Indi woke with a start, rolling out of bed. He changed into a simple green shirt and brown trousers. After putting on a pair of hard leather shoes, he fixed his hair, before turning to leave his room. He opened the door and stopped, mildly surprised to see a woman standing outside of the doorway, dressed in the black uniform of a servant. Her hand was raised in a lightly-closed fist; she had just been about to knock.
"Forgive me, my lord," she said, tipping her head respectfully. "I've come to inform you that breakfast is ready. The queen also requests your presence."
Indi nodded. "Thank you for telling me."
"Shall I take you there?" the woman asked, stepping to the side.
"That won't be necessary," Indi said, holding up a hand. "Return to your duties."
The woman nodded and bowed, before leaving the young knight. Indi closed the door to his room and walked through the halls. The sun had fully risen, its bright beams shining through the windows. The flags outside fluttered in the morning breeze. It felt as though the day had unbelievable potential.
He quickly arrived at the dining hall, where two guards stood at attention on either side of the door. He gave them a nod as he approached, and he threw the doors open, forgoing having his arrival announced. There was no need for such formalities for him.
Sitting at the table was Elsa, King Raclaw, and Raclaw's entourage. Every head swiveled to look at him.
"Indi," Elsa said, her eyes widening slightly at his arrival. "Good morning. We were wondering if you would join us."
"I'm afraid I can't," Indi said, stepping over to her and giving the queen a peck on the cheek. He stole a piece of bacon from Elsa's plate. "I have much I want to get done this morning."
"Will I see you later, then?" Elsa asked, gently taking Indi's hand.
"More than likely," he said with a nod, giving the queen's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Very well," Elsa said with a smile. Indi bent down and she pecked him on the cheek. Elsa was suddenly acutely aware of her guests at the table, who were watching the scene. "Go. I'll send someone for you later."
Indi, thankfully taking the subtle hint, nodded and turned to leave.
Elsa watched him walk off, a slight spring in his step. A small smirk graced her face, for the young man was in a much more cheery mood than he was last night.
As Indi passed by one of the courtiers in Raclaw's entourage, Elsa saw him hesitate. It was brief, but she knew well enough that it was something interesting. As Indi left, Elsa looked over the person he paused by. It was a young man, perhaps a couple of years younger than Indi. He had dirty blonde hair, with a small scar across his lips. The boy kept his head low but was watching everyone in the room with blue eyes. Despite this, he did not seem to notice that Indi had taken an interest in his presence.
"Sir Indi is an interesting young man," King Raclaw said, bringing Elsa from her thoughts.
"Indeed, he is," the queen said, nodding. "Far more than you could know."
Indi walked through the halls, nodding politely at the castle visitors and the staff alike. He made his way to the courtyard, grabbing his dragon's saddle as he exited the castle. He whistled, summoning his dragons. The Triple Stryke and the Indominus Furies appeared, flying over the castle walls and roof, before landing in front of the knight. The people milling about the courtyard stopped for a moment to watch the sight. Those who were performing their duties only watched for a moment or two, while the castle visitors observed with more interest.
Indi rubbed the head of each of the dragons', before placing the saddle on Sleuther's back. After tightening the leather straps, he climbed up onto the big dragon's back.
"Let's go, Sleuther," Indi said, urging the dragon forward. With a single, strong flap on his wings, Sleuther shot into the air, Copal and Emerald following closely behind with light roars.
After shooting nearly straight up for a few seconds, the dragons leveled out. Indi sat up and looked around beneath him, his brow furrowing.
"Down, Sleuther," Indi said. The dragon snorted and dove, going right towards a group of small houses. Laying outside was Brynn, her large scaly form pushing up tall grasses. Several of the younger dinomorphs played together under her watchful eye.
Sleuther, Copal, and Emerald landed a few meters away, the children scurrying off to give the dragons extra room.
"Brynn," Indi said as he dismounted. "We need to talk."
The large dinosaurian form observed him for a moment, before nudging away one of the children with her snout. She transformed, her large form shrinking down and changing, while her skin shifted from brown scales to soft flesh.
"Walk with me," Brynn said, as she fixed her hair. Indi nodded and the pair walked off, leaving the small collection of homes. He clapped Brynn on the shoulder and leaned in.
"You know that new king that's here?" Indi asked, speaking quietly. "King Raclaw?"
"Yeah," Brynn said, glancing over to him and raising an eyebrow.
"He has a dinomorph in his entourage."
Brynn stopped, before grabbing Indi's wrist and dragging him into a narrow alleyway between two houses. Her face hardened, and she whispered harshly. "Are you sure?"
"I'm certain," Indi said, setting his jaw. "There's nothing that smells quite like us."
