One Week Later

Nile awoke from the cot, a disappointing glare on his face. He wasn't able to get that dream again no matter how hard he tried.

The Lizard grunted, rising from his bed as the ship slightly listed from time to time. When they had first boarded, Dalhern apologized for not having an elegant room for his fellow Kin. Nile on the other claw, told the noble scholar that he couldn't care less.

He had slept in worse conditions after all.

Nile got up from the cot before putting on his armor and heading updeck, passing a few sailors.

A week quickly past after they had boarded a ship from the newly repaired Arx Harbour. The ocean quickly turned into a large river surrounded by desert as the ship gently trudged along the water.

He spotted his employer, gently sitting on a few cushions as Dalhern read a book.

The noble looked up from the paper before breathing in, closing his eyes. "Mmm, can you not smell that desert air?" He reopened them, looking at the bounty hunter, "We are close."

Nile merely looked outwards, noticing winding roads next to the river as a few caravans could be seen. "... Never been in a desert to be honest with ya."

"Well, it is where us Kin originate from. I admit, your upbringing absolutely fascinantes me."

"What can I say?" Nile said as he shrugged, "It is what it is."

"I suppose..." Dalhern replied, "I've even written a bit about it."

Nile raised a scaly brow, "Writing? Without my permission?"

Immediately the noble seemed nervous, "Y-Yes, I-I do consider myself to be a bit of a scholar at times and- and-" He stopped his ramblings as Nile stood close, glaring as Dalhern gulped.

There was a pause before the bounty hunter smiled, clapping the noble on the back and knocking the air out of Dalhern's lungs.

"Ah I'm just messin' with ya, Guvnor! Lighten up a little old man. You're my employer after all."

"Ahem, yes of course." Dalhern responded with a pained smile before the noble noticed something, running up to the side of the ship.

"What is i-" Nile stopped mid sentence as soon as he saw it, a giant towering structure that held a flame on top. Dalhern pointed at it with delight, smiling as his robes rustled in the wind.

"There it is! The Tower of Visha! Entrance to the esteemed port!"

"Visha?" Nile asked as he watched the fire on top burn brightly. "Who the hell's she?"

"Um... Actually it's a he." Dalhern said, "A popular icon amongst Kin, a famed adventurer who went on a journey to slay the seven headed snake, Oram. He later returned to the Empire and was rewarded the lighthouse to add to his name."

Nile chuckled, "Heh, if I killed a seven headed snake, I would probably want something better than a lighthouse if I were to be honest with ya."

Dalhern turned his head to Nile, "Well, it wasn't just the lighthouse, but seven fair wives for every head." The noble then turned away, "Regardless, we should get ready, we're almost there."

The bounty hunter grabbed the satchel by his side, the chain mail covering his face blocking out the sun. "Right behind you, Guvnor."

Empire Port

After the ship had been tied to the port, a simple wooden ramp had been set up, allowing passage from vessel to land. Dalhern walked off first, followed by Nile as the bounty hunter felt the sandstone beneath his digitigrade claws.

The first thing he noticed was that the air was dry and humid, he could already feel his reptilian body struggling to cool itself. He supposed that living in grasslands and forests didn't prepare him for any serious heat.

Second was the slaves.

Most of them were Elves, but he could spot a few Dwarves and Humans. They were busy with lugging cargo off a docked ship, their stature and faces almost misery personified as the cloth they wore did little to protect against the sun. Nile averted his gaze, but he was still disturbed nonetheless.

He followed his employer to a posh looking building that stood at the end of the dock, a few Lizard guards standing at the front door.

"So, what happens now, Guvnor?" Nile asked as he looked at Dalhern. The two of them walking towards the building.

"I am glad you asked." The noble pointed, "That is the embassy, we'll need to pass through the admissi-"

The doors burst open, revealing a Human, his face red with anger as he was escorted out by two guards. A ruffled paper in his hands.

"You can't do this to me! I had this Visa approved!"

The guards threw him down as another Lizard came out of the building, wearing elegant robes as he crossed his arms and stared down at the man. "Which was not approved by the consulate."

"Then what the hell am I supposed to do now!?" The Human asked.

"Go to the consulate and get an Empire approved seal. Then you may enter."

