A/N: Please note there is a mature scene in this chapter. I tried to make it tasteful but it is still explicit so I marked where it starts and ends. You are warned.
Chapter 51: Hammer Strike
The Temple of Elemental Evil
South of Verbobonc, 2 weeks later…
Deep in the heart of the dark temple where only the bravest and hardiest dared to tread, a powerful Demoness in military dress stood, gazing into a crystalline mirror framed with obsidian, the dark and alluring visage of Tiamet within it.
"These fools have underestimated us completely." Fierna, infernal daughter of Belial the Demon Lord stated smugly. "They win a battle or two and they think they're invincible! We're about to show them how wrong they were!"
"Take care." Tiamet cautioned sternly from within the mirror. "The mere fact that they won those battles should give us pause. They possess weapons of unparalleled force and ability and we know the Dragon commands an army of golems. Not only that but they have destroyed one of the portal rings already."
"That's barely an inconvenience." Fierna sneered, waving a manicured hand dismissively. "They might have found one but that's only because it stuck out like a sore thumb. We have others they know nothing about and by the time they do discover them it will be too late! Besides, they only won those battles due to their magical weapons and the fact that we sent small divisions against them. They won't stand a chance against a real army!"
"Then I wish you good luck with your campaign." Tiamet smiled wickedly. "We will be watching with great interest."
"Whatever." Fierna replied in a dismissive tone. Flicking a hand she severed the connection, making the image fizzle away to nothing before turning to the demonic bodyguards surrounding her.
"Time to get this show on the road." She stated with a dark smile, her ruby eyes glowing in anticipation.
The palace of Utopia, early the next morning…
The false dawn was barely beginning to lighten the horizon but Davis was already hard at work reviewing his and Prometheus's schedules for that day. His sharp ears suddenly heard the nearby window slide open softly, a slight creak of leather armor following after it. He looked over, unconcerned to see a figure in dark leather and a deep hood standing near the window silently, partially cloaked by the long burgundy drapes.
"One would think you were trying to impersonate Batman." Davis remarked idly.
"Who?" The figure's raspy voice asked.
Davis smirked to himself at yet another parallel between the two before shaking his head. "Never mind. I expected you to be back sooner to be honest; the last of the custom equipment you asked for is ready. Anything new to report?"
The figure remained silent for a moment before speaking. "I noticed that not all of the First Dawn returned to Wintershiven. Quite a few remained behind near the forest's edge but I was never able to find out why."
Davis frowned slightly in thought. "I think we may need to keep an eye on the First Dawn's movements. They may be making a move on Tenh. Anything else?"
"No."
Davis nodded before turning to face the figure fully. "I think it's about time you spoke with your wife. She's been quite worried about you, you know." He stated levelly.
The figure slowly pulled back its hood revealing Beowulf's careworn and dirt-smudged face. "I know." He murmured. "I'll tell Alpha I'm back after that."
Davis nodded. "Will you be going back out into the field again after that?" He asked. "I'd like you to keep an eye on the First Dawn."
Beowulf frowned slightly in suspicion, his golden eyes piercingly sharp as he gazed at Davis. "You don't need me to do that. I only followed the Knight Commander and his army because I wanted to test myself, not because you commanded it. I've been neglecting my responsibilities here for too long. It's time I took back my position."
Davis sat perfectly still for a moment, his face betraying no emotion before he nodded sharply.
Giving the terminator one last look Beowulf stalked through the door noiselessly not seeing the slight frown of annoyance on Davis's face as he watched the Gnoll leave.
Beowulf quickly moved through the corridors of the palace. Entering his rooms quietly, he slowly began to divest himself of his armor. Stripping off the smelly under-cloth beneath the leather he stretched, popping his back and shoulders before heading to the modern bathroom suite nearby. Turning on the shower he washed himself thoroughly, ridding himself of the weeks of sweat and grime that had accumulated in his fur. 30 minutes later he stepped out of the shower, his fur plastered to his body. Stepping into a small alcove next to the shower he pressed the stud on the wall. Vents from every angle began to blast him with warm air, making his fur fly about as it dried him. He spent another 20 minutes slowly combing out the tangles in his fur and smoothing it out before he finally deemed himself presentable. Examining himself in the full length mirror he nodded before sliding on a loose pair of silky shorts and padded his way into the master bedroom where Alisha was sleeping.
Kneeling down next to the bed, he let his eyes roam over her sleeping form.
"So long…" He murmured softly to himself.
Stretching out a hand he slowly slid his fingers through her long auburn hair, feeling the soft strands flow through his fingers. The motion made Alisha moan quietly as she rolled over to face him before slowly opening her eyes. She gazed at him fuzzily, her mind barely awake.
"'m dreaming." She slurred quietly.
Beowulf smiled gently and drew close to her, kissing her softly on her lips. Alisha kissed him back, her hands slowly wrapping around his head to grip his mane. He slowly eased himself onto the bed, never breaking the kiss as she lay on her back. Beowulf slowly slid on top of her, his hands sliding over her temples and cheeks as he caressed them.
Breaking the kiss gently, Alisha looked up at him, her eyes a bit more focused. "If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up." She whispered, desire and anguish warring in her eyes.
"I'm here." He murmured gently to her.
