Chapter Two: A Deal
Heart:
I gasped for the air that had been knocked out of my lungs while the drake ran for it. My eyes spat with anger as I watched him run. As he vanished from sight I rolled over off of my side but found it difficult to get up. Though not broken I felt my rib buckle in pain. I growled in rage and pain as I tried to force myself to my feet.
Appearing from the shadows, dressed in the attire of a nobleman, a slender, pale figure looked down at me. With long black hair pulled back, striking blue eyes, and a well trimmed goatee, and his cloak billowing behind him. His lacquered boots clacked against the floor as he approached, the cloak shrouded prince of the night emerged. Looking upon my fallen form, he walked towards me, "I see you had some trouble there. Shall I take care of this ruffian, my dear?"
I reached my unclawed hand up for aid as he approached me. A wicked smirk crossed my lips as I answered, "No. I want to have a bit more fun with this one first."
Now I stood holding a hand against my side knowing a good bruise was forming.
"Let's go back to our new home for now Orlock," I said before starting to turn back to the palace. Once in the throne room I took a seat at the center of the room and grinned with my dragon teeth showing as I sat back. Orlock remained close by when I said, "That was a fun dance though."
"Is that so? If I didn't know better, I would be jealous of that scoundrel." He chimed, as he headed to his seat, kicking his feet up as he took a crimson goblet in hand. Taking a sip, he narrowed his eyes at me, "So, what do you intend on doing with him then?
"I probably shouldn't mention the lies he told me then," I teased.
Then I thought for a moment while looking out the window of the throne room. Resting a hand on my side I mused, "I want to play with his shadow. I need to find him first."
I looked to Orlock with curiosity for a moment, "Jealous? Orlock you are a loyal friend, but surely there is someone better suited for you? Not that you need worry about that lying drake."
For a moment I noticed my clawed hand and recoiled for a moment in slight confusion, "It must have been to throw me off guard..."
"Why search for something when I have a treasure right here?" He grinned, as he looked upon me, "And his shadow? Do you plan on ripping it from him, and starting a collection? Or perhaps just destorying it and leaving him a hollowed out husk?"
"You're both terrible liars," I laughed softly while my reflection in the mirror reminded me of my scarred face.
"Both of those are possibilities, but not quite yet," I told him as I pondered ovee ideas. "Strange though...I was all set to make him into a guard for us, but I couldn't go through with it?" I then mentioned to my allie, "What do you think Orlock? Should I invite this thief to join us?"
"If he was able to best you... perhaps it would be better to have him on our side than against us." He answered, coming up behind me, though lacking a reflection in the mirror before them.
I growled a bit at this, "He simply got a lucky kick in. Before then then I had him locked in place."
"I will get him back for that though," I assured, "Or should I give you that honor Orlock?"
Letting out a dark chuckle, he wrapped his cape around himself. "That does sound like an amusing diversion. Perhaps I should find and bring him under our reign."
"I'll go with you," I insisted with a twisted smile as I looked out the window.
Through the fog and up in the mountains I could see their campfire with my draconic eye.
"They're in my old nest afterall, and they didn't even ask for my permission to enter," I giggled, "I take it I'll meet you at the top of the mountain my friend?"
With that I became enveloped by shadows while blending into my own and sliding down the hall.
He nodded, taking one last sip from the goblet. With a toothy grin spreading ear to ear, he laughed to himself. "Looks like we'll have some fun now."
Duke:
After regaining some energy and tending to my wounds I informed the others of what little I had found out.
"This girl sounds like a psycho," Nosedive commented when he saw the gashes in my shoulders.
"Should we call the others?" Grin asked me, "You're acting leader right now Duke. What do you think we should do?"
"I'm not sure," I admitted as I looked out over the kingdom slumbering below.
"This girl," Borg said from behind me, "You said she knew who I am?"
"Yeah, apparently she used ta go by Heart," I answered.
"Do you remember her?" Nosedive asked.
"I remember a Heart, but the girl you're describing is much different," Borg answered a bit puzzled.
"How so?" I enquired with my curiosity being pulled at.
"Heart was my friend, a trusted allie that stood for the dragons she protected," he told me.
"Dragons?!" Nosedive exclaimed, "You mean like Asteroth?!"