The only thing that shifters, dracomorph or dinomorph, smelled similar to is the creature they were hybridized with. However, the human side blended with the inhuman to create a unique scent that was unmistakable... if you could detect it.
"Does Elsa know?" Brynn asked.
"I seriously doubt it," Indi said, shaking his head.
"Then you need to tell her."
"I know," Indi said. "We need to tell her. We also need to find out where this guy came from."
"I swear," Brynn said, her eyes darkening. "If Raclaw has more of us in his possession, I'm gonna rip his tongue out and feed it back to him."
"Hold off on the violence," Indi said, holding up a placating hand. "At least for now. Let's go to Elsa later. I need to talk to Gwendolyn first."
Brynn nodded. "Come find me when you're ready. I'll likely be patrolling. You know how to find me."
"Will do," Indi said, and his friend nodded. The pair parted; Brynn went to perform her duties, while Indi went to take care of his own.
Elsa sat back in her office, setting a freshly-signed paper to the side so the wet ink could dry.
She had signed a few trade agreements and had been examining the finances of the castle. Winter was setting in, and she needed to be sure that her kingdom had enough funds and supplies for the winter. The ocean surrounding the main port of Arendelle would naturally mostly freeze over, but she would be able to keep it open to allow for fishing in the fjord, which would keep the diet of the townspeople from becoming monotonous on meals of cereal grains and salted pork. Despite being royalty, even her own rather lavish diet would be drawn back due to decreasing availability.
Elsa also had to keep in mind the resident dinosaurs. Indi could take his dragons fishing out at sea where the water was likely not as frozen, or even simply melt the ice with Sleuther's fire, but surely the dinosaurs would need fresh meat. The last thing that she needed was for multi-ton predators to get hungry and angry.
The coming winter months would likely be a tougher time than usual. However, she had some ideas about trade possibilities that might benefit both her kingdom and nearby nations. She would need to talk to her resident dragon rider about it.
She began writing important figures and statistics down on a piece of paper, along with some trade ideas, when she heard a knock at her door, followed by the voice of one of her guards.
"Your Majesty," the voice said. "Sir Indi Rex and Miss Tyrannus request an audience."
"Request granted. Send them in," Elsa called out. The door to her office opened, and in walked the two dinomorphs that she was most familiar with.
As the door closed, Indi spoke first as he sat down in a chair. "We have a problem."
Elsa furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?"
"Your guests," Brynn said. "King Raclaw and company."
Elsa's frown deepened. What could have happened that the pair would come to her for? Aside from the small incident involving Raclaw trying to buy Copal or Emerald from Indi, the visitors had been amicable and respectful.
Indi spoke slowly. "Raclaw has a dinomorph in his entourage."
Elsa widened her eyes. This certainly was the last thing she could expect. "How is that possible?"
"Von Schwicke hasn't stopped operations," Indi said as Brynn sat down next to him. "And he had quite a while to make us and sell us off before we were freed. There are more places he was operating than Nublar. I was taken to that place up north where he made the dracomorphs."
Elsa was quiet for a moment, slowly interlacing her fingers. So much for talking to Indi about trade or winter preparations. "Are you certain?"
"I haven't met him yet," Brynn said, turning to Indi.
"Unless he hangs out with dinosaurs near-constantly," Indi said. "Almost certainly."
"Then here's what I want you to do," the queen said, before lowering her voice and leaning forward slowly, her blue eyes intense. "Talk to him, but don't interrogate him. As far as we know and I suspect is most likely, he has done nothing wrong. He was likely bought. Find out if he's safe and happy."
The two dinomorphs nodded, and Brynn spoke. "How do we get him alone? If he's unhappy, he likely won't say so if his owner is present, especially if he's owned by Raclaw."
"Leave that to me," Elsa said, rising from her seat. "I already have some time set aside to meet and entertain them."
"When you meet with them," Indi said. "Make up some excuse so we can get this kid away from them."
Elsa nodded. "Brynn, go keep an eye on them, will you? Just keep your distance."
The guard nodded, her eyes flashing to a gold color for a moment, before she turned and walked out of the door, leaving Elsa and Indi alone in the queen's office.
"How are Gwendolyn and Violet?" Elsa asked as she sat back down in her chair.
"They're alright," Indi said as he took his seat once again. "I took Violet out hunting, and Gwendolyn agreed to my plan. Once a week, Violet will be accompanying me on patrols, as long as they aren't too dangerous."
Elsa nodded approvingly. "Good."
"Elsa," Indi said. "If this dinomorph kid is owned and being treated with anything less than complete respect by whoever owns him, you know I can't hold Brynn back. Frankly, I wouldn't want to. It is my duty to protect all shifters. You know that."