The merchant grumbled as he stood up and walked away. The embassy Lizard scoffed before turning his head to Dalhern and Nile, a smile growing on the Lizard's maw.

"Dalhern? Is that you old friend?"

Dalhern's face brightened, "Ramiz! Long time no see! I did not know that you were managing the embassy now."

The two embraced as Nile watched silently from the back.

"I was promoted. How's that book coming along?"

"Just fine. I would talk more, but me and my associate need to get into the city."

Ramiz smiled, "Of course, your-" The embassy Lizard spotted Nile, the mail masked bounty hunter standing next to Dalhern. "And you're Dalhern's associate I presume?"

Nile nodded.

"Oh, I see." Ramiz responded before letting out a claw, "Nice to meet you,...-?"

The bounty hunter paused before simply grabbing hold, his glove steely tight. "Nile, Sir."

"Nile, a gracious name..." Ramiz said before shrugging. "You are in a hurry, so I will not keep you. There is transportation in the back and ready to leave."

Dalhern waved, "Thank you my friend."

Nile watched the embassy Lizard leave. A strange suspicion creeping over the bounty hunter. Call it a hunch, but he was used to that gut feeling when meeting suspicious characters as he followed his employer, the guards allowing passage for the two as they went right past the building.

"So that Ramiz bloke, what's his story?"

The noble smiled, "We both used to work in the house of law."

"Used to?" Nile asked before noticing a colossal creature on the sandy road ahead, a singular 'Holy Shit' coming from his mouth. The three horned quadruped had to be the size of two houses, with a giant Howdah on the top of it. A few Lizards could be seen sitting inside the structure, cushions and all.

"Ah, our transport has already arrived."

Nile got over his shock, "What in the hell is that thing?"

Dalhern chuckled, "A Dinosauria, some say they're related to dragons." The noble went to the side of the creature, the harnesses and ropes allowing one to easily climb into the aloft structure. "It's going to leave soon. We best hurry."

"Right..." Nile said, still amazed by the creature as he followed the noble, climbing into the giant Howdah.

As soon as they stood on the platform, Nile could see other Lizards sitting around, a table between most of them as they rested on cushions. Dalhern followed suit, finding a table next to the open shutters before sitting down, inviting Nile to sit on the other side to which the bounty hunter obliged.

It didn't take long for the handler to drive the dinosaur along, the giant beast trudging down the dunes with great big steps.

"Gotta admit, this is pretty fuckin' amazin'." Nile said, a few Lizard turning their heads to him and narrowing their gaze at the Kin's rude language before turning their heads away.

Dalhern smiled, "Yes. Yes it is I suppose." He then grabbed hold of a teapot, pouring a cup before offering it to the bounty hunter. "Would you like some tea?"

Nile shrugged, accepting the cup before sipping, licking his maw as he tasted the liquid. "It's good. What type of tea is this?"

"Chai, it consists of some of the finest spices the Empire produces."

"Huh..." Nile simply mused before placing the cup down, "When will we be arriving to the 'Empire' as you blokes call it?"

Dalhern looked outside, "Soon... In fact, it's already in sight."

Nile turned his head before his eyes widened as the dinosaur cleared a dune, allowing a view of the city. It had to be massive, sprawls of elegant architecture, rocks and jungle like biomes could be seen in some parts, yet the desert aesthetic seemed to be most prevalent within the ancient civilization.

However, in the middle of the sprawl, was a huge set of building's and fortresses that was walled off from the entirety of the city.

He could see 2 other gigantic compounds, one of them with a giant dome on the top of it and the other... Surreal to say the least, with simplistic lines and a more humble design then the other two.

In fact, Nile got the strangest sense of Deja Vu as the Lizard stared at the building.

"So, what's the deal with these huge buildings?"

"Buildings?" Dalhern asked before realization came, "Oh, you mean the houses."

"Houses? Some blokes own them?"

"No, no... They're not purely residential. You see, the three houses are the foundation of the Empire. The three legged stool that is the House of War, Law, and Dreams."

"I see, so it's like your... Government I 'spose."

"Precisely. It is because of these three houses that our culture is rich and varied as well as being more advanced and stable than any in the realm."