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"Make love to me." She said plainly.
Without a word he rose and slid the covers aside. Alisha sat up and immediately pulled her silky pearl night gown over her head, leaving her naked as she tossed it aside before laying back against the pillow. Beowulf's eyes slid over her body, examining every inch of her.
"You shaved Gershimi." He murmured, resting his fingertips against her smooth nether region.
She spread her legs wordlessly in response, her eyes imploring him.
Tugging gently, his shorts fell to the floor revealing his thickening red shaft as it grew from his tan sheath. Lying on top of her he positioned himself before carefully sliding inside her. Alisha's breath caught as she felt herself being wonderfully filled. Hugging him tightly against her she pressed her hips against him, forcing him deep inside her before his knot pressed hard against her nether lips. Sensing her need he began to quickly thrust in and out of her. The redhead moaned in pleasure, closing her eyes as she began to pump her hips in time with his.
"Don't stop!" She implored him. "Just keep going!" She panted.
Seconds later she cried out, thrusting her hips frantically as months of pent up desire made her climax furiously. Beowulf continued to pound deep inside her just as quickly, his own need quickly building inside him. Alisha panted as her climax ended only to keep moving nearly as quickly, her cravings still not satisfied. Beowulf kissed her deeply, his hands kneading her breasts as he thrust his aching hardness deep inside. Suddenly he broke the kiss, throwing his head back with a howl that shook the room. Alisha cried out as she felt his shaft pulse hard inside her, filling her with warm wetness before she herself climaxed again, matching his howl with her own cries of pleasure. Their hips slammed together frantically as they panted and moaned, his knot suddenly forcing itself inside her, keeping them joined. Finally Beowulf lowered himself on top of her, panting as Alisha lay back, her breasts heaving as she gasped for breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She slowly focused on Beowulf, her mind finally awake.
"You're really here." She murmured in wonder, her eyes fixed on his.
"I'm really here." He whispered softly in confirmation.
"You're okay." She said, half-confirming and half questioning.
"I'm okay." He stated softly.
Alisha suddenly hugged him desperately, her hands gripping his mane tightly as she burst into tears of happiness. Beowulf pressed himself against her, his hand holding up her head as she let months of fear and frustration pour out of her as she cried into his fur, their bodies still joined as one.
"I missed you so much." He whispered in her ear.
"I missed you too!" She moaned as she continued to cry.
Beowulf held her silently as her hands slid across his back and sides.
"I'm real." He assured her softly. "This is no dream. I'm back."
She smiled at him in relief, her eyes shining brilliantly with tears before kissing him hard once again. He kissed her back just as passionately as he ran his hands over her face and shoulders, rubbing his body against her. Feeling his swollen knot slowly deflating he pulled it gently out of her before she hugged him tightly, breaking the kiss.
"Stay!" She whispered imploringly. "I need this."
Nodding he kept himself deep inside her, her inner muscles gently squeezing him to keep him hard as he planted a multitude of soft kisses on her face. Raising himself up he straddled her hips, keeping himself planted deep inside her as his hands slid over her chest and stomach before moving to her arms.
"Reacquainting yourself with my body?" She teased gently, a flicker of her old humor in her emerald eyes.
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Beowulf smiled. "It's been a long time."
"Months." Alisha murmured.
"It's been longer for me." Beowulf admitted quietly.
"That's sweet." Alisha smiled softly.
Beowulf shook his head in amusement. "I actually meant it literally but we'll talk about that later. Right now, I just want you."
Lowering himself onto her again he continued to kiss her slowly and passionately. The morning sun rose in the sky as the two of them continued their lovemaking until both were utterly spent. At last they rose and showered before dressing themselves for the day. As they made their way through the corridors Davis approached them, his usual smirk of confident arrogance replaced with a more pleasant smile.
"I made sure everyone left you two alone for a while." Davis commented. "I knew you needed some time to get back into the 'swing' of things."
Alisha smiled in appreciation. "Yes we did. Thank you Davis."
Beowulf nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
"Not a problem." Davis said easily as he walked with them down the corridor. "To be honest I'm glad our resident furball is back as well. The Emperor's temper has been on a hair trigger, fretting with worry. I finally got him to visit Xavener for a few days to get him to unwind. He just got back an hour or so ago. Maybe now he'll stop being so high strung."
Beowulf smiled at the oblique compliment. "I knew you loved me. So what's been happening since I've been gone?"
Davis chuckled briefly at the byplay. "Quite a bit. We've acquired a new guest or two and some technology. You'll get to see both today I'm sure."
They soon arrived at Prometheus's quarters and Davis knocked politely.
"Enter." Came Prometheus's voice from inside.
Davis entered, motioning Beowulf to wait out of sight. Prometheus glanced up from reading a document at his desk. "I hope your visit to Xavener went well?" He asked.
Prometheus nodded. "It was nice to get away for a few days. Xavener's advice is always insightful and I cannot help but smile when he acts so flamboyantly. He even managed to get me to wear this." He mentioned, plucking at the silky royal purple morning robe he wore.
Davis smiled. "Good to hear. You look fabulous dah-ling." He drawled, making the two of them chuckle. "I wanted to let you know you have a guest." He continued.
"Who?" Prometheus asked curiously.