Elsa nodded. "I am aware, Indi. I would prefer you to keep things civil, but I understand. You let me deal with the repercussions. As long as he is safe, that's what is most important."
Indi set his jaw and nodded. "Let's go see this kid."
Elsa nodded as she rose. The pair left the office and walked through the halls. They quickly located Brynn, who had been waiting for them.
"They're in the gardens," the guard said quietly. Elsa nodded and took the lead. She led the pair of dinomorphs to the gardens. Sure enough, King Raclaw and his entourage were in the gardens, admiring the large variety of well-kept plants that Elsa's gardeners looked after.
Elsa stepped up to the group, keeping an eye on the blonde-haired youth.
"King Raclaw," she said. "I do hope you are enjoying the gardens."
"Indeed," the king said. "Your staff are very talented. I may look at hiring them to look after my own grounds."
Elsa gave the king a playful glare. "Careful, King Raclaw. Wars have been started for little more."
Raclaw laughed. "You may be right, Queen Elsa."
"I have come to invite you all with me on a stroll through the town," she said.
Raclaw tipped his head. "We would be honored."
"Come," Elsa said with a smile. Raclaw and his people started to follow Elsa out, and Indi put out a hand, stopping the blonde youth. Brynn glanced at her friend. This boy indeed smelled different.
Indi noticed that a familiar face in the group turned, hesitating. It was Kordian Odom, the Panist ambassador. Like the last time he was in Arendelle, he was dressed in the finest robes and silks money could buy. Elsa spoke, getting his attention. "Sir Indi simply wishes to talk to him. He will be alright."
Odom hesitated, before nodding and following the rest of the group inside.
Once the trio was alone in the gardens, Brynn walked around the boy, examining him. "What is your name?"
"Arild," the boy said, looking at them nervously.
Indi patted him on the shoulder. "Walk with us, please, Arild. We would like to speak with you."
The boy nodded, still nervous, and the trio walked into the castle. Indi and Brynn led the boy to the courtyard, where Indi began speaking as they strolled along leisurely.
"We know what you are, Arild," Indi said, making the boy's eyes widen.
"I-I don't-" he began.
Indi held up his hand. "Relax. There's no need to lie. We aren't going to hurt you."
"We're just like you," Brynn said, letting her eyes flash gold. Arild's eyes widened.
"How did you know?" he whispered.
"You learn to pick it up when you're around other dinomorphs," Indi said as they led the boy out of the courtyard and into the main town.
"Why are you with King Raclaw and his entourage?" Brynn said softly.
"Master Odom owns me," Arild said. "He usually brings me along on most official visits."
Indi saw Brynn's anger flare at the word "owns". He redirected his attention back to the boy. "Are you happy and safe?"
"I'm safer than I was," the boy said.
Indi shrugged. "I suppose that's not a hard test to pass."
The older pair of dinomorphs led the boy through the town, and towards the section that had been set aside for the dinomorphs. People tipped their heads and made way for the trio, easily recognizing Indi and Brynn.
The knight motioned to the collection of houses. Outside of them, several young dinomorphs were playing, occasionally shifting to their alternate forms to gain an upper hand in the game.
Arild's eyes widened. "You all live here?"
"Freely," Brynn said. "We have no masters here, except ourselves. Indi takes care of the political aspect, and through him, Queen Elsa, but we are largely free to live as we wish."
"As long as we don't upset the locals with our actions too much," Indi said. "We've had some issues with that, but I'm dealing with it."
Arild stared wide-eyed, before slowly walking over. A large shadow flew overhead, and a Razorwhip landed nearby. Hannah shifted and walked over to Indi. She stopped, watching as Arild observed the playing dinomorphs.
"Hannah," Indi said softly, keeping an eye on Arild as one of the dinomorph's mothers approached him. Indi smiled when he recognized her as Gwendolyn. The woman took the boy's hands, instantly recognizing him for what he was and welcoming him.
"Who's the new kid?" Hannah asked.
"A visiting noble owns him," Brynn said quietly, before spitting on the ground. Hannah's eyes widened.
"We're trying to see if he's happy and safe," Indi said.
"If he's owned, he can't truly be," Hannah said, scowling. "Indi, you saved us from that fate. It's not too late to help him."
Indi sighed. Elsa did say to do what was needed to perform his duty to keep shifters safe.
"Arild," Indi said, walking over to him. "I have an offer for you."
"Yes, my lord," Arild said.
"Firstly, dispense with the formalities," Indi said with a smirk. "There is no need for them here. But, if you wish, you are welcome to live with us."