Nile crossed his arms, "Sounds like bragging to me."

Dalhern shook his head, "It is not bragging if it is true. You'll come to learn more once you discover your true heritage."

"Oh bloody spare me, my true heritage died when I was found on that river."

There was a pause, Dalhern blinked before Nile sighed.

"Alright fine then, I'll admit, it's a nice city by the look of it. Definitely a hell of a lot nicer than any I've seen. Is there anymore houses that I should know about?"

"Well..." Dalhern seemed embarrassed as he fiddled with the handle of his cup, "There is another one, a new one in fact."

Nile leaned forward, listening intently.

"Even I recently had the honor of... Being serviced." Dalhern picked up his cup of tea, "It's called the House of Love, and it's become quite popular amongst the denizens of the Empire."

"The House of Love...?" Nile asked, "So it's a brothel?"

Immediately Dalhern sputtered his tea, "Y-You shouldn't exactly-"

"What? You literally said that you go there and get 'serviced', it's name is the House of Love. It's a fuckin' brothel, plain and simple."

Dalhern seemed to shirk before sighing, "Fine, I admit it. Just please do not say it out loud. Kin are starting to stare."

Sure enough, the other Lizard's looked at the two, shocked expressions on their faces.

Nile looked at the noble before grinning, turning his head away. "Alright, Guvnor. I'll preserve everyone's virgin ears." His grin then died as Nile realized something, turning his head back to the noble. "And what about the fifth house?"

"A fifth house?" Dalhern asked, "I don't believe there is a fifth house."

The bounty hunter furrowed his scaly brows, "Coulda' sworn I heard there was..."

Dalhern turned his head, "Well regardless, we're here. Drink up your tea."

Nile did so, holding the cup to his maw before gulping it in one go and putting his mask back on. The noble climbed down the howdah, gently stepping on the sand, Nile beginning his descent.

The bounty hunter finished climbing off the creature, his claws touching against the sand before the beast trudged away. Dalhern was already a few feet in front of him, walking up to what appeared to be an a giant gate as denizen's could be seen walking through.

Dalhern went forward, gesturing Nile to follow. He obliged, walking towards the gate before stopping, his eyes widening. The sight was incredible, streets of clean marble lining up as elegant houses and pillars adorned the sides. The architecture spoke volumes, as did the atmosphere.

The noble turned around, a smile on the Kin's face.

"Welcome to the Ancient Empire."

The Ancient Empire

Over the length that they had been walking, Nile couldn't help but be fascinated by the city. They had just crossed a bridge that went over a river, the canal running through the city as Lizards could seen walking next to the railing.

It was already late afternoon, a few clouds covering the sun as the sky began to dim.

"My home is just up here."

Nile nodded before looking around, noticing red banners on the entrance of every household, a draconic symbol proudly engraved. The bounty hunter inspected it before looking at Dalhern.

"Say, what's the deal with these red banners all over the place? Is there an event or somethin'?"

Dalhern turned his head before his smile disappeared, "Oh, that? It is to celebrate the newly created House of Dragons..."

"House of dragons?" Nile asked, "You didn't mention that one before."

The noble seemed irritated, "I know..."

Nile blinked, he hadn't seen his employer roused to anger, "Somethin' wrong, Govner?"

Dalhern paused before sighing, "Yes, sadly. I don't mean to trouble you with this business, now that the Red Prince is back from Exile."

"Red Prince? Wasn't he some general?"

The nobles mouth stood agape, "Do not let any Kin hear you say that he was 'some' General. He is now Emperor of the Empire and the newly coronated, House of Dragons."

Nile shrugged before looking at the banners, "Tell me about the house of dragons, you don't sound to keen about it."

"Well... It is now the ruling house. It's creation being the conjoinment of the house of war and..." He paused, gritting his teeth and moving forward. "The house of law."

"So that makes you outta the job then?" Nile asked, walking alongside the noble.

Dalhern shook his head, "Oh, no. Of course not. It's just that the denizens from the house of war are just a bunch club dragging, battle aroused imbeciles. And now I need to deal with them on a daily basis. And- And-" Dalhern sighed, "It's just a mess..."