Davis stepped aside, asking Beowulf to step into the room via his radio. Beowulf slipped into the room, a quiet smile on his face. "Alpha."
Prometheus's eyes widened in surprise at Beowulf's appearance. "Beowulf!" He murmured.
"I have returned." He said simply.
Prometheus suddenly leaped from his chair with a laugh and ran to the Gnoll, embracing him, laughter still on his lips. Beowulf grinned, hugging the man back before Prometheus pulled back slightly to gaze into the Gnoll's eyes intently. After a moment's inspection he nodded with a broad smile.
"Your sanity has been restored." Prometheus stated with relief. "You do not know how overjoyed I am to have you back my brother!"
"I think I have some idea." Beowulf teased him with a smile, gripping his shoulder.
"I'm sure we have a lot to discuss…" Prometheus began, only to have Davis interrupt him. "Why don't we invite everyone to a late breakfast so he doesn't wear out his tongue retelling the story a million times over?" The terminator suggested.
Prometheus smiled, nodding in agreement. "An excellent idea. I would prefer to eat outside but I don't think that table is big enough. One of the smaller dining rooms should suffice."
"I'll have Michael make the arrangements." Davis said, his eyes flashing blue as he sent instructions to the Steward. "In the meantime I need to fetch something. I'll be back in a little while. Don't worry," he said, holding up a hand to forestall any arguments, "I can get a data dump from one of you easily enough. You might say I'm getting Beowulf a 'welcome back present'."
Prometheus looked at Davis oddly at the announcement but acquiesced with a shrug before ushering the Gnoll and his mate out of the room and through the palace into one of the smaller informal dining rooms. Rich light wood mixed pleasantly with the intricately patterned emerald green and burgundy red carpeting. Attached to the ceiling was a wide crystal chandelier with a long oak table and padded, masterfully crafted wooden chairs beneath it. Beowulf made to sit on one of the sides but Prometheus stopped him with a gentle hand on his back.
"Today you sit at the head of the table my friend." He insisted. "This is your homecoming after all."
"My Alpha honors me." He murmured before gently sitting down in the regal chair normally reserved for the Emperor himself. Made from dark wood that was almost black in color, the well-padded chair was backed by a sunburst accented in gold. Beowulf sank into the soft cushions with a sigh, reclining slightly with Prometheus sitting to his right and Alisha to his left. The council members slowly began to file in, each of them showing shock and surprise at seeing Beowulf not only in the palace but in the Emperor's seat. Prometheus waved them in with an amused smile as servants began to arrive, setting food and place settings on the table as each person sat down. Beowulf closed his eyes, his sensitive nose savoring the scents of the food before he sighed happily. Opening his eyes he saw Michael standing next to him, a kindly smile on his face.
"Let me be the first to say 'welcome home' master Beowulf." He said.
Beowulf smiled. "Thank you Michael. It's good to be back."
"Indeed, we have all missed you." Arianasa said from the doorway with a gentle smile.
Beowulf nodded as the silver Dragon glided forward gracefully in an icy blue gown sliding around the table until she stood on his other side.
"Please forgive me, as I am sure what I am about to ask is a terrible social gaffe, not to mention a possible slight against Darlana but…"
Beowulf nodded. "You can take a peek inside if you want."
The silver Dragon glanced at the others with a somewhat embarrassed expression, her cheeks slightly pink before placing her fingertips on Beowulf's head.
"You're not giving me a physical exam on the table you know." Beowulf sardonically. "I doubt anyone minds you touching my head. Except for my wife of course." He joked, smiling at Alisha.
Arianasa flushed a bit more at the joke before focusing her mind inward. A few moments later she removed her hand, an impressed look upon her face.
"I've never seen such skill." She murmured. "It makes my work seem crude in comparison." She said, wincing.
"Without meaning any insult, it was." Darlana stated simply, stepping into the room. "But then you had nothing but your own experience as a field medic to work with and no real tools at hand. That would be like trying to perform cutting edge surgery with your bare hands. The fact that you stabilized him for so long was impressive as hell." She concluded as she came alongside the silver Dragon.
"If the two lovely ladies have finished talking shop perhaps you could find a seat and we can hear all about it from Beowulf's perspective." Prometheus suggested with a bit of insistence.
The two looked about at their audience and nodded before finding seats at the table.
"Beowulf! Ari! Fuzzy Face is back!" Kynathia cried from the doorway as she ran to him in excitement, her light airy dress flowing around her. Arianasa rested her fingertips against her forehead with a quiet groan of embarrassment as Beowulf gulped in apprehension, seemingly unable to move out of the way of the human missile as the young blonde launched herself at Beowulf, making the chair shudder as she hugged him tightly around his middle.
"Ohmygod Fuzzy Face! You're back! I can't believe your back! Where have you been, we were all worried about you! Especially the Emperor, you know what a worry wart he is! Oh but you're back now and everything's going to be so much better—" She rambled breathlessly until Prometheus's voice halted her.
"I think it would be best my dear if you allowed Beowulf to speak rather than crushing him." The gold Dragon remarked in amusement, a teasing smile on his face.
"Oh! Rightrightright! Sorry!" She exclaimed, leaping backwards, her face red as she quickly tried to compose herself.