Arild's eyes widened. "My lor- Indi… Are you sure?"
Indi nodded firmly. "Absolutely. You would be welcome to stay with us. You can pursue your own destiny. You will be kept safe from any harm."
Arild seemed conflicted. "I… I don't know. I don't think Master Odom would like it."
Brynn's scowl deepened. Indi hid his emotions, looking at the boy with compassion. "I understand. You will have some time to think about it. But, ultimately, it is your choice. I won't force you to live here if you don't want to. But the offer is there."
"Thank you," Arild said with a polite nod. "How did you all come to live here?"
Indi smiled. "Only Brynn and myself were sent here on missions. We went rogue, as Von Schwicke says." Indi noticed that the name of their creator made the boy visibly nervous. "The rest of us were rescued in an admittedly foolhardy rescue mission, led by Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Brynn, and myself. The dracomorphs I broke out after I was imprisoned alongside them."
Arild nodded, watching as the inquisitive dinomorphs took notice of him. Indi could tell that the boy was conflicted. Brynn glanced at Indi.
"Come," Indi said, patting Arild on the back. "We should head back to the castle."
The boy nodded, clearly more lost in thought. Brynn gave him an encouraging smile as Indi put his finger and thumb into his mouth. He blew, the sharp tone screeching into the air.
After a few moments, Sleuther, Copal, and Emerald appeared, their shadows covering the ground. Their strong wingbeats flattened the grass with wind as they landed. Indi stepped up to the dragons, running their heads. He climbed up into Sleuther's back and held his hand out to the boy. After a moment's hesitation, Arild took the knight's hand, and Indi pulled him up to sit behind him.
"Hannah," Indi said. The girl turned to look at him. "Mind giving Brynn a lift back?"
Hannah looked at Brynn and nodded with a smile, before shifting to her silvery draconic form. The group took flight, flying easily to the castle. Hannah, Sleuther, and the Indominus Furies landed in the courtyard. Brynn, Indi, and Arild dismounted.
"Hannah," Indi said. "I'll come find you guys later. I want to talk to you about something."
Hannah nodded and took flight once more with a roar, her lithe form snaking through the air. Indi watched for a moment when he noticed that Elsa was returning to the castle as well, with the visitors alongside her. Behind the group, Indi took notice that the group had taken some guards as an escort.
Elsa smiled as she approached the trio and the dragons. "Sir Indi. Miss Tyrannus. I trust you had a good talk with young Arild?"
"Yes, we… had a very productive chat. The boy is quite remarkable." Indi nodded as Sleuther approached the queen. King Raclaw and his people backpedaled as the large dragon strode over. Elsa put out her hand and gently pet the dragon's head.
"Y-you have a-," Odom said, his eyes wide.
"His name is Sleuther," Indi said as Elsa stroked the dragon. He began removing the saddle. Elsa gave the dragon a pat, before directing her attention back to her visitors.
"If you'll excuse me," she said. "I'm afraid that my duties demand my attention. Should you require anything, simply tell one of my staff."
"Thank you, Queen Elsa," Raclaw said.
"Sir Indi, Miss Tyrannus," the queen said. "Come."
As the queen led the pair into the castle, Indi gave Arild a slight nod. Elsa led the pair of dinomorphs to her office. As they approached the door, one of the guards stationed outside unlocked the door. The door was opened for her, and Elsa led Indi and Brynn inside. Once the door was shut, she spoke. "So?"
"The boy is a dinomorph," Brynn said. "Without question."
"I offered Arendelle as a place to live if Arild wants to," Indi said. "I told him he would have time to think about it. We won't force him into it, but I told him that he is welcome."
Elsa nodded, a small smile gracing her face. "Good."
"Arild also seems to default to the desires of his master," Brynn said, her words sounding as if they tasted foul.
"Who owns him?" Elsa asked, her brow furrowing.
"Kordian Odom," Indi said, his lip rising in the lightest of snarls.
"Thank you for finding that out," Elsa said with a nod. She had had visitors from other kingdoms bring indentured servants and slaves with them to her presence before, and she always kept her abhorrence for the practice to herself. But with Indi and Brynn present, the holding of a young dinomorph as a slave seemed untenable.
Elsa gave the pair of dinomorphs before her a leveled gaze. "I'll speak to my advisors to see about buying the boy from Odom. Don't do anything rash."
They nodded, and Elsa dismissed Brynn before turning to Indi. Indi took a breath and covered his face with his hands, exhaling slowly.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm tired, Elsa," Indi said, getting up and walking over to the window. He leaned against the window frame, looking out at the kingdom. "I'm tired of everything. If I could just… help that boy, I would. He doesn't deserve to be owned."