"Ah, I get it." Nile looked at a nearby crowd of Lizard's, walking down the street, with signs of protest as they preached loudly in a language Nile couldn't understand. "What's going on here?"

"Oh, those Kin are protesting the newly established law."

"Law? They look like preachers..."

Dalhern nodded, "In which you are correct. The new law has banned the worship of Zorl-Stissa, as issued by the Red Emperor himself."

"Zorl-Stissa? Isn't she the god of Lizards?"

"Yes, admittedly I do not care for prayer or worship that much. But for others... Well... You can see the result."

Nile nodded before he tilted his head, "And what's that they're sayin'? Sounds like...-" Nile paused, "-Angry chittering."

"Oh, that is ancient Lizard. Sometimes known as forked tongue. I am proud to say that I am quite adversed with it."

The bounty hunter rolled his eyes, "When are we reaching your house?"

"We're already here." Dalhern answered.

The two Lizard's stopped in front a decorative house, the top of it shaped like a dome, almost mimicking the look of the house of law. The front of it was wide open, as were other houses, decorative vines and flowers growing on the pillars. A figure came out from behind the curtains, a tall elf wearing a blue cloth turban and an elegant outfit.

"Master Dalhern, it is good to see that you have returned."

"That it is Jeaves." Dalhern turned his head to Nile, "This is my slave, Jeaves. He has served my family for generations."

"Right..." Although he wasn't very onboard with the idea of slavery, he took out his claw regardless, "Nice to meet you Jeaves. Name's Nile."

The elf looked down with an indifferent face, "It is not customary for a servant to shake hands with a master. Would you like me to take your bags and show you to the guest room?"

Nile paused before shaking his head slowly. "Uh, nah mate. I'm fine, thanks."

Jeaves tilted his head before another figure emerged from the houses curtains.

It was a female, her scales the color of desert sand. She wore the clothing of nobles, which was quite revealing in Nile's opinion, consisting of golden circlets and fine silk, the exposed parts were... Shapely too. She was tall, like all females, her blue eyes showing off excitement, the fins on the side of her head were like wings of fire opal as she smiled.

"Father! You are home!"

"Amaya!" The two Kin embraced as Nile watched them. They then separated before she turned her head to Nile, a confused look on her face.

"And who is this?"

Her father smiled, "A bodyguard. I hired him to protect you."

Nile's eyes immediately widened.

That wasn't told in the contract.

However he didn't need to voice his displeasure, as Amaya did it for him.

"But I told you! I am capable of defending myself!" She put a claw on her chest, "I am now apart of the house of Dragons! Does a dragon require a bodyguard!?"

Dalhern sighed, "Amaya, for divine's sake... Stop this inadequate behaviour. Nile has travelled with me for a week just to arrive here."

"Nile?" She turned her head, showing no fear as she sized up the bounty hunter. "And where are you from Kin?"

"Amaya-" Her father attempted to say something before Nile spoke up, he could speak for himself.

"East of Reaper's coast, Miss."

She narrowed her eyes, "Reaper's Coast...? So you come from outside of the Empire..." She turned her head to her father, "Is this some joke father? Do you insult my intelligence further? You hired an exile to protect me!"

Nile bit his tongue, fighting the temptation to speak back. Were it not for her father chipping in, he probably would have dropped the motherload of insults.

"Of course not Amaya." Dalhern replied, "I just want to see you safe. You're my only daughter after all."

She paused, "Fine, I shall tolerate him." Amaya turned around, tail swaying as she walked to the curtains, "But just remember that I shall not require his service in the slightest, he is merely a setback."

Amaya then left, disappearing behind the curtains.

The bounty hunter gritted his teeth behind his mail mask, huffing through his nostrils before calming himself as Dalhern walked up next to him, "I should apologize for my daughters behaviour. She's caught up with this whole 'House of dragons' business. It's tragic really, I thought I raised her to be a lawyer, not a fighter."

"Really?" Nile turned his head, "Because last time I checked I was protecting you. Not your daughter."

Dalhern coughed, "... I forgot to add that detail."

"Yeah, no shit." Nile said before sighing. "I'll protect your... Noble daughter... But I'm not happy about it, Guvnor." He turned his head to the servant, "Alright Jeaves, lead the way."