Borg shook his head, "Asteroth was a sorceror that stole dragon's magic from the amulet he carried. Besides this girl, though she had magic, was human in race."
"Do ya think something could have happened to her? Perhaps a spell was cast over her?" I asked.
Nosedive raised a brow at this, "You're awfully worried about the girl that tried to kill you Duke?"
"I jus' want ta know what we're up against Dive," I shrugged before wincing in pain when my shoulders moved.
"Heart, my friend, was a very isolated girl. Despite my efforts, especially after Asteroth's reign, I was unable to convince my people that dragons were actually benevolent. They associated her companions and her with his evil. All I could do was promise her a truce to protect what she called her bretheren," Borg explained.
"I can't believe it would be her though. She was a strong allie and a trusted friend," Borg protested, "This creature sounds spiteful."
I rubbed my shoulder nodding my head at first. Yet I then stopped. When she'd had me in her shadow's grip, she had paused before changing me. For a moment I wondered why.
"Are you okay Duke?" Grin asked me.
"Yeah, jus' thinkin' about the fight," I replied.
"Did she ever say why she is doing all of this?" Borg enquired.
"Nah, she only said ta me what she said ta you," I told him.
"So what's the plan?" Nosedive asked again
"I think we should rest for the night," I said, "But we need ta take turns keepin' watch."
"I'll go first Duke, you can go last to rest your injuries," Nosedive offered worriedly.
"Thanks Dive," I said as I got up and walked over to the cavern opening.
Once there I took a seat as I looked out over the scenery before me. The sun had long set by now and the stars were shining overhead.
"We need ta be careful," I mentioned to my allies as they prepared to rest.
Nosedive walked up to me and looked out over the city as well now.
"You've always been fond of this place haven't you Dukester?" The young drake asked me.
I couldn't help but smile, "What can I say? It kinda just calls ta me. The thrill of adventure, the wonders of magic, an'..."
"What's the matter buddy?" Nosedive enquired.
I shook my head, "I was about ta say an' a fair maiden ta rescue. But I suppose that's not exactly true is it? The maiden is the one causin' the problem in this story."
I had left out parts of the fight when telling my allies about it. How I had kissed her hand and some of the things I had said to her. In a way I wasn't sure why I had even acted in such a manner.
"Do you think it's Borg's friend?" Nosedive asked.
"Even if it was, it doesn't change what she's doin' now. We need ta stop her an' the spell she's cast," I said firmly as though reminding myself.
"Duke go get some rest okay buddy?" Nosedive suggested when he saw me gritting my teeth from the stinging in my shoulders.
I nodded as I got to my feet. For a moment I paused as I looked out over the kingdom once more. Then I turned in for the night. The others had made beds of straw and other camping materials Borg had been able to gather. However as I stared up at the ceiling I found myself unable to fall asleep for a while. When morning came I would have to have a plan, yet at the moment I didn't really have one. My thoughts wandered back to the fight. I winced when I recalled how hard I had kicked her and wondered if she had been badly hurt. Why?
"Can't sleep?" Grin asked me when he caught me still awake hours later.
"We're goin' ta need back up for this one," I admitted, "That girl's dangerous an' we don't know what else she has at her disposal."
"Do you think she'll come looking for us?" He asked.
"It's possible," I said to him and the cave roof, "We really need to be careful. There's somethin' odd about her."
"It sounds like we need a bit more information though," Grin pointed out, "We can't charge in this time."
"We'll reach out ta the others in the mornin' an' Wing can take over from there. Maybe he'll have an idea," I said.
At last I grew tired and let myself drift off to sleep for a while.
Hours later I awoke to find the young prince keeping watch by the campfire. Grin and Nosedive were sound asleep. I sat up and waved to Borg before getting up and joining him.
"How are your injuries my friend?" He asked with concern in his blue eyes.
"Healin' I guess," I tried to shrug.
Silence lingered around us that he finally broke, "This doesn't make any sense."
"What doesn't your majesty?" I enquired.
"The abilities this girl had, the shadow powers," he replied worriedly, "I've only heard of one entity that held such magic. They were sealed away a long time ago though."
"Do ya think it got out?"