Arianasa sighed quietly. "Why don't you sit down Kynathia?" She suggested.
Her face still rather red the young Dragoness seated herself primly. A moment later Aurelius made his way into the room. Seeing Beowulf sitting in the Emperor's seat made him narrow his eyes in consideration before he noticed Prometheus sitting off the side at ease. Glancing around at the others in the room he appeared to be deliberating with himself for a moment. Nodding to himself he strode across the room to where Beowulf sat, the Gnoll watching him carefully. Aurelius gazed at him thoughtfully for a moment, examining his face.
"You have returned." He stated quietly.
"I have, Paladin." Beowulf replied crisply.
"The madness in your eyes has fled." Aurelius said.
Beowulf nodded sharply.
Surprising everyone the normally haughty Dragon got down on one knee, his head bowed in shame.
"I have no words to describe how ashamed I am." He began hesitantly. "You offered me nothing but kindness and I scorned it. When the Emperor brought you home, weak and wounded from those monsters I dared to call you evil and…threatened to kill you to his face." He murmured, his voice hitching as the others quietly gasped in shock.
"Any other master would have killed me then and there but the Emperor was merciful towards me and spared my life." Aurelius continued, his voice becoming thicker with emotion. "But in my foolish arrogance I mistook his mercy for weakness for I still would not listen. When I confronted you in the hall that night…I thought my words would break the mindset in which you found yourself…that you would use them to rise above your injuries…I was a fool for thinking such a thing was possible…and I now know…what the results of those words were."
Beowulf remained silent throughout the Dragon's confession as Aurelius slowly raised his head to look at Beowulf, his eyes wet with tears of shame.
"I have threatened a member of the royal family and betrayed my oath to my Emperor. But even worse I have desired the death of someone dear to everyone here and only because of my arrogant superiority. I have fallen further than any gold Dragon in living memory. For what I have done I deserve death." He whispered hoarsely.
Beowulf eased himself out of the chair and slowly walked over to Aurelius, standing over him. "You bare your neck to me?" He asked Aurelius softly. "If I choose to tear your throat open you will allow it without a struggle?"
Aurelius nodded.
Steel flashed and Beowulf's knife was in his hand in an instant, the blade pressed against the Paladin's neck, the point digging against his jugular. Aurelius swallowed in fear but did not move, his face anguished as he closed his eyes in acceptance of his impending death. Beowulf slowly slid the blade along the Dragon's throat and face, his face considering and his eyes cool before he spoke.
"Look at me." He commanded quietly, his voice flat.
Aurelius's eyes snapped open, fixing on Beowulf's stern face.
"I see the suffering on your face and the pain in your heart." He began. "I believe every word you have said to me and I know you have been punishing yourself for what you have done. It is not enough." Beowulf stated grimly.
"I am not the Emperor." He continued harshly, his cold eyes boring into Aurelius's. "I am not a gold Dragon. I am a Gnoll and a warrior and while I may be more merciful than any other of my kind I will not allow you or anyone else to abuse me. My old Alpha is dead by my hand for the years of abuse he and his pack forced on me. I will not kill you but you will suffer." He promised darkly.
Aurelius shuddered slightly but nodded.
Beowulf narrowed his eyes in thought. A moment later the blade flashed and the edge came away red. Everyone in the room gasped in shock as Aurelius knelt there, blood flowing freely from his cheek and nose where Beowulf's blade had sliced them deeply.
"This is your punishment." Beowulf stated in a grim voice. "You will not allow that wound to be healed with magic or anything else. You will allow it to heal on its own and you will allow it to scar. That scar will forever be proof and a reminder to you that you are not as perfect as you believed yourself to be. Should you ever feel the desire to strut about and proclaim your glory to others, you will only need to look in the mirror and be reminded of your failure."
"I…accept your punishment." Aurelius hissed from the pain as the blood flowing from his face dripped onto his white tunic staining it red.
Beowulf's mouth briefly twisted into a darkly amused sneer at the Dragon's words. Schooling his features he spoke again.
"Never forget that I am the Emperor's loyal servant. Never forget that I am his Shadow, his bodyguard against all threats. And never forget that I am his brother. You?…You are a vassal! Nothing more!"
Aurelius's gaze flicked to the Dragon Emperor, his eyes silently imploring him. Prometheus returned his gaze coolly before he spoke.
"Beowulf speaks the truth Aurelius." He intoned gravely. "You may be kin to me because of race but you are not my brother, you are not my cousin, you are not my family."
At Aurelius's stricken look he continued. "One day that may change and I wish for all of my kin to be my family. You have done what I expected of you in recent days Aurelius and you have done your work well. But what you have done is merely followed my orders when it suited you or when I became angry. It is also true that your attitude has changed greatly since you first came here but that does not preclude you from being punished for your past actions. I wish you to know that I understand the gravity of what you have done here today, as does Beowulf. I consider his punishment more than fair given what has happened and I believe you agree. Therefore we will consider the matter closed."
He looked at the two of them carefully and both of them nodded.
"Good. I expect the two of you to come to an understanding on our own terms as you are both adults capable of making your own decisions. If I am forced to intervene again the consequences will be dire indeed." He warned them. "Aurelius you may withdraw if you wish or you may remain here." Prometheus stated.