"None of you do," Elsa said, walking over to Indi. She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, resting her chin on his shoulder. "We'll fix this."
Indi nodded and turned to face the queen. She gently took his chin with her fingers and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Indi smiled as they parted.
"Go," Elsa said. "Please come to lunch with me."
Indi smiled. "I'll be there."
"And I'll meet you there," Elsa said, gently touching his cheek, her cold skin making him shiver slightly.
Indi nodded and left the office. He walked through the halls, contemplating what Elsa said. She had never done him wrong before, but there was something that told him that this would not be easily resolved with a simple transaction. A single dinomorph was an extremely valuable asset to a kingdom. Odom likely would not give up Arild.
"What do you mean?" a voice said. Indi stopped and listened around a corner in the halls.
"They offered me a place to stay, master," another voice said; Indi immediately recognized it as Arild. "They welcomed me with open arms. I was thinking about-"
"You will stay with me," the first voice said. Indi peered around the corner and saw Kordian Odom standing in the hall with the young dinomorph.
"But-" Arild was cut off with a slap as Odom backhanded the boy.
"I will hear nothing more of the matter," Odom said as Arild covered his cheek. Indi could see the tears forming in the boy's eyes. "I own you, I have the final say."
Indi's eyes narrowed. He felt his right eye shift, the teeth on the right side of his mouth sharpen, and the claws on his right hand extend.
Let's eat his brain, the voice of Indominus said from inside his head. Indi began seriously considering the idea.
"So," Odom said as he straightened himself. "Tell me what else Sir Indi Rex showed you."
Arild took a breath. Indi could tell that the boy was conflicted. "There's more dragons like you've never seen."
"What else?" Odom asked with a frown, making the boy hesitate. "What else, Arild?"
"There's more people here," Arild said slowly, looking at the floor. "People like me."
"How many?" Odom said. From his hidden spot, Indi felt his claws extend further.
Arild shook his head, the red mark on his cheek becoming visible. "I don't know."
Odom took the boy by the shoulder. "Listen to me. These people, Sir Indi and his subordinates; they want to take you away from us. You will tell them that you aren't interested, and you want to stay with me."
Arild looked into the ambassador's eyes and nodded slowly.
"Good," Odom said. "Now, come along. Her Majesty has invited us to lunch."
Indi stared hard at the pair as they walked down the hall away from him, his head tipped forward and glaring from beneath his brow. If he had Sleuther present, he would have incinerated Kordian Odom where he stood the moment Arild was struck.
Indi stalked along, attempting to reign in his fury. Slowly, his claws retracted back into his fingers and his teeth lost their sharp points. He came to the doors that led to the courtyard. After pausing for a moment to consider his actions, he threw the doors open and whistled. A moment later, Sleuther and the Indominus Furies landed in the courtyard.
Indi stepped to the side. "Come, you three. Stay close."
The dragons walked through the doors, and Indi led them through the castle halls. His feet clicked on the floor with each step, and he held his head high. Servants stepped to the side and tipped their heads, allowing the group to pass. As he strode along, he saw Kristoff and Anna.
"Indi?" Anna said. The knight gently took the princess by the arm, stopping her. He leaned in, lowering his voice.
"I might be about to do something incredibly stupid," he muttered. "Don't worry too much."
Anna nodded, and Indi released her, allowing the princess and ice harvester to proceed on their way uninhibited. Indi walked to the doors that led into the dining hall, his dragons following behind him.
"It's time to show these people who the stronger kingdom really is," he muttered. He threw the doors open, gaining everyone's attention, and strode in. Sitting at the table was King Raclaw, his entourage, along with Elsa, who sat at the head of the table. Brynn stood at attention near the wall. She wore strong armor but lacked the typical helmet of most soldiers.
Indi locked eyes with his friend for an instant, shooting her a hard look. Brynn set her jaw, standing tall, but Indi could tell her body was getting ready. He never entered a room in such a fashion, surrounded by dragons, for no reason. Indi glanced at Arild, noticing the red mark on his face.
With a subtle gesture, Indi directed his dragons to rest near the wall, before taking the open seat that was next to Elsa. The queen's eyebrow rose at his entrance, but she said nothing.
"Ah, Indi," she said. "Thank you for coming."
Indi nodded, smiling at the queen. "Of course."
Elsa could tell instantly that something had happened. She had taken notice of Indi's subtle look at Brynn, and it was hard to ignore the show of force that was Indi's entrance. Speaking of the dragons, Raclaw, along with his people, were staring at Sleuther in shock. The juvenile Indominus Furies were impressive to anyone who had not seen a dragon before, but a Triple Stryke for someone's first look at a mature dragon was sure to make an impression.