"It's possible, but the nature of this girl sounds vastly different from that creature," he told me, "I wish we knew more about all of this."
"Grin said somethin' similar earlier," I mentioned while trying to think.
Stairing into the fire I then looked aroun the cavern we were staying in. To the side I noticed a tunnel leading down a bit. I got to my feet and found myself wandering along the cavern's twists and turns.
"Be careful my friend," Borg warned me.
"Don't worry about me your highness," I assured as I walked further away.
At the other end of this natural hallway I found an opening to another large cavern. This earth carved room was much bigger than the one my friends slept in. Yet it was closed off for the most part. Only the tunnel I came through and a larger one across allowed entry and exit. Even my light steps echoed through the room as I walked in.
As I looked up at the ceiling of the cave I didn't notice where I was stepping until I heard a crack. Glancing down I noticed what appeared to be broken eggs shells and bones on the ground. Lighting the torch in my hand I held it up to confirm my findings. Beside the shattered shell was what appeared to be a nest of some sort. Though it was torn apart.
It was then that I noticed something strange along the cavern wall as I held up the light. In the dark night it was difficult to tell, but I thought I had seen something moving along the wall. Yet it shifted from the light before I could get a good look. I gave a knowing smirk as I said in a teasing tone, "Ya know they say a lady never forgets her first kiss. Could ya not get me out of your mind sweetheart?"
With a burst of miasmic air, a swarm of bats swarmed around furiously, letting out screeches and shrieks as they fluttered about me. Appearing in the swarm was the vampire prince, who quickly approached me. Taking out a taloned hand, he grabbed me by the throat, lifting me up, "What was that about a kiss?"
I gasped for breath as the vampire's hand closed around my neck.
"Ya heard me," I choked out, " Did she not tell ya I kissed her hand?"
A distorted laugh could be heard from around the large room, "Remember Orlock, we have an offer for this thief. Besides I can't play with his shadow if you strangle him!"
I then gripped the torch in my hand and swung it at the vampire, causing the vampire to drop me. Falling to my knees I gasped for breath.
"Seems like ya wanted ta kiss her first? Sorry buddy," I taunted.
In the dark I coud see Heart as she watched us carefully from the wall as I got to my feet and drew my saber.
Letting out a hiss, Orlock darted back, shielding himself with his cloak. Glaring at the duck, he bared his teeth. "Fowl creature... but yes, she has a point. Despite your... boldness, we are interested in giving you an offer. You may join us, and use your abilities to further our great power. If not, well... we can take care of you."
I looked to the vampire surprised to hear this, "You think I would join ya?"
I glanced around the room quickly and carefully, using the torch to try and get a glimpse of her. Then I noticed her shadowy form slip out of the light reflexively before springing from the wall and shielding Orlock from the torch light with her more solid form.
Heart gave a smirk, "I have seen the real you through your shadow. Aren't you longing for more adventure, a life like you once had?"
I kept my saber ready as well, as the torch up. Meanwhile I noticed Heart shielding her vampiric allie despite backing away from the light herself.
"Think of it... adventure, daring deeds, and the thrill of the hunt. You can raise yourself from a mere thief to something much grander. Of course, you are free to decline... but if you do, well... you're competition then." the vampire replied with a toothy grin.
A slight smirk came over me, but not for the reason they thought. For I still noticed that the girl was protecting her allie, risking her safety as the light clearly bothered her. I decided I wanted to test something before giving them an answer. Without warning I lunged towards them to see as Heart drew her glaive and began to fight back with Orlock behind her still, "Why didn't ya say ya wanted ta dance again sweetheart?"
Pushing forward, Heart and I danced again until I was able to twist the glaive out of her grip again. I noticed as Heart grimaced at her clawed hand and then glared at me with darkening eyes.
From my side, Orlock produced a whip, and lashed it at me, striking my hand and loosening my grip on the blade. Sneering at me, his lips curled in disdain. "We were trying to give you a chance. But this is how you react to our humble offer?"
I gave a groan of pain as I was forced to drop my saber, but gripped the torch still. I held the light defensively towards the vampire as he started to speak. Heart at first stood between the two of us, again shielding her allie. Yet the smile on her face despite her discomfort gave me a warning. Turning to the side I noticed her shadow reaching out to mine again, causing me to react out of instinct as I remembered the pain in my bones from earlier that day.