Beowulf cleaned his knife blade on Aurelius's tunic before putting it away and seating himself.
Aurelius slowly stood, the nanites in his body slowly stopping the flow of blood though they did not close the wound. "I will remain here to honor your brother's return." He stated softly before moving to the far end of the table and seating himself carefully. Unseen by the others under an invisibility spell Kyprioth crept into the room and behind the throne to whisper in Beowulf's ear.
"I don't believe I've—urk!" Kyprioth choked as Beowulf's hand reflexively grabbed him by the throat, breaking the spell.
Prometheus sighed in annoyance. "Really Kyprioth! Have you no sense of decorum?"
"Ack!" He exclaimed, looking at the Emperor helplessly as Beowulf's hand remained tight around his larynx.
Beowulf glared at the redhead in annoyance. "Were I any other Gnoll my claws would have already torn out your throat. Do that again at your peril." He stated flatly before releasing the thin man with a shove.
Kyprioth coughed a few times, clearing his throat before he spoke. "I shall certainly keep that in mind. As I attempted to say before you decided to throttle me to death, I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. Reynard, at your service."
"Another of my kin." Prometheus offered with a hint of resignation. "And a consummate practical joker as well."
"Lovely." Beowulf drawled with a distinct lack of cheer.
"Our brother can be something of a pest but his heart is true." Elidar stated firmly as he walked in, dressed in blue and gold finery. "We have all been the victims of his pranks at one time or another and while they may be annoying at the time, we have often looked back on them with amusement."
Elidar approached Beowulf and inclined his head respectfully. "It does my heart good to see you have returned to us whole my friend."
Beowulf smiled and nodded in thanks as Elidar took his seat as well.
"My brother has returned to us safe and well." Prometheus announced to the room. "I give thanks to Pelor our Lord, Bahamut my master, and my brother's patron St. Cuthbert for delivering him to us. I also thank them for sending their servant Darlana to aid him in his time of need."
Prometheus turned to look at Arianasa. "Understand I mean no disrespect for the immense service you provided to him my dear. Your help was invaluable in healing him."
Arianasa nodded. "I understand my Lord and I do not take offense. I am, after all, a simple battlefield medic. As Darlana pointed out I do not have the skills she does, nor will I for quite a few centuries. There is no shame in knowing one's limits."
"Both of you have done well in helping him heal," Prometheus assured them, "and I praise the gods for bringing the two of you into our lives. Now then Beowulf," he said, looking over at the Gnoll, "if you are willing, can you tell us what happened in the weeks you were gone from us?"
"It has only been a month or so for everyone here." Beowulf began. "But for me it has been, in a sense, much longer. For me, it has been a year since I have seen any of you." He stated simply.
Murmurs broke out around the table as Prometheus looked at him quizzically. "A year you say? How is this possible?"
"Time flows differently in the mind." Darlana explained. "Especially when one exercises conscious control over how the mind processes information. You are no doubt aware of people having dreams which seem to last for years as they live out their lives only to wake and find only a few short hours have passed. Normally such dreams fade quickly and any positive results that might have been gained from the experience are lost. However, when one can manipulate the psyche in a skilled manner, such dreams become indistinguishable from reality and can in fact be remembered as vividly as normal memories."
Prometheus nodded while the others looked intrigued at the idea. "Go on."
"Naturally many of you are thinking how helpful this could be." Darlana smiled. "And you are correct, it can be useful. But it also requires a master of mental manipulation to aid in the process; even the slightest mistake can prove disastrous for the person being assisted. Moving on, under normal circumstances most people who might receive such aid will remember everything they were taught. However, it is rather akin to book learning; you may understand the concepts but not necessarily how to put them into practice in the real world. But thanks to the nanites in Beowulf's body, I was able to command them to generate muscular flexing on a microscopic level when he practiced the movements and forms I showed him. This greatly aided in retaining his muscle memory and reflexes when using them."
"You're saying the nanites stimulated his muscles in just the right ways so that what he practiced in the dreamscape was mirrored physically at the same time?" Arianasa asked.
"To a small extent yes." Darlana replied. "He wasn't doing fighting forms in his sleep but his muscles would be twitching in the right ways. That way everything he learned within his mind he can perform almost flawlessly in the real world without thinking about it. He will still need to practice them consistently to ensure the reflex actions don't fade but that's simple maintenance and exercise."
The others nodded thoughtfully at this.
"Continue with your narrative Beowulf." Prometheus prompted. Beowulf nodded before continuing.
"In the first few weeks I traveled to the Celadon Forest in west Nyrond." He explained. "That forest and I have a lot of history. I grew up there with my pack and it was where I lived for most of my life. It was also there where my first Alpha found me and bestowed my name upon me." He smiled happily, careful not to look at Prometheus. His face became more serious as he continued. "I found my old pack and challenged my old Alpha to a fight to the death." He smiled grimly then, his eyes glinting with cold delight. "I think you can figure out who won."
A chill ran down the spines of everyone present at his words before he continued. "Later that night Darlana came to me at the behest of the gods. I was in the process of literally battling some of my inner demons with the Saint's assistance when she appeared and aided me; soon after she performed some kind of advanced surgery on my mind. Thankfully I was not awake for it."
