polished brass that shone like gold, a large and skillfully cut gemstone set in the pommel. When the Darknight saw Lycius, he promptly offered a slight bow before turning his attention to Xodius.

"This, my dear pet," Lycius began, "is Seiver, the leader of the Order."

Seiver's eyes shifted from Xodius, to Lycius, and back again as the brief introduction was offered. "Master Lycius, as always it is a pleasure to see you here amongst those of my Order; a fair welcome to your new familiar as well. I trust all is going in accordance to Lord Dra'keth's wishes?"

"Of course it is. Within a month, the seats at your table will be filled and training can commence in earnest. In the mean time, I can only assume you and the other three have been working diligently at perfecting your skills."

Seiver nodded slightly. "If it so please you, perhaps I could offer a demonstration?"

"That will not be necessary, Seiver. I will take you at your word for the time being, you have not yet given me a reason to do otherwise." Lycius motioned back to Xodius. "Come along, pet, there are others you need to meet before we travel up to the mountain's peak."

They stepped out into the hallways once more and carried on through the vast network of tunnels. As the door with the crest vanished around a turn, Xodius snorted softly and glanced up to Lycius. A far stronger binding has been placed on him than the others.

"Yes. The power they wield, having been pulled from the Paladins, is far more dangerous if unleashed against our own forces than those of a rogue warlock or assassin might be. Much like the others, though, Seiver's mind is more free than the slaved Drek'kan that followed after him. They will not pose a threat in the slightest."

Is this something you know to be fact, or is this something you simply hope to be true?

Lycius remained silent as though the question went unheard in his mind, nodding towards a door. "This up here is where our healers dwell and work. Ours can be distinguished easily by their breed and skillset, they are Drek'kan after all, and that alone makes them unique to the other priests and healers our enemies tend to field. Also, while ours are adept healers, they also can perform the opposite effect, causing harm to others by manipulating the very same shadows warlocks tend to deal in. The two can easily partner up for a far more devastating effect."

Clever. A priest which kills would be the last thing anyone might expect on the battlefield.

"If I didn't know any better, my pet, I would assume that remark carried a tone of sarcasm." Lycius stepped through the door. "Myriad! I seek a word with you."

Xodius stepped into the room and furrowed his brow slightly. The place was far more brightly lit than the rest. A row of litters were placed against a wall, opposite those were shelving units filled with various vials, bandages, and other such things of that nature. The smell of blood lingered from patients passed, but the infirmary was currently empty. In the back of the room was a curtain that separated the main room from another, though with the curtain drawn he could not see just what lay beyond.

The curtain shifted and the owner of the voice emerged. Xodius was, for a brief moment, stunned. Her scales were a dark metallic blue, her eyes violet in color. The disposition with which she carried herself was considerably more cheerful than the others, something that seemed oddly out of place within the darker catacombs below M'alketh. As she approached, she smiled faintly at Xodius.

"Well, hello there. I take it you're the latest pet for our Lycius here, hmm? I'm Myriad."

Well met, Myriad. You seem a bit more light in spirits than the others I've thus far met.

"Of course I am. You almost have to be a bit more chipper than most to put up with what you come across in my trade."

Lycius cleared his throat and took a step back towards the door. "Myriad, I have some matters to attend to. As you currently have no pressing matters of business, I would like for you to show my pet around the catacombs. Cyrius and Wraith should be returning shortly and I would like for proper introductions to be made. He's already met the others."

Myriad smiled and bowed slightly. "Of course, I will see it done, Master Lycius."

"You've always been reliable in that, Myriad, I trust nothing less from you."

Xodius followed Lycius with his eyes as the warlock departed the infirmary, snorting faintly as soon as the door closed. I should say, Myriad, that I am not terribly fond of this place and its inhabitants.

"I could tell." She made her way towards one of the litters, sitting on its edge. "I wasn't going to be the one to say it, though. By all means rest up, there's not much to do around here until Wraith and Cyrius get back. They are the two typically tasked with the more…stealthy assignments that come our way. Terribly brutal work, though less so than war itself, I suppose."

Assassins?

Myriad nodded. "Aye. So, since we have some time, tell me a bit about yourself. Most of these warlocks can't summon anything capable of holding intelligent conversation, and I've all kinds of questions."

Ah, the curious type then? Xodius smirked faintly as he made his way to a comfortable looking corner of the room nearby, curling up in it. Very well then, ask away.