The elf nodded, opening the curtains and gesturing the Lizard to follow.

"But please, try to understand. I'll pay you handsomely for her safety." Dalhern said in a worried tone.

Nile turned his head, his eyes peering from behind his mail mask. "I didn't come here for the money."

And with that he followed the servant.

Dalhern's Mansion

The bounty hunter was escorted throughout the halls of the mansion. Passing by the elaborately decorated white and red marble halls as curios could be seen left and right. Nile stopped for a second, inspecting what appeared to be a glowing blue lantern.

"Quite the collection you blokes have going..."

"Master Dalhern enjoys collecting artifacts and studying them." Jeaves explained, "This one was recovered from the Nameless Isle."

"Nameless Isle?" Nile picked up the strange artifact, "Didn't it sink into the sea or somethin' like that?"

The elf nodded, "Yes, and I would suggest for you to not touch the relics. They are extremely fragile."

Nile simply shrugged, placing the artifact back on the table as he followed the slave. The two passed a doorway before he stopped, his eyes spotting something.

"And what room is this?" Nile asked.

Jeaves turned his head, "That is master Amaya's training room. She is often there honing her skills."

Nile gently touched the wood, "So she knows herself a bit of Aerotheurgy. Does she?"

The elf raised an eye, "That is exactly correct. How were you able to guess that?"

"Didn't guess it. Wood's slightly burnt and I picked up the faint smell o' sulfur."

"That's incredible. You were able to conclude all that?" Jeaves asked, to which Nile nodded.

"My father taught me. Taught me to keep my senses aware and watch every single detail." Nile then paused, grabbing his flask and taking a sip. "Well, most of the time."

The elf nodded, "Well, if it is not rude to ask, which house did your father belong to?"

"Nah mate. He was a Human mercenary." Nile sighed, "I was found their mercenary brigade when I was just a baby. They were the ones that raised me."

Jeaves paused, "How peculiar..."

"You got that right."

"And what of your real parents? Surely you must have come from somewhere."

Nile thought for a moment, "That's what I'm hoping to figure out..."

They both stopped, Jeaves opening a curtain and showing a lavish room. "This shall be your quarters, I hope you'll find it satisfactory."

"Satisfactory?" Nile asked as he inspected the queen sized bed and elegant furniture, "This room probably costs more then the bar that I grew up in."

Jeaves seemed to smirk at that, "Quite. I shall be preparing dinner soon."

"Right, see ya Jeaves."

The elf nodded, leaving the room as the bounty hunter dropped his bag on one of the nearby tables. Taking out his equipment as he set up his workstation, he would be busy in the coming days, and it would be foolish to not ready himself.

He took out his falchion, sharpening the edge slowly.

Dining Room

Amaya silently ate with her father, cutting the succulent meat and elegantly bringing the fork to her mouth, chewing slowly with her sharp teeth. She casted another wayward gaze.

Surely enough, the bodyguard stood there, maw unreadable as he watched the two nobles dine from behind his mail mask.

It sickened her.

How could her father do this? To hire a complete stranger to safeguard her? As if he didn't think she was capable of defending herself?

She had initially hoped that putting on a snobbish attitude would make the guard quit. It worked with the other ones her father had bought, but this bodyguard was different from the other ones in that he was an exile.

Or at least she thought he was.

Amaya casted another glance at him, but this time his eyes were staring directly back at her. She paused before narrowing her gaze with defiance.

"Lowborn bastard..." Amaya thought with utter hatred.

Her father looked at the two before coughing. "Amaya, are you going to finish your food?"

She turned her head, "No. I lost my appetite."

The Lizard then rose from the cushions, her father watching her leave. She passed the bodyguard, glancing at him. Although the Lizard was facing away, she could see his eyes following her.

That admittedly caught her off guard.

He then seemed to lose interest, looking back at the table. The falchion hanging by his side as he kept his arms crossed.

Amaya scoffed before going on her way, entering her very own training room to blow off some steam.

Nile's Room

After he had watched the nobles dine, Nile decided to retire to his room as he pushed away the curtains, taking off his helmet and sighing as the events of today caught up with him.

Despite the spoilt nature of Amaya, he had also kept his temper under control and gotten himself through the day.