Elsa waved over the servants, and after a moment, lunch was being served, with various small sandwiches, soups, and biscuits. Elsa engaged in polite conversation with King Raclaw, but she easily picked up on Indi's tense mood. He sat rigid, staring straight at Brynn. The guard nodded ever-so-subtly, and Indi began his meal.
In a lull in her conversation with Raclaw, Elsa turned her attention to the young knight. "Indi, did you have a good talk with young Arild?"
"Yes, the boy is very bright," Indi said, nodding, before looking over at the young boy. "Arild? You are welcome to come to me with any concerns about my offer at any time."
Arild looked at the knight, nodding with a small smile. The red mark on his face made Indi's blood boil, but he did his best to conceal it.
"His answer is no," Odom said. Indi scowled.
"I believe I was speaking to him, not you, Mister Odom," Indi said. A servant carried out a tray that had several large pieces of meat. Indi rose and accepted it, before approaching his dragons, lifting the tray over Elsa's head as he passed. "The boy is remarkable, and I'd like to train him."
"You will not take that boy. He belongs to me," Odom said, rising as Indi began feeding his dragons, gingerly passing them pieces of meat, careful to keep his fingers out of the way of the teeth of Copal and Emerald. "What honor do you have when you make schemes with a slave behind the master's back?"
Elsa stiffened at the blatant use of the word "slave", and she took notice that Brynn's eyes had shifted to a bright yellow, wide and intense.
"I have no such feelings," Indi said nonchalantly with a shrug, as he tossed Sleuther a large steak. "I make deals with those that need to be aware and who the plans affect. No one else." Indi passed the tray back to a servant and turned to face Kordian Odom directly. Odom was a bit taller than Indi, which forced the young knight to look up at him. Despite this, Indi was completely at ease.
"You," Odom spat, poking Indi in the chest. The eyes of everyone who sat at the table widened at the blatant display of disrespect. "You are a conniving little thief. How the queen sees anything in you, I have no idea. You are a peasant who merely weaseled his way to power."
Indi looked the man in the eyes. "I have faced many monsters in my time, but you are the worst. At least they had no misgivings as to what they were and what they did."
"You question the integrity of my honor?" Odom said, bristling.
"Question the integrity of your honor? No, sir," Indi said, glancing at Elsa, who was watching the exchange with a concerned expression. Indi looked the man in the eyes. "I question your honor's very existence."
"That's enough, Kordian." King Raclaw stood, walking over to Odom and putting a hand on his shoulder.
Kordian Odom stared hard at Indi. Suddenly, the ambassador tore off one of his white gloves and slapped Indi across the face, the sound echoing through the room as everyone went silent. Indi's face stung as he watched Odom throw the glove to the ground between them.
Sleuther rose from his lounging position, growling at the attack on his rider. Copal and Emerald rose as well, their stuttering growls making some of Raclaw's people visibly shake with fear. Indi put a hand out to the side, stopping his dragons.
"I agree with you, King Raclaw," Elsa said as she rose from her seat. "I too believe that is enough." She stepped over to Indi and gently took his chin with a finger, examining his face. She frowned at the red mark and she began to lead Indi away.
"Arild," Indi said, stopping Elsa for a moment. "I will leave it up to you, ultimately, but I have half a mind to make the choice for you and feed your master off. You would be free to stay here with us or leave if you like, but you wouldn't be owned by him any longer."
Elsa continued to guide Indi away, the dragons following closely behind. As she passed by Odom, Emerald snapped her jaws at the man, making him jump back.
Elsa leaned in close to Indi as they walked, speaking quietly. "There is no shame in refusing a duel."
"That's right!" Odom shouted as several of Raclaw's men held him back. "Run away with your little queen and let a woman protect you!"
Indi tensed and stopped walking, and Elsa looked at him. "Indi, don't."
He stepped away from her, and with two fingers, he motioned for Brynn to come to him. His friend approached and undid one of her gauntlets, before passing it to the knight.
Odom was silent, looking at Indi with a confused gaze. Indi tossed the gauntlet in his hand lightly, before whipping his arm back. He swung forward, slapping the ambassador across the face, the metal of the gauntlet clattering against his head. Odom covered his face in shock and pain, reeling away.
"I'll take you up on that," Indi said, tossing the piece of armor back to Brynn.
Odom straightened himself, tears in his eyes. He shook his head, offended at the gall of this young knight. "That's going to cost you, Rex."
"Please," Indi said with a smile. "Put it on my bill."
Odon glared at Indi. "Name the weapon we shall use."
Indi pursed his lips for a moment. "Swords."