"You would have become permanently comatose if you had been." Darlana muttered. "And just for the record repairing his mind took several weeks on its own, working non-stop."
Beowulf gave her a quick smile. "After she fixed me I was finally able to think clearly for the first time in about three months. After that she started where Arianasa had left off."
"A lot of the time in the beginning was the two of us talking about what had happened to me." He explained. "Once I was in the right frame of mind and no longer in danger of having episodes we went through all that happened. We…explored my emotions about each day of my capture, how I felt, what I perceived happened, and what I thought it meant for my sense of self, how I felt and thought about myself as a person. What it meant to me, that kind of thing. Anything and everything was discussed. Even the more…embarrassing bits." He admitted. "With her help and the Saint's I was able to come to terms with what happened to me. It took a while but she finally got me straightened out; I had some very old issues to deal with from my pack as well and she helped me with them also."
He turned to look at Arianasa then. "I want to thank you for trying to help me after you repaired my mind." He told her kindly. "I know I wasn't very receptive to your attempts but it was because I was still in a strange frame of mind and I wasn't ready to talk yet."
Arianasa smiled. "I'm just glad you were able to heal Beowulf."
"As we talked we often did other activities to keep my mind fresh." He explained. "Darlana tutored me in various weapon forms and how to use my skills most effectively. She also trained me in mental discipline and how to create mental barriers to ensure my mind could not be…intruded upon again."
"I though the nanites were already doing that." Lord Hammen suggested.
"Against most foes it will be enough." Prometheus explained. "However Beowulf was subjected to mental torture by creatures who excelled in mental manipulation. Their powers and skills were of the highest order."
"Beowulf was already a decently trained warrior thanks to his training in the coalition army." Darlana expounded. "But as any warrior will tell you there is always room for improvement. He knew how to engage several opponents and kill them. He also knew how to scout effectively and sneak about to attack others. I helped him hone those skills significantly. For months we trained nonstop until he could fight well in any environment. He's a crack shot with a rifle as well as a bow. His skill with a sword and knife has increased dramatically and he can step into the shadows and remain unseen. All in all," she concluded, "he's quite a formidable fighter. I did teach him a couple other tricks but we don't need to get into that right now."
"Then allow me to present him with a graduation present." Davis said as he walked through the doorway, bearing a long brown box in his hands.
The group looked at Davis curiously as he walked the length of the room before standing near Beowulf. Beowulf gazed at him speculatively for a second before standing and opening the box that Davis held. Beowulf smiled in satisfaction as he withdrew a matte black scabbard about a foot and a half long from the box. Taking a few steps back he took hold of the hilt and slowly withdrew the long silvery blade of the katana he held in his hands, the blade clearing its sheath with barely a whisper of sound. Laying the scabbard down he held the blade before him at eye level, peering down the flat back of the blade with a critical eye.
"The sword was crafted with the finest materials and designed to Darlana's precise specifications with your suggestions as well," Davis commented, "you hold in your hands a masterwork weapon forged by one of the best sword-smiths on Earth. Quite expensive but I'd say after all you went through you deserve a gift like this."
Beowulf smiled sinisterly. "The fact that this weapon makes me a more efficient killer doesn't have anything to do with it I suppose?"
Davis simply smiled coldly in response.
"It gives me the chills when they both look like that." Michael commented from nearby. "Those looks make me fear they are either planning a brilliant prank or they plan to murder a great many people."
"Can't it be both?" Davis asked with a chilling smile.
Beowulf shattered the tense silence a moment later with a bark of laughter. "Tone it down a bit metal-head you're scaring the Steward."
Davis's smile turned easy-going that this. "And? That's one of my favorite activities."
Michael huffed in annoyance as Beowulf took the blade carefully in both hands and examined it carefully. Like the scabbard the hilt was a non-reflective black with cross-wise leather strapping bound tightly across it. The guard was rounded and simple and the blade was a dull silver color, curved to a point.
Beowulf slowly swung the blade a few times to test its balance before whipping it back and forth in a series of complex figure-8's before sliding back into its scabbard.
"It is a blade designed purely for stealth and killing." Darlana said flatly. "No reflective surfaces, no extra filigree to weaken the blade in even the slightest way. It has only one purpose."
"Just as a Gnoll has only one purpose." Beowulf stated grimly before reaching into the box and retrieving a similar but smaller scabbard.
"Your wakizashi." Darlana stated.
Beowulf drew the similarly styled but shorter foot long blade and took several careful swipes with it, examining it with the same attention to detail before nodding and setting them back in the box. Beowulf smiled at Davis. "This is a most splendid gift. Thank you."
Davis smiled darkly. "Use it to kill our enemies and I will consider the debt owed for them repaid."
"Tell me, can those weapons be enchanted without losing their efficacy?" Prometheus asked.
Darlana glanced at him and then nodded.
"With your permission Beowulf I would like to anoint your blades." Prometheus suggested. "Given the enemies you will be facing in the near future I believe it would be best to upgrade them further."
Beowulf thought for a second before he took up the box and placed them in front of Prometheus carefully. The Dragon Emperor took the katana in his hands carefully, allowing the steel to rest against his fingers before he began to murmur words of prayer and power. As the others watched elegant golden script in the language of the Celestials began to flow from the guard down the length of the blade until it reached the point of the weapon. Light flared around the blade for a second before it and the script seemingly vanished into the blade, returning it to its original appearance. Prometheus quickly did the same with the wakizashi before returning it to Beowulf.
