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The dragons gracefully swept down, depositing horses and riders into the fields and inner keep.
The attack was so unexpected the archers were still abed, as were most of the soldiers and there was little to do except kneel.
Ianto rode his monster horse towards the steps of the palace, waiting patiently for the king to emerge.
His body hadn't hit the ground from its fall, instead hitting a balcony's railing below and the force of a large orange dragon dropping into the keep dislodged it, making it roll from the railing onto the ground at the feet of the horse.
Janet's nostrils flares with disgust as her eyes rolled with red flame.
"The king is dead, long live the king" Ianto snarled, leaning forward and calling out, "Fergos, I await your presence."
The prince walked jauntily out and then looked at the body at the feet of the horse, his mouth falling open as he recognized the royal robes.
"Father?"
Myfanwy lumbered forward and snapped her jaws, the body disappearing as she swallowed, then stepped back to loom over the horse and rider casting an ominous shadow.
"Well, young king" Ianto said calmly, "Are you ready to kneel?"
With a snort the prince turned to order his army to attack, but froze as he felt a hot breath on his neck, looking up to find a dragon the size of a large dog perched on the flag rod above his head, it's long green neck elongated down to stare directly into his eyes.
"So be it" Ianto snarled angrily, turning Janet to face the group of pets huddled by the door.
It struck like a cobra and Fergos screamed, shrieked, flailed and gargled as it kept increasing pressure until his face was torn away and the faceless body flailed away to fall on the ground and writhe.
"Ew" Ianto said with disgust as he loked over his shoulder as the mess.
The blue warrior was ready, his jaws snapping shut as the noise finally switched off.
"You!" Ianto said to the pet who hung onto the door frame in royal robes, the knife still in his hand.
The slave sank to his knees.
"What is your name?" he demanded.
"Bern" the boy answered as a calm that fell over him with the One True King's smile.
"Arise High Lord Bern of my Northern Realm." Ianto said regally and the boy stood with wide eyes, staring at the king.
"All hear this, High Lord Bern is to rule this kingdom as one of my personal representatives." Ianto said loudly, "He is my voice, my right hand and my heart."
He turned Janet and strode across to where Myfanwy was waiting patiently. He reached up a hand to stroke her humongous cheek as she lowered her head to allow his touch.
"Take what they need, we fly after we have refueled" he said softly and she blinked slowly as she raised her head and trumpeted, then rose into the sky.
"Where do they go?" Bern whispered with awe.
"To feed. Some of the surrounding farms are about to be pillaged, don't worry. They will only take a handful from each herd, they know to be fair." Ianto looked down at the slave, "IF the landowners come to complain you can greet them accordingly my little dove."
As the young man reached out to touch the king's boot he felt a great peace and wave of affection, closing his eyes as it finally became real.
They were free.
"It is time" he whispered.
"Yes Bern, it is time. I am come" Ianto said softly, reaching down to catch the hand and squeeze, "Welcome to the world."
Bern grinned as the warm hand squeezed life into him and he straightened his shoulders, throwing off the last of his slave shackles.
Those invisible ones that weighed him down even when naked.
They were gone.
He turned to the pets watching on with awe.
"Food, these men are hungry. Quickly, we must serve them so they might know our pleasure and return home with a memory of our sweet mead!" he said eagerly as the pets lit up at orders and rushed to obey their new lord.
Not master.
One of two may have paused inside, away from prying eyes to weep as it all changed so quickly.
There would never be a master again.
The only one they served now sat atop of black monster with amour to match the guards and whispers of smoke wafting from her nostrils, yet he was so calm, so polite and so ….
Regal.
They were all free.