Odom nodded, and Indi glanced at Elsa. The group made their way to the courtyard.
Elsa walked next to Indi. The dragons followed them, and Raclaw, Odom, and the other people from Panist followed the reptiles. Brynn brought up the rear, ready to intervene should Odom try anything.
Elsa leaned close to her fiance, whispering softly. "Indi, this is foolish. No one would think twice if you had refused the duel."
"Yes, they would," Indi said. Elsa sighed, knowing that he was correct: people absolutely would have talked, and as the future husband of the queen, Indi had more of an image to keep than typical. Yet, she could not help but think that there was more to this duel than what she knew.
Brynn ducked away and made her way to the barracks. Two servants opened a set of large double doors and the group entered the courtyard. Indi pointed away, sending his dragons to stand by Elsa. Brynn returned, carrying something; a standard arming sword in its scabbard. She passed it to Indi, who attached the weapon to his belt. He drew the sword and gave it a few swings. He nodded and sheathed it, happy to find it sturdy and well-balanced.
Brynn had taken up a position near Indi, while another member of Raclaw's entourage stood by Odom. Curious people had gathered in the courtyard, eager to see what was going to happen. Word traveled quickly in the castle.
Elsa stepped forward, standing in between the two men. "This duel shall proceed fairly. The winner shall be made by my call, unconsciousness, or forfeit. Lethalities will be neither permitted nor tolerated."
Indi heard Brynn sigh behind him in disappointment, and he could not disagree with her. Accepting this duel was not just about justifying his words about Odom, but about putting the man in his place.
Both men nodded, acknowledging the queen's instructions, and Elsa looked at both of them. "Begin."
Odom drew his sword and swiped the air. Indi recognized the thin blade as a rapier. Odom charged Indi, and the young man drew his sword, parrying the ambassador, before ducking away. He spun, facing Odom. The man swung his sword again, and Indi leaned back, the point of the blade passing by his face harmlessly. Indi made a strike of his own, which Odom blocked skillfully. He tried again, making a feint to the left, before ducking to the right. Odom slapped Indi's blade away with his own, before swiping at Indi's face.
The pair continued trading blows, each blocking and parrying the other.
Odom was skilled, more so than other adversaries than Indi had faced in the past, but the young knight was far more agile. Indi's brow furrowed in concentration, and he ducked beneath another strike, rolling to his feet.
Odom thrust the tip of his blade at Indi's chest, the point coming dangerously close as Indi twisted his body out of the way, before quickly stepping to the side. Indi scowled as Odom swiped his blade in the air. "You're quick, Sir Indi."
Indi gave a curt nod. "I know."
The men circled each other. Indi hefted his sword in his hand, the metal object not designed for this type of combat.
Indi snarled and charged, dropping down to his back as he ducked beneath a swipe from Odom. He slid between Odom's legs, before popping up behind him, and slashing the back of the man's leg. Odom yelled in pain and shock, turning to swipe at Indi's face, before bringing the tip of his rapier back around to thrust at Indi's chest. Indi ducked but was shocked to feel the tip of the blade stab into his shoulder, making him hiss through gritted teeth.
Odom straightened himself, pleased that his blade struck true. Indi looked down, watching as his own blood dripped from the tip of the rapier.
Indi and Odom circled each other. Odom kept his rapier ready, slightly aloft, while Indi held his arming sword ready, the point facing forward.
Indi brought his arm back to strike and rushed forward. Odom thrust his blade forward skillfully. Like a viper ready to strike, Indi swiped at the rapier near the handle, knocking it from Odom's hand. Indi proceeded to grab Odom by the tunic and aimed his blade at the man's throat.
The pair stood like that for an instant, and Indi heard the rapier clattering on the smooth cobblestones. Elsa looked at Raclaw, who nodded.
"Sir Indi Rex has won." the queen said. "Release him."
Indi nodded and released Odom's tunic, before sheathing his sword and undoing the clasp.
Elsa nodded, pleased with the fight.
"Y-you cheater!" Odom said, his face red with embarrassment.
Indi passed the sword and its scabbard back to Brynn. "Then tell me; how did I cheat?"
"By trickery unbefitting a gentleman," Odom said, straightening his shoulders.
"Enough," King Raclaw said. "Mister Odom, accept your defeat with grace."
Odom stared at Indi for a moment, before turning to Arild. "Kill him!"
Indi tensed up, turning at this.
"But, master," Arild began. "I can't-"
Odom grabbed the boy beneath the jaw, forcing him to look into the ambassador's eyes. "I said kill him."
He pushed the boy towards Indi, and pulled the side of his tunic back, removing a long, leather whip. He took the device out and cracked it threateningly.