"The blades are now enchanted with my holy power." He said. "Any evil being that comes into contact with them will be injured beyond what the blades' physical damage will do, among other things."
"Thank you for the gift Alpha." Beowulf said respectfully before taking his seat again.
Prometheus inclined his head gracefully before one of the other councilors spoke up.
"What happened after your training?" Lord Stone asked.
"I knew the skills I had learned." Beowulf stated. "But I wished to test myself to see if they had taken hold. To that end I shadowed the Knight Commander of the Theocracy as he made his way with his men to Fellreev Forest in the north. I followed them into the catacombs beneath an old fortress where the Demons had created a massive portal to bring their troops through. Though the men were set upon by undead and other horrors they managed to destroy the portal and their foes. I do have a concern though." He said. "Not all of the First Dawn's men returned to Atherstone. I did not stay to watch their movements but I fear they may have decided to keep an army in reserve on Tenh's border."
Prometheus nodded. "We will keep an eye on things."
Beowulf nodded. "Once that excursion was complete I returned home and here I am."
"You have been through an arduous journey my friend, one I would not wish on anyone." Prometheus said. "Sadly I must ask you to return to your position as soon as possible."
Beowulf nodded. "I knew I would be needed right away and I've already told Davis about my reinstatement. To be honest I am glad to be back in the thick of things. It's where I belong." He smiled.
"We have a problem." Davis stated suddenly, breaking into the conversation.
Prometheus looked over to see Davis's eyes glowing blue before they returned to their normal emerald color. He looked over at Prometheus with a grim look. "Priority alert from one of our terminators in Furyondy. The army's been given the order to mobilize with all speed."
"What's happened?" Prometheus asked quickly.
Davis shook his head. "No details on the situation yet but given what's been happening recently I'd bet good money the Demons are attempting another strike."
Aurelius stood up. "My Emperor. I humbly request to aid Furyondy in this matter. Allow me to redeem myself in your eyes!" He implored.
Prometheus smiled gently. "There is no need for redemption now Aurelius. But if you feel the need to prove yourself then so be it. Go to Chendl, find out the situation there, and report. The communications web is in place at this point so you should be able to contact myself or Davis directly."
Aurelius nodded firmly. "I will don my armor and leave as soon as I have done so!" He promised before running out of the room.
"Will he be of much help?" Davis asked Prometheus idly.
"Do not underestimate Aurelius." Prometheus replied. "He was able to hold back the siege at Gryrax."
"Will you not be going yourself Your Eminence?" Lady Lillian asked.
Prometheus shook his head. "I did not have others who could lead an army into battle with the exceptions of Davis and Beowulf." He explained. "But now that my kin are here they will be able to offer leadership and aid."
"Will they be up to the task?" Crostrike asked in concern.
"Elidar and Aurelius certainly." Prometheus confirmed. "I admit Kynathia may not be up to task yet—"
The girl in question stuck her tongue out at him in response.
"But I am sure she shall be soon." He finished with a smile.
"If need be I will aid whatever army you ask of me, though I am no general." Arianasa said.
"You would be a boon to that army I am certain." Prometheus replied.
"You may not believe it but in my time I did run raids on Tiamet's forces." Kyprioth stated. "I'm more used to hit and run tactics but I was a competent team leader."
"What about you Darlana?" Hammen asked curiously. "You have apparently commanded forces before and are a powerful warrior in your own right. Will you be aiding us as well?"
Darlana gazed at them thoughtfully for a few moments. "I am a Grand Marshall and I am powerful." She began slowly. "But this is not my world and it is not my fight. The gods struck a deal with me; I would aid Beowulf in return for their help in returning home, presumably through your Emperor's aid since he has access to advanced technology. My role in that contract has been fulfilled."
The others glared at her reproachfully. "I find it disquieting that a gold Dragon would refuse to help those in need." Lord Stone stated acerbically.
"Firstly I'm not a gold Dragon, I'm a half Dragon." Darlana replied sharply. "But leaving that aside, do you somehow think I can end this war in one stroke? I do not have an armada at my back nor do I have the power to reduce entire armies to ash. I am an elite combat operative and a Grand Marshall, I am not a weapon of mass destruction."
"Could you perhaps teach us ways we can destroy these Demons more effectively?" Prometheus asked soothingly.
Darlana sighed. "I do know some spells that can banish Demons back to their home plane but even the most powerful only have a certain range so they can only excise a small amount of Demons no matter how much power you put into them. Against a single Demon or a small group of them like half a dozen they would be effective but against an army…"
"And what about in the field?" Lord Stone persisted. "Surely as a Grand Marshall…"
"Would you send one of your top Generals to fight in a war on a backwater continent you know nothing about with no guarantee they would return safely?" She asked tartly. "I think not! I have responsibilities on my own world that far surpass your own needs. Your world may be danger but in my universe entire star systems with dozens of planets are under constant threat. The only reason I volunteered for the mission to test the inter-dimensional drive was because the best scientists in the empire told me repeatedly it would be safe!"