Swinging the torch to try and diminish her shadow I suddenly came to a pause when a shriek of pain came from her. I froze as I turned in shock to see Heart grabbing her now burnt arm.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't know-!" I tried to apologize while she glared at me with eyes like a feral cat.
Orlock's eyes glowing crimson, he raised up his hand, and with a burst of a force, flung me back several feet. Approaching me, he snarled, his teeth elongating as he made his way towards my me, "How dare you, wretched creature! I'll make you pay for doing that to her!"
However the torch had flown from my hand from the impact I made with the cave wall. Instantly the bright flames caught the straw of the long dried out nest and quickly spread around the cave. I saw as Heart pulled her shadow close to her and cried out to Orlock, " Fly away! Hurry before you burn!"
I scrambled to my feet to back away from the vampire at first. Then I watched as Heart became trapped by the rapidly growing flames as she cried out again, "Get away! Please!"
Glaring at me, Orlock then looked towards the fire circling around Heart. His fist trembling, he darted into the flames, snatching her up at his own peril, and rushed her out from the cave.
Looking back, he spat in contempt, "Fool created his own demise!"
Before they could get down the tunnel the flames chased them. I quickly grabbed the hilt of my saber from the ground and followed after them. It wasn't very long that I found them trapped by a wall of flames. By now Heart had fallen unconscious from the heat and pain I could see on her face. Regret rushed through me when I saw this.
Hurrying over to them I said quickly, " Hand her ta me! You can turn into a bat right? If ya fly the other way there's an openin' for ya ta get out! I'll get her out!"
I knew I would be met with a glare and was, but still I said, "I didn't mean ta do this! Let me help! I can get her out an' you can get out safely too! If ya don't trust me you'll both die in this fire!"
Without hesitation I reached my arms out to take Heart from Orlock with a trusting look in my remaining eye.
The vampire's eyes twitching, he let go of Heart, "You let harm come to her, and I will rend you apart."
With that, he turned into a bat and quickly fluttered out of the blazing cave.
Having taken Heart in my arms I turned around and found our way back to the large nest now very much ablaze. I looked ahead to see the tunnel I had originally come out of. Making sure my grip was secure I rushed through the room, meanwhile keeping her face tucked towards my chest to keep her from breathing in the smoke. From the other side I heard my friends calling for me from down the hall.
"Go on ahead!" I yelled, "I'll be alright!"
"Where are you man?!" Nosedive questioned sounding alarmed.
"Just go! Now!" I shouted as I ran down the hall with Heart in my arms.
I was relieved to find that they had listened as I found the room we had been camping in. Then I continued my way out. At the cavern mouth I saw Grin waiting as he knelt down to keep out of the smoke that was now billowing from down the hall.
"Duke, what's happened?" He asked when he saw who I was carrying.
"I need ya guys ta trust me!" I told him quickly as I ran up to him.
"Is that her?" Grin asked.
I nodded my head before stating, "I'm goin' with her for a while."
"I sense chaotic vibes from this one Duke, be careful this time," he urged me as we made our way out of the cave.
"Don't worry about me. You an' the others stay on stand by for now. Let Wildwing know what's happened, but tell him I'm goin' ta be on the inside," I explained as much as I could.
"Duke, this isn't like battling your past. You don't even know this girl. Didn't this happen because she attacked?"
"Grin, I need ya ta trust me like ya did before," I insisted, "Please. If I need help I'll give a signal."
Finally Grin nodded his head with understanding in his eyes. Then we split off into different tunnels, him following after Nosedive and Borg, and I heading out a different way.
At last I gasped for clear, clean air as we emerged from the cavern mouth towards the top of the mountain. Still holding Heart I noticed her writhing from the heat and light she had come in contact with.
"Take it easy, you're safe now," I assured her.
Then I knowingly looked ahead to find Orlock waiting with concern and rage in his eyes all at once. Securing Heart in my grip again I walked over him.
Once I stood before him holding her I said without a second thought, "I'll go with ya. An' not just as a means ta make amends for hurtin' her like I did. I would be honored ta join as your group's thief."