Everyone flinched at the sharp sound. Arild looked at Indi apologetically before transforming, his thin form shifting to a large scaly creature. The form had a large, boxy head with a pair of crests in front of his eyes. The main skin was a light tan, with a dirty blue mottled pattern on the head, back, tail, and tail. The feet were birdlike and the hands had three fingers, each tipped in a sharp, hook-shaped claw. Along the back of Arild's reptilian form was a row of small, triangle-shaped spikes. The jaws of the beast opened, revealing a set of large, bladelike teeth.
Arild stepped forward, his footfall shaking the ground. Brynn dropped the sword and shoved Indi behind her, before transforming herself. She stood tall, her muscular form rippling, and bellowed at Arild, saliva flying from her mouth.
The pair of predators circled each other, Brynn constantly keeping her attention on Arild. The pair growled at each other, each searching for an opening.
Elsa stepped forward, her eyes blazing and she threw her hands out, manifesting a barrier of large icicles between the dinomorphs. "Mister Odom, call off Arild immediately!"
Odom glared at the queen for a moment. "You are keeping these creatures as well. You have no moral high ground."
Brynn smashed through the ice in a show of power, bellowing angrily. Indi kept his eyes on the large reptiles before him, making sure Brynn kept Arild occupied.
"These people stay here willingly," Elsa said, pointing at the dinomorphs. "Now, call him off."
Sleuther, Emerald, and Copal entered the fray, darting around, snapping at Arild, who snapped his jaws at them in an attempt to drive the dragons away. Brynn took her chance and rushed forward, grabbing Arild's neck in her mouth before throwing him to the ground. The large form hit the ground with a massive thud. Brynn stepped over, planted her foot on Arild's neck, and growled menacingly, her teeth mere centimeters from his face.
The immediate threat dealt with, Indi circled the dinomorphs. Elsa jumped as a high-pitched shriek sounded out from behind her. A Velociraptor had appeared out of nowhere, the thin form green with black stripes.
Indi watched as Violet stalked forward, hissing at Odom. From behind Raclaw's entourage, a young Baryonyx and Dilophosaurs had appeared; Indi immediately identified them as Mia and Damian, two of the young teenaged dinomorphs.
The newcomers roared and shrieked, surrounding the group, before directing their attention to Odom. The ambassador looked around, surrounded. Indi stepped up next to Elsa.
"Arild," the ambassador shouted, looking over at his defeated slave, who was still pinned beneath Brynn's large foot. "Get up, dammit!"
Violet stalked forward, making a rattling call from the back of her throat, making Odom slowly retreat. He desperately drew the whip back, before cracking it at Violet. Violet ducked, hissing at the audacity of the man before her, before grabbing the whip in her teeth and yanking it out of Odom's hand.
Suddenly, a fireball struck the ground in the middle of the courtyard, getting everyone's attention. Brynn released Arild, who quickly rose and walked away, roaring in submission. The three smaller dinomorphs raised their heads, before leaving Odom, darting over to stand beneath Brynn. Everyone in the courtyard looked over to see a woman in black, walking through the castle gates, escorted by a trio of Velociraptors and followed by a large, white dinosaur.
Mary strode forward, her shoes clicking on the cobblestones. "That is enough!"
Lapsus gave out a screeching roar, saliva dripping from her teeth. Indi smiled and stepped over to the Indominus Rex. He put his hand out, and Lapsus lowered her head, allowing Indi to stroke her snout.
"What… What is this?" Raclaw said. Arild shrunk down, hanging his head in shame and fear.
"Arild," Odom snarled through gritted teeth. He swung his hand back, smacking the boy across the face. "I ought to return you to von Schwicke for this failure."
Lapsus roared, and Mary raised her hand, summoning a ball of flame in her palm. Indi tensed, slowly turning. His gaze had turned murderous, as had Elsa's. The pair shared a look, and Elsa raised her hands, summoning her powers.
Indi raised a hand, stopping her. He spoke, his voice low. "No, my dear, leave it to me. It's time I remind everyone why I am here."
Indi's right eye shifted to amber, and he strode forward. The right half of his face shifted to white scales, his teeth sharpening. His arm shifted to the same alabaster color and reptilian texture, his skin becoming scales. For the first time, his right leg shifted as well, the skin shifted to a white, birdlike foot that forced its way through his shoe, ripping the leather to bits and tearing his trousers at the knee.
Indi strode forward, before wrapping his right hand around Odom's neck, forcing the taller man to look at him. Indi turned his head to look at the ambassador with his amber eye.
He spoke, his voice gravelly, the sharp teeth working with each word. "What was that about being a peasant?"