"That is all the more reason for you to aid us in bringing this war to a successful conclusion." Lord Stone stated with a self-satisfied smile. "Should we lose you will have no way home."
The half-Dragon growled in annoyance, rubbing the bony crest above her eyebrows before glaring back at them. "I will give you advice and counsel and if I must, I will fight. But do not expect me to fight your battles for you."
Prometheus nodded. "I agree. While Darlana has already been invaluable in bringing Beowulf back to us she is an outsider who became embroiled in our conflict by chance. It does not speak well of us to use her like a weapon because of convenience' sake. We must maintain some level of decency in this war or we will become no better than any other tyrannical government. All of you will be of great use in the days to come. For now we will need to bring Beowulf up to speed on what has been happening recently and plan our next moves."
Chendl, Furyondy…
Aurelius appeared in a flash of blue light, the Dragon in human form wearing his chrome-like plate mail. Getting his bearings he quickly sent out a broadcast to any terminators in the area.
~~This is the Emperor's servant Aurelius. I need a situation report.~~
~~This is unit AW-64339675-7 receiving you.~~ One of the machine replied. ~~No new sitrep from the barracks Commander at this time. Army is still being mobilized in response to prior orders. Do you have new directives?~~
~~No. Continue as you were but provide me with directions to the Commander so I can inform him of my presence.~~ Aurelius commanded.
~~Affirmative.~~ The machine stated before sending the nanites in his brain coordinates. A line appeared in Aurelius's vision directing him to the barracks where the Commander was stationed.
Handy things these tiny machines. Aurelius mused as he wound his way between various buildings before coming to the large walled area where the barracks and their training yard were housed. As he neared the barracks two of the terminators in plate mail quickly walked up and saluted him. Aurelius returned the salute briskly without breaking stride, the pair of them following him like bodyguards to keep any of the curious soldiers away until he came to the Commander's office. Knocking briskly he waited for the man to respond.
"Come!" Came the answer a moment later.
One of the terminators opened the door for him allowing Aurelius to sweep into the room. The middle aged man with a mop of grey-black hair and a similarly colored thick mustache glanced up at him.
"What is it Paladin?" He asked gruffly.
"My name is Aurelius and I have come to offer you my assistance at the request of the Dragon Emperor of Utopia." The Dragon stated formally.
"Have you now?" The man asked skeptically, gazing at him with his narrow black eyes. "Well you can tell your Emperor that one Paladin isn't going to do jack shit against what we're facing. So it looks like you wasted your time coming here."
"I am more than just as simple Paladin." Aurelius bristled. "I am one of the Emperor's best field Commanders and one of his kin!"
The man sat up a little straighter, blinking in surprise at the blonde haired man. "You're a Dragon?"
"Would you like me to transform to prove my claim?" Aurelius asked snidely.
"I suggest something a bit less spectacular." The man replied before looking at the terminators. "You two wear Utopia's armor. Will you vouch for him?"
Both of the disguised machines nodded. "We confirmed his identity before directing him to you sir." One stated.
The Commander nodded. "Then I see no reason to doubt him. Welcome Sir Knight. I'm Commander Flynt." He said as he stood, stretching out his hand. Aurelius shook it firmly an instant later before the man gestured for him to sit.
"What can you tell me about the situation thus far?" Aurelius asked.
"We received notice a short while ago that Verbobonc was attacked late yesterday." The man explained. "The King ordered all units in and around the city to be ready to march. The southern armies were ordered to encamp near Chendl in case the Demons decided to march on the capital. It seems that plan was ill-advised."
"How much longer will it be before the army is ready to move?" Aurelius asked.
"Not long." The man replied. "The only good thing about the situation was that we were fore-warned about the possibility of being attacked so our army has been combat ready for a few weeks now. Another hour or so and we'll be ready to move out."
Suddenly an urgent knocking came from the doorway.
"Come!" The Commander called.
A young man in chain mail entered immediately and saluted. "Message from the bastion sir! Urgent!" He said, holding out a sheet of paper to the Commander.
Flynt took the paper, saluting the man who took his leave, before scanning it quickly and frowning. "Damn." He muttered.
"Bad news?" Aurelius asked.
The Commander looked up at Aurelius grimly. "That's one way of putting it. We just got word from one of the court wizards at Libernen. The Demon army is on its way there now. They estimate the horde will reach the city within the next few days."
Aurelius grit his teeth. "Can we intercept them before they reach Libernen?"
"If we move out now and march at speed we can get there in about 5 days." Flynt stated. "We'll get there with sore feet but hopefully it'll be fast enough to stop them from sacking the city."
Standing up, he stalked across the room and threw open the door. "Sergeant Michaels!" He shouted across the yard.
A man jogged towards the Commander and saluted. "Orders sir?" He asked.
"I've just received word that Libernen is calling for aid. Get the horns blowing and the men up, we leave as soon as possible!"
As the man sprinted off Flynt turned to Aurelius. "I hope you can handle yourself against Demons." He remarked heavily.
Aurelius smiled grimly. "Fear not, I have fought many battles with foes just as fearsome. I will defend your men to the last."
The Commander nodded as horns across the city began to trumpet their clarion calls.
"So the hammer blow has finally come as the Emperor said it would." Aurelius murmured to himself. "Let us hope its strike will not break us."