He was about to lean back before he heard a voice from behind the curtains.

"Master Nile?"

The bounty hunter turned his head to see Jeave's with a tray of delicate food, kebabs and rice, as well as a cup of wine.

"I was able to cook an extra tray for you."

"Ah, Rhalic bless ya mate." Nile said as he took off his glove, his claws stretching out as he ruffled through his bag. "Come have a seat."

Jeaves paused, "I'm afraid I cannot-"

"Nonsense, here. I even got somethin' for ya." The Lizard said before producing a leafy bundle from his bag, opening it.

The servant paused, his eyes widening.

It was a loaf of elf bread.

"Got it from a nearby forest back at the hamlet, best thing about the things you elves make is that it never goes bad." Nile then cut a slice, "Here. You probably would want a slice."

The elf immediately snatched it, taking a bite out of the bread as he savored the taste, sitting down slowly. Nile cut another slice for himself, placing it on the tray and wrapping it around a kebab.

Jeaves finished the slice before sighing, "Apologies for my brash behaviour. It has been so long since I have tasted any food that was made from my people."

"No worries, no worries." Nile said before biting into his self made sandwich, handing another slice of bread to Jeaves. "So, I just wanted to ask. How'd you end up... Working for Dalhern?"

The elf sighed, "Not Dalhern specifically. It was his great, great, grandfather who had bought me from the market, after I was kidnapped from my homeland."

"Sheesh..." Nile muttered, "Sorry to hear that..."

"Well, looking back at it now... It is not all too bad. The family treats me with respect, and-" Jeaves said as he took another bite, "-If I hadn't been kidnapped, I would have still remained within my homeland." The elf shuddered, "And to think that the Death Fog is still there, bodies of my brethren... Never to be buried."

Nile paused, taking a sip of wine. "... That's what I call shitty Irony."

Jeaves nodded in agreement before Nile felt another question come to mind.

"By the way, I just wanted to ask..." Nile then took a sip of wine, "Why is that Amaya girl seemed to think I'm the second coming of Damian?"

Jeaves used a cloth to wipe his mouth. "Amaya is actually a very well mannered noble. Just as her mother was."

Nile shook his head, "I didn't see any of that."

"And it is unlikely you ever will, to you that is. She believes that Kin with bodyguards is a sign that they are incapable of defending themselves." Jeaves then paused, "There is also another reason..."

The bounty hunter raised an eye, leaning forward. "Is there now?"

Jeaves slowly nodded, "Her mother was... Assassinated when Amaya was but a child. Right in front of her too... Absolutely tragic. Master Dalhern mourned her for days, but I believe Amaya was the most affected."

Now Nile had admittedly been surprised by that reveal, a pang of empathy coming over him.

He knew what it was like to lose a parent.

The black scaled Lizard blinked before he noticed the curtains rustle.

"Y'know... My father always said that it's rude to spy on people." Nile simply said.

The elf tilted his head in confusion before the curtains opened, revealing a glaring Amaya. Jeaves immediately rose from his seat.

"M-Master Amaya, I can explain-"

She simply ignored the slave, placing both claws on the table that Nile sat on, the black scaled Lizard simply taking a sip of wine before standing up.

Amaya then spoke, her tone seething. "You have a lot of nerve guard, asking questions about your superiors behind their ba-" She then paused.

This was the first time she had actually seen his face without the mail mask. He looked... Attractive actually. A strong maw and pointed jawline on his black scales as little scars from past battles could be seen his facial scales.

"Yes?" He asked, his purple eyes looking at hers.

Amaya regained herself, "What gives you the right to be asking questions behind my back?"

Nile replied, "I was curious to be honest."

"Well don't be! You are a bodyguard! It is not your place to be curious!"

The black scaled Lizard seemed to pause before shrugging.

"Right. Anything else?"

Amaya gritted her sharp teeth before storming away again, her tail wagging in an agitated manner. Nile watched her, shaking his head before sitting on his bed. Jeaves finally found the courage to speak.

"O-Oh dear."

Next chapter's going to have some pretty grizzly fighting. In the meanwhile, I'm just gonna play For Honor and try finishing Divinity on tactician.